& V I C I N I T Y
Wednesday, October 21, 1998
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C H A N D I G A R H & V I C I N I T Y |
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Wednesday, October 21, 1998 |
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spotlight today's calendar |
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Fervour, gaiety mark Divali CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — Heavy losses due to unprecedented inclement weather last week and tardy procurement of paddy notwithstanding, Divali was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm, fervour and gaiety in Punjab and Chandigarh. Over 50 receive burns during Divali CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — More than 50 persons received major and minor burns during Divali celebrations while another seven persons, including five children, are in the danger of losing their eyesight due to crackers that exploded in their faces. |
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 Pensioners' scales in magazine CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — Pensioners of Punjab can avail of information about three notifications issued by the state government regarding new pension scales from Class IV employees unions at the district level or from a ready reckoner published in the magazine, Mulazam Sandesh. |
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Award
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Fervour, gaiety mark Divali CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — Heavy losses due to unprecedented inclement weather last week and tardy procurement of paddy notwithstanding, Divali was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm, fervour and gaiety in Punjab and Chandigarh. A Tribune team conducted a tour of Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana and Patiala districts — the areas where farmers have suffered heavy losses to their paddy crop but found no let-up in their enthusiasm to celebrate the Festival of Lights. In fact the weather had improved considerably in the past two days much to the relief of people, especially to farmers. Though the procurement operations suspended because of continuous spell of incessant rains last week, were still to be resumed, farmers made a beeline not only for "jalebis" but also for liquor and special vends selling "broilers" and fish. Apart from intelligence agencies' reports about the ISI attempting to disrupt peace in Punjab, the celebrations were mostly peaceful with policemen only deployed to clear traffic, and be busy in market areas through the region. A random survey of markets in Kharar, Morinda, Kurali, Khamanon, Samrala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sirhind and Rajpura besides smaller markets on wayside villages revealed that whatever the shopkeepers had to offer was mostly sold out. Those selling "jalebis" were busy until late in the evening, while other shops had packed off by then. "We never expected so much enthusiasm especially after farmers have continuously suffered for the past 15 months because of weather. It has been, perhaps, best of peace-time Divali we had," a sweetmeat seller at Khamanon, said. Most shopkeepers interviewed on the way initially, until a day before the festival, they were pessimistic about the sales. "There were hardly any buyers. Farmers and their families were genuinely in distress as they were pulling out from grain markets. They were ferrying back their produce to their houses because of rain that continued for 36 hours. "Things suddenly changed this morning. You see the rush and you can understand the capacity of a farmer to take the loss in his stride. He has suffered heavily but does not want this festival go uncelebrated", remarked Mr Darshan Singh, a commission agent at Samrala. Mr Parminder Singh, a liquor contractor, said he did not expect the sales to go up, especially after a lean season the vendors had on the eve of the festivals. "Things have suddenly changed this morning and you see good sales". Inflation appears to have made holes in the pockets of consumers, both in rural and urban areas. The prices of most commodities have witnessed a 10 per cent to 25 per cent increase as compared to Divali last year. Those selling fireworks and crackers hiked the prices after the sales started picking up. By the time, the closing time came, they were either left with no stocks or still had buyers, asking for alternative items after "hot items" had been sold. An "anar" which was selling for Rs 5 a piece a day earlier was hard to get even for Rs 10. Same was the case with "phuljherris" which was a hot item. While in urban areas, dry fruit witnessed good sales, it was different in rural areas where revellers preferred traditional items like "makhanas" colourful sugar toys and "marundas". Places of worship throughout the region were tastefully illuminated. There were special congregations at temples and gurdwaras. Even during the day, special congregations were held. Some of the historic gurdwaras en route had organised special kirtan darbars. By late in the afternoon, streets in rural started looking deserted as shopping centres had closed. In Chandigarh, it was different. The shopping areas were overflowing with people until late in the evening. The markets in sectors 17 and 22 had the maximum rush followed by markets in sectors 19, 20, 40, 41, 42 and 47.
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Over 50 receive burns during
Divali CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — More than 50 persons received major and minor burns during Divali celebrations while another seven persons, including five children, are in the danger of losing their eyesight due to crackers that exploded in their faces. Of the 50 persons treated in the city hospitals 10 have been admitted to the PGI. Six were admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32. The others were discharged after first-aid. General Hospital, Sector 16, also received 10 cases and all were discharged after first-aid. The eye injuries in all the cases were caused due to negligence. Swati, a 13 year old girl of Sector 44, was injured in the eye when a "rocket" hit her eye. She was looking skywards when the debris of a "rocket" hit her. Ramit (11) of Panchkula was injured in the eye when an "anar" exploded in his face. Mandeep Singh, a 10-year old child from Kaithal in Haryana, has been admitted to GMCH. Supriya aged 5 of SAS Nagar received eye injuries. Others who received serious eye injuries are Jaswinder and a child from Pinjore. Prof Amod Gupta, of the PGI said this year only four serious cases were reported at the PGI while usually around 10 cases were reported. Three cases of fire PANCHKULA, Oct 20 — Three cases of fire were reported from the township and its surrounding in the past two days. According to the information, a tent of Haryana Police personnel, pitched behind the office of wireless cell of the state police in Sector 10 here, caught fire from a rocket. The ammunition of the police personnel kept in the tent was taken out timely thereby averting a major mishap. In another incident, a scooter in Sector 15 was burnt after a fire cracker fell on it. Fire engines put out the fire. In another incident, four jhuggis in nearby Baltana town in Zirakpur were gutted in fire. Besides, 17 cases of burns during the Divali celebrations in the township were reported at the local General Hospital. Divali was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in the township. People were making purchases at Divali mela stalls in Sector 10 and in different sector markets. The Chandigarh branch of the Divine Life Society distributed fruit and sweets to the inmates of Kusht Ashram and patients at Government Medical College in Sector 32, Chandigarh.
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11th poster contest results CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — The Lions Club, Chandigarh Plaza, organised the 11th poster contest on 'Planting the seeds of peace' at Tagore Theatre here today. As many as 105 students from 29 schools took part. While Sanya of Bhavan Vidalaya, Panchkula, won the first prize in the five to eight year group, Monika of Government Model School, Sector 38, stood first in the 8 to 11 year group. Neha Gulati of Bhavan Vidalaya, Panchkula, got the first prize in the 11 to 13 year category while Ruby Jain of Vivek High School was adjudged the best in the 13 to 16 year category. The entries were adjudged by Mr Sandeep Joshi, a renowned cartoonist, and Ms Sarita Gogia, a lecturer in Dev Samaj College of Education.
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Pensioners' scales in magazine CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — Pensioners of Punjab can avail of information about three notifications issued by the state government regarding new pension scales from Class IV employees unions at the district level or from a ready reckoner published in the magazine, Mulazam Sandesh. This was stated by Mr Sajjan Singh, secretary-general of the Punjab Subordinate Services' Federation, here today. He said many pensioners were coming to Chandigarh to enquire about the notifications and were being put to a lot of harassment. As per the revision, an employee getting a pension of Rs 375 as per the old policy would now get Rs 1310 and those getting Rs 4500 will get Rs 11,170. The pensioners would also get the arrears from January, 1996.
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Fervour marks Vishwakarma Day CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — Enthusiasm and religious fervour marked the Vishwakarma Day celebrations in different parts of the city today. A large number of mechanics and workers worshipped Lord Vishwakarma and their tools in different parts of the city. In the scooter market of Sector 21 and the motor markets of Sector 28 and Mani Majra, a large number of workers could be seen worshipping their tools and paying obeisance to Lord Vishwakarma. A large number of devotees visited the Vishwakarma Temple in Mani Majra to pay obeisance. A function in connection with the day was also organised by Gurdwara Vishkarma Sabha in Sector 30. The day was also celebrated in different parts of Panchkula. Speakers urged the people to follow the ideals of "karam pratistha" propagated by Lord Viswahkarma so that the country could become self-reliant in the field of science and technology. They were speaking at a function, in Burail village. The All-India Ramgarhia Central Federation had extended its greetings to the community on the occasion of Vishwakarma Day. The president of the federation who is also the mukhya sewak of the community, said that Ramgarhia had played a major role in the freedom struggle, the Industrial Revolution and played a pioneering role in agro-based industry in the country.
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Award for photo artist of year CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — A five day Indo-Austrian photo exhibition was inaugurated by the Home Secretary of the Chandigarh Administration, Mrs Anuradha Gupta, at Punjab Kala Bhavan here this evening. The exhibition organised by the Photographic Society of Chandigarh (PSC) in collaboration with Kamera Klub of Linz, Austria and the Photographic Association of Dumdum, Calcutta, displays 114 prints ranging from basic techniques of photography to in-camera and dark-room techniques, digitals, besides computer prints. Mrs Gupta evinced keen interest in photographs displayed and appreciated the efforts being made by the PSC for the promotion of the art of photography in the region. Earlier, Mr SS Sandhu, chief guest, announced his decision to institute an award for the outstanding photo artist of the year. The president of the PSC announced that the PSC would organise 19th convention of the Federation of Indian Photography from December 25 to 28 here. The exhibition will be
open till October 25 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m |
Six DSPs transferred CHANDIGARH , Oct 20 — The much-awaited transfer of the Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) of the Chandigarh Police was carried out today. Six DSPs were transferred by the authorities this afternoon. Notably among those who have been transferred are Mr S.C. Abrol and Mr Subhash Sagar, DSP, Central Division and East Division, respectively. Mr Abrol has been transferred to the lines while Mr Sagar joins as DSP, Crime, in place Mr Jaspal Singh who has been transferred as DSP, Security, in place of Mr Bhagwan Dass Bector. Mr Vijay Pal Singh, DSP Lines, will join as DSP, East Division. Mr Surjit Singh, DSP, South Division, has been transferred as DSP, Central Division, in place of Mr Abrol. Mr Bector will joins as DSP, South Division. There are three police divisions in Chandigarh and Mr Surjit Singh is the only official who has been retained in one of the divisions. Mr Surjit Singh had joined as DSP, South Division, around two years ago when the then DSP South Division, Mr Baldev Singh was promoted as SP. Two officials Mr Bhagwan Dass Bector and Mr Vijay Pal Singh, DSP, lines, have been posted for the first time in divisions. The posting of "new faces" in the divisions is in line with the recent theory of the Chandigarh Police to give every official a chance to handle important assignments. Even in the transfer of Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors, carried out recently, many officials were posted as SHOs for the first time.
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Khalsa tercentenary seminar CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — Eminent Sikh scholars and personalities, including Mr Bhajan Singh Yogi of the USA, Justice Harbans Singh, Mr Gurtej Singh, Dr Man Singh Nirankari, Dr Gurnam Kaur, Dr Harbans Lal, Ms Alice Basarke, Dr Gurdarshan Singh, General Jaswant Singh, Dr Harnam Singh Shan, Justice R.S. Narula, Dr Jarnail Singh, Dr N. Muthu Mohan, Dr Gurbaaksh Singh, Prof Prabhjot Kaur and Baba Iqbal Singh of Baru Sahib and others will participate in a two-day Khalsa tercentenary seminar at Gurdwara Kanthala Sahib to be organised by the Institute of Sikh Studies. The topics for the seminar
are "Khalsa: fulfilment of Guru Nanak's mission; and
Khalsa: Its role in the 21st century". Declamation contest CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — The Aruna Asaf Ali Memorial Trust will organise a declamation contest on the topic of "Violence against women and role of society and police"at Government College for Girls, Sector 11, on October 27. A press note issued here said that teams from 10 colleges would participate in the contest. Besides the running trophy, three cash prizes will be awarded.
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Three minor fires in city CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — At least three minor fires have been reported in the city since yesterday. In the first fire that broke out in the UT Secretariat around 3.45 a.m. today, old records were burnt. Two fire engines put out the fire in about 15 minutes. Another two minor fires broke out in Hallo Majra and in Sector 33 yesterday. No loss of life was
reported. Delay in declaration of results
resented CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — Candidates who had appeared in the HCS (Main) examination conducted by the HPSC in December last year have resented the delay in the declaration of the results. At a meeting here today, candidates demanded the introduction of the preliminary examination on the pattern of other states with a view to eliminating the "non-serious" candidates. In the absence of the preliminary exam, evaluation of the marksheets took a longer time, delaying the results, they felt. They also sought the conduct of examination every year as in its absence many candidates became overage and hence ineligible for taking the examination.
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Frames worth admiring CHANDIGARH: Exhibitions are organised in the city on all art forms — painting, photography et al. They have been well appreciated and well received (barring a few exceptions). Never for once, has anyone wondered about the limitations or the wide scope of techniques involved. They all have been evaluated on the face value. But things will be viewed differently, particularly for those involved in photography, with the opening of the exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16. This show, organised by the Photographic Society of Chandigarh, is an event at variance with the earlier ones in many respects. It is a display on invitation. This means the pictures have been invited from some other country — Austria. Prints have also been invited from the Photographic Society of Dum Dum, Calcutta. So, the exhibition is called 'Indo-Austria Photo Exhibition'. All the exhibits which have been received from outside Chandigarh are in black and white. Only the section put up by the Photographic Society of Chandigarh has colour pictures. The Austrian division is full of basic pictures in chiaroscuro with emphasis on texture, mood, spontaneity. The frames meant to be admired and worth gazing at are from Calcutta. Apart from the excellent treatment of subjects, it is the various techniques used which serve as eye-openers. These, though, existing since times immemorial, have never crossed the viewer's way in the photo exhibitions held till date in the city. The names of the methods employed here are "toned down", which is like the effect of actual bromides used in the press "Fisher's Effect", "Partial Paper Solarisation", "Colour Photogram", "Tonorama", "Montage". Few pieces which stand out from the entire lot of 118 pictures (it is one of the biggest exhibition) are by Adit Aggarwala. He is a member of the Photographic Society of Calcutta and now on his transfer to the city has become the adviser to the Photographic Society here. Adit does surrealistic landscapes preferably in Montage. His creations, full of imagination, defy all norms of photography in appearance but in technicality they conform to it absolutely. This exhibition brings forward numerous novel facets of photography. Open till October 24 it provides a platform for the photographers of the city and around to do a lot of learning. — Priti Verma * * * * Impressive play on Bhagat Singh CHANDIGARH: In an era devoid of actual heroes and with synthetic heroes available only in celluloid frames, it is natural to go back to the glorious past in search for real life heroes. Thus, the oft-told tales of the likes of Guru Gobind Singh; Banda Bahadur, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhagat Singh enjoy immense popularity in Punjab. On Saturday evening, at the Tagore Theatre, it was the turn of Bhagat Singh. Organised by 'Marasi Mandali Punjab' — "Mudh-Mudh Jammo Shahid Bhagat Singh" — was directed by Sanjay Sharma and written by Rita Sharma. But because the play was staged on the eve of Divali, it hardly had any takers. As the first production of the Marasi Mandali "Mudh-Mudh Jammo....." provided some engaging moments. But the use of recorded songs and voice-overs to narrate bits of the story, proved to be quite distracting. What came as a real surprise was the use of nil stage props. It was Sanjay Sharma, as Bhagat Singh, who, in his deep-throated voice, delivered some inspiring dialogues. The rather 'filmy' entry of Bhagat Singh on the stage, clad in black jeans, black over-coat and a black hat, and with his back towards the audience, was somewhat amusing. Jaspal Deol, as a young fiery journalist and later as Bhagat Singh's mother gave a very convincing performance. A well-built Harpreet Virk provided the right villainous shade to his character — that of Sucha Singh, the police official on the side of the Britishers. The production did manage to provide food for thought. Time to get up and act — that is what the play seemed to convey. — Sonoo Singh
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PSEB
employee shot dead CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — A government employee was shot dead in Nayagaon village, a dead body was found in Behlana and a youth was seriously injured when he was shot at near his shop in Maheshpur village in Panchkula in the past two days. Mr Victor Samuel, an employee of the Punjab State Electricity Board was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the wee hours on Divali. The deceased was based in Moga and had come to Nayagaon, where he owns a house. The police has recovered four empty cartridges from the house of the deceased. The assailants took away a .12 bore gun owned by the deceased when they allegedly attacked Mr Samuel around 3.30 a.m., the sources said. In Behlana village in Chandigarh, the body of Tirloki Nath, a cook in a mess in a defence unit located nearby, was found this morning. However, it bore no injury marks. The police said he was a drunkard and last night be probably consumed more than he could hold. The Sector 31 police is investigating. Meanwhile, in Panchkula, a sanitaryware dealer, in Maheshpur village was shot at by two unidentified motor cycle borne youths last night. The injured shopkeeper, Mr Anand Mohan Gupta, was seriously injured and is admitted to the PGI. Mr Mohan had gone to see a mela in Sector 10 last night and went to his shop in Maheshpur village to perform puja. As he was closing the shop, two youths on motor cycle with muffled faces pointed a country-made pistol and asked him to part with his scooter keys. Though he handed over the keys, the assailants still shot him in the stomach before escaping. The victim was first taken to the Sector 6 hospital in Panchkula, and then referred to the PGI. Nine hurt: Nine persons, including a child, were injured in separate road accidents in the city in the past two days. Tara Singh fell off moving bus in Badheri village. A cyclist, Gyan Singh, was hit by scooter. Rajeev Kumar, a resident of Khuda Lahora village, was hit by motor cycle when he was riding his scooter. Sukwant Singh of Sector 38 was hit by an unknown vehicle. A resident of Sector 45, Sarabjit Singh, was injured when his scooter skidded. Scooterists Ram Pratap and Akash were hit by a Tata Sumo on the road dividing Sectors 39 and 40. Lastly an unidentified child was injured. All have been admitted to the PGI. Panchkula Suicide case: Two separate cases of suicides have been reported in the township in the past two days. Agya Pal Singh (32), a resident of Sector 12, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling of his room. The deceased was running scooter repair shop in Sector 11 here. In another incident Jeevan Devi (51) allegedly hanged herself to death in her house in Sector 10. In both the cases the autopsy was done at the local general hospital. Injured: Babloo, a pedestrian, was injured after being hit by a scooter near Barwala bus stand, near here, on Monday.
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