Dakha to come up as ‘adarsh gram’
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 19
Dakha village in this district has been selected to be developed as adarsh gram under a scheme launched by the department of Animal Husbandry. Under the comprehensive project, steps would be taken to improve the economic condition of dairy farmers and those pursuing allied professions.

Mr Jagmohan Singh Kang, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Punjab, who inaugurated the adarsh gram scheme in the village disclosed that loans would be provided to the farmers on liberal terms for starting dairy, fishery, piggery and poultry units. The unemployed rural youth could earn their livelihood through various self-employment schemes.

The Congress legislator, Mr Malkiat Singh Dakha, while welcoming the minister expressed his gratitude for choosing their village for the adarsh gram scheme. He also exhorted the villagers and the residents of the adjoining villages to get maximum benefits from the scheme. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Harprem Singh Gill, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry; Mr Parshottam Garg, Senior Veterinary Officer; Mr Devi Dass, Deputy Director, Dairy Development and Mr Jagdish Punaich, Assistant Director, Fisheries focused on various schemes launched by their respective departments.

A cultural programme was organised and a technical session for free exchange of views between the experts and the farmers was also held. As many as 250 bags of cattle feed were distributed free of cost among the farmers by a private firm. The Animal Husbandry Department, in cooperation with the private pharmaceutical companies also distributed veterinary medicines among the dairy farmers and experts conducted medical check up of the milch cattle.

EDUCATION

‘Young Scientist Award’ for PAU student
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 19
Dr Rajdeep Kaur of the Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology in the Punjab Agricultural University here was presented the prestigious ‘Young Scientist Award’ at the 3rd National Conference of the Indian Society of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology (ISVPT) held at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. Her research work on selenium toxicity was adjudged the best at the national conference.

Dr Rajdeep completed her M.V.Sc under the guidance of Dr Satyavan Rampal, Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, PAU. She presented a part of her M.V.Sc thesis at this conference, highlighting the role of oxidative stress in selenium toxicity. The role of selenium as an essential micronutrient is known since the past few decades. However, it was also known as an element with a low margin of safety.

In the Indian sub-continent, selenium toxicity was observed in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In Punjab, the incidence was higher in the Kandi belt where both animals and human beings were reported to be suffering from chronic selenium toxicity. Though selenium was required in the diet, mainly as an antioxidant, but a little excess quantity of it could result in its toxicity with a paradoxical increase in the oxidative stress. Therefore, the findings of her investigation would help in elucidating the mechanism of action of selenium toxicity and constituting effective therapeutic strategies.

87 participate in contests
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 19
Students of several educational institutions expressed concern for environment through charts, posters, models and other displays at a function organised by the Eco-Club of the Government College for Women on “Environment concern and suggestions for sustainable development”, here today.

Inter-institution competitions in functional models, ‘just a minute’, charts and posters evoked tremendous response. In all 87 participants from different institutions took part in the competitions and 22 prizes and trophies, besides participation certificates to all, were awarded.

Mr Sumer Singh Gurjar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) was the chief guest and Ms Inderjit Gill Vashisht, Principal of the college, presided over it. Ms Satinder Kaur coordinated the events along with Meenakshi Ahuja, president, Eco-Club. Prof K.S. Harchand, Prof S.S. Singh, Dr Savita Khatra, Mr Manjit Singh and Ms Jasveer Kaur performed the duty of judges.

While congratulating the winners, Mr Gurjar exhorted them to be practical about their own suggestions for improvement in environment.

Following are the results: Just a minute (senior group): Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women (1) and MCT College for Education (2); junior group: Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, (1) Tagore Public School (2) and Kundan Vidya Mandir (3); models (senior group): Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College (1) Malwa Khalsa College of Education (2) and Guru Nanak Girls College (3); junior group: Atam Public School (1), Tagore Public School (2), Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, (3); and Government Model Senior Secondary School, PAU campus, (consolation); charts and posters (senior group): Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women (1), Khalsa College for Women (2) and Government College for Women (3); junior group: Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, (1), Atam Public School (2), Kundan Vidya Mandir (3); and Tagore Public School (consolation).

Zonal youth fest begins today
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 19
Panjab University Zonal Youth Festival Ludhiana Zone-C will be held at Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College for Women, Kamalpura (Ludhiana) from November 20 to November 22, 2002. Convener of the festival Prof Kamaljit Kaur informed that more than 700 students from 10 colleges of the zone would participate in almost in 31 events during the three day festival.

GHG Khalsa College, Gurusar Sadhar, S.G.G.J. Girls College, Raikot, Khalsa College for Women, Sidhwan Khurd, GTB National College, Dakha, L.R.D.A.V. College, Jagraon, S. Government College of Science Education and Research, Jagraon, G.N. College, Narangwal, Government College, Karamsar, Government College, Sidhsar and host college will compete in music, dance, acting, fine arts, creative writing and debate etc.

Prof Jagjeevan, organising secretary said on the first day of the festival shabad, group singing, vaar singing, group dance, bhangra and fine arts competitions will be held while on the second day drama, histrionics, poem recitation, debate and quiz will be organised.