Gujarat Election 2012:
Expected result as per my openion : Congres + GPP
Expected result as per my openion : Congres + GPP
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Monday, March 29, 2010
Picnic Place "Galteshwar" Near Vadodara in Gujarat State of India
One can easily reach Galteshwar by the State Transport buses from Vadodara, Ahmedabad, or Anand. The bus fare from Vadodara is around Rs.25 (60 cents) per head and takes around two hours to reach Galteshwar. The famous
Ranchodrai temple of Dakor is only 15 miles away from Galteshwar. Hence, most of the visitors combine the visit of Dakor and Galteshwar for convenience. Galteshwar is situated at the bank of River Narmada. Though, Narmada River here is not as wide as it generally is at other places, its beauty is really eye-catching. However, the water flows very speedily here at Galteshwar in the River Narmada and hence, offers a wonderful experience of taking a bath in it. The leisurely bath of around couple of hours here can really freshen up all the tourists. There is a very ancient sun temple here at Galteshwar, which is around 3000 years old. There are most beautifully engraved stone statues of the human beings involved in all sorts of sexual positions. Even though the statues show the sex in its most primitive way, it does not generate any dirty sexual feelings in our minds. The statue of Lord Sun is installed at this temple, which is made of black, smooth stones. The statue and the main entrance of the temples are arranged in such a way that the first ray of the sun at the time of the sunrise everyday falls first directly in the eyes of the statue of Lord Sun. there is one small water reservoir here at the temple. Taking a bath in this water reservoir prior to entering the temple is considered very holy for all the visitors. Though it is not very safe to take bath in it now a days as the water in this reservoir is very dirty.
There are no restaurants or hotels here that serve nice, clean food items. Hence, it would be the best to carry your own food supply with you from your home or hotel, wherever you are staying. The mineral water for drinking purposes also must be carried with you. There are some small restaurants that can supply tea or coffee or the hot milk with the traditional Indian snack items. However, it would be best to avoid them. One can start from Vadodara at around 7 am in the morning, reach Dakor Ranchodrai temple at around 8.30 am. The Dakor temple darshanas can be done up to 10.30 am and then reach Galteshwar at around 11 am. One can start back from Galteshwar at around 5 pm after leisurely bath, picnic lunch, and the temple visit at Galteshwar and reach Vadodara city by around 7 pm in the evening. It can be the most memorable outing of one day in this region. However, please do not enter in to the deep water in the Narmada River, as there are many twisters in this River that can pull anybody inside it. There have been instances of such deaths due to drowning in the Narmada River.
I have myself visited Galteshwar on many occasions and have enjoyed it each time. Hence, I would request all my AC readers to please include Galteshwar in their list of places to be visited during their stay in the Gujarat State.
Ranchodrai temple of Dakor is only 15 miles away from Galteshwar. Hence, most of the visitors combine the visit of Dakor and Galteshwar for convenience. Galteshwar is situated at the bank of River Narmada. Though, Narmada River here is not as wide as it generally is at other places, its beauty is really eye-catching. However, the water flows very speedily here at Galteshwar in the River Narmada and hence, offers a wonderful experience of taking a bath in it. The leisurely bath of around couple of hours here can really freshen up all the tourists. There is a very ancient sun temple here at Galteshwar, which is around 3000 years old. There are most beautifully engraved stone statues of the human beings involved in all sorts of sexual positions. Even though the statues show the sex in its most primitive way, it does not generate any dirty sexual feelings in our minds. The statue of Lord Sun is installed at this temple, which is made of black, smooth stones. The statue and the main entrance of the temples are arranged in such a way that the first ray of the sun at the time of the sunrise everyday falls first directly in the eyes of the statue of Lord Sun. there is one small water reservoir here at the temple. Taking a bath in this water reservoir prior to entering the temple is considered very holy for all the visitors. Though it is not very safe to take bath in it now a days as the water in this reservoir is very dirty.
There are no restaurants or hotels here that serve nice, clean food items. Hence, it would be the best to carry your own food supply with you from your home or hotel, wherever you are staying. The mineral water for drinking purposes also must be carried with you. There are some small restaurants that can supply tea or coffee or the hot milk with the traditional Indian snack items. However, it would be best to avoid them. One can start from Vadodara at around 7 am in the morning, reach Dakor Ranchodrai temple at around 8.30 am. The Dakor temple darshanas can be done up to 10.30 am and then reach Galteshwar at around 11 am. One can start back from Galteshwar at around 5 pm after leisurely bath, picnic lunch, and the temple visit at Galteshwar and reach Vadodara city by around 7 pm in the evening. It can be the most memorable outing of one day in this region. However, please do not enter in to the deep water in the Narmada River, as there are many twisters in this River that can pull anybody inside it. There have been instances of such deaths due to drowning in the Narmada River.
I have myself visited Galteshwar on many occasions and have enjoyed it each time. Hence, I would request all my AC readers to please include Galteshwar in their list of places to be visited during their stay in the Gujarat State.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Picnic Place in Gujarat
In this article I will cover some popular and some un-popular but very good places to see across Gujarat in single piece. List of places which we will cover in this article,
Mahakali mandir in mountains (abu road), Sundha Mata (near to abu road), Zanzari (near Dahegam), Rupal (near Gandhinagar), Balaram (near Palanpur), Delwada (original delwada village not mount abu one, near to poshina), Galteshwar (near Dakor), Tua & Timba (near Godhra), Mangadh (near Santrampur), Untadia Mahadev (near Kapadvanj), NAL Sarovar (near Sanand), Parieej Lake & Kanewal Lake (near Kheda), Khambhoda (near Gondal), Harsidhdhi (near porbander) …………………………
I will try to give maximum information of place which I have visited like near big town, how to reach there by roads, detail about place, hotels etc. Now going by above order.
Most of us Gujjus have visited Mount Abu, because it is more convenient and somehow better than Saputara. To reach mount abu we need to cross Abu Road town first, when we cross the river bridge of Abu Road, there is cross road, straight way goes for Abu and on left hand side we can go to Sundha Mata. So on this Sundha Mata road just after 1 or 1.5 Km, if you turn right hand side towards mountains at the distance of 2-3 Km, there is beautiful and ancient Mahakali mandir and one old Rishi Ashram with Shiv Mandir. The location is damn good specially in rainy season, in the hills and ancient. Prefer to go there in rainy season. Here are some photographs of the same
SUNDHAMATA: It is somewhere around 70Km away from Abu Road, but it is also worth watching place, now there is Ropeway facility is also available, good bhojanalaya and pathikashrams for stay. Mataji mandir is on hill side, it is in between three mountains and on the fourth side very narrow road is there. So ultimately very food place to visit. There is one small waterfall to watch out. Some snaps.
ZANZARI: It is located at Near Dahegam, approximately 30-35 km away from dahegam, while dahegam is 20-25Km away from Ahmedabad. So in Zanzari you will find lots of walking and one beautiful natural waterfall on the river Meshwo. Location is very good. You can also take a bath there. Nice outing place for one day outers. Preferrred season Sep-Dec. You have to park your car some 2Km away from the spot and then you have to walk for the actual spot. But good parking arrangement.
RUPAL: As this place is near to my hometown Gandhinagar. I will tell you in detail. This is some 10-12Km away from Gandhinagar towards Mehsana side. You all might have heard Rupal ni Palli, yes it is the same place. There is one big Temple with new look, all the basic facilities on the main road. Now the PALLI is done during Dushera night, around 5-6Lac of pure ghee dropped on the Palli (it is wooden make carrier for Mataji Bimb), I have seen the actual one, how it is made. It is made by some Prajapatis in the village, then Rajput made some tilak from his ancient sword and then the Palli starts moving all over the village on some predefined route. During the route at each and every place people are ready with Ghee in pips and buckets, when the palli pass through, they pour it on the palli. Last year around 5-6Lac pure Ghee has been poured. There are lacs of people to watch the same. It was rally amazing experience. I, myself had walked in Ghee where level of the Ghee on the road is about 5-6 Inches.
There is a video link of the same. You can see at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DRZN2yZKzA
BALARAM: This place is located near Palanpur, about 15-20Km away, toward Abu road side. Famous Palanpur resort or BALARAM palace is located near the place. There is a one small waterfall there from some unidentified location, which keep running all over the year and made abhishek on one very good Mahadev Mandir there. There is a one river in front of this temple and small checkdam nearby. The main charm is the location, the slope there and the very cold and natural water that keeps flowing. You can fill your water bottle there with the water that abhishek on shivaling, which is really amazing. If you in rainy season you will have chance of bath in the river, otherwise it is dry after Jan. There is a right hand turn about 10-15 KM from palanpur towards abu road, and this place is just 1-2 km away from there. You can go to AMBAJI on this single track road, which is again very good experience, as small mountains, the landscape and roads like snake body. Ambaji is some 50-55Km from there. One can 5* stay at Balaram resort which is ancient palace.
DELWADA: You all have heard and might have seen Delwada na Dera in Mount Abu. But here I am talking about actual Delwada village, which located near Ambaji. Not much near, because this village is some 30-35Km away from the Poshina, which fall in the Ambaji-Himmatnagar highway. You need to reach first Poshina and then Delwada. Now the real charm about the village is that, it is located at the meeting place of the 7 rivers ( I know only hathmati among them). Two weeks after Holi in the month of March/April, the Chitra Vichitra Fair is held at the confluence of three rivers near the village of Poshina. The fair is attended by tribals in great numbers, sometimes exceeding 60,000. The site is believed to date from the time of the Mahabharata, when Chitraveer and Vichitraveer are said to have repented at the Shiva temple, around which the fair is centred. This fair, one of the largest, purely 'Adivasi' (tribal) fairs is attended by around 60,000 to 70,000 tribal people. Most of the young man who came their to choose brides wear a goggles. Actually my father was a doctor there when I was 2 years old and we specially go there after some 20 years to revise the old memories. Second attraction there is very very deep aaras mines. Now one strange thing about that temple, you can see and feel some gold elements on the ground which is illusion only. Actually there is centuries old stone in that shiva temple, on which something is written in old Gujarati Language or some other language, meaning of same is something like this “whoever build my temple taller than Taranga hill will get this gold”. Now Taranga hill is again good place to visit on the way from Kheralu towards Ambaji.
GALTESHWAR: This place is located near Dakor, a famous Ranchodray(Shri Krishna) Temple. No need to give detail about this. Now the Galteshwar is somewhere around 20Km away from the Dakor towards Godhra. There is right turn after Thasra for the same. It is really awesome place as it is located on heights from the mahi river. There is big rocks everywhere in the river. Actually this place known for its quarry works. There is one very old Shiva temple there which is multi storied temple previously, but it is believed that Mohamud Ghori has cut this temple to only single storied. You can the see the same once you visit the temple physically. Strange thing is that the temple is located some 8-10 Meters height from the river, but one can actual feel the flow of river in its shivlinga, which is deeper by some one hand other than normal shivlings. You can have feel of Somnath temple here. There is a beautiful waterfall near to temple and you can take the bath in the actual river there which is very rocky. Location is again very good. Morning time will be best.
I will post about the other locations after seeing the response from the readers. My intention is not the clicks and traffic on this site, but I would like to have positive/negative feedback, some extra information about these places as one may be native to these places, some interest/encouragement shown by the readers. I want to share everything I know and expect the same from others.
PHOTOS:
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 11:04 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Current Gujarat bashing problem and solution
Current Anti-Gujarat movement by Media and solutions for the same.
By Himanshu Acharya
In today’s media Gujarat-bashing and Modi-bashing is the fulltime business. This applies to print media also not only electronic media. Every channel which needs TRP booster do start Gujarat and Modi bashing and what are thier handy words;
Secularism * Gujarat Riot 2002 * Hitler * Communal * Saffron state * more than 2000 muslims killed * Autocracy * and many more …………..
We gujjus are now acquainted with this because we know the reality on ground, so we simply don’t care about it or ignore it. But wait dear friends, do you know what impact it made on other states, there single source of information is national media and when all media channels shows same picture they simply get the same. All other states people see Gujarat as communal, they know little bit about development works going on in Gujarat, but all know about 2002 and MODI’s role clearly.
Channels like TIMESNOW, NEWSX when started gave neutral views, but as the time passes they are also come in the queue of NDTV, STARTTV, INDIATV, ZEENEWS and the worst IBN7 ……
Just give you today’s example, in Rajkot zoo one black buck has been killed by probably stray dogs in the cage, now NEWX reports it in this way: They start with story of Salman Khan and chinkara killing incident happened in Kutch, and try to relate it with this Rajkot incident (without any logic)
These channels will not ask Hon’ble Rahul & Soniya Gandhi any tough questions, but they will surely ask Modi to apologize on LIVE TV show for 2002.
These channels will not show development, unique schemes implemented by Gujarat, but they will surely show single speech/statement given by Rahul, or any Shaktisinh or any other congress leaders. The worst is Manish Tiwari and Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
These channels will not show more than 110+ cases of encounter in small state Manipur alone, more than 100 cases in Maharaashtra, 87 cases in AP, but they will surely show merely 8 cases of Gujarat Encounter for whole day.
Although no channel is talking about Agriculture development seriously, but whenever they shows regarding the same they will show 2.5% growth rate, poor monsoon, poor farmers etc for their fancy stories but they will never show more than 10% agriculture growth rate of Gujarat and farmers income trilled in last 5 years.
These channels will not show that Supreme/High Court has given stay on
• Andhra Govt’s bill of 4% reservations to Muslims twice, same
• Andhra Govt bill of free trip of Christian to Jerusalem in Andhra,
• Keral Govt bill of making Govt Company which provides interest free loans to Muslims only and report to sharia board,
• Maharashtra Govt bill to promote companies which made bear out of Makka, Juwar, Bajra
But they will surely debate for full two days on
• Gujarat Govt’s Bill of GUJCOC which is similar to already implemented Maharshtra and Delhi law,
• compulsory voting bill
So what is the solution now, the key question:
• We all are mostly aware of all above things, we think a lot also, but ultimately we gave up by thinking that; Nothing can be happened in current scenario,
• There will be no effect of our efforts
• We feel satisfied in writing 2-3 comments in one of such articles.
• Some of us also feels that “I don’t care”, may be currently they are not affected, but in future they will.
• I have tried to change it but failed
• And many more excuses
But wait, there are some solutions and some persons who do not think so, they have tried in their own way and succeeded. And our solution lies in the same only. We have to do the same thing what they are doing, because there are only few examples.
There is a person called Mr. Subramanyam Swamy, who is from Chennai and head of JANATA PARTY, his party presence is not that much, but he stands up in every issues that affects unity of India, culture of India. Lets have a look what he did and how he did it and success he got
• He has filed petition in Supreme Court regarding RAM SETHU and argued very well with all the evidence, so that currently Supreme Court has stayed the dredging process on RAM SETHU. He has also unveiled link of Karunanidhi and his family member links into crores of dredging business.
• He has filed petition in the case of Kerala Govt’s decision on forming Muslim Corporation and got stay on that
• He has filled petition on Sonia’s origin but he failed in that case.
• He has recently filled petition to open the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya for Hindu Prayers,
• He has filed petition and got stay in the case of Chidambaram Temple transfer case.
• The list is very long and he got success in most of the cases.
• You can visit this blog to know more about him and other ongoing issues. janamejayan.wordpress.com/
Now the second solution: Become RTI activist.
There are many success stories in RTI field where Govt irregularities have been exposed by the RTI activists. You ask for information and govt has to give it. See this blog, how this man has utilized the RTI ACT.
rakesh-will-do-it.blogspot.com, www.rtiindia.org
Now the Third Solution: Become active member any nationalistic organization and work selflessly.
Now some practical solutions which we can combine workout:
Arrange fund of something like 15-20 Lacs (NRG help required), there are so many senior citizens who were good lawyers, we may find the same from our local area or gardens, motivate them, give them financial support to file petition against Central Govt or any person who speaks venom against Gujarat be it any news channel or any party. Our intellectual level is far more superior so we may not have problem in arguments in court. Central Govt has engaged Modi in 2002 and sohrabuddin and Ishrat Jahan cases, let’s now do the same to them.
We all were talking about need about our own national media channel which shows the real news and gives accurate information. But this seems still far from reality. But we have once such example which we had used during Gujarat Elections 2007. There was a Gujarat Channel aired on all cable operators in Gujarat on which continuous CDs of Gujarat Development has been shown. This channel has been stopped twice by congress under some law. We need to start it once again and with some more programs and news. All technical arrangement of same channel was done by one Ahmedabad based company which is active in this business. With the help of our NRG friends and local lawyers we can start the same channel on national level. It was web cast channel, which is directly shown on local cable operator network.
Use senior citizens maximum for their knowledge and expertise. Readers please give your practical solution by comments and more than that lets do some concrete, not only talk act also. Don’t just be happy on others take or action do it yourself also.
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 2:32 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: gujarat
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
For all Gujju food lovers part-1
To all my Tasty Food loving Gujjus---From the soul of my stomach
By Himanshu Acharya
By default, Gujju’s are food loving guys. They always in the mood of exploring new food spots and at the same time they don’t let go their original or you can say their fix food spots. So keeping in mind the same, herewith I will give you some very food spots across whole Gujarat, not only in Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar. Readers are not only encouraged but requested to fill the list at the max so that all are benefited. I mean to say comment more and more by giving more and more good places for food all over Gujarat. Let’s do it together both increase sales of these guys and our west size (tummy).
Let’s start it with in traditional style, from holy place called “DAKOR”:
You all have heard and tasted “MAGANVALLABH NA GOTA” from Dakor,, yes that very spicy in taste, very big, dark and served with curd opposite to Main temple in DAKOR. Many ladies bought “GOTA no LOT” from Dakor and later make it at home. But here I would like to inform you all about some other places in same DAKOR, which you tested once, will never forgot.
There is one place called VADABAZAR in Dakor and there one old temple under Baniyan Tree, exact adjacent to that temple there is one traditional gotawala called “CHETAN GOTAWALO”, who opens his shop only during morning 8 to 11 during whole day. But his gota is excellent, I visits Dakor generally 4-5 times during a year, but till date I had hardly tested MAGAN na gota 2-3 time but I visit CHETAN GOTA center each time without fail.
Second one is “BAHERA BOBDA’s VATIDAL NA KHAMAN”. This one is my most favorite as this khaman is soft and very spicy. This person is totally Deaf and Dumb, he only talk with us in terms of finger pointing. There is price list there, we have to point our finger toward 250G or 500G and he will pack accordingly. I can bet with you guys, you may buy from him once because of soreness, but you will surely buy second time because of taste. This place is near temple Gaushala, just ask anybody around the main temple he will definitely show you the way, it is very near to main temple.
If you go from Ahmedabad, both places com before the main temple
My Second one is Gandhinagar, as I am from Gandhinagar itself.
There is not any known place here like Dakor (gota). But I will tell you some places where you can find some very good one.
In sector-21, there is Saurashtra Pharsan House, in main Shopping Center. It is very famous and anyone in sector-21 can show you the way. Try here SAMOSA with his special Dalwali chutney, I have tested samosa at more than 100 places, but this one is unique in taste. I was generally visit the same once in a week. Specially hot samosa with chutney is really cool around 9AM
In sector-6, near Gh-2 petrol pump, there is one Rikshaw standing after 4PM everyday, his VADAPAV and DABELI is excellent. He uses special garlic dry chutney for vadapav. His vadapav is 1000% times better than original Mumbai VADAPAV. I can tell you the same as I am currently staying in Mumbai more than a year and eating vadapav regularly.
In Sector-22, Panchdev ni Panipuri, this panipuiriwalo is standing opposite to famous Panchdev Mandir, and his panipuri is highest TIKHKHI and tasty among all. Please note that there are so many puriwala’s standing there, you go to one where there is maximum crowd.
There is a TRIMANDIR (Dada Bhagvan one) near Adalaj chokdi. There is a restaurant in the mandir primacies, but go for BHOJANALYA of mandir itself, which is some 200-300 meter away from mandir, you can get the passes from mandir office (near shoe stand), it is relatively very cheap (15-20Rs). They give very simple food but taste is really good, it is worth tasting once. You can use this facility if you are coming or going from Ahmedabad-Mehsana highway.
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 4:48 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Labels: food
Monday, December 28, 2009
To all Gujju Food Lovers part 2
For Ahmedabad, I would like to hear from readers. But I can’t stop myself referring one very good spot for Ganthiya lovers residing in satellite, bopal (new Ahmedabad).
Sanand is just 13KM away from Sarkhej, but this will be worth for food lover specially Ganthiya lovers. In sanand, on the main road itself (right side corner), near the Gadhiya Lake (talav), there is SAURASHTRA GANTHIYA HOUSE. His ganthiyas are as usual but main thing is his chutney (capcicum crushed chutney and special power on the ganthiya), which again I bet you will never find in original Saurashtra also. This one is my most favorite. You will surely not go to GANTHIYA RATH near to your house again once you taste this one.
If you are ahmedabadi, then will surely know Mother Dairy located near Indira Bridge(Bhat). Here I suggest you to go for AMUL PIZA, which is originally made in the same mother dairy as this dairy is affiliated to AMUL. Once you taste this 40 Rs or higher pizza, you will surely forget US pizza and pizzahut. I remember there was very small outlet outside dairy gate some 3-4 years ago and they sold daily 40-50 pizza when they started. Today they sold nearly 400-500 piza during weekdays and during weekend this touched to 1000 as well. It opens during morning 8 to night 11. Specialty thing here is their OWEN, which is very large and chain operated. You might have tasted Amul pizza somewhere else, but then also I suggest you too taste it once here, it is all different thing.
Now moving towards the Saurashtra region, on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway, there are so many hotels in between. There is one in Chotila called LALA RAGHUVANSHI KATHIAWADI HOTEL, which serves real kathiawadi food, specially at night. In one thali there is rotla, kadhi, khidi, special vadhvani marcha, and lot many other things. It requires 2-3 people to finish one thali. Taste is very good.
Now in Rajkot, there is one famous BHELWALo on Yagnik road, rest readers have to add.
Now this one from Kutch region, on the way to MATA NO MADH, just before the same (almost five kilometer before) on the turning there is one DHABA type hotel. Location is really good; some says District Collector would also like to eat here during the official visits in this region. Food is like full thali and chas with some very good sweet. There is a small hill exact behind the DHABA.
In Surat, LOCHO is famous but I like it least.
But you can find Fresh NEERO (previous state of TADI), near the SURAT railway station. There is one place called Neera Bhavan on first floor of building, where you can have fresh neero in early morning also. Actually morning is the best time to have neero. It tastes like carbonated nariyel pani.
There is also one shop (Jalaram Khidi House) where you can find varieties of only KHICHDI on rander road, near new pani ni tanki, near sahaj store.
In Vadodara, there is one very famous thing from MANGAL BAZAR, a KACHORI. You should have taste it once. Also LILO CHEVDO is altime famous, but you should beware of fraud one. Go for original JAGDISH, it really matters here in this case.
In Nadiad, near Santram Mandir, towards Dakor side, just opposite to one theatre, there is one shop (I think its name is Yashoda), where you can find very good dry KACHORI (tuver wali - small round one) and SEV KHAMANI with special chutney.
In Khambhat, you might have heard about Khambat’s HALVASAN and Suterfeni, these both things are good here. But I would like to draw your attention towards one special thing which got enormous appreciation wherever I carry it (in podicherry also people like it). There is one shop called RK chavan mart, which only sold PAPADIYU CHAVANU, I again bet you, will not stop after eating one bite of this chavanu. But go for original RK only hich is situated at PITH area, near Zanda Chowk. Friends of mine who are reading this post will surely remember it.
In Ambaji, there is Mandir trust run Bhojanalaya, which is the best place to eat there. It is situated on the main road.
In Surendranagar, Sikander ni SING (groundnut) is very famous on main bazaar road. Other thing is Rajeshwari Farsan’s SEV-MAMRA which is exported by them.
All above things are personally tasted by me at particular place, and not only once but frequently/whenever I got chance. I am sure real food/junk food lover has definitely read until this line and he will also write his favorite one from his own city in the comments.
But Above all, best food in the whole world I have ever tested and tested until writing this post is My Mother (who forgets salt, chilly and many thing frequently now because of age), my SAS (mother in law) and my wife. I am saying this not only because of affection towards them, but really tastewise they cook everything better then all above. Especially mothers’s Undhiyu, SaS’s Punjabi dishes and wife’s alu parotha, dal dhokli (generally we eat once in a week) and many more things.
Amir Khan can only tell you “ALL IS WEL”, but I will give the same by saying that “ALL ARE WELCOME” to my home for testing. Please populate this comments list so that this post becomes precious posts ever till date. Add maximum places so that everyone can be benefitted.
Author can be reached at himanshu.acharya@gmail.com
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 5:53 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: food
Sunday, December 20, 2009
IWDMS: Failed twice in other states, running successfully in Gujarat
IWDMS: Failed twice in other states, running successfully in Gujarat.
By Himanshu Acharya
Earlier so many people had asked/suggested/shouted for transparency in Government working style, accountability of officers, Speedy work like corporate, No Document loss in Government Offices and many more things which they see in their private offices, corporate culture.
But Now Gujarat Government has the answer which most of the readers don’t know/aware OR if they know, knowledge is very limited. Today I will provide you in detail article on IWDMS system. This system is currently used by all Govt offices in Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad, which includes Board/Nigam/Corporations since 2005. Initially usage was low, but gradually it has been increased with constant effort, training, and most important Government’s strong vision. First lets see;
What is IWDMS: Integrated Workflow and Document Management System.
This is custom software is made by M/s TCS as per the E-Gov initiative of Government of Gujarat. It fulfils mainly below points, while there are so many minor benefits also.
1) To provide transparency in the Government procedures
2) Which speed up the routine procedures,
3) Which digitise the Govt records, GO, resolutions, online service book, leave management etc
4) Which unify the Govt communication.
5) Which provides traceability of records.
6) Which provides accountability to the Govt. officers.
7) Above all provides green working environment, very less papers.
This common software is developed by M/s TCS. It is based on Govt Manual and general procedures followed by various government departments.
Now the some history of this software:
Our Govt is using this software since 2005. Govt of AP and Tamilnadu had used the similar software developed by same M/s TCS in their respective states earlier in 2003-04. They failed to continue with such software for long time (it ends in almost 2 years). The possible reasons are:
1) Main and most proven thing is Govt. Officers attitude.
2) Poor knowledge of computer and systems
3) Poor software training or training on paper only.
4) Some process takes more time than manual.
5) Last reason “They have to do work with accountability”, you can relate this with first reason.
So what Gujarat Government has done to cope all above possible reason to run successfully this project. We will discuss on same further, but let us have first common idea about govt working style.
Suppose there is one department, there are total 25 departments in Gujarat Govt. Now the structure is like this low level officerSection officer (SO)Under Secretary(US)Deputy Secretary(DS)Secretary(SEC). Now low level officer receives tappals marked for his department from the registry. He simply forward it to respective SO or US, they read the tappal and give the instructions like in put up a new file, or file that tappal in any ongoing file and put up OR simply record that tappal without any action.
There are bunch of physical files with every officer, you might have seen their table full with files. This is their main duty. Sometime some files are missing, lost or intentionally blackout. Now to solve this problem above said IWDMS project come to picture.
In IWDMS system, each tappal is the Central registry receives is converted into PDF and sent to respective department’s low level officer. He does the same as said above but only difference is electronically. He has to clear all his tappal from his folder within a day, then respective officers frequently checks their folder and instruct their subordinates what to on that tappal. Whole new files created based on that tappal electronically or Tappal is sent to archive. There is also provision of digitizing old physical files through scanning of the same.
Please don’t stop your imagination here, there are lot more uses of IWDMS. Like
1)E-filing 2) Easy archiving 3) Department specific application integration with common username and password 4) emailing in built 5) some forums are available for some specific purpose 6) reporting, etc and many more
Now one may think that how Gujarat Govt can do what other two can’t?
The reason is Gujarat Govt has made the IWDMS system in line with office manual; they don’t stick with age old rules, but become liberal where required. They first asked M/s TCS to study the system and instructed to make changes accordingly.
Second, there was a compulsory training for particular software for the Govt employees in Gandhinagar. This was done thrice not twice.
Strict orders from high ranks to follow the system and weekly, monthly monitoring is there in each department. Periodic assessment done by Chief Secretary (next to CM) level.
There is constant support from M/s TCS for whole three years in each department, so that minor issues can be solved easily and in timely manner. System got changed many times as it got evaluated.
It is true that there are majority of 50+ age persons in SO and LOW level officers as there is no direct recruitment in almost last 15 years. But then also they supported the system in good manner. There was some unhappiness or attitude problem in early years, but got resolved gradually.
This system is used by almost 11000+ Govt employees in Gandhinagar Secretariat and borad/Nigams offices. Initially there was only 25-50% use in most of the departments, only some 3-4 departments use this system optimally. But now due to constant efforts and by seeing the results itself usage is increased.
There were some instances where system got down for 2-3 hours due some technical problem, but such scenario was very rare. There is strict SLA and monitoring mechanism there.
IWDMS Project was selected by Public Sector Technology and Management Magazine, Singapore, for Government Technology Award, 2007 in the Connected Government Category.
One can find more information on the same from below link.
http://www.gujaratinformatics.com/gov/projects/depts/7_IWDMS.htm
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 4:20 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
You can find my articles published in leading Gujarati journalist Mr. Japan Pathak’s website “ DESHGUJARAT.COM ” These website has very good reader base of NRGs & main thing is that it updates hourly with latest and relevant news.
http://deshgujarat.com/2009/10/09/himanshu-acharya-writes-how-sicn-benefits-gujarat-govt/
http://deshgujarat.com/2009/10/20/himanshu-acharya-writes-gujarat-deserves-more-from-nrgs/
http://deshgujarat.com/2009/11/04/himanshu-acharya-writes%E2%80%93-gswan%E2%80%93-backbone-of-gujarat-govt1/
http://deshgujarat.com/2009/12/07/organic-agriculture-in-detail-the-right-and-ancient-way-of-agriculture/
I really thank from my heart Mr. Japan Pathak to trust me and publishing my articles and providing me the base.
Mahakali mandir in mountains (abu road), Sundha Mata (near to abu road), Zanzari (near Dahegam), Rupal (near Gandhinagar), Balaram (near Palanpur), Delwada (original delwada village not mount abu one, near to poshina), Galteshwar (near Dakor), Tua & Timba (near Godhra), Mangadh (near Santrampur), Untadia Mahadev (near Kapadvanj), NAL Sarovar (near Sanand), Parieej Lake & Kanewal Lake (near Kheda), Khambhoda (near Gondal), Harsidhdhi (near porbander) …………………………
I will try to give maximum information of place which I have visited like near big town, how to reach there by roads, detail about place, hotels etc. Now going by above order.
Most of us Gujjus have visited Mount Abu, because it is more convenient and somehow better than Saputara. To reach mount abu we need to cross Abu Road town first, when we cross the river bridge of Abu Road, there is cross road, straight way goes for Abu and on left hand side we can go to Sundha Mata. So on this Sundha Mata road just after 1 or 1.5 Km, if you turn right hand side towards mountains at the distance of 2-3 Km, there is beautiful and ancient Mahakali mandir and one old Rishi Ashram with Shiv Mandir. The location is damn good specially in rainy season, in the hills and ancient. Prefer to go there in rainy season. Here are some photographs of the same
SUNDHAMATA: It is somewhere around 70Km away from Abu Road, but it is also worth watching place, now there is Ropeway facility is also available, good bhojanalaya and pathikashrams for stay. Mataji mandir is on hill side, it is in between three mountains and on the fourth side very narrow road is there. So ultimately very food place to visit. There is one small waterfall to watch out. Some snaps.
ZANZARI: It is located at Near Dahegam, approximately 30-35 km away from dahegam, while dahegam is 20-25Km away from Ahmedabad. So in Zanzari you will find lots of walking and one beautiful natural waterfall on the river Meshwo. Location is very good. You can also take a bath there. Nice outing place for one day outers. Preferrred season Sep-Dec. You have to park your car some 2Km away from the spot and then you have to walk for the actual spot. But good parking arrangement.
RUPAL: As this place is near to my hometown Gandhinagar. I will tell you in detail. This is some 10-12Km away from Gandhinagar towards Mehsana side. You all might have heard Rupal ni Palli, yes it is the same place. There is one big Temple with new look, all the basic facilities on the main road. Now the PALLI is done during Dushera night, around 5-6Lac of pure ghee dropped on the Palli (it is wooden make carrier for Mataji Bimb), I have seen the actual one, how it is made. It is made by some Prajapatis in the village, then Rajput made some tilak from his ancient sword and then the Palli starts moving all over the village on some predefined route. During the route at each and every place people are ready with Ghee in pips and buckets, when the palli pass through, they pour it on the palli. Last year around 5-6Lac pure Ghee has been poured. There are lacs of people to watch the same. It was rally amazing experience. I, myself had walked in Ghee where level of the Ghee on the road is about 5-6 Inches.
There is a video link of the same. You can see at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DRZN2yZKzA
BALARAM: This place is located near Palanpur, about 15-20Km away, toward Abu road side. Famous Palanpur resort or BALARAM palace is located near the place. There is a one small waterfall there from some unidentified location, which keep running all over the year and made abhishek on one very good Mahadev Mandir there. There is a one river in front of this temple and small checkdam nearby. The main charm is the location, the slope there and the very cold and natural water that keeps flowing. You can fill your water bottle there with the water that abhishek on shivaling, which is really amazing. If you in rainy season you will have chance of bath in the river, otherwise it is dry after Jan. There is a right hand turn about 10-15 KM from palanpur towards abu road, and this place is just 1-2 km away from there. You can go to AMBAJI on this single track road, which is again very good experience, as small mountains, the landscape and roads like snake body. Ambaji is some 50-55Km from there. One can 5* stay at Balaram resort which is ancient palace.
DELWADA: You all have heard and might have seen Delwada na Dera in Mount Abu. But here I am talking about actual Delwada village, which located near Ambaji. Not much near, because this village is some 30-35Km away from the Poshina, which fall in the Ambaji-Himmatnagar highway. You need to reach first Poshina and then Delwada. Now the real charm about the village is that, it is located at the meeting place of the 7 rivers ( I know only hathmati among them). Two weeks after Holi in the month of March/April, the Chitra Vichitra Fair is held at the confluence of three rivers near the village of Poshina. The fair is attended by tribals in great numbers, sometimes exceeding 60,000. The site is believed to date from the time of the Mahabharata, when Chitraveer and Vichitraveer are said to have repented at the Shiva temple, around which the fair is centred. This fair, one of the largest, purely 'Adivasi' (tribal) fairs is attended by around 60,000 to 70,000 tribal people. Most of the young man who came their to choose brides wear a goggles. Actually my father was a doctor there when I was 2 years old and we specially go there after some 20 years to revise the old memories. Second attraction there is very very deep aaras mines. Now one strange thing about that temple, you can see and feel some gold elements on the ground which is illusion only. Actually there is centuries old stone in that shiva temple, on which something is written in old Gujarati Language or some other language, meaning of same is something like this “whoever build my temple taller than Taranga hill will get this gold”. Now Taranga hill is again good place to visit on the way from Kheralu towards Ambaji.
GALTESHWAR: This place is located near Dakor, a famous Ranchodray(Shri Krishna) Temple. No need to give detail about this. Now the Galteshwar is somewhere around 20Km away from the Dakor towards Godhra. There is right turn after Thasra for the same. It is really awesome place as it is located on heights from the mahi river. There is big rocks everywhere in the river. Actually this place known for its quarry works. There is one very old Shiva temple there which is multi storied temple previously, but it is believed that Mohamud Ghori has cut this temple to only single storied. You can the see the same once you visit the temple physically. Strange thing is that the temple is located some 8-10 Meters height from the river, but one can actual feel the flow of river in its shivlinga, which is deeper by some one hand other than normal shivlings. You can have feel of Somnath temple here. There is a beautiful waterfall near to temple and you can take the bath in the actual river there which is very rocky. Location is again very good. Morning time will be best.
I will post about the other locations after seeing the response from the readers. My intention is not the clicks and traffic on this site, but I would like to have positive/negative feedback, some extra information about these places as one may be native to these places, some interest/encouragement shown by the readers. I want to share everything I know and expect the same from others.
PHOTOS:
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 11:04 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Current Gujarat bashing problem and solution
Current Anti-Gujarat movement by Media and solutions for the same.
By Himanshu Acharya
In today’s media Gujarat-bashing and Modi-bashing is the fulltime business. This applies to print media also not only electronic media. Every channel which needs TRP booster do start Gujarat and Modi bashing and what are thier handy words;
Secularism * Gujarat Riot 2002 * Hitler * Communal * Saffron state * more than 2000 muslims killed * Autocracy * and many more …………..
We gujjus are now acquainted with this because we know the reality on ground, so we simply don’t care about it or ignore it. But wait dear friends, do you know what impact it made on other states, there single source of information is national media and when all media channels shows same picture they simply get the same. All other states people see Gujarat as communal, they know little bit about development works going on in Gujarat, but all know about 2002 and MODI’s role clearly.
Channels like TIMESNOW, NEWSX when started gave neutral views, but as the time passes they are also come in the queue of NDTV, STARTTV, INDIATV, ZEENEWS and the worst IBN7 ……
Just give you today’s example, in Rajkot zoo one black buck has been killed by probably stray dogs in the cage, now NEWX reports it in this way: They start with story of Salman Khan and chinkara killing incident happened in Kutch, and try to relate it with this Rajkot incident (without any logic)
These channels will not ask Hon’ble Rahul & Soniya Gandhi any tough questions, but they will surely ask Modi to apologize on LIVE TV show for 2002.
These channels will not show development, unique schemes implemented by Gujarat, but they will surely show single speech/statement given by Rahul, or any Shaktisinh or any other congress leaders. The worst is Manish Tiwari and Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
These channels will not show more than 110+ cases of encounter in small state Manipur alone, more than 100 cases in Maharaashtra, 87 cases in AP, but they will surely show merely 8 cases of Gujarat Encounter for whole day.
Although no channel is talking about Agriculture development seriously, but whenever they shows regarding the same they will show 2.5% growth rate, poor monsoon, poor farmers etc for their fancy stories but they will never show more than 10% agriculture growth rate of Gujarat and farmers income trilled in last 5 years.
These channels will not show that Supreme/High Court has given stay on
• Andhra Govt’s bill of 4% reservations to Muslims twice, same
• Andhra Govt bill of free trip of Christian to Jerusalem in Andhra,
• Keral Govt bill of making Govt Company which provides interest free loans to Muslims only and report to sharia board,
• Maharashtra Govt bill to promote companies which made bear out of Makka, Juwar, Bajra
But they will surely debate for full two days on
• Gujarat Govt’s Bill of GUJCOC which is similar to already implemented Maharshtra and Delhi law,
• compulsory voting bill
So what is the solution now, the key question:
• We all are mostly aware of all above things, we think a lot also, but ultimately we gave up by thinking that; Nothing can be happened in current scenario,
• There will be no effect of our efforts
• We feel satisfied in writing 2-3 comments in one of such articles.
• Some of us also feels that “I don’t care”, may be currently they are not affected, but in future they will.
• I have tried to change it but failed
• And many more excuses
But wait, there are some solutions and some persons who do not think so, they have tried in their own way and succeeded. And our solution lies in the same only. We have to do the same thing what they are doing, because there are only few examples.
There is a person called Mr. Subramanyam Swamy, who is from Chennai and head of JANATA PARTY, his party presence is not that much, but he stands up in every issues that affects unity of India, culture of India. Lets have a look what he did and how he did it and success he got
• He has filed petition in Supreme Court regarding RAM SETHU and argued very well with all the evidence, so that currently Supreme Court has stayed the dredging process on RAM SETHU. He has also unveiled link of Karunanidhi and his family member links into crores of dredging business.
• He has filed petition in the case of Kerala Govt’s decision on forming Muslim Corporation and got stay on that
• He has filled petition on Sonia’s origin but he failed in that case.
• He has recently filled petition to open the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya for Hindu Prayers,
• He has filed petition and got stay in the case of Chidambaram Temple transfer case.
• The list is very long and he got success in most of the cases.
• You can visit this blog to know more about him and other ongoing issues. janamejayan.wordpress.com/
Now the second solution: Become RTI activist.
There are many success stories in RTI field where Govt irregularities have been exposed by the RTI activists. You ask for information and govt has to give it. See this blog, how this man has utilized the RTI ACT.
rakesh-will-do-it.blogspot.com, www.rtiindia.org
Now the Third Solution: Become active member any nationalistic organization and work selflessly.
Now some practical solutions which we can combine workout:
Arrange fund of something like 15-20 Lacs (NRG help required), there are so many senior citizens who were good lawyers, we may find the same from our local area or gardens, motivate them, give them financial support to file petition against Central Govt or any person who speaks venom against Gujarat be it any news channel or any party. Our intellectual level is far more superior so we may not have problem in arguments in court. Central Govt has engaged Modi in 2002 and sohrabuddin and Ishrat Jahan cases, let’s now do the same to them.
We all were talking about need about our own national media channel which shows the real news and gives accurate information. But this seems still far from reality. But we have once such example which we had used during Gujarat Elections 2007. There was a Gujarat Channel aired on all cable operators in Gujarat on which continuous CDs of Gujarat Development has been shown. This channel has been stopped twice by congress under some law. We need to start it once again and with some more programs and news. All technical arrangement of same channel was done by one Ahmedabad based company which is active in this business. With the help of our NRG friends and local lawyers we can start the same channel on national level. It was web cast channel, which is directly shown on local cable operator network.
Use senior citizens maximum for their knowledge and expertise. Readers please give your practical solution by comments and more than that lets do some concrete, not only talk act also. Don’t just be happy on others take or action do it yourself also.
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 2:32 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: gujarat
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
For all Gujju food lovers part-1
To all my Tasty Food loving Gujjus---From the soul of my stomach
By Himanshu Acharya
By default, Gujju’s are food loving guys. They always in the mood of exploring new food spots and at the same time they don’t let go their original or you can say their fix food spots. So keeping in mind the same, herewith I will give you some very food spots across whole Gujarat, not only in Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar. Readers are not only encouraged but requested to fill the list at the max so that all are benefited. I mean to say comment more and more by giving more and more good places for food all over Gujarat. Let’s do it together both increase sales of these guys and our west size (tummy).
Let’s start it with in traditional style, from holy place called “DAKOR”:
You all have heard and tasted “MAGANVALLABH NA GOTA” from Dakor,, yes that very spicy in taste, very big, dark and served with curd opposite to Main temple in DAKOR. Many ladies bought “GOTA no LOT” from Dakor and later make it at home. But here I would like to inform you all about some other places in same DAKOR, which you tested once, will never forgot.
There is one place called VADABAZAR in Dakor and there one old temple under Baniyan Tree, exact adjacent to that temple there is one traditional gotawala called “CHETAN GOTAWALO”, who opens his shop only during morning 8 to 11 during whole day. But his gota is excellent, I visits Dakor generally 4-5 times during a year, but till date I had hardly tested MAGAN na gota 2-3 time but I visit CHETAN GOTA center each time without fail.
Second one is “BAHERA BOBDA’s VATIDAL NA KHAMAN”. This one is my most favorite as this khaman is soft and very spicy. This person is totally Deaf and Dumb, he only talk with us in terms of finger pointing. There is price list there, we have to point our finger toward 250G or 500G and he will pack accordingly. I can bet with you guys, you may buy from him once because of soreness, but you will surely buy second time because of taste. This place is near temple Gaushala, just ask anybody around the main temple he will definitely show you the way, it is very near to main temple.
If you go from Ahmedabad, both places com before the main temple
My Second one is Gandhinagar, as I am from Gandhinagar itself.
There is not any known place here like Dakor (gota). But I will tell you some places where you can find some very good one.
In sector-21, there is Saurashtra Pharsan House, in main Shopping Center. It is very famous and anyone in sector-21 can show you the way. Try here SAMOSA with his special Dalwali chutney, I have tested samosa at more than 100 places, but this one is unique in taste. I was generally visit the same once in a week. Specially hot samosa with chutney is really cool around 9AM
In sector-6, near Gh-2 petrol pump, there is one Rikshaw standing after 4PM everyday, his VADAPAV and DABELI is excellent. He uses special garlic dry chutney for vadapav. His vadapav is 1000% times better than original Mumbai VADAPAV. I can tell you the same as I am currently staying in Mumbai more than a year and eating vadapav regularly.
In Sector-22, Panchdev ni Panipuri, this panipuiriwalo is standing opposite to famous Panchdev Mandir, and his panipuri is highest TIKHKHI and tasty among all. Please note that there are so many puriwala’s standing there, you go to one where there is maximum crowd.
There is a TRIMANDIR (Dada Bhagvan one) near Adalaj chokdi. There is a restaurant in the mandir primacies, but go for BHOJANALYA of mandir itself, which is some 200-300 meter away from mandir, you can get the passes from mandir office (near shoe stand), it is relatively very cheap (15-20Rs). They give very simple food but taste is really good, it is worth tasting once. You can use this facility if you are coming or going from Ahmedabad-Mehsana highway.
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 4:48 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Labels: food
Monday, December 28, 2009
To all Gujju Food Lovers part 2
For Ahmedabad, I would like to hear from readers. But I can’t stop myself referring one very good spot for Ganthiya lovers residing in satellite, bopal (new Ahmedabad).
Sanand is just 13KM away from Sarkhej, but this will be worth for food lover specially Ganthiya lovers. In sanand, on the main road itself (right side corner), near the Gadhiya Lake (talav), there is SAURASHTRA GANTHIYA HOUSE. His ganthiyas are as usual but main thing is his chutney (capcicum crushed chutney and special power on the ganthiya), which again I bet you will never find in original Saurashtra also. This one is my most favorite. You will surely not go to GANTHIYA RATH near to your house again once you taste this one.
If you are ahmedabadi, then will surely know Mother Dairy located near Indira Bridge(Bhat). Here I suggest you to go for AMUL PIZA, which is originally made in the same mother dairy as this dairy is affiliated to AMUL. Once you taste this 40 Rs or higher pizza, you will surely forget US pizza and pizzahut. I remember there was very small outlet outside dairy gate some 3-4 years ago and they sold daily 40-50 pizza when they started. Today they sold nearly 400-500 piza during weekdays and during weekend this touched to 1000 as well. It opens during morning 8 to night 11. Specialty thing here is their OWEN, which is very large and chain operated. You might have tasted Amul pizza somewhere else, but then also I suggest you too taste it once here, it is all different thing.
Now moving towards the Saurashtra region, on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway, there are so many hotels in between. There is one in Chotila called LALA RAGHUVANSHI KATHIAWADI HOTEL, which serves real kathiawadi food, specially at night. In one thali there is rotla, kadhi, khidi, special vadhvani marcha, and lot many other things. It requires 2-3 people to finish one thali. Taste is very good.
Now in Rajkot, there is one famous BHELWALo on Yagnik road, rest readers have to add.
Now this one from Kutch region, on the way to MATA NO MADH, just before the same (almost five kilometer before) on the turning there is one DHABA type hotel. Location is really good; some says District Collector would also like to eat here during the official visits in this region. Food is like full thali and chas with some very good sweet. There is a small hill exact behind the DHABA.
In Surat, LOCHO is famous but I like it least.
But you can find Fresh NEERO (previous state of TADI), near the SURAT railway station. There is one place called Neera Bhavan on first floor of building, where you can have fresh neero in early morning also. Actually morning is the best time to have neero. It tastes like carbonated nariyel pani.
There is also one shop (Jalaram Khidi House) where you can find varieties of only KHICHDI on rander road, near new pani ni tanki, near sahaj store.
In Vadodara, there is one very famous thing from MANGAL BAZAR, a KACHORI. You should have taste it once. Also LILO CHEVDO is altime famous, but you should beware of fraud one. Go for original JAGDISH, it really matters here in this case.
In Nadiad, near Santram Mandir, towards Dakor side, just opposite to one theatre, there is one shop (I think its name is Yashoda), where you can find very good dry KACHORI (tuver wali - small round one) and SEV KHAMANI with special chutney.
In Khambhat, you might have heard about Khambat’s HALVASAN and Suterfeni, these both things are good here. But I would like to draw your attention towards one special thing which got enormous appreciation wherever I carry it (in podicherry also people like it). There is one shop called RK chavan mart, which only sold PAPADIYU CHAVANU, I again bet you, will not stop after eating one bite of this chavanu. But go for original RK only hich is situated at PITH area, near Zanda Chowk. Friends of mine who are reading this post will surely remember it.
In Ambaji, there is Mandir trust run Bhojanalaya, which is the best place to eat there. It is situated on the main road.
In Surendranagar, Sikander ni SING (groundnut) is very famous on main bazaar road. Other thing is Rajeshwari Farsan’s SEV-MAMRA which is exported by them.
All above things are personally tasted by me at particular place, and not only once but frequently/whenever I got chance. I am sure real food/junk food lover has definitely read until this line and he will also write his favorite one from his own city in the comments.
But Above all, best food in the whole world I have ever tested and tested until writing this post is My Mother (who forgets salt, chilly and many thing frequently now because of age), my SAS (mother in law) and my wife. I am saying this not only because of affection towards them, but really tastewise they cook everything better then all above. Especially mothers’s Undhiyu, SaS’s Punjabi dishes and wife’s alu parotha, dal dhokli (generally we eat once in a week) and many more things.
Amir Khan can only tell you “ALL IS WEL”, but I will give the same by saying that “ALL ARE WELCOME” to my home for testing. Please populate this comments list so that this post becomes precious posts ever till date. Add maximum places so that everyone can be benefitted.
Author can be reached at himanshu.acharya@gmail.com
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 5:53 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: food
Sunday, December 20, 2009
IWDMS: Failed twice in other states, running successfully in Gujarat
IWDMS: Failed twice in other states, running successfully in Gujarat.
By Himanshu Acharya
Earlier so many people had asked/suggested/shouted for transparency in Government working style, accountability of officers, Speedy work like corporate, No Document loss in Government Offices and many more things which they see in their private offices, corporate culture.
But Now Gujarat Government has the answer which most of the readers don’t know/aware OR if they know, knowledge is very limited. Today I will provide you in detail article on IWDMS system. This system is currently used by all Govt offices in Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad, which includes Board/Nigam/Corporations since 2005. Initially usage was low, but gradually it has been increased with constant effort, training, and most important Government’s strong vision. First lets see;
What is IWDMS: Integrated Workflow and Document Management System.
This is custom software is made by M/s TCS as per the E-Gov initiative of Government of Gujarat. It fulfils mainly below points, while there are so many minor benefits also.
1) To provide transparency in the Government procedures
2) Which speed up the routine procedures,
3) Which digitise the Govt records, GO, resolutions, online service book, leave management etc
4) Which unify the Govt communication.
5) Which provides traceability of records.
6) Which provides accountability to the Govt. officers.
7) Above all provides green working environment, very less papers.
This common software is developed by M/s TCS. It is based on Govt Manual and general procedures followed by various government departments.
Now the some history of this software:
Our Govt is using this software since 2005. Govt of AP and Tamilnadu had used the similar software developed by same M/s TCS in their respective states earlier in 2003-04. They failed to continue with such software for long time (it ends in almost 2 years). The possible reasons are:
1) Main and most proven thing is Govt. Officers attitude.
2) Poor knowledge of computer and systems
3) Poor software training or training on paper only.
4) Some process takes more time than manual.
5) Last reason “They have to do work with accountability”, you can relate this with first reason.
So what Gujarat Government has done to cope all above possible reason to run successfully this project. We will discuss on same further, but let us have first common idea about govt working style.
Suppose there is one department, there are total 25 departments in Gujarat Govt. Now the structure is like this low level officerSection officer (SO)Under Secretary(US)Deputy Secretary(DS)Secretary(SEC). Now low level officer receives tappals marked for his department from the registry. He simply forward it to respective SO or US, they read the tappal and give the instructions like in put up a new file, or file that tappal in any ongoing file and put up OR simply record that tappal without any action.
There are bunch of physical files with every officer, you might have seen their table full with files. This is their main duty. Sometime some files are missing, lost or intentionally blackout. Now to solve this problem above said IWDMS project come to picture.
In IWDMS system, each tappal is the Central registry receives is converted into PDF and sent to respective department’s low level officer. He does the same as said above but only difference is electronically. He has to clear all his tappal from his folder within a day, then respective officers frequently checks their folder and instruct their subordinates what to on that tappal. Whole new files created based on that tappal electronically or Tappal is sent to archive. There is also provision of digitizing old physical files through scanning of the same.
Please don’t stop your imagination here, there are lot more uses of IWDMS. Like
1)E-filing 2) Easy archiving 3) Department specific application integration with common username and password 4) emailing in built 5) some forums are available for some specific purpose 6) reporting, etc and many more
Now one may think that how Gujarat Govt can do what other two can’t?
The reason is Gujarat Govt has made the IWDMS system in line with office manual; they don’t stick with age old rules, but become liberal where required. They first asked M/s TCS to study the system and instructed to make changes accordingly.
Second, there was a compulsory training for particular software for the Govt employees in Gandhinagar. This was done thrice not twice.
Strict orders from high ranks to follow the system and weekly, monthly monitoring is there in each department. Periodic assessment done by Chief Secretary (next to CM) level.
There is constant support from M/s TCS for whole three years in each department, so that minor issues can be solved easily and in timely manner. System got changed many times as it got evaluated.
It is true that there are majority of 50+ age persons in SO and LOW level officers as there is no direct recruitment in almost last 15 years. But then also they supported the system in good manner. There was some unhappiness or attitude problem in early years, but got resolved gradually.
This system is used by almost 11000+ Govt employees in Gandhinagar Secretariat and borad/Nigams offices. Initially there was only 25-50% use in most of the departments, only some 3-4 departments use this system optimally. But now due to constant efforts and by seeing the results itself usage is increased.
There were some instances where system got down for 2-3 hours due some technical problem, but such scenario was very rare. There is strict SLA and monitoring mechanism there.
IWDMS Project was selected by Public Sector Technology and Management Magazine, Singapore, for Government Technology Award, 2007 in the Connected Government Category.
One can find more information on the same from below link.
http://www.gujaratinformatics.com/gov/projects/depts/7_IWDMS.htm
Posted by Himanshu Acharya at 4:20 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
You can find my articles published in leading Gujarati journalist Mr. Japan Pathak’s website “ DESHGUJARAT.COM ” These website has very good reader base of NRGs & main thing is that it updates hourly with latest and relevant news.
http://deshgujarat.com/2009/10/09/himanshu-acharya-writes-how-sicn-benefits-gujarat-govt/
http://deshgujarat.com/2009/10/20/himanshu-acharya-writes-gujarat-deserves-more-from-nrgs/
http://deshgujarat.com/2009/11/04/himanshu-acharya-writes%E2%80%93-gswan%E2%80%93-backbone-of-gujarat-govt1/
http://deshgujarat.com/2009/12/07/organic-agriculture-in-detail-the-right-and-ancient-way-of-agriculture/
I really thank from my heart Mr. Japan Pathak to trust me and publishing my articles and providing me the base.
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