Mandi Gobindgarh, December 22
“I was hurt when Fatehgarh Sahib district was singled out for having the lowest female sex ratio, at a seminar in New Delhi. Representatives from different states and from abroad were participating in it. It is a matter of great concern especially for the people of the state that the district named after the great martyrs has shown poor sex
ratio, "said Mr S.K. Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib.
Mr Ahluwalia was addressing a gathering at a annual cultural fair, “Mehak Punjab di”,
dedicated to a famous Punjabi singer, Surjit Bindrakhyia, organised by the Punjabi Sabhyacharak Club at the local school ground yesterday. The district administration has decided to release 5000 calendars to schools and other institutions in January next as a step towards launching a concerted awareness
campaign.
Mr Ahluwalia, stressed the need to preserve the rich heritage, and learn a lesson from the supreme sacrifice made by the great sons of Guru Gobind Singh. The Deputy Commissioner has radically changed the mode of celebrations of Jor Mela commencing from December 24. “Instead of rejoicing, or distributing sweets, we should introspect and fight against the evils afflicting the society. Two-minute silence will be observed and all traffic will stop to pay homage to the martyrs”, said Mr Ahluwalia.
Mr Jagtar Singh Khatra, DPI, Punjab (EE) was honoured for his valuable services in the field of education. The function was inaugurated by Dr R.P. Singh Khurana, Director, SGGS Institute of Paramedical Technology and was presided over by Mr Mehnga Singh, President, MahaPanchayat. Mr Darshan Singh Randhawa, Director, Cooperative Bank Punjab, was the guest of honour. All India youth Akali Dal chief Paramjit Singh Saholi Senior and Akali leader Guru Bacchan Singh were also present.
Mr Jagtar Singh Khatra said: “We should not discriminate against female child”. He cited various examples where elders having sons are looked after by their servants. Education has become costly. “There is no dearth of talent among the children of poor people but it cannot be utilised due to poverty, we should help such students. Only a mass movement can bring a turning point at this stage,” Mr Khatra asserted.
The chief guest distributed woollens among the needy students of Amloh block and presented mementos to participants. Dr Gurmeet Singh Baidwan’s book, “NAIN-vi-RUNG-de, MUN-ve-RUNG-de, and a cassette of Bobby Sidhu was released on the occasion. Mr. Roshan Sood, president and Mr Balbir Ghuman, general secretary of the club spoke on the activities of the club.
Bobby Sidhu, Pannu Virk, Bhupinder Bhuri, Kulbir Kaulgaria and Dr Parminder presented Punjabi songs. The Lok Kala Munch, Zeera (Firozpur) presented a play “Mitti Rudan Karey” and a choreography depicting. A female child appeals to her mother in foetus not to kill her, was very much appreciated. Magic tricks were performed by Jaspal Jass and his group. He later disclosed the magic to secrets to make the people aware of the activities of the ‘tantriks’.
