AGRICULTURE

Field day on rabi crops
Our Correspondent

The department has developed a self-propelled sprayer which will also be displayed during the programme. It can be used for spray in row crops like wheat and vegetables. In addition, demonstrations of various paddy straw management techniques will be carried out so that burning of paddy straw in the field is avoided.

Farmers need more subsidies: Lakhowal
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, October 22
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has observed that if the government failed to provide support price of the farm produce on the basis of the price index for the year 1966-67, a majority of the farmers would have to quit the profession in the next five years, which would have disastrous effects on the entire economy.

Talking to mediapersons here today, the state chief of BKU Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal and national vice president Mr Baldev Singh Gumtala said that the common impression of the country having plenty of foodgrain stock was a misnomer because even now, around 40 per cent of the population in the country could not afford two square meals. On the other hand, the farmers in northern Indian states, producing surplus foodgrain, were being penalised by way of the increasing debt burden on them, which had led to a number of indebted farmers committing suicides.

Terming the policies of the government towards agriculture sector as self-contradictory, Mr Lakhowal remarked that the government which spoke of ‘preparing the farmers to face the global competition in the WTO regime’ was at the same time pushing the Indian farmers towards certain destruction by allowing free import of farm produce and allied products. Moreover, the government support to the farmers in the country was also far too inadequate as compared to incentives and subsidies being provided by developed nations like USA to promote and strengthen agricultural economy.

Pleading for rational and far-sighted policies for the farm sector, the BKU functionaries claimed that over the last three decades, the increase in the prices of farm produce and those of inputs had been completely disproportionate and it needed to be corrected to sustain the agriculture.

“The so called government campaign to promote diversification of agriculture is unrealistic and the concept of contract farming, evolved to rid the farmers from traditional crop rotation has met with complete failure.” Mr Lakhowal alleged that the farmers, who had gone for basmati crop under the contract system had sustained heavy losses and the sugar- cane growers were yet to get a substantial part of their payment for the last season’s crop.

He said all these crucial issues would be discussed at length to evolve a suitable strategy for securing justice for the farming community at a national level meet of the BKU at Bangalore on Nov 3 and 4. A five-member team of the Punjab unit of the union, headed by himself (Mr Lakhowal) would take part in the meeting.

EDUCATION

37 schools take part in science contest
Our Correspondent

In the quiz competition, students from 35 schools took part. Three rounds were held in the contest, one each for physics, chemistry and biology. There were simple questions based on topics related to earth’s rotation, revolution, flora, fauna, chemical formulas and reactions. Later, contests for extempore and teaching aids were held for teachers. The contests were supervised by Mr Varinder Sharma, District Science Supervisor.

Card-making contest
Our Correspondent

Doraha, October 22
NSS volunteers took part in a ‘Divali greeting card making competition’ held at Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, today.

At least 15 students made bright and colourful greeting cards expressing best wishes for the festival of lights.

The Principal of the college said such competitions should be held in the college at regular intervals so that the latest talent of the youngsters was brought to the fore.

Rajanpreet Kaur of BA (Part III) was declared first, Rajbir Kaur of Plus One and Simiranjit Kaur of Plus One were adjudged second, Ramandeep Kaur and Jagdeep Kaur were put together third, Kamalpreet Kaur of BA (Part I)and Amandeep Kaur of Plus one won the consolation prizes.

Juvenile prison turns into classroom
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, October 22
The 60 odd children housed in juvenile observatory, Shimlapuri, here had something to cherish when calligraphy classes were held for them today. The three-day classes are being conducted by Anis Siddiqui. He has held classes for school students under SPIC MACAY.

Ms Sapna Nihar of Kala Seva Society feels that this will help children of the juvenile prison in gaining confidence as they will get an opportunity to use calligraphy for New Year cards. Guidance and requisite material will be provided by the society, she added.

Mr Siddiqui said it was more fulfilling to teach these children as some of them did not even know how to write their names. He said, “We segregated the children in two groups — the first comprised those who had some education and the other who were illiterate. It was really amazing to see their latent talent.

Now they are able to write their names, and that too, in an artistic way. It gave me satisfaction teaching these juveniles as it sprung hope in them that they could learn something new.”

While speaking to some children, Ludhiana Tribune found out that most of the children were in the prison as their friends had quoted their names in crimes committed by someone else.

NSS volunteers plant saplings
Our Correspondent

Doraha, October 22
Volunteers of the NSS wing of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, today planted saplings.

At least 65 volunteers took part in the one-day camp held under the guidance of Prof Gursharanjit Singh and Prof Pargat Singh Sekhon. At least 100 saplings were planted on the campus.

A lecture on “Environment and cleanliness” was delivered by Mr Bandeep Singh.

The volunteers were made aware of environmental issues. They cleaned the college campus and pledged to work for the cleanliness of the surroundings. They also made flowerbeds and cleaned the lawn. The college got a new look as the NSS camp concluded in the evening.

According to the in charge, NSS wing, another 10-day camp would be held to provide practical education to the volunteers.

Kids add colour to school’s annual day celebration
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, October 22
“Aura of kids”, the annual day celebration of Guru Nanak International Public School (GNIPS), Model Town, was organised for the primary section here today.

The function was presided over by Mr Grima Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Income Tax, while Mr Naunihal Singh, SP, Vigilance, presided. The programme started with a shabad, which was followed by a pooja dance. Tiny tots gave a lively performances. They presented “gudiya ki shadi” followed by a solo song. An English play was also staged which highlighted that pride always had a fall. Japanese dance presented by students was a hilarious item. The audience enjoyed the Hindi play, ‘Khichdi’.

A breath-taking performance given by students who danced to the tunes of old melodious songs left the audience spellbound. The cultural programme concluded with a giddha which had the audience tapping their feet.

An annual cultural nite was organised by middle and senior section students of the same school last evening. Dr Kirpal Singh Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, presided over the function. Ms B. Gulati, Principal, welcomed the chief guest, parents and guests.

The school orchestra held the audience spellbound. Different types of dance performed by students depicted the cultural heritage of the nation. The English play conveying the message that the young generation should respect their mothers was also held. A Hindi play provided knowledge on solar system while the Punjabi play gave the message to the parents to look after their children as they are their only property. The last and not the least was “Rangla Punjab” which made the audience dance.

Mr Gurbir Singh Sarna, general secretary of the school, thanked the guests and parents.