Coming to a museum: Evolution of rickshaws

The Punjab tourism department is planning to set up a museum to showcase the "evolution" of rickshaws during the past 130 years since they have been around in India. The museum will be one of its kind as there is no single museum in the world solely dedicated to this eco-friendly, human powered means of transport.

The initiative to set up the museum has been taken up by the department in collaboration with Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka (GWAF), which has pioneered the eco-cab movement in the state. The GWAF's eco-cab is an improvement upon the traditional rickshaw, and is about 20 kgs lighter. Now, the department is scouting for the land to set up the museum.

Punjab Principal Secretary Tourism Geetika Kalha told The Indian Express that one of the places considered by the department for the museum is Baggi Khana at Kapurthala. She said it has the right kind of environs for the museum, but is under the jurisdiction of Police Department. If the department is not able to get space here, it may then choose Amritsar to house the museum. The holy city, which is a major tourist destination, is also one of the major rickshaw manufacturing-and-assembling hubs in north India.

According to the proposal submitted by GWAF for the project, the museum will have three major sections. The display section will trace the evolution of rickshaws from hand-pulled models to the latest ecocabs. More than 25 models of rickshaws shall be displayed here.

The photo gallery will exhibit historic pictures related to rickshaws, like Mahatma Gandhi's visit to the Shimla convention on a rickshaw. The third section, the literature section, will display books and contain CDs of movies which majorly featured rickshaws, with audio-visual aids.

Navdeep Asija, secretary of GWAF, said globally, there is now more and more interest in this environment-friendly, sustainable transport. "Rickshaw has been part of our collective heritage. We must acknowledge its growth and socio-economic value through such initiatives," he said.

Heritage rickshaws for the project will be sourced by Delhi-based rickshaw-manufacturer Sandeep Arora. Modern factories now churn out about 20 rickshaws in a day. Arora, whose father was in the same business, recalls the time when it would take a month to make a rickshaw, with all the woodwork and the artwork. Arora has managed to get two 70-year-old rickshaws from Shashi Bhushan Sharma, whose father used to run the Sevak Cycle-Rickshaw Cooperative Industrial Society in Delhi in 1960. "At that time, there were only about 850 rickshaws in the whole of Delhi, and rickshaw tyres were provided on ration cards. Many years ago, I had dismantled and kept two of these rickshaws for the sake of nostalgia. I will happily give them for the museum," said Sharma.

Arora plans to source other models from Meerut, Kolkata, Moradabad and other old cities, through his trade network. "As far as possible, we will try to get the originals, and where it is not possible, make a copy," he said.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/coming-to-a-museum-evolution-of-rickshaws/770568/0

Encroachment by Politicians – High Court Issues Notice

Chandigarh: Sanjay Pahwa:- A Division Bench of the HC comprising CJ Mukul Moudgil and Justice Jasbir Singh today issued notices for August 17th to E.O, Municipal Council, Fazilka, DC Ferozepur, Surjit Jyani, MLA Fazilka constituency and one Kewal Krishan, who has taken illegal possession of site of rickshaw stand in Cycle Bazar Fazilka.

Navdeep Asija, Secretary (Administration) of Graduates Welfare Association, Fazilka, stated in the writ petition (CWP No: 8530- 2010) that the association had launched a unique scheme for welfare of rickshaw pullers and ordinary citizens from April 4th. Under the aforesaid scheme, the Fazilka city has been divided into five zones, and in each zone, a cycle Rickshaw stand has been provided to the Rickshaw pullers; they have also been provided a landline telephone, with the result that the people of Fazilka are in a position to arrange for a Cycle Rickshaw even at odd hours, without personally going to Rickshaw Stand for hiring Rickshaw. Another peculiar feature of this scheme is that the design of Cycle Rickshaw has been changed; its weight has been reduced by about 35 kilograms, with the result that the Rickshaw pullers can easily ply Rickshaws by using less physical force.

It is pertinent to state that on April 28th, the Chief Justice's Bench, after reading about this unique scheme for rickshaw pullers launched at Fazilka, had appreciated it and taken suo motu notice of the news reports and issued notice to State of Punjab on this scheme. The petitioner, however, alleged in his PIL that Surjit Jayani, local MLA did not like the new scheme; and at his instance, one Kewal Krishan took illegal possession of the site for parking of rickshaws and converted it into a shop for cooking and selling pakoras; and despite repeated notices by the Municipal Council, the encroacher, who is backed by local MLA, has refused to vacant his illegal possession. The petitioner, therefore, prayed for issuance of directions to the EO, MC Fazilka and DC Ferozepur to get the illegal possession of rickshaw parking shed vacated immediately.
Background:

Two year back, Graduates Welfare Association started "Dial a Rickshaw" concept in Fazilka through which rickshaws were made available to the citizen of urban Fazilka through Phone call. The concept was well liked and being considered as one the best social and environment reformer. At present rickshaw operation in Fazilka is giving instant employment to more than 500 traction men i.e. rickshaw families. Through this the association not only improved accessibility but also improved the rickshaw facility as well. Later in the same year, after the success of Dial a Rickshaw Ecocab, Fazilka city become India's first car free city. These two achievements put the city in the top league of other cities of developed nation. GWAF become example for many other cities and now more than 300 graduates from directly or indirectly linked with Fazilka are the part of it.

But this success was not being digested by few. To shutdown the popularity of Ecocab, instead of improving it municipal council took the 30 year old rickshaw stand place to construct ultra modern toilet block and promise was made that place to park three rickshaw near toilet block (minimum 5 feet) shall be kept for rickshaw operations. Before the inauguration, the remaining space, which falling at prime location of the city has been allocated without following any legal proceedings to one of their blue eyed person, who now sells PAKORA near toilet. Municipal council is there to take care of health of the residents but here openly PAKORA being sold along with toilet but, no worried. They are the part of ruling government and have the support of the local elected politicians.

This forced the association to move the High Court, which issued a notice of motion on the PIL.

http://www.theindiapost.com/2010/05/13/encroachment-by-politicians-–-high-court-issues-notice/

Fazilka ECOCAB Project Launched

Dear All,
It gives me immense pleasure to announce that, we have successfully launched the “Dial-a-Rickshaw” facility in Fazilka. We have named it as “ECOCABS”. At present cycle rickshaws are fulfilling the demand of public transport system of our small city Fazilka.

In the last couple of years, we observed the change of modal share in the total trip distribution by personalized motorized mode of transportation instead of our conventional rickshaw. Primarily because of two reasons; inaccessibility of cycle rickshaws and quality of rickshaws. Fazilka, where average trip length is shorter than 3km, it is very easy to promote cycle based public transport system. Narrow street design of Fazilka city encourages the use of cycle based public transport system. As a part of value addition to existing cycle rickshaw project; serving city’s transportation need from last 60 years, we decided to launch “ECOCABS”. Now cycle rickshaws in Fazilka are available on phone call away. It’s our own metro, but on rubber tyres. We have divided the city into five zones, mainly North, South, East, West and Central and started Rickshaw Call centre in each Zone. This zoning was based upon the number of household served. All these locations are near to residential areas of Fazilka city. Now with a phone call, rickshaw is available at your doorstep within five minutes. You all are cordially invited to experience our Rapid Rickshaw Transit system. Residents of Fazilka are very excited about this service. Our Ecocab project is just not only supporting the livelihood of 500 families who are depended on cycle rickshaw but with this pedal power we are saving an estimated 900 liter of fuel and 14000kg fresh air on daily basis. It’s first of its kind citizen effort to control the oil consumption and minimize the effect of global warming on this planet.

World carefree network is associated with for this noble cause. Thanks to Media without them it was not possible to make this project as big success. I am sending you the URL of all leading Print and Electronic Media channels, who covered our ECOCAB launch. Come and enjoy the difference.

Asian Age
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/india/radio-rickshaws-launched.aspx

Video of Ecocab on CNN
http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/67507/now-dialarickshaw-for-a-greener-environment.html

The Statesman
http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:_GLz-FHAkHkJ:www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php%3Fclid%3D2%26theme%3D%26usrsess%3D1%26id%3D209173+Fazilka+Rickshaw&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=in

CNN IBN
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/now-dialarickshaw-for-a-greener-environment/67507-3.html?xml

Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Chandigarh/Radio-ricks_to_ecosystem_rescue/articleshow/3139367.cms

The Tribune
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080619/punjab1.htm#10

All India Radio and Doordarshan

Newstin
http://www.newstin.com/tag/us/63922620
The India Post
http://www.theindiapost.com/?p=2742
Our Fazilka Website
http://lovefazilka.esmartweb.com/ecocab.htm

One Day Seminar on "Fazilka Vision-2047" by GWAF

A seminar entitled as VISION 2047 was held on August 13, 2007 as per the invitation issued to the Members of Press Club Fazilka and Founding members of Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka (GWAF).
The objective was to work on future plans for Fazilka region. The need arose due to general migration and brain drain from the region to National and International metros.

Mr. Devinder Pal Singh President Press Club Fazilka, Adv. Umesh Kukar, Mr. Devinder Aggarwal, Prof Dr. Bhupinder Singh were at the podium. Mr. Rajiv Prashar was the guest of honour.

About 50 people from two groups were invited to participate in the seminar and about 35 reported to make the Programme get going at 7-30 pm and the discussions were carried till 10.45 pm.
A short movie ‘Ek Bangla Bane Nyara” created by Er. Navdeep Asija was projected through LCD projector to apprise the participants of Seminar about the various aspects of life in Fazilka

The Programme was a complete success in lieu of the points focused by the speakers

Er. Nitin Setia conducted the stage management. Thanks giving were carried by Ad. Manoj Tripathi and the dinner was served by courtesy of Er. Navdeep Asija
The speakers who expressed their opinions are listed herein;
Adv. Umesh Kukar, President GWAF
Prof. Dr. Bhupinder Singh patron GWAF
Mr. Rajiv Prashar, SDM
Mr. Surinder Ahuja, Entrepreneur
Mr. Anilesh Mahajan, Journalist, Times of India
Mr. Vikram Ahuja, Entrepreneur
Mr. Manoj Tripathi
Dr. Amar Lal Baghla, Journalist, Dainik Jagran
Mr. Devinder Aggarwal
Mr. Bajrang Gupta
Er. Navdeep Asija

The deliberations at this seminar were a valuable contribution towards cultivating future programmes, which will enhance the 3Es objectives of the GWAF. The deliberations were made from local to national level problems.
Some comments, which need to be recorded, are outlined herein;

The brainpower of the region is of standards come across anywhere in the world and proper guidance will enable the youth of the area to show better performance and become achievers.
The resources in the form of better citizens by investing in Primary Education rather than Nuclear Power Plants will be a better project, so that children of 5 years age in 2007 can after another 4 years get transformed into well-cultured Indians. A start at Fazilka may be made even though the government has never cared for Human resource development for the last 60 years. India of 2047 should be inhabited by better homosapiens.

Tree Plantation in and around the town should be immediately undertaken. A belt of trees along the newly dug drain site where very large number of trees can be planted. The administrative machinery along with Forest department and Citizens of Fazilka should w3ork out the feasible plans for this venture.

Brand name in terms of products of Fazilka should be cultivated. Tosha and Sunehri Jutti have already made a mark in this direction. More effort is needed to develop call centers etc.

Global Warming is at the doors of Civilization and if left unchecked the life on the planet will be annihilated. Programmes like pedestrian, pedal power should be used.
The role of journalists was well recognized. Their responsibility was emphasized.

A Pedal Power Call Center may be installed so that citizens in residing at the periphery of the town can avail the services of pedal three wheelers (Rickshaw) by making a call. This service of Rick calling is very much desired as a very large number of senior citizens suffer from Osteo-arthritis due to Fluoride ridden ground water. This facility will of its kind in the world as with Mobile set available, the rickshaw pullers can be contactd. Some venturesome citizens have already issued Mobile sets to Rickshaw pullers to call them for movement in the town. Earlier its was done by making calls through epistles or verbal messengers

There is need for reviving the Badha Lake, which has grown dry.

The problems of citizens having lands across the Barbed Fence near Radcliff line should be sorted out at the administrative level.

The rail link to Karachi should be revived not only for the prosperity of Fazilka region, but also for the very poor people of Bahawalpur region of Pakistan.

The rail track linking Fazilka to Abohar will open up the passenger movement to Haridwar, Delhi and South India by express trains, yet it work progress is at a snail pace. However the Sri Ganga nagar-Hanuman Garh meter gauge need conversion to broad gauge so that the Rajasthan, Gujrat and Mahrashtra region is linked through rail movement.

The management of the garbage needs better tools for the scavengers. Some alert citizens have installed Vegetable waste collection through a rickshaw for disposal at Gowshalla so that it can be fed to animals.

The Ekta Udyan, Language Laboratory for Girl graduates, under guidance of Princiapl Pritam Kaur is under development and will be inaugurated soon.
News Paper Coverage:

1. Partap Kesri 15th August, 2007

2. Punjab Kesri, 15th August, 2007 (jalandhar Edition)

3. Sarhad Kesri, 15th August, 2007

Danik Jagran, Aug 14, 2007
फाजिल्का को आदर्श नगर बनाने की योजना पर जुटे माहीर

फाजिल्का-ग्रेजूएटस वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन ने फाजिल्का के विकास के लिए विजन 2047 के संबंध में सोमवार रात को लाला सुनाम राय मेमोरियल केंद्र में विचार गोष्ठी का आयोजन किया। कार्यक्रम की अध्यक्षता उपमंडल अधिकारी राजीव पराशर ने की। गोष्ठी का शुभारंभ दीप प्रज्जवलित से किया गया। एसोसिएशन के अध्यक्ष एडवोकेट उमेश कुक्कड़ ने कहा कि भारत-पाक विभाजन से पूर्व फाजिल्का एशिया की सबसे बड़ी ऊन मंडी थी। सीमावर्ती इलाका होने के कारण 1947 के बाद यह शहर आर्थिक, शैक्षणिक, राजनैतिक दशा हर वर्ष बिगड़ती गई। श्री कुक्कड़ ने जीडब्लूए की स्थापना पर भी रोशनी डाली। उतरांचल के रूड़की इंजि. कालेज के सेवानिवृत्त डा. भूपिंदर सिंह ने फाजिल्का को ग्रीन बेल्ट में तबदील करने पर जोर दिया। उन्होंने हवा व जल के प्रदूषण से बचने के उपाय बताए। सूर्य व इंसान के ऊर्जा शक्तिके उचित उपयोग के लिए लोगों में जागृति पैदा करने के लिए कहा। उद्योगपति सुरिंदर आहूजा ने खेतों में नहर के किनारे व स्कूलों में अधिक से अधिक वृक्ष लगाने के लिए सुझाव दिया। उद्योग प्रति विक्रम आहूजा ने फाजिल्का की परंपरागत तिल्ले वाली जूती व तोशा मिठाई के कारोबार को बढ़ावा देकर देश व विदेशों में फाजिल्का ब्रांड को प्रसिद्ध करने का सुझाव दिया। डा. अमर लाल बाघला ने शिक्षा के फैलाव व विद्यार्थियों को उचित करने के लिए कहा। इंडियन एक्सप्रेस समाचार पत्र चंडीगढ़ के पत्रकार अखिलेश महाजन ने फाजिल्का की सुंदरता बढ़ाने पर जोर दिया। दिल्ली से आए इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा ने फाजिल्का धरोहर घंटाघर, बाधा झील, शहीदों की समाधि व अन्य स्थानों के विकास के लिए सुझाव दिए। नगर परिषद के पूर्व अध्यक्ष बजरंग लाल गुप्ता, दविंद्र गुप्ता, प्रेस क्लब के अध्यक्ष दविंद्र पाल सिंह व अनेक गणमान्य व्यक्तियों ने गोष्ठी में भाग लिया। उप मंडल अधिकारी राजीव पराशर ने फाजिल्का विकास के लिए सरकार सहायता व सहयोग के लिए पूर्ण आश्वासन दिया। मंच संचालन एडवोकेट मनोज त्रिपाठी व नितिन सेतिया ने किया।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_3646453.html/print/

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