Avoidable jingoism
The recent dastardly act of attacking CRPF convoy at Pulwama in Kashmir valley and tragic martyrdom of 43 security personnel triggered a wave of anger among the countrymen. The attack worked like a binder as nationalistic fervour surged within hearts of people. In the charged atmosphere, rumour mongers had a field day in many cities like Dehradun where large number of students from Jammu and Kashmir study. An example of mischievous elements taking advantage of sentiments was witnessed in one private university here when a former student posted an anti India comment on his Facebook wall while maliciously signing off as a student of the university. This post which spread like a wildfire prompted a riotous mob to barge into the university campus. It took considerable effort on part of the university administration to explain that the said student had passed out of the university three years ago. One should understand that there may be an apparent groundswell of support for separatists in some parts of Kashmir but the parents who have sent their wards to places like Dehradun sincerely want their child to become a part of national mainstream. By throwing out these students in a fit of anger, the chances are high that these youngsters will end up on the side of separatists.
College chaos
The process of upgradation of Government College, Raipur, situated on the outskirts of Dehradun city has become mysteriously slothful. The announcement for upgrading this Under Graduate (UG) College which is a hot favourite among the teaching fraternity and other employees of higher education department for its geographical advantage of being situated in the capital city, to a Post Graduate (PG) one was made by none other than Chief Minister last year but vested interests ensured that the file got entangled in red tape. It is learnt that the upgradation of the college would result in transfer of a key position holder out from the college. This lady officer with links with higher ups in the bureaucracy and ministry is said to be scheming to make sure that the process of upgrading the college remains halted till she herself gets promoted to be eligible to hold reins of a PG college.
Lively legislator
Though the hyper activeness of first time MLA from Jhabreda, Deshraj Karnwal in the state assembly and outside it sometimes creates piquant situation for him, it has firmly established him within BJP and politics of Haridwar. The young MLA has been instrumental in ensuring an order from the government for putting up the picture of Bhim Rao Ambedkar in all government offices. His recent visit to Wagah border in Punjab to protest against Pakistan as patriotic passion sweeps across the country in the aftermath of Pulwama attack and his fervent declaration in assembly for it attracted attention and praise of many. In the Vidhan Sabha proceedings, this spunky legislator leaves no chance to highlight the issues of Dalits even though his penchant for putting petitions invited ire of other members and resulted in a situation where restriction in number of petitions an MLA can place in assembly was enforced by the speaker. His increased adrenaline levels coupled with careful choice of issues raised has unnerved many, particularly established dalit leaders and self styled champions of the deprived community within the saffron party.