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May 6, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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Cops helped my abductors alleges Kulwant
Kaur Ludhiana, May 5 She alleged that her husband and his three brothers had kept her in illegal confinement for two weeks in connivance with the police and a Punjab minister. She said the motive behind the abduction was to grab her property, as she had been forced to sign certain documents. In confinement, she was allegedly tortured, drugged, kept awake continuously and forced to sign on blank stamp papers and plain papers. Yesterday, the Dehlon police had contested news reports that Kulwant had been abducted by her husband. It had claimed that the reports of the abduction were false, as she had produced herself in the Dehlon police station yesterday. The police said the abduction story had been cooked up by Kulwant’s sisters. It also alleged that Mr Tarsem Jodhan, a former MLA, was supporting her for political gains. However, Kulwant and Mr Tarsem Jodhan told mediapersons that Kulwant had not reached the police station on her own, but had been found in her husband’s house by the police. They said the “kidnappers” along with several other persons had attacked them at Bhutta village yesterday. Mr Nirabhjit Singh, The Station House Officer of Dehlon, said the police was not
involved in the case in any way. He said the woman had reached a compromise with her in-laws at the police station in the presence of the village panchayat. He said the police could not force a woman to sign documents of compromise before so many people. The SHO alleged that the Kulwant’s sisters — Charanjit Kaur and Baljinder Kaur — wanted her property and had already acquired a half of it. He also said Mr Jodhan was blowing up the case. When asked about yesterday’s attack on Kulwant and Mr Jodhan at Bhutta, the SHO said villagers had been angry at Mr Jodhan and had only been protesting. Kulwant said she had married Darshan in 1997. As they had no brother, the sisters had reached at an understanding that Kulwant would take care of their parents and would also be the owner of about 6 acres of family land. She said, six months ago, she had learnt that her husband had sold off about half the land and he and his brothers — Mohan Singh, Sohan Singh and Pargat Singh — had been trying to occupy the rest of it as well. “When I objected to it, I was beaten up and harassed,” she said. She said she had sent a written complaint to the SSP of Jagraon, Mr Jaskaran Singh on April 3, to apprise him of the threat to her life, but no action had been taken. She had also filed a divorce petition in a district court on April 9. She said she did not know the contents of the papers that she had signed in captivity because she had been drugged. Mr Tarsem Jodhan said an ASI of the Dehlon police had told him that he was under political pressure. He said the police had panicked after newspapers published reports of the incident, following which, it had recovered the girl from the house of her in-laws. |
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Is it right to tempt kids with big
money? Ludhiana, May 5 The pertinent question is whether children should be involved in a game show in which a huge amount of money is
involved. According to the law, children below 18 years of age are not entitled to such big amounts in a game show. So the money won by them will be held in trust for them with Star Plus Channel. He/she will get the interest only. The child will receive money only when he comes of
age. Who will use the interest? The parents for their needs? Or will the children demand the share from the parents when they get the lump-sum? Won’t winning a great amount of money in one day make them think money is easily available and they will lose the value of hard
work? Instant coffee, fast food and now fast money. Is it correct to tempt children with big offers of money? Ludhiana Tribune wanted to find the reactions of the youngsters to this game show. The students of two well- known schools were spoken to. Both girls as well as boys were pretty excited and were going to try getting close to Amitabh Bachchan. Jaspreet Singh, a student of GNP studying in plus one’ said, “KBC Junior is providing a great opportunity for deserving kids. Only the brainy children will be able to answer the questions. The issue is not of winning the money, but participating and being with a great
actor. Aren’t you always telling us that participation is more important than winning? Knowledge is any day more important than money. We are not concerned about money as we would like our parents to have the money won by us anyway.” Shailja of class X said: “KBC is the most exciting thing that is going to happen to children. “Kids will get a chance to prove their mettle and they will use their knowledge.” Harpriya of class 8 felt that money was not luring them to this programme, but Amitabh Bachchan was. “I am trying to read a lot of general knowledge books, for, if I get a chance, my greatest desire, to be with Amitabh Bachchan will be fulfilled.” “KBC Junior will provide excellent exposure for children. Infact money will motivate children to prepare better for the contest. But yes, if a child earns a lot of money in one evening, he will not know the value of money. It is a good thing that the winner will get money when he/she is 18 because by that time the child would be more mature,” said Raghav of plus two sagaciously. Gagan Deep Singh of plus one said excitedly: “We will get famous when we appear on the TV. Imagine we will get a chance to be face-to-face with great Big B.I know everyone is running after money and now we, the children, are also being lured by money. But I consider general knowledge and general awareness that we gather through this programme of more importance than money.” Bulbul, a student of class 6, said enthusiastically: “The children who have knowledge, and if that knowledge helps them win, isn’t it good? If I win I am going to start a school for poor children. We do owe something towards them.” Swati said that she would use the money to start a school for children of Bhuj Bibban said that if someone had the knowledge, then why shouldn’t the person win money with it? “Surbhi Jain almost whispered reverentially: “Amitabh Bachchan! His voice! His personality! Well the winner deserves the award money, for, it takes a lot of hard work to reach there, and then to have the presence of mind to answer all the questions.” |
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Modelling gave me opportunities, says Mehr
Bhasin Ludhiana, May 5 Mehr said she had opened a Mehr Bhasin Academy in New Delhi for holding personality development and modelling classes. Persons like Komal G.B. Singh and Blossom Kochar are her “team mates” at the academy. Mehr said, with increasing number of parents encouraging their daughters to take up modelling as a career, such finishing schools were needed. She said, in the past few years, the public image of models had improved and parents now wanted their daughters to become Aishwaryas and Sushmitas. Miss India ‘Beautiful Hair’ 1993 and a model for many leading brands, Mehr loves travelling, reading and music. She said, “Modelling has provided me with great opportunities in life. A model wears the best clothes, works with top designers like J.J. Valaya and Ritu Berri, travels around the world and gets fame.” Mehr was here to inaugurate a beauty clinic. She said obesity caused hypertension, diabetes and asthma, so fitness was essential. She said she was against the commercialisation of beauty. She said her day began with consuming a glass of nimbu pani, followed by a light breakfast and a diet of fruits and salads. “I avoid fried and spicy food,” Mehr said. Regarding the rumours that she might enter Bollywood soon, she said, “Vinod Khanna had offered me a role in the debut movie of Akshaye Khanna, but I declined the offer because I was happy being a model.” Mehr is the youngest and tallest of three sisters. Mehr says, “I will get married when I find a perfect match, but I am busy in my work now.” She is one of the two models of India who have been chosen for the Australian Fashion Week. Mehr loves chinese food, chicken tikka and mexican food, besides all cities of Punjab, especially Ludhiana and Chandigarh. “I am a ‘sardarni’, so, Ludhiana is like a home to me and I like the warm-hearted people here,” Mehr said. |
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Booked for dowry harassment Sahnewal, May 5 |
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Taking the message of Gurus to
masses Ludhiana, May 5 He further said that the Badal government had promised to make films on Sikh history, but had failed to keep its promise. Even film director B.R.Chopra and lyricist Gulzar had stated that they would make 108 serials in connection with Sikh history, but nothing had materialised. He said a lot of work was being done for the propagation of Sikh religion by different organisations but the results are not encouraging. Along with conventional methods there is a need to adopt modern communication techniques to propagate Sikhism to get positive results. Keeping this in mind his organisation Sunehri Virsa had decided to use modern means of communication i.e. films, video and theatre to take the message of the Gurus to masses. At night, the film Amar Khalsa was screened. The story dates back to 18th century to the rule of Meer Mannu who ruled Lahore with iron hand. During his reign, Sikh women were made to grind mounds of wheat in Meer Mannu’s jail without food and water. The young ones of the women were done to death by cutting them into pieces and those pieces were put as garlands round the necks of the mothers. The martyrdom of these Sikhs, including youngsters and mothers, has been depicted very poignantly. The Sikhs faced worst onslaught at the hands of Meer Mannu and his men. Through the movie, Hardip wanted the present generation to learn about the sacrifices and the golden past of the Sikh history so that children may hold their heads high. Hardeep Singh lamented that he did not receive any financial assistance from the government, the SGPC or any other religious organisation. |
BSP lashes out at govt Ludhiana, May 5 Mr D.P. Khosla, Vice-president of the party’s state unit, said here today that the killing of Karnail Singh, a Dalit, in police custody at Ludhiana close on the heels of the murder of a Dalit youth Maninder Singh in Kohali village of Amritsar district was enough to show the gravity of the situation to the Chief Minister who keeps on harping about their welfare. The BSP leader said that the Chief Minister was claiming to have approved crores of rupees for implementing various schemes for the Dalits but the departments concerned did not have a penny to spend on these schemes. Terming the sangat darshan programmes of the Chief Minister as election stunts, Mr Khosla said that for four years, the Chief Minister never gave ‘darshan’ to the ‘sangat’ but now he was distributing cheques and grants in a jiffy to befool the people. On the other hand, there were employees of various governmental departments who had not received their salaries for the past couple of months and even more. The BSP leader also accused the Congress for criticising the ruling combine in public but striking a secret pact with their political rivals as far as repression on Dalits was concerned. |
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Sabha seeks probe
into missing youth case Ludhiana, May 5 Talking to media persons here, Kala Hans, Lala Jeewan Kumar and Chander Shekhar Sahota of the sabha claimed that a 20-year-old youth, Jaswinder Singh, alias Anokha, was allegedly picked up by the Arora Palace police post on the charges of being involved in a theft case. They claimed that ASI Balwinder Singh took him away. When the family members of the youth went to the police station, the police said it had released the youth. Till date the youth has not been traced. The police has also not registered any case so far in the incident. The sabha members claimed that the residents of Basant Colony in the New Shivpuri area were terror-stricken because of the incident. They said the people even refused to talk to the sabha members fearing they were policemen in disguise. The members said that they would launch an agitation if the police failed to locate the whereabouts of the missing youth in one week. Mr Paramjit Singh, SHO, Division No 6, said that no one had approached the police regarding the missing youth. |
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‘Body is a microcosm of cosmos’ Ludhiana, May 5 “Know thyself” is what he advises. He wants that people should stop worshipping God of Mammon and get rid of superstitions. Instead of cultivating hatred, people should spread the message of brotherhood. He is the editor of Vedic Jyotish Ras. His predictions are telecast on many channels. A man of erudition, he has authored many books. His most popular book is ‘Bhog Rog Yog’ in which he has mentioned how to maintain good health through yogic asanas and how to get rid of problems like hypertension, stress etc. Through illustrations, he has explained the points of applying pressure get rid of headaches, cold, gas, etc. An important incident occurred when he was very young, which changed his life. When he was born, an astrologer predicted that his birth would prove to be inauspicious for his father. His mother got so upset after this prediction that she passed away when Rajasthani was two-year-old. When he was seven and found out the cause of his mother’s death, he became determined to know more about astrology. His father died at the age of 73. Recollecting his thoughts, he said,” I left the house when I was just about 8. I wandered all over India looking for a guru who could teach me astrology in depth, and I was fortunate that I found two such gurus who were able to educate me. No human being, however great, can achieve greatness without a guru.” Rajasthani considers astrology to be a serious business. He says, “Astrology is based on pure mathematics. These days astrology is being commercialised by many astrologers. I meditated and achieved certain amount of siddhi. In ancient times, people with siddhi could cure people with their healing touch. But now, only when it is called reiki that people believe that touch can heal. I am very sceptical of the astrologers who do not interpret astrology correctly and mislead people. How can I satisfy anyone’s hunger by eating food myself? How can I change anyone’s future? But I can tell them to live life differently so that the problems of life can be reduced.” According to him, most of the people are afraid of shani and do a lot of things like giving alms and performing various kinds of prayers. But shani is the most judicious person. It gives you punishment and rewards according to the deeds done by you. Rajasthani believes in yoga and meditation. He wants people to travel inwards, as the real happiness lies within yourself. Mr Sushil Jain and Mr Jiwan Dhawan, with whom he was staying for a short period, said that Rajasthani never charges any money from the people who come to him with their horoscopes. He has the ability to read hands, face and is excellent in his prediction. Rajasthani feels that astrology can help people and the country if the predictions are based on mathematical calculations. He does not predict a very favourable period for India from June 17 to October 10. He advises political parties to be very careful during this period as wrong decisions could lead to serious consequences. He runs a medication ashram in Pali, Rajasthan. He is computer savvy and carries a laptop. |
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Sat Pal Prashar remembered Ludhiana, May 5 A function was held in Shaheed Sat Pal Prashar Park which was attended by a number of former MLAs and present functionaries of the party. Prominent among them were Mr Malkiat Singh Dakha, Mr Shamsher Singh Dullo, MP, Ms Gurkamal Kaur, Mr Harnam Dass Johar, Mr Tej Parkash, MLA, Mr Malkiat Singh Birmi, Mr Harmohinder Singh, MLA, Mr Kanwaljit Singh Lalli, MLA, Mr Avtar Singh Brar, Mr Rakesh Pandey and Mr Sushil Prashar, brother of the slain leader. Various speakers garlanded the statue of the martyr and paid glowing tributes to the departed leader. |
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Protest rally Ludhiana, May 5 |
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CITY SCAN Jiwan Singh is a common proper noun. It is borne by several persons. At the top is Baba Jaita (Bhai Jiwan Singh) who carried the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur from Chandni Chowk, Delhi, to Anandpur Sahib in 1675. One earns a place of respect through work and its worth. Near home, in our time, Bhai Jiwan Singh contributed to the devotional singing (kirtan) as a pious man. He carries the image of a simple living and good thinking. Again, here amidst us, lived another Jiwan Singh who added books to the looks of Ludhiana. Whereas, such industrial houses as Hero, Avon Oswal, Ralson, GS, etc. manifest money and material progress, Sardar Jiwan Singh (Lahore Book Shop), Lala Sundar Dass (Lyall Book Depot), Mr Puri (Doaba House), etc. project and propagate the importance of life and living, through culture of books. Jiwan Singh gave literature to the profile of Ludhiana in his own way. It is historic, yet relevant. The life-story of Jiwan Singh unfolds a series of good luck: financial security, caring parents, loving grand-parents, good education, gradated from S.D. College, Lahore; took Master's in English from Khalsa College, Amritsar, co-operative brothers, loving and caring wife, etc. At the same time, he always swam against the current, took risks and kept repeating the same. Started publications when he could get a job of college lecturer or nomination to its executive. Hitherto unchartered waters, he opened his shop (Lahore Book Shop) at Nisbet Road, Lahore, in 1940 which was away from the popular book markets (Mohanlal Rd. , Lahori Gate, Anarkali, etc.). He dared to enter Punjabi publications which were confined to Amritsar (mainly Bazar Mai Sewan and some in Hall Bazar). He had to face strong rivals such as Khalsa Samachar (Bhai Vir Singh), Preet Lari (Gurbax Singh) and Dhani Ram Chatrik (Sudarshan Press), besides others. He had in comparison limited resources, but a clear vision. He made modest debut with Harcharan Singh's one-act plays and Sant Singh Sekhon's short-stories collections. We know 1940-47 were the most turbulent years — World War II (1939-45), the demand and agitation for Pakistan (1940-47), Quit India Movement (1942) and its economic effects, rise in prices, political chaos, economic uncertainty, communal riots, etc. Lahore was the theatre where the action was at its worst. Jiwan Singh shifted to Faridkot with family and his stocks in early1947. He undertook another risk of setting up business at Ludhiana. He did so at Beri Road, Civil Lines, where he rented a house (Satwant Bhawan) also a shop near Clock Tower. Before further loss of time, started his publication work. He printed textbooks for the Pepsu Government also. His position became sound. He never begged or borrowed. He was joined by his brothers. Later they organised their business separately. He had rich worldly knowledge, exposure to intellectuals and an everlasting fund of experience. He made the best use of such assets. On the personal side, this man was an excellent host. Professors, authors and intellectuals stayed with him. On the social side, Jiwan Singh shared good company. He narrated anecdotes concerning true life stories, situations and happenings. He had excellent memory doubled by narrative power. None ever contested his details. A true tale with all the necessary details was the hallmark of his oral narrative in his close circle. He was fond of good books, good food and good dress. He kept it up despite hard times in trying circumstances. As a business man, he was shrewd with businessmen only, polite with purchasers and felt concerned with the students to the extent of giving practical guidance. He had a sharp eye to spot talent. Scores of writers owe their fortune to Jiwan Singh. He promoted authors by dozens, served by scores, printed titles in thousands. He started a journal of literary criticism, Sahit Samachar. Modestly assessed in historical perspective, it appears to be a fore-runner of correspondence courses as far as MA in Punjabi is concerned. More persons benefited from it during its crest of popularity than by the notes given by the college teachers. He was a connoisseur. His collection of books for personal reading astonishes many lovers of books. He knew most of the knowable persons personally. He admired the soft images of Sobha Singh as well as the abstract art of Harkrishan Lal. He bought their paintings. Jiwan Singh ranks among those who made others better and wisers through his association and books. He published thousands of titles. His autobiography Bahu Rang Tamashe makes a fascinating reading and leaves one with unquenched thirst. Born at Mardwal (Shahpur-Sargodha) in 1914, he breathed his last at Ludhiana on May 6, 1994, this day seven years ago. |
Father alleges abduction of
daughter Sahnewal, May 5 As stated by Charanjit Singh, father of Mandeep Kaur (17) of Gaddowal village, near here, his elder son Avtar Singh who works at Bhambri Hospital, has a friend named Jasvir Singh of Soodanwala, near Kanaich, who had been visiting their house for the past one year. “It was on the night of April 29 that I along with my wife and daughter was sleeping as usual in the courtyard. When I woke up in the morning, I found my daughter missing from her bed. We tried to trace her whereabouts but in vain. I doubt that Jasvir Singh has kidnapped my daughter,” said the agitated father. Hence the Sahnewal police has registered a case under Sections 363 and 366-A of the Indian Penal Code. |
Training workshop for motor-parts
manufacturers Ludhiana, May 5 She was addressing the industrialists participating in a two-day training workshop on “Quality Control in Motor Parts Manufacturing.” The workshop had been organised jointly by the Ludhiana Motor Parts Manufacturers Association, the Centre for Technology (ACT) and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). About 20 companies in India are following the Japanese cluster model of quality improvement to enhance their productivity. One cluster is being developed here also at the initiative of the GS Autos. Mr Claus Goehring, an expert from Germany, disclosed that during the 20 years of research, Japanese had learned a lot. The ACT-CII mission aims at running the Indian industrial units on these lines and particularly the automobile sector. Mr Nagpal endorsed that the world automotive giant - Toyota Corporation, Japan, has achieved the present status buy adopting these principles. The technique empahsises on sorting of goods, systematic arrangement of items to save the time in locating the items and placing all those goods near to the area application. They pointed out that by doing small improvements at the work-place, the units can increase production and quality standards at lower costs. The congenial and right environment helps increase the productivity. As per this Japanese technique, distribution of work-areas, time-bound plans to achieve the goals, technical training, maintenance schedules and continuous improvement are some of the principles which can bring about considerable improvements, if followed. Dr Nagpal pointed out that 5-S technique was like a foundation of improvement, upon which the pillars of Total Quality Management(TQM) and Total Productive Maintenance(TPM) had to be erected. While steering this movement, involvement of all those associated with the company chairman, directors, managers, supervisors, workers, suppliers of raw-material and of course the customers, had a key role in order to ensure high quality production at reasonable cost and at scheduled time. Mr Jagat Singh, President of Ludhiana Motor Parts Manufacturer’s Association, appealed to all the industrialists to be a part of this mission and to emerge as a strong players in the market field, keeping in view the situation arising out of the policies of the WTO. |
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Industry resents high
bank service charges Ludhiana, May 5 In a memorandum submitted to the Chairman of the Reserve Bank of India, Mr Joginder Kumar, President, Federation of Tiny and Small Industries of India, has decried the hefty service charges of banks. He said: ‘‘The banks are charging Rs 2 per cheque, Rs 1,100 as folio charges, Rs 7,500 as processing charges, up to Rs 10,000 as file charges for granting a loan and up to Rs 2,000 for a draft of Rs 1 crore. This is sheer exploitation of the small industrialists and other consumers.’’ He observed there was no justification in charging such high charges, especially when the quality of the service was highly questionable. The copies of the memorandum have been sent to Mr S.S. Toobla, Chairman, Indian Bank Association, Mr Devi Dayal, Special Secretary, Banking, Mr S.K. Tuteja, Additional Secretary, DC (SSI) and Chairman, State Bank of India. He said the RBI had allowed public sector commercial banks a spread of 3 to 4 per cent over the prime lending rate (PLR just to cover their costs. He strongly urged the Finance Minister, Mr Yashwant Sinha, and the RBI Governor to review the service charges being charged by the commercial banks and direct them to withdraw the increased charges. Mr Joginder Kumar also drew their attention towards the fact that while announcing the credit policy, the RBI had directed the banks to allow a lower rate of interest than the bank rate to the corporate sector which was discriminatory. The corporate sector had various avenues to get credit at cheaper rates. It was only the tiny and SSI sector which needed credit at cheaper rates so as to enable them to be competitive in the international market. Regarding the issue of credit rating granted by the banks, he said: ‘‘The parameters have been issued to the bank officials for granting credit ratings and customers are not provided any information. Lack of transparency results in hefty penalty on us in case of downgrading. The officials have to be bribed in this case.’’ The borrower only know that he has to submit his balance sheet, stock and book debt statements in time and not the process of fixing the penalties and charges. Mr Joginder Kumar called upon the Finance Minister and the Minister of State for banking, Mr Vikhe Patil, to hold an urgent meeting with the representatives of tiny and small sector to discuss the credit flow and other related issues. The chairmen of the public sector banks should also be called to the meeting. |
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