Dehradun, October 1
The Gairsen Rajdhani Sanyukt Sangharsh Morcha has given a call for a complete bandh tomorrow in protest against a delay in designating Gairsen as the permanent capital of Uttarakhand.

The organisation will observe a black day tomorrow and has also called upon the public to extend support to the move. The Ex-servicemen Organisation, CPI, Garhwal Sabha, Uttarakhand Mahila Manch and the Chatar Yuva Ekta Manch have jointly formed the morcha.

The morcha has also decided to observe a statehood day on November 9 at Gairsen.

Kamla Pant of the Uttarakhand Mahila Manch said during the statehood agitation, agitators had declared Gairsen as the capital of the new state. However, once the state was formed, Dehradun was made the temporary capital, ignoring their main demand.

“We would not hesitate to launch an agitation once again, if the government does not adhere to their main demand,” she said.

The statehood agitators favour Gairsen as the capital as they think it is centrally located and will pave way for an equitable development of all districts in the state. Moreover, they feel this would also stop a lopsided development of Dehradun that has been stretched beyond its capacity. 

Roorkee, October 1
In an effort to enlarge the Congress base among farmers, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment today participated in a one-day fast and dharna in favour of farmers’ demands here today.

Addressing the gathering at the site opposite SDM’s residence, Rawat criticised the present BJP government for its anti-farmer acts.

“The harvesting season of the sugarcane is around but the state government is yet to announce the statutory minimum price for the crop. This is just like a cruel joke on the community,” said Rawat.

The Congress leader demanded that the state should follow the Haryana government pattern while fixing the MSP this year.

The statutory minimum price of the cane was Rs 142-147 per quintal last year. This year, the farmers were demanding to raise it to minimum Rs 200 per quintal.

“Seeing the inflation rate, the government should raise cane’s MSP by a considerable amount on the pattern of the Haryana government,” said Rawat.

Rawat also demanded that the government should help the farmers in getting their pending payments from sugar mills. According to farmers’ leaders, payments totalling around Rs 10 crore have been pending with the mills since 2007.

The union minister was accompanied by Congress leaders, including Chaudhary Rajinder Singh, president of the Haridwar district unit, Ran Vijay Singh, former president of the Haridwar district unit, Rashmi Chaudhary, Salim Khan and Kaleem Khan. 

Dehradun, October 1
The scenic campus of Tula’s Institute, an engineering and management college, at Dehradun got buzzing in a crescendo of music, colour and energy as the college celebrates its annual cultural festival Sanskriti-09. It is an extravaganza of an art form, beautifully showcasing an amalgamation of creativity and perseverance. The three-day inter-college event began today.

With as many as 30 events incorporated into the fest, Tula’s campus was bustling with a whirlwind of activity. From events as diverse as western vocals “bliss” to fiercely competitive sport event “gladiator” and creative dances to ramp walks were held. What added a tinge of humour was a kavi sammelan. Many other entertaining programmes, waiting to get unleashed in three-day festival.

The function started with a ribbon-cutting and diya-lighting by the chief guest, Prof DS Chauhan, Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU), Dehradun, along with special guest H C Nainwal, Pro-VC at UTU. After the opening speech by the chairman of the institute Sunil Jain and director PK Das, the sports “gladiator” was formally opened by kicking the ball. It was followed by prize-distribution and a mahakavi sammelan.

“Our institute has a mind boggling number of students and we feel it is important that everyone gets a platform to display their talent. This kind of event allows everyone from the college to participate,” says Sanskriti, a final year computer science student. The fact that Sanskriti-09 seems to be getting bigger and better with every passing year has only added more and more fervour to the event. “The present batches are full of verve and the active participation in all categories proves that it is a great bonding exercise also,” feels student coordinator Sanskriti. 

Dehradun, October 1
Food, gifts and entertainment, all were reserved for the elderly persons who got a special treatment on International Elderly Day today.

At a programme organised at the Day Centre of Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), ration and pocket money was distributed among the aged living in the project area of the cantonment road. Sponsored under a grand-parent programme by HelpAge India, the elderly persons were given ration packets and Rs 55 as pocket money each.

Chief guest Meera Kakar distributed gifts and new clothes among 39 elderly persons who reside in the neighbouring area.

Speaking on the occasion, programme officer Anis-ur- ehman, from the YWCA, said over the years there had been erosion in human values, as a result the elderly found themselves increasingly isolated and alone. He said that HelpAge India had started a special Helpline (toll free No. 1253) to assist the elderly in their various problems.

Students from Asian School distributed food and gifts among the senior citizens. The elderly persons presented a song and dance item, followed by a play by students of the YWCA.

Those present on the occasion included Pankaj Sinha of HelpAge India, Victorian Lilian John, Prashant David, Sara Akbar, Dr Amar Deep and others. 

Dehradun, October 1
Lifestyle 2009, a two-day exhibition of quality items, opened in the city today. For the past four-years, the exhibition has become one of the most eagerly awaited pre-Diwali and pre-wedding season shopping destination for Doonites. On the whole, it’s a fun-filled two-day affair, where like-minded entrepreneurs get together to promote an array of things.

Apart from Western and Indian ready-to-wear clothes, precious and semi-precious jewels, artefacts, footwear, home accessories, linen, infant wear and corporate gifts for Diwali attracted crowd in large numbers. “I feel as it’s difficult to find such items in retail outlets. Such exhibitions are definitely a great way to showcase a variety of items under one roof,” said Kamini, a teacher.

Around 30 exhibitors from within the city and New Delhi, Kolkata, Gurgaon, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Chennai have showcased innovative creations. “Though men are also a part of our team, lifestyle market came into existence in 2003 to help and promote mostly women who are working from home and are on a lookout for a known brand to launch them in the competitive market,” said Pooja Marwah, organiser of the exhibition.

“It is essentially a not-for-profit endeavour. Whatever we get from the stalls is spent on advertisement and publicity to ensure maximum exposure to all stall holders. The ultimate aim is to sell their creative ideas, which take months to manufacture, and another goal being providing quality lifestyle material in Dehradun, instead of going to Delhi or nearby cities to fetch these,” added Pooja.

“We have come here for the first time. We are expecting a good response as we feel people in the city appreciate creativity,” said Poonam Barman, a Delhi-based exhibitor of wooden and aluminium artifacts. 

Dehradun, October 1
Additional District Magistrate (Administration) UC Kabadwal today issued a public notice inviting anybody wanting to provide information regarding the infamous Ranbir encounter that took place on July 3.

Kabadwal is conducting a magisterial inquiry into the incident in which Gazhiabad youth Ranbir Singh was killed. He said information could be provided between 10 am and 5 pm within a week of issuing this notice at his office. — TNS

Haridwar, October 1
City atmosphere got tense after a local BJP leader’s car was attacked late last night. Sanjay Sehgal, the local BJP leader, alleged that he was fired at by certain miscreants while he was going towards his home from his petrol station situated on the station road.

Prima facie, the mark on one of the window panes of his car looked like that of a bullet and this created tension. Sehgal immediately called the police and party workers. Soon, a crowd gathered at the spot. Sehgal was sitting next to driver’s seat when the window pane was hit.

“I was going towards home when suddenly, before I could understand anything, there was sound of a shot being fired. Next moment, I saw a crack on the window pane,” said Sehgal. He further added that this was a deliberate attempt on his life and he felt threatened.

Soon SSP Sanjay Gunjiyal, ASP Arun Mohan Joshi, SDM Harish Chandra Kandpal, along with other senior police and administrative officers, reached the spot. Gunjyal minutely inspected the car and took stock of the situation. He held a detailed discussion with Sehgal. Forensic experts took the impressions and prima facie came to the conclusion that the mark on the window pane was not of a bullet. However, the forensic report of the mark on the window pane is awaited. Surprisingly, no bullet was found in the car or near the spot.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders and party workers are adamant that this is a case of firing and an attempt to kill Sehgal and the police should not take it lightly.

Two years ago, a mysterious firing had occurred at the home of Sehgal. The police is also looking into the alleged physical violence against Sehgal’s son at a local college a week ago, but it has not arrived at any conclusion.

Haridwar, October 1
The police has unearthed a racket circulating fake Indian currency with the arrest of three persons hailing from Bihar along with fake notes worth Rs 68,000 here.

On a tip-off that fake currency in the denomination of Rs 500 is being circulated in the pilgrim city for past few days, the Kankhal police, in collaboration with special operations group, nabbed three persons hailing from Chillaya district of Bihar. The accused, Jiyot Chaudhari, Jeevdhan Sahni and Ambika Sahni, were found wandering about suspiciously at night. On seeing the police team, they tried to run away, but were caught with the fake notes.

The accused have admitted their involvement in this illegal trade, but said a person of Nepal origin used to supply them with these fake notes. They had cashed on a few thousand rupees in the past two or three days.

Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Gunjiyal said investigation is on to identify the mastermind behind this racket and know its extent and reach. Though on the question of involvement of any local person in this illegal trade, the SSP denied any such thing coming into notice yet.

With the Maha Kumbh nearing and crores of people to throng the city, it’s feared that the racket may take advantage of the fair in circulating fake notes. Meanwhile, the police has urged people to immediately inform it whenever they got fake notes while shopping and to be vigilant while doing transactions of notes of 500 denomination.

Dehradun, October 1
Wildlife Week celebrations in Uttarakhand have started with a series of programmes held both at Dehradun and wildlife town of Corbett.

Inaugurating week-long programmes at Rajaji Park, Dehradun, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr RBS Rawat, underlined the efforts undertaken by the state forest authorities to safeguard state’s rich flora and fauna.

A wooden entrance gate of the park, near Asha Roree Rest House, was inaugurated by the Dr Rawat, who also had a look at an exhibition of gadgets used to protect wildlife. A workshop on the strengthening of wildlife-protection network was also held at the rest house, which, apart from forest officials, was attended by wildlife experts.

The Wildlife Week celebrations at wildlife town of Corbett began with a marathon. Flagging off the marathon, local MLA Diwan Singh Bisht said safeguarding the flora and fauna is the collective responsibility of citizens. He also asked the people to adopt more sensitive attitude towards the issues linked to wildlife. Held under the aegis of the Corbett administration and the WWF, the marathon started from the Aamdanda gate of Corbett and culminated at Ringora Khatta.

The Director, Corbett, Dr Vinod Kumar Singhal, said the forest produce in the form of herbs and shrubs were important for sustenance of life.

While Vidhyasagar stood first in up to 25 years’ category, Sharad emerged victorious in the category from 25 to 40 years. Dayal Rana stood first in above 40 years’ category. A special prize was provided to three-year-old Karan Kathait, who was the youngest participant at the marathon.

Dehradun, October 1
The first Braille editor of the country and eminent journalist, Thakur Vishva Narain Singh, died today in Delhi following a cardiac arrest. He was 81.

A denizen of Dehradun, he served as Braille editor in the publication section of the National Institute of Visually Handicapped in the city. After his retirement, he continued to write and actively worked with local dailies in the city.

He was a recipient of Soviet Land Nehru Award in 1977. Besides, he was awarded by the Indian Council of Child Education in 1987 and also by the Tulis Manas Prathishtan, Bhopal. Thakur Vishva Narain Singh is survived by wife and three daughters. — TNS

Dehradun, October 1
St Thomas College and Carman School played a goalless draw in the ongoing Sub-Junior Council Tournament here today.

The teams played attacking football right throughout the match. St Thomas School came close on scoring a goal in the 10th minute. But, they could not convert their chance into goal. St Thomas School created another good move from the right but GRD School defenders did well to interrupt the move midway.

In the 15th minute, Carman School was on a counter attack and penetrated the Carman School defence, but it was good work by the goalkeeper under the bar to stop the certain goal. The second half was no different from the first and the match ended in a draw.

In the second match between Hilton and Bala Hissar Academy, Hilton School won the match by 5-0. Ashvin was the star performer for his team scoring five goals for his team.

Ashvin scored the first goal in the 17th minute of the match. Five minutes later, he scored the second goal for his team to make it 2-0. Thereafter he continued his scoring in the 33rd, 39th and 47th minutes, taking his team’s score to 5-0. Bala Hissar team struggled hard throughout the match to scored a goal but failed. In other matches, St Jude Academy and GNA team got walkover.

Dehradun, October 1
Hilton School registered a one-wicket victory over Aryan School in the ongoing Rotash Singh Memorial Inter-school Boys Super 8 Cricket tournament here today.

In the first innings, Aryan School scored 31 runs whereas Hilton School scored 43 runs. In the second innings, Aryan School scored 34 runs. Hilton School reached the target with one wicket in hand. Gaurav was the highest scorer for the team.

In the second match between Constancia School and The Indian Cambridge School, the former won the toss and decided to field first. The Indian Cambridge School scored 28 runs in their first innings while the other team scored 29 runs. In the second innings, The Indian Cambridge School scored 29 runs. Constancia achieved the target with two wickets in hand. Ankit Bhatt (39 runs)was the lead scorer for Constancia.

Dehradun, October 1
Tamil Nadu defeated Punjab by 3-0 in the ongoing 6th Girls Sub-junior National Football Championship here today.

The Tamil Nadu team dominated the proceeding right from the beginning and scored their first goal in the 3rd minute of the match through Kathrine. Sugandha scored the second goal for her team in the 20th minute. In the closing minutes, Nandani scored the third goal for his team.

In the second match, Orissa registered a thumping 12-0 victory over Maharashtra. Subhprabha, Sarojani and Sujata scored a hat-trick for the Orissa team in the match. Maharashtra team failed to score a goal in the match.