Haridwar, December 14
With a view to reforming them as well as inculcating in them social values, the authorities at Child Reform Home here are imparting religious, spiritual and cultural values to detained juveniles to help them tread on the way to a bright future.

Seeing these minors indulge in such activities with enthusiasm and willingness to change one but can’t reflect upon the age-old adage that “punishment is not the only way to reform people but making them realise what they did was wrong and not to repeat it in future is more beneficial”.

This programme is being run under the district social welfare self-dependency programme which is the one of its kind initiative in juvenile reform homes in the state.

These juveniles, aged between 12-17 years, now want to lead a good life free from their criminal past and it’s no surprise that now they idolise Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Kiran Bedi, Sachin Tendulkar and Narayan Murti. They learn rituals and mantras, spending quality time in books and other skills.

Assistant Superintendent of the juvenile home Raj Kumar Gupta said several social organisations were also coming forward to help these minors get reformed as well as to imparted training in various skills to them so that they got self-dependent in near future when they left these homes.

At present, Shantikunj Gayatri activists are giving these children religious-spiritual-yoga training to purify their inner self.

Shedding more into this reform programme, Shantikunj’s teacher Shyam Bihari Dubey said in recent times the society was witnessing degeneration of values, love, patience, humanity, harmony, brotherhood, moral character and other traits of humanity which was a cause of worry, particularly when younger minds got affected.

“We at Shantikunj think that if minors indulge in such illegal acts then by confining them to four walls of imprison, hoping they will reform, is not the way as until we inculcate in them good values so that they themselves realise that what is good and what is bad. Unless this practice is not followed the idea of reform homes will not be realised fully,” said Dubey.

District Welfare Officer Upma Shukla lauded the efforts of social organisations, suggesting that such programmes be implied in all other 12 districts of the state to help juveniles join mainstream society with a new vision, thinking and get out of the bad phase of their lives.

These children too are feeling quite happy to spend a life which is far different from their past. On the condition of anonymity, they said now they looked forward to utilise benefits of this programme and were feeling a lot better in learning various skills.

The minors are also provided with books, literature on personality development, positive thinking, motivation and biographies of great leaders, etc, to make sure their overall development takes place and when they come out of these reform houses in true sense they may be called reformed.

Dehradun, December 14
Largest town along the Kedarnath route Agustmuni is at a distance of approximately 16 km from Rudraprayag. The town has a large number of facilities like hospital, hotels, petrol pumps, guesthouses, college and a school with availability of flat land.

A largely accessible riverfront situated in the town is seen as an asset for boating or other water sports in near future. The second biggest town on this route is Guptkashi, which is quite a small village on the road to the Kedarnath shrine. The town is chosen for facilities like accommodation and food. Despite being small, the place also has a bus stand.

A settlement located about 10 km ahead of Rudraprayag is Tilwara that happens to be the first town en route Kedarnath. The settlement at Tilwara has ribbon development along the main road. There is otherwise a need to formalise the road section to ensure space for parking and a junction of road coming from Tehri town from Yamunotri, Gangotri route, which meets this route at Tilwara. There is a need to develop the junction on these two routes.

The stretch of road before the Tilwara has some beautiful corridors, which can be developed as potential tourists sites. Land on the riverfront at Rampur, five km before Agustmuni, is another such promising place, especially as wayside stopover. The facilities shall include parking, convenience shopping, toilets and restaurants.

Silyasaur, a stretch of road that runs parallel and close to the river, can also develop facilities along the riverfront. There is an existing GMVN guesthouse located along the route. The place has beautiful scenery. The town is 17 km from Guptkashi and thus, becomes a potential stopover location. It is proposed to develop a riverside resort as stopover for the yatris before the major town like Guptkashi.

The road towards the Badrinath route, via Ukhimath and Gopeshwar, originates at Kund, which is 8 km before the town of Guptkashi. The settlement at Kund needs to have provision of public conveniences, formalisation of street section to facilitate provision of pavements and off-street parking. The improvement of road junction is also suggested.

Phata, a picturesque location, is a small town with a proper bus stand, local offices and a temple. There is a wide space at the centre of the town that serves as a main bazaar. It can turn into a good stopover.

(To be continued)

Dehradun, December 14
Upper Chief Judicial Magistrate (I) handed over the custody of Javed Qureshi of Hizbul Mujahideen and his aide Tanvir Ahmed, who were arrested in Dehradun on Saturday, to the Jammu and Kashmir police here today.

Judge Naseem Ahmed’s court ordered a three-day transit remand of the two terrorists to the J&K police. The Uttarakhand police said in the court that it had completed investigations and needed no more remand. The cops also said the two terrorists were not cooperating in the investigation.

Meanwhile, Qureshi, on being questioned, said he had told everything to the police whatever information he had, while his associate Tanvir Ahmed, who had given shelter to Qureshi in Dehradun, said he was forced to give shelter to them, as he and his family were being pressurised for the same on gunpoint and he had no other option. The J&K police asked for three-day transit remand and the court after hearing the pleas granted the same. The J&K police is expected to leave for Doda district with the terrorists tomorrow.

Meanwhile, DSP Nazir Ganai of Doda district told the mediapersons that there were 14 cases of innocent policemen and military killings registered against Qureshi in J&K state and also a case was registered against Tanvir.

The J&K police had been looking for Qureshi for the last 12 years. The DSP said Qureshi was a very dreaded terrorist and was A-grade militant in the state. Ganai said Tanvir was giving all sort of logistic support to Qureshi, however, he refused to have any information of whether Tanvir gave shelter to more terrorists in Dehradun and said the Uttarakhand police must be knowing about it since it was interrogating the matter.

As per reports, Tanvir has been giving shelter to several big militants for the last many years. The Dehradun police had also recovered a foreign-made pistol and some live cartridges from his possession. The dreaded commander and his aide were arrested during a checking and verification drive that was taken out ahead of the passing-out parade of the Indian Military Academy (IMA).

As per Dehradun SSP Ganesh Singh Martolia, there was a cash award of Rs 2.5 Lakh on Qureshi and he commands 30 to 35 men in the country and has also been recruiting young men for joining their terror outfit. Qureshi accepted that he got training in Pakistan in 1994.

Dehradun, December 14
Software engineer Rajesh Gulati (38) who battered his wife to death and cut her body into pieces to keep them hidden in a freezer for two months, had plans to run away to the US along with his two kids and settle down there.

As per police sources and victim’s family relatives, the two children were born in the USA and were the citizens of that country. Gulati, after the murder, wanted to spread the story that his wife had gone missing and he wanted to go to the US along with his children.

Family relatives of murdered Anupama (in pic) told Gulati wanted to run away to the US after the murder. However plans of Gulati, a green card holder of the US, didn’t work out as his card, which is valid for an year time, had already expired.

The couple had gone to the US after their marriage in 1999 and stayed there for a few years during which the twin kids were born. The couple had met in 1992 in Delhi during their college days. The two together did computer engineering. They had a love affair for seven years and also had live-in relationship for a few days before they got married.

Dehradun, December 14
The faculty of ICFAI University organised a singing competition on the college campus here today. The prospective teachers of the 2010-11 batch mesmerised the audience through their group and solo presentations. The theme of the competition remained open. However, most of the numbers were patriotic and inspirational songs. The competition was judged by renowned classical vocalist Kaushal Naresh along with Kusum Lata of “Swaranjali” and Atul Kumar, who was among top 15 of Indian Idol 2006.

The judges, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the fine aspects of singing. It requires great amount of practice to come up to the expectations of the audience that now has diversity in tastes, they said.

“With fusion music having its score over the traditional styles and a mix of both hitting the charts, the future of traditional music stands far from being not recognised. Kailash Kher is a living example of doing wonders on the music front,” said Atul Kumar.

Vivekanand House bagged the first position in the group song category. The Vivekanand House was represented by Seema Newal, Sangeeta Khanna, Vandana Chamoli, Deeksha Bisht and Shweta Kotiyal. The second position was secured by Jedukrishnamurthy House represented by Deepti Pundir, Sumika, Jevan Jyot, Rekha Mehta and Madhumita. The third position in the group song category was secured jointly by Gandhi and CV Raman House represented by Priyanka Mallik, Vijanti Devi, Sarika Bhatt, Shailaja, Neha Rawat, Kavita negi, Deeksha Shrivastav, Nisha Jakhmola, Shivani Shukla and Ankita Pancholi.

In the solo category, the second runner-up position was secured by Nidhi of the Bhabha group, first runner-up by Meena Joshi of the CV Raman group and the winner of the competition were Tanveer Ahmed and Jagriti Pujara of the Gandhi and Radhakrishnan groups.

The Dean, Faculty of Education, congratulated all participants. Ruchi Nayal compered the programme while professor Sarita Negi proposed the vote of thanks.

Dehradun, December 14
Under the aegis of the Shri Hans Lok Jankalyan Samiti, Bholeji Maharaj and Mata Mangla Devi donated wheel chairs and cheques for Rs 1,10,001 to Boksha Jan Jati Balika School at Kotdwar here today.

A large number of people attended the programme organised by the samiti. Also furniture, uniforms, computers, musical instruments and other equipment were donated to the school on the occasion.

Addressing the event, Bholeji Maharaj and Mata Mangla Devi announced to build a hospital in Kotdwar soon while the stone for its building will be laid in February, 2010.

Dehradun, December 14
The campus of DAV PG College is abuzz with enthusiasm and festivity as the college celebrates its students union week. On the fourth day of the festival, a kavi sammelan enthralled a large number of students as well as teachers of the college here today.

Adding a tinge of humour, famous poets and humorists - Surender Sharma, Dr Suman Dubey, Gajender Solanki, Dinesh Raghuvanshi, Rajesh and Mahendra Ajnabi - mesmerised the gathering by their anecdotes and satires. The poets were well applauded for their performances that stole the limelight during the day’s programme.

The event commenced with a welcome speech. The chief guest was Vinod Chamoli, Mayor, Dehradun. Accompanying him was Dr S Farooq, social worker, as the guest of honor and Vivek Kumar, social worker, as special guest.

The poets were honoured and awarded a souvenir by the college Principal.

Dehradun, December 14
MapleBear, Dalanwala, organised today a talent hunt programme for its students on the school campus as part of an activity week going on in the school.

Students were given an opportunity to perform on the stage. The students danced, sang songs, performed yoga, sang rhymes and poems and delivered talks on environment and junk food. Among the participating were Tanmay Gupta, Jhanvi Negi, Arshiya Dimri, Daksh Bisht, Harjas Singh, Aarav Nanda, Avyam Nanda, Vivaan Virmani, Vaishnavi, Tanvi Uniyal.

While addressing the programme, Harender Juneja, Principal of the school, said: “MapleBear keeps doing these kind of activities so that the children do not develop stage fear and come over it at a young age. I thank all my staff and parents for their constant support that helped children in giving a wonderful performance”.

Later, the participants were awarded with certificates and medals by the Principal.

Dehradun, December 14
To pay homage to the martyrs of the Indian armed forces who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Vijay Diwas will be celebrated in the city on Thursday.

Pakistani armed forces had signed the Instrument of Surrender on December 16, 1971, following which East Pakistan seceded as the independent state of Bangladesh.

Brig KG Behl (retd), President, Dehradun Ex-Services League, said that they would be erecting a small rostrum with the photographs of all those who laid their lives during the war where wreaths will be placed. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank will be present at the ceremony at Cheer Bagh here.

“We will pay homage to the brave members of the defence forces who sacrificed their lives for the country. The CM will be honouring all those who actively took part in the war and have settled in Dehradun,” Brig Behl (retd) affirmed and added, “Though we have tried to obtain the list from the Directorate of Sainik Kalyan aur Punarvas, we may not be able to contact all of them. Eligible persons are requested to contact us so that no one is left out.”

The Uttarakhand Pradesh Ex-Servicemen Congress will also pay their respects to the martyrs at Shaheed Sthal in the Gandhi Park.

Nainital, December 14
Two hundred ten statehood activists have been identified in Nainital district till now, since the fresh process of identification was started after constitution of a committee for the purpose on July 31 this year.

A meeting of the committee, comprising administrative, police officials and nominated statehood activists, was held here today under chairmanship of District Magistrate Shailesh Bagauli. He ensured that all deserving applicants would get due recognition through the transparent procedure adopted for the purpose.

The applicants had been asked to submit their proposals and were scrutinised till October 15, after which the procedure of identification was taken up.

The process to identify statehood activists is in accordance with a new government order. Reports of the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU), hospitals and police stations form the basis of the identification process.

The committee had scrutinised 630 applications till today. It is learnt that more than 900 applications have received from across the district. In cases, where the reports of LIU and the police stations are unclear and the members of the committee also do not have specific knowledge about the applicant, the applicant will be subject to fresh verification.

The identification of the statehood activists has been a contentious issue with the successive governments having failed to identify them even 10 years after the state came into existence. The governments have announced reservation and other benefits for the activists.

Dehradun, December 14
Subjunior, junior and senior category competitions were held during the Uttarakhand State School Judo Championships 2010-11 for Boys and Girls at Nari Shilp Inter College here today.

Rajat Kumar of Dehradun got gold medal in the 25 kg subjunior (boys) event. In the 30kg, Mohit of Haridwar and Arbaaz Khan of Dehradun bagged gold and silver medals, respectively. In the 35kg, Sakib Khan of Dehradun and Shyam Kumar of Haridwar got gold and silver medals, respectively.

Also, Vikas Kumar of Haridwar claimed gold medal in the -50kg. Vishal Rawat of Doon and Prashant Kumar of Haridwar stood first and second, respectively, in the -45kg. Aditya Gupta of Haridwar and Gourav Kumar, also of Haridwar, got first place in the -50kg and +50kg, respectively.

In the girls sub-junior event, Asha of Udham Singh Nagar and Anjali Rajput of Doon stood first and second, respectively, in the -23kg. Also, Priya Bisht of Doon became champion in the -27 kg.

Dehradun, December 14
The Garhwal team will take on the Kumaon Zone team on January 2 in the final of the first edition of T20 Cricket Cup being organised by the CII’s Uttarakhand State Office.

Eight teams from industries have been divided in groups, representing Garhwal and Kumaon regions in this tournament, which is being played in Pantnagar and Roorkee respectively.

Industries playing from the Kumaon region include Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Nestle and Minda while those from the Garhwal region include Hindustan Unilever Ltd, Aquamall, Akums and Shivam Autotech.

In the Kumaon region, the matches are being hosted by Tata Motors and in the Garhwal region the organisers are the Quantam Institute of Technologies at Roorkee. At Pantnagar, Mahapatra, GM HR, Tata Motors, inaugurated the matches and tossed the coin for the first match.

While in the Garhwal region, Ajay Goel, Chairman, Quantam Institute, inaugurated the matches and tossed the coin for the first match.

At Pantnagar, the matches are scheduled to be played on December 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 on GB Pant Nagar University Ground, Pantnagar. Whereas in Roorkee, the matches are scheduled to be played on December 11, 12, 18 and 19 at Quantum Institute, Mandawar, Roorkee.

Dehradun, December 14
Chanderbani got the better of Sarvodaya Club 3-1 in the ongoing Shivalik Football Cup Tournament held at the Survey of India grounds here today.

Prashant (fifth minute), Tushar (54th) and Mohit (61st) were the scorers in the win. Mukesh (51st) was the lone scorer for the losing side that couldn’t match up to the performance of mighty Chanderbani.

Another match played today remained highly competitive, as Sunderwala Club had to use all its acumen to edge pass Garhwal Rifles 3-1. Ravinder of Garhwal Rifles (third) and Abhishek (69th) of Sunderwala were the scorers as the match ended in 1-1 draw in the stipulated time.

Later, penalty shootouts were played in which the two sides scored four goals each. Later sudden death round was taken in which Sunderwala won 7-6.

Dehradun, December 14
Prakash (four wickets and 31 runs) put up an impressive all-round performance to lead Gautam International School to a five-wicket victory over Tanush Cricket Academy (TCA) in the Beehive Challenger’s Trophy Inter District T20 Cricket Tournament being played at Matawala Bagh, Saharanpur Road, here today.

TCA won the toss and opted to bat first. Team batsmen though played fast innings but were bowled all out in 16.4 overs for 114 runs. Sandeep (27), Manish (22) and Punit (12) were the main scorers.

For Gautam School, Prakash bowled terrifically and scalped four wickets of rival team. Aysuh got two wickets. While Rahul, Himanshu and Sumit pocketed a wicket each to bowl TCA all out.

In reply, Gautam School achieved the required target in 19 overs. Prakash again was the star for the team scoring maximum 31 runs. Lawrence and Ayush also contributed with identical 16 runs each.

For the bowling side, the bowlers contributed equally. Pawan, Sandeep, Digger, Pritam and Manish took a wicket each. Meanwhile, BEE XI is scheduled to meet Doon Tigers in the tomorrow’s match.