Shimla Diary
Karzai re-lives his past
For teachers, friends and acquaintances, Mr Hamid Karzai is still the same person they knew 23 years back when he was a student at the Himachal Pradesh University as even after his elevation as President of Afghanistan, he meets each one of them with the same affection and fondness.

Hillside view
More on ‘settings’ and ‘fittings’…
A sheepish look, sly glance, a greasy sickening smile. An assertive gait meant only for hiding nervousness. A low-pitched voice. This was the classic picture of men indulging in corruption, a few decades ago. Women’s involvement was rare—cynics may argue that not many were in suitable positions then. The man at the railway booking office would say ‘no berths’. You pleaded. He would nod firmly first, then a bit hesitatingly— mushkil hain.

Lively debate on Press and its role
Mediapersons across the country tend to forget the National Press Day but not in Himachal Pradesh. An alert state Department of Information and Public Relations has been religiously observing the day every year and holding seminars on the assigned topic. Senior journalists are invited to deliver lectures on the subject and interact with the media persons on the occasion.

NEWS & VIEWS: Mediapersons celebrate National Press Day at Shimla. — A Tribune photograph

Gandhian in spirit
With the passing away of Swami Purnanand recently, at age of 97 years, who worked like the right arm of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, an era has came to an end. The stalwart who cherished and lived by Gandhian values and principals and used to spin yarn on the charkha was the last surviving associate of the Mahatma and championed the cause of the suffering humanity till his last breath.

Bamboo forests disappearing
The fast disappearing bamboo forests in the region are leading to the spread of lantana and other harmful weeds. The unchecked growth of wild weeds is causing concern among farmers and other communities dependent on the crop, as they are ill-equipped to cope up with the situation.

For anaemia-free India
With as many as 80 per cent being afflicted with anaemia, including 10 per cent having severe anaemia, the lack of awareness coupled with low nutrition diet has taken toll on the health of the children studying at Government Primary School, Kothon near Solan.

Passion to educate
The happiest people are believed to be those whose work is motivated not just by money and status but also by passion and commitment.

Tribesmen’s trek to temple
The Krishna temple at Yula Kanda, situated near a beautiful lake at a height of 13, 500 feet and flanked by majestic peaks, is an attractive place for pilgrims, nature lovers and tourists. The celestial abode remains closed for most parts of the year though shepherds graze their cattle on the alpine pastures around the temple during the months of August, September and October.

The Krishna temple at Yula Kanda

Shifting pain
Internal politics” is cited as one of the reasons for shifting Dr R. P. Government Medical College and Hospital from Dharamsala to Tanda. The building for the 500-bedded hospital, costing nearly Rs 54 crore, has been ready since the beginning of this year and the hospital was to be shifted by May 30.