AGRICULTURE

Animal welfare camp organised
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 12
On the persistent demand of animal and dairy farmers of the Kandi area, experts from Punjab Agricultural University held an animal welfare camp at Ballowal Saunkhri today. A team of experts, led by Dr M.P. Gupta, Dr S.K. Kansal, Dr H.K. Verma and Dr J.S. Bhatti, examined and treated 172 buffaloes, cows, dogs, bulls and horses free of cost.

A majority of them, 91 animals, were suffering from reproductive disorders while 71 cases were of medicine and 10 animals required surgery. Gynaecological cases were of repeat breeding: anoestrus, prolapse and pregnancy check-up in buffaloes. In medicine cases, mostly pertained to worm infestation, mastitis, diarrhoea, skin infections and mineral deficiency. Surgical cases were of string halt, castration, abscess and tumour.

A few cases of hematuria were also treated. Mineral deficiency, chronic worm infestation, reproductive disorders and blood in urine were the common problems of the animals of the area. The farmers were advised to adopt regular deworming, timely vaccination and proper management practices in animals. They were advised to get the fodder and soil tested so that the problem of haemoglobinuria could be tackled rationally and economically after knowing the micro and macro mineral status of their respective areas.

The camp had become a regular feature at Ballowal Saunkhri along with a kisan mela. Initially the response of the people and animal owners was poor as there used to be only 25 to 30 animals or cases, but within 3 to 4 years the farmers started taking keen interest and number of the cases touched 172 this year. This showed the faith of the animal owners in the services of the university. Although the area was remote, the interest of the dairy farmers was overwhelming due to motivation provided by the officials stationed at the extension services of the research station.

The chief guest, Rana Moti Singh, along with the Deputy Commissioner and the Vice-Chancellor, visited the camp. They made enquiries regarding the arrangements and saw the practical work being done at the camp.

EDUCATION

His ‘paranthas’ still delight students
Asha Ahuja

Ludhiana, September 12
Many students of Punjab Agricultural University of 60’s and 70’s and now professors in the university are always thankful to Ujjagar Singh. His small ‘dhabha’ outside Gate No. 3 of the university had helped them survive the long years of their student life. The wholesome and reasonably priced ‘aloo paranthas’ supplied by Ujjagar Singh for 35 paise in 1960 were their lifeline. Homesick students just lapped up the delicious cups of tea and hogged ‘paranthas’ by dozens. Many of those students, now professors in the university, still get his ‘paranthas’ home for their guests. Some of the students now famous names like Dr Atwal, Dr Gursharan Singh and Mr Taphat Singh Sohal, were his regular customers. He claims that even some Vice-Chancellors relished his ‘paranthas’ some or other time in their student life.At one of the functions, he was honoured by teachers of the university.

For the past 40 years, Ujjagar Singh has been an indispensable part of students and teachers’ life alike. Reminiscing over the past, Ujjagar Singh says 40 years earlier when he had decided to set up a small joint for serving tea and ‘paranthas’, there was very little population around the area, but he stuck on. There were not many canteens in the hostels. Hence his business picked up. His wife helps him to cope with the morning rush of breakfast eaters.

Sukhdev, a student of Veterinary College, says: “Though there are many ‘dhabas’, we love his ‘paranthas’. Yes. Every thing is being sold in open. But he takes care to maintain cleanliness. The potatoes are mashed fresh and we get fresh and hot ‘paranthas’. He gives us more variety in winters.”

Deeply religious Ujjagar Singh says: “My motive is never to make money. My desire is to give wholesome food to students at very nominal price who have come from far-flung areas here”. His son takes over in the afternoon as Ujjagar Singh, 71, needs rest.

Some students of Agriculture College say: “In limited money, we can have a complete meal. A ‘chapati’ is for Re 1 and ‘dal’ for Rs 5 and so we can eat the entire meal in Rs 10. Moreover, he is so courteous that we love coming here”.

Ujjagar Singh organises free langars during Gurpurabs and has visited all famous gurdwaras.

School sets up online computer lab
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 12
Sacred Heart Convent School has become the first school in the region to set up an online computer lab. According to the school’s computer section In charge, Mr Sanjay Shroff, the online lab would facilitate students in their various projects, besides turning classrooms into virtual classrooms in a cost effective manner.

According to Sister Helima, Principal of the school, seven teachers of the school have been awarded Master Trainers’ certificates and another group of 75 teachers from the school have been awarded certification under the ‘Intel’s Teach the Future’ programme.

Mr Shroff said the summer vacation assignment for students involving making of computer models, charts, multimedia presentation and web designing led to an increased interest among students in computers making teachers show more interest in the area.

According to Sister Helima: “This technology involved setting up of an online computer lab with higher speed, better accessibility and the concept of virtual classroom in a very cost-effective manner.”

Teachers hold rally
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 12
Braving the downpour, members of the Democratic Teachers’ Front today hold a rally in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here today in protest against deputing Punjab employees on election duty to Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the protesters, Mr Bhajan Singh, president of the outfit, said despite assurances from the Chief Minister and the Election Commission, the employees drawn from various departments were handed over orders to go to the strife-torn state, without their consent. The employees had not been asked to give their views and were despatched on duty in an irrational manner. Many employees had managed to get their names deleted from the final lists while others had not been exempted in the face of genuine problems, he pointed out.

The meeting also took serious note of an employee from Hoshiarpur who died in Kashmir while on election duty due to fear psychosis. The employees also resolved to continue their struggle and hold another rally tomorrow.

National food, craft mela begins
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 12
A 10-day cultural bonanza begins tomorrow at the grounds of Government College for Women here. The mela will start at 11 a.m. and will showcase different folk dances of various states of India.

“There will also be sale of handicrafts by renowned craft-persons from almost all states. Works of national state awardees will be on display. The stalls will also serve food for all participating states,” said Mr R.T. Jindal, Director, North Zone Cultural Centre.

Addressing a press conference Mr Jindal said, “It is for the first time that such a big craft mela, involving all states, is being organised at the national level.” Craftsmen will be selling their articles directly to customers. From Punjab, we have selected folk singers like Dolly Guleria, Santosh Basra, Idoo Shree and many more. For children, special items like magic shows and dances have been organised. Throughout the day, “nachars’ and “bhands” will be entertaining people.