Education will determine the wellbeing of our nation ~ Manmohan Singh

News- Education will determine the wellbeing of our nation ~ Manmohan Singh

Right to Education as a fundamental right formally came into effect with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging all stakeholders to make it a success by empowering people through education.

"Today our government comes before you to pledge all our children elementary education. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act enacted by parliament in August, 2009 comes into force today (Thursday)," the prime minister said in his early morning address to the nation delivered both in Hindi and English.

"The fundamental right to education as incorporated in our constitution through Article 21 (A) has also become operative from today. This demonstrates our national commitment to the education of our children and to the future of India. We are a nation of young people. Education will determine the well being of our nation. Education is the key to progress. It empowers the individuals. If we nurture our children through right to education then India's future is secured," he said.

According to this landmark Act, every child in India, between 6 and 14, will have the right to education.

He said that education can be a success only when citizens work together in harmony and use creativity to make it happen.

This is also the first time a PM is speaking to the country regarding a Law.

Important pointers:

Quality of education to be bettered

Rs 15,000 crore is being released to make this happen

Within 1 km of residence, there will be a school

All these changes to be implemented in a span of 5 years

Special focus on girls, dalits, and adivaasis

Massive recruitment of teachers

Manmohan Singh added, "We are a nation of young people. Education will determine the wellbeing and future of the people of our country. India's future as a strong and prosperous country is secure. All children should have access to education."

"Our government, in partnership with state governments, will ensure that financial constraints do not hamper the implementation of the Right to Education Act" he said.

Implementation of right to education is crucial with the partnership of all teachers and educationists. Parents and guardians too have a critical role to play.

Speaking on a personal level, he said, "I was born into a "sadhaaran" (modest means) family. In my childhood I had to walk a long distance to school I had to study under a dim kerosene lamp. I am what I am today because of education."

"I want every Indian child, girl and boy, to be so touched by the light of education. I want every Indian to dream of a better future and live that dream", he concluded.

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Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory of India, with Port Blair as its capital. It is located in The Indian Ocean, and has over 570 islands, out of which only 38 are permanently inhabited. Earlier British used them as an isolated prison for the fighters of Indian Independence, but now these 'Emerald Islands' are a famous tourist destination. It has various hotels to cater to the demands of tourists.

Some of the islands in Andaman and Nicobar are hilly in places, covered with tropical jungle and with flat stretches of beaches. Adventure tourism like trekking, Island camping, snorkeling, SCUBA diving are the real attractions.

The places of interest include Cellular Jail, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Water Sports Complex, Fisheries Museum, Chidiya Tapu, Mount Harriet and Samudrika Museum. It is also famous for its only active volcano, Barren Island. It also has many state of the art hotels to cater to its ever-booming tourism industry. Spectacular mix of nature's most prized delights; the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a once in a lifetime holiday experience.

Location

Location : Bay of Bengal (Between Sumatra & Andaman Islands)

Latitude : Between 6th Parallel and 10th Parallel of North Latitude.

Longitude : Between 92.40 degrees and 94 degrees of East Longitude.

How To Reach Nicobar

Nicobar district is connected to Port Blair with ship as well as air. Car Nicobar the district head quarter is 250 kms. away from Port Blair. Nicobar district (except Campbell Bay) is a restricted area. Any one who is interested in visiting this district would require obtaining a LANDING PERMIT from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District. (03192-233089).

Ship service is available between Port Blair and Nicobar district. Normally ship is available twice in a week. One can obtain the ship ticket from the office of the Director, Shipping services (03192-230480) at Port Blair.

PAWAN HANS Helicopter Limited has started the inter-island helicopter service in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from 2nd June 2003. One can reserve the tickets for PAWAN HANS from the office of the Director, Civil Aviation. (03192-230480.). Helicopter goes to Nicobar district from Port Blair.

Climate

The atmosphere is damp and warm all the year round though when the sun is soothing the nights may be chilly, while the temperature varies from 65 to 98 degrees (F) in the shade. The rainfall is anything between 90 and 170 inches annually, and is considerably more on Great Nicobar; most rain falls during the South West Monsoon, but hardly a month passes without it.

The monsoon sets in at the end of May or beginning of June and strong south-westerly winds heavy squalls are current till September. Easterly winds prevail from November till April, usually beginning from the south-east and veering round to the north-east. During October and from February to April it is usually calm. Cyclones have been recorded here, but as a rule the cyclones, which reverse the Bay of Bengal, originate north of the Nicobars and do not affect these islands.

Normal rainfall : 2750 mm

Temperature : 22 deg – 32 deg.

Relative humidity : 70%

Languages

Six distinct dialects and languages are spoken in the Archipleago- one Car Nicobar, another Chowra, Teressa and Bompoka, together have one, the centre Islands of Kamorta, Nancowry, Trinket and Katchal speak a fourth, Little Nocobar and Great Nicobar with their adjacent Islands have a fifth. Lastly, the shompens who are also one of the Aboriginal tribe staying in interior part of Great Nicobar employ a speech that is different from the others. The languages has 25 consonants and 35 vowel. It is Polysyllabic and untoned. There are quite a number of foreign words from “SHAPOTO” ( for boat) , “Labre ( for book-paper) and “SHAPEO” (for hat) are from Portuguese language. The words “MONGKO” (cup) “KAPO” (Buffalow) and “HAIYAM” (fowl) are for instance from the Malaya language.

Religion

98 percent of the Nicobarese are Christians following the Protestant faith. Christianity spread after the advent of a South Indian Missionary, one Mr. Vedeppan Thambuswamy who later took the name of Mr. Vedeppan Solomon. The remaining 2 percent population consists of Muslim originally from Minicoy and Gujarat. Some of them married Nicobarese and can now be termed as “Nicobari Muslims”. Then a section of the people in Island like Chowra and Shompens of Great Nicobar still profess their old religion of animism.

In Car Nicobar there are 10 churches. The oldest church is at Mus (St. Thomas Church), where the maker of modern Nicobar Bishop John Richardson was buried

Population

As per 2001 census, population of Nicobar district is 42,026.

Occupation

The Primary occupation of the tribal population is agriculture, which is basically limited to cocunut, arecanut and banana plantations.

Environment & Wildlife

The ecological system of Islands is fragile. Both top soil cover and water resources are limited. Except for few seasonal streams (nallahs), Galathea, Alexandria and Dagmar streams in Great Nicobar, there are no fresh water sources, which can be termed as rivers. Galathea was explored for the first time in 1901 by the Boden Kloss expedition and later by a party led by the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobars District in June 1978.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests, G.O.I. has designated major part of Great Nicobar as Biosphere reserve. The reserve extends in two parts over 885 Sq.Km. or about 85% of the Great Nicobar Island.

To conserve and protect the bio diversity of flora and fauna two areas were declared as National Parks namely Campbell Bay National Park & Galathea National Park in this district.

Three Islands of Nicobar District has been declared as Wild Life Sanctuary. Battimilav Island Sanctuary is one of the strongholds of Nicobar Pigeon. Magapode Island Sanctuary, the southern most wild life sanctuary of India, is one of the last strongholds of greatly endangered Magapode. Tilanchong Island Sanctuary, set-up to protect the rare and endangered northern subspecies (Nicobariensis) of the Magapode.

There are no dangerous wild animals in the District. Common birds found include the Imperial pigeon, Green pigeon, Golden riole, king fishers, common sparrow, Babblers, sunbird, green parrot, owls and Doves. There is also a fair prickling of wild fowls. The common crow is conspicuous by its total absence. Of the sea birds, only bleak fish eagles and wild sea gulls have been spotted. Bats are present in large numbers and are eaten as great delicacy.

Among the reptiles, the Python and centipede are found. Crocodiles and monkeys are found only in Great Nicobar and Katchal Islands.

The Nicobar Islands have a considerable stock of marine life. We have beautiful coral formations, seashells of different sizes, and varieties of fish like sardines, tuna, barracuda, mullets, mackerels, starfish and flying fish. Sharks and dolphins have also been spotted. Whales have also been seen inside the Nancowry harbour. Other smaller sea creature found includes turtles, octopus and crabs of all kinds.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, a state in South India is bordered by Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Orissa in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the East, Tamil Nadu to the south and Karnataka to the west.

It is situated on the Deccan plateau and the Godavari and Krishna Rivers cut their way through the plateau, forming large deltas before entering into the Bay of Bengal.

Hyderabad , the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, carries a rich cultural legacy. Warangal and Vijayawada illustrate the presence of early Hindu and Buddhist societies and ancient architecture.

The southern part of the state boasts of Tirumala and Puttaparthi - the sacred pilgrimage sites.

Andhra Pradesh is a mineral rich state that ranks second in the country for its mineral wealth.

The major industries of the state are Information Technology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Business Management, and Construction

Agriculture

Agriculture is the main occupation of about 62 per cent of the people in Andhra Pradesh. Rice is a major food crop and staple food of the State contributing about 77 per cent of the foodgrain production. Other important crops are jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, small millets, pulses, castor, tobacco, cotton and sugarcane. Forests cover 23 per cent of the State's area. Important forest products are teak, eucalyptus, cashew, casurina, bamboo, softwood, etc.

The Government decided to arrange crop loans to the farmer at concessional rates of interest from the kharif season (2008) under the 'Pavala Vaddi' (3% rate of interest) scheme and also increased the loan amount to farmers from Rs. 23,000 crores in 2007-08 to Rs. 26,000 crores in 2008-09 to achieve the goal of increasing food grain production. Under the Centre's Rs. 60,000 crore loan waiver scheme. 77 lakh farmers of the State benefit to the tune of Rs. 12,000 crore. The prestigious 'Jalayagnam' project is designed by the Government to save the farmer from the vagaries of monsoons and provide assured irrigation facility to every acre of land. Farming in Andhra Pradesh today is so encouraging and remunerative that no farmer entertains farmers' suicides.

Area 2,75,069 sq. km
Population 76,210,007
Capital Hyderabad
Principal Languages Telugu and Urdu

Industry and Minerals

There are several major industries in operation around Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. They manufacture machine tools, synthetic drugs, pharmaceuticals, heavy electrical machinery, fertilizers, electronic equipments, aeronautical parts, cement and cement products, chemicals, asbestos, glass and watches. Andhra Pradesh has the largest deposits of quality chrysolite asbestos in the country. Other important minerals found in the state are copper ore, manganese, mica, coal and limestone. The Singareni Coal Mines supply coal to the entire South India.

The State Government has been promoting the manufacturing sector in a big way by providing concessions in power tariff, allotting land and relaxing labour laws in SEZs. AP has promoted 71 SEZs of which 52 have been notified by the Government of India with an investment potential of Rs. 35,000 crore and creation of employment for 25 lakh persons.

According to RBI Report of August 2007, Andhra Pradesh ranked second among States in the Country in attracting investments of Rs. 25,173 crore in 2006-07. The Confederation of Indian Industry lauded Andhra Pradesh as the Best Performing State in the manufacturing sector.

Information Technology

Andhra Pradesh has been forging ahead in the sphere of Information Technology. It is ahead of other states in exploiting the opportunities to the hilt. The State Government has introduced many schemes to utilize the maximum number of skilled human resources in the I.T. Sector. During 2007-08 I.T. exports crossed Rs. 26,000 crores.

The Government is making efforts to spread I.T. to Tier II cities like Warangal, Tirupathi, Kakinada, Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur and Kadapa. As a result, job opportunities in the I.T. sector in Tier II cities have improved. The IIT coming up in Medak district will become operational from the coming academic year. Further, the Government succeeded in persuading BITS Pilani to open a campus in Hyderabad which will become operational from the coming academic year.

The Government is according top priority to I.T. development by creating the requisite infrastructure and setting up of 3 Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Idupulapaya in Kadapa District, Nuzvid in Krishna District and Basara in Adilabad District) under Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies to turn out qualified personnel.

Transport

Roads: National Highways passing through Andhra Pradesh constitute 4,647 km. There are 63,863 km of state roads including 10,412 km of State highways and 1,24,142 km of Panchayati Raj roads in the State as on March 2008.

Railways: Of the railways route covering 5,107 km in Andhra Pradesh, 4,633 km is broad-gauge, 437 km is metre-gauge and 37 km is narrow gauge.

Aviation: Important airports in the State are located at Hyderabad, Tirupathi and Visakhapatnam. International flights are operated from Hyderabad.

Ports: Visakhapatnam is a major port. There are minor ports in the State. Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the country's no. 2 in the share of Cargo handling and its capacity has gone up.

India 2010

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has been divided into 15 districts and has Itanagar as its capital. Its economy is mostly agricultural. The forest-products are the next most significant sector of the economy. Its service sector boasts of Real Estate, Consultancies, Travel and Tourism, and Construction. It has many hotels to cater to the needs of tourists.

Its unspoiled environment is also a source of attraction for tourists. It has airports located at Itanagar, Daparijo, Ziro, Along, Tezu and Pashigat. It has two highways: NH 52 connecting Jonai with Dirak and another, which connects Tezpur in Assam with Tawang.

Area : 83,743 sq. km
Population : 1,097,968
Capital : Itanagar
Principal Languages : Monpa, Miji, Aka, Sherdukpen, Nyishi, Apatani, Tagin, Hill Miri, Adi, Digaru-Mismi, Idu-Mishmi, Khamti, Miju-Mishmi, Nocte, Tangsa and Wancho.

Agriculture and Horticulture

Agriculture is the mainstay of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, and had mainly depended on jhum cultivation. Encouragement is being given to the cultivation of cash crops like potatoes and horticulture crops like apples, oranges and pineapples.

Industries and Minerals

For conservation and explorations of vast minerals, the APMDTCL were set up in 1991. Namchik-Namphuk coal fields are taken up by APMDTCL. To provide training to craftsmen in different trades, there are five Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) functioning in the state at Roing, Tabarijo, Dirang, Yupia & Miao. ITI Yupia, located at Papum Pare District it is the only ITI exclusive to Women in Arunachal Pradesh.

Cities of Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar: Its is capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Tourists can visit many places of interest here which are evidences of glorious past of the state. Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, The Buddhist Temple, Ganga Lake (Gyaker Sinyi), The State Museum and Polo Park are of prime attraction.

Tawang: This region is a home of the Monpa tribes and a prominent place of the Mahayana Buddhists sect. The city is famous for the oldest Buddhist monastery or Gompa locally called as the 'Galden Namgyal Lhatse' overlooking the vale of Tawang. It is just perfect for adventure sports like trekking and hiking.

Basar: It is census town and a shelter for tribal communities like Adi, Memba and Khamba. You can visit the popular Tibetan Buddhist temple, Mechuka Gompa here.

Bomdila: If you want to relax in the lap of nature visit Bomdila where you get to see the illustrious landscape, mountains wearing a scarf of snow, apple groves, pleasant weather, affectionate people and Buddhist Monasteries. This terrain is apt for trekking and hiking expeditions. Check out the Crafts Center manufacturing finest of the carpets with unique hues and motifs.

Bhalukpong / Tipi: A botanical delight, an orchidarium at Tipi, showcases 300 species of flora and fauna. Turbulent water falls, Perennially fresh forests, and lavish expanse gives opportunity for photo adventure. The rambling Kameng river is hot spot for white water rafting and angling.

TawangMalinithan: This legendary land located in the Siang foothills is associated with Lord Krishna. A number of pilgrims flock to this place revering this dilapidated temple site. The classical Akashi Ganga waterfalls, exotic view of titanic Brahmaputra River and its tributaries attracts many tourists.

Ziro: Picturesque Ziro is located on the Apatani Plateau. It becomes a tourist attraction with its exquisite landscapes and tribal culture. Do not miss out on visiting Tarin, the high-altitude fish farm, the famous whispering pine grove and the craft centre. Enjoy watching sunrise from the hilltop where the sun rays touch you to make you fell the awe of nature.

Fairs and Festivals

The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates the moments of life by observing various fairs and festivals. Each tribe has its own festival associated with husbandry and to seek blessings from God, to pay Him gratitude of good harvest. Some of the important festivals are Solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyat-Sowai, Loku, Longte Yullo, Mol, Nyokum, Ojiale, Reh, Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu. These festivals are celebrated by folk tribal dance and music. Few festivals of relative importance are the Festivals of Apatani (Myokoh, Dree and Murung), Festivals of Nishi (Siron Molo Socham, Nyokum, Yulo), Festivals of Monpa (Losar, Jomu and Chosker), Festivals of Adi (Mopin and Solung), Festivals of Idu (Reh), Festivals of Bangni (Mlokom yulo and other festivals), Festivals of Tazin (Si-Doni), Festivals of Hill Miri (Boori Boot ).

The 'Solung' festival of 'Adis' is a five day feast for seeking happiness and prosperity. It is celebrated in order to have a plentiful harvest, to raise more mithuns and pigs and also to be free from natural casualties and calamities. Celebrated by the Gallong community of Adis there is another festival 'Mopin' to avoid natural calamities, epidemics evil effects of bad spirits and for good yield, health, wealth and prosperity. A grand celebration lasts for five days in the month of April.

The important festivals of 'Monpas', Losar and Chosker, are to observe the commencement of the new year in the former and reading the holy scriptures in the latter. Then the religious books are taken to the fields in a procession for good harvest. Each festival of these traibl communities is unioque wqaty of expressing their gratitude and offering humble prayer.

Dance and Music

Dance and music is synonymous to the jubilating spirit in the state. It is an essential part of each tribe of Arunachal. Men and women, young and old all take part this affair of celebration. People dance on certain occasions, rituals, festivals or simply for vegging out. You can find many folk dances in Arunachal Pradesh as Aji Lamu (Monpa), Roppi (Nishing), Buiya (Nishing), Hurkani (Apatani), Popir (Adi), Pasi Kongki (Adi), Chalo (Nocte), Ponung (Adi), Rekham Pada (Nishing), Lion and Peacock dance (Monpa). These songs are best accompanied by folk songs sung by the people in a chorus and the musical instrument played like drums and cymbals.

Flora and Fauna

The state takes pride in its rich legacy of flora and fauna. The floristics diversity owes to the wide range of forests. The topographical and climatic conditions lay grounds for rich flora and fauna in the state.

Tourist Circuits

There are Six main travel circuits in Arunachal Pradesh. These are as:
Tezpur-Bomdila-Tawang
Itanagar- Ziro- Daporjio-Along-Pashighat
Pashighat- Jenging – Yingkiong
Dibrugarh – Roing – Anini
Tinsukia – Tezu – Hauliang
Margerita – Miao - Namdhapa

Assam

Assam, a northeastern state of India has Dispur as its capital.

It is divided into 23 districts and consists of northern Brahmaputra valley, the middle Karbi and Cachar hills and the southern Barak Valley.

Assam is a multi-etnic society. Forty Five different languages are spoken by various communities of Assam.The flora, fauna, wildlife and rivers of Assam have great natural beauty to offer to tourists.

There are also many lodging facilities and hotels. It is also famous for its finest and some of the most expensive teas in the world.

It is also an important producer of natural gas and crude oil. Real estate and Tourism also lend their share in its economy.

Area 78,438 sq. km
Population 26,638,407
Capital Dispur
Principal Languages Assamese

Agriculture

Assam is an agricultural State. Agriculture occupies an important place in the economy of the State. The principal food crop is rice. The cash crops are jute, tea, cotton, oilseeds, sugarcane, potato, etc. Noteworthy horticulture items are orange, banana, pineapple, arecanut, coconut, guava, mango, jackfruit and citrus fruits. The State has an estimated 39.44 lakh hectares gross cropped area, of which net area sown is about 27.01 lakh hectares

Forests and Wildlife

Assam is known for her rich forest wealth which constituted 22.21 per cent of the total forest area.

The State has five National Parks and eleven wildlife sanctuaries. The Kaziranga National Park and the Manas Tiger Project (National Park) are internationally famous for one horned Rhino and Royal Bengal Tiger respectively.

Industry

Agriculture-based industries, tea occupies an important place. There are six industrial growth Centres in the State. A CIPET has been established at Amingaon near Guwahati. Assam has always enjoyed the highest reputation for her arts and crafts associated with her cottage industries. Cottage industries include handloom, sericulture, cane and bamboo articles, carpentry, brass and bell-metal crafts. Assam produces varieties of silk, Endi, Muga, Tassar, etc. Muga silk is produced only in Assam in the world.

Irrigation and Power

The major power stations are Chandrapur Thermal Project, Namrup Thermal Project and a few Mobile Gas Turbine Units along with a mini hydro-electric project. Revitalising the Thermal Power Station of Bongaigaon and completing the Karbi-Langpi Project will boost the power supply in the State. Approval has been received for Tipaimukh Dam Project.

Transport

Roads: The total length of roads in the State was 37,515 km which includes 2,754 kms of National Highways. The construction of 160 km of barbed wire fencing and 27 kms of the border road along the Indo-Bangladesh International have been completed.

Railways: The length of railway tract in Assam is 2,284.28 kms comprising 1,227.16 kms under broad-gauge and 1,057.12 km under meter-gauge lines.

Aviation: The regular civil air services operate from Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (Guwahati), Salonibari (Tezpur), Mohanbari (Dibrugarh), Kumbhirgram (Silchar), Rawriah (Jorhat) and Silonibari (North Lakhimpur)

Festivals

Assam has an exclusive range of colourful festivals. Bihu is the chief festival celebrated on the three occasions. Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu marks the advent of the cropping season and it also ushers in the Assamese New Year. Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu is the harvest festival and Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu coming in autumn is a simple affair.

Religion accounts for a large variety of festivals. Vaishnavites observe birth and death anniversaries of prominent Vaishnava saints through day-long singing of hymns and staging of Bhaonas (theatrical performances in traditional style). Ambubachi in Kamakhya shrine, Sivaratri Mela at Umananda and other places near Siva temples, Durga Puja, Diwali, Dol-Jatra, Id, Christmas, Ashokastami Mela, Rash Mela, Parasuram Mela are other religious festivals.

Famous Cities

Dispur: The capital city of Assam is well known for Auction Market of Tea. There are places of mythological significance like Basistha Ashram, and a cultural center Shankardev Kalakschetra.

Guwahati: “Light of the East” is famous for majestic Brahmaputra River. It is the hub of commercial trading in north east. The travelers delight are Umananda temple, Kamakhya Temple, Assam Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Assam State Museum.

Barpeta: This “Land of Satras” has a prominence in terms of business. A great number of schools and educational institutions make it a hub for education in east.

Dibrugarh: The name of the city ha sits origin to the mouth of a river Dibaru. It is a small town less frequented by tourists. This commercial city located along the Brahmaputra is the largest tea exporting town in India.

Silchar: Flowing to the extreme east of this city is the river Barak. The unmatched view of sunrise in the exotic natural environs is marvelous. Bhuban hill,Sri Sri Kancha Kanti Devi Temple, Khaspur, Maniharan Tunnel and temple of Goddess Lakshmi Devi are must see for travelers.

Majuli: This city cradled by Brahmaputra, boasts of being the largest fresh Water River Island in the world. The exquisite beauty, innocence and naivety of the land and its people make it a hot spot among travelers. The city is a dwelling for Assamese Vaishshnavite culture which colors the eco and spiritual tourism.

Hajo: A confluence of three religion, Hajo is located on the northern bank of Brahmaputra. A pilgrimage center for Hindus and Muslims alike it has many temples the most famous being Hayagriva-Madhab Temple. Poa Mecca is a revered pilgrimage for Muslims.

One Horned Rhino in KazirangaSibsagar: The former capital of Ahoms, the city is “The Ocean of Shiva”. There are many places of tourist interest like Rang Ghar, Kareng Dhar and Talatal Ghar Gargaon Palace, Jaysagar Tank and Temples, Ajan Pir Dargah Sharif, Charaiadeo, Namdang Stone Bridge, Rudrasagar Tank and Temple and Gaurisagar Tank and Temples.

Tawang: The city is pleasant and nestles a huge monastery – the Tawang Monastery.

Tezpur: “The City of Blood” named after a mythological battle betwixt Vishnu and Shiva, the Preserver and Destroyer of world respectively, is abundant with folklore and beliefs. Nehru Maidan, Chitralekha Udyan, The Mahabhairav Temple, Agnigarh, Da-Parbatia Bamuni Hills, The Hazara Pukhuri and Cole Park are some of the tourist destinations. The city has many sanctuaries and reserves like The Nameri Tiger Reserve, Orang Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri Sanctuary, and Kaziranga National Park.

Wildlife

There are many wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks in Assam that make this state a unique habitat for the wild beasts. Among the well known are Kaziranga National Park (famous for sheltering the rare one horned rhino), Manas National Park (famous for the largest tiger reserve and a World Heritage Site), Orang National Park (a mini Kaziarnga), Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, Pabha or Milroy Sanctuary, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park ( a biosphere reserve), Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Namber Wildlife Sanctuary, Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary, Barandi Game Reserve.

Dance and Music

Each occasion is observed with enthusiastic fervor in Assam. Celebrated with much vigor each form of dance and music is Assam is extraordinary. Some of the famous dances of Assam are Bihu Dance (the most popular dance performed by young boys and girls characterized by brisk stepping, flinging and flipping of hands), Satriya Nritya, a beautiful classic dance of Assam, Bhor Tal Nritya , an extension of Sankari culture, Chah Baganar Jumur Nach (Jumur dance of tea garden), Bagurumba dance of Bodos, Mishing's Ali Ai Ligang. There are many other folk dance forms in Assam like Husari and Bihunas, Dhuliya and Bhawariya, Deodhani, Zikirs, Mohauhau or Mahkheda and Apsara-Sabah.

Bihar

Bihar is divided into 9 divisions and 37 districts, and has Patna as its capital. It has a very rich history, and is also an attraction for travelers and tourists. There are various hotels to cater to the needs of tourists. The economy is mainly based on agricultural and trading activities. There have been some attempts to industrialize the state as well. An oil refinery in Barauni, a scooter plant at Fatuha, a power plant at Muzaffarpur and some agriculture-based industries such as sugar and vegetable oil, have been established in Bihar. It is also known for its famous mines at Dhanbad. The service sector comprises of Real estate, Mortgage and Insurance. Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Vikramsila and Sutanganj are a must visit for Buddhist pilgrims. All of these are very popular historical sites as well. Other admired historical sites are Pawapuri, Champaran and Sasaram

Area 94,163 sq. km
Population 82,878,796
Capital Patna
Principal Languages Hindi

Agriculture

Bihar has a total geographical area of about 93.60 lakh hectare, out of which only 56.03 lakh hectare is the net cultivated area and gross cultivated area being 79.46 lakh hectare. About 33.51 lakh hectare net area and 43.86 lakh hectare gross area receive irrigation from different sources. Principal food crops are paddy, wheat, maize and pulses. Main cash crops are sugarcane, potato, tobacco, oilseeds, onion, chillies, jute and roselle. Bihar has notified forest area of 6,764.14 sq. km, which is 7.1 per cent of its geographical area.

Industries

Major Industries are: Railway Wagon Plants of Bharat Wagon Limited at Muzaffarpur and Mokamah; Oil Refinery of Indian Oil Corporation at Barauni; Fertilizer Manufacturing Plant of HPCL at Barauni and PPCL at Amjhor; Cotton Spinning Mills at Siwan, Pandaul, Bhagalpur, Mokamah and Gaya; 13 sugar mills in private sector and 15 in the public sector located in south and north Bihar with a total crushing capacity of 45,000 TPD. In addition, distilleries at Gopalganj, West Champaran, Bhagalpur and Riga (in Sitamarhi district); Finished Leather Industry in West Champaran, Muzaffarpur and Barauni; Jute Mills at Katihar and Samastipur; Medicine Manufacturing Unit at Hajipur; Food Processing Units as also Vanaspati Manufacturing Units at Aurangabad and Patna; besides Kalyanpur Cement Limited at Banjari, are notable in the industrial map of Bihar.

Irrigation

Bihar has an irrigation potential of 28.63 lakh hectares. It is created through major and medium irrigation schemes and 48.97 lakh hectares through minor irrigation schemes.

Transport

Roads: Up to March 2008, Bihar had 45721.059 km of pucca roads including 3734.38 km of national highways and 3766.029 km of state highways, 7992.65 km of major District Roads, 2828.00 km. of other District Roads and 27400 km. of Rural Roads.

Railways: Bihar has a fairly good railway network. There is a railway bridge at Mokamaha in north Bihar. A few railway routes connecting important places like Muzaffarpur-Samastipur-Barauni-Katihar and Muzaffarpur-Chapra-Siwan have been converted into broad gauge. The main rail junctions are at Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Katihar and Samastipur, etc.

Aviation: There is an international airport at Patna, besides landing grounds in all major districts of the State.

10 nations to participate in World Cup Kabaddi

News - 10 nations to participate in World Cup Kabaddi

Chandigarh, Mar 29 (PTI) A total of 10 nations, including Pakistan and the United States, will vie for the top honour during the inaugural World Cup Kabaddi Punjab (WCKP) championship to be held from April 3-12. The Rs 2.16 crore tournament, which will be an annual event, will be held at different venues across the state, WCKP senior vice-chairman Bikram Singh Majithia said at a press conference here today.

The event offers Rs 1 crore to the winning team and Rs 51 lakhs for the runner-up side. Besides host India, England, Canada, Iran, Australia, Italy, Spain and Norway have confirmed their participation.

Majithia said that an anti-doping committee, under the World Anti-Doping Agency has already started functioning to ensure a "drug free" event. "It is mandatory for all the players taking part in the tournament to give samples.

All samples would be sent to the WADA-accredited National Dope Testing Laboratory in New Delhi," he said. Majithia, who was accompanied with WCKP vice-chairman Sikander Singh Maluka and Olympian Pargat Singh, warned that stringent actions will be taken against those who fail to clear the dope tests.