Bihar Anna fans beat activists from 20 states

PATNA: Among all the states and union territories, Bihar ranks 10th in terms of number of registrations for taking part in anti-graft campaigner Anna Hazare's 'jail bharo andolan (fill the jail stir)' slated to start from January 1.

As per the figures till Tuesday evening, Bihar was ahead of states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Jharkhand, Orissa, Himachal Pradesh and others in registration on the website of India Against Corruption (IAC), www.jailchalo.com.

Maharashtra leads all states with 33840 registrations, followed by Delhi-NCR at 23003. UP comes next with 15880 registrations, Karnataka with 15,110 registrations ranks fourth, Gujarat with 9228 is fifth, MP with 87 is sixth, Rajasthan with 7408 seventh, Haryana with 6881 eighth and Andhra Pradesh with 6812 is at ninth position.

From Bihar, a total of 4815 people had registered till Tuesday evening. Hundreds of supporters also manually registered themselves for the stir at the IAC's sit-in at Kargil Chowk.

In comparison, West Bengal had only 2354 registrations, Punjab 3538, Tamil Nadu 2356, Orissa 3718, Chhattisgarh 2443, Jharkhand 1326 and Kerala 1326.

Anna has planned the 'Jail bharo' campaign to fight for passage of a strong Lokpal Bill if his demands are not heeded. Nationally, Anna's call has elicited over 1.5 lakh supporters. In Bihar, the highest number of registration has been reported from Patna (2362) and Muzaffarpur (571).

Meanwhile, in tune with Anna, who began his three-day hunger strike in Mumbai on Tuesday, hundreds of activists organized a sit-in at Kargil Chowk here under the banner of IAC, an umbrella body of all Anna supporters.

"There is ample proof that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) does not work independently. Bringing it under the preview of Lokpal will add teeth to the ombudsman," said IAC's Bihar convener, Dr Ratnesh Kumar Chaudhary.

"One fails to understand why the UPA government which claims to be serious against corruption is not ready to constitute a powerful body which can keep a check on corruption," he added.

Though the Anna's movement seemed to have lost some sheen here on Tuesday in terms of number of supporters in comparison to the previous occasion, dozens of doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, businessmen, retired army men, elderly people and others were seen listening to pro-Anna speeches at Kargil Chowk.

The participants were sitting in two different groups, pointing to some differences between them.

"UPA government thrives on corruption. That's why, it has brought a weak and toothless Lokpal Bill in parliament, knowing fully well that it will not be passed and will meet the fate of women's reservation bill. The bill is a ploy to kill the movement Anna has started. It is part of its strategy to keep the matter hanging in parliament and simultaneously launch a vilification campaign against Anna," said N C Sinha, an IAC member.

IAC media in charge Sanjay Dutta said the sit-in would continue for three days. "We will follow Anna's directions after that," he added.
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Where has Shah Rukh Khan lost his heart?

PATNA: Shah Rukh Khan is loved the world over, but the Baadshah of Bollywood feels Patna beats all competition in loving him, to bits!

So floored was SRK by the response of his fans in the city that he could not resist from making this candid confession at a presser organized as part of the promotional of his movie, 'Don 2 - The king is back' on the eve of its scheduled release on Friday. Accompanied by director Farhan Akhtar, producer Ritesh Sidhwani and the surprise package of - hold your breath - Priyanka Chopra, SRK told TOI: "What a huge reception! I am amazed at the love people here have for me. It's unlike any other city in the world."

And why not? Patnaites braved 6 degree Celsius and started thronging the JP roundabout right from 7am. Owing to poor weather, the celebrities could show up only around 3pm, by when thousands of fans had swarmed all the roads leading to the hotel that was the venue of the press conference.

Eager to make up for his no-show on December 13 due to some misunderstanding between the event promoters and the city administration, SRK was at his classy best, shooting off one dialogue after another from Don 2: "Don ka intezaar to 11 mulkon ki police kar rahi hai, lekin ek baat samajh lo... Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahin, namumkeen hai" and "Don ke dushman ki sabse badi galti yeh hai ki woh Don ka dushman hai".

To a question from TOI, SRK replied tongue-in-cheek, "I will come back to Patna for the promotion of my other films only if I am able to leave this time! For now, I feel like I should stay back in Patna."

On his maiden visit to Patna in his 20-year-long career, King Khan divulged while some shots of his movie 'Ashoka' were shot in and around Patna, he was not a part of the shoot. "Now, I want to go to all the cities I've not visited. People from these cities have played a significant role in making me what I am today," he professed.

"Next year, hopefully, you will again find me playing a lover boy in a romantic movie," SRK replied to another query. About the trend of promoting movies in small towns, he said he didn't feel that promotion alone could make a movie a hit. Only a good story can guarantee success. Promotions, however, are important because they help in spreading the word. "I indulge in promotions because I love to inform my fans about my movies and share with them my experiences. In fact, it is a good excuse to give back a little of the love I get from my fans."

When asked who was the bigger Don of Bollywood - Amitabh Bachchan or SRK, the ponytailed star humbly replied, "We all, including director Farhan, believe there's no bigger Don than Big B. I am just promoting the legacy of his blockbuster 'Don'."

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Throne ready for Sachin in Patna

PATNA: Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's ardent fans are waiting with bated breath for the 'God of Cricket' to complete his century of centuries in international cricket.

His fans will break into a frenzy and celebrate the occasion in their own ways once he achieves the milestone. But one of his fans in Bihar's capital will stand apart in the crowd of his countless fans.

Meet Chintu Kumar, 26, a final year student of the College of Arts and Crafts, who is working day and night to chisel a stone sculpture - 'Satako Ka Singhasan (throne of centuries)' - to gift to the great batsman of all times. He had presented a 250-kg stone replica of the World Cup to Indian skipper M S Dhoni after India had won the ICC World Cup-2011 early this year.

Chintu is fervently praying that his idol achieve the feat soon. "I am praying that Sachin gets his much-awaited century of centuries soon. The chance of this happening in the first Test against Australia, which is scheduled to begin in Melbourne on December 26, is high," he told TOI.

The sculptor from Nalanda district of Bihar says excitedly, "It is impossible for any cricketer to reach such a height in his career. Many have come and gone. It is only Sachin Tendulkar who can do this."

The artist is working hard on the throne on the premises of his college in the state capital. "I was disappointed when the 'God of Cricket' missed his 100th century in international cricket by a whisker at the Wankhede Stadium," Chintu said, adding confidently that the master "will make it this time".

Sceptics may feel that it is a publicity stunt by Chintu, but his friends say this is far from truth. "Chintu was confident that Team India will win ICC World Cup. In anticipation, he had made a stone replica of the cup for MSD. And, fortunately, India won," said, Mohit Kumar, a friend of Chintu.

Due to lack of resources, Chintu could not present the World Cup sculpture to Dhoni immediately after the event. A day before Diwali, he read in a newspaper that MSD was in his hometown, Ranchi. "Next day, I hired a car to ferry the replica to Ranchi," he recalls.

As firecrackers were being burst all around, Chintu reached MSD's residence at 10pm. "MSD was on his rooftop with family members. The guards did not allow me to meet MSD, though I continued to plead with them," he told TOI.

Finally, Chintu put out the 3.5-feet high sculpture on display before the gate of MSD's residence. It drew a large number of spectators. Soon it also drew MSD's attention. "Around 11pm, MSD asked his guards to let me in. My joy knew no bounds. MSD shook my hand and appreciated my sculpture," Chintu said.

Later, MSD made Chintu meet his wife Sakshi and family members. "As I had no camera, MSD took out his own camera and got me photographed with him. The Indian skipper assured me all possible help and later sent me the photographs," he said.

Chintu plans to carry his "Satako Ka Singhasan" by train to Mumbai to gift it to the master blaster.

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Troubles of winnig Rs 5 cr

MOTIHARI: Sushil Kumar, who made history by winning the Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) jackpot of Rs 5 crore last month, has now received the prize money of Rs 3.5 crore (after deduction of taxes). Though this may pave the way for giving shape to his plans, he may remain a much harried man, at least for now.

Even while he was awaiting receipt of the money, he had received at least 2,000 letters from India and abroad, seeking monetary help totalling Rs 20 crore. The flood of letters is unlikely to stop for some more time.

A man of humble background - his father doesn't own any ancestral land - Sushil realizes that he cannot meet many requests for monetary help.

"The prize money is not a huge amount. If I do not spend it in a planned way, it will be gone," he told TOI.

Sushil is ready with his agenda - he wants to construct a big house, help his brothers set up business and improve his lifestyle. However, this erstwhile low-paid official of MNREGA scheme is quick to add that he would help some of his poor acquaintances. The jackpot winner has quit his job. His siblings have also stopped working. In the days preceding the receipt of prize money, Sushil borrowed Rs 10 lakh for various expenses.

"Around Rs 10 lakh has been squandered under various heads since KBC victory," said the crorepati's dad, Amarnath Prasad, 60.

Till date, about 500 invitations and over 2000 letters seeking monetary help have arrived at Sushil's doors.

"I don't know where to keep the awards. It needs a separate room, which I do not have," Sushil told TOI.

A postgraduate from BRA University, Muzaffarpur, Sushil has four brothers - Sunil, Anil, Sudhir and Sujeet. Virtually throughout the day, Sushil's brothers and father keep shuffling through the pouring letters and invitations.

Letters from the US, UK, Sri Lanka, Nepal and almost all Indian states have his address as "Crorepati Sushil, Bihar, India". Many letters have "Om Ganeshay Namah" written in bold on the top. Some letters contain an underlined statement: "Do read this letter. It is a true letter."

A municipality worker, Arun Kumar Sahu, from Durg (Chhattisgarh) has requested Sushil to give him Rs 20 lakh. Sahu wants to build a house. In another letter, a priest from Saharanpur in UP, B K Shukla, has advised Sushil to donate 1/10th of the income. A letter has come from Sri Lanka seeking financial help. One day a person arrived at his house seeking financial help.

Ever since he won the jackpot, Sushil is constantly under the media glare.

"Everyday cooked-up stories are appearing in a section of the media," he told TOI.

Pouring accolades are adding to Sushil's dilemma. "I have been selected for Indian of the Year Award. It is a huge feat, you know. I can't believe this," he repeated several times while talking to TOI.

"It feels good that wherever I go, people love me and get photographs with me," Sushil added.

Contrary to Bihar's notoriety, neither Sushil nor any of his family members has received any threat call so far.

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'95% street girls vanish before they turn 12'

PATNA: Over 25,000 children are living on streets in the state capital. Though boys continue to roam the city streets, over 95% girls vanish from the streets before they turn 12, experts at a seminar said here on Friday.

Sanat Kumar Sinha, chief coordinator, Balsakha, an NGO, said: "It has come to our notice that 95 out of 100 girls disappear from streets before they turn 12. They are probably forced into the flesh trade."

This revelation was made on the second-day of a three-day workshop and training programme on restoration and rehabilitation of street and runaway children in Patna. The programme has been jointly organized by World Vision India (Patna Child Restoration Project) and NGO Disha.

"Everyday 10 to 12 new vagabond children land in Patna. They mainly come from Nalanda, Sitamarhi, Bhagalpur, Madhubani and other backward districts of Bihar. Some children also come from Nepal, West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, UP and other adjoining states," Sinha added.

Experts working on street and runaway children were of the view that most of the children are either completely or partly cut off from their family.

Regular monitoring of street children in Patna has also thrown up startling facts.

"Both girls and boys are open to sexual abuse. Almost 100% girls and 90% boys are sexually abused. Slowly, it becomes a part of their lives. Even small children engage in homosexual and heterosexual activities," Sinha later told TOI.

Experts also said that 90% of all street and runaway children is drug addicted: "Mainly hard work is leading them to addiction. These children are not drug addicts, rather they are drug dependent."

Quoting a recent report of the ministry of women and child development, an official of the de-addiction centre, Disha, Kumar Deepak said: "Over 50% children in Bihar are being subjected to one or the other form of physical abuse. The higher percentage of physical abuse is reported among younger children between 5-12 years of age."

Deepak further said: "Family breakdowns and poverty are the main reasons which force the children on streets."

The workshop will conclude on Saturday.

Bella Das, faculty of social work, PU, elaborated on the role agencies working for the welfare of street children should undertake. "An abused child needs encouragement; such children should be handled with complete care so that they do not get upset. You should ignite hope in these children," Das said.

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Anti-tobacco Act goes up in smoke

PATNA: The National Tobacco Control Programme and the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 proscribe sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of an educational institution. But one does not need a newspaper report to know that the law is more violated than implemented. Outside Patna's Miller High School, where 1,500-odd students study in its classes VIII to XII, two makeshift stalls sell cigarette, beedis and gutka, among other things. "The students come for a smoke or two during the recess or after the dismissal," said the owner of one of the stalls.

The situation is no different near A N College on Boring Road. Across the road in front of its two gates are located two shops selling tobacco products. In fact, tobacco shops are doing brisk business in the vicinity of almost all the schools and colleges in Patna.

"Tobacco products are a cause of cancer. It's more damaging when its consumption begins at an early age," said eminent medical expert Dr A A Hai. A worried Arvind Kumar Singh of Cancer Awareness Society added, "Not only in Patna. Easy availability of tobacco products is fuelling addiction among the youth in entire Bihar."

Why are the government agencies then looking the other way? State human resources development (HRD) department sent out a circular to district education officers (DEOs) and district superintendents of education six months ago, asking them to ensure tobacco products are not sold in the vicinity of schools. "The local administration must ensure the implementation of the Act," HRD principal secretary Anjani Kumar Singh told TOI.

Patna DEO Medo Das admitted receipt of Singh's letter. "I have already conveyed the same to the heads of schools in the district," he said.

But school authorities have their own handicaps. "Teachers cannot play police. The stall owners turned aggressive when I asked them to go away," Miller school headmaster Raja Ram said. M H Sharan College (Mainpura) principal B N Arya said tobacco products are not consumed by staff and students on his college premises. "But I cannot exercise authority outside the campus," he added.

Apparently foreseeing such a situation, state home department principal secretary Amir Subhani wrote to district SSPs and SPs in July this year to enforce the Act. He also advised them to form antitobacco squads for the purpose with education, health and police officials as members of the squad.

Such a squad has not been heard of so far. But police claim they are not sitting idle. "Only yesterday, all the police stations were wired to take action against the illegal trade of tobacco products and sale of liquor near educational institutions," Patna SSP Alok Kumar said on Wednesday. He said police launched a drive against such shops and kiosks few months ago. "We succeeded in removing almost 80% of such stalls... But they have resurfaced," he added.

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.......and the HIV+ couple live happily ever after

PATNA: Being HIV positive is not the end of life. That's the moral of the story of Heera and Rani, both HIV positive. They are happily married and blessed with two daughters, one of whom has been confirmed as HIV negative while the other is yet to attain the age to undergo the medical test.

Heeralal Rajak, now 36, hails from Garahara village in Begusarai district, 150km from Patna. He was detected HIV positive in 2000. The government would not offer any medical help to people with AIDS in Bihar then. Things became worse for Heera when his Patna-based doctor left Bihar for good in 2004.

Heera would then travel to Varanasi to take free medicines from the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centre at BHU. He also joined Bihar Network for People Living with HIV-AIDS Society (BNP+) and started helping people with HIV.
It was in 2007 when Heera had taken two HIV positive persons to a hospital at nearby Mokama that he spotted Rani, a native of Saran district. A widow, now 27, she was all alone after her husband with AIDS died in 2005.
Rani's late husband was a daily wage earner in Delhi.

"I inquired about her and came to know she was HIV positive and ostracized by her society. Anything and everything done by her, including food cooked by her, was a no-no for her family and neighbours," Heera told TOI over phone from his village on Thursday.

Heera fell for Rani. "I would often make telephone calls to her and inquire about her health," he said and added they tied the knot in March 2008 with the consent of their families.

The couple's joy knew no bounds when their first daughter, Deepali, tested HIV negative.

"She was born in December 2008. We strictly followed the prescriptions of doctors during the pregnancy of Rani," he said.

The couple was blessed with a second child in June 2010.

"She is 17 months old. I cannot get her tested for HIV till she attains the age of 18 months," Heera said and added she, however, looks like a healthy baby.

Heera used to run a grocery shop before his health complications arose. Now, the only source of income for Heera's nine-member joint family is the pension his father draws from the railways as its retired loco pilot.

"We spent thousands of rupees on medicines every month as the government provides only first-line ART drugs free of cost in Bihar," Heera said and added he often shudders at the thought of what would be the fate of his family the day the railways stopped paying pension.

BNP+ president Gyan Ranjan recalled Heera was hopeless personified when he met him in 2006.

"It's heartening to see he is living a happy life now," he said and hoped Heera's happiness would continue for long.

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What's in a name? Rs 5 lakh!

PATNA: Lack of education at times costs the illiterate dear, literally. Mohan and his wife seem to have learnt it the costly way with a compensation of Rs 5 lakh eluding them because of a goofy mistake.

Mohan's wife along with her mother-in-law and 18-month-old daughter went for the 'Shahi Snan' at Haridwar in April 2010. In the tragic stampede that marred the pilgrimage on April 14, several devotees were crushed to death and Mohan's little one was among them.

As the Uttarakhand government announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of deceased, hospital and police authorities in Haridwar took details from the relatives of the deceased. Mohan's wife gave her husband's name as Mohan Sah and daughter's name as Kumari Rekha. Mohan later rushed to Haridwar to bring back his mother and wife after cremating his daughter in Haridwar.

When the cheque reached the Patna administration in March this year, Mohan made the claim and submitted his voter id-card as proof of his identity. But lo, the id-card has his name registered as Mohan Gupta and the officials refused to give the cheque to him. The district administration later sent the cheque to the social security department.

Mohan of Lohanipur is a hawker who earns Rs 150 every day by selling 'namkeen'. His desperation to get the cheque is, therefore, understandable.

However, social security department official Shrutidev Narain expressed helplessness to oblige him. The birth certificate of Kumari Rekha, issued by the Patna Municipal Corporation, also has her father's name as Mohan Gupta. But the name of the father of deceased Kumari Rekha has been mentioned as Mohan Sah in the death certificate issued by the Haridwar Nagar Palika on May 31, 2010, he said.

Having made to run in circles by government officials for over seven months now, Mohan is a frustrated man. "We come from a community which uses surnames like Sah, Sahu, Gupta and Prasad. In many homes of poor people like me, wives don't know the 'official' name of their husbands," he said.

"God has snatched our daughter from us. And now officials are depriving us of the money paid to compensate her death because of my wife's minor mistake," he said, tears welling up in his eyes.

Patna DM Sanjay Kumar Singh said such payments could not be made without verifying the identity of the targeted beneficiary. "I will recheck... Let's see," he told TOI.

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Porn viewing, a favourite pastime for teens

PATNA: Among the city's teenagers, particularly boys, watching a 'blue film'-a euphemism for pornography- seems to have become a habit. Over the past few years, this furtive doing has taken over other extra-curricular activities.

On an investigative visit to different cybercafes in the city, this correspondent came across a revelation which may take parents aback.

A check of the web browsing history at a cyber cafe in Boring Road revealed that of the 100 web pages, 80 page titles referred to pornographic materials and porn video downloads.

Cybercafes in the city are mostly frequented by school and college-going boys and girls. Visitors, constituting boys and girls in a virtually equal number, download porn movies in their mobile phones and also store them in data cards.

Cybercafe owners have not limited themselves to allowing porn surfing to the visitors. Many have jumped on the flesh trade bandwagon as well. They provide beds, girls and also condoms to those looking for them.

During a raid on around 12-13 cybercafes in Gandhi Maidan, Kadamkuan, Kotwali and Buddha Colony police station areas on March 8, SP (City) Shivdeep Lande had found condoms and beds in a cybercafe.

Not only that, the cops had also caught 40 and odd couples in compromising position. Most of the couples were students in the age group of 16 to 18 years, belonging to well-off families.

Igniting the trend is easy accessibility of porn materials to these students. X-rated CDs and DVDs are flooding the city markets. It is alarming that children are the ones who are buying and selling them. Patna, of late, has become a major centre for the production and illegal sale of pornographic materials. Dozens of music shops are engaged in this business. "The children always want new products. And come looking for them," said a CD seller on busy Fraser Road, near Buddha Smriti Park.

About a dozen such stalls are situated around the railway station. Bakerganj, considered the city's largest electronic market, is believed to be the principal supplier of the CDs.

So high is the demand that a grocery shop near Kurji was found hoarding some of these DVDs. These shop owners display some popular CDs and then put the X-rated stuff beneath. Asked how they manage to escape the police net, he said, "The cops themselves come looking for DVDs as bribe. We gift them when they come."

In proof that flesh trade has caught up in upmarket apartments, hotels, guesthouses and in beauty parlours, Patna police had caught bar girls dancing semi-naked at a restaurant situated on Fraser Road in the night of May 8. The police had caught four girls, three bikes, one SUV and a huge cache of liquor. Earlier, such raids had also been conducted in upmarket apartments and beauty parlours, among other places.

The Patna police are up against such elements. "The police are actively working to check such elements. We will conduct raids whenever we get any tip," said Shivdeep Lande.

 

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‘Singham’ shift has Patnaites in shock

PATNA: "But why didn't the CM Sir throw out the proposal of your transfer? He must be in the know of your hard work which was contributing to the maintenance of CM Sir's 'sushasan'..." asked one from the mob of collegians who thronged the official residence of Patna's SP (city) Shivdeep Waman Lande on Wednesday, a day after the Nitish Kumar government notified his transfer on the state police HQ's recommendation within ten months of the posting of the 2006-batch officer as Patna's SP (city).

Lande did not reply to the question. The officer, however, obliged almost every youth, hundreds of them, who visited him with a request for an autograph.

Referring to the story of Lande's Yuvak Sangathan in Akola, published in this newspaper on Wednesday, a movie buff among the girls said, "You are our 'Singham' (the officer played by Ajay Devgan in the Bollywood blockbuster)." Another asked, "Who will save us from molesters?" Lande looked at her and said smilingly, "Araria-Patna is 8-hour journey."

To MBA professional Neelima Gupta of Ara Garden, the transfer was shocking. "My illness deteriorated due to spurious drugs as spurious druglords were having a field day in the state capital before Lande launched the crackdown," she told TOI. Nodded Suman Kumar, an accountant. "Milawatkhoro ki phir se chandi ho jayegi," he said.

"Now I won't feel as safe as I used to with Lande as the SP," rued the Magadh Mahila College (MMC) girl Reena Kumari (name changed) on whom a molestation attempt was made and whose father was assaulted for resisting the bid near a liquor shop at the I-T roundabout in broad daylight a few weeks back. Thankfully, the girl had the SP (city)'s number in her cellphone and Lande had come rushing to rescue her within minutes of getting a call. The molesters absconded, but police hunted them down.

"I won't say girls would feel unsafe now. But this is a fact that Lande's style of policing was good, rather striking," MMC principal Dolly Sinha said. According to her, Lande did not only police but also appeared to be policing Patna and, as such, created a sense of confidence among girls.

Lande's exit has many parents worried, albeit for a different reason. "The cybercafes, restaurants and parlours, which facilitated illegal activities and spoilt youths, may reopen their shutters," said a parent.

A former Bihar DGP said Lande was excellent and outstanding as SP (city). "The kind of operations he helmed was never seen in Patna town earlier. Lande's mission is incomplete and his transfer premature," he said. He also pooh-poohed the reported claims of the police HQ that Lande's transfer to Araria was actually his elevation in that he would be the kingpin of the district police. "It would have been a promotion had he been sent to a divisional town," he said.

Many of the traffic constables were also in a state of bewilderment. "He had almost stopped 'laheriya'-cut biking in the city," a constable said.

Not only citizens, netizens were also upset. "Everyone in our family is feeling bad about unwarranted transfer. He was one of the Best we have seen," Neelesh Sinha from New York wrote on a site.

Back home, activists of All India Students' Federation said it burned an effigy of the government on Boring Road in protest against the transfer. A candlelight procession was also taken out in the evening, demanding cancellation of the transfer notification.

 

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10-year-old Patna girl with 500 sugar level

Patna: High on sweets, 10-year-old Richika was a Mamma’s girl. One day Richika was surprised when her mother refused her sweets.

“Why? Why have you stopped loving me mummy? Why have you changed?” was the only sentence, Richika’s blocked throat could utter as her housewife-mother would refuse her chocolates or ice cream, for that matter.

Richika’s parents came to know that her only daughter had developed diabetes at an age of nine. Richika was losing weight fast. The flow of glucose into her blood stream was huge. Within one month, Richika had lost over 10 kg weight.

“It was a real challenge, convincing Richika that her now ‘cruel mother’ is still the same ‘sweet mother’. It was “Richika” who was no longer that ‘Richika’,” said city based diabetologist Dr Subash Kumar.

Dr Subash told TOI: “When Richika was brought to me, about five months ago, her average blood sugar level was 500. Not only Richika, her parents were also having panic attacks (emotional).”

Richika’s father who is senior official in Public sector undertakings in Patna, however, refuses to divulge any details on his daughter.

More than physical, diabetes was torturing Richika, a class IV student at Notre Dame Academy, mentally. “She had become an unusual student. She would have bouts of sudden and extreme hunger. Sometimes she would start eating her tiffin while her class would be in progress,” her doctor said quoting Richika parents.

“Richika underwent a six-month comprehensive treatment plan with restrictions on foods. Richika was provided requisite medicines and a psychological support,” said a doctor.

 “My strengths awe all of my peers. I carry insulin injections to school. I stab myself whenever I feel the panic attack. It has made my classmates who would once laugh on me, love me,” the girl told her doctor recently.

An equally shocking case is of a 2.5-year-old-boy Mohit Kumar from Machhuatoli. “The boy was brought to me in 2009 that had 300 blood sugar (fasting). It was a serious case because in place of the patient his parents were to be treated mentally,” former PMCH diabetes head of the department Dr H K Singh told TOI.

The situation is serious due to lack of awareness among parents about it. “A parent from Ramakrishna Nagar brought their 8-year-old child to me around 2 years ago. The boy was suffering from diabetes for the last two years and was in a critical condition,” Singh added.

Singh, a member to the International Diabetic Federation Society, who recounted cases of an 11-year-old girl Shalini Kumari from Gardanibagh and Poonam from Kankarbagh, said: “I am witnessing over 40% growth in the number of cases during the past five years.”

He added: “Apart from genetic disorder and immune system deficiency, unhealthy foods, lack of physical activity, childhood obesity also lead to causing diabetes.”

(names changed to protect identity)

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JEE qualified cobbler's son engineering dream in tatters

PATNA: A cobbler's son, Deepak Kumar, became a hero of his village Tiuri under Biharsharif block in Nalanda district when he cracked IIT-JEE this year. But months later, his dreams are likely to get shattered.

Deepak, who obtained AIR (all-India rank) 943 (SC), got calls from IIT-Kanpur and Indian School of Mines (ISM)-Dhanbad, among others. In the entrance test of Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (ISAT), Thiruvananthapuram, he secured AIR 56 (SC).

"When I got call from ISAT, the image of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam crossed my eyes. Kalam may have had a feeling similar to mine when he had made it to Madras Institute of Technology in mid 1950s. It provided me great strength," Deepak, son of Rajvali Ravidas, 60, told TOI. In July 2011, Deepak was offered admission to space engineering at ISAT. Incidentally, Kalam is the chancellor of ISAT.

However, before ISAT, ISM-Dhanbad offered him admission to the mechanical engineering course, which the boy readily accepted. But sudden quirks of fate have brought darkness before his eyes. And, for the past few months, he has been knocking at several doors, hoping that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

Pangs of poverty forced Deepak to take his plus 2 examination through Bihar School Examination Board, and he could secure only 53.8% marks. He ought to have obtained at least 55% marks in plus 2 to continue his studies at ISM-Dhanbad. "I have been given 279 out of 500. I need just 11 more marks," Deepak told TOI. Incidentally, Deepak had completed his matriculation from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Rajgir in 2008, getting 70% marks.

For the last three months, Deepak has been beseeching Bihar School Examination Board chairman Rajmani Prasad Sinha, Bihar HRD principal secretary and has even sought the blessings of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, but to no avail till date.

In 2008, Dakshana Foundation, which provides 1-2 years of IIT-JEE coaching to gifted but poor students from rural areas, had selected Deepak, who was then a student of JNV in Rajgir, among 40 students from about 5,000 in Patna region comprising Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand for free coaching. After that, he had shifted to JNV, Ranchi to take Dakshana coaching.

"I underwent operation for removal of appendicitis in February 2009. Due to it, I missed my Class XI examination. I was sick and unable to stay at JNV, Ranchi. Finally, I took admission at Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav College, Biharsharif in 2009," Deepak said.

This seems to have turned out to be his undoing. "I really don't care being forced out from ISM-Dhanbad. But this will devastate my seven-member family. My father is too old to eke out a living, but still works. If I don't start earning a living two-three years from now, God knows what will happen," a weeping Deepak said. His elder brother, a private tutor, manages to earn Rs 2,500 to 3,000 every month.

Rajmani Prasad Sinha told TOI: "My heartfelt sympathies are with Deepak. Now, ISM-Dhanbad may treat him as a special case." However, ISM-Dhanbad director, D C Panigrahi, told TOI: "We can treat Deepak as a special case if IIT-JEE (2011) organizing committee takes a call in this regard."

alokknmishra@gmail.com (09234629956)

Nitish Kumar is India’s PM

Ara(60 km from Patna): Even as children's enrolment in schools across Bihar has gone up significantly in recent years, the government has come in for flak for the poor quality of teaching.

Much of this criticism is not without justification, as TOI found during a visit to some schools in Bhojpur district the other day.

"Nitish Kumar Bharat ke pradhan mantri hai (Nitish Kumar is India's PM)," said a class IX student of Shri Jain Bala Bishram Balika Uchch Vidyalya, Dhanupra, in Bhojpur district, 60-km from the state capital.

As if this was not enough of a shocker, when this correspondent asked the girl to write the same sentence on the blackboard, she started weeping. After much encouragement, Soni, 15, daughter of a brick-kiln worker, with trembling hands wrote in broken Hindi, "Nitish Kumar Bhrat ke pradhn matri hai."
Soni also did not have any clue about PM Manmohan Singh.

Her classmates also did not know the name of the President of India. Only Mahatma Gandhi was known to most of the students here.

Santosh, a class VII student of Government Middle School, Dharhara, did not know the capital of India. "Bharat ki rajdhani Patna hai," the lad wrote on blackboard with full confidence. Son of a farm labourer, he is a regular to school. Asked how did he get into class VII, Santosh, 14, said: "I passed class VI this year. I have never failed in class."

Even as the students answered questions regarding the CM, PM and the Prez incorrectly, they had no inkling of their ignorance. Many of them hid behind their mates and laughed when others failed to answer questions.

When Gopal, 11, a class V student of Middle School, Dhanupra, was asked the name of his headmaster, he remained mute for five minutes, with his limbs trembling. "I do not know the name of my headmaster," this son of a tractor driver whispered.

TOI asked more than 20 students to write the names of days of the week and months, school's name and such other things. A whopping 80% students wrote them incorrectly.

Teachers blamed it on the government. "We are no longer teachers. We are bookkeepers. We keep accounts of midday meal, distribution of dresses, books, myriad records and even ongoing construction works," said a teacher on the condition of anonymity.

Today, most of the schools have their own buildings. But a teacher said, "We were better without buildings. At noon, without fans, the school becomes a boiling pot. Students flee from school and spend time beneath trees. We cannot do that and have to suffer dehydration very often," said a middle schoolteacher.

Reacting to such an abysmal state of teaching, HRD minister P K Sahi said: "Everything cannot be done at a time. Until recently our main focus was on increasing enrolment; which we have achieved. Now our target is to improve the quality of education. It will take some time."

Recently, CM Nitish Kumar has launched a programme "Samjho, Bujho aur Jano" to improve quality of education in the state, the minister said.

(Names of students have been changed)

'Anna's aandhi' sweeps Bihar for second day

PATNA: The Anna wave continued to sweep Bihar for the second day on Wednesday. Thousands of Anna supporters took to streets in different parts of the state shouting slogans in support of his anti-corruption crusade. As many as 30 people are on indefinite fast near Gandhi Maidan.

Patriotic songs and slogans like "Bhrastachar ke jang mein, hum Anna ke sang mein", "Anna ki aandhi nahi thamegi" rent the air throughout the day. As the day progressed, more than 50 effigies of PM Manmohan Singh were burned in protest by various organizations.

Moved by their conscience, residents of the city participated in the movement. "It is the call of the conscience. The entire country is part of this struggle. So I can't help support it," Gunjan Singh, a supporter, said.

A group of India Against Corruption (IAC) took out a rally of over 300 medical practitioners from Maurya Lok here to Kargil Chowk at Gandhi Maidan on Wednesday morning.

"This is a manifestation of our freedom struggle. People in every part of the country are supporting this movement. It is a people's movement and it cannot be suppressed," said Dr Diwakar Tejaswi.

As the day progressed, the number of supporters at Kargil Chowk swelled to thousands as students, teachers, doctors, lawyers, retirees and others joined various protesting groups.

Functioning of the Patna high court and civil courts was hit by the Anna wave. Boycotting their work around 400 lawyers reached the Income-Tax roundabout and burned the effigies of PM.

"We are particularly opposed to the suppression of fundamental rights by the UPA government. We have a right to live with dignity. But, in a corrupt society people cannot live with dignity. The government will have to concede the demands of the country," senior lawyer Arvind Kumar told TOI.

Under the aegis of Nav Nirman Manch, a group of lawyers, once again, burned PM's effigies outside the Patna high court premises in the evening. At Kargil Chowk, more than 35 effigies of the PM were burned by different social organizations including Rashtriya Pragati Party, Bharat Vikash Morcha, Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti, CPM activists and others.

"We take strong exception to the Prime Minister's statement in which he said that Anna cannot make Lokpal Bill. Anna has never said that he wants to make Lokpal Bill. The government is trying to crush the movement because it is itself corrupt," said president, Akhil Bhartiya Goshala Sangh, Rampal Agrawal.

A large number of students at B N College, Science College, A N College and Law College skipped classes to express solidarity with Anna. A large number of students of IIT Patna have registered themselves at an online community "Awaaz" and supported the Anna's cause.

Bihar's health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey said the Congress government is afraid of a corruption-free society. "Strong support to this anti-corruption movement has made the government afraid of loosing its base," he said.

On the other hand, the Patna Mahanagar BJP activists organized a daylong dharna at the JP roundabout. Other wings of the BJP also protested the government action against Anna Hazare.

 

alokknmishra@gmail.com

Bihar likely to reap bumper paddy crop

PATNA: After two years of low paddy harvest in 2009 and 2010, Bihar is set for a bumper paddy crop during the current kharif season. With recent precipitation compensating for deficient rain in south Bihar districts in July, agricultural scene has brightened up. The mood among farmers have changed from that of despair to one of high spirits, and consumes worried at ever-rising prices have reason to take heart.

As compared to last year, the area under paddy cultivation has gone up by about 50% this year. Against 24 lakh hectares in 2010, the paddy acreage has increased to 35 lakh hectares.

"The state will witness bumper paddy harvest this kharif season. Of late, there were some concerns over drought-like situation in some parts of south Bihar due to lack of rains. But recent spells of rain have removed all such concerns," agriculture production commissioner Ashok Kumar Sinha told TOI.

He added: "Rainfall in the first week of this month has completely compensated for the minor deficit. Paddy transplantation is now almost complete. And, farmers are looking forward to high yield."

In 2010, paddy production per hectare was an average 13.11 quintals, with total production being 31.5 lakh tonnes in the state. The production is likely to more than double this year, according to official sources.
"We are expecting an average production of 19.85 quintals of paddy per hectare," said R K Sohane, a senior agricultural expert.

According to monthly district-wise rainfall report obtained from agriculture department, in June actual rainfall in most of the districts was more than normal rainfall. But in July, deficiency in rainfall was reported from most of the districts.

Rohtas district witnessed only 89.5mm rainfall against the normal expectation of 318.5mm, while Bhojpur witnessed only 33.9mm rainfall against the normal expectation of 295.5mm. Deficiency was also reported in Aurangabad and Kaimur districts in the same month.

In a first, the state agriculture department has introduced System Rise Intensification (SRI) system in a mission-mode. SRI is a unique technique which doubles paddy production.

"SRI has been implemented in 3.5 lakh hectares this year. It has been used as part of the second green revolution from eastern region plan," said A C Jain, a senior agriculture official.

"The SRI technique has been mainly implemented in Nalanda, Gaya, Jehanabad, Nawada and other southern districts.
SRI technique works in places which receive scanty rainfall, proving a boon," Jain told TOI.

alokknmishra@gmail.com

Big B finds Patna better than metros

PATNA: Patna talked about Amitabh Bachchan and he talked about Patna and Bihar - besides, of course, his upcoming movie 'Aarakshan' - on Wednesday.

"I have come here after so many years and I feel this place has definitely changed. Nitish Kumarji deserves kudos," said the actor coming out of the CM's residence at 1, Anne Marg where he intermingled with CM Kumar, his staff and family members for almost an hour. Asked if he is also a fan of the Big B, the CM smiled ear to ear and retorted, "Who is not (Amitabh's fan)? I am also fond of Dilip Kumar and Devanand."

"Patna does not look like a metropolitan city. It looks better," the legendary actor told a presser earlier and added that he saw the city as he moved around in his SUV. "Bihar has witnessed tremendous growth. The ambience has changed," he said.

In Patna to promote 'Aarakshan', the pinstriped celebrity expressed angst on widespread casteism in the country. "Every citizen should get equal attention and opportunity. Those hailing from humble background should be provided due prop," he said and appreciated the 'Super 30' initiative of Bihari maths wizard Anand Kumar, saying Anandji is doing a selfless service to meritorious students.

Incidentally, Amitabh took tips from Anand to play a principled principal in the movie.

The actor, however, parried a question whether he was for or against reservation. "Such questions would continue to arise but reservation is a constitutional reality in our country and we will have to accept it," he said and pleaded for quota on the basis of economic backwardness.

In reply to another query, the Big B said he has never differentiated between his son and daughter. "In my will, I will provide for equal share of my property for Abhishek and Shweta," he said.

The angry young man of yesteryears, who reacts angrily in reel life even now when anyone calls him an old man, however, appeared to be calm while handling idiotic questions. "Bhai saaheb, garbhawati main nahi hoon (Brother, I am not pregnant)," he told the reporter who asked him whether he expected his son and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to be blessed with a son or a daughter.

Asked if he has any plan to do a movie on corruption, he said that he was game for it and would request Prakashji (Prakash Jha) to do something about it. As for Bhojpuri films, the Bachchan Sr said that he worked in two Bhojpuri movies for free because he was fond of the language.

'Aarakshan' director Jha said that making this film was a challenge. "Parents in our country try to provide education to children even if they do not have enough to eat. Against this backdrop, the issue of reservation needed to be revisited," he said.

Bihar's own Manoj Bajpai, who has also worked in 'Aarakshan', recalled the days when he would run away from his home to watch Amitji's movies in Patna's cinema halls. "I got the inspiration to become an actor from Amitji," he said.

Bajpai played a true son of the soil as he defended his native people after the huge crowd of fans made a desperate attempt to get past the bouncers and touch the superstar of the silver screen. "Amitji, people of my state are not an indisciplined lot; they are simple but sentimental people, full of enthusiasm," he said as if he was apologizing for the inconvenience, if any, caused to his role model.

alokknmishra@gmail.com

Big B gets tips from Bihar Math Wizard

Patna: Super star Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan have learnt teaching skills in mathematics from Bihar’s Super 30 founder Anand Kumar.

Noted Bollywood director Prakash Jha, whose recent movie Aarakshan revolves around the subject of education, had sought Anand’s help in imparting teaching skills to Big B and Saif.
The Maths wizard had shot a video at Jha’s office in Mumbai while teaching. Anand conducted three to four such simulated classes at Jha’s office over a period of two days from December 30.

In Aarakshan Amitabh Bachchan is playing the role of Prabhakar Anand who is the principal of a college which does not abide by the government’s regulations on caste based reservation. Moved by the plight of poor children Amitabh Bachchan decides to provide coaching to students from underprivileged backgrounds in his free time in the evening. Saif Ali Khan also teaches at this school.

“For it Big-B and Saif Ali Khan needed teaching skills and I though no one was more capable to do it than Anand,” Jha told TOI over phone from Mumbai.

“Prakashji said Amitabh Bachchan needs skills to solve complex mathematical problems in a way which is easy for the students to grasp. And I agreed to conducted simulated classes,” Anand told TOI.

Later during the shooting of the movie in Bhopal as well, Anand guided the cast and crew on this portion of the film.

“Prakashji one day gave a call very early in the morning. He said he was shooting the movie and needed some help. I was glad to do that,” Anand said.

About it Prakash Jha, who has blockbusters like Mrityudand, Gangaaja, and Rajneeti among others to his credit, said: “I had to direct Big B and Saif Ali Khan on teaching mathematics to underprivileged children. And I did not know how to do that. So I requested Anandji to spare sometime with me for the purpose which he readily agreed.”

“Anandji is an innovative teacher. His unique style made the task, which I thought was daunting, easy. I am thankful to him for helping me out,” Jha told TOI over phone.

Anand, however, will not feature anywhere in the movie. On the other hand Amitabh Bachchan has been lauding Anand Kumar at several promos of Aarakshan in various cities.

“I have come to know about Anand Kumar, who prepares underprivileged but talented students for free in Patna. He has made many of them crack JEE during the past few years. We should encourage public-spirited efforts like Anand’s to improve the educational environment in the country. Such personalities really need encouragement,” Big B spoke during a promotional event of Aarakshan on a national TV.

During his expected visit to Patna in August, Big B will be having an exclusive meeting with Anand Kumar.

About compliments from the all-time super star Anand Kumar said: “Words of encouragement from Big B has reinforced his belief into his own abilities. It is inspiring that more and more people are recognizing my efforts. Every such word boosts confidence in my students to work hard and grow up in life.”

alokknmishra@gmail.com

Patna stinks as PMC fails to fill in for A2Z

PATNA: Six days have elapsed since A2Z, a private firm mandated by the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) to maintain sanitation in 10 wards and nine main roads in the city, suspended its services due to non-payment of its bills by the PMC, but the civic body is yet to come to the rescue of residents.

This reporter visited Ashok Rajpath, Hardinge Road, Exhibition Road, Beerchand Patel Path and other localities and found heaps of garbage and overflowing drains in these areas. The dirt and filth all around have made the surroundings conducive for mosquitoes to breed. "My two grandchildren are suffering from fever," a retired judge, who lives on the Boring Canal Road, said and added people, especially children, cannot stay healthy while living amid muck and waste.

 

PMC did deploy its rundown infrastructure and meagre manpower to fill in for the private player. But that has proved to be the proverbial drop in the ocean. This reporter spotted two small loaders on the Beerchand Patel Path around 1pm on Wednesday. "What should we do when there is no truck?" asked a man operating the loader and added that the truck had gone to dump the garbage and he would resume his job after the vehicle returned.

As the PMC trucks transport garbage during busy hours, pedestrians and bikers are hard hit. "Garbage-laden open trucks leave behind a deadly smell that stirs our innards," complained a student standing near A N College. A BJP worker, Pradeep Dubey said that the PMC must honour its agreement with the private agency immediately so as to rescue the residents from the hellish situation.

The crisis has spawned another crisis. "With the PMC pushing all its resources to the city's main roads, the localities on the fringe have become no one's baby," lamented Dr Sudeep Ghosh, who runs a clinic at Hanuman Nagar. Sanitation workers are a rare sight in the areas like Doctors' Colony, P C Colony, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Kashi Nath Lane, Nala Road and Mathura Prasad Sinha Path, among others, complained locals. "On Tuesday, locals had to pool money to hire sanitation workers and rid the locality of the three overflowing bins of garbage," said Rajesh Pandey of Chandmari Road.

If urban development department principal secretary Shashi Shekhar Sharma is to be believed, things would improve after a couple of days. "The payment to A2Z would be made within two days," he told TOI on Wednesday evening.
Asked about the infighting in the PMC and its councillors' resolution seeking the removal of PMC commissioner Divesh Sehra, Sharma said the government is looking into the demand and would respond to it in a day or two.

 

alokknmishra@gmail.ocm

'No filmmaker can ignore Bihar now'

PATNA: If you thought that the Bollywood biggies are suddenly making a beeline to Bihar because they no longer worry about their safety in the state once infamous for crime, here's one of them citing an equally valid reason for the tinsel town's new-found love for the movie buffs of Bihar. "No filmmaker can now afford to ignore Bihar as its audience plays a decisive role in making or marring the fate of a movie," said filmmaker Parvin Dabas.

Dabas along with pretty Preeti Jhangiani was in town on Tuesday to promote 'Sahi Dhandhe, Galat Bande' which is releasing on August 19. Dabas is debuting as a director with the movie which has been produced by Jhangiani, his wife in real life.

"The movie explores the temptations of going against the grain for the lure of lucre," Jhangiani said and added that the script studies the pressure that goads people into acts which are at disharmony with the society and the conscience of the people.

"It is a beautiful blend of entertainment, action, comedy and emotion," Dabas said about the movie which, he claimed, is based on original events which have been fictionalized.

Shot in various parts of north India, the movie features Kiron Joneja Sippy, Anupam Kher, Yashpal Sharma, Neena Kulkarni, Udit Khurana and Tena Desae in its later part. "Though the movie tells a story unfolding in Delhi, people from any part of the country can relate to it," Dabas said.

Dabas would not say if he has planned to make a movie on Bihar. But he has the storyline clear in his mind. "People of Bihar are honest but they had to suffer for long because they were ruled by corrupt leaders. This will make a good story," he said.

alokknmishra@gmail.com

Now, yoga classes in govt schools

PATNA: Bihar government is introducing yoga classes in government schools across the state. The move has been undertaken following concern over rising stress level among students and growing number of suicides.

Yoga is expected to significantly reduce stress among students, thus overcoming depression among them and checking suicidal tendencies.

"The programme aims at holistic development of learners. Complete physical and mental development is a must for a student to do well academically," said state project director, Bihar Education Project Council (BEPC), Rajesh Bhushan.

In order to teach yoga, the government has created an army of about 1,100 trained yoga instructors. "This army has been created in a mission-mode, so that the learners receive, along with quality education, training in living a healthy life," Bhushan added.

In the first phase, under the guidance of experts from Patanjali Yog Peeth, Bharatiya Yog Sansthan, Patna University Yoga Kendra and Navjivan Yoga Centre, a seven-day-long yoga training programme was organised for physical teachers of schools from December 6 to 12 in 2009 in Patna. Physical trainers from almost every upper primary school in 16 districts were selected to undergo training in the first phase.

"The physical trainers have been given comprehensive training in yoga. Rigorous practical and theoretical training have been provided to them," said a Yoga expert, Ram Vinay Sinha, of Bharatiya Yog Sansthan.

"The trainees had already been teaching physical exercises at schools. The training has fine-tuned their expertise. Exercise is an important part of our life," Sinha added.

In the second phase, a more elaborate training was imparted. The training programmes continued in a total of 22 districts over a period of five months. It started in September 2010 and continued till January 2011.

"Now, almost every school has a trained yoga teacher. These trained teachers will also have to train their associate teachers in their schools," said Ram Sagar Singh, programme officer of BEPC.

"We should encourage students to take up yoga classes. It should be developed as a daily routine to derive maximum possible benefits," said B N Mishra, executive director, Patna University Yoga Kendra.

"Regular practice of yoga will improve the mood of students and lower their anxiety. It will help in keeping them away from drugs, improve their behavioral system and overcome all negative thoughts," said Mishra.

But Mishra feels that the concept needs regular monitoring to achieve optimum results. "The government has introduced yoga teaching, but it has no specific plan yet to monitor its implementation across the state," he said.

The idea of yoga teaching is the brainchild of HRD principal secretary Anjani Kumar Singh. He said: "The army of yoga teachers has been created. At many schools yoga training is also going on. We will ask the teachers concerned to more sincerely introduce the concept."

alokknmishra@gmail.com

A growing number of boys from Bihar are homosexual

PATNA: Amish Singh, 24, has furtive glance in his eyes. As he loiters around Gandhi Maidan with his college friend Sunit, his right hand scrabbles to go inside Sunit's back pocket. But as the place is buzzing with people, midway Amish puts his hands in his pockets instead.

Amish, a PG student of Patna University, and Sunit, a BPSC aspirant, live in the city. They are gay, though not in a live-in relationship; they have been physical for past six months. The duo has also been physical with gays who come from different parts of the state.

"We enjoy each other's company. I like him and he likes me too. Everyday we spend hours together," Amish, born to a businessman father and a homemaker mother, told this correspondent during a recent late evening informal chat at Gandhi Maidan.

"I do not think gay culture is a new phenomenon in Bihar. There are a large number of gay couples, many of them in constant touch with me," Amish said. Amish showed exchange of late night SMSes that regularly takes place among them.

One such SMS, on July 11, 2011, reads: "Dili se apna B cl kiya tha. 28 ko Patna aa raha hai. Mere ghar pe sty krega."

Sunit describes the SMS: "B means 'Bottom', a guy who is the passive player in the 'gay game'. In the world of gay, Sunit said, T means 'TOP', a guy who is the active sexual partner."

As many as 476 people from Bihar are registered at one of the most popular websites in India among gay people. "I define myself. I'm a straightforward guy ... ... looking for fat and heavy, chubby dads....mail me on ... ... call me on ... ... ...," writes one of the registered persons.

Almost 99% of those registered have provided their e-mail address and contact number on the account. The number of persons registered at the site is growing day by day.

The state capital tops in Bihar in terms of the number of gays. According to figures obtained from the website, 287 people have registered from Patna. Aurangabad is second with 65 and Bhagalpur is third with 26 gays.

A gay, Raju, from Munger, SMSed this correspondent that he was planning a gay live-in relationship. "I hv prtnerd politicians, CEOs, and even some rickshaw-pullers. I plan gay live-in relationship."

"In a recent hookup with two friends (one of whom is a Patna policeman and another a professional), we enjoyed at a place in Fraser Road," Sunit said. The policeman and professional friends of Sunit are married and have one daughter each.

But, in a society where sexuality in any form is rarely discussed openly, Bihar gays feel the sword of the society hanging over their heads. "It is a taboo. Only extremely close friends know that I am gay. I am sure my parents will commit suicide if I ever disclose my sexual orientation to them," said a gay, on the condition of anonymity.

(Names have been changed for keeping their identities secret) alokknmishra@gmail.com

Hawker's son cracks IIT-JEE, sans coaching

PATNA: Appalling poverty had shaken Sazid Mehboob, 19, to the core when he was in class X, but that only steeled his resolve to do something to improve his family's condition. Two years of hard work has now landed him in IIT-Punjab, without any private coaching!

"Unlike the family of a government peon or sweeper which gets a meagre but regular income, my family's financial condition was completely unstable," says Sazid, a boy from West Champaran.

Many a time, Sazid would arrange saris on the cycle of his father, Md Idrish Ali, for him to hawk at Valmikinagar in West Champaran district. "But, sometimes my father would return home without any income even after daylong efforts. I would shake when I used to see my father's dejected face," Sazid told TOI.

"I would always think of me and my siblings' future. I do not know how my father managed to feed 10 members with an average daily earning of Rs 150," Sazid, who has four sisters and three brothers, said. He resolved to do something different to make his family come out from financial insecurity.

"I came to Patna in July 2009 to prepare for IIT. I knocked the doors of many IIT-JEE coaching centres, but they demanded Rs 40,000-50,000 as fee for two-year preparations," Sazid recalls. Obviously, such an amount was beyond his means

"Finally, I decided to work on my own. I discussed the syllabus with other college students and started preparations," Sazid, who made it to IIT (AIR 2112 OBC) in his first attempt itself, said.

Asked did he feel no dread about cracking the country's toughest examination without any guidance, Sazid said: "I would work harder whenever I would feel any dread. My study hours went up to 17 to 18 hours a day as the IIT-JEE test drew nearer."

Meanwhile, Sazid's mother, Shahina Khatoon, worried over poor financial condition of the family, had taken up the job of 'anganwadi sevika' to support her family.

Sazid's classes at IIT-Punjab would begin from August 1. "I have selected mechanical engineering as machines have always fascinated me. I will study as hard as possible as I do not want to leave any stone unturned in getting good ranks and thus good placement," he said.

Sazid, staying in a dingy rented room at Mahavir Colony, Kankarbagh, said he never faced any fascination for enjoying life with friends even as he was living alone in Patna. "I always think after five years, I would enjoy and chill out. The fear of poverty would stop me from going awry," he said.

Ultimately, Sazid wants to be an IAS officer. "After doing IIM you may earn more, but after doing IAS you can serve the people more," he said.

alokknmishra@gmail.com