Ludhiana, March 9
Strange is the working style of Panjab University. The university authorities gave a shock to the managements of several local colleges here today by sending a letter stating that the practical examination date for fine arts of BA I, II and III has been changed.

As per the earlier datesheet, the exams were scheduled for March 12, 13 and 14, but the letter delivered today (by hand) informs that the practical exams will now be conducted on March 10, 11 and 12.

The principal of a local college, on request of anonymity, said it had become difficult for them to inform hundreds of students on a holiday.

“Being a Sunday today, there is no staff at the college but we have requested the clerical staff to cooperate with us and inform the students about the exams through telephone. The change of date has irritated students, but we have to follow the university’s instructions,” he said, adding that the letter had been issued by the university on March 5.

Rachna Grover, a BA-II student, said she got the message this afternoon. “How can they be so callous? These are final exams and we have to put in our best efforts. Now, I have to appear for my exam tomorrow, but I am not mentally prepared,” she complained.

A faculty member of a girls’ college said as per the earlier datesheet, there was a clash between the date of home science and fine arts practical examinations and they had brought it to the notice of the university. “But this does not mean that the university issues a fresh datesheet at the last moment,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr R.C. Sobti, Panjab University VC, said the examination date could not be advanced. “There must be some misunderstanding. Exams can be postponed, but never advanced,” he said, adding that he would immediately find out how it happened. 

Ludhiana, March 9
The inaugural edition of the vintage motor vehicles rally was organised by the Punjab Heritage Motoring Club here today in which classic cars, bikes and scooters were driven in a road show.

Dr Kuldeep Singh, founder member of the club, said a large number of enthusiasts registered themselves for the show with the slogan “Female child is a pride” on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Manpreet Singh Ayali, senior vice-president, Akali Dal (youth wing), flagged off the rally.

There was Austin of England (1933 and 1935), Volkswagon, Beetles, Cadillac, Chevorelet Caprice, Mercedes Benz, BSA- Matchless, Jawa, Lambretta and Vespa scooters.

Ludhiana, March 9
After fortnight’s gap, trouble is again brewing for the management of the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) over the controversial deals with private companies for running a regional cancer centre and CMC-Wockhardt Cardiac Hospital, besides alleged “shady” deals involving sale of the hospital land at throwaway prices to private parties.

In what could be termed as an open defiance of a written directive by the CMCH Society to all its employees, the activists of CMC Sangharsh Samiti, comprising employees of the institution, today held a rally at St. Thomas School to reiterate their demand for abandoning both projects, proposed to be handed over to US-based Newco and Wockhardt Hospitals.

Speakers alleged that precious CMCH land at several places in the city and at Jubbar (Himachal Pradesh) had been sold at throwaway prices by senior CMCH officials for their personal gains. Such deals need to be probed by an independent agency for exposing those involved in dubious transactions.

Charges of numerous financial irregularities during award of contracts for hospital services, procurement of equipment and supplies, construction work and contractual appointments, were also leveled against senior officials, including its director Dr John Pramod.

Echoing similar views, the Brown Memorial Hospital Employees Union observed that for the first time in 115 years of CMCH history, the local Christians had come out in the open against the policies of the management and the governing body of the institution, which is scheduled to meet next week, ought to take a notice of this development so that corrective steps could be initiated at the earliest.

Joel V. Mal, chairman, CMC Society governing body, had in a note circulated through all heads and unit heads, regretted that a few employees had created an unconstitutional situation by publicly opposing certain policies, thereby jeopardizing the existence and working of the society for their personal gains.

Mal had made it clear that each employee had an assigned duty and the senior officials, performing their duty were duly authorised by the governing body to do so. “The proper way to air grievances, if any, is to approach the society through its office- bearers since it alone can take policy decisions.”

Speakers alleged that precious CMCH land at several places in the city and at Jubbar (Himachal Pradesh) had been sold at throwaway prices by senior CMCH officials for their personal gains. Such deals need to be probed by an independent agency for exposing those involved in dubious transactions.

Jagraon, March 9
The police has arrested four members of an interstate gang that had allegedly been involved in contract killings and robberies in Haryana, Himachal and Punjab.

The police seized three pistols, a large number of cartridges and valuables and jewellery worth Rs 3.5 lakh from their possession.

Amit Kamboj, alias Jaideep, of Karnal, Bawinder Singh, alias Billa, of Fatehabad, Joga of Dall village in Amritsar and Harmail Singh of Kamalpura in Hoshiarpur were arrested by a joint team of the CIA Jagraon and the Sidhwan police.

They were nabbed from a deserted brick-kiln near the Ramgarh Bhullar bridge, near here, last night.

One of the robbers, identified as Kulwinder Singh of Bajua village in Jalandhar, managed to flee.

Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SSP, said the accused had been nabbed on the basis of secret information.

A police informer had reported that some suspicious looking persons were hiding at a brick-kiln and were allegedly conspiring to strike at a commercial organisation. The police raided the kiln and nabbed four of them.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang, led by kingpin Amit Kamboj, had been involved in contract killings, kidnappings, and robberies. After committing crime, they would hide at religious places.

Amit was working for a shipping company at Siliguri and married a woman of his choice. His wife had been killed and to settle scores, he allegedly murdered his brother-in-law Ranbir Singh Mann in 2004. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. During parole he absconded and organised his own gang.

The kingpin admitted having received supari to kill Palwinder Singh of Ajnola village, his father and sister last year.

Amarjit Singh of Jalandhar had paid him Rs 5 lakh as advance out of the settled amount of Rs 1 crore.

Amit, Billa and Rubby tried to murder Balwinder but failed. A bullet hit him, but he survived.

Amit had also accepted supari to kill Atti who had allegedly murdered Gandhi in Payal area and is lodged in Patiala jail. About 40 criminal cases were reportedly registered against members of the gang at police stations in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal. 

Cheema (Jagraon), March 9
Savita (name changed), a field worker with a local farmer, was reportedly raped by four persons after being dragged to the fields from her house over four months ago. Her husband was thrashed and their three children were locked in a room.

The irony is that the suspects produced an alibi. With the complainant and the suspects making claims and counterclaims, the police has initiated the process for the brain mapping and narco test of the suspects.

The couple had to be hospitalised for many days.

The Ludhiana police constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe into the case even as preliminary investigation suggested that the brutal incident could be the outcome of an eight-year-old murder case and old rivalry.

Nearly 10 suspects were rounded up during investigations. The couple identified a rickshaw-puller among others, but there was no corroborative evidence against them.

“With both parties making contradictory claims, we are left with no choice but to get brain mapping and narco test of the suspects done from the forensic science department of the Karnataka police. We have appealed to the relevant court to get us the consent of the defendants,” said Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SSP.

Variety, for Roshni Chopra, is not just the spice of life, but life itself. So, while she was riding high on popularity as Pia of Kasam Se, came along Jhoom India, that gave her own fan club . The latest in her kitty is Chak De Bachche, a talent hunt for kids.

And Roshni is ecstatic to co-host the show, for the show is different. Well, to see that, we ‘ll have to wait till 9X brings it on air. Till then we learn a little about it from her.

How do you feel about the show?

Hosting a show is not new to me, Istarted my career with a cricket-based show with Charu Sharma on Doordarshan. This one is special because it involves kids that lends honesty to the show.

Another reality show?

The cast itself is totally different. We are two people, who represent two different worlds. Manoj brings out the small town aura and I, the metro connection.

What happened post Jhoom India?

I realised my talent for singing and the offers that followed confirmed it too. I might train myself as a singer.

What else is happening?

I play a love-struck girl in Bhram, opposite Dino Morea.

Is there a character you would like to play?

Not really. Every role is a dream role for me because each of them throws a new challenge and gives me an opportunity to improve.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 9
A large number of activists of the S.S. Jain Sabha, Shri Jain Shavetambar Tera Panth Mahila Mandal and Tera Panth Jain Sabha organised a rally against the menace of female foeticide here on Saturday.

The rally was led by Tarsem Lal Jain, Satish Jain and Mangat Rai Jain, office-bearers of various wings of the organisations.

Terming foeticide as a sin, the marchers demanded that stern action should be taken against those who facilitated termination of pregnancy at any stage. Facilitators of certain pre-conception procedures should also be booked under law, urged the activists. The activists carried banners exhibiting deleterious effects of the social evil.

The rally passed through Gandhi Chowk, Bhagat Singh Chowk, Galla Mandi, Railway Road and Jain Sathanak road. Various social and religious organisations arranged langar of tea and snacks for the activists.

Ludhiana, March 9
Development in infrastructure and education can accelerate economic growth of the country and the union Budget-2008 has rightly attempted to pick up pace in these two fields.

These remarks were made by Pradeep Aggarwal, RBI chair of economics, and head, Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi, while addressing members of the Ludhiana Management Association (LMA) on the topic "Budget 2008-What it means for Economy”.

Dr K.N.S. Kang, general secretary, LMA, welcomed the members, guests and speaker of the day. In his detailed presentation, Aggarwal started with the basic introduction of the economy and explained about "Economic Reforms of 1991". He mentioned that in the past 10 years, the Indian economy had shown good pace of growth. "Saving and investment rate has increased to 34 per cent in India. Infrastructure, telecom, electricity generation, IT etc have proved to be the promising sectors for economic growth. Telecom lines occupation rate and electricity consumption rate has considerably improved from 35-40 per cent," he stated.

Aggarwal stressed that the economy required more development in public infrastructure and secondary and higher education. He observed that the US recession, fast-paced rupee appreciation, increase in crude oil prices and high domestic interest rates were risks to our economy.

While appreciating the Budget and explaining its impact on the Indian economy, he said due to changes in the income tax structure in the current budget, pockets of the common man would remain full. Consequently, consumption would increase which would lead to increase in demand and production of goods.

"The scenario spells healthy overall development. Reduction in excise duty, central sales tax, coupled with service tax exemptions and complete tax holiday for five years to hotels and hospitals will also help increase the production and finally cause reduction in inflation," he added.

Aggarwal expressed his concern over the possible outcome of Rs 65,000 crore loan waiver to the farmers. He pointed out that the rural development such as building of roads, establishment of schools, colleges, hospitals etc could have been addressed more seriously in the Budget rather than concentrating on loan waivers.

Ludhiana, March 9
International Women Day was celebrated on the premises of the LIC divisional office by women sub committee under the banner of the North zone insurance employees’ association. All women employees working in different LIC offices had gathered to mark the occasion.

Ritu Abaan, convener, women sub committee, said women were facing problems due to globalisation policies. While high wages were being offered to women working in media, fashion industry, IT sectors, call centres those working in unorganised sectors like in agricultural fields, factories, shopping malls, were made to work for low wages and under hazardous conditions.

She further said majority of women were suffering from anemia. During the past few years the internal mortality has also increased. Solution for these manifold problems lay in the women, joining the main stream of democratic movement.

Co-convener Manjit Kaur Khanna also addressed the gathering. Association leaders were also present on the occasion. A quiz programme was also organised by Anjana Sharma and Harshi Bala. The questions asked were on topics like achievement of women in different fields and those related to organisation.

The women demanded 33 per cent reservation, anti-sexual harassment act and equal wages for equal work and comprehensive legislation for women and security.

Ludhiana, March 9
The annual prize distribution function of Government College for Women (GCW) was organised on the college campus here today. Vijay Rai Dhanda, wife of Harish Rai Dhanda, was the chief guest.

Principal R.K. Aulakh welcomed the chief guest and read out the annual report. More than 300 students of arts, commerce, science and PG diploma of nutrition and dietetics were given prizes for excelling in various spheres.

Dhanda congratulated the winners and exhorted them to imbibe good values and work hard to equip themselves to keep pace with the changing times. She congratulated the students on Women’s Day and announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh on the behalf of the chief parliamentary secretary. Neelam Sharma proposed a vote of thanks.

The prize winners are: Swati (best NCC cadet), Pooja Manchanda (best NSS volunteer), Ashima (best NSS worker), Kiranjit Kaur (best player), Ramandeep (best athlete), Prabhpreet (best hosteller), Urmila (best rotracteer), Rupinder Kaur (best folk singer), Japjeet (best classical singer), Priyanka (best folk dancer), Vidhu (best classical dancer), Ginny Kaur (best speaker), Gagandeep (best speaker), Amanpreet (best instrumental UG ), Sohrab Singh (best instrumental PG), Manpreet Gulati (best artiste UG), Robina Gupta (best artiste PG), Pooja (best home science student), Harman (best user of library).

Science toppers: Pooja Bansal, Deepinder Kaur, Arshdeep, Sanjeet Kaur, Preeti Chaudhry, Parampreet, Pooja Manchanda, Archana Bedi, Ramandeep, Priya Bhatia, Hena Singla, Harjot Kaur, Deepika, Monika, Sumanpreet, Akashdeep Kaur, Ginny Karir, Benu sharma, Namita Goyal, Jaspreet Kaur, Radhika Thappar, Amandeep Kaur Kalsi, Kamal Bhandari, Jasdeep Kaur and others.

Commerce toppers: Naina, Daisy, Kamaldeep, Taranjit, Tejdeep, Mamta, Nidhi, Ravneet, Harpriya, Neha Jain, Neha Thaman, Ridhi, Amandeep, Palky Jain, Vidushi, rosy, Damanjeet, Varinda, Jasleen, Nidhi, Richa, Amanjot, Vnita, Bableen, Roohi, shalija, Rakhi, Manisha, Kehksha, Ritika, Surbhi, Ramandeep, Renu, Kulzinder, Sonam Taneja.

Arts toppers: Pooja Rani, Shelza, Renu Bala, Amanpreet Kaur, Birkamal Kaur, Harleen Kaur, Prinka, Rishi, Anu and others. Head girl of the college Priyanka Malik was declared the best student of the year 2008.

236 GET PRIZES: The 37th annual prize distribution function of Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women was organised here yesterday.

Principal of the college Dr Manju Chawla welcomed the chief guest, Justice Kuldip Singh, chairman, Delimitation Commission, Government of India, and former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. The function commenced with the college shabad. The principal presented the college report highlighting the achievements of the students in different fields. The prize winners were congratulated by Justice Kuldip Singh. He expressed concern over the deteriorating environment and appealed everyone to work for the conservation of environment. The placement brochure was also released by the chief guest. Harvinder Singh Sarna thanked everyone.

Khamano

Function: The annual prize distribution function of Victor Institute of Nursing, Ranwan, was held on the college campus. Bhog of Shri Sukhmani Sahib was solemnised and kirtan was presented by Ragis. Bibi Lakhwinder Kaur Garcha, OSD to ex-Chief Minister Captain. Amarinder Singh, was the chief guest. Principal of the institute Arvind Kaur Arora presented the annual report. Students presented gidda and jago. Institute director B.S. Garcha presented a vote of thanks. 

Ludhiana, March 9
BJS Dental College celebrated its annual day here today. It was an evening meant for sheer fun and celebrations, but at the end, it left the audience thinking about various social evils that have plagued our society. And everything was presented with a perfect blend of comedy and wit.

The celebrations started with a lamp-lighting ceremony. Chairman of the college Baba Jaswant Singh delivered the inaugural address. Principal Dr Rana V.K., in his welcome address, highlighted the development and achievements of the college. Vice-chairman Kirpal Singh congratulated the staff and students for their wholehearted commitment towards the progress of the institution.

In order to make the cultural programme more interesting and challenging, the events were held in a competitive format wherein students of all five years, right from the first year to interns, competed in three categories namely, group event, skit and solo performance.

Bhangra performance by the final-year team won the first position in the group category. Equally captivating was the sensitive choreography presented by first-year students on the plight of girl child that won sincere applauds from all present.

In the skit category, it was the comic portrayal of the ever-increasing problem of unemployment and the drastic consequences that it led to by third-year students, 
which emerged unanimous winner.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 9
Terming tuberculosis and cardiovascular disorders to be lifestyle diseases, the district health authorities called upon the office-bearers of various social, religious and educational organisations to join hands with the administration in educating people about prevention of such ailments which otherwise could take epidemic form.

The call was given on the conclusion of the sub-division level family welfare health fair held at Dr Zakir Hussain Stadium in Malerkotla, near here, yesterday. As many as 2,883 residents of the town and surrounding villages availed themselves of free medical facilities at the camp organised under the supervision of Dr Satwant Bhalla, civil surgeon, and Dr K.C. Goel, district health officer, Sangrur. MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa inaugurated the event. More than 100 disabled persons were provided artificial limbs, wheelchairs and hearing aids. An awareness rally was also organised. A large number of students from the area visited the fair to watch an exhibition organised by Asha and Anganwari workers.

Dr B.S. Bedi, district ayurvedic officer, and Dr Paramjit Singh, district in-charge of homeopathy, claimed that a large number of patients suffering from chronic diseases, including cancer, arthritis, gout, piles, pulmonary disorders and skin ailments, had shown faith in alternative systems of medicine.

Ludhiana, March 9
The three-day 5th national PG convention of the Indian Society of Exodontias and Preventive Dentistry concluded at Christian Dental College. The day ended with unfolding of a scientific programme designed to lay emphasise on the theme “guiding metamorphosis.”

Dr Samir Dutta, professor and head, department of exodontias, Government Dental College, Rohtak, spoke on the importance of rain water harvesting in controlling an endemic like fluorosis in India. Dr Nikhil Shrivastava, professor, DAV Dental College, Yamuna Nagar, stressed on “repetitive strain” injuries common among dental professionals.

A team from Bapuji Dental College, Davangere, Karnataka, was adjudged the winners of the 2nd ISPPD quiz contest. Christian Dental College principal Dr Abi M. stressed on the importance of not only continuing education in one’s specialty but also in developing better skills and attitudes towards patient care.

Ludhiana, March 9
Bharat Vikas Parishad, Tagore branch, today organised a free polio surgery camp at Viklang Sahayta Kendra in Rishi Nagar here in which 21 polio-stricken people were operated upon. Calipers were also provided to those who had been operated upon earlier.

Prosthetic devices, calipers and hearing aids were also distributed among 25 physically challenged persons. A team of doctors also examined more than 70 women patients. Income Tax assistant commissioner Dr D.S. Sidhu was the chief guest. Secretary of the local unit of BVP Surinder Kansal presided over the function.

In her annual report, parishad’s secretary Neelam Gupta said 1,200 poor girls were made computer literate, more than 800 patients were treated at the homeopathic dispensary in the Railway Colony and slum children were provided basic education in “Bal Sanskar Kendras.”

Another camp organised by the Red Swastik Society at Government Primary School in Partappura. At least 25 physically challenged persons were given calipers and prosthetic devices.

Ludhiana, March 9
Varinder Patwari excelled with bat and ball as Sarpanch Bachan Singh Academy defeated the New White Panther Club by 44 runs to register third victory in a row during the Friendship Cricket Cup Tournament being played at Balloke village on the Hambran road near Haibowal Khurd, here today. He remained unbeaten on 115 and also chipped in with two wickets for just 12 runs.

Sarpanch Bachan Singh won the toss and opted to bat first. In the stipulated 30 overs, they scored 229 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. Varinder’s unbeaten knock of 115 runs was studded with 18 hits to the fence and one towering six.

Other notable contributors were Piyush Likhi (53) and Luv Devedi, who made 25 runs. For the New White Panther Club, the lone wicket taker was Rakesh, who captured one for 20.

Chasing a formidable total, the New Panther Club was all out for 185 runs after 28.1 overs. The main scorer was Sandeep, who made 82 runs with the help of 10 boundaries and one six. Harjinder and Mohinder scored 35 and 27 runs, respectively.

For the winners, Piyush Likhi was the pick of bowlers. He sent down two overs and claimed five wickets after conceding just 10 runs while Varinder Patwari scalped two victims for 12 runs and Baijnath grabbed two for 15.