Another day’s police remand for Sodhi Ram, 3 others
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, June 11— Dr Sodhi Ram, Controller of Examination, Panjab University, and three others allegedly involved in a paper leakage case were given another day’s police remand by the Judicial Magistrate, Mr Baljinder Singh.

The other three under CBI probe include Dhan Singh, an employee of the Secrecy Branch, and two students, Anurag Gupta and Sukhwinder Singh

Dr Sodhi Ram and the other three were arrested by the CBI on June 8 and June 9 for their alleged hand in the leakage of question papers of class B.Sc(III)-Honours, Department of Mathematics, during May, 1998.

The prosecution counsel sought the police remand of the accused for at least five more days for thorough investigation into the matter. The CBI officials claimed to have found incriminating evidence in the drawers of the office of Dr Sodhi Ram but they are yet to recover the seals used in the leakage of question papers.

The defence counsel of the accused argued that the investigating agency had already been given sufficient time for the sustained interrogation of the accused. After hearing the arguments from both the sides, the Judge extended the police remand of the accused for a day.

Meanwhile, the CBI continued its investigation to find clues if some more people are a part of the alleged nexus which has come to the light with the arrest of Sodhi Ram and others.

Yesterday university employees were detained after working hours following information to stay back to help probe the case. This led to confusion and panic. However, only the employees from the examination branch had to stay back.

Unconfirmed sources pointed out that at least two more students were taken to the bureau by the CBI for cross-questioning into the case yesterday.

Hans sweeps attention with his Sufiana kalam
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 11 — The mood, the melody and the occasion ... the combination at Tagore Theatre today was just perfect for music buffs. And little did the crowd know that the evening would come wrapped up in rhythms so typical to the land of Punjab.

But the expectations of the audience were already sky high as Hans Raj Hans was one among the three awardees chosen by Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi for its first annual award presentation in the field of singing, drama and dance. Thankfully, the gathering was more than gratified after a long award presentation ceremony which was full of formalities.

It was Sufiana kalam which set the pace for the evening with Hans Raj Hans beginning with a bandish in raag Malkaus. The song he chose was very well received for its wonderful lyrics supported by a perfect rendering: Jag mein agar sangeet na hota, koi kisi ka meet na hota. The charm was furthered by Jaswant Jolly (of the Satyam Shivam Sundaram fame) accompanying the artiste on the rabab. Interestingly, Jolly is among the very few artistes who are now playing rabab in the country. Hans Raj was also accompanied by his troupe on the instruments.

Earlier, the awards were given away to Hans Raj Hans in the category of music and to Sardar Bhag Singh in the category of drama. Lt Gen J.F.R. Jacob was present on the occasion along with Cabinet Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa. In the category of dance, Manohar Deepak (the pioneer in the field of Punjabi folk dance) was given the award. Deepak was not present to collect the award and hence the award was given away to his cousin.

The awardees also addressed the gathering with Sardar Bhag Singh paying tributes to the Punjabi language which, he said, made him worthy of the award. He said: “After contributing to the field of Punjabi drama for about 62 years, today I am feeling for the first time that I have done something.”

Hans maintained his typical shayarana style ending his address with offerings to God: Zindagi di hai to jine ka hunar bhi dena, paon bakshe hain to taufike safar bhi dena, main goonga tha mujhe bolna sikhaya tune, ab mein bolunga to baton mein asar bhi dena.

Pot-making catches students' fancy
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 11—An English number playing in the background sets the mood for a theatre workshop in progress at the summer school in K B DAV Centenary Public School, Sector 7, here today.

The children are made to listen to the latest pop number playing on an instrument. They, listening to the music, concentrate on each beat that is audible in the hall and start moving their body following the rhythm of the music. Also, there are classes on dialogue-delivery and students are made to act on imaginary situations complete with changing facial expressions as per the scene. Besides, body movements involving "sense memory", "imagination", "emotion memory", are taught to the youngsters. In addition training on improvisation, diction and speech used in theatre is also imparted.

The camp which began on June1 will conclude on June 25 with a mega event in which works of the participating students will be put on display and students in the folk dances workshop will enthrall the audience. In other classes running simultaneously in the camp, students are being trained in art of pottery, painting and mask-making, skating and computers.

A workshop that has caught the fancy of most students is the special feature of pot-making being taught at the school where the children are being taught to mould the clay on the potter's wheel to make their own pots in various shapes and sizes.

In the dance class the students are learning various folk dances, including Gujarati, Punjabi, Haryanavi and Rajasthani. During the three-hour session, their room is the hub of activities and the folk music lend charm to the performances.

The students in painting class are being introduced to various types of paintings on paper and fabrics. Mask making is another class where masks out of various materials are being made, while puppets made out of egg shells adorn the classroom shelves.

Skating classes in morning as well as in evening are also conducted everyday while students are taken out for factory visits at regular intervals.

Sagar assures help in ashram construction
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 11 — The Himachal Government will expedite the issue of the allotment of residential plots to nearly 550 persons in the Baddi-Barotiwala belt, Mr Vidya Sagar, Himachal Agriculture Minister, said here today.

Addressing an annual function of the Himachal Mahasabha at Tagore Theatre here, the minister announced that subsidy on insecticides, which was till now paid on apple only, would be extended to other crops also.

Mr Sagar assured all help for construction of the “Himachal Ashram” which is proposed to be set up by the mahasabha in Chandigarh.

Earlier, the president of the mahasabha, Mr MP Agnihotri, highlighted various demands of the sabha, including the allotment of plots in the Baddi-Barotiwala belt and the construction of the alternative road connecting Chandigarh and Baddi.

The general secretary, Mr M.R. Verma, while demanding the construction of railway line in the state, urged the Himachal Government to take up the issue of the royalty on the power produced by the state with the Centre.

Improvement of the roads, upgradation of the schools, augmentation of the water supply system in various parts of Himachal were among other issues raised by Mr Verma.

A colourful cultural programme, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of hill state, was also presented.

A ray of hope is still there
By Geetanjali Gayatri
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, June 11 — Little Virender, residing in Maheshpur village, is not even aware of the hole in his heart as he tries to go about life like any other 12-year-old. All he knows is that everytime he attempts to romp and skip he is left panting for breath unlike his friends who seem to babble with energy in comparison.

“I easily got tired and can hardly walk a few steps without being forced to sit and catch my breath for a while. I don’t know what is wrong with me but whatever it is, I am losing out in a big way and missing out on all the fun. My parents are forever breathing down my neck to ensure I do not play jumping jack,’’ he says, very disappointed with the treatment being meted out to him by his family.

However, his father, Prakash Chand, says the congenital defect no longer has him worried because he can never arrange for the Herculean sum of Rs 1.50 lakh required for Virender’s treatment. Earning a pittance as a welder in a shop, he contends that providing two square meals for his family is tough, let alone arranging money for his son’s treatment.

“When he was born, we were ecstatic about having another son only to discover that all wasn’t well with him. From then to the time he was four years old, we ran from pillar to post and finally were directed to PGI for treatment where this huge sum was quoted. That is the time we actually gave up all hope and waited for life to take its own course, putting him on a course of desi medicine for our satisfaction,’’ he explains.

A ray of hope came in the form of a social welfare organisation in Sector 2, Upkaar, which took on itself the task of addressing the problem and arranging for funds for the boy.``It was a chance discovery since he came to a school being run at the Radha Madav Adarsh Niketan in Sector 4 for children of jhuggi-dwellers.

At school, the teacher discovered that Virender could not actively engage in any activity which led her to his father. “He told us of his problem and from then started our job. We are consulting the doctors at PGI but raising the required amount has become a problem with us also since we get donations of Rs 25 to Rs 50 from the members which is certainly not enough to meet the expenses involved,’’ Ms Preeti Chawla, an executive member, opines.

The other office-bearers, Mrs Prem Kohli, and Mrs Varsha Malhotra, are also leaving no stone unturned for generation of funds though their spirits are beginning to fag. The father is still optimistic. "We put Virender in another school near the house but he refused to stay there after a month. In this school, he himself accompanied the neighbours’ children and is very regular in spite of the fact that we were not enthusiastic about his leaving the vicinity. Help came from the most unexpected quarters when we were least expecting it. God will see that all goes well in future as well,’’ he adds.

Though tests at the PGI have already begun, the results will become known only next week. Till then the family is keeping its fingers crossed and hope that paucity of funds will not stand in the way of their son’s treatment. Also, they are only to eager to bring up their younger son like a normal child who can study for as long as he wants.

‘‘Follow Maharana Pratap’s footsteps’’
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 11 — Mr Pawan Bansal, MP has announced a grant of Rs 1.50 lakh for the library of the Maharana Pratap Hostel from his discretionary quota. Speaking at the Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrations in the hostel here today, he urged the youth to follow the footsteps of Maharana Pratap.

He assured the students that he would persuade the university to establish a chair in the name of Maharana Pratap for the study of Indian culture and polity.

Mayor of the city, Shanta Hitabhilashi, who earlier inaugurated the function, lauded the contributions of the great Rajput king to society.

According to the Secretary General of the All India Rajput Students Aid Society, the society has also urged the administration to name a road after the great hero.

Dr Pardaman Singh, President-in-Chief, gave a brief account of the activities of the society. He said that there was a need to carry out research work in the field of Rajput history, culture and art.

Prominent among those who spoke on this occasion were Mr Suraj Pal Singh, Mr Mangtu Ram, MR Ramesh Rana, Mr Satinder Rana and Mr R.P. Singh. They all lauded the work of the society and assured every possible help and cooperation in future.

COMMUNITY

Kashmiri migrants remember Kheer Bhawani

THE Kashmiri Pundits who have migrated from Kashmir to Chandigarh to save their lives from the onslaught of militancy are a sad lot today. The annual fair at Kheer Bhawani, their highly venerated temple near Srinagar, was being held recently, and they could not attend it. As they fondly remember the good old days, they wonder whether the circumstances will ever become normal for them to return to their homes.

Now the fair is held under tight security arrangements. Special buses, escorted by security personnel, take pilgrims from Jammu to Kheer Bhawani for darshan of the Devi. However, the priests of the temple live there throughout the year without any fear from the terrorists, since local Muslims give them shelter. However, the Kheer Bhawani Trust has also constructed a similar temple in Jaanipur locality of Jammu, says Moti Lal Dhar? “Though the two temples look similar, yet the sanctity of the original temple is deep-rooted in the minds of the people. So this temple does not command that much reverence, as the temple near Gandherbal commands.” That is the difference between imitation and originality. — Thakur Paramjit

Sapnoan ka saudagar aiya, le lo yeh sapne le lo

While conceiving the City Beautiful, Le Corbusier would never have visualised even in his wildest dreams that one day this charming city of roses would be metamorphosed into a confluence of diverse communities.

While walking towards the bustling Sector 17 market from the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), an unwary visitor is ushered into a unique world of "dream merchants", which offers an insight into India's "unity in diversity". As you steadily start from far end of the pathway, you have the first encounter with a fruit-seller, manning baskets of assorted fruits and hollering at a high-pitched voice to attract customers. He continues howling without a pause. And lo! the rush of clientele swells, steadily though. As you gain more steps leisurely, your instant gaze is riveted on a lanky young man selling a dazzling range of cosmetics and beauty aids. The price tag of various items he sells wavers between a wonky Rs 10 and a whopping Rs 300. Mind you! You buy anything at your own risk!

Barely a few steps away from this smarty cosmetics kid, a "dentist" displays a variety of teeth sets and keeps handy a set of pliers and pincers to extract "defective'' teeth. He ''treats'' his "patients" and gives a long list of "dos' and don'ts". He exudes a lot of professional confidence as he "counsels" the "patients" at his open-air "dentistry".

A throng of people, some curiously craning their necks to have a closer view of the fortune telling machine fixed on a pedestal, make a beeline it to have an update on their past, present and, of course, future on computer, just by paying Rs 5!

At handshake proximity, a group of astrologers, soothsayers and palmists flock the pathway. They devise different ways and means to lure their "goody-goody" clientele into the booby trap and mint money.

An ingenious visitor suddenly careers into a jostling crowd of fun-seeking people in yet another corner. A pan-chewing Punjabi holds tight in his hand a "jawani ki pudiya" (wonder drug) for enhancing sex power. He gives a piece of advice in chaste Gurmukhi to those who wanna go sexually strong overnight. He holds sway over the voyeuristic hack pack groping in the dark for enhancing sex-power. And, finally the gullible customer is lured into buying the "wonder drug".

Right in the opposite direction, a hawk-eyed haberdasher sells assorted condiments at a dog-cheap rate! A little haggling and he agrees to slash the rate substantially. As you move on, your instant gaze rests on a middle-aged Maharashtrian, selling his wares: "Cotton T-shirt 45-45 rupai... vests and briefs 15-15 rupai... and so on". He continues in a gruff voice. This helps him attract a handful of customers. He does not stock a variety of casual wears to cater to the ever-burgeoning customers' demand. He sells only seasonal wears. In the winter season, however, he prefers to go in for the modestly-priced pullovers, cardigans, sweaters and scarfs.

In yet another corner, a steel salad-cutter attracts buyers. A small crowd of curious buyers storms the seller, who gives an impressive lecture on "how to operate this little master cutter". He "creates" a throbbing variety of potato chips and salad from carrot, onion, cabbage, reddish, et al to attract buyers. The price? An incredible Rs 10 apiece!

A little distance away, a spaghetti-making machine is available at Rs 20 per piece. This easy-to-handle machine equips you well to turn your home into a "storehouse" of salty sensations!

An old man, a mere bunch of bones, ekes out a living by putting up a weighing machine here. He is "contented" with whatever he earns daily—Rs 25 to Rs 35" which is enough to maintain my crumbling self".

As you steadily move ahead, you are ushered into the world of music and melody. You simply sway in sheer ecstasy and waltz to a blaring pop music played on a battery-charged stereo by a teenager selling a stirring range of audio-video cassettes, ranging from the raunchy rock-n-roll numbers to the soul-elating bhajans and ghazals for a select few.

As you briskly walk past, you catch fancy of a frail man in his late forties, parodying big-wigs of the silver screen, including Johny Walker, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar et al. He holds a small band of his fans spellbound with his inimical style of parodying any celluloid celebrity. This roadside master entertainer is Ram Kumar.

In a distant bustling corner, a bus can be seen parked. It does not transport human souls from places, but transports loads of books and periodicals for them on religion, mythology, health and home. Keen book-lovers throng this 'mobile' library to satiate their literary and spiritual cravings.

As you retrace your steps from a snappy book-hunting spree, the soulful rendering of a melodious filmi number Aaja tujhko pukarein mere geet re... on ektara permeates into your ear. As you plough through a milling crowd of people, you come across a tall, moustached Rajasthani, with a basketful of ektaras, precarious perched on his turbaned head. This run-of-the-mill musical instrument is a tiny whoppers' delight!

A white Maruti van can be seen parked adjacent to the Neelam Cinema building. It serves as a "mobile store" housing audio-video cassettes of discourses by Bapu Asaram, incense sticks, badges, banners, buntings, books and literature on yoga. The van is manned by two soft-spoken "bapu bhagtas".

Coming of from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, those engaged in the small-time business here, some of them claim to have studied up to matric and intermediate levels, confide that they earn something between Rs 25 and Rs 300, or more at times, depending upon the mood and "mizaz" of the customer.

The routine rumble-tumble with city police and officials of the Chandigarh Estate Office and, of course, the volatile weather conditions notwithstanding these die-hard "dream-merchants" unmindful of their "uncertain" future continue to sell dreams in search of a new dawn!

— Ramesh K. Dhiman

Children wait, but, horses won't return
By Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 11 — At a function more than a decade ago, the then Governor of Punjab, Mr S.S. Ray, had said the Chandigarh police needed to introduce some public relation measures. He said the people of the city, especially children, should be on interactive terms with the police.

The year was 1988. The Inspector General of the Chandigarh police was Mr V.N. Singh and Mr Bhagwan Das Bector was the DSP (Police Lines) in Sector 26. The Riding Club was established with much fanfare and lengthy details were drawn regarding its rules and regulations.

Past year, on April 9, the club was closed down on the instructions of the then IG, Dr Kiran Bedi. Being a traffic-management enthusiast, she deployed the men in white uniform and horses of the club from Grain Market to Sector 16 along Madhya Marg.

After she left, the horses were again put on the patrolling duty. "By then, crime in the peripheral areas of the city had increased tremendously," said one officer. "Moreover, the first and the foremost duty of the police is crime prevention," he added.

It is surprising that except a couple of officers who had been closely associated with the establishment of the club, not many in the department, including senior officers, know that the club was extremely popular among kids and adults alike, especially in summer vacations.

"It used to be a hot favourite among children," says one head constable who has been an instructor at the club. "There used to be a child who was such an enthusiast that he would manipulate the watches in his house so that he could reach the club earlier than the others and get the horse of his choice."

The club was established on the premises of the Chandigarh mounted police in Sector 26. The mounted police had 30 horses which till then were used for patrolling. On November 19, 1988, Mr S.S. Ray, formally inaugurated the club with five horses borrowed from the Governor's stables.

In 1992, the club purchased 10 Indian thoroughbreds from the Army Stud Farms in Saharnapur, each of which had cost about Rs 38,000. This breed has more stamina than the average Indian-bred horses. In 1993, the club began functioning in the morning as well as the evening hours.

According to sources, it was not that the club functioned absolutely trouble-free. "The impression was that the Administration would help in the running of the club. Long-term ambitious plans were also made. There were talks that some land would be acquired for a race course near Mani Majra."

Initially, jawans at the club were given monetary incentives. Later, it was decided that since both men and horses belonged to the Administration, there was no need for giving any incentive to the men.

However, till the time the club functioned, the interaction between the police and the public increased tremendously. "At times, there were more enquires than we could accommodate. Initially, there were 21 children in Group A and 27 in Group B. It was popular indeed," says another former instructor at the club.

It was during Dr Kiran Bedi's tenure that the Riding Club was closed down, All horses were put on the traffic-management duty. "She said it would help reduce the traffic accidents," says an officer. Moreover, it was also said that after a morning at the club, the horse became too tired for the rest of the day. "Once you harness a horse, it thinks it is on duty," he said.

He also said the crime in the city had increased manifold. The mounted police has an advantage of easy accessibility and their mere presence in the vicinity prevents a crime in the area.

After Dr Bedi's tenure was over, the horses never went back to the club and it remained closed. The sources said by then, night patrolling had also increased tremendously and more armed mounted police personnel had been deployed.

Most officers say that the closing down of the club was not a good idea. "Such ventures help improve relations between the police and the public. It also helps kids get over their fear of men in khaki uniform," says an officer.

After the club closed down, six horses were sent to the Mani Majra police station. Yesterday, two of these were given to the Sector 39 police station.

The police still receives enquiries regarding the club from children and their parents, especially in summer holidays, despite that it has been closed down.

Loan scheme for retired IAF men also
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 11—The Air Force Group Insurance Loan Scheme, which was earlier meant for the serving Air Force personnel, will now be applicable to retired personnel also, Wg Cdr Satish Bhatia (retd), Secretary, North Zone Air Force Association, said here today.

Wing Commander Bhatia said that it was a long-standing demand of the retired AF fraternity. After examination of the proposal, the trustees of the AFGI have finally approved it thus making it applicable for retired personnel from June 1.

The loans shall be available against the deposit made by them in the Retired Personnel Investment Scheme at 14 per cent reducing interest. He said that the scheme would benefit hundreds of former Air Force personnel.

All retired Air Force personnel who are drawing pension will be eligible to draw advances against their fixed deposits held with the AGFI for house building advance, conveyance advance, car, two-wheeler and personal computer loan. The amount of loan admissible shall be 75 per cent of the fixed deposit made with the AFGI. The loan under the AFGI is required to be repaid in maximum 120 installments for HBA and 100 installments for conveyance and personal computer. Those desirous of taking the loan under the scheme can contact the Air Force Association at 12 Wing, Air Force Station, Chandigarh, Wing Commander Bhatia said.

Lord Krishna’s wedding performed
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, June 11 — The Panchkula Sanatan Dharma Sabha organised a programme to celebrate the marriage of Lord Krishna as a part of the Bhagwad katha at Aggarwal Bhavan in Sector 16, here yesterday.

Children of members of the sabha, Shruti Singhal and Ramica Garg enacted the marriage ceremony held on a stage decorated with fruit and vegetables by a team specially called in from Mathura and Vrindavan.

On the occasion, a marriage of a needy girl from Bhainsa Tibba, Inder Kaur, was solemnised. Members of the sabha gave away goods and jewellery worth Rs 31,000. 

Tourism quiz contest
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 11 — The process of shortlisting students from the northern region who will participate in the India Tourism Quiz Contest to be held in September, October has started. The quarter finals of the contest, being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for the northern region will be held in Chandigarh on September 27, coinciding with the World Tourism Day.

Each institute can send five students, who have to be either plus two pass outs or graduates. The quarter finals for the eastern region will take place at Sikkim and for the western region at Goa. The semi-finals will be held in November at Chandigarh. A week-long celebration is also being planned with Goa or Sikkim as the theme state.

Dr Gulshan Sharma, Director of the Institute of Tourism and Future Management Trends (ITFT), said the objective in organising these contests was to create awareness among the younger generation about the rich cultural heritage of the country and to acquaint the youth with the myriad attractions India holds both for domestic and international tourists.

The contests had been launched in October last year, as part of the Explore India Millennium year.

He further informed that complimentary air tickets by Air India, stay at hotels and resorts, free holidays, consumer products, besides other attractive prizes are lined up for the semi-finalists and finalists of these contests. 

Madan Lal Nivesh dead
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 11 — Madan Lal Nivesh, a former Director of Dr Ambedkar Study Circle, died here on Saturday after cardiac failure. He was 74. A condolence meeting will be held on June 14, according to a press note.

Book festival in Sector 17
From a Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, June 11 — Voracious readers have found a reason to frequent Sector 17, as English Bookshop is holding a book festival this week, offering a discount of 15 per cent on almost all kinds of books —fiction, non-fiction, health, cookery, religion, philosophy, business and management .

“The response of the buyers was tremendous,” says Mr A.K. Singh, Sales Manager of Rupa and Co, which supplies books to the store.”

In the non-fiction section, about 50 English classics are on display, costing not more than Rs 200. ‘Twentieth Century Poetry’ in English, which runs into 700 pages’ is priced at Rs195.

One of the best-sellers on the first day was Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘Interpreter of Maladies’ which is priced at Rs150. 

CRIME

Child kidnapped, case registered
Tribune News Service

Scooterist killed: A scooterist, Joginder Singh, a resident of Surajpur, was killed after he was hit by a jeep, HP-13-0646, near the HMT dispensary on Saturday. A case under Sections 279, 304-A of the IPC has been registered against the driver of the jeep, Divanker Dutt.