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| Monday,
October 9, 2000, Chandigarh, India |
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IAF anniversary celebrated with
fanfare CHANDIGARH, Oct 8 — The 68th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was celebrated here today with great fanfare. Several functions were organised to mark the occasion. The main function was held at the headquarters of the Western Command at Chandi Mandir, near here, which was attended by officers and men of the Army and the IAF. Promotion of greater cooperation between the two sister services was emphasised on the occasion. Felicitating all ranks of the IAF, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lieut-Gen Surjeet Singh, said the IAF had a glorious tradition of valour, sacrifice, selfless service and devotion to duty. The Army and the IAF enjoy enviable reputation and have a tradition of close and harmonious relations and cooperation, he said, adding that the Army valued the contribution of the IAF and looked forward to enhance the inter-service cooperation. Appreciating the efforts of the Western Command to increase cooperation the Air Officer Commanding, Advance Headquarters, Air Vice-Marshal Nirmal Thusu, assured that the IAF personnel would do their utmost to make every operation a success. He stressed that team work, harmony and absolute synergy would guarantee glory and victory in any operation. Air Vice-Marshal Thusu presented the GOC-in-C a memento on behalf of IAF personnel of the Advance Headquarters, Western Air Command and the IAF units located in and around Chandigarh. Other senior officers of the Army and the IAF present on the occasion included: Lieut-Gen B.S. Malik, Chief of Staff, Western Command; Air Cmde S.K. Banerjee, AOC of the 12 Wing, AF; Gp. Capt, M.S. Bose of the 3 BRD, AF; and Gp. Capt Rakesh Yadav, Commander AF, High Ground. Social gatherings for the serving and retired IAF officers and their families marked the celebrations at 12 Wing, 3 BRD and AF High Ground. The Punjab Governor, Lieut-Gen JFR Jacob (retd), was the chief guest at the dinner organised by the 12 Wing at the Officers Mess last night. The week-long celebrations culminated today with a pledge-taking ceremony, wherein all personnel of the Air Force Station took a pledge to rededicate themselves for the Nation. Ait Cmde Banerjee also read out the messages received from the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, and the Defence Minister. It was on October 8,1932, that the IAF was officially established with the strength of 19 Havai Sepoys, 6 Royal Air Force-trained officers and aircraft inventory of 4 Westland Wapiti II planes. Since then the IAF has come a long way. Today, it is the fourth largest air force in the world, which is well-equipped and professionally trained. In all wars, the IAF has lived up to the expectations of the countrymen. The latest example was that of Kargil, where the dominating heights occupied by the enemy were accurately pounded by the IAF, greatly helping the Army in evicting the intruders from our territory, press note said. Its peace-time operations include help to the victims of natural calamities. More recent example being the relief work done in the cyclone-hit areas of Orissa and the floods affected Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. |
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UGC recommendations not
implemented CHANDIGARH, Oct 8 — A long list of recommendations of the University Grants Commission to Panjab University with regard to benefits to the college staff, has not been implemented more than two years after its release. The delay in implementation has led to non-release of Rs 40 crore for colleges by the government. This sum is used as assistance for payment to staff. The recommended clauses have been forwarded to the Punjab Government through a letter of the Ministry of Human Resource Development in December, 1998. Perhaps the only recommendation accepted so far was the ‘old pay scale conversion’. Those in the category of Rs 2,200 were put at Rs 8,000, those in Rs 3000 to 5000 at Rs 10,000; and those in Rs 3700 to 5700 at 12,000- 18,300. There was however, no change in case of DPEs. Prof Charanjit Chawla, General Secretary of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union, said that a list of clauses relating to non-payment of arrears and problems with the leave rules, besides several other recommendations for the benefit of teachers remained non-implemented in PU and other universities of Punjab. The notification recommended two increments for teachers with Ph D, current problems in the ‘feeders’ grade, counting of past service for placement in the senior or selection grade, third promotion of senior teachers, and enhancement of retirement age among others, Professor Chawla said. One important issue under debate in colleges these days is a DPI( Colleges) circular directing teachers to stay for at least 40 hours on campus every week. The changed schedule has put teachers to inconvenience. The general secretary said that “teachers are now put to extra work relating to NSS, NCC, cultural events, library, discipline, hostel and UGC projects. He urged the government to take note of the non-implementation of the pension and gratuity scheme. |
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Man commits
suicide CHANDIGARH, Oct 8 — A Government Press employee, Rajinder Kumar, allegedly committed suicide at his Government Press Colony residence here today by hanging himself from an iron hook in the ceiling. While actual cause of the suicide is yet to be determined, neighbours of the deceased pointed out that he was not on good terms with his family members, who had left him alone on the previous night to go and stay with other relatives in the Janata Colony, Sector 25. The suicide was confirmed today after a team of four police personnel broke open the door of Rajinder’s house at about 7.15 pm. The police was tipped on the matter by the president of Government Press Welfare Society who was, in turn, informed by the people that Rajinder had not come out of his house since morning and he had not opened the door once. Said a neighbour, “He would normally come out on Sunday because it is his off day. When we did not see him the whole day, we became sceptical and informed the president of the society.” When the police entered the room, Rajinder, (40), was found hanging from the ceiling. He had taken the support of the sofa lying in his room to reach for the ceiling and had tied the rope on to the iron hook about seven-eight times. The police also recovered a note from his pocket but it is not legible. Neighbours of the deceased informed that while Rajinder
and Mystery, meanwhile, shrouds the suicide of Rajinder, keeping in view the fact that there was no distance between the body and the sofa which was used as a support for hanging. The police, however, refused to comment on anything and said that a van had been sent to fetch the family members of Rajinder. The cause of suicide would be determined later after interrogating the family and the
neighbours. The body was later taken to the PGI for post-mortem. |
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Traffic light crossings lack zebra
markings CHANDIGARH, Oct 8 — In violation of the directives repeatedly issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the traffic regulation and pollution- control cases, several traffic light crossings in the city are still without the mandatory stop line and zebra crossings. In the absence of these markings, city residents often complain of being wrongly challaned by traffic cops. A survey carried out by The Tribune team revealed that stop lines have either not been painted at all or have faded over the years. The lack of zebra and stop lines at the Transport Chowk, Aroma light-point, roads dividing Sectors 18/19, 20/21, 15/16 and even in Sector 17, besides several other sectors, clearly reveal that the directions of the High Court have not been complied with. Mr Justice Swatanter Kumar of the High Court, it may be recalled, had issued directions for painting the lines and zebra crossings. He had even observed in the open court that the paint being used for tracing the lines was substandard. Senior officials of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh had subsequently made a statement in the court that the lines were being painted with imported paint having much longer life. The road regulation rules specify that the width of the stop line should not be less than 50 mm, but several crossings all over the city are without a stop line, causing trouble to city residents. Complaints from residents have been received that they had been challaned wrongly for crossing stop line although many traffic lights had no visible stop line and zebra crossing. When The Tribune team visited a number of places, it was observed that stop line was missing at various stop lights. DSP Traffic, Satnam Singh Randhawa, said. “He is aware of the direction issued by the High Court regarding the painting of stop lines and zebra crossing. He further added that he had informed the Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation several times regarding the painting of the stop line, zebra crossing. He further said that he has not received any complaint regarding wrong challaning yet and traffic cops issued a challan only, if anyone violated the traffic rule. Officials of Municipal Corporation were not available for comment. City resident Naresh alleged that he had been challaned wrongly near Aroma Hotel for crossing the stop line and added that the light, too, was not visible. Hirdyapal Singh, an advocate, complained that he had been challaned at road dividing Sector 28 and Industrial area on which he had stopped at the light point, there was no stop and zebra line. Another city resident, Mr Lalit, complained that he had been challaned at Sector 17. When he informed the traffic policeman regarding the traffic rules and regulations, “Do not teach me law” retorted the traffic cop. |
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PRIOR to the Independence Day the Chandigarh Police had stepped up its night patrolling drive and city residents felt assured of the police presence. Once the big day passed off peacefully the night patrolling drive slackened. With slum colonies dotting the borders, residents of Chandigarh feel unsafe. The presence of the men in khaki is like an assurance for the peace-loving residents and acts as a deterrent for the criminal minded. Other than the routine patrolling vehicles that are stationed at vital points, police presence can be maintained at strategic points at least till midnight by when the cinemas close and so do restaurants and clubs. One hopes the IGP, Mr B.S. Bassi, takes a round, preferably in a private car between 10 p.m and midnight to see for himself how vulnerable the residents of southern sectors feel as they are virtually surrounded by slum colonies. Teacher-environmentalist “The coveted state award conferred on me has brought more of responsibilities than happiness”, says Dr Surender Singh, Lecturer in Physics at the Sector 33 Government Senior Secondary School, who has been awarded for his contribution in the “Save-environment” drive and education, for the year 1999. Dr Surender, with rural roots, says that “if we can keep our surroundings clean and green, we would be doing a yeoman’s job to society”. Dr Surender is an active member of the school’s “Save-environment” squad and spends a fair share of his leisure time in this selfless pursuit. On being asked his future plans, Dr Surender says that he would integrate his endeavour to achieve the mission — to reach every Chandigarh home with the message “Save-environment”. Besides, he would devote more time on the integrated development of the child, based on the bedrock of high moral values, and shape him into a fine human being.
Saving saplings The local forest department has hit upon an idea to stop the plunder of saplings it plants and also to bring down the cost of such plantations. Earlier, each little sapling used to have a tree guard around it which now costs around Rs 500 and is prone to theft due to the iron content in it. Under the latest scheme the forest department has planted saplings in vast stretches of land in Sector 44, 45, 49 and 48. The protection from cattle and humans is by way of a trench dug all around each tract of plantations. The trench is about three feet deep and about two feet wide. Within each trench the forest department has planted saplings. The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mr H.S. Sohal, says the cost of saplings in any case is no more than Rs 25 or Rs 30. When thousands of saplings have to be planted the cost of tree guards would run into lakhs. The cost of digging a trench all around the planted area by machines is not that much.
No disturbance please! Glamour and glitz dominated the evening of October 4 at a local CITCO hotel where reputed models of the country had converged to participate in the fashion show organised by the Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology. The star attraction of the evening, apart from the models like Madhu Sapre, Helen Brodie and Nina Manual, was the chief guest — UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Lt Gen JFR Jacob who seemed to be enjoying every bit of the fun-filled evening. Any move to fluster the concentration met with objection by the dignitary. He was so enamoured by the perfect presentation that he even did not like to be disturbed for being served tea or water. The CITCO waiters were turned back by General Jacob twice that evening (also because they were blocking the sight of other viewers!)
Little hands on dandiya Dandiya — the folk dance specific to Gujarat and Maharashtra, is now gaining ground in this part of the region also. During the navratras, the dance was organised by various outfits in the city right from the Fun City to the Sindhi Sweets. The idea, of course, was to evoke the blessings of Maa Durga. While at the Fun City, the affair ended with a bland flavour (despite the presence of models Ria Sen and John Abrahim), Sindhi’s venture, Dandiya, 2k, organised in the Sector 37 D market area turned out to be a great success, with about 2000 people turning up in traditional dresses. The interesting part of the show was the presence of many children who were keen on playing dandiya with the traditional sticks despite the fact that they could hardly handle them. So even while they kept hurting each other’s hands in the zeal to play the dandiya, the spirit of celebration kept them going till late in the night.
Young talent Managing mature works of art at a tender age of 22 is not an easy task. But the 22-year-old Richa Walia from Bhatinda who displayed her works titled Reflections at the IndusInd Bank Art Gallery last week proved that age was no bar when it came to giving shape to ideas. The final year student of B Architecture at Bhatinda, Richa created 18 works for her first exhibition. And all these works were painted when she used to come home for holidays. The zeal of the artist paid off when she sold unexpectedly well right at the outset. She is now taking her works to Delhi.
Feel of forests Not many in the concrete jungle that is Chandigarh are aware of Kansal and Nepli forest areas at the outskirts of the city. This 25.42 km of Class-A forest land, just North of Sukhna lake, falls under the jurisdiction of the Chandigarh Administ-ration. The Forest Department, during the first week of October, decided to allow entry to Kansal and Nepli without permit for school children of the city, to provide them awareness about forests and their conservation. The entry to the area otherwise is restricted and only through a permit issued by the Forest Department. Incidentally the first week of October, every year is observed as the Wildlife Week all over the country. The forest area, according to Mr H.S. Sohal, Director, Chief Wildlife Warden and Deputy Conservator of Forests, with as many as 160 dams , is the best conserved land from the soil conservation point of view. Moreover, the area is rich in sambhars, deer, red jungle fowls and a host of birds and has been declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the administration.
Quiz contest As part of the publicity campaign to enhance public awareness about census in general and Census of India-2001 in particular, the administration proposes to organise a quiz contest, on the Internet as well. Incidentally, Census of India-2001 population count begins in the UT during February and March next year. For any queries on the quiz contest log on to http://www..census @India.net./. The lucky winners will get a T-Shirt with Census of India logo and a certificate signed by the Census Commissioner, India. One wonders in this era of “ Kaun Banega Crorepati” and soon to be aired “Sawaal Dus Crore Ka”, how many takers will a T-Shirt and a certificate actually have. Anyone interested?
Visually appealing The Haryana Government seems to have invested a lot in making ambience at the civil secretariat visually appealing. So now, the moment you venture into the area from the Haryana VIP entrance, a fresh fragrance greets you. Turn your eye and there you see the intricately and colourful engraved Dharam Ratha which captures Lord Krishna in a deliberative mood, delivering the celestial message of Bhagvad Gita to Arjuna. To further add to the beauty, the lounge has been given a granite flooring and so has the fourth and the seventh floor, which house the offices of the Chief Minister and his colleagues.
Lock, stock & almirah Ever heard of a government official towing away an official almirah to his house! This happened in the SAS Nagar Municipal Council when a senior clerk thought it wise to take away a full-size almirah containing official records pertaining to the enforcement wing when he was transferred to another wing in the civic body. The almirah contained records pertaining to unauthorised rehri and phari walas in SAS Nagar. Officials in the council say nothing was wrong with the senior clerk. It was the post in the enforcement wing which was the cause of all controversy. Being a money minting source from encroachers, the post has been witness to controversies at different point of time. |
Canal irrigation cause of
water-logging: experts CHANDIGARH,
Oct 8 — Scientists at the Central Ground Water Board have found a solution to the problem of water-logging in Hisar region. The scientists maintain that the water-logging problem in those areas is an outcome of the mismanagement of water resources by the Irrigation Department and the people on the whole. Water-logging poses a threat to agriculture and structures of the area and damages the underground sewerage system as the drinking water gets contaminated. It also amounts to increase of soil salinity. Hansi tehsil in Hisar was famous for its cotton production throughout the region and the production noticed a fall due to water-logging. The scientists who have worked in Hansi tehsil under a project suggest that the canal irrigation should be reduced by reducing the canal allowance and encouraging the use of ground water for irrigation. Mr A.K. Bhatia, a scientist who has worked on this project, says the preventive measures should be taken on a war-footing in the areas to check water-logging. He has suggested that 6,821 shallow tubewells of 30 m depth, with average unit draft of 0.027 mcm, can be constructed. The project further suggests that the farmers should use modern methods of irrigation like sprinklers and drip system and concentrate on the sowing crops like barley, wheat, cotton and sunflower, which require minimum irrigation. Pumping from wells constructed along the canals where ground water quality is potable, can help in lowering water table and control salinity. According to Mr Bhatia, the water-logging in Hisar and nearby areas is the outcome of the irrigation with the help of canals constructed to supply to arid and saline areas in the region. The farmers started depending on canal water in toto and the underground water was left as such. Hence there was no output of underground water and the input resulted in the disturbance of water balance. “The problem of water-logging became more grave when the farmers switched to crops like paddy and sugarcane due to economic factors and water-logging itself. Now the water level is 2 m. It has reached the root zone of the crops and has brought salinity with it,” says Mr Bhatia. He further says along with the preventive measures, curative measures can do good to the overall scenario in the field of agriculture. He suggests that the installation of surface and sub-surface drainage system and lining of open water bodies like ponds can be done to stop the recharging of underground water. Providing biodrainage in severely water-logged areas and along canal system and cleaning the obstructed systems of natural drainage like siphons and causeway can help in fighting the problem. The report and recommendations of the project have been sent to the Haryana Government and the Irrigation Department. “If the recommendations are taken into account, the problems can be checked effectively,” says Mr Bhatia. |
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Durga Puja celebrations
conclude CHANDIGARH, Oct 8 — Amidst the beating of drums, known as dhak in Bengal, and arti by the devout, curtains were drawn on the annual Durga Puja celebrations here this evening. As the sun set over the horizon, the clay images of the Durga and her protege, which were carried in procession, from the various places where the puja were conducted in the Union Territory, to the banks of the Ghaggar, were immersed in the river as the priests chanted shlokas. The images were brought not only from Chandigarh, where the puja celebrations were conducted at four places — Kali Bari, Bangiya Sanskritik Sammilini in Sector 35, Sector 37 and Sector 31 — but also from SAS Nagar, where Bengalis celebrated Durga puja with traditional fervour and gaiety. Earlier in the day, married women offered sindoor (vermilion) to the goddess as per traditions. It was after this ceremony, known as “sindoor khela”, that the procession for the immersion of the goddess commenced. The idols of Durga, Kartik, Ganesh, Saraswati and Lakshmi — were raised on to trucks. The procession kicked off, and on reaching the banks of the Ghaggar, the devotees danced to the beat of “dhak”. The idols were immersed in the river. In the evenings, local talent performed before packed audiences. On October 3, Durga was invoked through a song and dance ritual. A children’s play and dance were also held. October 4 showcased a play and a dance programme. On October 5, a Bengali play was staged. October 6 hosted a variety show. A slapstick comedy was presented on October 7. |
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Festivities or
commercialisation? CHANDIGARH, Oct 8 — Navratras, Dasehra, Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, it is festivals all the way till the end of the year. But is the festive mood in the air too? A cross-section of the public was of the view that though ‘celebration levels’ have meteorically gone up, somewhere down the line, the spirit of oneness has been lost. Commercialisation has prevailed over all that was synonymous with festivities. Here are some of the responses: “I do not believe in celebrating these festivals the way they are done. All it involves is going to the markets and shop around the whole day, look for the largest sales and the best deal. On Diwali, it is just exchanging gifts like it is done abroad.There are no feelings left in festivals, “says Ms Harsimrandeep, a lecturer at MCM DAV College. A lawyer, Mr Jasdeep Toor, rued the inclination towards commercialising of the festival spirit. “Using everything to its advantage has become the favourite pastime of the business industry. Festivities are no exception to the rule. The indifference can be attributed to the increasing number of sources of entertainment which keep the festive spirit alive throughout the year. The charm associated with the advent of the season of fun and frolic at this time of the year is history and exists only in books. We are drifting away from tradition, values and our roots, giving way to individualism,’’ he adds. “Celebrating these festivals is now an expensive proposition, but one does enjoy them if one is in a large family. But I have noticed that people in some of the rich localities get into a competition with each other as far as decorations and lighting is concerned. The day is spent just exchanging gifts, “says Dr Simrit Kaur of SAS Nagar. Mr Ashok Goyal holds, “The spirit is no more to be seen and community feelings and celebrations have died. It revolves around the individual self to be happy and make merry. This is one time of the year when I enjoy completely, no holds barred, but life is too hectic to spare a thought for the various festivals which keep happening day after day.’’ But why is this spirit missing? “Now it is considered that one can enjoy more by spending more money and the old-age traditional ways of spending the festivals together with the family and relatives is no longer considered important. All that the children want to do is to burst crackers and waste money on Diwali. They are not interested in the real significance of the festival,” says Dr Ajai Pal of Civil Hospital, SAS Nagar. “I feel that the way these festivals are being celebrated has changed a lot in the past ten years. Other than relatives, one involves friends in the festivals. The whole day of the festival is spent in socialising and the puja is left to the elders to do. The evenings is spent exchanging gifts. Commercialisation has become a part of the festivals as socialising is the main feature of the occasion. “says, Ms Kanwalpreet Kaur, a lecturer in SD College. “Festivals should be celebrated at home and most of the festivals like Karva chauth and kanjaken are occasions for relatives to get together. It is only during Diwali that one sees people exchanging gifts, which I think is fine. But when this exchange of gifts and the house decorations becomes a show of money, then it seems ugly,” says Ms Ravinder Kaur. Mr Manvir Singh Waraich claims, “Life is a perpetual roller-coaster and there is so much happening every minute, festival or no festival. The festival spirit has been confined to looking for an excuse of getting together and that we do anyway. This is no big deal. Added to this is the madness of exhibitions and sales all over the city, which continue to attract the customers, but have little meaning.’’ “The way the festivals are being celebrated now is rather sad, since these are special occasions and should be seen as opportunities to get together and have fun. These festivals used to be celebrated collectively by the whole locality and it was a community affair. Now everyone is on his own with his family and a few friends. It seems that the more money you spend, the more fun you will have. The festive spirit is now lacking in most of the people,” says Dr Rajinder Bhandari of the Department of Fine Arts, Panjab University. “I like the festive season and so does my family. We look forward to Diwali each year. Though I feel that the crackers are becoming rather dangerous and very expensive, but then, since money is to be spent just once a year, one can pamper the children with sweets and gifts,” says, Dr Rishi, a housewife. “The festivals are the time when the stuff one has to buy is the cheapest in the market and so one sees many people shopping. But there is no doubt that there has been a commercialisation of these festivals. In the name of these festivals, people are encouraged to buy lotteries and expensive gifts. The whole thing turns into a big show-off of the money one has. Few people do real charity and enjoy themselves on these days,” feels Mr Taranjit Singh, a civil engineer. An engineering student, Ms Anmol Gill approaches the same thing from a different angle. “Money makes the mare go. Everyday can be festival time if you have the cash in your pocket. The times when enjoyment was associated with spring-cleaning around this time are long gone. Sales and discounts are routine stuff,’’ she informs. “I do not wish to step out of the house once the parkings begin to choke with vehicles and the crossing the corridors in markets becomes an arduous task. From October till the end of the year, the same situation prevails and there is no let up in the sales. It is all about bribing your bosses and making them happy, an additional burden you can easily do without,’’ Ms Nidhi Sharma, of Sector 35 explains. A businessman, Mr Preet Kumar Singh confirms the trend towards commercialisation of the festival season. “This is the only time of the year when the public is looking to spend money on anything and everything that catches their fancy. Caught up in the celebration, the public seems more ready to spend their cash. We are looking for a boost in sales, which comes in the form of an incentive in sales. I agree it has taken the lustre off the season and yet there is no better time of the year to indulge oneself and avail of the offers,’’ he contends. |
Man succumbs to
injuries CHANDIGARH,
Oct 8 — Ramesh Kaushik, of Sector 8, who was injured in an altercation with a Sector 19 resident, succumbed to his injuries at the PGI today. According to the police, the deceased, along with Mr Deepak Dutta, of Sector 16 of Panchkula, came to a pan shop in the Sector 19 market. There was an altercation between the deceased and Raman Kalia, of Sector 19 over some issue. Kalia reportedly assaulted Ramesh and the latter fell down and received injuries. He was later dropped at his residence. In the morning, his condition became serious and he was taken to the PGI by his family members. At the PGI, he was declared brought dead by the doctors. The postmortem of the body was conducted at the Sector 16 General Hospital. The accused has absconded. A case under Section 304 of the IPC has been registered. Case registered Three assaulted Theft cases Nabbed Car stolen |
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