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Mini-truck cleaner found murdered
Chandigarh, December 5 The driver of the mini-truck, Buta Singh, also from Mansa, was near the body when a team from the Sector 36 police station reached the spot. He had injuries on his throat, which seemed to have been inflicted with a sharp-edged weapon. The police questioned Buta Singh, who identified himself but did not give any details. He was sent to the PGI for first aid. The police has recovered a cemented slab and its splintered pieces from driver’s cabin in the truck. A blood-soaked knife was also recovered from the dashboard of the vehicle. The blood-stained slab has been sent for forensic examination, the police said. The SHO, Mr Jagbir Singh, said Buta Singh was questioned but did not give any details. The police is working on the theory that a fight between the driver and the cleaner might have resulted in the murder of Inderjeet and injuries to Buta Singh. The police also found burnt grass near the body. The same grass was found in the truck also. The police has sent the ash and partially burnt grass for a forensic opinion. The panes on the driver’s side have blood stains. The police has recovered two blood-stained trousers and two blankets from the driver’s cabin. The police control room got information about the body from the nearby petrol station. An injured Buta Singh reached the petrol station around 9.30 an wrapped in a blanket. The police has also recovered Buta Singh’s blood-stained shirt from the spot. The family members of the cleaner have been informed.
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Crowds swell at Agro-Tech
Chandigarh, December 5 There was an unusual rush of foreign visitors, including a 20-member Italian delegation led by the Italian Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Forestry. Also present were high-profile guests like Mr Antonio Armmellini, Ambassador, Italy; Mr Donnilo Anwar, Ambassador, Indonesia; Mr Nick Naryalie, Counsellor, Indonesia; Mr Hans Johr, Corporate Head of Agriculture, Nestec Limited, Switzerland. Representing Hungary was Mr Clive Pegg, MD, Proagro Seeds, while Deputy Minister, Australia was present with her team. Also in attendance were officials from agriculture departments of Nepal and the Netherlands. In the poultry section, the National Egg Coordination Committee kept busy promoting eggs. Its egg-eating contest entered the second day. The final prizes will be given tomorrow once the competitions in various age categories are over. At the Circus Ground where agri services are being offered, farmers enjoyed e-chaupals the most. The next best thing for them was the food counter at the VIP entrance. Most of them were happy that the organisers had not kept the menu “glamorous”. There was enough traditional stuff like “Amritsari kulcha”, “chana bhatura” and “pao bhaji” to choose from. Late in the night, the wine-tasting event at the CII became a great hit. On the technical front, the highlight of the day was the coming together of ITC’s e-chaupal and Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), which promise to change the face of rural marketing in India by bringing futures trading to the farmers’ doorstep. The MoU that the giants signed today will spell prosperity for farmers by fetching them the best price for their produce. The market is said to have a
The tie-up will benefit various villages in the country in a phased manner. Mr Sivakumar told The Tribune that the first phase would feature disbursement of information of the futures market across 5,000 e-chaupals in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and some parts of Andhra Pradesh. These e-chaupals covered about 31,000 villages and had already benefited over three million farmers. Gradually the whole country would be covered. As for the direct benefit to farmers, Mr Sivakumar said they would be able to take advantage of the MoU immediately. “To start with, they will be able to access the current global prices for their produce through ITC’s e-chaupals and the MSX network. There will be no charges for this information, which will help the farmers realise the best price for their produce in the local markets. In the second phase, they will be able to trade on the futures market and finally they will be able to make delivery at the e-chaupal warehouse network, which is existing.” As the results of this MoU unfold, rural marketing will be in for a major revolution. In business terms, the tie-up means much. As Mr Sivakumar reasoned, “We estimate that around 20 per cent of the crop size will be routed through the futures market. This works out to Rs 3,000 crore per annum in states where e-chaupal presently has a network.”
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Favourable response to Kisan Goshtis
Chandigarh, December 5 "The land is the same, 19 acres. My labour and investment are also the same. But, why has the yield from my field gone down this year? Is it because I adopted the method of zero tillage?" he asked experts from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The scene of this was one of the kisan “goshtis” being organised at the Circus Ground as part of the ongoing Agro Tech 2004, being organised by the CII. These goshtis are interactive sessions, replete with television clips, where experts, both government as well as private sector, interact with farmers and try to remove their doubts. Started during Agro Tech 2002, these kisan goshtis have been witnessing huge participation from farmers. A farmer, Mr Gurnam Singh of a village near Patiala, stated that he was attending his third session of the day as he wanted to know more about some subjects. His question on how to stop the wheat crop from turning yellowish due to a disease started a chain of similar questions. "Last time, I attended one such goshti and implemented some steps that the expert told me to. I benefited a lot and that is why I am back," he said. "Basically, with most of farmers not in a position to go to PAU or private sector experts for their everyday problems, they seize to this opportunity and try to get as much knowledge as possible," explains Vishal Rawat of agriculture-centric publication Agriculture Spectrum. Mr Rawat is closely associated with these goshtis. One of the major issues that has been dominating proceedings of these goshtis is lack of proper marketing facilities for agriculture produce. Farmers ask the experts why government agencies don't do much about improving the marketing system of farm produce. The "failure" of contact farming in Punjab also sometimes crops up during discussions. Such is the interest among farmers for these sessions that groups of farmers actually request the organisers to discuss an issue other than what is being discussed. For example yesterday, some farmers wanted to see a video clip about the steps needed to increase the yield from milch cattle. Yet another wanted to know the latest techniques in organic farming. The cultivation of Jatropha, a medicinal plant that is used for manufacture of bio-diesel, farmers were told, can be more successful in Haryana than Punjab. The reason, they were told, is that the plant is grown on wasteland. Says Dr Manjit Singh, who has been deputed by PAU to attend these sessions, "These farmers have a lot of questions which they ordinarily don't ask. They also have a lot of demands, which we cannot do much about." As for the issue raised by Mr Harbeant Singh, he was told that his soil should be got checked.
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“Diet” basmati rice for diabetics
launched
Chandigarh, December 5 Labeled "Maharani", this high quality basmati rice has a moderate glycemic index (GI) which is medically rated as "consumable" for diabetics. Among other big launches by the same firm have been the pesticide-free variety of rice which was recently exported to Japan to the tune of 36 tonnes and the special quick-cooking variety of brown rice already being rated as a fine anti ageing agent. As for Maharani rice, it is being touted as the only diet variety of rice fit for consumption of diabetic patients across the world. Recently developed in Karnal, this variety is based on the scientific knowledge cultivated into a fine product. The process involves slow breaking down of lipids into sugar when consumed. The product GI when tested came out to be 52 which is rated moderate and healthy for intake by diabetic patients. While the stall attracted thousands of visitors eager to test the new variety of diet rice, the firm owners told The Tribune that they were now trying for certification of the diet rice variety by the Food Drug Association of the USA. "Certification for diet rice for diabetics is not available anywhere in India. We have nearly received an approval from FDA, USA which has expressed its willingness to test our new product and recommend it," said Mr Sandeep Nain from the firm who said diet rice was developed after many queries came from rice importers. About the pesticide-free basmati rice variety recently developed and exported to Rajasthan, Mr Nain said the production followed World Trade Organisation (WTO) direction, banning export and import of rice and other commodities with pesticides. The third variety of rice developed by the firm is the quick cooking one called Begum Brown rice. A complete nutrition diet, brown rice takes only 12 to 15 minutes to cook as against 40 to 50 minutes which normal rice varieties take. This rice, besides being good for those suffering from high as well as low cholesterol limits, is also a good anti ageing agent.
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IT boosting agriculture productivity:
experts
Chandigarh, December 5 Giving an overall perspective, Mr M. Srinivasan Rao,
Head, New Initiative and IBD, ITC Ltd, described the two big problems
of the 21st century as maximizing food supply and preservation of the
environment and natural resources. India has to transform traditional
means of information and use IT to empower scientists, extension
workers and all participants of the value chain. “IT can also
provide customised solutions in the field of agriculture,” he said. Talking
about the use of modern technology, Dr Sesha Sai, Scientist, National
Remote Sensing Agency, said, “Indian remote sensing satellites have
the capabilities to improve the agricultural production of the country
and the National Remote Sensing Agency under the Department of Space
has been carrying out projects of national and regional importance.
With planned future programmes using IT as a tool, improvements
catering to the needs of the country will be met in an even better
manner,” he added Giving information on modern IT tools, Dr Siva
Subramanian, Senior Manager, JIF RMSI, said, “The Geographical
Information System, the Global Positioning System and remote sensing
are the tools that assist in agriculture. They are helpful in crop
type mapping, crop health monitoring, agro-transportation and
first-hand information regarding various crops. Satellites can also
prove useful in agriculture marketing done through the GPS and the
GIS,” he said. According to Mr P.H Shivkumar, Managing Director,
NCDEX, “Exchange technology provides longer trading sessions, quick
response time and low cost of operations. Future prices available on
the exchange are enabling farmers to decide the choice of crops to
sell using the exchange's electronic platform and IT is helping
revolutionise the way agricultural produce is being marketed in India.” Talking
about the problems faced by farmers, Mr Kundan Kumar, Coordinator,
Membership and Marketing Services, Indian Agri-Business System, said,
“Lack of wealth among stake holders, crisis of leadership, poor
infrastructure and market linkages are big problems faced by the
farmers. Innovations such as advanced kisan call centers are using
IT to help the farmers,” he added.
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Italy for cooperation in agri-business
Chandigarh, December 5 Talking about the synergy between Italy and India, Mr Buoro said “Like India, Italy’s experience in agro-foods dates back to ancient times. Both countries have the same farm structures. India has an added advantage with its huge manpower base and this can be a tremendous asset in developing Indo-Italian collaboration.” Talking about Italy’s overseas presence, Mr Buoro stated, “Everyone talks a lot about China in Italy. But I think we cannot forget India when it comes to the development of agriculture. We want to work together to increase the common wealth,” he added Listing out the sectors where there is a tremendous potential of trade between Italy and India, Mr Buoro said, “There are many fruits like papaya and mango which we want to be exported to Italy, both in raw and processed forms. Italy has tremendous strengths in wine, agriculture products and other products linked to ancient Italian knowledge and we would like to export them to India.” Talking about the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Mr Buoro said, “For reasons that are not just economic but also political, Italy will like to have a dialogue with India and act as a facilitator between India and the European Union in the WTO".
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Great demand for Indian food: Naware
Chandigarh, December 5 Currently, the share of organised modern retailing at 2 per cent of the total retail industry, which is projected to grow to 5 per cent. "With an increase in the number of nuclear families, changing social environment and increase in the income, the sector has tremendous potential,” said Mr Naware. "There is great demand for Indian food in view of the exposure of foreigners to this food. As a result, the main stream retail chains like Selfridges and Sainsburry in UK; COSSCO, Wholefoods and Giants in UK; Metro in Germany and Carrefour in France have started stocking these products to cater to the growing demand,'' he said. However, the quality of food products being supplied, affordability and their relevance have to be kept in mind to create the retail pull by creating consumer demand in the market. Indian manufacturers have to go in for various certifications and quality control tests to meet the norms of the Food and Drug Act of these countries for export purposes. Similarly, ready-to-eat vegetarian products have created a good market abroad, he added. Mr Naware said such is the craze that firms were upgrading quality and scaling up operations to secure a global chain supplier's tag. But the government also needs to take some more initiatives in this regard to enable India to truly emerge as hub for global retail chains. "New technologies is the need of the hour to tap the huge potential that exists in the food sector, said Mr Luca Montanari, Director, Unitech, Italy, while laying emphasis on high quality sorting of agricultural produce. Mr S. Ramesh, General Manager, Retail Strategy, BPCL, also believes that India will be an attractive market for any food retailer in the coming years and talked about the trend of all big petroleum companies having alliance with major food retailers.
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Trees axed in front of gurdwara
Zirakpur, December 5 The trees, in the front of the gurdwara, were allegedly felled without any permission from the authorities concerned. A majority of the trees which have been chopped off were quite healthy and young. Sources revealed that the trees were felled following the “directions” of a top forest official who resides in the Zirakpur Nagar Panchayat area. It is alleged that the forest official had promised the committee that he would get the trees which were obstructing the entrance to the gurdwara removed. A team of over 11 employees of the corporation axed seven healthy eucalyptus trees in front of the gurdwara under the supervision of two forest guards — Gurpal Singh and Pritpal Singh. The forest guards on the duty claimed that the department has ‘marked’ 90 trees, including eucalyptus, sheesham and some others, which would be felled. The trees, which have been marked for felling, were along the
Zirakpur-Ajijgarh stretch of the Zirakpur-Patiala highway, they claimed. When asked about the age of the trees marked for felling, they expressed their ignorance but claimed that only dead or decaying trees were to be axed. They said were the gurdwara committee had obtained permission for the felling from the department. Mr Karamjit Singh, District Forest Officer, Patiala, expressed his ignorance about the felling. He, however, said the Forest Corporation authorities should have the records of the trees, marked for felling. Officer-bearers of the gurdwara committee claimed that they had submitted an application to the department seeking the felling of trees outside the gurdwara sometime ago.
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Domestic help raped; 2 booked
Panchkula, December 5 The victim was working as a domestic help in house No 2983 in Sector 15. Devi and Parkash, who were living in a rented accommodation on the first floor of this house, raped the girl one day when she came there for work. Later, both threatened the victim that they would kill her if she reported the matter to anybody. Besides, they said they would falsely implicate her in a theft case. Thereafter, the duo raped the hapless girl several times, the police said. After some time, the girl visited a doctor complaining of pain in her abdomen. Her medical examination revealed that she was pregnant. She reported the matter to the police. The Sector 20 police registered a case of rape on her complaint against Devi and Parkash. No arrests have been made in this regard.
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Yash Chopra for free exchange of films between
Chandigarh, December 5 Well aware of the sensitivity of the occasion, Yash Chopra said he was not proceeding towards the venue
of the games with great expectations. He, however, did not restrain himself
when stressing the need to open up the film industries of the two countries that
have a shared history, culture and concerns. He also said that the Pakistan authorities should consider releasing Indian films openly just as Indian authorities were doing. Recently "Khamosh Pani" opened in India to welcome responses. "When there is a talk of opening up trade on every front, why leave out films? It is time we considered exchange at the level of cinema," said Yash Chopra, hoping to hold informal talks with Chief Minister of Pakistan Punjab Mr Parvaiz Elahi in Patiala. Yash Chopra was on a flying visit to Chandigarh enroute Patiala this afternoon. Fresh after a delayed Indian Airlines flight, he was escorted into the Punjab CM lounge at the Chandigarh Airport by Mr Harpreet Sandhu, Senior Advocate General Punjab and Mr Anil Puri, Yash Chopra's long-time distribution partner. Sparing some time before proceeding to Patiala, Yash Chopra shared notes with The Tribune, saying, "Free trade in cinema would be a welcome step by all means. I will meet the visiting Pakistani delegates in Patiala where history is about to be created." Making it a point to thank the Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh for his interest in "Veer-Zaara", the film maker also seemed gratified over the statewide entertainment tax exemption which he recently offered. As a film that hinges on Indo-Pak friendship, "Veer-Zaara" has done well across the border too. It will also be screened for the visiting Pakistani delegates at Patiala on December 8. For his part, Yash Chopra said the Indian cinema was in for a major change insofar as themes were concerned. "The future belongs to projects that laud peace and harmony. Stereotypes have already ceased to work. We now have new writers who are brimming with fresh ideas. We need to be positive in our approach," said the film maker who generously features Punjab's exuberance in all his flicks, including the recent "Veer-Zaara." He added, "I have done my best to emphasize peace, taking care that my film reaches out to people not through the elements of conflict or bashing but through pure emotion. I, however, still nurse a desire to shoot in Pakistan. I was refused permission when I approached the authorities for "Veer-Zaara". While the film forms a fine backdrop for Indo-Pak friendship, its creator still wishes it was openly released in Pakistan markets.
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PWD plays havoc with city air
Chandigarh, December 5 This time too, the culprit is the Public Works Department that is re-carpeting the National Highway — 21, which assumes the name Dakshin Marg, while passing through Chandigarh. Smoke with large carbon content was visible on Sunday evening to those travelling on this road. Officials of the department directed labourers to use warn-out tyres to ignite the fire to melt the coal tar quickly. The spot mentioned is located close to the iron market in Sector 29. The melted tar was for the use of re-carpeting this road, leading to Zirakpur. Labourers causing environmental pollution said they had been directed to do so by their supervisor. But they were unable to name the person. Tyre rubber has large carbon content and emits highly toxic smoke when burnt. Besides, the carbon particles that are emitted can spread in a fairly vast area, causing respiratory disorders among human beings and animals. Carbon particles are reported to be carcinogenic. One of the emitted substances styrene is a benzene derivative and is a suspected human carcinogen. Another one, butadiene, is known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Besides, extender oils and carbon black emitted from burning tyres are highly toxic. On paper, stringent anti-pollution laws are available, but these are violated with impunity. The anti-pollution laws include the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The offence committed by an individual under this Act is punishable with a three-month imprisonment or a Rs 10,000 fine, or with both. Accordingly, Section 41 of the Act holds the head of the department guilty and is liable to be proceeded against and punished, when a government department causes air pollution. The Environment Protection Act, 1986, too, safeguards the environment and violation of the Act is punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to five years or with a fine, which may extend to Rs 1 lakh, or with both. The Act is violated if any person carrying on any industry, operation or process discharges or emits, or permits to be discharged or emitted any environmental pollutant in excess of such standards as may be prescribed. Burning of a tyre is a violation of this Act.
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Shiv Sena (H) to protest against seer’s arrest
Mohali, December 5 Stating that the seer's arrest was a result of personal enmity, he alleged the Congress had always had an anti-religion policy. Mr Gupta was addressing a press conference in Mohali today. He said the letter of the Prime Minister to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister about the arrest of the Shankaracharya was useless since it was the Andhra Pradesh Government that had arrested him where the Congress was in power. He said the Congress had never allowed any religion to flourish independently in the country and the arrest of the seer would lead to a united protest against the Congress government. He said the nation was feeling hurt because
of the treatment meted out to a religious head and the Congress would have to face the consequences. He demanded that a
separate policy regarding religious men should be formulated by the government so that such acts could not be repeated.
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VHP men stage dharna, court arrest
Chandigarh,
December 5 As many as 143 activists led by the president of the local unit of the VHP, Col Dharamvir (retd), and Mahant Budh Nath Jogi,
sanchalak, Guru Gorakhnath Sidh Hanuman Mandir, staged a dharna at the Sectors 7, 8, 18 and 19 chowk before courting arrest. Addressing the activists, Col Dharamvir said the parishad had started an agitation all over the country to press for a CBI probe into the whole affair. Others who spoke on the occasion included Mr
K.G. Goswami and Mr Prem Shammi, chairman and vice-president of the Hindu Parv
Mahasabha, Mahant Budh Nath.
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Elahi positive on Indo-Pak ties
Chandigarh, December 5 The Governor appreciated the dialogue, economic cooperation and social-interaction between the two Punjabs. He said both countries had common interests and it was the need of the hour that positive initiatives were taken to sort out issues for establishing lasting peace in the region. Complementing the efforts of Capt Amarinder Singh and Mr Elahi regarding exchange of cultural and sports events, General Rodrigues said the process must continue to promote understanding between the peoples of both regions. Mr Elahi expressed the hope that this kind of cooperative endeavour would bring the peoples of India and Pakistan closer. Other members of his delegation accompanied Mr Elahi to the lunch at Punjab Raj Bhavan. After a joint press conference with Capt Amarinder Singh, Mr Elahi will fly back to Lahore tomorrow.
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Elahis visit Sector 9 shops
Chandigarh, December 5 Nine members of Mr Elahi’s family, inlcuding his wife, daughter, mother and daughter-in-law, had earlier planned to visit the Sukhna Lake and the Rock Garden, but because of delayed arrival of Mr Elahi from Rajasthan, they had little time between their departure from the airport and the arrival of Mr
Elahi. So they chose to visit shops in Sector 9. The Elahis, accompanied by a woman Superintendent of Police of Pakistan, first went to Fab India, but did not purchase anything these. They spent around 10 minutes in the shop. Later, they visited Ritu Kumar,s store and made purchases. They refused to talk to mediapersons despite entreaties. The Elahis remained in the store for about 25 minutes. Later, they left for the airport to attend Indo-Pak Punjab Games being held at Patiala.
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Ghaggar bridge reopens
Dera Bassi, December 5 Flouting the direction from the Building and Roads wing of the Punjab Public Works Department, tractor-trailers of many farmers from nearby villages were permitted to cross the bridge. Cops were lenient with farmers of nearby villages, who were cut off from their fields for the past three days due to the repair work on the bridge, despite the directions of the Punjab PWD authorities today. Warning boards relating to the speed limit of vehicles on the bridge, have also been erected. Heavy vehicles were not allowed on the Kalka-Ambala highway for the fifth consecutive day today. The highway was closed for vehicular traffic following “depression” of the third span of the bridge on Tuesday.
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Akali Dal (Ravi Inder) to take out procession on Dec 7
Mohali, December 5 This was decided at a meeting of the party held at Khalsa School, Amb Sahib Gurdwara, Phase VIII, here today under the chairmanship of Mr Jaspal Singh, general secretary of the local unit. Other than the procession, religious darbars will be held at Khalsa School, Ropar, on December 8. Conferences and “Dhadi” darbars will be held at Chamkaur Sahib from December 15 to 20. It was also decided that a drive to recruit new members for the party would be started after December 25. Those at the meeting condemned the SGPC decision of not allowing the descendants of Bhai Mardana to perform at the Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. Those who attended the meeting today include Dr Jagir Singh, Mr M.S. Sodhi, Mr Surjit Singh Musafir, Mr Jora Singh Bhullar, Mr Harmeet Singh Chilla and Mr Mohinder Singh Walia.
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Sangharsh panel to fight for plot allotments
Mohali, December 5 It was decided that a memorandum listing their demands would be presented by the committee members to the PUDA minister, the PUDA Secretary and the PUDA Chief Administrator. According to a press note issued by the president of the committee, Mr Sucha Singh Kalour, 3,950 plots of various sizes in the new sectors were approved and a draw of lots was held in March 2001. The successful allotees had also paid 25 per cent of the allotment price to PUDA and it was promised that physical possession of the plots would be given by the end of December 2002. But so far the plots had still not been allotted. Mr Sharanjit Singh, general secretary of the committee, added that some parts of these sectors had already been given to the Radha Swami Satsang and Housefed, Punjab. Mr Bhupinder Singh Somal, organising secretary, said the allotees were suffering for no fault of theirs, but due to a court case between the farmers and PUDA. He added that some of the allotees had been living in rented accommodations and were suffering on PUDA’s account.
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Workshop on environmental awareness held
Mohali, December 5 Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dildar Khan, director in charge of the sansthan, stressed the role of the community, particularly the youth, in conserving of water resources and soil. He said conservation of soil was possible only if community took management of soil and village ponds seriously. He said it was the responsibility of each user, whether living in rural or urban area, to use water with greater responsibility as there was no substitute of water. Mr Anand Mohan Sharma, programme officer of the sansthan, stressed on proper sanitation to prevent pollution of water sources. He explained about various water-borne diseases like hepatitis-A, typhoid, cholera etc. He said excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides was also contaminating the ground water.
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CHB body holds rally
Chandigarh, December 5 The demands were made in a memorandum submitted by the residents to the Administrator. Such rallies are being held in each sector every month. Chandigarh Vikas Manch councillors Jatinder Bhatia, Vijay Rana, Kamla Sharma, Harjinder Kaur, Congress Councillors Subhash Chawla, Balraj Singh, Geeta Chaudhary, Shyama Negi and Sohan Lal Vaid also attended the meeting. It was announced that a large rally would be heldwhich would be attended by MP Pawan Bansal and former MPs Satyapal Jain and Harmohan Dhawan. The federation urged the Administrator to take up the issue on priority basis.
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In awe of Ganga and Himalayas
Chandigarh, December 5 Born to Italian parents in California, Prabhu spent 14 years in the motion picture industry as a projectionist and film technician. In 1980, he left the USA and undertook a five-year-long journey of 35 countries across the globe. During this period he first met Hare Krishna devotees in South Africa, visited India for the first time in 1982 and started practising bhakti-yoga. Then he started work on his book entitled, “Our Merciful Mother Ganga,” featuring 500 pages which include 40 original paintings and over 100 photographs. This book is an extensive scriptural account of how the celestial Ganga travels throughout the universe. The book took four years to complete. Talking to The Tribune, he stated that after being brought up as a Roman Catholic, he led a “fun life” in the late ‘60s. “It stressed more on man-woman relationships, drugs, rock “n” roll which virtually corroded our souls. Inspired by the ancient Vedic culture of India I adopted the path of spiritualism when I attended a spiritual programme organised by ISKCON to mark Janamashtami in 1982, propagating the sacred message from Srimad Bhagwadgita,” he said. Replying to a question he said the simplest and most practical way to achieve the goal is the devotional service of Lord Krishna, regardless of our material position. “We must survive one way or the other. We have to only change our consciousness from within towards the Lord. This gives us peace and prosperity, “ he said adding the Himalayas command a great respect and adoration worldwide. “The Vedas were compiled by Vyasadeva in the Himalayas. The Ganga and the Yamuna have originated from the Himalayas. An unbroken chain of seers lived and are living in ashrams, caves, forests and on snow-capped mountain peaks to attain salvation. All saints and the Aryan race from whom the Indian people got their ancesters belong to the Himalayas. The Himalayas’ external boundaries touch upon seven countries. The tallest mountains in the world are the Himalayas and the tallest peak is the Mt Everest. It’s all so fascinating,” he said reflectively.
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Project Vulture on the anvil
Panchkula, December 5 The implementation of a holistic approach to save the vultures — once the most common predators in the eco-system — was discussed by experts from the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB), UK, and senior officials of the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department on Friday. Other than this, the expansion plans of the Vulture Breeding and Disease Diagnostic Centre at village Jodhpur near Pinjore, and setting up of a second breeding centre at village Seonthi near Kurukshetra were also discussed in Friday’s meeting. The two-member delegation of Dr Debbie Penn and Dr Richard Culthbert from RSPB, along with Dr Vibhu Prakasah, Principal Scientist of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), said that they would first expand the centre at Pinjore, by adding more aviaries at the centre, and getting more vultures for captive breeding. As of now, the centre has one colony aviary, two breeding aviaries, one holding aviary, eight nursery aviaries and eight quarantine aviaries, and 41 vultures in captive breeding (21 white backed, 19 long billed and one Himalayan griffan species of vultures). Experts from RSPB and BNHS say that they propose to have a total of 100 aviaries here, and 150 vultures, before they set up the second vulture breeding centre at Seonthi in Kurukshetra. In Seonthi, too, they propose to construct 100 aviaries and start captive breeding of 150 vultures, that are caught from the wild. The Chief Wildlife Warden, Haryana, Mr K.L. Manhas, proposed that suitable habitats should also be created now for releasing vultures after five to six years of captive breeding. He proposed that seemal trees (Bombax Ceiva), which was the natural habitat of vultures, be planted in protected forest areas, along roads and canals. He said that these trees have vanished over the years because of its poor economic value. Other than the two breeding centres in Haryana, two other vulture breeding centres are coming up one in Himachal Pradesh and another in West Bengal. Avian experts say there has been more than 95 per cent decline in population of the two species of vultures during the past decade in the Indian subcontinent alone.
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Annual day celebrations of Malayalee Samajam
Mohali, December 5 Other than an open interaction with Ganesh Kumar, the celebrations included a cultural performance by a professional team from Kerala — Drisya Kala
Vedi. The cultural events included Mohiniyattam, Bharatnatyam, Oppana and Maragam Kali. Speaking on the occasion, Ganesh Kumar talked about the state of affairs in Kerala. He pointed out that heavy politicking in the state had led to its downfall that was visible in many fields. He said the quality of education being imparted in the state had fallen and the number of educated unemployed had sharply increased over the years. He added that a large number of government-run companies were also facing closure due to certain policies of various political parties. He appreciated the efforts of the samajam in setting up Kerala Bhavan in Phase 11 here as an identity of the Keralite fraternity. He said this would give an opportunity to the local people to learn about the art and culture of Kerala. The president of the
samajam, Mr Benny Thomas, welcomed the guests. He brought out the challenges of setting up of such an organisation in Mohali. He requested all Malayalees residing in the region as well as other Keralite organisations that were making parallel efforts to come forward and associate themselves with the project. He also urged the Punjab Government to start a direct train link between Punjab and Kerala. He pointed out that the Keralites living in the North were facing a large number of hardships in travelling to their home state. Moreover, tourists, who wanted to travel to Kerala that had been recognised as one of the top tourist destinations of the world, had to first go to Delhi to go further to Kerala. Dr
P.V. Sudhakaran, Chairman, Land and Building, said Keralites living in the region needed to unite for ensuring completion of the bhavan. project. Dr John V. George ADGP, Haryana, was also present on the occasion. Giving details of the Oppana dance form, Mr Benny Thomas said it was a new form of dance being presented in North India. About 15 women perform this dance to entertain the bride on the eve of the marriage day. Lyrics of the music are from songs called Mappila
Paatu.
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CAPART starts consultative meetings
Chandigarh, December 5 The aim of these meetings is to ensure the participation of the people in development. According to
source's CAPART will address some of the present major concerns and work out methodologies and strategies in this regard. The meetings will end with a national-level consultation meeting on December 28 at the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, which will be presided over by Dr Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, President of CAPART and Union Minister for Rural Development.
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Senior citizens form forum
Chandigarh, December 5
The forum will also offer suggestions to the Haryana Government on various issues concerning education. It was decided to start a "non-formal education centre" in one of the slum areas of Panchkula for dropouts in the 6-13 years age group.The main emphasis of the activities of the forum would be quality education to beneficiaries in collaboration with other organisations. Meanwhile, Mr S.S. Kaushal was elected president of the forum.
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Dr Kesar Singh ‘Kesar’ dead
Chandigarh, December 5 He had been suffering from a dysfunction in his kidney. He had been Chairman of Panjab University’s Punjabi Studies Department and a member of the Syndicate. Dr “Kesar” had to his credit two popular books, “Sahit Khoj Te Sahit Alochana” and “Punjab Galp Ate Varg Sangharsh,” among others. The body will be taken for cremation to Sector 25 from H. No. 1395, Sector 49-B (Pushpak).
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Stray bull on road: 6 have narrow escape
Chandigarh, December 5 An hour after the accident of five vehicles, a Honda City driver saved himself by dashing the vehicle into the road divider. The bull sustained injury in the leg. One of the drivers of the vehicle said the bull suddenly ran across the road. The two vehicles following it escaped with minor damage but an Indica car suddenly stopped. The vehicle following it rammed into the car. The two Zen cars, last in the “queue”, suffered major damage. The eye witnesses said there were around 15 bulls near the accident site.
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Gurbani kirtan on Dec 7
Mohali, December 5 Prominent jathas of Bhai Harjinder Singh from Srinagar, Bibi Bajlit Kaur Khalsa from Talwara, Bhai Manjit Singh from Mumbai, Bhai Manjit Singh from Pathankot, Bhai Iqbal Singh from Ludhiana and Bhai Baldev Singh from Bulandshahr would perform kirtan during the occasion. The darbar will be organised by the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Sector 70 and Shabad Guru Prachak Sanstha International.
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Seminar on VAT held
Chandigarh, December 5 A critical analysis of the provisions of VAT was dwelt upon by Mr Alok Krishan and Mr Jagjit Singh, an advocate. A consensus on certain "people-friendly" proposals was arrived at during the seminar, which have been sent to the Punjab Government for the modification of the forthcoming VAT.
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Magistrate held for firing
Chandigarh, December 5 Mr Sadhrao claimed before the police that the gun went off accidentally. The Sector 19 police station has booked the Punjab official under Section 336 of the IPC (endangering lives of others by a negligent act). He was arrested and sent for medical examination to find out if he was drunk when the incident took place. According to a cop at the police station, however, Sadhrao was not drunk.
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Tenant booked for assaulting landlord
Chandigarh, December 5
He alleged that Madan Lal threatened to kill him and took away Rs 10,000 from his house. A case under Sections 452, 448, 380, 506 and 34 of the IPC has been registered against the accused in the Sector 11 police station. Scooter stolen:
Mr Satish Kumar of Hallo Majra village reported to the police that his scooter (CH-01-V-3888) was stolen from in front of the Punjab Roadways workshop, Phase I, Industrial Area, here on November 19.
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Truck hits scooter, 1 killed
Panchkula, December 5 The police said the driver of the truck (HR-37-4398), Sanjiv of Ganderda village in Una district, fled from the spot after the incident. The scooter was coming from Barwala side. Rajinder (45) and Roshan (49), both of Ramgarh, received serious injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital, Sector 6. Roshan dead in the hospital, while Rajinder was referred to the PGI. The police has registered a case of rash and negligent driving against the truck driver, who is still at large.
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Two held in cheating case
Mohali, December 5 Pedestrian injured:
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