World Book Fair 2012 inaugurated at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development and Communications and Information Technology, Mr. Kapil Sibal releasing a book entitled “Point of View”, at the inauguration of the 20th New Delhi World Book Fair-2012, at Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi on February 25, 2012.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development and Communications and Information Technology, Mr. Kapil Sibal releasing a book entitled “Balraj My Brother”, written by Shri Bhisham Sahni, at the inauguration of the 20th New Delhi World Book Fair-2012, at Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi on February 25, 2012.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development and Communications and Information Technology, Mr. Kapil Sibal  releases balloons during inaugural function of "World Book Fair 2012" at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on on February 25, 2012.

Book lovers Book lovers at a stall after inauguration of World Book Fair 2012 at Pragati Maidan.

School children at a stall after inauguration of World Book Fair 2012 at Pragati Maidan..

‘Jindal Prize – 2011’ to Shri Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade

Shri Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade receiving the Award

‘Jindal Prize – 2011’ for ‘Health – Including drugless healing’ with a cash prize of Rs. 1 Crore is awarded to Shri Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade for his exceptional contribution in the field of Naturopathy.

Shri Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade, a visionary leader has multifarious achievements to his credit.  He established first ever college imparting undergraduate courses in naturopathy and yoga in 1989 which is now offering PG courses for the first time in the country.  800 qualified doctors of naturopathy have been produced by the college so far.  He established two naturopathy hospitals with 300 beds and 200 beds.  He is conducting yoga training camps regularly in various places in Karnataka benefitting lakhs of people.  Colleges of Ayurveda in Udipi and Hasan, started by him and offering UG, PG and Ph.D programmes are acclaimed as colleges of excellence.

Pursuing his goal of comprehensive healthcare, he started 4½ years Bachelor’s course of physiotherapy and nursing, 2 years master course and doctorate programme, a 650 bed allopathic hospital at Dharwad with 11 operation theatres and other modern facilities, a Dental College, an eye hospital and is also running free mobile hospital with minor operation theatre and lab offering free treatment to numerous patients daily at their doorsteps.

Janajagruthi a mass movement forum against alcoholism promoted by him conducts scientific de-addiction camps at the community level, to de-addict chronic alcoholics. Janajagruthi forum has so far conducted 406 de-addiction camps de-addicting 32,000 addicts.

Apart from his outstanding contribution in the field of Healthcare, Shri Veerendra Heggade is undertaking rural development works on a very large scale. He has promoted 1,18,200 Self Help Groups empowering 1.4 million families.

DHAN (Development of Humane Action) Foundation

Winner of Jindal Prize - 2011 for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation‘Jindal Prize – 2011’ for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation with a cash prize of Rs. 1 Crore is awarded to DHAN Foundation.

Rishi Valley Education Centre
Winner of Jindal Prize - 2011 for Education - with Emphasis on Moral Upliftment

‘Jindal Prize – 2011’ in the field of  ‘Education – with Emphasis on Moral Upliftment’ with a cash prize of Rs. 1 Crore is awarded to M/s. Rishi Valley Education Centre for their innovation of MGML methodology of teaching which has already been adopted in a number of states successfully.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam 
Winner of S R Jindal Prize - 2011for Exemplary Service to Mankind in the field of Science and Technology

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam receiving the award

‘S R Jindal Prize – 2011’ with a cash prize of Rs. 1 Crore is awarded to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam for his exemplary service to mankind in the field of Science and Technology.

Mr. Justice Santosh Hegde
Winner of S R Jindal Prize - 2011for Exemplary Service to Mankind in the field of Social Development

‘S R Jindal Prize – 2011’ with a cash prize of Rs. 1 Crore is awarded to Justice N. Santosh Hegde for Exemplary Service to mankind in the field of Social Development.

Justice N. Santosh Hegde receiving the award

The “S R Jindal Prize” is instituted by the Sitaram Jindal Foundation to accolade exceptional service rendered by individuals or organisations towards eradication of corruption and for Rural Development & Poverty Alleviation in the country.

‘S R Jindal Prize’ for crusade against corruption is instituted with the goal of making India a corruption free country. Corruption in India is a consequence of the nexus between bureaucracy, politics and criminals. It is responsible for leakages in the service delivery system of the country. Only a small fraction of allotted funds reaches the real beneficiaries. Therefore it is necessary to recognize and honor such persons who have stood against this nexus even at the risk of their own well being. To strengthen their crusade the Foundation has instituted this prize.

Ten prizes of Rs. Ten lakhs each, a memento and a citation will be awarded to persons or organisations who have made exceptional impact on the society through their fight against corruption.

‘S R Jindal Prize’ for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation is instituted to recognise the efforts of selfless workers towards social upliftment who have rendered yeomen service towards rural development & poverty alleviation.

Five prizes of Rs.25 lakhs each, a memento and a citation will be awarded to persons or organisations to honour those who are relentlessly working towards rural development, alleviation of poverty and making an impact on the society.

Photo: Prakash Shetty Ulepady

Mahindra Theatre Festival: March 1-6, 2012

2012 Nominees

Best Play:
•Adhe Adhure (Prime Time Theatre)
•A Far Cry (NT Theatre)
•Baghdad Wedding (Akvarious Productions)
•Journey To Daakghar (Kasba Arghya)
•Nagamandala (Zerifa Wahid Production)
•Samjhauta (The Fact Rangamandala)
•Santaap (Rangasram)
• Sup-Ek-Prahashan (Akhara Gharnatya Prasikshan Kendra)
•The Game ( Raell Padamsee's Ace Productions Pvt. Ltd.)
•The 39 Steps (Evam Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.)

Best Director:
•Abinash Sarma (Nagamandala)
•Akarsh Khurana ( Baghdad Wedding)
•Ashim Kr. Sharma (Sup-Ek-Prahashan)
• Bhargav Ramakrishnan (The 39 Steps)
•Lillete Dubey (Adhe Adhure)
•Manish Mitra (Journey To Daakghar)
•Ningthounja Deepak (A Far Cry)
•Praveen Kumar Gunjan (Samjhouta)
• Sam Kerawala (The Game)
•Sandip Bhattacharya (Santaap)

Best Stage Design:
•Abinash Sarma (Nagamandala )
• Bhola Sharma ( The Game)
•Bhola Sharma & Lillete Dubey ( Adhe Adhure )
•Sanchayan Ghosh (Journey to Daakghar)
•T. Shachikumar (A Far Cry )


Best Lighting Director:
•Ashim Kr. Sharma & operator Ranel Huffain (Sup-Ek-Prahashan )
•Chandan Das & Manish Mitra (Journey to Daakghar)
•Mrinaljyoti Goswami (Nagamandal)
•Pradeep Vaidyya (Adhe Adhure )
•Pritham Kumar (The 39 Steps)

Best Innovative Sound Design:
•N. Tiken ( A Far Cry)
•Papu Dutta (Sup-Ek –Prahashan )
•V. Chandran ,Avijit Chakroborty & Priyali Das (Journey To Daakghar )
•Veda Shankar (The 39 Steps )
•Yashinur Rehman (Nagamandala)

Best Costume Design:
•Ashim Kr. Sharma ( Sup-Ek-Prahashan )
•Kritika Natarajan (The 39 Steps )
•K. Priyobarta & T. Memme (A Far Cry )
•Manish Mitra (Journey To Daakghar)
•Rani Dutta Boruah (Nagamandal )

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male):
•Alyque Padamsee (The Game )
•Faisal Rashid(Baghdad Wedding)
•Manvendra Kumar Tripathi ( Samjhauta )
•Mohan agashe (Adhe adhure)

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female):
•Lillete Dubey (Adhe Adhure )
•Nipram Dhanapati Devi as Kusum (A Far Cry)
•Sabira Merchant (The Game )
•Zerifa Wahid ( Nagamandala)

Best Supporting Actor (Male):
•Ashim Kr. Sharma (Sup Ek Prahashan)
•Ningthouja Jayveda as father (A Far Cry)
•Sandeep (Santaap )
•Karan Pandit ( Baghdad wedding)

Best Supporting Actor (Female):
•Ira Dubey ( Adhe Adhure )
•Jolly Laskar (Nagamandala)
•Pranati Bora (Sup-Ek-Prahashan)
•Renu Abrahim (The 39 steps )

Best Original Script:
•Ashim Kr. Sharma (Sup Ek Prahashan )
•Budha Chingtam ( A far cry)
•Hasan Abdulrazzak (Baghdad Wedding )
•Manish Mitra (Journey To Daakghar)

Best Ensemble:
•Journey to daakghar
•Nagamandala
•Santaap
•Sup-Ek -Prahashan
•The 39 steps

Best Choreographer:
•Anita Sarma (Nagamandala )
•Manikandan Thirumurthy (The 39 steps)
•Manik Bora Borbayan & Ashim Kr.Sharma (Sup Ek Prahashan )
•Ningthounja Deepak (A Far Cry)
•Partha Bandhopadhyay & Deb Kumar Paul (Santaap )

ನೀನಾಸಂ ರಂಗ ತರಬೇತಿ ಶಿಬಿರ ನೀನಾಸಂ ರಂಗ ತರಬೇತಿ ಶಿಬಿರ

ಹೆಗ್ಗೋಡಿನ ನೀನಾಸಂ ರಂಗಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಮೇ 11ರಿಂದ ನಡೆಸಲಿರುವ ಮೂರು ವಾರಗಳ ರಂಗತರಬೇತಿ ಶಿಬಿರಕ್ಕೆ ಅರ್ಜಿಗಳನ್ನು ಆಹ್ವಾನಿಸಿದೆ. 18ರಿಂದ 35 ವರ್ಷದೊಳಗಿನ, ಎಸ್.ಎಸ್.ಎಲ್.ಸಿ. ವರೆಗೆ ಓದಿದವರು ಶಿಬಿರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಳ್ಳಬಹುದು. 

ರಂಗಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಕರಲ್ಲದೆ ಆಹ್ವಾನಿತ ಗಣ್ಯರು ಶಿಬಿರದಲ್ಲಿ ತರಬೇತಿ ನಡೆಸಿಕೊಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ರಂಗಮಾಧ್ಯಮದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡುವ ಜತೆಗೆ ಶಿಬಿರಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ನುರಿತ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಿಂದ ರಂಗನಾಟಕ ಪ್ರಯೋಗಗಳನ್ನೂ ಮಾಡಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. 
ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಲು ಕೊನೆ ದಿನ ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ 20, 2012
ಮಾಹಿತಿಗೆ : ಸಂಚಾಲಕರು, ನೀನಾಸಂ ರಂಗಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಕೇಂದ್ರ, ಹೆಗ್ಗೋಡು, ಸಾಗರ, ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆ. 
ದೂರವಾಣಿ:             08183 - 265646      .

ರಮೇಶ್ ಹಲಗಲಿ ಸೇನೆಯ ಉಪ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥ

ನವದೆಹಲಿ: ಬಾಗಲಕೋಟೆ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆ ಮುಧೋಳದ ಲೆ. ಜ. ರಮೇಶ್ ಹಲಗಲಿ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಸೇನೆಯ ಉಪ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥರ ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ಸೋಮವಾರ ಬಡ್ತಿ ನೀಡಿ ನೇಮಕ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಸೇನೆಯ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಹಿರಿಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹಲಗಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬರಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.  
`ಸುಖ್ನಾ ಭೂ ಹಗರಣ`ದಲ್ಲಿ ಆರೋಪಿತರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಹಲಗಲಿ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಸೇನೆ `ಕ್ಲೀನ್ ಚಿಟ್` ನೀಡಿದ ಬಳಿಕ ಸಂಪುಟ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ಸಮಿತಿ ಉಪ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥರ ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ಅವರ ಹೆಸರು ಪರಿಗಣಿಸಿ ನೇಮಕ ಮಾಡಿದೆ. ಮಾಹಿತಿ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ ಹಾಗೂ ತರಬೇತಿ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಹೊಣೆ ಹೊತ್ತಿರುವ ಇವರು ಸೇನೆಯ ಇಬ್ಬರು ಉಪ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥರ ಪೈಕಿ ಒಬ್ಬರು. ಇದುವರೆಗೆ ಅವರು ಮಿಲಿಟರಿಕೇಂದ್ರ ಕಚೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ತರಬೇತಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥರಾಗಿದ್ದರು.

Festival of Letters Feb. 13-18, 2012

Saitya Akademi Translation Prizes Announced

Naanu Avanalla ... Avalu a Kannada translation by Tamil Selvi of Naan Sharavanan Illai Vidya an autobiography in Tamil by Lving Smile Vidya and Mahakavi Govinda Pai a Konkani translation by L. Sunitha Bai of Mahakavi Govinda Pain from Kannada written by Kayyara Kinhanna Rai were among the 22 books received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize 2011. 
The Sahitya Akademi announced selection of 22 books for the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize 2011.
The prizes relate to translations first published during the five years prior to the year immediately preceding the year of Prize for Translation (i.e. between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2009). 
The Executive Board of the Akademy met today under the Chairmanship of its President, Sri Sunil Gangopadhyay.
The Prize carries an amount of Rs.50,000/= and a copper plaque which will be presented to the translators of each of these books at a special function to be held some time in August 2012.
Yuva Puraskar Sahitya Akademi also announced its first annual Yuva Puraskar in 16 languages today; Seven books of poetry, one of novel, four of short stories, one of biography, one of essay and two of plays have won the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar.

The Awards were recommended by distinguished Jury members representing  24 Indian 
languages and approved by the Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi which met today under the Chairmanship of Sri Sunil Gangopadhyay, President of the Sahitya Akademi.
Those who have won the Awards for their collection of poetry include Uma Shankar Choudhary (Hindi),  Veeranna Madiwalara (Kannada), Nisar Azam (Kashmiri), Aishwarya Patekar (Marathi), Gayatribala Panda (Odia), Paramveer Singh (Punjabi) and Vempalli Gangadhar (Telugu).
Those who have won the Awards for their collection of  short stories include                         
Binod Ghoshal (Bengali), Susmesh Chandroth (Malayalam), Dula Ram Saharan (Rajasthani) and Jofa Gonsalves (Konkani). M. Thavasi (Tamil) is awarded for his novel.
Those who have won the Awards for their plays are Anand Kumar Jha (Maithili) and Dhwanil Parekh (Gujarati). Vikram Sampath (English) won the award for Biography while Arindam Borkataki (Assamese) won for his book on essays. The Award in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque and a cheque of    
Rs.50,000/- will be presented to the awardees at a special function held at a later date.

ದಿನಕರ ತಂಡದಿಂದ ದೆಹಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಟಕ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನ

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಬಾಗಿಲು’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಬಾಗಿಲು’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಬಾಗಿಲು’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ರಾಜು ಅವರ ನಾಟಕ ’ಇದು ಕಾರಣ’

ಚಂಪಾ ನಾಟಕ ’ಅಪ್ಪ’

ಚಂಪಾ ನಾಟಕ ’ಅಪ್ಪ’

ಚಂಪಾ ನಾಟಕ ’ಅಪ್ಪ’

Dinakara Drama Festival

Book Exhibition

SURAJKUND CRAFTS MELA

26th Surajkund Crafts Mela commenced from 1st February, 2012. The Mela, which is of international repute, comes alive with rich mosaic of colours reflecting the wide spectrum of Indian heritage. 

The Mela will display exquisite arts and crafts from national and international artists which will appeal to Indians and foreigners alike. 
The State of Assam will be participating as the Theme State in Surajkund Crafts Mela for the second time. It earlier participated as a theme State in 1998 along with other sister States of North East India. The rich cultural heritage of Assam which dates back to 13th century AD made it a perfect choice as a theme State for 26th Surajkund Crafts Mela. A replica of ‘Rang Ghar’ has been renovated to radiate the essence of Assam in colours, customs and décor. The ‘Apna Ghar’ Assam which has been specially made with bamboo, opposite theme state pavilion, will habitat a family from Assam which will live there for the entire 15 day span where public would get a glimpse of the Assamese way of living. The State of Assam plays a vital role in the Indian heritage and is soaked deeply in culture and traditions and same will be reflected in the Mela this year and visitors will get a first hand feel of the handicrafts, handlooms, culture and cuisine of Assam. 
The participation of Thailand as the Partner Nation will add to the international flavour and offer a rich amalgamation of Indian and Thai heritage. It has been decided by the Government of India that the country of which Head of the State is invited as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day Celebration in New Delhi, would be the Partner Nation for the Surajkund Crafts Mela. The Mela will witness for the first time all the SAARC nations coming together on a single platform. Craftspersons and artists from partner nation-Thailand, SAARC counties-Nepal, Bhutan, Sri-Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Afghanistan besides Eurasian counties- Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and South African country- Congo will create a mesmerizing effect with their arts and crafts in the Mela. Over 700 craftspersons from India and abroad most of whom are national & state awardees will make their presence felt in this 15 day long carnival. 

Surajkund Crafts Mela has pioneered in promoting the richness of Indian art, culture and music under one umbrella. Projecting the objective of conducting this annual affair, the Secretary Tourism stated that the Mela aims in upholding the traditional customs of India and aids in ‘culture conditioning’ of the visitors. The ambience, the music and a variety of products sold in the Mela grounds give a feel of ‘Mini India’. The humdrum of the two Choupals and a host of events at the Natyashala every evening reverberates the sumptuousness of our culture. The ambience is created specially to synchronize with the Theme of the Mela and thus it creates a vibrant ethos for the people who visit the Mela. Not only does it serve as an ideal getaway but also a paradise for artists, fashion designers and food lovers alike!
Surajkund Crafts Mela has now become a commercially viable option for hundreds of craftspersons to maintain their livelihood. This opportunity of displaying their arts and crafts at a national platform opens up various other avenues for them. Nonetheless, they bring out the best of their arts and crafts and display them in the Mela. The Mela also facilitates the Annual Exporters & Buyers Meet where the craftspersons are face to face with the Exporters without any ‘middlemen’ in between. This gives the craftspersons a direct opportunity to improve and expand their artistic horizon. 

Surajkund Crafts Mela has become one of the most important earmark events on the Indian Tourism calendar over the last 26 years. It showcases the fascinating display of exotic culture, ancient crafts & traditions and glimpses of a heritage that is legendary for its vitality. The popularity of this Mela can be judged by the fact that it has been inaugurated by various eminent personalities in the recent past like Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Hon’ble Chairperson UPA; Sh. Pranab Mukherjee, the then Union External Affairs Minister; Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, Hon’ble President of India; Sh. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Hon’ble Vice President of India and Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011 respectively.
Organized primarily under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, the Mela happens to be a collective and concerted effort of various agencies like Development Commissioners of Handicrafts and Handlooms and Ministries of Culture and External Affairs. Haryana Tourism and the Tourism Department of Theme State, Assam, jointly conduct and coordinate the arrangements of the Mela. Some of the best craftspersons and folk artists along with their products and skills converge from across the country to populate this 15 day long jamboree of Indian art, culture and traditions. This happens to be one of the most important and popular events in the annual national calendar of the Tourism industry organized in and around Delhi. The number of visitors that stood at around 8 Lacs last year is expected to increase this year.

Surajkund Crafts Mela started in the year 1987 but the concept of having a particular State/UT of India as a Theme Sate started from the year 1989. Since 1989, one State is projected as Theme State in the Mela. The selected Theme State has to construct a commemorative structure/Gate in the Mela ground. The replicas of all the theme States have been set up in Surajkund Mela ground reflecting the diversity of India. Thailand being the partner nation would add its own flavour in the Mela ground this year with its unique decoration. Nearly 600 work-huts have been fabricated in an area of 30 acres of land this year. Further, elaborate security, fire fighting and traffic arrangements have been made with the help of the District Administration. A separate enclosure has been designed as the ‘Food Court’ where variety of food and snacks will be made available. For offering quality snacks, food stalls have been set-up by the State owned Institutes of Hotel Management, Faridabad, Kurukshetra and Panipat. Theme State-Assam and the Partner Nation-Thailand will also be selling their cuisine in the food court.   
Visitors can cherish a host of cultural programmes at both the Choupals and Natyashala. The cultural teams have been selected jointly by Surajkund Mela Authority, Theme State- Assam and Cultural Affairs Department of Haryana. In addition to this, cultural teams from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Congo have also confirmed their participation. Over 500 day performers will not only entertain the visitors but also infuse the required enthusiasm in the Mela. 
SURAJKUND-THE VENUE OF THE MELA 
Surajkund– the complex derives its name from ancient amphitheatre, Sun Pool.  It dates to the 10th Century A.D.  This was an epoch when tribal Chieftains were gaining supremacy. One clan that struck out in the chronicles of history was that of the Tomars.  They were sun worshipers.  Fascinated by the surrounding of this terrain, Raja Suraj Pal, one of the Chieftains, chose to build his stronghold here.  A Sun Temple and a Sun Pool were designed.  But times changed, and the clan vanished.  The temple fell into disarray.  But, the amphitheatre sun pool built as the sun careering westwards, continued to stand as it does even today.  It is after this Sun Pool that the complex came to be christened Surajkund.  Surajkund has been identified as an ideal suburban retreat because of the natural beauty of the Aravali ranges.  The open basalt outcrop in one section, cupped a vast water body.  

Keeping the Sun Pool as the centre, a large number of tourist facilities have been developed.  To the left of the Sun Pool, alongside the ruins of the temple, stands Hotel Raj Hans.  Adjacent to this is Sunbird Resort, another property with accommodation wings.  Between the Sun Pool and Mela grounds lies the Natyashala, an open-air-theatre.  Most of the States of India have participated in the Mela as Theme State. The replicas of all the Theme States have been set up in Surajkund Mela ground reminding the visitors about the diversity of India and thus converting the Mela ground as ‘Mini India’.  
NEW INITIATIVES OF 26TH SURAJKUND CRAFTS MELA-2012
It has been decided that the country of which Head of the State is invited as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day Celebration in New Delhi, would be the Partner Nation for the Surajkund Crafts Mela.  Accordingly this year Thailand has been introduced as the PARTNER NATION.
ASSAM is the Theme State this year. Assam had previously participated along with North-eastern States in the year 1998. A “Rang Ghar” was created as a permanent structure in the Mela ground.  The same existing structure has been renovated and given facelift this year. A new concept of “Apna Ghar” of Assam with habitation and stay of Assamese family has been created to highlight the Assamese culture and way of life. 
‘Apna Ghar’ of Haryana has also been created for the stay of a Haryanvi family to highlight the Haryanvi culture with its motifs and ambience.
All SAARC Countries are participating for the first time.
This year the SAARC Division of MEA has also engaged SAARC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF HOME BASE WORKERS (SABAH), in association with SELF EMPLOYED WOMENS ASSOCIATION (SEWA) which is the ‘SAARC Initiated and SDF Funded Project of MEA for strengthening the livelihood initiative of home based workers in the SAARC Region’. Accordingly artisans from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are participating in large numbers.
Three countries namely Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan of Eurasia Division of Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India are also participating with their cultural team and crafts persons.
The West Africa this year is having its representation through the participation of CONGO by sending culture artists and craftsperson. 
Two Electronic Toilets have been newly introduced this year which is operated by putting a coin for opening the door which is totally hygienic and further has unique features such as Automatic flush, automatic washing of floor at regular intervals etc.  The consumption of water is automatically regulated as per the requirement.
A rebate of 50% is being given this year to Differently Abled, Ex-servicemen, Serving Soldiers and Senior Citizens on Mela entry tickets. The Freedom Fighters would be given free entry.
Mela tickets are also available through online & offline E-ticketing.
A strict ban has been imposed on the use of plastic/polythene in the Mela area. The arrangements for the sale of non plastic carry bags on affordable rate have been made for the visitors as well as craftspersons.
“CHARKHA” which is a symbol of Indian Handloom has been given due prominence and respect by developing it as a feature at a prominent site.
Souvenirs on Surajkund Mela Theme have been developed such as Mugs, T-shirts and Scarves which will be made available for sale on affordable prizes.
Extra care has been taken to provide ample place for the seating of the senior citizens, ladies and children by providing concrete benches all over the Mela area and the food court.
Special emphasis has been made to create rural ambience to gel with the Mela theme by engaging professionals. 
The security arrangements this year have been beefed-up considerably by placing CCTV Cameras in the Mela area along with the Night Vision Cameras. The numbers of security personal have also been increased. 
This year the parking areas for vehicles have been increased and also separate entry and exit gate have been created for each parking so as to smoothen the traffic flow. 
Golf Carts and Battery operated Rickshaws will be available on request for the facilitation of Senior Citizens and special Differently Abled persons
Special plan for the smooth movements of the pedestrians has been made and walk friendly ramps have been created instead of stairs in the Mela ground.

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