The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

CULTURE

Realistic portrayal of life her forte
Lovleen Bains

Doraha, January 27
Kanwal Dhillon is an actress who believes in realistic portrayal of life. Her capability to capture the very essence of a character has made her a popular figure in the field of dramatics.

Kanwal is the daughter of renowned Punjabi poet Bhagwan Dhillon. She was initiated into the world of theatre by Prof Sompal Heera, Punjabi writer, director and actor. After completing her graduation from Swani Ganga Giri Janta Girls College, Raikot, Kanwal is pursuing her post-graduation in Punjabi at Khalsa College, Ludhiana.

Besides acting, Kanwal is also trying her hand in writing and directing plays. Though she has already made her mark on stage, she is humble about her success. “I have just begun, but I have to do a lot of hard work to reach my goal. I want to send messages against social evils like dowry menace and female foeticide.

She also has acted in a video film called “Jago”. Kanwal won the award for the best writer in the youth festival organised at Dasuya College in 2000. She was also declared the best poetess. Her play “Sirjana” was adjudged the winner in the same youth festival. Not only that, she also bagged the award for best actress in the same play.

In the All-India Dramatics Competitions, organised at Barnala in 2002, she received the award of best actress for her role in “Tiraskarian Dhian”. In the same competition the following year, her play “Kurian Chiriyan” was declared first and she won the award for best actress.

She took part in many festivals, including Baba Farid National Festival, and won awards. In 2004, her play “Neero Di Bansari” was declared second by the Maha Shakti Kala Mandir, Barnala. She also received a gold medal in the All-India Dramatics Competition in 2004.

Kanwal Dhillon has played lead roles in Sompal Heera’s “Dastane-Dil”, “Agan Katha”, “Tiraskarian Dhian”, “Mein Dard Kahani Ratan Di”, “Neero Di Bansari”, “Kala Banam Roti”, “Pishawar Express ton Sabarmati Express Tak,” “Kurian Chiriyan”, among others.

She has performed all over the region, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Ludhiana.

HEALTH

Ashirwad — in service of the disabled
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, January 27
A function was held today at the centre for multiple disabilities, Ashirwad, to mark the distribution of privilege cards. It was presided over by Mrs Amrit Gill, SDM East, Ludhiana. Indian Association of Paediatrics, Ludhiana branch, has made a special gesture for the special needs of children by providing free OPD consultation to these children.

Forty-three doctors of the association have given their consent for the same. Ashirwad, started five years ago as a centre for training children suffering from cerebral palsy, has now started services for different disabilities like spina bifida, autism, Down’s syndrome, learning disabilities, speech disorders etc. There are an estimated 5,000 children with special needs in Ludhiana city alone.

Eye check-up camp held
Our Correspondent

Sahnewal, January 27
A free eye check-up camp was organised at Lalton Khurd village here on Tuesday. Dr S. S. Dhir, SMO, Sahnewal, informed that the camp was organised in collaboration with the Baba Inder Singh Charitable Trust, Lalton Khurd, under the guidance of Dr Rajinder Kaur, Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana.

The camp was inaugurated by Dr Manorama Avasthi, district family welfare officer, and Dr Kuldip Kaur Sahni, district immunisation officer.

About 300 patients were examined and 60 patients, under the family welfare scheme, were operated.

Free medicines, spectacles and hearing aids were distributed to the patients. Blankets and oil were also given to the needy patients.

SPORTS

Bank donates Rs 1 lakh for Lala Lajpat Rai sports mela
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 27
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has donated Rs 1 lakh to the Lala Lajpat Rai Janamsthan Yadgar Committee, Duhdike, for organising the 50th Lala Lajpat Rai Birthday Sports Mela. The three-day sports mela was inaugurated yesterday.

Mr Harwant Singh, General Manager, PNB, Punjab zone, who was the chief guest on the occasion, informed that the mela invited participants from throughout the state.

He said the bank had also set up an Entrepreneurship Development Training Centre at Dhudike in memory of Lala Lajpat Rai, founder member of the bank, to provide training to rural youths.

So far 37 batches of boys and girls have been imparted training.

Mr Harwant Singh said the bank will provide finance for the purpose. PNB is also giving a stipend of Rs 200 per month per trainee and a tool kit to the trainees to set up their own venture.

A cultural programme was presented by school children. Mr Harwant Singh handed over the cheque of Rs 1 lakh to Mr Satya Pal, secretary, Lala Lajpat Rai Janamsthan Yadgar Committee.

Mr Chand Singh, Deputy Zonal Manager, Mr C.L. Mahajan, Senior Regional Manager and Mr Jagtar Singh Dhaliwal, sarpanch of the village, were also present on the occasion.

Rural sports fest from Feb 11
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 27
Mr Balwinder Singh, press secretary, Gujjarwal Sports Club, Gujjarwal, has informed that a three-day 32nd Amarjit Memorial Annual Rural Sports Festival would be organised at the village stadium from February 11.

The festival would be organised under the supervision of Mr Gurjit Singh, former sarpanch of the village.

Besides other events, bullock cart races, Kabaddi matches and football matches would be the main attraction of the festival.