As youths the world over eagerly await the arrival of Valentine’s Day one wonders how the celebration of the actually came about. Although there exist numerous theories as to the evolution of this day a theory strongly believed is that it originated in remembrance of St. Valentine who lived at Rome in 270 A.D. during the rule of Emperor Claudius II, also known as Claudius the Cruel. During his reign the emperor carried out numerous bloody campaigns but soon found to his dismay that a position in his army was not an attractive option to the young men of his kingdom due to the constant battles he fought. He believed the cause for this to be the young men’s love and attachment to their fiancés or spouses. So he believed that banning all engagements and marriages would solve the problem and issued an order to that effect. However, there was a priest in his empire called Valentine who continued to secretly conduct marriages for those that so desired and was soon arrested and thrown into prison.
It is said that during the course of his imprisonment he became friendly with the jailer’s daughter who kept him cheerful by her company.
He had obviously touched a chord in the common people’s hearts of his time who began to hail him as a saint who was suffering for believing and sanctioning love. Before being taken to his execution he is believed to have left a small note for the jailer’s daughter thanking her for her friendship and signing it off as ‘Love from your Valentine’. The custom of exchanging friendly messages is said to have started from this day on.
Also during mid February in 270 A.D. the Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia every year in worship of their gods and a ceremony was held where young men picked out names of eligible maidens from a box who became their partners for the duration of the festival. If the couple liked each other they would eventually marry.
So it is said that to replace this festival the Catholic Church chose to replace the date of the Feast of Lupercalis as the day to honor the martyr St. Valentine and so Pope Gelasius marked February 14 as the Feast of St. Valentine.
In the centuries that followed February 14 began to be celebrated as the day for exchanging love messages, small gifts such as flowers or spoons and soon St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. Also balls or social gatherings began to be organized during this day.
During the Middle Ages strange customs began to be followed in Europe and England on this day. Wooden love spoon with carvings of key, key hole and hearts began to be exchanged.
The Roman custom of selecting a maidens’ name from a bowl began to be followed in other countries as well. The boy would wear the name on his sleeve for a week from which the saying `wearing your heart on your sleeve’ originated.
However it is Miss Esther Howland of US who is believed to have sent the first valentine cards in the late 17th cent. In 1800 commercial valentine cards were introduced and today on Valentine day stores conduct booming business.
Although the day is usually celebrated as the day to greet your better half yet there are many who

Prakash Pant, Minister for Tourism of Uttrakahand said that the South Asian Winter Games to be held on March 2-5, 2009 in Auli speaking at a roadshow at Mumbai. Athletes from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be participating in these games.

The state has allocated Rs 102 crore for building a three-kilometer ski stretch, artificial lake, ice-making machine and an artificial ice rink in Dehradun in preparation of these games.
The state also aims to host the Commomwealth games in future. Also better connectivity from Mumbai to Dehradun and Kathgodam is being worked out.
Endless stretches of pristine white snow surrounded by majestic Deodar and oak forests, with the some of the worlds’ tallest peaks glistening in the sun around is the magic of Auli felt by its Visitors. Auli is one of the few places on earth carved by the creator with such care and beauty that it makes one wonder that perhaps the place was meant for gods. A skiing paradise Auli is often hosts the National Winter games during February to March. Infact the Alpine Tourism Promotion Council (ATPC) has equated the slopes of Auli to the best in the world. Also, Nanda Devi National Park stretches behind it with its variety of flora and fauna.
Location
Auli lies at a height of 9000 feet cradled in the lap of the Garhwal mountain range at Chamoli district of Uttaranchal. A world renowned skiing spot the vast stretches of Deodar and Oak forests provide a perfect barricade to the strong chilly winds that storm these regions thus aiding skiing conditions. Blessed with abundant sunshine all year round Auli provides scintillating views of some of the world famous peaks such as the Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, Trishul and the Dunagiri. About 235 km away from Rishikesh and 16 km from Joshimath, Auli is well connected by rail and road and boasts of the longest ropeway in Asia including an 800 m chair lift interconnecting the lower and higher skiing slopes.
Its history
An 8th century temple said to be built by Guru Adi Shankaracharya who transversed the place, stands at Joshimath. Also the Bhotiya tribe of Indo-Tibetan origin often roamed and camped in its stretches on their Yaks calling the place ThatAuli whose trails they used, to carry on a profitable trade with the neighboring Tibetans.
Later on, the slopes of Auli were used to train the ski-equipped Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force after which it gained popularity as a skiing resort. A local story is said of a strange expedition in 1958 at its nearby peak Trishul, when the mountaineers took four days to reach the summit but returned to their camp in just ninety minutes.
Skiing at Auli
A hot spot for adventure lovers Auli is the most sought after destination for lovers of winter sports. Tourists can indulge in numerous activities such as skiing, sledging, mountain climbing or trekking. Skiing equipments and snow beaters can be rented from the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) which maintains a winter resort here.
Blessed with pleasant sunshine most of winter, skiing here makes for a memorable experience with 10 to 20 km of pristine snow to transverse along with the stunning views of the Nanda devi, Kamet and Mana Parvat en route the lower slopes that are linked to the upper slopes by a 800 m chair lift. Imported Snow Beating and Packing machines maintain the snow-covered slopes in perfect skiing conditions, making Auli suitable for all varieties of skiing events whether Cross Country, Slalom or Down-hill.
For those unskilled in skiing the GVMN conducts training courses for amateurs ranging from a week to a fortnight.
Apart from Winter Sports one can also enjoy pleasant walks or shop for blankets, shawls, woolen caps or souvenirs.
Infact, the 180 degree angle view of the Nanda Devi is mesmerizing enough for shutterbugs.
Season
Tourists begin to flock to this skiing resort from the end of November to late March when the slopes are covered with pristine snow, and the sky and the mountains seem to merge into ethereal blue.
Arriving there
For those travelling by train Rishikesh is the nearest station, from where one has to board a bus or taxi to Joshimath some 250 km away. It is preferable to arrive at Joshimath before 4pm as the cable car makes its last 4.5 km journey to Auli from there, after which at dusk roads to Auli are blocked.
For long distance travelers the nearest airport is Jolly Grant some 300km away from Auli.
Lodging
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam alone runs tourist bungalow there offering deluxe huts along with vegetarian meals for a price of Rs.700 upwards. Also there is the high end Cliff top Club Resort for both of which prior bookings have to be made because if all rooms are booked then one has to travel down to Joshimath before dusk where all kinds of accommodations are available aplenty.

Auli today is fast developing tourist destination and favorite of tourists of all temperaments whether they be nature lovers, sports enthusiast or those who simply want a break — Auli provides the perfect spot to unwind for all.

The world’s cheapest car is all set to roll out of its Pant Nagar plant in mid feb to early Mar of this year. Although Sanand in Gujarat has been chosen as the location for the main plant still a small permanent plant is said to be established here at Pantnagar, Haridwar were Ace Mini trucks are already being produced.

After the Singur protest where initially the plant was proposed to be established Tata motors were wooed by the Uttrakhand Government for setting up the plant in the state put the proposal was revoked as the state government could not provide the 200 acres of additional land for housing required by the company of which only 55 acres were provided by the government. Later the state government has given an additional 45 acres for the purpose to the company.

The test run for the car has already been conducted in three cities of the state namely Dehra Dun, Almora and Ranikhet. A boon to the masses the car apart form being the lowest priced has a two cylinder option, 22 km per ltr mileage, an all steel body, Crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts and 2 A-Pillars. The diesel version is said to soon follow in 2011. The exceptional feature of the car is its engine location at the rear and a luggage space at the front.

Exceptional on many counts and built with a breakthrough technology that bagged the Tatas 40 patents — the car if it a success will revolutionize the way the Indian masses travel and dazzle the automobile world

From small beginnings and relative obscurity Jim Corbett National Park has come a long way. Our country’s and Asia’s first Reserve Forest the park was initially the Private property of local rulers prior to 1820 after which it was turned over to the British Administration. Till 1850 the park continued to be stripped off its timber and natural resources until Major Ramsay chartered out a comprehensive conservation plan to protect the forest. Through his efforts farming and cattle rearing, felling of trees was banned and forest fires taken care of. Finally in 1879 the area was declared as Reserved forest under the Forest Act.

In 1934 the then UP Governor, Sir Malcolm Hailey acting on the recommendations of Sir. Michael Keen to turn the forest into a Sanctuary, with the help of Major Jim Corbett demarcated the boundaries of the park and in 1936 The United Province national Park Act was enforced and this Reserved Forest became the First National Park of India fittingly called as the Hailey National Park after its Governor..

The park was expanded to its present area of 520 square kilometers (core area) in 1966 from its initial area of mere 323.75 square kilometers to accommodate larger mammals. After independence the Park was renamed as Ramganga National Park in 1952 due its location at the banks of the river Ramganga, a tributary of Ganges.

The Park in 1956 was again renamed as Jim Corbett Natioanl Park as a tribute to the legendary Scots man who helped establish the Reserve, wrote six books about it and worked to preserve its natural diversity. Known as `Carpet Sahib’ by the locals of Kumaon and Garhwal he helped save numerous lives from Man eating tigers of these hills. Son of a Post Master in Naintial he was only a Matriculate but he played various roles during his life time he was a legendary hunter, worked as fuel inspector and assistant station master at Bihar, then as labour contractor, later he helped train allied soldiers in jungle warfare for British Army and finally went on to become Lieutenant Colonel. Upon his retirement for twenty-four years he served as an elected member of the Nainital municipal Board.

Though a gifted hunter he gave up the sport after a Shikar round with three Army Oficers when noting thousands of birds at a lake they began shooting and nearly 300 birds were dead in a matter of minutes, Jim Corbett felt saddened by his actions and decided never to indulge in the sport again.

After this incident whenever Corbett wielded the rifle it was to protect the villagers form man-eating tigers a service he carried late into life shooting his last man eating tiger after the age of 60. At that period in history he was perhaps the only able an brave soul who had the skill and stoutness of heart to face a man eating tiger face to face and thus he became a household name, in the Kumoan and Grahwal hills.

Jim died at Kenya where he had settled with his sister Maggi in his last days. Jim’s home now a museum stands at the fringes of the park surrounded by a tiny village called `Chota Haldwani’ part of the land gifted to the villagers by Jim. Its older residents still tell tales of the legendary White Brahmin Corbett. He was honored by the Indian government as the powerful missionary for wildlife preservation in India.

In the year 1973 the park was internationally honored by being chosen as a venue for the launching of the Wildlife Conservation Project `PROJECT TIGER’.

Jim Corbett National Park sprawls across the Sivalik and Outer Himalayan region and is blessed with a combination of wild life species, birds and Flora both of the plains and the mountainous landscape. The Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant are the most popular of the natives here. The park is a paradise for Birdwatchers as it has over 600 varieties of birds. Variants of the cat family like the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat are also found here.

Other animals sighted are the Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare, Porcupine Wild Dog, Jackal, Langur, Rhesus Monkeys, Chital, Sambhar and various other Deer species.

Ramnagar fishing camp provides a scenic valley written about in Corbett’s books for angling Mahasheer which grows to quite a size here. A two hour Jeep ride proves the best way of seeing the entire park during which one is expected to remain quiet and not attract undue attention or alight from the vehicle at certain dangerous spots.

Shisham , khair, bakli (Anogeissus latifolia), chir, sal and bamboo abound in the forest.The Ramganga flows through the forest and irrigates it. The park opens from Mid November to Mid June when closes for the coming monsoon as rains make inroad into the forest impossible. Tourist cottages abound on the fringes of the forest but require prior booking.

Phoolbagh in Pantnagar is the nearest airport about 50-kms from the park, where as Ramnagar is the nearest Railhead from where taxis and buses to the Park are available.

After three days of Inaugural partying the most powerful man on earth is ready for business in office albeit lacking a little caution in his humanitarian zeal.

Very conventionally the Pak-Afgan affair is on the top of his list of priorities. Also a pressing concern is the need to right the image of America in the eyes of the world and most importantly in the eyes of the UN and human rights activists.

Perhaps it is so because he was seen as a more humane contender as compared to Bush. So perhaps it is his need to make the humane side of him felt by the world at large whether it is done by releasing Guantanamo Bay Hostages, shutting down black prisons or announcing increased funding for generating clean energy.
But perhaps it all lacks a wee bit of caution. After the glorious crescendo of praise that raised him high into the air, the hard-hitting ground realities of everyday global political struggles with terrorist organizations and warring nations will take time to settle in.

Even as his first order of closing down the Guantanamo Bay prison in a year’s time has been into operation the finding that an Ex-detainee of the prison Said Al Shihri released in 2007 was in fact Al-qaida’s Deputy leader has raised concerns regarding the dangers involved.

Capturing and detaining high profile terrorists such as these is no kid’s play which is often done at the cost of soldier’s lives. Perhaps the President leans his ears too closely to Human Rights organizations who sometimes over look real issues.

The real issue facing the entire world today is that of terrorism and extremism which needs to be flushed out before it spreads its tentacles over every country in the world turning in them into minor Swatz valleys of Pakistan where music is banned, T.V Cables disconnected, men look like replicas of each other with uncut beards, kids abandon toys and are encouraged to play with knives and guns slitting toddlers’ throats while others catch these on their mobile cameras like it is an exciting day’s event.
Perhaps the president needs to lend his ear to the grieving families of the victims of terror and hear their stories as well.

High in the lap of the Himalayas about 3,200 m to 6,675 m in altitude in the Chamoli district of Uttrakhand lies an enchanting valley bejeweled with flowers of such beauty and variety that perhaps few have seen in their lives. Here fairies are rumored to dwell and people of many faiths make a pilgrimage to this valley for indeed something of a divine panorama seems to engulf this verdant “Valley of Flowers”.
Called by the locals as Bhyundar Valley or the playground of Fairies and Nymphs — it remained tucked away and unknown to the world due to its altitude and inaccessibility till 1938 when the British mountaineer and botanist Frank S. Smythe stumbled upon in it during the monsoon season and awed by its magnificence wrote a book about it called “The Valley of Flowers” thus making it popular amongst the western world.
“I hope generously, my ignorance must judge for myself whether the Bhyundar Valley deserves its title the Valley of Flowers. Others will visit it, analyze it and probe it but, whatever their opinions, to me it will remain the ‘Valley of Flowers’ a valley of peace and perfect beauty where the human spirit may find repose” — Frank S. Smythe

Home to glaciers the smooth curved shape of the valley emerged as a result of pulverization of the rocks due to expanding and retreating glaciers. Rich in a variety of flora and fauna the site has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2005 as part of the Nanda Devi National Park. The valley is located strategically at the confluence of the Zanskar and Great Himalayan ranges. The result is a heady mix of Eastern and Western Himalaya flora comprising internationally threatened plant species and medicinal plants many of which have not been recorded in the rest of Uttrakhand and a couple not found even in Nanda Devi National Park.
As for the Fauna the valley is home to a number of endangered species such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. Also seven bird species are endemic to this region. A visitor often spots the Himalayan Musk deer, yellow throated Marten and varied butterflies however spotting one of the endangered species is a rare.
The valley abounds in flora such as the Lilies, Daisies, Pansy, Poppy, Saxifrags, Sediams, Calendular, Denthus, Turmopsis, Primula, Dadiculatar, Pontitala, Geranium, Cipro Nepolysis, Holly, Zinnia, Petunia, Fox, Caropsis Dynthus and many more.
Plants of medicinal importance found here are Anemone, Geranium, Marsh, Marigold, Primula, Potentilla, Geum, Aster, Lilium, Aconite, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Bistorta, Inula, Saussurea Abvallata, Campanula, Pedicularis, Trysimum, Morina, Impetiens, Ligularia, Anaphalis Saxifraga, Lobelia, Thermophis, Trolises, Aquilogia, Codonopsis Dactylorhiza and Cypripedium.
Infact it is believed that the Valley contains the rootstock of almost all High range Alpine flowers and medicinal plants. The rare Himalayan blue poppy, the Brahma Kamal known as the king of the Himalayan flowers, the rare medicinal plant known as Arum whose head resembles that of the cobra also thrive here.
The valley is serenaded by majestic snow capped peaks that glint like silver during the monsoon rains. The Pushpawati river emerging from the glaciers near Rataban and Nilgiri ranges divides the valley into east and a more easily accessible western part while its many subsidiary streams irrigate the valley.
There exist various subsidiary valleys carved out of retreating glaciers most notable amongst them is the on the banks of Donagair Garh stream where flowers of exquisite scents grow. On the left bank of Pushpawati lies Nag Tal or the place of cobras which is for a reason as the flowers growing here are known for their poisonous quality.
The valley being preserved in its natural splendor no paths to see its varied flowers exist and so one has to make their own way through the dense foliage or be content to view from a higher point. Small streams run through the course of the valley some having bridges and while some not, requiring one to wade through.
The locals warn the tourists from wandering too deep into the valley for they believe that fairies carry away people who wander to deep into their abode.
A solitary gravestone stands here in memory of Miss Margarate Legge, a botanist who came on deputation from Edinburgh for her research in 1939 and lost her life while attempting to gather samples for her study on a slope at the valley. The stone was erected by her sister who later visited her grave where the locals had laid her. On it are engraved the words,
“I will lift mine eyes
unto the Hills
from whence cometh my strength”
The Seasons
The Valley comes alive in April when the snow begins to melt. A riot of colors burst forth from buried seeds. By June rains to the exuberance of the valley are added shades of pink and bright red of Balsam, Geraniums, Lady’s slippers and Orchids while the yellow, purple and white of the Primulas, Anemenoes, Anaphalles and Potentillas contrast with them. The colour yellow takes over the face of the valley by the end of July to August as Pedicularis Grandiflora and Ligularias bloom. By October the weather changes and valley awaits its first blanket of snow.
Getting there
There are two routes to the Valley one through Haldwani and the other through Rishikesh. Both the routes lead to Govindghat which is 270 km from Rishikesh and 332 kms from Haldwani. Upon reaching Govindghat one has to cross the Alaknanda River after which a bridle path along Bhyundar Ganga leads one to the Village Ghanghria which acts a base for the travelers and is 13 kms away from Govindghat. The journey from the village is by foot to the Valley of Flowers which is only 3 kms away. The best time for visiting the Valley is from late July to mid August when the blooms are at their best.

For a taste of the divine one ought to the Valley of Flowers at least once in their life time!

With over 75% of Uttrakhand’s population living in villages with scarce medical facilities the Infant Mortality rate for the state is reported to be 42 per thousand live births. Around 89% of the babies are delivered at home with no nurses, midwives or doctors to attend to them at this crucial time.

Harsh climate, difficult terrain, scarcity of water and gender discriminatory practices make life a struggle for these women of the hills.

Ironically with one third of the Uttrakhand’s population falling within the highest wealth index it is a sad that poverty still holds its grip amongst the hilly terrain of this state. Crime against women in the state has been on the rise from year to year in 2006 alone 91 rapes, 52 dowry deaths, 48 murders and 138 abductions and other crimes were reported with the district of Haridwar topping the list in such crimes.

In comparison to their counterparts on the plains, the women of Uttrakhand especially on the high altitudes lead difficult lives amidst harsh weather conditions and glaring lack of basic amenities. It is time that humanitarian efforts are made to ease their day to day burden and bring to light their daily plight.

A Merry heart is like a medicine, and in these times of strain and stress people around the world await eagerly, the arrival of Christmas. In countries such as Britain and U.S carols begin playing at departmental stores by Mid-October and November. Unlike other religions Christians have few festivals to celebrate, thus Christmas is indeed a Big day as the Christmas wish goes in northern India “Bada Din Mubarak”(Big day wishes to you!)

While the date of Christ’s actual birth is controversial causing some of the Eastern Orthodox Churches to celebrate Christmas at 7th of January and Armenian Christians celebrate Christmas on 6th of January the common man delights in the simple thought of Christ having come into the world, regardless of whether the date is scientifically accurate or not.
It is the pull of communal togetherness, festivity and family gatherings that makes Christmas such a special time as it is.

In 1647 century Christmas was outlawed by the Puritanical Parliament which triumphed over Charles I of England —–but not for long. The common man revolted and it began to be celebrated at even a grander scale with the royalty of England leading the way and combining more traditions into the celebrations such as the import of German tradition of Decorating a Christmas tree by the then Queen Victoria and her German-born husband Prince Albert in 1835.

Even in the land known for its Statue of liberty, Christmas happened to be outlawed in Boston during (1659-81), but the rest of U.S took part in the celebration. Christmas was ultimately declared a Federal Holiday in the U.S in 1870.
Thus, the need for joy of fellowship with God, warmth of a loving family and communal togetherness and are the primal needs of man. The date of Christmas today, might not be historically correct but it is better than not celebrating the birth of Jesus at all. Christmas also bonds the family members with each other and with God, as they spend time with each other singing carols amidst fun, food and festivity. In a time when productivity and activity is valued greatly, is important to keep in view that it is our relationship with our family, community and God, which gives meaning and value to our existence. Being human, we cannot survive on work or money alone without the love, support and comfort of a loving family and deep trust and faith in God our Father.

The attacks that froze Mumbai on its tracks could well be scenes from a spine-chilling horror movie. But perhaps they beat even these as the murderers in the horror movie SCREAM killed people one at a time, the guys here killed dozens at a go.

Nearly 180 died and that makes for a nearly 180 grieving families with the family member’s lives disturbed,scarred and wounded.
Perhaps the guys there did it for just the 2 lakhs promised to their families but must buying happiness for ones’ family need scar the lives of 180 other families. Even in custody the only terrorist caught alive pleads for death for fear his family in Pakistan will be killed if he is not.

Has love for his family distorted his values and world view? He grew up in poverty and perhaps this gruesome mission was his only way of escape out of it!

Or what does one say of the fact that the 10 terrorists believed they would get away unscathed and return in peace to their country?
Perhaps they had been brainwashed so much that reality no more existed for them, all that existed was the thought of their families befitting from this job, of living out their trainer’s ideologies.

Young people need to be aware of such bargainers of souls who talk one out one’s values, of concern for others and welcome you into a world filled with hate, revenge and gruesomeness.

While lining up 17 guests to be shot at the Taj an old lady dared asked one of the terrorists why they were doing it and there came the reply `Apney Godhra me train me kya kiya tha?’

The 17 guests lined up perhaps were never at the site at Godhra when the said incident occurred but that didnt stop these terrorists from playing tit for tat or perhaps they had no other reason to validate their actions. If Godhra was the cause why not attack Gujarat instead of Mumbai?

If the game of tit for tat went on perhaps we all would witness the annihilation of the world.
But did these guys really buy happiness for their families or they bought curses, disgust an hatred?

The youths of today need to realize that in their quest for name, fame and money they do not take shortcuts that cause them to be ashamed globally, loose their lives bring shame on their families and earn the disgust of the world at large.

The happiness of donning the Versace T-shirt by the terrorist wasn’t worth the giving his away his life for, or the momentary happiness of his family for the grief and loss of 180 others. Perhaps we all need to readjust our values that are moving towards a more important me and my family in comparison with the happiness of and wellbeing of all.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction and this stands true for us as global family whose every action affects another.

Moreover I wish that the NGO’s and other Global organizations would try to understand the need for generation of gainful employment opportunities in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan - both hotbeds of terrorism.

Perhaps the global curse of terrorism can be countered by simply creating jobs and assisting the growth of these economies.
Perhaps it is the economic disparity of rich and poor nation that is bringing about such manifestations of violent frustrations.

I wonder if these terrorists would have agreed to work for any UN organization for a offer of 2 lakhs, perhaps they would have!