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Achieve

Is this India’s first ‘green’ film?

How do you make sure your film makes a different statement than any other film? You take the eco-friendly route!
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

It is not enough to make a film – huge marketing budgets, presence of mega stars and a variety of publicity gimmicks all effectively bury small Indian films.

So what does a new filmmaker and his team do? They take a different route, and create a “100 per cent eco-friendly and green film”.

Pocket Gangsters Vikram M Shah (1)Says Vikram M Shah (in pic on left), producer of the upcoming film Pocket Gangsters, “We adopted various green practices like reducing or eliminating the use of plastic during the pre-production, shooting and post-production, reducing power and electricity consumption, eliminating the use of fossil fuels, using hybrid sources of power including solar energy, eliminating the use of non eco-friendly paints, products and items during set construction, using only eco-friendly products and adopting several other procedures and practices like shutting down air-conditioners when not required to reduce the ecological footprint of our film.”

The makers claim that their film is India’s first one-take, one-shot and uncut film. A gangster thriller, the film is centred around the subject of kidnapping, and will mark the comeback of actor Raghuvir Yadav.

Adds director Hemant Nilim Das, “For a debutante director to create a ripple in the market, you need a unique selling point for the film. Either you work with A-list actors or you work on an A-grade concept. For me, making a full-length feature film that is more than two hours long in one long single continuous shot was not only a challenge as a film-maker but also, a first time endeavour for the entire lot of independent directors. I chose a story line that could be conceptualised and executed as an uncut, one-shot movie.”

Vikram explains, “As a producer, this project was a real challenge for me, because we worked on an uncut, green film. For the film’s showing, we are contemplating doing away with physical or printed tickets and will try to only use e-Tickets or SMS coupons for entry. This has still to be worked out between the distributor and the theaters. Everything from the air-conditioning to the use of plastic cups or bottles was cut down wherever possible on the shoot. We even reduced the intensity of the lighting as much as possible for all indoor shoots and tried to use day light or sunlight where possible.” 

What do you think of this idea? Tell us in the comments section below.

 

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Deal with it

Maharashtra’s sending medical help to Kashmir

A team of doctors and nurses wait to make their way to the disaster-affected areas in Kashmir; will send essential medicines, too.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Prithviraj ChavanIt is one of the worst natural disasters to hit the country in recent times, and Jammu and Kashmir is still reeling from the after-effects of floods. While rescue operations are still on, the affected areas still house several people who wait to be rescued, and now, there are fears of epidemics spreading if the situation is not brought under control soon.

Maharashtra State is doing its bit to help the affected in J&K, by keeping a team of 25 doctors and 15 nurses on standby for the affected areas. Said State Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, “We have intimated their Government about our team of medical professionals that will be arriving to help. We have also asked the Chief Minister which medicines they require so that we can dispatch the same with the team. However, with communication lines down, he has not been able to reply. We are in touch with Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on the issue.”

Prior to this, the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund has already donated Rs 10 crore towards the rescue and relief efforts in J&K. The State Congress unit has also dispatched 15 rubber boats to aid the relief operations. “We are reviewing the situation and we can send more boats if necessary,” Chavan said.

(Pictures courtesy www.firstpost.com, photogallery.sandesh.com)

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Deal with it

Stop power thefts: Mumbaikars write to police chief

Residents from the F-North ward have written to Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria exhorting him to stop power thefts during festivals.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Irked by frequent instances of power thefts from public utilities, a group of residents from F-North ward have dashed off a letter to Mumbai Police chief Rakesh Maria. The letter appreciates his latest order to Ganpati mandals not to steal power from light poles or other public utilities, and entreats him to be as strict with other instances of theft also.

In the letter, written by Sion-based activist GR Vora on behalf of F-North ward residents, the group has asked Maria to issue instructions that proper vigil be maintained even during celebrations like Eid, Navratri and other festivals, to ensure that power is not stolen. Additionally, the letter exhorts the police to nab hawkers taking power from residential housing societies for their illegal stalls or businesses. Interestingly, these residents have asked for a dedicated helpline that citizens can use to report power thefts.

The letter is reproduced below:

‘Dated: 23.8.2014

To,

Police Commissioner (Mr Rakesh Maria),

Police Commissioner’s Office, L T Marg,

Mumbai – 400002

Sub. :–  Electricity thefts from public utilities (street-light poles, residential buildings etc) by organisers of functions on our roads, footpaths and other open spaces.

Ref. :–

  1. Police Commissioner’s meeting with BEST officials in response to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mr Ketan Tirodkar against power thefts by Ganesh Utsav Mandals.
  2. TOI newsitem dated 23.8.2014, on page 11, titled “Mandals told to refrain from stealing power for Ganapati” (copy enclosed)

Dear Sir,

This is to compliment you for warning Ganesh Utsav Mandals against stealing electricity from public amenities (street-light poles etc) during Ganesh Utsav celebrations.

But we wish to bring to your notice that during other celebrations too, such as Shivaji Jayanti, Ramzan Id, Navratri etc. and festivals of several other religious groups, electricity is stolen from our street-light poles and from residential buildings for lighting their pandals and other light decorations.  Also, unauthorised hawkers steal electricity from our light poles or illegally take power-extensions from domestic users (like homes, housing societies etc) and steal it for lighting their stalls/bakadas. Please note that usage of power from domestic CHS sources too should not be permitted as it is used for commercial purpose.

So we urge you and all other members of the Vigilance Cell (i.e. Police Commissioner, Chief Security Officer (BEST), Chief Vigilance Officer of BEST – Electrical and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) ) to kindly keep vigil on all such violators and take immediate stringent penal action against them as it is a burden upon all other citizens who have to pay frequent increase in tariffs for power usage.

Sir, it would be highly worthwhile if a telephone helpline is initiated for citizens to report such power thefts directly to the Vigilance Cell, so that prompt action can be taken against the people who steal power.

We would appreciate if you could inform us of the action taken on our complaint and suggestions.

Thanking you.

 

Sd/-   GR Vora

 

For all members of F-North ward Citizens Federation.’

What do you think of the power theft issue in Mumbai? Tell us your views in the comments section below.

(Image used for representational purpose only)

Categories
Wellness

Indians are suffering from more cavities than before

We don’t have the time to take care of our teeth. Worryingly, this is increasingly causing cavities like never before.

‘You are what you eat’ goes the age-old adage, which simply means that good health and fitness depends on eating healthy. However, our ever-changing lifestyles mean lesser time to pay attention on what to eat, how to eat, and if it is affecting the overall and oral health. In fact, our increasing affinity for modern foods not just affects the overall health but has implications on one’s teeth as well.

This is leading to an increased prevalence of cavities and other oral health problems. This concern was further affirmed by a recent survey conducted by the market research firm GFK Mode. The survey confirms that 88 per cent dentists agree that the incidence of cavities nowadays is higher than before.

Increasingly, the survey brings to light the fact that today, ever changing food habits and modern foods are leading to the prevalence of cavities. Commissioned by Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, the survey found that not only modern day foods but also everyday foods like rice, dal, dalia and fruits produce sugar acids that are responsible for cavities.

According to the survey, 94 per cent dentists agree that modern foods like burgers and pizzas cause cavities. Dr Sandesh Mayekar elaborates, “It’s interesting to know that in addition to modern foods, everyday foods like dal, dalia – otherwise considered healthy – can cause cavities, too. Cavities are a result of both modern and everyday foods.  Therefore, the use of a clinically proven oral care solution, which will help eliminate the root cause of cavities, is a must.”

Also, cavities are not just restricted to sweet and sugary food items. Most foods that we consume on a regular basis have the potential to cause cavities. This is because regular and modern foods contain sugars, which get converted into harmful acids inside the mouth. These acids – known as Sugar Acids – are the primary cause of cavities. The sugar acids eat away the external surface of the tooth, destroy the enamel and lead to the formation of cavities. If not neutralised in time, they can cause demineralisation, which can ultimately lead to tooth damage. Therefore, neutralisation of sugar acids is the key to fighting cavities.

(Picture courtesy health.howstuffworks.com)

Categories
Achieve

First commercial seaplane flight takes off from Mumbai

The Mumbai to Pawana dam flight is operated by MEHAIR in cooperation with the MTDC; multiple destinations are also being planned.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Today, August 25, 2014, the Maritime Energy Heli Air Services Pvt Ltd (MEHAIR) and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) flagged off the first commercial seaplane flight from Mumbai to Pawana dam (in Lonavala). The seaplanes will eventually connect Mumbai with multiple state tourist destinations adjacent to four suitable water bodies, even though there are no runways at these destinations.

As of now, the flights from Mumbai to Pawana Dam are priced at Rs 2,999 per person, one way.

Speaking at the launch, Siddharth Verma, Co-Founder and Director, MEHAIR said, “It gives me great pleasure that the first seaplane service in the mainland of India is taking off from Mumbai. It is the first step towards covering India with a seaplane network over the next three to five years. I am sure Mumbaikars will find the service extremely useful and exciting and the service will become a vital cog in the tourism initiative of the State and both tourists as well as pilgrims will benefit from it given that its connecting tourist as well as religious centers.”

The service is expected to save a lot of travel time for users, given that the aircraft will take far lesser time to connect two points, as opposed to road or rail journeys. The MTDC has entered into an understanding with MEHAIR to launch the service in the State by extending its full support. Jagdish Patil, Managing Director, MTDC, said, “These services will boost tourism greatly. Seaplanes will turn vacation destinations into weekend destinations. The fatigue involved in reaching these destinations will also come down drastically.”      

The seaplane service is being launched in Maharashtra with Cessna 208 Amphibian aircraft (9 seater) and Cessna 206 Amphibian (4 seater). These two models can accommodate 9 to 4 passengers respectively. “This is a new and exciting mode of transport which will provide the last mile connectivity to those areas where there is no airport but are popular tourist destinations,” Verma added.

(Pictures courtesy MEHAIR)

Categories
Deal with it

This actor, activist says ‘I am the Tiger’

An environment-entrenched initiative by actor and activist Shivani Wazir Pasrich is garnering a good response and discussion wherever it travels.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Shivani Wazir PasrichActor Shivani Wazir Pasrich is going great guns with her IATT (I am the Tiger) initiative. Most recently, IATT performed for 800 students at the Maharashtra National Park, Mumbai, and the following day, to a packed auditorium in the city. ‘I am the Tiger’ is the story of Taqdeer (or ‘Destiny’), raised in the forest of Sarhi. His sister, Bachi, is forced to fight for food to feed her cubs and is branded a ‘man- eater’. After seeing his uncle Banka cruelly killed by hunters, Taqdeer is shattered. Love changes everything and Trisha, his mate, and he make a family of their own.

However, the good times are short lived and Taqdeer ends up in a zoo in Delhi. Here a life of barren captivity, inhumane conditions and loneliness force him to the very brink of existence and madness.

Says Shivani, “The initiative seeks mass involvement. As you are aware, tiger numbers have fallen steadily each year since 1990. India now has fewer than 1,800 tigers alive in the wild. India is losing the tiger, and with it, the natural abundance the nation needs to survive. We can’t just sit there counting numbers, we have to do our bit.” For this, she envisioned IATT to encompass a variety of conservation activities. “‘From tree planting in the immediate future to setting up a conservation dome in the long run (a green area in the capital city where people can feel the forest, hear the forest, smell the forest), the initiative will be a one stop where there will be performances, lectures, seminars and interactions on conservation. It is where you will find the answers to waste management like disposal of batteries, CFL bulbs, e-waste and so on. It’s also a place you will call when you want to know how to stop someone from cutting a tree or when you want to share your simple innovation with others.”

She adds that for the past two and a half years, this project has been a focal point in her life. “My vision for this project is that it will bring together people who feel for the cause and will influence other people to look at issues of concern in an empathetic way, as they are directly impacted. Hence the use of “I”. Perhaps, in time to follow, there will be an, ‘I am the Elephant’ , ‘I am the Leopard’ and eventually ‘I am the True Conservationist’.”

She says she would like to create a version of this work to showcase at conservation and climate change conferences and drive policy decisions. Further, she hopes to showcase the initiative on the Bio-diversity Train, where 16 bogies carry the story of India’s bio-diversity and stop at platforms where people can board the train free of cost and experience first hand what responsible tourism means. “The effort is to use innovative existing platforms and make them effective with a dose of creativity,” she says.

(Pictures courtesy Shivani Wazir Pasrich and www.delhievents.com)

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