SCRATCH_War of DJs in Darjeeling

Threshold Entertainments is producing the first ever War of Djs "SCRATCH" in Darjeeling. The show will be held at the Darjeeling Gymkhana Club on 13 October from 3pm onwards. SCRATCH will encourage budding DJs from the Darjeeling Hills and provide a platform for them to showcase their talents. Each DJ will be allowed to play for 40 mins and will be adjudged on their style and mixing abilites.

The theme for this year is Get High on Life. Threshold Entertainments promotes subbstance abuse free shows and also promotes awareness on HIV & AIDS.
Interested DJs can get iin touch with Samir @ 9434209887 or Rajeev @ 9434180996 or write to them at thresholdentertainments@yahoo.com There will be no entry fee charged for the participating DJs.
COME AND JOIN THE FUN!!!

Prashant Tamang takes Darjeeling hills by Storm

Dear All,
Here's a banner for Prashant created by one of my friends, Benoy, a big fan of Prashant himself. Lets vote for this guy to win the Indian idol, he's brought us all together. Atleast we have someone to look up to at the moment...

CONFLUENCE 07_Inter College Fest Darjeeling_update

3 days of unending fun for college kids from 12 colleges around the Darjeeling Hills!!!! CONFLUENCE 2007, The Inter College Youth Festival of Darjeeling. Can u beat that???? There was everything from Rock sessions to Quiz contests, College King and Queen to Mobile videos, The Reincarnation to 5th Dimension....

HUTCH was the presenting sponsor with The Telegraph coming in as associate sponsor. Himalaya Darpan was the media partner for the vernacular print media. The event was also sponsored by The Rotary CLub of Darjeling, Darjeeling Inititiative and Inox.

Have a look at some of the pics...The girls were gorgeous in the Fashion Show. Am so proud of the Darjeeling Hills and its students.

Over all CONFLUENCE 07 Champions? St. Jospeh's College, Darjeeling. Followed closely by Mirik Degree College. The Superintendent of Police, Mr. Rajesh Subarno, gave away the prizes to the winners.

Way to go Mirik.....!!!!

CONFLUENCE 07, Inter College Youth Fest, Darjeeling

Threshold Entertainments is managIng and producing a three day Inter College Youth Fest "CONFLUENCE 07" involving Students from all the Colleges of Darjeeling District and Sikkim to be held at the sprawling Rink Hall of Darjeeling Gymkhana Club from 31 Aug to 02 Sept. Around 4000 students are expected to attend the Festival. Discussions and workshops on social issues, career fair and fun events are integral part of the Festival. This festival will also be a display of all the beautiful colours which make up our country.

The three days festivities also looks at promoting and increasing dialogue between youth and students of different colleges, creating an awareness on social issues and also encourage extra curricular activities to broaden the students’ interactive skills and over all perspective.

Objectives:

• Encourage cooperation as means to strengthen the role of young people in society.

• Reinforce associative youth networks and structures at a regional and national level.

• Promote and increase the dialogue between youth

• Promote dialogue between youth associations and local communities

• Provide students with career opportunities through career fairs and workshops

• Raise awareness on social issues such as HIV-AIDS, Substance abuse, Human trafficking etc.

The highlights of this year:

· Fun Games (quiz, dumb charades, Dance Competition, etc.)

· Career Fair and Workshops

· Debates

· Discussions and awareness workshops on social issues

· Musical and Cultural Presentations

· Fashion Show _ “Inter College King” and “Inter College Queen”

· Music Competition _ ” Inter College Idol”

· Professional Rock acts from India and Nepal

· Art & Photography Exhibition

confluencefest@gmail.com / 0354-2256254 / 9434180996 / 9434209887

The beauty of rural Darjeeling

A lot of people have been to Darjeeling for their vacation but how many of them have really taken time to see the sorrounding towns and villages? Foget the 7 points and the sunrise (if you are lucky enough to see through the morning mist). Or for that matter, even the local residents of Darjeeling hardly venture to see the beauty of our sorrounding hills. The simplicity and charm of the local people, the greenery and freshness in the air, the bustling weekly "haat bazar", all adds up to a thrilling experience, one you can never imagine in our crowded towns.

I was lucky to visit Pokhriabong, Manju and Bungkulung last month. Here are some pics to feast your eyes on...

Waste Art and Mixed Media Show, Darjeeling

PROTECT & PROMOTE

Waste Art & Mixed Media Show

Its time to get into action and our anti-plastic group is planning on a Waste Art & Multimedia Show to be held from 5th June to 8th June at Hayden Hall. As part of this year's World Environment Day celebrations we are planning this first of its kind show for Darjeeling. Am adding the concept note below so everyone can have a look.



Good news, the first lady of Bengal, Mrs. Tara Gandhi has agreed to inaugurate the show!

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BACKGROUND
The alarming waste, mainly plastic that saturates the region as landfill inspired PROD, Darjeeling Initiative, DLR Prerna and Darjeeling Police to organize an event that would motivate people to regard most discarded substance as a regenerative and recyclable resource conducive to the purpose of keeping Darjeeling clean.
We cannot alter the manner in which companies manufacture merchandise overnight, but we can change our conduct to be more ecologically friendly, saving our resources for another day and stopping places from becoming merely hosts for our garbage. Art can creatively bring attention to our careless, harmful, and unsustainable disposal practices by bringing the same refuse into the public's everyday life, and not allowing it simply to disappear into landfills, out of sight and consciousness. Those who see this prospective for art and encourage its practice can employ like devices in various arenas to increase the public's awareness and change individuals' actions.
While the prime goal of the event is of environmental awareness and a creative outlook to waste, the event also intends to arrive at the goal of providing a platform to the cultural and creative expression of the artists and creative professionals belonging to the Hills vis a vis the mixed media section of the show where creative liberty will not just limit them to the theme of recycled art.
All participating artists be it painters, photographers, cinematographers, designers (web and graphic), sculptors, tattoo artists, musicians, poets, writers and so forth will be sought to explore and showcase their respective art forms regardless of the theme.
Given the employment deprivation amongst deserving creative talent in the Hills, the event could also materialize as a means to garner beneficial professional clientele and outsourcing opportunities to the aspiring professionals.
THE EVENT
Darjeeling traditionally puts up a significant program very year commemorating World Environment Day on June 5th; for 2007 the Team proposes a four-day Waste Art and Mixed Media show to begin its involvement in the social and physical fabric of the Darjeeling Hills.

The primary objectives of the event would be
1. To create a platform for art and design in the Darjeeling Hills with a strong emphasis on recycling and waste while promoting local artists.
2. To highlight the availability and distribution of Art in terms of socio-economic structures of the region, by attaching importance to local resources and community wellbeing so that it is accessible to the broader, mainly the younger social groups in our society.
3. To inspire children and young adults to heed for waste as a renewable resource.

EVENT DETAILS
Title of the event PROTECT & PROMOTE Darjeeling
Theme Waste Art and Mixed Media Show
Duration June 5th 2007 through June 8th 2007
Venue Hayden Hall, Darjeeling
Timings 9 am – 5pm

THE PROGRAMTowards education and outreach Art education / promotion and career guidance workshops during the 4-day event are an integral part of the occasion. An auction towards the end of the event will be facilitated in an attempt to make it a profitable involvement for the artists concerned.
Rousing young minds with an environment friendly attitude in Darjeeling is necessary; hence the participation and mobilization of schools and colleges for the event is a priority. Projects according to the waste art theme will be given to educational institutions to incorporate in their curriculum as well as display them in the art show.
A prize incentive will be awarded to the school with the best entry which will be judged by esteemed personalities of our town.
Every evening of the event will be cultural. Local musicians will perform original music (both digital and instrumental). Poetry and book reading sessions will also be held.
Discussions on Art and Media, Design, Waste Management, Film screenings will also be an integral part of the program. The show will entertain guest speakers from all relative fields and senior classical and local musicians.
A small eatery with comfortable seating arrangements will serve as a healthy informal environment for art enthusiasts / critics to voice their thoughts and views on various issues of concern and interest. Space will also be allotted to workshops and seminars.

Omni Lounge open in Darjeeling

The Omni Lounge is finally open in Darjeeling! Saturday the 17th of March was the first day and what a crowd there was. Around 150 people jostling for space and trying to get their food and drinks ordered. All the young and hip were there trying to take in the new Lounge and its offerings. Thanks guys for showing up and making the place happen!

We have been getting a steady flow of people who enjoy lounging and enjoying good music. The food is good with mostly Chinese fare on offer. Suraj has been making great cocktails while I try my best to write the KOTs and the BOTs. Although getting home is still a problem with the place closing at 11 pm at night. I hate the long walk back in the dark. Same for Suraj.

We organised the first private party yesterday evening at our lounge! CHAI Project's donors from Starbucks USA were in town and they wanted to have a party before they left Darjeeling. Was good to see the CHAI and DEG guys enjoying the new place and savouring the Chinese delicacies provided by our Chef Nima. Suraj was busy concocting mocktail and enthralling the ladies with his skills! I was more into PR and serving the drinks and controlling the CHAI Project guys from going overboard with their drinks. There's another birthday bash lined up for this Friday. So more sloshed guys and late nights...

Trying to persuade Ozzman to do his acoustic numbers along with the Notorious Jack (JK) and Jigme (Cadenza).

Watch our for more news!!!Call me or Suraj at 9434209887 / 9733004886

Happy Lounging

Sam

My son's first step into academia

My son Nikunj has taken his first step towards school! I feel proud to reach him to the same kindergarten school that me, my sister and my daughter went to. Feel sorry for the little guy, waking him out of his bed and dressing him up and stuffing food into his mouth in the morning, but everyone must go to school. Although he's been enlisted for the Playgroup it must be a big change of environment for him.

I wonder how our parents must have felt when they took us to school for the very first time. Hoping and praying that their sons and daughters would be perfect human beings and responsible citizens. But look at what monsters some of us turn out to be, letting all the big dreams coming crashing down. I cannot say I have been the perfect son myself. I have made a lot of mistakes in life, some of which I am still trying to rectify.

So as my son gets into school and the whole process of academia I do not have too much expectation from him to over achieve or be ambitious. When his calling comes I'm sure he will rise to the occasion and be himself.

Darjeeling and International Women's Day

Today is the 8th of March and is International Women's Day. Today we celebrate the power and the glory of women and make them feel like queens. A lot of us are busy preparing for dinners and speeches to be held during the day. Racking our brains in order to find the most beautiful and politically apt word to describe women. Well, just for today. Tomorrow, we are back, treating them like dirt and doormats...

Darjeeling is no different when it comes to women you would say. But there is something different here, in this place. Although I cannot say that we treat our women in the best manner possible, I still feel there is a lot of respect for our women folks in this town. We are more liberal with our wives and out daughters compared to the rest of India I would feel. In Darjeeling, there is no difference between a boy or a girl and we celebrate the birth of a daughter with as much gusto as that of a son. A lot of parents have even started believing that a daughter is more valuable than a son these days! What with guys getting into alcohol and substance abuse...

There are instances of wife beating and there is also a "Women's Cell" under the Darjeeling Police in order to serve and protect women. But these are much less compared to the rest of India. We dont burn women for dowry and neither do we believe in killing a baby girl in the womb. Daughter and sisters are encouraged to go to college and work towards a career. Perhaps the change lies in the education in the Darjeeling Hills. There are a lot of co-educational institutions here and boys are exposed to girls at an early age. We never treated our girl friends in college with disrespect and it has never occurred to me or my friends to treat girls or women any other way.

Some of my best friends are women whom I've known ever since my higher secondary days and the love of my life are my wife, my daughter, my sister and my mother! Ofcourse, I love my son too, but he's turning out to be such a brat...

Plastic Bag Ban in Darjeeling

Well, the dream finally becomes a reality today! As of this morning, the ban on use of poly bags in Darjeeling has started. It is being initiatied by the Darjeeling Police along with the Darjeeling Municipality and concerned local citizens such as yours truely.

A lot of discussions have been held in the past as to whether a ban is the best solution. People have felt that a voluntary process whereby people would stop using plastic bags themselves could work. But its been tried and tested for the last 10 years without any success. I know plastic bags are bad and are choking my drains causing landslides and slips, but have I stopped using plastic bags? No. Therefore I feel it is necessary for the police and the municipality to use a "stick and carrot" policy in order to save Darjeeling from doom.

People ask me, what about the monsoons, then what do we do? How do we carry our goods? I say to them, what did we do back in the good old days? I still remember going shopping with mom with a jute carry bag and paper being used to wrap everything else. We've just beeen spoilt for choices in Darjeeling and everywhere in India. What the West is giving up as harmful after so many years the 3rd world is lapping it up eagerly.

Anyways, the more people you ask for opinions, the more it gets complicated. I feel the Superintendent of Darjeeling Police, Mr. Rajesh Subarno has done the right thing by initiating the ban and thanks to the Darjeeling Municipality it is being implemented seriously. Lets give this process a chance and not harp on too many development theories as to what will work and what wont. After all Singapore did not become a litter and chewing gum free country without fines and punishment beinig imposed. So chill and use paper bags instead. The mantra is Reduce, Recycle and Reuse...

OMNI_The New Lounge Bar in Darjeeling

Now that the Carnival is over I have finally found time to concentrate on setting up a Lounge Bar right here in Darjeeling. It will be named "OMNI" and will be situated near the TV Tower. Suraj is my partner in this venture and we hope to create an ambience where people can sit down, relax and enjoy their drinks. We will be serving a lot of snacks with sea food included to go with the drinks. Cocktails will also be an important feature with the latest lounge themes being played most of the time. We hope to have weekend parties with invitees only where R&B, Hip Hop and Techno Trance will be mixed by various DJs.

As of now, the sofas are ready. The painters are supposed to finish their job by Tuesday and then the flooring needs to be done. Am still looking around for artifacts for the walls and have come across some good stuffs at the local curios. Suraj will be sitting down with the staff this week and checking out all the F&B areas. We hope to start by February 1st week. So if you are around town then do drop in...
For reservations call 09434209887 / 09733004886
or write to me at omnilounge@gmail.com

Darjeeling Carnival 2006 in Full Swing

We are all on familiar ground now with the Darjeeling Carnival in full swing. There’s a strange feeling of déjà vu every time of having been there, done that. The hick-ups and obstacles are always there, but after 3 years of organizing such a mega event the team is prepared and raring to face such challenges.

Need a car in 5 minutes? Call Ruben and its done. Orient Express needs sound check at 9am? No problem, Lipok, Gopal and Avinash are there, wiping sleepy dust (kachera) from their eyes. Security guards needs to be tightened? Rueben and the Gorkha Shield are there. The troupes arrived late or someone can’t find a room for the night? Well, Nita and Monlom are just a phone call away. Running short of volunteers? Sabina smiles, your volunteer’s there! Firefighting and motivation? Hey, we have Ajoy, ready to hear you out and solve your problem.

You can also see Suraj kaku and his enthusiastic volunteers busy feeding everyone and making sure that the guests are being served hot cups of Darjeeling tea in the evening. Yangchen, in her own slow and sweet way, is making sure that the Cultural groups are on time and performing according to the schedule. Gatty and Sikher are in charge of playing the sponsor ads every evening and also controlling the stage light and doing a great job at that. Kundan is on tenter hooks trying to manage the Carnival Idol which is becoming a big hit by the day. Namgyal (Pala) and Suman can be seen on and off stage trying to get the best angle and shot with their cameras. And good old Rajeev? Well, he is everywhere, from designing flexes and posters to volunteering on stage and doing everything else that’s being left out for the last moment.

As for yours truly, well, I am gliding around, trying to be the odd job man. No department tag on my volunteer badge, so am free to butt into anything I feel. From whispering the last number to the bands, to distributing invitation cards for the exhibition, from pleasing sponsors with my sweet talks to going in search of the electricians. There is no excuse for feigning tiredness or being sick till the 17th. This is after all, Carnival time!!!

Darjeeling Carnival 2006_Latest Update 23 Nov 06

15 days to go for D-Day! Everyone's in a hurry to get things done and beat their deadline. Good to see the office packed with people working their ass off. The No-Smoking rule inside the office is still not being followed too seriously! I can see tired faces and droopy eyes, top it up with the occasional late hour binging at Joey’s and Buzz and you have the perfect zombies next morning!

We have managed to inspire a group of proactive youth from Kurseong and they have decided to take up the challenge of organizing The Kurseong Carnival from 13 to 14 December. Mirik is on its third edition from 8 to 11 December. Arbin, Gyanendra and the gang are doing a great job there.

The Press Conference was perfect with Ajoy stirring the crowd’s emotion once again. Its great to hear him talk, revives our faith in what we are doing. For more info and audio bytes on this check out www.darjeelingtimes.com

Darjeeling Carnival 2006_Latest Update 14 Nov 06

Its good to attend the Darjeeling Carnival meetings. Feels like coming back home. The energy is high and there's so much enthusiasm within the group now. Great ideas are coming up and the program schedule is finally taking shape. People are spending more time at the Carnival office than at their workplace or at home, but then thats what happens when you are so engrossed with the Carnival!!!Kundan is still trying to juggle his time between his job and the Carnival...

Good news! Ajnish is back from London after his first international performance so the team can now gear up for the Darjeeling Carnival Idol to be choreographed by Ajnish and the Darjeeling music fraternity. Sweta, Shradda and their gang are busy preparing for the inauguration ceremony, Lipok and his cronies are gearing up for the music audition of all the local bands to be held tomorrow, Monlom and Nita are out begging hotels to sponsor rooms for visiting participants, Ranjeeta and her gang of architects are busy researching and collecting materials for the exhibition "Darjeeling - Past, Present & Future". Rajeev and Yangchen are running around trying to get the cultural communities involved, Ruben just came back after distributing the invitation letters to 22 schools. So much running around!!!

Mary is still in Calcutta going crazy with the "city of joy" and its irritating humidity. Narayan has again started his financial nagging and bringing us back to the ground. Love him for his reality checks! Ajoy is still running his brain and his imagination overtime (as always) coming up with new ideas for the Carnival. Neeraj is busy with his work on heritage awareness with support from Victoria Memorial, Caclutta.

We have finally managed to convince Alvin (Shalvin???) to stay back and work on the Press & PR dept. He was running away to Australia! The Superintendent of Police has promised his full support and participation so all the drunk rowdies can start running for cover!

Endless discussions, never ending meetings, empty stomachs, freezing feet, late nights, groggy mornings.... but hey, its worth doing it all over again just to make sure that Darjeeling regains its former glory.

Darjeeling Carnival 2006_Latest Update_10 Nov

The Darjeeling Carnival is actually here, I can feel it, smell it and see our guys falling sick! Ajoy is admitted at Planters' Hospital, Narayan is runing a high fever, Reuben has his backaches and as for me I have my perennial congestion and tonsilitis.... Yes, Carnival time is really here!!!

AIRCEL will be our official presenting sponsor for the Darjeeling Carnival 2006. Isn't that great news! The guys from Aircel were here on Monday and the deal was sealed over ham, bacon and sausages at Keventers. As for the volunteers, they can now work their ass off and then gorge on Urgen daju's "sungur ko khutta and bhaat" without worrying too much in how to foot the lunch bills! Ofocurse, Narayan will go mad but then, thats so much like Narayan...

Poor Mary, she is in Calcutta trying to woo in more sponsors and make people understand what the Carnival actually means to the Darjeeling Hills. She's done more for this place than most of the fence sitters who are born critics. We are praying that World Space and Pepsi comes in also. No replies yet from the Chaudhary Group and so many others... Pray guys pray.

The team meeting on the 7th went off extremely well with lots of new faces and new ideas. Responsibilities have been taken up eagerly by the volunteers and we have a feed back meeting on the 13th Monday. All are welcome to join.

For more information get in touch with us at darjeelingcarnival@gmail.com
or come and meet us at: 22 Ajit Mansions, Chowrasta, Darjeeling - 734101or
call me at 9434209887 / 03542253905 (Samir)

Darjeeling & NP pay homage to their Loyal Son

The sun was up, the students stood in line, the family and friends were there and the School Colours were out in full form to pay homage to the Loyal Son of North Point. Shasheesh was no more with us but his dedication, loyalty and love for his alma mater and his home town was there for all to see.Fighting the lump in their throats both Fr. Van and Fr. Kinley gave a befitting tribute to the man who had done so much for Darjeeling in such a short time.

Was it just yesterday that I stood there with my dear departed friend in one of the school assemblies trying to figure out more ways in making North Point a better place for everyone. I finally realised that he was no more with us and will never be back. All this while I had fought back the tears but this was too much to handle. I let it out one last time for my friend, my philosopher and my guide. I will miss you my friend, but then.... what a way to go... I would like to be remembered and revered as Shasheesh when I leave this place...

Darjeeling Carnival 2006_doing it again

Fighting back the pain and shock of losing Shasheesh the Darjeeling Initiative has taken up the challenge of going ahead with the Darjeeling Carnival 2006. The group sat down yesterday and unanimously decided on going ahead with the dream that Shasheesh had so lovingly envisioned. He always said that "the show must go on, no matter what happens to the individual" so here we are back again, on track, trying to fulfill our dear friend's dreams.

We are planning to hold the Darjeeling Carnival around the first week of December so that the school exams get over by then. The timing has always been a major concern for schools because of the term end exams, hopefully all that will change this year. Our partners all over India such as EZCC, ICCR, IGNCA and the variuos Consulates are still there supporting the cause and ready to send their teams to the Darjeeling Carnival 2006. Not to forget our local partners, the DGHC Tourism, Darjeling Municipality, Darjeeling Police and the District Administration along with numerous local organisations who will always be there come rain or shine.

The major hurlde now lies in raising the sponsorship for the entire 10 day event. The team has started sending out proposals to the sponsors and hopefully we should be able to raise the required amount by end November. Another big challenge is in finding the right volunteers for the designated jobs. Every year we have team members leaving for greener pastures and we have to be prepared for new faces and new hands taking up the challenge. Fortunately most of the core group members are still around so they should be able to steer the team well.

Volunteers are most welcome as we always run short of people. There's no fame, no glamour, a lot of hardwork and excitement and ofcourse, that great feeling of having achieved something good at the end of the 10 days. You wont regret it. Its a promise!

Come join us.... 22 Ajit MansionsChowrastaDarjeeling - 734101
email: darjeelingcarnival@gmail.com
ph: (Samir) 9434209887 / (Ajoy) 9434006782

Darjeeling and all of us will miss Shasheesh

DEAR ALL,
HERE ARE SOME OF THE MAILS I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING FROM PEOPLE ALL OVER...

Shasheesh was a very special kind of man. With his powerful energy, he acted in so many fields – motivating others often in a very unselfish manner. I am very grateful about our relationship, proud to say: He was a friend to me.
Claire and Hans Joerg Bodenmann (Switzerland)


Many of us talk about giving back to the community, but never actually do anything about it. Shasheesh walked his talk, in that inimitable style of his. God rest his soul.
Jaideep Lahiri(New Delhi)


Shasheesh has taught me most of what I know today. Not only in terms of architecture but also in terms of how a life needs to be lived. What is important and what is not. He inspired me to believe in myself and take pride in what I do. I am lucky to have had a mentor like him in my life.
He always had some solution or the other for all the other things in life.
He loved Darjeeling in a 'devoted for life' sort of way and I hope that we can all together fulfill his dreams in our own ways.
Malvika (Bombay)


It is really an uncompensable loss to Darjeeling. We too miss such a good, hardworking and sincere teacher. I'll always treasure the days I spent there.
Milan (Kathmandu)


This is extremely cruel and unfair to all of us.
May be we could all meet a little later in Darj and
sort out some of the things close to his heart.
Things will never be the same.
Ashish Sharan lal (Kolkata)

Shasheesh_Great Loss for Darjeeling

Dear All,
Our Beloved Shasheesh, dear friend, brother, guide, key member and the brain behind the "Darjeeling Initiative" and the "Darjeeling Carnival" passed away after a brief illness at Delhi on 30th September 2006. There will never be no other like him and his commitment to the development of the Darjeeling Hills in all forms shall remain unmatched. I shall write more on his contribution as soon as I am back to my normal self.

The Shradh Ceremony will be held at Ajit Mansions, Chowrasta, Darjeeling on the
14th of October 2006 from 1:00 pm onwards.
We sincerely request all friends, relatives and well wishers to join us to pray and pay homage to the departed soul.

Darjeeling Initiative
Darjeeling Carnival

DARJEELING CARNIVAL POSTPONED

Dear All,
It is with much regret that I would like to inform that as of now the Darjeeling Carnival 2006 is postponed till further notice. Shasheesh, one of our key members and the driving force behind this whole excercise is very sick and admitted in a hospital in Delhi. He just underwent a brain surgery. The entire team is praying for his speedy recovery. There is no will to work towards a carnival at the moment. We will wait for him to recover in order to finalise anything on the Darjeeling Carnival 2006. Till then, please bear with us and pray for Shasheesh's recovery.
Samir