11.12.17 (VT) Sunday, Chatikara: A shocked resident called the police dial 100 hotline and reported that there were  dead peacocks lying all over the ground. CO Sadar Vijay Shankar Mishra; Station in-charge, Jainat Chatar Singh and the Forest Department’s ranger, Ashok, arrived at the site and collected the bodies of 13 peacocks.

P.C. Amar Ujala

Samples of nearby mustard seed crops and soil were sent for analysis. Residents who gathered at the scene said that this is not the first time that mass peacock deaths have occurred.

Today, The Statesman reports that Forest Ranger MK Meena said the post-mortem examination of the peacocks at a government veterinary hospital confirmed that they died after eating poison-laced grain. He said four peacocks were saved by veterinary doctors of the university. The grain has been sent for further analysis to determine the type of poison.

The peacocks were found in the vicinity of Garud Govind Temple, a temple dedicated to Vishnu’s carrier Garunji. The temple keeps a flock of geese and there is abundant birdlife in the nearby kund. The ecology of the area is fragile, as it borders the NH2 highway, residential areas and farmland. Despite repeated calls for a peacock sanctuary, small bursts of funding for the project, and repeated promises, Vrindavan’s peacock sanctuary is still not functional.

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.11 (VT): The Anti-Corruption Ombudsman is currently investigating allegations that the former Municipal Chairman of Vrindavan, Mukesh Gautam, embezzled Rs80 Crore funding that had been earmarked for town development.

On Thursday evening, Additional District Magistrate, Aditya Prakash Shrivastav; Executive Officer of Radhakund, Naresh, along with the treasurer, Santosh Kumar, reached the Vrindavan Municipal Corporation office. The team explored files relating to public works conducted between 2012 to 2017.

The investigators found documents relating to an underground power line; drinking water pipelines; concrete tiling of roads; files relating to funding for sewer lines, and maintenance of the town’s parks.

On June 29, social activist Madhumangal Sharan Das Shukla demanded an investigation of the financial irregularities during Mukesh Gautham’s term as chairman. On August 24, the District Magistrate began the investigation. The investigation continues.

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12.12.17 (VT) The good intentions of the BTVP to reduce the pressure from crowds has backfired as devotees and temple Goswamis are united in their opposition to the plan. The Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad (BTVP) has been responsible for the beautification and promotion of many important pilgrimage places in Braj, however, their suggestion to improve visitor access to Bihariji by changing darshan timings has fallen flat.

During a meeting with Bihariji management, the CEO of BVTP,  Nagendra Pratap Singh, requested the Goswamis to extend darshan timings and consider bringing Bihariji out from the inner sanctum for more days of the year. In reaction to the suggestion, daily temple goer, Giriraj Das said, “People wait to see Bihariji up-close on the special days like Hariyali Teej and Holi.  If he is brought out permanently, the attraction of the special days will suffer.”

Any mention of changes in the routine of Bihariji is a sensitive issue, as devotees say that the temple timings were determined in accordance with the deep bhav (devotional feeling) of Swami Haridasji. Swami Haridasjis’ love for Radha and Krishna was so intense that Bihariji self-manifested in order to fulfill his desire that the eternal couple allow more people to witness Their glories.

Those in favour of the extended darshan timings say that it is practical for crowd control. A civil court judge also recently wrote to the temple goswamis about the issue. But, despite pressure from the authorities to increase Bihariji’s visiting hours from eight to twelve, the Goswamis are sticking to their decision to keep darshan timings as per tradition.

Speaking to Vrindavan Today on condition of anonymity, a prominent Goswami of the Banke Bihari temple said, “Can you ask your own young son to stand and greet people for twelve hours a day? Of course people want Bihariji to spend more time with them. But there are many things devotees want. I am sure thousands of people would love to take Banke Bihari home with them to Delhi. Must people have their way all the time?”

Another Brajwasi said, “Bihariji’s schedule is according to his nitya lila (eternal pastimes). In Vrindavan, Bihariji is our family member, not a God who is just there to grant our wishes. If people forget this, the special mood of the temple will be lost in our ocean of desires.”

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12.12.17 (VT) The 165th anniversary of the appearance day of Ram Krishna Mission’s Sri Sarada Devi was celebrated on Saturday, 9th December, 2017.

The auspicious day began with Managalarati at 5:30 am, followed by Vedic chanting and hymns by sadhus and brahmacharis. Hundreds of sadhus, devotees and staff attended a special worship session with a havan and Chandi recital in the main temple.

At 10.00 am all of the patients admitted in the organization’s Charitable Hospital were ceremoniously worshiped as ‘Rogi Narayan’ (The lord in the form of a sick person). Offerings of sandal paste, garlands, fruits, sweets were followed by Arati.

As a part of ’Nara Narayan Seva’ (Service God through service to the poor), 2500 impoverished and aged widow-mothers were served a sumptuous lunch prasad. Lunch prasad was also served to 1200 devotees, local residents, students of Swami Vivekananda Bala Vikas Kendra, nurses of the RKM Hospital, as well as the volunteers from Mathura Refinery and Gayatri Tapobhumi,

Another highlight of the day was the gift distribution in which saw 1600 packages of necessary items were distributed to the poor. The packages consisted of a blanket, a dhoti,oil, two soaps, and a pair of socks.

P.C. Wiki

Devotees visiting Ma Sarada Kutir (Kala Babu’s Kunj) were thrilled by the beautifully decorated cottage as they paid their respects to the Holy Mother. Sri Sarada Devi stayed in the kutir for one year after her husband, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, passed away. It is said that during her stay in Vrindavan, she experienced nirvikalpa samadhi and began her role as guru. One of her disciples, Swami Nikhilananda, said, “Though she had no children of the flesh, she had many of the spirit…She regarded all her disciples as her own children.
The day was also observed in memory of Revered Swami Trivikramanandaji (Sudhanshu Maharaj) who passed away on 27th November, 2017. The Revered Swamiji stayed at RKM Sevashrama for 60 years, serving the poor and the needy. He was the organization’s secretary for 28 years, from 1972 to 2000. A special feast for sadhus was arranged in his memory.

Source: Swami Suprakashananda, Secretary, RKM

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13.12.17 (VT) The  local Roads and Transport authority (ARTO) is struggling to comply with demands by Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) officials to stop the hundreds of diesel tempos operating in Braj.

ARTO in-charge, Enchandra Gautam said that the the ARTO has stopped issuing permits for diesel tempos, so, any diesel tempos that are still on the road are operating without permits. The officer said that the ARTO will soon launch a campaign to crack down on the illegally running tempos. He said that this has not been done to date because there are no CNG pumps in Mant, Kosi or Nandgaon.

CNG is better for the environment but, as yet, it is not available at most regular petrol pumps. There is CNG no filling station in Vrindavan, so drivers have to go to Mathura to fill up. Vrindavan is 12km from Mathura; Mant is 20km away, Kosi is 40km away and Nandagaon is 50km away.

The push for CNG tempos comes from the need to comply with the regulations of the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) which was set up to stop the damage to the monument due to air pollution. The TTZ is an area of 10,400 sq km around the Taj Mahal. It was established by the Supreme Court of India on December 30, 1996.  The TTZ comprises of over 40 protected monuments, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. TTZ is so named since it refers to the area around the Taj Mahal and is shaped like a trapezoid.

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13.12.17 (VT) The new mayor of Mathura-Vrindavan, BJP’s Dr Mukesh Aryabandhu, was sworn in yesterday among hundreds of supporters and well-wishers. The Mayor’s oaths were followed by the swearing in of the counselors of all the wards in the municipality.

The program, held in Mathura’s Jubilee park, began with a rendition of Vande Mataram, which the politicians did their best to sing in true patriotic spirit.

P.C. Patrika

After being officially sworn in, the mayor gave a short speech expressing gratitude to all for his victory. Mayor Aryabandhu said that he would work hard for the development of Mathura-Vrindavan, endeavouring to make the municipality beautiful, pollution free and healthy.

Dr Aryabandhu assured Municipal Corporation employees that they would receive their salaries on time and promised that retired pensioners would receive their entitlements. The Mayor also appealed to the councilors to co-operate with Central and State Governments so that development projects can move ahead speedily.

After the Mayor’s speech, the remaining 70 counselors were sworn in. The group was dominated by men, but there were also several Hindu women and 2 Muslim women.

The newly formed municipal government used the occasion as an opportunity to launch an app that enables people to give suggestions/complaints directly to the municipality. The app was launched jointly by Mayor Dr. Aryandhu, the Energy Minister, Shrikant Sharma, Dairy Development Minister, Chau Laxmi Narayan. Municipal Commissioner, Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, appealed to people to download it.

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14.12.17 (VT) In a much applauded move by police, a unit of specially trained, English speaking police is about to be deployed in and around the temples and special attractions of Mathura-Vrindavan. Interviews are now underway to find recruits for the new unit which may be operational by the end of this month.

In their effort to make the special unit easily identifiable, Mathura police has approved a badge with a picture of Vrindavan’s iconic, Banke Bihariji. While many are pleased, there are those, even among the faithful, who say that the badge is unconstitutional.

National spokesperson of Congress, Vivek Bansal said, “India, being a secular nation… the government should not patronize and propagate any religion… The logo will be a violation of the Constitution.”

Haji Jamiluddin Qureshi, president of Agra city unit of Congress, added that such a logo was objectionable. “This is a secular country and the picture of a particular religion’s god on the uniform proves that there is a political agenda behind the move.”

Explaining the choice of the logo, Mathura Police In-Charge, Subodh Kumar Singh, said that the badge is designed to heighten police officer’s bhav (mood) of serving devotees.

Talking to TOI, a senior BJP leader, who requested anonymity on the plea that he doesn’t want to get involved in any “controversy”, said that there was nothing wrong with the logo carrying the picture of Krishna. “Everyone knows Mathura and Vrindavan are revered as Krishna’s birthplace and are associated with him, so what is wrong with the logos having the picture of the Lord?” he asked, dubbing the voices of criticism as that of “sickulars”.

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14.12.17 (VT) The head Guru of the Nirankaris (Universal Brotherhood Mission), Gurumata Savinder Kaur is set to visit Vrindavan on 17^th December. Preparations for the program are now underway at the fairground next to Vaishno Devi temple on Chatikara Road.

P.C. Jagran

The Sant Nirankari Mission describes itself as “an all-embracing spiritual movement dedicated to human welfare.” The Mission believes in service to God through service to mankind.

The Nirankari headquarters are in Delhi and many followers are Punjabi, so the program will bring a crowd of devotees. many of whom will take the opportunity to have darshan of Vrindavan’s temples. Nirankari Mandal spokesman, Kishor Swarn, said that Mother Savinder is coming to Braj for the first time.

The organization’s tradition of following a satguru in order to rediscover connection with God began in 1929. Baba Buta Singh Ji departed with Sikh tradition by emphasizing the role of a living guru.  1980, Gurbachan Singh, the 3rd satguru (head guru) of the Mission, was assassinated by an orthodox Sardar who was offended with the Mission’s departure from the orthodox Sikh view that there are only 10 great Gurus.

The Nirankari Mission travels around the world with its message of oneness and encourages its followers to get involved in charitable works such as blood donation, greening and cleanliness drives.

In regards to forming a universal brotherhood, the organization’s website says,

The need is not to dwell in uniformity but to able to exist with diverse styles and bring synergy in what we do together. Each individual is unique as created by divinity, it would be against divine nature if we force individuals to think and do alike. We should be able to think differently and yet leverage the formless link to bring synergy and prosperity.

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The Mathura-Vrindavan Municipal Corporation is preparing to ban all billboards and banners within 50 metres of temples and intersections. The Municipal Corporation has drafted the regulations and is preparing to have them gazetted, in order to fulfill the requirement to give public notice of new regulations. As soon as the formalities are in place, the Municipal Corporation will begin the process of removing the billboards from the restricted areas.

There order will be enforced in the area around Braj’s famous temples, such as Banke Bihariji, Janma Bhoomi and Dwarkadish temple, and at the main intersections.

The number of billboards in Mathura-Vrindavan has increased to the point that the streets are lined with advertisements. Some relate to Bhagavat Katha and local businesses, but there are many others relating to businesses in Delhi and Meerut, as companies take advantage of Vrindavan’s popularity as a weekend getaway.

Residents are applauding the move, as most feel that the billboards are unsightly and detract from the town’s spiritual atmosphere.

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.15 (VT): Most Brijwasis feel extremely fortunate to call such a wonderful place home – a place that is inseparable from Lord Krishna and His lilas. Here is an account that Madan Gopal Sharma, a Brajwasi currently living abroad, gave of his understanding of the wonders of Braj:

In the Ramcharitramanas, Tulsidasji writes that individuals perceive divinity according to their own mindset. From this, it seems that the residents of Vrindavan could choose an identity for the town by democratic election or some similar process. But, the way I see it, it is not that Brijwasis choose Vrindvan’s identity; rather Vrindavan’s identity emanates from them.

Madan Gopal Sharma

It is the easy-going attitude of Brijwasis that helps them focus on Thakurji. Even when Mathura is being ruled by the tyrant Kamsa and Sri Krishna is off being being the King of Dwarka, Brijwasis remain cool calm and collected. That is their nature.

Lord Krishna Himself came to Vrindavan to enjoy a simple life. As Vishnu, He is Lord of Vaikuntha, the place where fantasies come true. But, He preferred to enjoy the simple pleasures of life in Vrindavan.

Lord Krishna enjoyed being decorated with cowdung by the gopis in Gokul. He ran barefoot after cows, He danced on the banks of the Yamuna and lifted Goverdhan to protect the residents of Braj.

As soon as the time came to enter politics, Sri Krishna went to Mathura, but he always lamented for Vrindavan, as he told his friend Uddhava. The major fights and struggles, and the bloodshed of  the Mahabharat war, all happened far away from Lord Krishna’s peaceful lilas in Vrindavan.

Beginning with Uddhava, the pride of many great scholars has vanished upon reaching Vrindavan. Even Lord Shiva becomes willing to be a gopi and takes on the form of Gopeshwar in order to gain admittance to Krishna’s Vrindavan lila.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhuji advised devotees to become more humble than a straw in the street, because, when we are entangled in the labyrinth of material pursuits, we miss out on the opportunity to understand and enjoy the bliss of Sri Vrindavan Dham. The bliss of Vrindavan has been experienced by Sri Haridas, Sri Hit Harivanshji, Sri Prabodhanand Saraswatiji, Sri Hridaya Bon Maharaj, Sri Bhakti Vedanta Prabhupadaji, Sri Hariram Vyasji and Sri Shyamdasji, among others.

Vrindavan’s identity is eternal. It is our obligation and joyful duty to maintain it to the best of our abilities. If we start criticizing the residents of the Dham, it is likely that we have become victims of material arrogance, which reduces our eligibility to experience bliss. If we are not getting bliss, we will lose our focus and become distracted from our spiritual duties. We will lose sight of our goal, which is to meditate on the Lord and, by doing so, inspire our fellow human beings. So, if anything I have said has offended any of the residents of Vrindavan, my sincere apologies. My intention is only to ensure a strong identity for Vrindavan – the most spiritual and blissful place on earth.

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15.12.17 (VT) The voices being raised against the interference in the timings of Bihariji temple just got louder. The case is now before the Allahabad High Court thanks to social activist Mahant Madhumangal Sharan Das Shukla, who has filed a PIL against the interference in temple management.

On Thursday, a meeting was held at Akhand Daya Dham, Kalidah, to discuss reactions to the interference of local authorities. The meeting was organized by the Dharam Raksha Sangh, a group that works towards the protection of Hindu traditions. Many local leaders and sants were present and all were in agreement that Bihariji is Swami Haridas’ ladle beta (most loved son) and any interference in His routine must not be tolerated. The organization’s president, Saurab Gaur said that Sangh members will write letters stating their opposition to the demands.

In attempt to ease pressure from the huge crowds that come to see Bihariji everyday, local authorities are putting pressure on temple Goswamis to extend darshan timings and bring Banke Bihari out from the inner sanctum onto the jagmohan (outer platform) on normal days.

This is not the first time that Governments have attempted to take over temple management. In 2015, an attempt to take over temple management was made by the UP State Government, under Akilesh Yadav. After protests by local leaders, the attempt was later abandoned.

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16.12.17 (VT) Mathura police are gearing up for the New Year as thousands of devotees who want to spend the first day of the year with the Divine, will visit during the holiday. Police held a meeting on Friday to draft a new control traffic plan. Under the plan, cars will be stopped from entering Vrindavan every weekend, beginning from Saturday morning, and from the morning of the day before major festivals. The plan came into action today and police were out in force on the roads this morning, showing that they are serious about keeping Vrindavan as traffic-jam-free as possible.

At the meeting yesterday, police renewed their commitment to stopping tourist vehicles from entering the town, especially over the New Year school holiday period. The traffic ban will be in place from 24^th December to 3^rd January, with 85 police officers to cover  21 checkpoints. There are parking facilities available at the exit of the Yamuna Expressway and the Chatikara Road exit of NH2. Police will divert traffic to these facilities.

The ban on private vehicles entering Vrindavan on weekends and festivals has been in force for many years, however, police seem to waiver in their commitment to enforcing it. Complaints from temple Goswamis, local business owners and tour guides are thought to be one of the reasons that police waiver in their commitment to enforcing the traffic ban.

Most residents are in favor of the ban, as Vrindavan’s narrow streets are unable to handle heavy traffic, which become impassable, even for pedestrians and devotees doing parikrama. Police are appealing to people to comply with the ban.

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16.12.17 (VT) Sanjay Krishna Sulil Maharaj is currently giving Bhagavata Katha in Vrindavan’s Fogla Ashram, near ISKCON. The Katha is being held daily from 3-6.30pm until 19^th December.

The program began on 13^th December in a truly festive spirit, as devotees carried Thakurji on their heads in a procession on Bhaktivedanta Marg with a band that enlivened the spirits of the hundreds of participants and onlookers.

Speaking to a packed hall yesterday, Sulil Maharaj reminded audiences that God is always with us, helping us to acquire the good qualities that enable bhakti (loving devotional service), wisdom and renunciation.  Out of great kindness, the Lord teaches everyone in the way they can best understand.

Sulil Maharaj said that Sri Vrindavan has always been the land of sants and sadhus (great devotees and renunciates) and that those who have dedicated their life to the service of God are very close to Him and should be considered to be His incarnations. Maharaj also reminded audiences that reading and listening to the Srimad Bhagavatam is an important part of life.

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18.12.17 (VT) Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati Maharaj, the presiding Shankaracharya of Dwarka Sharada Peeth, arrived in Vrindavan on Sunday. He reached Shanti Seva Dham on Sunday evening and was welcomed by Devkinandan Maharaj. Shankaracharya intends on staying in Vrindavan for three days.

The secretary of Vishwa Shanti Seva Charitable Trust, Vijay Sharma, said that Shankaracharya will speak at Shanti Seva Dham on Tuesday, 20^th December. Shankaracharya will be present at Priyakantju’s aarati and will be available to give blessings to devotees from 4pm.

Despite being over 90 years of age, Shankaracharya visits Vrindavan several times every year. Appreciating the power of Vrindavan to withstand negative forces, Shankaracharya said, “Vrindavan’s spiritual aura is so great that even though it was half way between the two great centers of Mughal power, it stood as a bulwark against the Islamic attempts to destroy the Sanatan Dharma and they were unable to destroy it despite their efforts.

Swaroopanand Shankaracharya has been at the forefront of the movement to protect Hinduism and India for longer than most of us can remember. He was imprisoned in 1942 for being a freedom fighter.

Adi Shankar, a 9th-century AD reformer of Hinduism, established 4 Shankaracharyas in the four corners of India; North (Jyothirmath), South (Sringeri), East (Puri), West (Dwaraka). The Shankaracharyas are charged with protecting Sanatan Dharma, the path of righteousness.

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Goda-Rangamannar P.C. Rangji Temple

18.12.17 (VT) Vrindavan is the land of festivals and celebrations.  Not only are the festivals related to Braj and North India celebrated here, when it comes to celebrating our beloved Lord or His incarnations, Vrindavan connects with all the regions of India.

The spirit of devotion in all its forms can only be seen in Vrindavan. Whether it is Bengal, Odisha, Manipur or South India, every region of India has its own temple in Vrindavan. These temples are a wonderful connection between Vrindavan’s culture and India’s regional traditions. Shri Rangnath Temple (Rang ji) is one temple that connects Vrindavan to South India.

Dhanurmas festival is mostly celebrated in South India, but the tradition is also maintained in Vrindavan’s Shri Rangji Temple.

The month long celebration of Dhanurmas began on Saturday in Vrindavan’s Rangji Temple. One of the special attractions of the festival is the ceremonial opening of the gates of Vaikuntha. Dhanurmas begins when the sun enters the Dhanur rashi. This coincides with the month of Margasira in the lunar calendar.

In the Bhagvadgita, Lord Krishna says, ‘Masanam Margasheershoha’ which means ‘among the months, I am Margasheers’. Dhanur month is very auspicious for worshipping Lord Vishnu. Vishnu temples all over South India conduct special pujas during Dhanurmas. Shri Rangji Mandir also follows this tradition.

Rangji Temple in 1865

Goda Devi (also known as Andal and Godamba), is considered to be the incarnation Sri Bhudevi, the divine consort of Lord Rangnath. She is one of twelve 8th Century Vaishnava saints, who composed and sung a collection of 30 devotional verses in Tamil, praising Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Krishna. These 30 verses (pasurams) are known as Thiruppavai.

Goda Devi visualized herself as one of the ‘gopis’ and, taking inspiration from the ‘Katyayani’ vrata performed by the Gopis to attain Shri Krishna, she performed the Dhanurmas vrata (religious austerity). She invited her friends to observe the vrata, in order to reach the Lord’s feet. The verses of Thiruppavai glorify many of the Lord’s avatars and are known throughout India as a masterpiece.

Goda Devi performed a vrata to sing Thiruppavai every day of Margasheera, and, since then, the days of the month have been known by the names of the verses of Thiruppavai.  At the end of her vrata, Goda Devi had darshan of Lord Krishna, in the form of Sri Rangam, and attained her position at His lotus feet.

Since then, millions of devotees perform ‘Dhanurmas vrata’ by reciting the Thiruppavai at temples during this auspicious month. The merits of reciting the Thiruppavai, with understanding, on any day of Dhanurmas, are said to be equivalent to praying for one thousand years.

Taking morning dip in a lake or river before the ritual during this month is said to be equal to performing an Ashwamedh Yajna and, worshiping Vishnu on a single day during this auspicious period is equal to worshiping Him with devotion for 1000 years.

In an interview with Vrindavan Today, Acharya Naresh Narayan, the Chief Editor of Shri Anant Sandesh said, “Shri Rang ji Mandir in Vrindavan is the manifestation of Godamba ji’s love for Vrindavan. The temple was built to fulfill Shri Godambaji’s wishes. She was very fond of Vrindavan, and she visualized herself as one of the Vraja gopis. She considered the village of Sri Villiputtur as Vrindavan and when she bathed in the ‘pushkarini’ of Adi Keshava temple, as she visualized it as the Yamuna.”

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.18 (VT):  The Mathura – Vrindavan Development Authority will not be providing the basic facilities to the colonies developed by it with the beginning of the new year.

The residents of 8 Government colonies in Vrindavan are facing uncertainty as the MVDA is withdrawing its direct involvement in providing basic services such as electricity, street lighting and water. There is no other civic body of the government which can provide these facilities as these colonies have not been included in the Municipal Corporation yet.

The colonies affected by the decision are: Chaitanya Vihar Phases 1 and 2, Kailash Nagar, Sudampuri, Kadam Bihar, Krishna Vihar, Radha Puram and Radha Puram Estate. MVDA secretary, Ramesh Chand said that
the colonies are well established, so there is no need for the MVDA’s direct involvement.

The decision to contract out of the provision of basic services has left residents shaken because people built their houses in the government colonies with the belief that they would receive basic
amenities that are largely not available in private colonies.

Some private colonies in Vrindavan do not have proper roads and grey water drains are often either non-existent or blocked due to lack of maintenance. The sewer lines of these colonies are not connected with any sewer pumping station. Therefore the sewerage are always filled in those pipelines, which is seldom evacuated with the sewer tanker.

This leads to pools of stagnant water in nearby vacant
plots, which are a breeding place for mosquitoes and a health hazard. Water supply also varies widely between colonies, with some colonies having supply water that can be pumped 24hours per day, while other
colonies, such as Chaitanya Vihar, only receive Government supply water for 2-3 hours per day.

In private colonies, water supply is generally not available and each resident has their own boring to tap
into the town’s groundwater, which is also rapidly being rapidly depleted.

Shri Sudhir Shukla, the president of the Resident Welfare Association of Chaitanya Vihar expressed his concern.  He said, “MVDA should have provided alternative to these colonies before withdrawing its facilities.” “We shall meet the higher officials and write to the Chief Minister against the arbitary decision taken by the MVDA.”

Pt. Damodar Shashtri, a resident of Kailash Nagar said, ” It is very unfair on MVDA’s part. They can’t simply do this. We will move to the court if needed.”

(JM)

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.20 (VT) Shri Devkinandan thakur, the popular preacher and founder of Shanti Seva Dham and Vishwa Shanti Seva Charitable Trust, has been awarded the prestigious title ‘Dharma Ratna’.  Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati Maharaj presented the title during a program held on Tuesday evening, at Shanti Seva Dham on Chatikara Road. Shankaracharya is presenting this title for the first time, despite having been the Shankaracharya of the West of India for many decades.

Devkinandan Maharaj will now formally be known as: Dharma Ratna Shantidut Shri Devkinandan Thakur ji Maharaj. The meaning of the title is that Devkinandan Thakur ji is a jewel among preachers, a bringer of peace and most honorable.

Speaking at the function, Shankaracharya said that Devkinandan Thakur ji has gone to great lengths to ensure that knowledge of scriptures is spread among the masses. The Shankaracharya also said that it is of utmost importance that sections from the Ramayana and Mahabharata be included in school syllabuses, so that children gain an understanding of how evil arises.

Shankaracharya reminded Bhagavatam speakers who focus on the enjoyable pastimes of Radha-Krishna lilas to also include narration about people who go to hell for their misdeeds. He said that Durgasaptashti is an important scripture because it reminds people that, a devi (goddess) resides in every female.

During the program, Shankaracharya spoke on several current issues and encouraged Braj’s warriors of sanatan dharma – the upholders of the principles guiding a moral lifestyle that unite all Hindus.

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Mathura, 2017.20.12 (VT) Braj’s famous Kathak dancer, Geetanjali Sharma, will now serve as the ambassador for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Movement). The choice of a Brijwasi to be ambassador for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a great boost to Braj’s hopes of becoming one of the top ten clean cities.

As well as being one of the top Kathak dancers in India, Geetanjali is also a moralist of the highest order and believes in ‘the sacred duty of an artist is to serve nature and humanity’. Despite being at the top of her field, Geetanjali provides free tuition to students with budding talent. She believes that performing civic duty is an important part of a moral existence, and so is pleased to be able to promote the Swachh Bharat Movement.

Geetanjali dances with the feeling that she is embodying the movements of Radha Rani. Her dances have the power to mesmerize audiences and instill in them a feeling of the magnificence of Sri Radha. Geetanjali’s performances around India and overseas have helped to promote India’s traditional art-forms and promote the tradition of Rasa Lila, which struggles to compete with electronic entertainment.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a multifaceted Government effort to improve cleanliness and sanitation across India. On one hand, it involves increased Government efforts to improve sanitation and, on the other hand, it involves an awareness campaign and participation in local cleaning efforts by schools and NGO’s. Stars such as Akshay Kumar and Hema Malini have been part of the efforts to encourage Brijwasis to keep Braj beautiful and rubbish free.

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Vrindavan, 2017.20.12 (VT) The much awaited green zone, along the banks of the Yamuna, which promised to restore the natural beauty of the banks of the Yamuna and give residents a much needed breath of fresh air, has hit another obstacle.

In 2016, the previous Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, approved a Riverfront Project, under which Rs. 180 Crore was designated for the beautification of the Yamuna coast. Under the scheme, officials designated land covering an area of approximately one acre, covering 2km of the banks of Yamuna, near Keshi Ghat. The plan was to make the area into a tree-lined park and work was due to be completed by 2017.

The Allahabad High Court, has ordered a stay on work on the green zone, due to land claim by Vishal Sharma, who has documents showing ownership of part of the land that was designated for the park. The National Green Tribunal has reprimanded the officials involved in designating the area, as the land dispute has caused work to fall even further behind schedule.

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Mathura, 2017.12.18 (PTI) A Mathura constable, stationed at Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi has been recommended for an award for honesty after he returned a bag in which he found Rs50,000.

Head Constable, Jay Prakash, found the bag in the parking lot and immediately investigated it, as police maintain a high level of security in the area around Sri Krishna’s birthplace.

Upon opening the bag, the constable found the cash, some clothes and an ID card that identified the owner as belonging to Dharm Nagar, Tripura. There was no phone number, so Mathura police could not directly contact the owner.

The bag was sent to Dharm Nagar police station, where the local police contacted its owner, Madan Mohan Sharma. When Mr Sharma arrived to the police station to collect his bag, he was in tears and thanked the Mathura police for their honesty.

Superintendent of Police (Security) Siddharth Verma, said, “We are proud of such police personnel and expect others to present such committed and exemplary services to those visiting the two shrines of Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi.”

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