To set up the Shiv Kumar Memorial Arts and Cultural Society that will oversee the renovation work of the auditorium constructed in memory of the legendary writer, which at present is lying in a shambles in this industrial hub

Batala, November 14
Old timers in Batala say there is nothing worse than forgetting stalwarts like Shiv Kumar Batalvi, the iconic Punjabi poet, writer and novelist, whose work is acknowledged the world over. The state government, it seems, has finally woken up to pay tributes to the legendary author by deciding to set up a society --- the Shiv Kumar Memorial Arts and Cultural Society --- which will oversee the renovation work of the auditorium constructed in memory of the legendary writer, which at present, is lying in a shambles in this industrial hub.

The dilapidated condition of the auditorium came to the notice of the authorities during the writer’s 75th birth anniversary celebrations in the last week of July. Owing to the run down ramshackle condition of the auditorium, the district administration, fearing widespread criticism, had to shift the celebrations to a nearby marriage palace.

It is pertinent to mention here that Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who had presided over the proceedings, had bowed to public demand and promised to get the Shiv Kumar Batalvi Cultural Centre, as the auditorium is named, renovated.

However, at that time he did not announce any grant although the Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner Pirthi Chand maintains that a grant of Rs 1 crore will be received from the state government once the society is formed.

Punjab Education Minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan will be society’s managing committee chief patron while the DC will be the chairman.

Batala SDM Rahul Chaba will be the secretary while two dozen other members, a majority of whom will be contemporaries of Batalvi, will be selected within a fortnight. Batala MLA Jagdeesh Raj Sahni will also be enrolled as a member.

The DC claimed he was in constant touch with the Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Darbara Singh Guru who is coordinating efforts from Chandigarh.

A visit to the auditorium revealed that it boasted of broken tiles and doors, a roof ready to fall anytime and plaster peeling off the walls. It resembles more of a haunted house rather than a building constructed in memory of the writer whose poetry is relished by aficionados on both sides of the border.

K.Sharanjit, an avid follower of the writer, said, “Batalvi was a writer par excellence. The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say but what we are unable to say. That in essence defines Shiv Kumar Batalvi as a writer.”

Interestingly, the old auditorium has three foundation stones laid at three different times by different politicians lending truth to the age-old adage that too many cooks spoil the broth.

Jalandhar, November 14
Declaring unprecedented support to former Finance Minister Manpreet Badal in his efforts to form a new Punjab, scores of net savvy people today remained busy posting their comments on Facebook. Manpreet announced his Jago Punjab Yatra at Amritsar today.

Manpreet has been posting his status regarding his Amritsar rally on Facebook since yesterday.

His supporters, especially youngsters, ensured to upload his rally videos and pictures with interesting posts throughout the day.

Reacting on bids to impound buses in his constituency, Manpreet wrote on Facebook, “As expected, the Punjab Government and its stooges have finally resorted to the most undemocratic methods to stifle the voice of Punjab and Punjabis. The various modes of transportation, arranged by all friends and well-wishers, are being impounded by the Punjab Police on the instructions of the home minister.”

Manpreet’s supporters, however, were seen talking about revolutionary efforts to make his rally a success. Gulinder Gill, one of his supporter, wrote - “Friends let every one come to know, use your personal transport like tractors, cars, etc. to go to Amritsar. Police is impounding rented buses. No one can stop the true Punjabis from reaching there.”

Earlier, Manpreet revealed his plans about the Amritsar rally on Facebook and asked his supporters, “Is visiting Sri Harimandar Sahib a crime? Is paying a tribute to the freedom fighters a crime? Come what may, we shall tread the path of truth and as decided, we shall reach there in hordes and vow to usher in another freedom for Punjab and Punjabis.”

Apart from this, his honest and humble approach to reach out to people also received compliments. Tarun Singh, a youngster wrote, “A humble request to all Punjabis, specially the young brigade, to support this young, honest leader, the face of modern Punjab, to stand and support him in this hour of need.”

The demand to upload his latest rally inputs, too, remained the highlight of the day, on Facebook among net users, though many supporters kept on giving updates.

“People of Punjab are watching everything and thanks for keeping us updated, all this will come forth at the time of reckoning (elections),” said Rashmi Talwar, another net user.

Meanwhile, a net-savvy Manpreet Badal had thanked all his friends on Facebook yesterday and asked everybody to come and support him in his efforts.

He wrote - “Dear fellow Punjabis, thanks for the overwhelming support, now let us all reach Sri Harimandir Sahib, Jallianwala Bagh and Durgiana Mandir tomorrow (November 14) at Sri Amritsar Sahib and decide there and then to work tirelessly, selflessly and honestly to build a new Punjab and usher in a new freedom for Punjab and Punjabis.”

Tarn Taran, November 14
Five persons, including a couple, died in four separate road mishaps in the area during the last 24 hours, while one received serious injuries in the incidents. In one of the incidents, Devinder Singh, a branch manager in the Punjab & Sind Bank and his wife Inderjit Kaur (50) and daughter-in-law Gagandeep Kaur (25) were traveling to Devinder’s native village Dialpur by car from Amritsar, when the accident took place.

Their vehicle hit a tree near Panjwar village, when Devinder, who was driving the car, tried to save stray animals that came in their way, while overtaking a vehicle.

Devinder and his wife Inderjit died on the spot. Gagandeep Kaur, their daughter-in-law, was seriously injured in the incident. The Chabal police have lodged a report under section 174 of the CrPC.

In another incident, one Tehal Singh (32) of Marrimegha village was crushed to death by a private bus (number PB02 AA 9978) near Gaggobua village. He was on his motorcycle (number PB-02 X 1523) and was going to Amritsar.

Paramjit Singh, the driver of the bus of Cheema Kalan village, has been booked under sections 304 A and 279 of the IPC.

In another incident, one Raj Singh (35), a brick kiln worker of Havelian village, who was on foot, died on the spot when he was hit by a scooter near Booh Havelian village, 35 km from here late last evening. Accused Gurdeep Singh of Burj Poohla village has been booked under sections 279 and 304 A of the IPC by the Harike police.

In the Bhikhiwind area, an unidentified person, who was on his Panther moped (number PB-02 X, 5596) was crushed by some unknown vehicle. The body was recovered by the police in the morning. A case under sections 279, 304 A and 427 of the IPC has been registered.

Hoshiarpur, November 14
Special efforts are being done by the state government for improving the breed of milch animals for which Rs 32 crore are being spent in the current financial year.

Disclosing this while addressing a gathering at the two-day district-level animal fair at Shergarh village, 5 km from here, yesterday, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Punjab, Mohinder Kaur Josh said to improve the breed of milch animals and to encourage the milk producers, district-level animal fairs were being organised in the state, for which Rs 5 lakh was being given for each fair by the state government.

Prizes of Rs 2.5 lakh were given to the owners of good-quality milch animals. After conducting district-level fairs, zonal fairs would be organised, for which Rs 25 lakh each would be spent and prizes of Rs 15 lakh would be given. Later, national-level animal fair would be organised at Muktsar, for which the state government would provide Rs 2 crore.

Prizes of Rs 1.25 crore would be given to the owners of the winner animals. Director, Animal Husbandry, Punjab, Dr H.S. Sandhan said to improve animals’ breed, 1.50 lakh injections of HF foreign semen, 50,000 injections of Jersey breed semen and 20,000 injections of other improved quality semen were being imported from foreign countries, which would be provided to the animal protectors on half price.

Kapurthala, November 14
A large number of people, mostly students from Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur, took part in the half marathon held under the aegis of the Anand College of Engineering and Management.

Students from various educational institutions and Army personnel, RCF employees and policemen participated in the marathon to spread the message against drug addiction.

The participants, including former MP Rana Gurjit Singh, MLA Rajbans Kaur Rana and BJP state executive member Hira Lal Dhir gathered at the local Shalamar Bagh, from where a 10 km marathon race started, which culminated at the Anand College at Hussainpur village on the Kapurthala-Sultanpur road.

RCF employee Sukhdev Singh won the marathon and won the cash prize of Rs 21,000. Ravinder Singh, also of the RCF, secured second position and won a cash prize of Rs 11,000. PTU Registrar HS Bains gave away prizes.

On the occasion, college MD Vikram Anand said the college would make it an annual event to encourage youths towards sports.

Jalandhar, November 14: The Green Brigade of The Millennium School ran for saving environment during “greenathon” held here today.

Aimed at creating awareness on environmental issues with objective of encouraging tree plantation across the city, the “greenathon” encouraged people to cultivate spirit of positive social responsibility.

Commandant, Fourth IRB Batallaion at PAP, Iqbal Singh Lalpura flagged off the “greenathon”. He called upon children to become productive and responsible citizens.

Guests of honour were Baljit Singh Neelamahal, Chairman, Jalandhar Improvement Trust, P.K. Sharma, DGM, PNB, Jalandhar, Man Karan Bhandari, Director, Ambica Overseas, Balwinder Singh from Speedways Batteries and Ravinder Singh from Sardar Pagri House.

The “greenathon” started from Guru Gobind Singh Stadium and moved towards Geeta Mandir, covering Model Town Park, Model Town Gurdwara, Masand Chowk, Mission Chowk and it culminated at the stadium. Green Brigade members evoked good response from the places they visited during the event. Many social organisations and welfare societies pledged their support to the noble cause.

Addressing students at the occasion, Principal Punam Singhal said most of the damage caused to environment is reversible. “We can restore habitats, clean rivers, renovate buildings, replenish the topsoil and take massive afforestation task.” TNS

SSP Narinder Bhargav said the police seized as many as three country-made .12 bore pistols, one .315 bore pistol, one .32 pistol, one .12 bore rifle, a sharp-edged weapon and three stolen motorcycles from their possession. A police party raided Jullah Mazra village and nabbed six gang members. Another accomplice Darbara Singh was nabbed at Bharta Khurd village. The gang members had confessed their involvement in a number of crimes related to snatching and burglary at various places in Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana districts. — OC