He has become India's hope, strength and a new face of the country's battle against corruption. The man who believes that the motive of his life lies in service to his fellow humans -- Anna Hazare.

The 71-year-old Hazare brought the world together for the cause and took the fight against corruption to the corridors of highest authority and challenged the government at all levels. Both the common man and well-known personalities supported the Gandhian alike.

A soldier for 15 years in Indian Army, Kisan Bapat Baburao Hazare engaged for service in the armed forces after the 1962 India-China war when the government exhorted young men to join the Army.

In 1978 when he was 39 years old, he took voluntary retirement from the 9th Maratha Battalion and returned home to Ralegaon Siddhi, a village in Maharashtra's Ahmadnagar, and fought for the farmers in the drought-prone area under his organisation -- the Bhrashtachar Virodhi Jan Andolan (People's Movement against Corruption).

In 1995-96, he forced the Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra to drop two allegedly corrupt Cabinet Ministers. In 2003, he forced the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state government to set up an investigation against four ministers. He fought from the front to have the Right to Information (RTI) implemented.

The social leader is now fighting for the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, an anti-corruption Bill that envisages speedy action in corruption cases against everyone, including ministers and senior bureaucrats. He observed a hunger strike in Delhi against the menace that lasted for four days till the Government bent to his demands of forming a joint drafting committee consisting of both civil society members and ministers.

His colleagues on the committee will be veteran advocate Shanti Bhushan as the co-chairperson, lawyer Prashant Bhushan, anti-corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal and former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde.

SHANTI BHUSHAN

Born on November 11, 1925, Shanti Bhushan is a former Union Law Minister in the Morarji Desai ministry and was featured at 74th position in a list of the most powerful Indians in 2009.

During his ministership, he had introduced Lokpal Bill in 1977, but it could never see the light of day, because of the collapse of the government.

One of his most prominent cases was when he represented Raj Narain in a case against Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India. Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha judged late Ms Gandhi guilty and declared her election to the Lok Sabha void. The decision resulted in widespread political protests and ultimately resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency in India.

PRASHANT BHUSHAN

Shanti Bhushan's son Prashant Bhushan walked shoulder to shoulder with him in a campaign for Judicial Accountability and Judicial Reform (CJAR). The campaign has been responsible for action against the alleged judicial misconduct of Yogesh Kumar Sabharwal, the 36th Chief Justice of India, and for the declaration of assets by the judges.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL

Arvind Kejriwal is a Haryana-born crusader for greater transparency in the Government. He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006, for activating India's Right to Information (RTI) movement at grassroots.

A graduate from IIT Kharagpur as a Mechanical engineer, Kejriwal joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1992 and was posted at the Income Tax Commissioner's Office in Delhi. Realising much corruption prevailed in government, he was instrumental in bringing in a number of changes to increase transparency in the Income Tax office.

In July 2006, he spearheaded an awareness campaign for RTI across India and to motivate others, he has now instituted an RTI Award through his organisation.

JUSTICE SANTOSH HEGDE

Justice Santosh Hegde, son of former Speaker of Lok Sabha K S Hegde, was one of the choices of the civil society groups, led by Hazare, to become the chairman of the Joint Drafting Committee for the Lokpal Bill.

A former judge of the Supreme Court, Mr Justice Nitte Santosh Hegde has also been Solicitor General of India and is the present Lokayukta (ombudsman) for Karnataka.

In his tenure as the Lokayukta, he had exposed major irregularities in mines in Bellary, including those owned by Obulapuram Mining Company and by G Karunakara Reddy, G Janardhana Reddy and G Somashekara Reddy who are ministers in the Government of Karnataka.

NNN

Date :13/11/2010
Location: Pune Region (13-14 November)

Rajgad is one of the immensely important forts in Maharashtra, as far as the cultural heritage of the state is concerned. The fort stands in Pune district at the height of 4250 above the sea level, around 40 km southwest to the city of Pune. Rajgad has a long association with history.

During the Bahamani reign, Rajgad was known as “Murumbdev”. In 1490 Ahmed Bahiri, founder of the Nizamshahi dynasty of Ahmadnagar, conquered the fort. The Nizamshahi ruled the fort for the next 125 years with no attack on the fort.

Around 1630, Shahajiraje Bhosle, father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, appointed his officer Sonaji to look into the affairs of Murumbdev.

Mughals attack on Rajgad under Rajput General Mirzaraje Jaysingh proved a failure, thanks to the indomitable opposition of the Maratha warriors. It was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who renamed Murumbdev as Kille Rajgad.  Shivaji Maharaj had spent nearly 24 years of his life on Rajgad.

There is a lot to see on Rajgad

Rajgad have 3 ‘machis’: Sanjivani Machi, Suvela Machi and Padmavati Machi with the ‘Balekilla’ in the centre.

On Padmavati machi we can see Padmavati Devi Mandir, Padmavati talav, ruins of old structure, Rameshwar mandir, and Grain store. Ganjavne, Pali and Rajdindi Darwaza opens onto Padmavati Maachi. While proceeding to Suvela Maachi we find a hillock. The famous Tanaji Malusare lived on a house on this hillock. The sunset from Suvela Maachi is    mesmerizing.

The Balekilla is built on an elevation of 500 ft. We can get a great view of Torna, Raigad, Sinhagad, Purandar, Rohida and Visapur from the Baalekilla.



Trek Schedule

    * First Pickup Point : 12th November 2010 , 10:30 pm at Aarey Colony Junction.(Goregaon east)
    * Second Pickup Point : 12th  November 2010,11:30 pm near Vishwamahal Hotel.(Mulund West)
    * We will reach base village by 6.00 am on 13th November 2010.
    * Early in the morning we will start trek to Rajgad.
    * Back to Mumbai by 14th November Evening 09:00 pm.

Contribution for this trek is Rs.1300/- per person.(Advance contribution Rs.800/-)

**Aasamant reserves all rights to make changes in the plan , if required.

Duration: 02/10/2010 to 03/10/2010 (Trek Starts on 02/10/2010 early morning)

Meeting point: 02/10/10 Bhandup (W) Railway Station Near Ticket Window at 05.45 a.m.

Mode of Transport: Private Transport


Brief Introduction about Trek :-

1. Tringalwadi Fort :-

Type : Hill Fort Fort Range : Kalsubai District : Nashik Grade : Easy

Tringalwadi Fort is located at an altitude of 3,000 feet at Igatpuri. The top of the fort is shaped like a turban. The steps and walls of the Fort still stand in fine condition. Behind the fort, on the edge, via the secret path is a must see is Hanuman Temple.The fort provides excellent views of Kulang and Kalsubai mountain ranges. A temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is nearby. During rainy season, one will have to travel three to four kilometre on foot to reach the fort as the surroundings will be cultivated.

Although the exact period of construction of this fort is not known, however, by virtue of ‘Jain caves’ near the foothills, one can roughly estimate the fort to be in existence since 10th century. Also there is no evidence regarding the period during which it was under control of Marathas, however, during the year 1688; Mughals took control over the fort by perfidy.
‘Pandav leni’ caves are at the foothills of the fort. Its entrance door is decorated with beautiful carvings on it. A statue of Lord Gautam Buddha can be seen inside the ‘Vihar’. Below this sculpture one can see the inscriptions carved on the stone.



2. Patta (Vishramgad ) :-

Type : Hill fort Fort Range : Igatpuri_Eastern District : Nashik Grade : Easy

Patta Killa, also known as Vishramgad, is situated between Nasik and Ahmadnagar in Maharashtra.The top of this fort is actually a huge plateau. The forts like Alang , Madan , Kulang , Trimbak gad and Kalsubai peak are in the vicinity of Patta. From Patta fort one can keep watch on this complete region.Patta was used to be at the border of the Swarajya. When shivaji maharaj was coming after winning Jalnapur (Jalna of today), the mughal army trapped him from three sides. It was because of the mastery of Bahirji Naik who was the head of the detective department that shivaji maharaj was able to reach Patta safely.

What to see on Patta

* Cave.
* Temple of Pattai Devi..
* Historical remains.
* Ambarkhana.



3. Bitangad Fort : -

Type : Hill Fort Fort Range : Kalsubai District : Nashik Grade : Easy

Bitangad is situated in the Kalsubai range of Sahyadri near the borders of Nashik and Ahmadnagar districts. It's surrounded by Avandh, Patta alias Vishramgad, Pandharya, Mahankal etc. small top doesn't hold too many historical monuments but it offers a great view of mountains in the Kalsubai range. Bitanwadi village, Hanuman mandir, cave, water cisterns are the other things one should look for.



Itinerary for the trek is as given below:-



Day 01 – 02/10/2010

05.45 am: Meet at Bhandup Railway Station (W) Near Ticket window

Move towards Igatpuri by Pvt Vehicle à Reach at Igatpuri à Tringalwadi Fort à

(EXPLORATION AND LUNCH WILL BE AT THE TIME OF TREK)

Move towards Patta fort Sightseeing à later dinner and overnight stay on Patta fort



Day 2 – 03/10/2010

Wake up early in the morning à Morning Refreshment à Descend from patta fort à Move towards bitangad à à Reach Base village of Bitangad and move towards Mumbai

(EXPLORATION AND LUNCH WILL BE AT THE TIME OF TREK)

We shall reach Mumbai by 10.00-10.30 pm on Sunday dt.03/10/2010



Things To be Carried Along with:-

●Identity Card

●Some ready to eat food

● Water bottle 02 Litres

● Lunch for Saturday 02.10.2010

● Polythene bag for your garbage

●Towel, Napkins, Extra 2 pairs of cloths and Sleeping Mats – Compulsory

● Torch With Extra batteries – Compulsory

● Medicine those if u require usually ………

● Comfortable shoes, sandals

● 2-3 bunch of News-papers

● A haversack to put in all the things to be carried… so that one has one hands free while walking

● Windcheaters, Raincoats

● Camera – Optional



Common info for every trek in the monsoon season:- Due to the Monsoon season and various rock patches in this route, we recommend you to please take care at every place while walking / climbing / trekking.



Cost for Trek: RS. 675.00, per person



Cost Inclusions:
* Mumbai to Mumbai Transportation via Private Transport,
* 02 Meals, Tea, Breakfast, Snacks, etc. during the trek


Last Date of Registration: 30th September, 2010

Advance for Registration: Rs. 300/-, per person

For all your further inquiries, kindly co-ordinate with the below organizing members of Team Swachhand:



Rushikesh: - 09967686828,
Ganesh: - 09619669104,
Aditya: - 09920535003,
Jayesh: - 09892943980
Pravin 9920404522



For Thane, Dombivali and Kalyan onwards People,
please contact to Mr. Sachin Shirawale: - 09321507040

Email: - swachandbhatkanti@gmail.com, pravinmpg@gmail.com



General Rules for the participants and members:-

Ø Kindly carry Identity proof for the trek.
Ø We all are going for an adventurous and interesting trekking expedition, please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR,
Ø The leader’s decision will be final and all the members should abide by it.
Ø Do not destroy or dirty the archaeological, historical monuments.
Ø Any kind of addiction is strictly prohibited, ex. drinking etc.
Ø Please do not carry or wear any valuables, ornaments, jewellery etc. If carried, then we Do Not take any liability for the same.
Ø Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking or any adventure activity is potentially risky. For all these events you are at your own risk. Organizers are not responsible for any accident or compensation in whatsoever manner.

Imp Request: We should strictly follow the code of conduct, to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.


We look forward to you active participation.

Thanks and Regards,
Team Swachhand

On Mumbai Hikers Network
 Swachhand Group
Swachhand Forum 

Hi Tech. Engineers, Ahmadnagar is delighted to announce the launch of its website that will be of tremendous value to our customers.

With the mercury soaring, 'Night Treks' are the best way to beat the heat and yet have an enjoyable trek! Having said this, we at Nisarga Bhraman have decided to head out on a night trek to the magnificent fort of Harishchandragad on 24th and 25th April 2010.


Here is some info About Harishchandragad:

Type: Hill Fort
Height: 4600 Feet above MSL (Approx)
Grade: Medium
District: Ahmadnagar
Region: Malshej
Base Village: Khireshwar

Harishchandragad Fort is famous for its height, its toughness and the famous 'Konkan Kada'. Harishchandra Temple is known to be the pride of the fort. Sant Changdev stayed here for some time and completed his manuscript - 'Tatwasaar'. The Nandi and Shivling in the temple are breathtaking. A cave nearby is always full of very cold water.

Plan:Rendezvous: Meet at 9PM (Sharp) on Friday, 23rd April-10 at Kalyan ST depot near the Enquiry counter. We would be heading to Khubi Phata by ST bus and should be back in Mumbai on 25th April by 8 PM.


The Itinerary for the trek is as as given below:Day 1 – 23rd April

Take a bus 9:30 PM bus from Kalyan till Khubi Phata.
Day 2 – 24th April

Get down and Khubi Phata and walk towards khireshwar village (~1 hour)

Take a rest at Khireshwar village for sometime, a round of introduction and Rules and Regulations (~0.25hrs) will be there.

Hike upto Tolarkhind (~3 Hours)

Climb up the rock patch (~0.5 hrs)

Watch the beautiful sunrise and take some rest (~0.5 hours)

Move towards the caves (~1 hour)

Reach the caves and have breakfast, take some rest. (~2hrs)

Visit the Saptateertha, Harishchandreshwar temple, and Kedareshwar temple which is near the caves (~1.5hrs)

Have lunch and then a siesta.

At around 4 PM take a tea and move towards Konkan Kada to watch the beautiful sunset.

Return back to the cave at around 7 PM and have the dinner and small chit chat session and then go to sleep

Day 3 – 25th April
Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and start for the tolarkhind again.

Once you clear the rock patch and reach Tolar khind, take some rest and start moving down.

Once you reach the base village, have a lunch/refreshments and start moving towards khubi phata again.

Will catch a vehicle / ST bus from there to Kalyan


The cost of this trek would be Rs.450/- only and would include Travel from Kalyan to Kalyan and Food (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner) and Expertise

If interested, please contact on the nos. below for registration latest by Thursday night (22nd April 2010):

Hemant Naik: 9819786136 (C)
Parag Vartak: 9820973705 (W)
Rohit Nayak: 9820454738 (W)

Here is a list of all the things that need to be carried for the trek:

1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried....so that one has ones hands free while trekking. Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas.

2. At least 1 set of spare clothes with a towel and napkin.

3. Soap and other accompaniments.

4. Optional: Camera & something to munch on.

5. At least 2 liters of water.

6. Spoon, Plate and Mug

7. A good torch with a 2 spare set of batteries. (COMPULSORY)

8. A sleeping bag/Foam Mat/Blanket to sleep on with a pillow and blanket.

Few rules that we would like people to follow:

1. Alcohol will strictly not be permitted on the trek. Anyone found in possession of the same or consuming it will be expelled from the trek.

2. Smoking will only be permitted after consultation with the Leader and the person will have to move away from the group to smoke.

3. Smoking will only be permitted while we stop at a clearing and not otherwise.

4. The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.

5. Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.

6. Please do not wear any jewelry or gold chains/rings.

7. Please do not litter, we believe in the saying, “When you go to the mountain leave only your footprints and bring back only memories”

Kukana (Dist. Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra): A picture of Saint Dnyaneshwar displayed at the entrance of Gevrai village was desecrated by making a symbol of ‘Cross’ on it with black sticking plaster.

Kukana (Dist. Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra): A picture of Saint Dnyaneshwar displayed at the entrance of Gevrai village was d..