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It’s balle balle Music lovers hum inimitable songs of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, but hardly anyone knows that this great icon of music had his roots in Jalandhar city. The city has proved to be a fertile land for music. It has produced singers, who, in turn, have made the world sing. It is an amazing fact and matter of pride for Jalandharis that singers ranging from K.L. Saigal to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Puran Shahkoti to Hans Raj Hans to Jassi and Manmohan Waris - who virtually made people across the globe, particularly the Punjabis, sing to their tunes - belonged to Jalandhar in one or the other way. Jalandhar has replaced Ludhiana as the centre of music and music-related activities in the northern region during the past one decade. A potent proof of this is the presence of offices of about 140-150 singers in different parts of the city. The estimated number of singers hailing from Jalandhar is about 150. Besides immortal singers like K.L. Saigal and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, singers associated with Jalandhar include the Bollywood playback singer Sukhwinder Singh, Hans Raj Hans and his Guru Pooran Shahkoti, Jasbir Jassi, Jazzy-B, Sarbjit Cheema, Manmohan Waris, Kamal Heer, Master Salim, Sukshinder Shinnda, Surinder Makhsoodpuri, K.S. Makkhan, Nirmal Sidhu, Ranjana, Sukhnain, Debi Makhsoospuri, Palwinder Dhami, Sarbjit of 'Koka' fame, Sabarkoti, Kaler Kantha and Surinder Laadi. "Jalandhar, in my view, is the land that has not only inspired talented singers, but also stirred many others to try their luck at singing. It is Jalandhar that made a singer out of journalist like me," observes Dr Barjinder Singh, who is the editor of a vernacular daily. He came up with two Punjabi-Urdu CDs -'Jazbaat' and 'Sizda'- during the past one year. "The musical journey of Jalandharis began much before the legendary K.L. Saigal. It is still going on. The musical contribution of the city is beyond imagination," feels veteran singer Pooran Shahkoti. Most people associated with music feel that the fact of Jalandhar having been a media hub of the northern region played a vital role in making the city a centre of the music industry. "As compared to Ludhiana, singers find Jalandhar to be full of opportunities. They find it easy to be in news here. Those times have gone when singers could get publicity through the word of mouth or on the basis of their sheer performance. There have been good singers elsewhere also, but they have not been able to get as well-known as their Jalandhar-based counterparts," feels eminent Punjabi singer Manmohan Waris. He says that high concentration of NRIs here is another reason why singers settle here. "More than 70 per cent shows are organised by the NRIs and it is very important for a singer to book these shows. The NRIs come here in winter, which is the most opportune time for singers to book their shows either for marriages or for stage performances abroad ," says Manmohan Waris. Mr Deepak Bali, the Managing Director of the Plasma Records, agrees with him. According to Sukhnain of 'Lacchi' and 'Gora Chitta Mukh" fame, another reason for promotion of music in the heartland of the Doaba region is the widespread prosperity of people here. "The people here want to learn music and there are ample opportunities offered by the city. Most well-known singers have had their 'Ustaads' based here and it is here that the 'Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan' has been held for the past 128 years. It is the environment here which has made people music-oriented," says Sukhnain, who is a veterinary doctor and singer. "If we consider the post-partition era, the presence of the Doordarshan Kendra and the AIR here has also stimulated people, particularly youngsters, to be singers and performers. As compared to other cities, it has been very easy for them to get popular here," says Mr Harjinder Bal, the editor of a music-based magazine. According to his estimate, each village of the district has at least one better- or lesser-known singer. "Actually, youngsters here have immense talent and the most important thing is that they know how to use it in the right direction, notwithstanding the usual hurdles like lack of money. If a poor but talented youngster wants to be a singer, one of his foreign-based relatives often comes to his rescue," says well-known music director Kuljit. "In my view, people of the Doaba region are not only more 'Shaukeens', but also they are more resourceful. For example, usually an average person wants to spend Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 on a musical show during a wedding in his family. But thanks to the NRI support, an average person here is ready to spend even Rs 3 lakh for such a show. This is what has attracted singers from far and wide here. Prosperity here gets more shows for singers, which is a major factor of encouragement of music here," informs singer Sarbjit Cheema. "Ludhiana has become terribly congested and hardly any new-generation-singer wants to settle there. Moreover, opportunities there are far less," feels Mr Deepak Bali. "Music has been not only the cottage industry here but also a tradition. An example of this tradition is the Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, which has been going on for the past 128 years ever since Baba Harballabh, the saint-musician, started it in form of a ceremony to pay homage to his Guru, Baba Tuljagiri. People here have an ear for music. This is the reason why the city has attained the status of 'music kingdom' of north India," says Ustaad Mohan Malsiani, a music expert with the AIR Jalandhar and performer at the prestigious 'Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan'. "Undoubtedly, the Jalandhar Doordarshan has had a significant contribution in making Jalandhar a music capital. It was Doordarshan which launched a number of Punjabi singers during early 1970s, when there was no other music-based TV channel. Almost all noted singers have been the products of DD Jalandhar," says Mr Daljit Singh Sandhu, a producer with the DD Jalandhar. Sarbjit, a popular folk singer of 'Koka Kadhwa De Ve Mahiaa' fame, says, "In the past, Jalandhar was an attraction for singers because of the availability of training facilities here. These days singers flock to the city, as they get to do more programmes and stage shows here."
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Jazzing up evenings with dance, music When the day is done and the evening slithers by, the dance floor at Jack Daniels (JD), Radisson Windsor Hotel, comes alive with jiving groups. It's a world removed from the humdrum life. It may be peopled by a privileged few, but it is their way to celebrate the evening with panache. The harsh realities of life melt away as music crescendos its way to throbbing hearts and thumping feet. "After a tiring day, you need to take a break from your work. Simply going home and sleeping like a log is not enough. You have to shed the exhaustion and boredom accumulated during the work hours. My idea is to let myself go at the dance floor. If I work hard during the office time, I dance hard in the evenings. It's fun," says a thirty-something dance buff, who considers himself to be quite-a-regular at JD. The almost European décor of JD lends it a distinct ambience. "It's classy and at the same time, it's friendly. As the DJ plays the music, you want to hit the dance floor," says another JD regular. There's an array of cocktail to suit a wide assortment of taste buds, remarks a businessman, who prides himself on being a connoisseur of heady brews. "I go to JD three or four times a week. The ambience is pleasing. The music is good. The DJ there plays the latest songs, which is in keeping with the mood of the place," says Mr Puneet Sardana, a city-based businessman. For sports aficionados, the 35 mm screen that shows matches and formula races, and the pool table are added attractions. During the NRI season, as the Radisson Windsor GM, Mr Arun Kaul, tells us, JD is chock-a-block with NRIs, who find the place "swell and swanky". Well, the bottom line is that evenings at JD sizzle with exuberant fun, if a concoction of dance, music and cocktail is your goblet of joy!
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People’s Concern J.S. Malhotra Urban Estate Phase II here, once known for better living conditions, is now a glaring example of neglect and apathy on the part of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) officials. Dusty, potholed, bumpy roads that cut through the colony make it more of a 'slum' than a developed colony. The situation worsens during rainy season. There is no proper drainage system for the exit of rain water. The majority of the lanes and the main road get converted into a temporary pond during the rains. To add to the woes of residents, the authorities concerned have failed to fully cover a sludge-carrying "nullah", which passes very close to the boundary of the locality. Foul smell keeps emanating from the "nullah" that is also a breeding place for various types of insects. The residents complain that bad roads pose a serious health risk to them. "Those prone to neck and back problems are affected the most. Every time they drive on these roads, their problem gets worse," says a resident. The residents also rue that the roads are playing havoc with their vehicles. "I purchased a new Zen car last year and it already looks like a 10-year-old vehicle, thanks to bumpy roads. The wheel balancing of car cannot sustain even for 20 days. We have to either shell out money every 15 days for wheel balancing or drive the car in a defective condition. It's horrible!" says Mr Chander Deep Singh, a student of local Lyallpur Khalsa College. "We came to this locality about five years back. It was a grave mistake. Even a remote village will have better roads. It is really embarrassing for us when a visiting relative or a family friend advises us to shift to some other place," says Ms Gurpreet Kaur, a housewife, who along with a group of women approached The Tribune team to discuss the collapse of civic amenities in the area. The residents alleged that though during the past five years they had submitted several memoranda to the PUDA officials for construction of new roads, nothing had been done in this regard so far. "The officials are insensitive to the grievances of the residents. This is highly deplorable," says Mr Kamal Kumar, a resident of the locality. Mr Balwinder Singh Multani, Additional Chief Administrator, PUDA, admitted that the residents' complaints about bad roads were genuine. "The tender for laying new roads in the colony at the cost of about Rs 40 lakh has been allotted to a private contractor. The work will start within a week. The contractor has been instructed to complete the laying of roads by the end of October this year," Mr Multani said, adding that funds had also been released for maintenance of parks, water supply and sewerage in the colony. Perhaps, the residents will heave a sigh of relief by October-end, if the PUDA is able to keep its promise.
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Varied hues of uniformed life Being an army officer's wife is an experience in itself. Be it the remotest area or the backwaters of civilization, these women have seen it all. They have had the privilege to travel the length and breadth of the country and watch from close varied cultures and traditions. Living in an extended family of army makes them feel secure and comfortable, they say. Almost everyone in the officers' fraternity was there for them whenever the need arose. The respect they get by virtue of being an officer's wife is heartening, they add. But there are some challenges too, they believe. Since their husbands are away most of the time, they have to raise their children all by themselves. When their husbands get posted to a new place, they sometimes have to stay back with their school-going children, so that the latter are at least able to complete their academic session. Says Ms Jasjeet Sandhu, wife of Brig C.S. Sandhu, "For years together, my husband was posted at field areas and I stayed at Delhi. I had to look after our two children single-handedly. Later, he was shifted to Jalandhar. I had to stay back at Delhi, as our children were in their mid-sessions. But now our kids are taking training at IMA, Dehradun, and we are here together." She says she has been a witness to some very beautiful moments too. "We were together for three months when my husband was posted at Zamindara Khan Gali (Z-Gali for short) near Kupwara district. The place has an immense scenic beauty and even today when I show the photographs to my friends they ask if I had been to Switzerland". For Ms Dia Gupta, wife of Major General B.J. Gupta, the most exciting moment in her life was the time when her husband was posted at Tenga in Arunachal Pradesh. "It was an isolated area in a very natural environment. Even though we sometimes faced problems in getting items of daily needs, I still reminisce about the cool, serene surroundings there," she says. The most memorable time for Ms Amardeep, wife of Brig Hardev Singh, has been when her husband was posted in northern Sikkim. "We used to go through Nathula Pass and see the Indo-Chinese border. Living in the wilderness of Milagiri in north Bengal was equally exciting," she tells us. A short stay in Leh has been the best experience for Ms Harpreet Sidana, wife of Col T.S. Sidana. But she also remembers the time she spent in hiking, para sailing and horse riding at different locations. "I enjoyed those adventure sports," she says. The best time Ms Neelam Patyal and her husband, Col R.K. Patyal, have had was when they were together at Chansari. "Initially, I used to crib, as I could not find a single vegetable that I had been cooking earlier. But soon I got adjusted. It was at Chansari that I realised how one could start appreciating life and find happiness in small things," says Ms Patyal. Ms Preeti Sandhu, wife of Lt Col Jasdeep Sandhu, says that the best part of being an army officer's wife was being able to collect various traditional items and artifacts from different locations where one gets posted. "I enjoy collecting small pieces that are unique to a place. Every time I dust them, they remind me of our stay at that place." It has been a life with a difference for Capt Vinita, wife of Capt Shamsher Singh, for she herself has been serving the army for the past six years. Both Capt Vinita and her husband are posted at the ordnance depot at Surannusi. Herself a third generation fauji, she says that the sense of security and the support that army gives to families is the best thing about it.
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Thieves, burglars give residents uneasy nights
Has Jalandhar become a hub of criminals? The answer is in affirmative if the rise in theft and burglary cases during the past one year is any indication. The failure of the district police to solve more than 50 per cent such cases adds to city residents' insecurity. The situation has come to such a pass that most of the residents are reluctant to leave their house unattended. Even a locked main gate is an invitation to the thieves-on-prowl, rue the residents. According to official records, 248 burglary incidents have taken place this year so far. Last year's total burglary cases were 216. Theft cases have also seen a rise this year. The year is yet to draw to a close and already 340 theft cases have been registered against the 318 in the past year. The slow pace of investigation, which leaves a good number of cases unsolved for a long time, has inculcated a sense of insecurity among the locals, say the residents. When no headway is made in a simple burglary case and the culprits roam about freely, it is but natural for the residents to lose faith in the police. Statistics bear out the residents' grouse. The district police failed to solve more than 50 per cent of total theft and burglary cases registered between August 1, 2002 and July 31, 2004. This is in spite of the district police having pressed into service about 50 police control room (PCR) motorcycles equipped with wireless sets, particularly in the residential colonies on the outskirts of the city. "We feel insecure as there have been two burglary incidents in a nearby locality in the recent past. Now, we make sure to entrust the security of our house to a relative or a friend before leaving for an outstation trip," Mr Chetan Ajit Singh, a resident of Model House, says. "Thieves seem to have grown too fearless for our comfort and safety. A group of thieves decamped with household items and utensils from a nearby locked house recently. As the family was out of station, the police locked the house after the completion of legal formalities. The thieves had the temerity to strike at the same house again the following night," Mr Surinder Pal Singh, a resident of Golden Avenue locality, tells us. Some residents, on the condition of anonymity, alleged that there was a kind of nexus between a few corrupt lower rung police personnel and gangs of thieves. The police department, however, refuted this allegation vehemently. Police sources maintained that migrant labourers from Utter Pradesh and Bihar, and drug addicts were mainly involved in these kinds of crime. "The drug addicts are primarily involved in the theft of vehicles, while the migrant labourers usually go in for burglaries," a senior police official revealed. When contacted, Mr Opinderjit Singh Ghumman, SP (Detective), maintained that the police had intensified the campaign against the criminals. Efforts were being made to bring public closer to the police. "We have constituted special committees at the police station level and prominent residents of the area have been made its members. We are holding monthly meetings to know about the problems of the residents. We believe that crime cannot be effectively controlled without the active participation of the residents," he said. |
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Cops to rescue of ailing stray animals Ailing stray animals have a reliable but very unlikely friend here - district police that is running an animal shelter-cum-rescue centre at Jalandhar. The centre "Pashupalika" set up by the Jalandhar police in August 2000 has been instrumental in the treatment of about 2000 injured and ailing stray animals during four years of its existence. The unique animal shelter, about which city residents may not be aware, is located in the backyards of the local Police Lines. The objective is simple - to take care of the abandoned and the stray animals. Already many animals have been given a new lease of life here. All possible efforts are made to save an animal, we are told. A team of about 12 police officials, headed by an officer of the DSP rank, is associated with the centre. A number of volunteers are engaged in transportation and treatment of injured and ailing animals. Two vehicles are available for the transportation purpose. The injured and the ailing animals are put in the expert care of vets, who are volunteers with the centre. Unfortunately, some time after its inception, financial crunch made the functioning of the centre difficult. This financial problem was partly due to a hard decision by the police that no cash donations would be accepted. The centre, however, got the much-needed succour when some philanthropists and social workers pitched in. To adhere to the "no cash donations" clause, these good Samaritans started donating fodder and medicine to the centre. This worked well as there was hardly any financial intricacy involved in this kind of donation and the donated fodder and medicines served the requirement at the centre. Presently, there are about 55 ailing and injured animals, including two feathered guests at "Pashupalika". According to Mr Chander Bhushan, a volunteer with the centre, city residents from different walks of life were donating in good measure to the centre. "These people are making contributions worth nearly Rs 2 lakh in form of fodder and medicines every year. Some of these philanthropists don't want to disclose their identity. They just come to the centre, ask about the requirements and send the things in," he explained. He added that the financial aid from the district police had been on the decline as it involved many formalities. "This time they have made a contribution of just Rs 10,000," he said. There was definitely a room for improvement of "Pashupalika", so that it continued with its animal welfare work, said those associated with the centre. There was a need to involve more volunteers, sources revealed. "There is no dearth of people here who would like to contribute their bit for a noble cause. Some kind of arrangement should be worked out in this regard," said an official. The bottomline is that a beginning has been made and a good beginning at that. The centre has acted as the saviour of many stray animals. Animal lovers now know help is available right in the city itself. They just have to dial 100 and their call will be routed to the centre, we are informed.
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From the schools Flag hoisting, cultural programme and poetry recitation marked the Independence Day function at the Innocent Hearts School, Green Model Town, on Sunday. The school principal hoisted the Tricolour and inspected the Guard of Honour presented by NCC cadets. The programme commenced with a patriotic song, a speech by Anica of Class X and a poem recited by Shitika Batra of Class VI. A poetry recitation competition was organised. Participants from Classes I to X were divided into four categories. Four participants from each category were given prizes. The function concluded with the chanting of 'Jai Hind'.
Freedom fighters
remembered Recalling sacrifices made by freedom fighters, students and staff of the Apeejay School celebrated the Independence Day on Sunday. Veteran freedom fighter, Baba Bhagat Singh Bilga, who is also President of the Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall, was the chief guest. The portrayal of historical characters like Rani Jhansi, Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai, S.C. Bose, Bhagat Singh and Jawahar Lal Nehru and the enactment of scenes depicting 'Quit India Movement' instilled a feeling of patriotism among the students. The chief guest narrated the harrowing experiences of the freedom fighters, who had fought the British and embraced the gallows with a smile. He expressed his unhappiness at the degeneration of values these days. The celebrations concluded with the release of tri-coloured balloons by Principal, Ms Ranjana Sud, and the singing of the National Anthem.
I-Day celebrated Students and staff of the Sanskriti KMV School celebrated the Independence Day on Sunday. Ms Usha Pandey, Principal, hoisted the National Flag. Students of the pre-primary wing recited the poem 'Teen rang ka jhanda'. A speech in Hindi and English by Jagriti Chadha and Sumit, respectively, highlighted the importance of sacrifices made by great men and women. Students of the middle section sang a song 'Hindustan tujh pe kurban'. The captivating part of the programme was the inter-house fancy dress competition with the theme 'Freedom fighters of India'. Sumit of Class IV and Ishita of Class I bagged prizes in the contest. Besides, a flag-making and badge-making contest was also held. The theme of this contest was 'What National Flag means to me'.
Flag unfurled Marching forward with the National Flag, students of the Army Public School, Beas, celebrated the Independence Day on Sunday. Brig D.S. Kullar, Chairman of the school, was the chief guest. The school principal, Col Amarjeet Singh, and the school head boy and head girl welcomed him. The chief guest unfurled the National Flag and the band of '10 guards' played the National Anthem. The students participated in an inter-house patriotic song competition held at the school auditorium. The function culminated with the distribution of sweets to the students. Later, the chief guest interacted with the students' parents, some of whom had come from the Kashmir valley.
Teej celebrations Teej celebrations were in full swing at the Dhilwan International Public School (DIPS) on Friday. Mr Gurbachan Singh, Chairman of the school, was the chief guest. Students presented a colourful show, which included music, dance and drama items. Students of the senior section presented plays 'Aap te tur gayon nokri' and 'Shradhanjali'. Stalls of mehndi, kheer, malpuras, sweets and confectionary were put up. Mr T.K. Raina, Principal, DIPS, told the students about the significance of the festival. Parents of students were also invited to participate in the festivities. The grand finale of the function was the dance item 'Aao ral mil bhangra payiye'.
Prize distribution function The Police DAV Public School campus wore a festive look during the annual prize distribution function organised at the school on Saturday. Mr A.A. Siddiqui, DGP, was the chief guest on the occasion. He exhorted students to work hard. Earlier, Mr D.R. Bhatti, ADGP of Punjab Armed Police and Chairman of the school managing committee, welcomed Mr Siddiqui. The students presented a cultural programme. A Japanese dance by Somali Vij and team won appreciation. Dr Rashmi Vij, Principal of the school, read out the school's annual report. The programme concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
Training programme A four-day first aid training programme was organised at the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Talwandi Madho village. The programme concluded on Friday. Mr O.P. Mudyal, Principal, inaugurated the programme.
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Creative approach spells success for this topper
Creativity coupled with dogged determination is the secret of her success. Ms Sukhpreet Kooner, who has stood first in the Mass Communication and Journalism MA Part II Examination, 2004, conducted by the Guru Nanak Dev University, believes that her effort to be original with ideas has paid off. Her alma mater - the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Regional Campus, Guru Nanak Dev University, Ladhewali - has played a prominent part in her success, she says. She's indebted to her guide and mentor, Dr K.S. Duggal, who, according to her, inspired her to do the best. Aiming to become a radio jockey, she believes that she possesses the qualities that are a must for the profession. "All one needs is good voice, spontaneity and good communication skills," she says. She had anchored a one-hour live interactive programme "Mashwara" for an FM station during her mass communication training. "It was real fun, as I got an opportunity to interact with many people. The most interesting part of it was that it was not a planned show and I never knew how it would move on," she revealed. It has not been an easy going for this Goraya-based girl. Hailing from an agricultural family, she says that no girl in her family had ever taken up a professional course. It was her schooling at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Shimla, where she was a boarder for nine years, and her graduation at the Hans Raj Mahila Mahavidyala, Jalandhar, that changed her bent of mind. She still remembers how her mother was dead against her decision to join the mass communication course. "It will be a very difficult life for you and your family. If you want a peaceful settled life, go in for a bachelor's degree in education," her mother would tell her. But she stood by her decision and worked diligently towards it. Her marriage to Australia-based software engineer did not deter her from her career-choice. "Now that my course has been completed and my result is out, I have applied for an Australian visa. I am concentrating on gathering information about media in Australia so that I can get on to work as soon as I settle down there," she says.
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