Recession hits festive season
Amritsar, December 23
Global economic recession, imposition of fresh taxes on luxury rooms and banquets among others have taken the sheen off from Christmas and New Year festivities. Consequently, only a few hotels and restaurants across the city are organising New Year bash. Hotel Association secretary A.P.S. Chattha, confirming the development, said regrettably they would not be in a position to welcome 2009 as they previously used to do. Even as shopping markets across the city are decked with glitzy, eye catching colourful objects to attract shoppers, shopkeepers rued that the sales had failed to pick up so far.

Children express concern for wildlife
Amritsar, December 23
Students of the junior sections of Shri Ram Ashram Public School showcased a presentation on “Family closeness” and “Wildlife conservation” through song, dance and drama on the annual day here today.




Tiny tots of the Sunshine wing of Delhi Public School present dance drama during the annual day function in Amritsar. A Tribune photo

No danger to Punjabi poetry, say poets
Amritsar, December 23
A two-day symposium on modern Punjabi poetry titled “Is Punjabi poetry dying?” was held at the Mohindera House. No matter what the title suggests, the scholars seemed optimistic about the future of Punjabi literature.