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Letters
To Geography And You
Nov - Dec 2010
September - October 2010 I am a regular reader of Geography and you magazine. I hardly find articles talking about the tourism and environment. Luckily in September-October 2010 issue of G’nY, I saw the article titled ‘Tourism & Environment: A Symbiotic Relationship’. Actually every tourist should be asked to take an oath ‘not to pollute’ the environment before he is allowed to enter the tourist destinations. There should be a big movement regarding this. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India should sponsor awareness programmes in an aggressive way. Otherwise, as we have polluted our rivers beyond redemption, all our hills, sea-coast etc. will meet the same fate. -Rekha Sahani, New Delhi.
G’n Y should have more pages
I have been reading G’nY for the last 4 to 5 years. The information provided is authentic and up-to-date. It is really helpful in preparing proposals and reports. However, of late I have noticed that pictures, though lovely, are occupying large areas leaving little space for matter. This is my sincere appeal to the management and the Editor to increase the pages of the magazine from the next issue so as to not compromise with both quality and content.
-Ramakant Bhargava, Rajkot, Gujarat.
Climate change in the centre-stage
I read the Climate Change issue of G’nY a few years back. I remember that at that point yours was the only magazine which published a balanced view on the tricky issue of climate change. I request you to continue publishing articles that contain vibrant debates on climate change as it has acquired a centre stage in the world today.
- Ragini Singh, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Dam Removals
I read the interview of Dr. Bharat Jhunjhunwala on the issue of Dam Removals published in the September-October 2010 issue of G’nY. It is important to learn from others’ mistakes - but, the USA is removing the storage dams after achieving a very high level of development. We Indians are poor imitators – we definitely lack the originality. Right now, we require power at any cost. We need to run our machines to the hilt. We have to increase our production graph. When half the population in this country is still jobless or underemployed, the debate whether we should or should not have the big dams is irrelevant. The country like India should go all out for power generation and all possible sources of energy should be exploited.
- Dr Dinesh Singh, Chandigarh
Power from Renewables
I read a few articles on the hydro power in the September-October 2010 issue of G’nY. I was wondering whether you are planning a renewable energy issue too. I am strong believer of solar power and strongly feel that we should go all out to tap solar energy. The solar power provides enormous possibilities to meet our energy demands. Why are we not are realising our strength and opting for something which is freely available and for the time immemorial? Energy from the renewals holds the key for development of our country.
- Shyam Kishore Rai, Patna, Bihar
Solar Powered Zoo
It was refreshing to know that an entire zoo is running on solar power. I was surprised that still Price of Wales has a zoological garden to his name in the land of nawabs. Kudos to Ms. Renu Singh, who has shown the way to other zoos in the country. The recently announced Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission has enormous hopes for energy availability. All efforts should be made to provide energy to every household in the country even in the remotest corner.
-Ramesh Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Teaching Aid in Geography
I am a teacher in a Higher Secondary School and I teach Geography. I look forward to new methods used in teaching maps and diagrams so that students can have interest in the subject. May I request you to necessarily keep one or two topics on teaching-aid from the next issue. May I also inform you that G’nY is the only magazine in he country on Geography.
- Rashmi Singh, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat
Sept - Oct 2010
July-August 2010 I came across your ‘water matters’ issue, recently. Consequently I visited your website. Although on one side I am impressed with the quality and crispness of each article that you have printed, I could not help wonder whether your magazine was some kind of governmental mouth piece. Any magazine of this level should have some really hard hitting reporting especially on issues of water. The lack of safe potable water in what you call the peri-urban and rural areas, even after decades of self rule, reeks of mismanagement. I was looking for some research work or case studies in such aspects. Perhaps, you can incorporate such studies either conducted by you, or by NGOs and civic bodies that expose the lack of governmental commitment towards seeking sustainable solutions. - Dr Bhaskar Mane, Pune.
Teaching Aid on Geography
I am a regular reader of your magazine and I get a lot of information on geographical aspects which not only help me enrich my knowledge base but also facilitate my teaching. I would like to request you to publish teaching aids on geography on topics like landforms, cartography, geo-informatics etc. These topics are extremely important and one requires help to make them easily understandable. I hope you will consider my request favourably and start a series of teaching aid articles from the next issues.
Radhika Sharma, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Placement Possibilities
I have read your magazine and find that you are working towards making geography a popular subject among the new generation and bring back the past glory of the subject. I think now placement possibilities for students studying geography are not many, or if it is then there is no awareness about it. Is it possible for G’nY to publish all the possible vocational job opportunities which will definitely take the subject forward and may generate interest in students.
Shiv Shanker Dass,
Bhubaneshwar, Orissa.
Water Governance and Role of Panchayats
Water is life giving and planning for it is a collective responsibility. The article has beautifully explained the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions and decentralised planning through active participation of community members in order to provide some clues to effective ways of water management. But it is also true that Government agencies have to pitch in to provide technical and logistic support in terms of encouraging local expertise and provision of informed support and cooperation. However, at ground zero the situation is different. There are certain NGOs which are working towards it but the support from the government agencies are not coming forward. This is where the problem is. I hope to see some more articles on the all important issue of water in the next issues of G’nY.
Mohd. Sadaquat Hussain Khan, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Thinking Water Thinking Women
The article Thinking Water Thinking Women published in July-August 2010 issue of G’nY is a refreshing article. The author has tried to look at the problem in a different way. The term eco-feminism is a new phrase that I have learnt. The role of gender is very important in dealing with various social issues, and I just hope that our decision makers take cognizance of it while formulating policies.
Sonam Sethi, New Delhi.
Articles on Kashmir
I came to know about G’nY while surfing on the net. Since then I am a regular reader of your magazine–the articles on different states of India are really informative. I would like to suggest to you to cover the State of Jammu & Kashmir which is famous all over the world for scenic beauty, culture, flora and fau na, water resources etc.
Wasim Ahmad by email.
GIS Teacher Training Course
You have been organising many teacher training programmes all over the country along with the NGO LIGHTS. Are you also offering any GIS short training course to the senior secondary teachers? I am interested in undergoing such a training. However, I am unable to go to Delhi, or Hyderabad to undertake it. If your organisation does a short training course along with your programme, teachers like us would hugely benefit. Also if you can provide related information through G’nY it would be very helpful.
Manmahon Kumar, Darbhanga
Bihar .
July
- August 2010
May-June
2010: Thank
you for publishing several articles
on urban issues. The article by Dr
R B Bhagat titled Civic Amenities
in Urban India is a master piece.
It brings forth the real difficulties
faced by the urban establishments
even after the empowerment of urban
local bodies by the 74th Constitutional
Amendment. However, I disagree with
his remark that small urban centers
lack financial and technical capabilities
to design the projects which can take
care of public health issues, sanitation
and solid waste management. In fact,
the government lacks the will or it
lacks vision as far as the smaller
urban centres are concerned. There
is no regulation what so ever at mufassil
level. People are free to construct
at their own will and most of the
small urban centres look like fortified
slums. Is it not possible to enforce
that all new construction has to have
some semblance of organised construction
with a proper provision for public
health issues? It is very much possible.
But this is simply not on the government's
agenda. -Shyamal Ghosh, Kolkata.
The
Mishmis
I read the article 'The Mishmi Hunter
of Arunachal' by Ambika Aiyadurai
in May-June 2010 issue of GnY. It
was a mesmerising account of Mishmis
with a passionate description of their
culture and traditions. The article's
conservationist approach is full of
balanced arguments and I hope the
policy makers would take clues from
this article. I should expect some
more accounts of hunting tribes in
the next issues of your magazine.
R P Baishya,
Guwahati, Assam
Articles
on States
GnY May-June 2010 issue has articles
on Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Arunachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Why don't
you publish articles on Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
etc. It is important for the readers
to know about other states also. In
fact articles on tourism also has
a lot of information on geographical
aspects of the state.
Rashmi Singh,
Patna, Bihar
Material
on NET
I look forward to G'nY for authentic
in formation. I see there a dearth
of analytical and authentic material
on geography for NET examination.
Why don't you start a series of NET
material in G'nY. It will be a great
service to research oriented students
who don't find quality information
anywhere. The good text books on the
subject are out dated-certain books
carry data which are at least 20 years
old. I hope you will consider my request
and start the service soon.
Ramesh Sagar,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Journal
or Magazine
I have been a subscriber of GnY from
its inception and I look forward to
every issue with genuine interest.
But I am sorry to state that of GnY
has now become more a journal than
a magazine. As a teacher I find very
little of its content useful that
I can share with my students. May
I request you not to dilute the character
of GnY. Let it be a magazine and for
accommodating serious articles you
can start a journal afresh.
M K Bishnoi, Jaipur, Rajasthan
News
on environment
I am a regular reader of G'nY since
2002. Earlier, I used to get some
round up on environmental news which
are handy for increasing the knowledge
base as well as teaching my students.
Off late I see many serious articles
have been preferred over the small
and light articles. Please include
some news on renewable energy as it
has become a very important subject.
Sushma Tiwari, Meerut, UP
Urban
Issues
May-June 2010 issue published many
features on urbanisation. It was extremely
useful as I opted for the same subject
as a term paper. I am also trying
to point out the usefulness of GnY
to serious students/researchers.
Monika R, Puducherry
Library
Editions in DVD
I heard from my colleagues who had
participated in the data users' seminar,
Dehradun that G'nY library editions
are also available in DVDs. Can I
buy the DVD, kindly let me know about
the procedure.
Shikha Saxena,
Nainital, Uttarakhand
May
- June 2010
JMarch
- April 2010 I read the e-copy of
your magazine which was recently forwarded
by a friend. The production is commendable,
although I am yet to see the print
quality. But above all, I was impressed
by the range of your articles. The
essay on 'Vanishing Languages' was
interesting to read, as was the article
on 'Sustainable Mining'. I am a geologist
by profession and was wondering whether
you have published any issue of geological
findings in the country. Perhaps G&Y
could run a fun section on how to
identify rocks and how to map geological
seams. The applied side of geology
is indeed interesting - Manav K Barnawal,
Kolkata, West Bengal.
Crossword
G'nY is an excellent magazine, especially
for senior secondary teaching in social
sciences. In the recent issues however,
it seems you have discontinued
the geographical crossword section.
I really enjoyed solving it with my
students. Will it be possible to restart
it?
- M Anjana, Hyderabad,
Andhra Pradesh
Renewable
innovations
I am a staunch believer that renewable
energy has the answer to all our modern
day problems. Despite my demanding
job as a mechanic, I find time to
tinker with machines to use solar
or wind options in running vehicles,
especially scooters. I was wondering
whether you have any section in your
magazine that promotes young innovators
like us, as it would help us to reach
a wider audience of like minded people.
- Rafique Alam, New Delhi
Radical
view
The Sunderban embankment story, published
in the March-April 2010 issue of G'nY
is trifle radical to say the least.
One would expect that being a thinking
man's magazine you would be a little
more sympathetic to the voices of
the poor rather than believing that
washing away of the embankments and
the livelihoods of those who live
in these fragile lands is the call
of the hour. Although I understand
that the author's view may not necessarily
be endorsed by you, but censoring
such unbridled thoughts is definitely
within your jurisdiction. If we continue
to promote such fatalistic attitudes
it won't be long before every problem
affected region of the country would
just let be - to wait for natural
justice.
- Saubhik Das, Medinipur,
West Bengal
GM
Foods
We have been reading your magazine
for a considerable period now. It
has brought many pertinent issues
to the forefront - concerns that we
were probably not even aware of. In
that light-where we look up to a product
like yours, to pointedly disregard
the debate on genetically modified
foods is a little perplexing. Is there
any particular reason for not publishing
about the GM food controversies?
- Surender Kishore Patnaik, Bhubansehwar,
Orissa
Visiting
Andaman
It was always one of my dreams to
visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Your publication's (March-April, 2010)
varied articles on the theme has concretised
my desire and I shall be visiting
the islands this autumn.
-Norman Lakra, Mumbai, via email
Essay
on Water
I came across your book on water in
our library. An excellent set of essays,
it however disappointed me on two
counts. One, that with a magazine
like G'nY one would expect better
production from people like you and
two that an updated version should
have been printed by now, four years
on. In any case, I am looking forward
to new books that you may be printing.
Please keep me updated.
- Neil Gandhi, via email
Jan
Monk Service Award
The Geographic Perspectives on Women
Specialty Group, Association of American
Geographers has announced the Jan
Monk Service Award for 2010. This
year's winner is Professor Saraswati
Raju (Special Editor for this issue
of G'nY) of Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi. The award recognises a
geographer who has made an outstanding
contribution to women in geography.
Mar
- Apr 2010
January
- February 2010 I enjoy most of your
publications. However, I could not
help but notice that your population
and migration issue had very little
population and too much migration.
I have been working in the population
sector for four years now. The moment
I saw the cover of your magazine,
I was ecstatic to find something so
close to my heart. But, going through
I found that you have not tackled
any hard core population issues and
dynamics of change therein. Perhaps,
your later issues can target something
along these lines - Mannat Sinha,
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
Grid
Management
I read the article 'Grid Management'
published in Jan-Feb 2010 issue of
G'nY. It was such a lucid presentation
of an otherwise technical subject,
especially the graph, that I went
through every word of it. This kind
of article should form part of the
school curriculum so that our young
students understand such important
concepts easily. I am an educationist
and I shall try at my level to see
that such articles become part of
all school books. Meanwhile I request
you to put the entire article on the
internet, if it is already not done.
Dr S Narayana
via e-mail
Grid
Management
This is the first time I have come
across such a high quality graphic
representation of our grid system.
I congratulate G'nY for carrying this
kind of research. I hope to see more
such articles in future.
Mukta Ghosh, Kolkata,
West Bengal
Going
Global
I have been reading G'nY since its
first issue in 2001. I may have missed
a couple of them while away from the
country. The first issue of 2010 is
different from all other copies that
I have read as it has many articles
by foreign authors especially from
the U.K. I am really very happy, as
I always knew that G'nY has the potential
to go international.
Keep it up.
Radhakant Khatri, New Delhi,
via e-mail
Age,
Wage and Vintage
I read the interview titled 'Age,
Wage and Vintage' with great interest.
Dr. Binod Khadria deserves accolades
for highlighting the issues which
are governing the job markets internationally.
It is an eye-opener and I feel we
in India should realise it sooner
than later.
Sampat Mohapatra, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa
Ecosystem
Service Commodities
It was a refreshing article by Dr.
Sian Sullivan. I think we need to
first understand nature and its role
before formulating any policy. It
is ironic that we should systematically
ignore our tribal population who have
been living close to nature for generations
and we sitting in the cities having
already polluted our habitat beyond
repair, have gall to extend the blame
to them for spoiling the natural habitat.
Hope this article wakes up pseudo
climate savers.
Rehana Akhtar, Aligarh,
Uttar Pradesh, via e-mail
DVD of Library Edition
I am happy that G'nY is available
though e-mail. I want to subscribe
for my son who is studying in Sydney.
Do you have any plans to digitise
the old issues of G'nY as carrying
the Library Editions seems impossible?
Getting all the articles in a DVD
will really be handy.
M C Pathak, Noida,
Uttar Pradesh
Migration
Special
I got to read many articles on migration
in Jan-Feb 2010 issue of G'nY. I have
been looking for the current updates
on national as well as international
migration. Thanks. If possible carry
similar issues on regional development,
social forestry, commercial farming
in India, etc.
Shailesh Kumar Singh,
Patna, Bihar
Urbanisation
issue
I am presently undertaking research
on issues of urban governance. I had
once read governance related articles
in your 2002 issues. Are you planning
to update us on urbanisation concerns
in any one of your new issues? It
would be wonderful for me in case
you do. You can perhaps also carry
India specific examples based on urban
theories.
Prabhat Singhal
via email
Jan
- Feb 2010
November
- December 2009 The 'Electrifying
India' issue of G'nY was a good effort.
However, the content could have covered
many other aspects of energy rather
than an inordinate emphasis on rural
electrification. It is my suggestion
that from the new year you begin a
section that will discuss energy related
issues systematically. Dr Sameer Sethi,
New Delhi
Dear Dr Sethi, You will be happy to
note that our panelists have accepted
your suggestion and from this issue
onwards we have a special segment
called 'Energy India' dedicated to
the many concerns related to power,
both renewable and non-renewable.
-The Editor
Utilising
Surplus Rainwater
I read the article titled 'Utilising
Surplus Rainwater in India' by Dr
Nityanand Singh, published in Nov-Dec
2009 issue of G'nY. I am impressed
with the in-depth analysis of water
scenario in the country. The article
is also a welcome break from the pessimistic
accounts of our water wealth. I completely
agree with the author's view that
any use and exploitation of rainwater
must be based on an analysis of 4
to 10 times longer data of the past.
R Desai, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Energy
Security
The article on Energy Security published
in Nov-Dec 2009 issue of G'nY was
a good account of the energy situation
in the country. Kindly publish articles
related to food security, present
position of industries such as iron
and steel, cement, textile etc and
mining.
Rajender Singh, Sariska, Rajasthan.
Library
Edition of G'nY
I have been buying your Library Edition
since 2004 every year. This has been
extremely useful as a compact, bound
book containing all issues published
in the year. It is very handy for
readers in my library. But however,
since this is a bound volume of all
the issues published, in my suggestion,
it would be perhaps better and more
scientific if you could create a topic
based compilation - something like
Annual Edition of G'nY?
Lal Chand Sharma, Allahabad, UP
Unprecedented Fog
The country has been facing unprecedented
fog not specific to any region for
a couple of months now. Is it similar
to famous European fog arising out
of wood burning? The governments there
had to resort to banning of wood fire
which ultimately resulted into disappearance
of fog. Do you think the fog in India
is also due to, burning of wood or
something else. I would appreciate
a write-up on this in the upcoming
issue of G'nY.
Kavita Som, New Delhi.
State
wise issues of G'nY
I came across copies of your magazine
at a friend's house. I felt that perhaps
at a later date you could build upon
thematic issues based on states of
India. For example, if you bring out
an issue on Rajasthan, it could cover
issues of land and resources on one
hand, and tourism and other aspects
on the other.
Narender Sharma, Ex CMD, MTNL, New
Delhi.
Essays
on Water
I happened to see your book titled
'Essays on Water' in Shillong, Meghalaya.
I must appreciate the effort of bringing
together various aspects of water.
It would also be wonderful if you
could update the book and include
the climate change dimensions.
Shyam Gogoi, Guwahati, Assam.
Conference
at BHU
I was fortunate to hear your editor
speak on wind power development in
Jaisalmer at the recent international
conference (11th to 15th January 2010)
held at Benaras Hindu University (BHU).
I was surprised by the dimensions
she brought to light, especially the
aesthetic ones. We as Indians hardly
believe in protecting the aesthetics
of our landscape - yet we have built
the most beautiful forts and palaces.
Rajiv Mishra, Varanasi.
'Say
Yes to Plastics' Blog
We have launched a debate on plastics
on our website. Our team feels that
plastics are necessary in our day
to day lives and that banning it would
not be a plausible solution. It is
a management issue and should be treated
as such. Disposal and recycling options
should be stepped up and anti-litter
drives promoted so that we learn to
use plastic sensibly. We invite our
readers to visit our blog at www.geographyandyou.in
and post us your comments.
- The Editor
Comments
on the Blog
When I was in California, 90 per cent
of our row's garbage consisted of
plastic yet the streets were clear
of even a tiny scrap. I believe that
management is the key to cleanliness
and it has nothing to do with banning.
- Prateek.
Of course, banning the use of plastics
is not the solution at all. We should
try to manage the waste which is produced
by the unwise use of plastics. - Manoj
Verma.
Nov
- Dec 2009
September
- October 2009 Reading the article
on Living Rivers in your 56th issue
I was suitably enlightened. I have
always been aware of minimum ecological
flow as a concept. However, the term
environmental flow seems to be apt
as it encompasses wider aspects of
river regimes. It is interesting that
we should talk of environmental flows
at this juncture, especially with
a new Ganga action plan redrawn under
the National Ganga River Basin Authority
– are we then heading towards a new
beginning of interlinking of rivers?
Please debate.
Dr H Parikshit, Hyderabad, Andhra
Pradesh
No
Glossy Ads
I
don’t have enough words to appreciate
the kind of service your magazine
is providing to scholars, researchers
as well as ordinary yet serious/curious
readers on some of the most pressing
global issues that have no political
boundaries but as urgent as a question
of sustaining the health of our planet.
It maybe thin, devoid of glossy advertisements
etc, or not found in news/magazine
stands but it much above standard
Indian reparative publications and
full with highly valuable and authentic
information.
Bhaskar Dasgupta
Via email
Stories
on Nature
We
have been subscribing to G&Y for
two years now. I was wondering whether
you could bring out
more stories on nature. I would love
to see pictures of lions of Gir forests,
or Himalayan birds and insects. Perhaps
some lesser known trek routes could
be placed in coming issues.
Pratap
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ed.
Book on Climate Change
In
the conference at Darbhanga, Bihar,
we were informed that a Edited book
on climate change is soon to be published.
We are eagerly waiting for it.
Manoj Kumar, Jharkhand
CMS
Vatavaran
We
bought your publication ‘Essays on
Water’ in the CMS Vatavaran exhibition
on 27 October 2009. The book was really
informative and can be used as good
reference.
OSAI Environmental Organisation
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
NAGI Conference, Jabalpur
I have subscribed your magazines (both
Hindi and English editions) at Jabalpur
NAGI conference. I congratulate you
for the publication of such a quality
magazine. I also purchased ‘Essays
on Water’ edited by you. The book
is very useful and informative for
all scholars. I hope you will continue
to publish such good books and magazines
in the future also.
Dr Raj Kumar, Hissar, Haryana
No Comparison
I can simply say that there is no
comparison between ‘Geography and
You’ and other magazines. I cherish
every articles of this wonderful magazine.
Sanjoy Choudhury
Shillong, Meghalaya
First
Report
We
do not see any first report section
anymore. Is G&Y not working on
reporting? We especially enjoyed the
writeup on Polyandrous Jaunsaris in
the May - June 2008 issue and Wind
Power in Jaisalmer in the November
- December 2008 issue. Please do give
us such insights regularly.
Sumit and Corrie
Guwahati, Assam
G&Y Readers Edition
We
have bought several issues of G&Y
from Dr. Mukherjee Nagar market, New
Delhi. It is informative but we have
found the Hindi edition of G&Y
more useful for readers especially
those preparing for competitive examinations.
As a group of aspirants we were wondering
if it would be possible to bring out
a similar magazine in English. It
could be named ‘G&Y Readers Edition’.
We would benefit from such a venture
as it would enable us to access correct
matter suited for our needs.
Sameer Kulkarni
Nehru Nagar, New Delhi
Sept
- Oct 2009
July-August 2009, Going
through your last issue on water I
was wondering whether it would be
possible for G'nY to organise studies
of water-rich and water-poor areas.
These areas may have turned water-rich
from water-adequate through successful
interventions or turned water-poor
from water-rich due to malpractices.
Hands on experiences accompanied by
your excellent photography of such
scenarios will leave a deeper impact
on the reader's mind and perhaps promote
practices that will lead to more water-rich
areas.
Madhav, Cuttack, Orissa
Online
G'nY Teachers' Club
Congratulations
for the initiative. Your online Teachers'
Club will help teachers across the
nation to receive latest information
on the subject. I have also received
your newsletter. This is wonderful.
Keep it up.
Sneha Tiwari, Uttar Pradesh
I
really liked the idea. I have already
discussed with my principal for forwarding
you the proceedings of the internal
workshops/training that we organise
for our teachers and students. She
has agreed and I am sending you workshop
details soon and hope this will find
a place in the newsletter and also
be beneficial
for other teachers and schools.
Sakshi Basu, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
This
is a novel initiative. Thank you for
offering me the membership free of
cost. I read the first newsletter
that was attached. I was impressed
by the topic of the workshop that
was organised in Delhi with the support
of the NRDMS, Department of Science
and Technology. Is it possible to
organise a similar workshop in Darjeeling?
There are a lot of teachers here who
would be interested to take part in
a workshop on data usage.
Nirupa Majo, Darjeeling, W.Bengal
How to prepare for UGC/NET
I
have been receiving G'nY quite regularly
and use it for preparing answers for
university exams. Now as you know
one has to clear NET in order to become
a lecturer. I would highly appreciate,
if you could publish an article on
how to prepare for the NET exam and
what to study. I shall be highly obliged.
Sharad Jain, New Delhi
Vision Capsules
In water issue of G'nY you have started
brief notes viz. world population
day: India brief, methane emission:
fields of rice, and climate change:
Himalayas under threat, under the
header 'Vision Capsule'. They are
really handy and useful. I request
you kindly to continue and devote
some more pages to it.
Amlesh Kumar, Patna, Bihar
Another Indian to Climb Everest
Since you have been covering nature
related events we wanted to let you
know that 26 year old Gaurav Sharma,
an international climber and mountaineer
from Churu, Rajasthan has climbed
Mount Everest and created history
yet again for the nation. He accompanied
an international expedition to Mount
Everest and successfully climbed the
highest mountain on 20th May, 6:15
am. He was the youngest and sole mountaineer
from India in this expedition, which
achieved one of the fastest ascent
of the Mount in year 2009. He is also
the first Indian to be awarded the
'Sagarmatha Swarn Mahotsav Padak'
by the Government of Nepal.
Youth Adventure Sports Institute,
Rajasthan
Groundwater Depletion
I
read the article titled 'Freshwater:
Status and Management' by Dr B M Jha
in July-August 2009 issue of G'nY.
This is a common knowledge, also echoed
by him that free and subsidised power
is augmenting excessive withdrawal
of ground water. Then why are our
policy makers not waking up to the
reality. The author is the Chairman
of Central Ground Water Board and
he should be in apposition to impress
upon the policy makers to stop this
menace of mismanagement of ground
water resource before it is too late.
R. Sanathan, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Request for crossword and inquest
I
am perhaps one of your oldest readers
- I have been reading G'nY from 2001.
Although, it is a commendable effort
- the way you have developed the magazine
- I feel you have left behind a few
good ideas that should have been part
of the modern day avatar. Prime most
among them is the section that was
dedicated to geographical crossword
and twenty questions. I solved them
avidly. I hope you will reintroduce
this section again.
Dr Subir Brahma, New Delhi
July
- August 2009
March - April 2009,
I read your magazine with great interest
as I find it different from mainstream
magazines. But your interview with
the CPCB Member Secretary was disappointing.
The questions were too simple and
promotional. I would suggest you to
go through a parliamentary report
on the functioning of CPCB published
in 2008 by Rajya Sabha. In fact, the
entire system of pollution control
in the country is a sham.
R S Pandit, New Delhi.
Online payment portal
Once while searching for some geographical
information I went through your web
site which proved very informative.
The web site would benefit many researchers
in project preparation. However, why
don’t you have an online payment portal?
Vibhu Mishra, Ghaziabad,
Uttar Pradesh
Monsoon Predictions
As a student of geography, I know
that there are long term projections
of monsoons followed by short term.
In April 2009 the IMD predicted normal
monsoons this year. It is common knowledge
now that this is far from the truth.
Even short term predictions are failing.
What are the reasons that when developed
countries can make near accurate projections,
we in India are still guessing? Is
it the lack of trained manpower or
the lack of equipment that make our
farmers pay dearly?
Suresh Kumar,
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Educative G’nY
During my visit to a doctor’s clinic
I went through this journal and found
it very educative, suitable for every
age group. Congratulations for the
good work.
Anand Sagar Sharma
via email
Data Users’ Workshop
I read the report on Data Users’ Workshop
in May-June 2009 issue of G’nY and
was delighted to note that your team
is undertaking such projects. I am
a teacher of geography in a government
school in Allahabad, and feel that
if similar projects are organised
here it will be a great opportunity
for teachers both teaching in government
as well as private schools. I will
be happy to volunteer for the event.
Rachna Gupta, Allahabad,
Uttar Pradesh
The report on Data Users’ Workshop
published in May-June 2009 issue of
G’nY saddens me. All good things seem
to happen in Delhi and we lesser mortals
from the eastern part of the country
miss it. Why don’t you organise such
events and workshops in at least all
state capitals? I am a regular reader
of G’nY and expect that such workshops
be also organised in Kolkata too.
Barnali Ganguly, Kolkata,
West Bengal
Recently a Data Users’ Workshop was
organised for Delhi school teachers.
One of my friends attended this workshop
and found it useful. Resource persons
solved many queries and the participants
also learnt GIS. I too want to be
part of such events. Please allow
me to be a part of G’nY as it is through
this excellent journal, for both teachers
and students, that I can be up to
date with the latest happenings.
S N Yadav,
Pitampura, Delhi
Recommending G’nY
This is a great journal for geography
and environment. I am a teacher in
St Xavier’s School, Muzaffarpur. I
always suggest my students to go through
this journal for a better knowledge.
Thanks a lot for publishing such a
good journal.
Manoj Kumar Verma,
Muzaffarpur, Bihar
Plastics Waste Management
The article based on ICPE case studies
is refreshing - a hope for the hopeless.
Plastics are one of the greatest innovations
that mankind has seen and have become
an integral part of our lives. I believe
that a blanket ban cannot be the solution.
Bans only breed corruption. Disposal
systems has to be put in place. One
of the best ways to start is to educate
children in schools who in turn can
be very effective in educating their
parents at home. A small incentive
can encourage the household to segregate
plastics which can be collected and
sent for recycling.
S K Mathur, Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh
Association with G’nY
I am post graduate degree holder (MSc)
in Sustainable Development from the
University of London, UK. I am regular
reader of G’nY, and wondered if I
could associate myself with this magazine?
Swatantra Gupta,
via email
May - June 2009
March - April 2009,
I want to thank
Iris Publication for organising relevant
essay, painting and quiz competitions
from the inception of its magazine.
Receiving a prize in the essay writing
competition titled ‘Impact of Climate
Change on Agriculture’ (results announced
March 2009), I was pleasantly surprised
and felt surge of confidence in myself.
I am regular reader of both Hindi
and English magazines and congratulate
the entire team.
Anita Singh,
Palam Colony, New Delhi
I have been reading your magazine
for two years now. Although I use
it for my research, I find that without
a reference list it is difficult to
locate anything beyond what you have
published. It would be indeed helpful
if you could include a reference list.
Swasti Kanta Ghosh,
Malda, West Bengal
Reading through your magazine, I found
its quality commendable. However,
I was wondering why you do not cover
developmental issues related to mental
health, gender discrimination and
child abuse.
Jitendra Rawat
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Deep regards and thanks to the team
of G’nY magazine for providing such
an enriching experience in the Data
Users’ Workshop on 27th April in Delhi.
Your hard work and effort is highly
appreciable. I am indeed looking forward
for more such workshops.
Neitu Malic
Uttam School for Girls, Ghaziabad
I unfortunately missed the Data Users’
Workshop organised by you, as I registered
after completion of your seat limit.
Is it possible to include my name
at the outset for your following workshops
as I heard from my colleagues that
the proceedings were indeed beneficial.
Deepa Sahai
Rohini, New Delhi
I have been wanting to train my students
in remote sensing and GIS. I am writing
to you in the hope that you will guide
me as to what software the school
should purchase. Is there any low
cost basic software that would allow
hands-on training to our students
on a one to one basis.
Bhagirathi Jhingran
Pathways World School, Gurgaon
I teach students of class four and
five in the junior school. Although
your magazine is very informative,
I cannot ask my young readers to refer
to it. It is far above their understanding.
Could publish G’nY Junior for younger
children to keep them updated on the
recent happenings around India and
the world.
Sonia Dhiman
Ludhiana, Punjab
Reading the interview of General N
C Vij, in your March April issue,
2009, ignited my desire to work on
disaster education. I am general secretary
of an NGO in Orissa, named, Sansar.
Please publish details of what areas
NGOs can work in, towards this cause,
so that we may be able to make a difference
at the grassroot.
Raghav Dash
Cuttack, Orissa.
Was there a real need for the National
Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)
to be constituted? The Ganga Action
Plan, despite the huge expenditure,
made little difference. With chief
ministers of the riverine states as
members of the NGRBA who can expect
a consensus on any issue related to
the upstream or downstream pollution
load of
the river.
Ravi Ranjan Tiwari
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
While going through the magazine,
I found it quite informative and relevant
in today’s context of development
issues. Since I too hail from a similar
background I wanted to share with
you that the implementation of reduced
emissions from deforestation and degradation
(REDD) in developing countries, as
a part of Co2 mitigation measures needs serious debating. The implications
of REDD on the indigenous communities
in India is manifold and I would feel
happy to highlight it for your magazine.
Vinita Krishna,
New
Delhi
March - April 2009
My
heartiest congratulations to the G’nY
team for publishing great articles
related to land degradation. The articles
are indeed useful and informative.
I was, in fact running a research
on the subject when I came across
this issue. Thank you.
Renu Ramachandran, Pune, Maharashtra
Chhattisgarh Tourism,
I
have been reading G’nY for four years
now. Your previous issues showcased
articles on the Survey of India -
I really enjoyed reading them. Now
I must appreciate the regular features
on Chhattisgarh. The articles not
only are full of information on the
little known State, but their attractive
presentations forcefully invite. I
recently visited the majestic Chitrakut
waterfalls on the Indravati river,
after reading about it in G‘nY.
R
N Naik, Hyderabad, AP
Climate
Change
I
first saw G’nY in a bookstall at Chennai
in 2007 and since then I have been
a regular reader. I have noticed that
from September 2008 onwards G’nY’s
issues extensively cover climate change
in India. I have not seen any other
credible journal presenting such studies.
This is great work - keep it up. If
possible, print a book on climate
change in India which can be used
by schools and colleges.
Prof S Srinivasan,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Excellent
Journal
Thank
you for sending me copies of your
excellent journal G’nY. It is a wonderful
and world class magazine. Indeed I
was not aware of this journal - the
articles are good and photographs
of the journal are splendid. It will
be my pleasure to contribute towards
this journal.
Dr
A K Handa, Senior Scientist Forestry,
Jhansi, UP
How
to publish an article in G’nY
I
have been an avid reader of your journal
for a few years and find it useful
on various counts. Please forward
details of article submission.
Abdul Bari Naik, AMU, Aligarh
Energy
Scenario
During
the first few years of your publication,
the G’nY, editorial team always included
extremely well researched articles
on the energy scenario in India. Of
late I see a lot of issues related
to climate change - but none that
deal with the energy crisis as such.
I would request the panel of experts
who review the matter to be printed,
to accommodate issues related to the
energy scenario in India - I am sure it will make interesting reading for everyone.
Jitendra Budholia, Gwalior, MP
International
Seminar at Aligarh
An
international seminar on our changing
environment was organised at Aligarh
University. Dr S Z Qasim (centre), renowned scientist and the first recipient of
Bhartiya Padmabibhushan along with
Professor P K Abdul Azis (left), Vice
Chancellor, present at the proceedings,
reviewed the importance of natural
resources in our daily lives. The
Seminar was conducted by Professor
Abdul Munir (right), Head, Department
of Geography. Speaking on how the
country’s economic strength depends
upon its natural resources Professor
Abdul Munir delighted participants
with his interactive presentation.
Padma
Shree to Dr Kalyan Banerjee
Dr
Banerjee has been offering free and
effective homeopathic treatment to
over 4000 patients a month - for thirty
five years now. A doctor who upholds
the highest ethical traditions of
his profession, he is internationally
renowned and runs his own research
centre. Under his guidance homeopathy
has scaled new heights. By awarding
the 2009 Padma Shree to Dr Banerjee
the selectors have made the award
more credible. We congratulate and
salute the selfless service that Dr
Banerjee is extending towards humanity.
January - February 2009
Wind Power in Jaisalmer
Wind
Power in Jaisalmer was a good roundup,
which not only outlined the wind power
potential in the area but also touched
upon many facets that require consideration
before opting for green power. The
article should give direction to our
policy makers who want green energy
at any cost.
Surjit Mallik, Dadri Haryana
Traveller’s Diary
I have been following your articles
on travel for some time now. The article
titled Surkhanda Mata Temple by Dr
Srinivasan published in Nov - Dec
2008 issue GnY was refreshing to say
the least. This column takes you to
places hitherto unknown - do keep
publishing such articles.
Manoj Kumar Thakur, Lucknow, Uttar
Pradesh
Online
Subscription
I feel it would help GnY to start
online payment service for subscription.
It will definitely boost your circulation
among people like me, who are not
subscribing as you don’t have an online
payment facility.
Jithesh A, Trivandrum, Kerala
Climate
Change Issue
I am a regular subscriber of GnY.
Recently while attending the NAGI
Seminar at Allahabad I found your
well stocked stall. I purchased the
2007 Library Edition. Such editions
are really useful as I can use it
for my research work. I read the Sept
- Oct issue and found useful matter
related to climate change in India.
However I feel that there was a lack
of perspective on the effect of climate
change on cropping patterns in India.
I also wish to send my paper for publication
in GnY. Hope you will accept.
Kanchan Singh, Varanasi, U.P.
Chhattisgarh Tribes
I am one of your magazine’s proud
subscribers. I have been reading the
magazine since its first issue which
I purchased from the book stall near
a bus stand. At the time I was a student
in the university. Now I am working
as lecturer of geography at SBP Government
College, Dungarpur, which is one of
the tribal districts of Rajasthan.
This magazine is a true representation
of subjects like environment and geography.
The article on ‘Tribes of Chhattisgarh’
was indeed interesting and provided
up to date information about tribes
of this area. I am also undertaking
research on tribes of south Rajasthan-hence
found it related to my subject. Another
article which impressed me was the
cover story on ‘Wind Power in Jaisalmer’
which gave the true depiction of the
area.
Raj Kumar Rathi, Dungarpur, Rajasthan
Sarasvati
Re born
I was delighted to read the article
‘The Vedic River Will Flow Once Again’
published in Nov-Dec 2008. It is hard
to believe that I might be able to
see the ancient Saravati flowing again
in my lifetime. Thank you for the
interesting information.
V K Agnihotri, Gurgaon, Haryana
Archive
Section
I deeply appreciate your magazine
for the valuable information it provides.
However, I would suggest that you
put up an archive section for access
to the previous editions. Also place
a search bar in your website - it
would be really helpful to the users.
Swati Shrivastava, New Delhi
Latest
data
You have not published the latest
data on agriculture and mineral production
for India and the world for some time
now. It is very useful for preparing
various examination. Is it possible
to include related data in the following
issue of GnY? I shall be obliged.
Ram Sagar Pandey, Indore, Madhya
Pradesh
November
- December 2008
Business
Opportunities out of Climate Change
Dr
P Nag's article was like a fresh air
in a suffocated corridor. It gave
a completely new direction to otherwise
gloomy picture of climate change.
I strongly believe that change is
a continuous process. One should be
ready for the change and adapt to
it.
Sharada
K. Pathak, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Publishing
a paper
I
am a geography teacher and a research
scholar too. I find your journal extremely
useful and would like to publish my
research paper in your forthcoming
issue.
Shobhan
Kumar Dey Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Climate
Change Issue
First
of all I would like to congratulate
the entire team of GnY for publishing
the special issue on Climate Change
in India. The issue was rich and covered many aspects. But many other concerns
need to be debated - impact of climate
change on extremity of climates; the
duration of the process of climate
change; the extent to which climate
change can impact the human lives
etc. Please bring out a series covering
varied aspects of climate change.
R
P Ganesh, Bangalore, Karnataka.
Recent
Updates
Geography
and you is a knowledge enhancing journal.
However it would be better if you
could include some recent updates
on different topics and organise few
contest at regular intervals.
Anindita
Saha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Andaman's
Bounty
I
am thoroughly impressed with your
journal and want to contribute a research
paper in the field of geography. I
am serving in the Andaman and Nicobar
islands as senior faculty of a college
for eighteen years now. My field of
interest is related to nature's bounty
in these islands as Andaman
is my place of birth and I am indeed
attached to its panoramic natural
beauty.
Dr
Ratan Mazumdar, Port Blair, A&N
Islands
Meeting
Dr Nag
I
have just received the Sept-Oct 2008
issue of GnY. I was indeed eagerly
waiting for it. I enjoyed the article
'Business Opportunities out of Climate
Change' by Dr P Nag. I recently got
an opportunity to meet Dr Nag at DDU
Gorakhpur University, when I was participating
in a DST sponsored Advance Training
Course on 'Application of Geomatics
in Natural Resource Appraisal and
Management'. Despite his stature he
is a very simple and down to earth.
The terms of climate change was informative
and without looking at the answer,
I could solve 8 out of the total 9.
Thank you very much for publishing
such a great journal.
Manoj
Kumar Verma, Muzaffarpur, Bihar
Impact
of Climate Change on Health
The
article by Dr Sabyasachi Bal, in Sept-Oct,
2008 issue of GnY was informative
and brings forth the enormity of impact
of climate change on human health.
One must take note of it and get prepared.
I request you to bring out such articles
in Indian context only with illustrations
from the states and UTs in the country.
Rahul
Kant Srivastava, Pune, Maharashtra
GnY
at Pune Book Fair
I
saw your journal - Special Issue on
Climate Change - for the first time
at the National Book Trust Fair at
Pune when I visited it on 29th November
2008. I was pleasantly surprised to
see such a high quality journal on
environment in India. I want to get
the issues regularly. Can you please
guide me?
Prahlad
Mane, Pune, Maharashtra
September-October
2008
International
Look
I
came across your magazine, and was
thoroughly impressed by the general
get up of the magazine, and the excellent
quality of the articles and photographs.
I am looking forward to read your
future issues. Please keep up the
good work. My very best wishes to
you and your team.
Dr
Harikrishnan, Colchester,
Essex, UK
Thus
Ganga Spoke
I
procured your publication, Essays
On Water along with the GnY subscription.
I am a research scholar from Bihar
University, and have also cleared my UGC NET Exam. I wish to extend my thanks to
you for the interesting and important
information that I collected from
your magazine and Essays on Water.
The article ‘Thus Ganga Spoke’ in
the book is incomparable. I wish to
send my research articles in the future
and hope you will accept it.
Manoj
Kumar Verma, Muzaffarpur, Bihar
World
News
I
have been reading this fine bimonthly
magazine since the last few years.
I appreciate the effort that the team
puts in to write about recent developments.
I like solving term power and reading
traveller’s diary apart from the various
news and views presented in it. However,
global news may be incorporated in
your future issues to enrich your
magazine further.
Ratilal
Kashiram Patel, Bharuch, Gujarat
Springs
and Waterfalls
I
am a regular reader of GnY. I request
you to provide detailed information
about waterfalls and springs in India
and the processes that lead to their
formation.
Amit
Kumar Sau, 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Oceanic
Pollution
Being
a reader of this magazine I find that
I can look upto you for authentic
information. Please publish current
details about Indian agriculture and
oceanic pollution.
Mithelash
Kumar, Dewaria, Bihar
Destructive
Kosi Floods
Geography
and you is very informative magazine
for students, teachers and all those
who are concerned about environment.
In the July - August 2008 issue I
had just read about the Kosi when
I heard the shocking news about embankment
breach and destructive floods in the
area. I request to the editor to add
more geographical information of India
and also of other countries.
Sunil
Singh Rajpoot, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
GnY
not Available in Salem
Recently
I visited New Delhi and got hold of
GnY. I was pleasantly surprised to
find a rich treasure on the subject.
Your July-August 2008 issue carried
an article titled “Flood Hazard: A
GIS Based Approach” in which the author
discussed the poor management of Kosi
Basin. This article was published well before the Kosi disaster and I wish
the policy makers had read this valuable
magazine and learnt a few disaster
mitigation skills. I request you to
make this magazine available at Salem.
M.
K. Kumaran, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Changing
Consumption Pattern
The
case study of Isapur Sarki village
in Uttar Pradesh is an eye opener.
This article gives a perspective in
the context of millennium goals -
as to how life style and food habits
are changing and how they can affect
our fragile environment. More such
studies need to be undertaken for
better understanding of changing consumption
patterns.
Ramakant
Tiwari, New Delhi.
Heartening
Publication
Thanks
for the GnY July-august 2008 issue.
This is an indeed heartening publication
to see.
Janet
Townsend, New Castle. UK
July-August
2008
Opinion : One Sided Development
In the age of cement, steel and silicon,
technology and development seems to
be the most commonly used synonyms
for modernisation. All this manly
expansion to gain supremacy over natural
habitats has taken a heavy toll on
our animals. There is huge decline
in almost all faunal populations except
man. Maybe we have become animals
in the wild race of unilateral progress.
Mohd Ossama Ahmed,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Geographical places beyond India
Today I got hold of your appreciable
magazine and found that it provides
immense knowledge in the geographic
sphere. May I request you to also
cover geographical places of interest
beyond the Indian boundaries. My best
wishes.
GAGANDEEP
KUMAR,
Amritsar, Punjab
UGC NET Exams
I passed M A in Geography in 2006
and am at present preparing for the
UGC NET exams. I have found many answers
from your journal that especially
relate to newer topics. However, is
it possible to provide a few Bhugol
aur Aap (Hindi edition) articles in
GnY. I would be indebted.
Shikha Awasthi,
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Research with GnY
Geography and You is a good magazine
for students, teachers and researchers
engaged in scientific work. It continually
assists me in my research work and
I deeply thank the GnY team for their
concerted effort in promoting a cause.
Manoj
Kumar Verma,
Muzaffarpur,
Bihar
Up to date issues
I truly appreciate the editor of GnY
for considering the suggestions proposed
by readers. I have not come across
any such magazine in the field of
geography and environment. The material
provided floods the reader with latest
environmental happenings. Thank you
and good luck.
Vinod,
Subhash
and
Vijay,
Chappra, Bihar
Postal Delays
Thank you for sending the GnY May-June
2008 issue a second time. The post
office authorities have not been helpful
in locating the previous issue that
you despatched and I am quite disappointed
with their casual attitude. At the
same time I must add that your kind
and helpful intervention has alleviated
my anger against the copy lost by
the post office. I thank all of you.
sunil kumar,
Jalandhar, Punjab
Library Editions
I have been reading your magazine
for sometime now. But it is very difficult
for me to get my hands on them regularly
since the news stand always runs out
of copies. The magazine is simply
amazing. Hence I am want to order
your bounded annual library editions
along with the subscription.
Karikor
Kharkongor,
Bhubaneswar, Orissa
Term Talk Flawed
I do not expect such an error from
a reputed magazine, but it pained
me to see that the term talk section
has been printed erroneously. The
pages have been interchanged and shows
extreme carelessness on the part of
the GnY team.
Salim
KIDWAI,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
May-June
2008
I am a photographer by profession.
Although nature photography is not
my forte I was inspired by your magazine
to try a few shots. Do you have any
review mechanism? I am looking forward
to try out this new field of work
and hope my interest will be rewarded.
Manuraj Singh, Mumbai
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