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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