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Special on the death anniversary of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, which falls on September 9
Residents up in arms against MC
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Nagar Kirtan organised to mark
Guru Granth Sahib installation
Passengers to have access to duty-free shopping at
Unscheduled power cuts in city throw life out of gear
Chheharta focal point in pathetic condition
First animated movie on Sikh religion
LIC celebrates golden jubilee year
Nanda’s brush with art
Ford dealer joins President’s Circle
Chaos at makeshift bus stand, even as new bus stand awaits inauguration
New district court complex a picture of neglect
Beautification of Durgiana Temple complex on anvil
New hip replacement surgeries for arthritis patients
Shopkeepers urge govt to repeal Rent Act clause
Weekly Round-up
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Special on the death anniversary of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, which falls on September 9
Great men have a vision that serves as a beacon of light for future generations. Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia was one of them. It is indeed the most befitting tribute to this “great son of the soil” who was an inseparable link between Lahore and Amritsar (though the twin cities were divided by the Radcliff Line 58 years ago) that Sardar Dyal Singh College and Dyal Singh Library in Lahore still retain his name! Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia Trust Library, Lahore, has been the hub of Punjabi cultural and social activities. A versatile and erudite personality, Sardar Majithia was one of the greatest sons of Punjab in the second half of the 19th century. While the residents of Majitha (Amritsar) have yet to wake up from the deep slumber to preserve the great heritage belonging to Sardar Majithia, the intellectuals of Lahore, 54 kilometre from Amritsar, have made all-out efforts to keep the memory of “Sardar Sahib” alive.
To pay tributes to him and fulfill the desires of the intellectuals and researchers, the DSRCF was established adjacent to Dyal Singh Trust Library, which is a treasure in itself.
The forum aims at keeping the golden traditions of the past alive, saving the cultural heritage and promoting the habit of research in the youth.” Interestingly, the Research Cell, Dyal Singh Trust Library, Nisbet Road, Lahore, has reproduced the book titled, “Dyal Singh Majithia, life and achievements”, authored by M. Gopal of New Delhi. The Research Centre grabbed the opportunity to get the copyrights from the author when he visited Lahore. In his foreword, Mr Hafiz Ghulam Hussain, Director, Research Cell (Lahore), described Sardar Majithia as a “perfect humanitarian”. He says, “Some people come in this world to give more and more to mankind and to sacrifice their life for the betterment of humanity. They perform this duty assigned to them by their Creator very well and leave this world smiling without any worry and repentance, no matter they may belong to any religious, sect, race and land, and Sardar Majithia was one of them.” The DSRCF also arranges stalls at famous festivals and other important occasions in different parts of Pakistan to propagate the mission of Sardar Majithia.
Sardar Majithia had developed, early in life, an admiration for Western system of education and the freedom of the Press. He started the weekly Tribune, on February 2, 1881. It became a tri-weekly in 1898, and a daily in 1906. A scion of the family that had been in charge of the Golden Temple for years, Sardar Majithia was more enlightened than most of the people of his times. His father, Sardar Lehna Singh, a great engineer of his time, was a pious person who had installed “Dhup Ghari” (sun clock) and contributed in the extension of Darbar Sahib with his great engineering skills. Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia’s greatest contribution to the society included bequeathing huge assets, including prestigious Dyal Singh Mansions on the Mall Road, and other properties in Lahore, Karachi, Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts, worth Rs 30 lakh ( it was a huge amount at that time) in 1898 to two trusts that later established Dyal Singh College and Dyal Singh Library in Lahore. After Partition of the country, Sardar Dyal Singh College and Dyal Singh Library in Lahore were taken over by the government. While the names of many institutions in Pakistan acquired Islamic names, it is a great tribute to Sardar Majithia that the Government of Pakistan retained his name for the college and the public library. Meanwhile, The Tribune shifted from Lahore to Shimla and then to Ambala and later to Chandigarh. The properties in India were taken over by the Dyal Singh College Trust, which runs Dyal Singh College in Karnal.
Doubtless, all this and Dyal Singh Public Library, New Delhi, are a testimony to this great man’s vision. History revisited Majitha is situated 16 kilometre to the north east of Amritsar. The town is connected with Amritsar by train and road. The town was founded by one Madho, a Jat of the Gill clan. He was “jetha” (the eldest son) of his father and hence the place was “Madho-Jetha”. The “Madho-Jetha” subsequently got contracted into Majitha. Madho was thus the ancestor of Majithia Sardars, some of whom held high positions during the Sikh rule. It is believed that the forefathers of legendary Maharaja Ranjit Singh were closely associated with the town.
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Residents up in arms against MC
The residents of Sahibzada Fateh Singh Nagar Colony, Himmat Pura, and surrounding areas falling under ward number 25, have launched a chain hunger strike to protest against the “indifference” of Municipal Corporation (MC). The Mohalla Sudhar Committee (MSC), under which over 2500 houses fall, has been on a hunger strike from August 29 when it handed over a memorandum to the MC officials. Mr Harpal Singh Pannu, president, Mohalla Sudhar Committee, said they had been trying to convince the authorities to provide proper civic amenities to thousands of people for the past many years. He lamented that their repeated pleas had fallen on deaf ears. He alleged that civic amenities, including drainage system, roads, street lights and potable water, were non-existent in the area. At several places stagnant water had turned the road into a puddle, they added. Mr Hira Lal Sharma, general secretary, MSC, informed that the localities were earlier a part of Bharariwal village and had been incorporated in Municipal Corporation in 1969. However, even after three and a half decades, no progress had been made. Mr Pannu claimed that leaders of all political parties had made a beeline to their localities before elections and had promised to provide them potable water, roads, drainage and sewage systems after coming to power. “But once in power, no leader came here,” he alleged and added that in their struggle they had tested political parties and leaders of all hues. “The situation here becomes deplorable after a minor shower, and heavy rains make the area a dangerous place. There’s hardly any provision for drinking water,” alleged an area resident. For drinking water, they relied on submersible and hand pumps. The residents held a protest rally outside the office of Mayor on August 29 and submitted a memorandum to him. On the same day, they started a chain hunger strike and vowed to continue it till their demands were met. Every day, four residents sit on the strike on the side of the main road of Fateh Singh Colony. The president of the MSC said that so many volunteers, including women, had come forward to participate in the hunger strike and that they could sustain it for the next three months without any trouble. When contacted, Mr Sunil Dutti, Mayor, claimed that the Municipal Corporation had spent about Rs 42 lakh for the development of the area since the past three years. He said the area would witness a complete facelift after the implementation of Sri Guru Ram Das Plan. He, however, alleged that some leaders in view of the next year’s election were inciting the residents.
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Nagar Kirtan organised to mark
Guru Granth Sahib installation
Thousands of devotees participated from all over the state in the Nagar Kirtan (religious procession), carried out to mark the 401 years of the installation of Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple here.
The Nagar
Kirtan, which was started after an ardas at Ramsar Sahib Gurdwara, was led by Panj Piaras (five beloved ones). The procession marched towards the Golden Temple with the holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib carried in a golden palanquin. It passed through various bazaars of the walled city, including Ramsar Road, Chowk
Krori, Chowk Baba Sahib and Baba Atal Gurdwara, which were decorated with flowers. Ramsar Sahib Gurdwara is the place where the fifth Sikh master, Sri Guru Arjan Dev, compiled the holy scripture 401 years ago. The guru also got a sarovar built in the compound of the gurdwara in the name of his father, Guru Ram Das. This is the place where the fifth Sikh Guru wrote Sukhmani Sahib. During the Nagar
Kirtan, the devotees had lined up on either side of the road from early morning to pay obeisance. They raised slogans of “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal”. Giani Gurbachan Singh, Head Granthi, Harmandar Sahib, performed the seva of
chaur. The devotees showered flowers petals and perfume on the palanquin. Various shabdi
jathas, religious sabha societies and organisations participated in the procession. Earlier, a Gurmat Divan was organised at Ramsar Sahib Gurdwara where
ragis, dhadies, kavishari jathas and katha vachaks sung the hymns from Guru Granth Sahib. The historic and precious Jalau and other rare artifacts were displayed in the Golden Temple. At night the Golden Temple was beautifully decorated. The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) had arranged gurmat
samagams, which continued till September 4. Various ragis and kirtani jathas performed at Ramsar Sahib Gurdwara.
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Passengers to have access to duty-free shopping at Rajasansi Airport
“Flamingo Duty free”, the first private duty-free outlet in India, has now glided into the Rajasansi International Airport here. The concern offers a wide array of products at competitive rates and claims to have been in the forefront to bring Indian duty-free industry at par with global standards. The shopping outlet can be approached both at the arrival and the departure terminals at the airport, though it is restricted presently to the passengers with international destinations. The flamingoes have already been operating in top-12 international airports in India, including those at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and Trichy, and now Amritsar is the latest addition, says the spokesperson of Flamingo Duty free. The concern comprises 25 shops in various airports selling a range of chocolates, perfumes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, tobacco, electronic items, including laptops, television sets, air conditioners and home appliances. Interestingly, one can find even “Nido” (milk powder), almonds and even pista at low prices, the concern claims. Some of the products are even cheaper than in gulf countries, say the owners. Offering personalised service experience, the outlet also promises a wider variety in products and special offers! Buttressing their claim, they contend that international tie-ups enable them to offer unmatchable prices and discounts to customers which are otherwise “unattainable”. The airport authorities have placed these shopping arenas beyond the baggage check-ins.
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Unscheduled power cuts in city throw life out of gear
Unscheduled power cuts have thrown the life in this Holy City totally out of gear. The power cuts, ranging from six to eight hours, have also created water scarcity. The minute the power goes off, the water supply remains cut off for many hours, virtually making the life unlivable here, say city residents.
The worst hit are the export-oriented industrial units. Expressing its serious concern over this power problem, the industrial association said that the city might be forced to shift out the industry to Himachal or even to Haryana or Delhi. The association members said that Punjab had not spent a single penny to enhance the capacity of power supply during the last three decades. Facing the brunt of the virtual closure are the steel arch and induction furnace units, which have been closed indefinitely following the instructions of the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB). Talking to Amritsar Plus, the managing director of a big steel unit here lamented that on one hand the industry had been closed, and on the other hand, the board continued to raise bills for monthly minimum charges, which was against the basic tenets of natural law of justice. He suggested that the government must do away with monthly charges as it had failed to provide power to run the units. The induction furnace owners were toying with the idea of knocking the doors of the high court for waiving off the monthly minimum charges, as the government had gone back on the commitment to provide uninterrupted power supply to various steel units, he added. The Deputy Chief Engineer of the PSEB, Mr Bawa Singh, said the problem of the shortage of power had been compounded by the fact that the unit jointly producing power for the state had been shut down due to one reason or the other. He added that Punjab was unable to cope up with the rising demand for electricity and was unable to arrange for extra power to meet the crisis. The PSEB authorities said that due to paddy season, power was being diverted to the agriculture sector.
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Chheharta focal point in pathetic condition
The establishment of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the border town of Amritsar may have brought cheers to export houses and major industrialists, but the local focal points having small-scale industrial (SSI) units are still crying for attention. The focal point situated at Chheharta is one such place. Even though 40 years have passed, the area still does not have concrete roads. Thanks to the alleged apathy of the authorities concerned, it becomes difficult for workers and owners to reach their respective industrial units during rainy seasons because of large water pools on the roads. These water pools are formed due to large potholes on the roads. Mr Brij Bedi, a social worker and industrialist having a small-scale industrial unit in this area, lamented that the Chheharta focal point was “no one’s baby”. “Municipal Corporation says it does not belong to them and industrial department says it does not have funds,” he added. He said the corporation could collect house tax but could not provide facilities in the area. He alleged that the local political leaders were crying hoarse over the delay in the establishment of SEZ, but no one had ever raised the issue of development of focal points, which had received a severe blow during militancy. Interestingly, the area also has CIPET (Central Institute of Plastic Engineering Technology) Institute, which is managed by the Central government. Mr Bedi said that the state government, about three and a half years back, had been asked to draft an industrial policy for the small-scale industry in the state. But the industry was still waiting for it. It is pertinent to mention here that more than 70 per cent of the SSIs have already been closed down and the remaining ones are also on the verge of closure. Mr Sandeep Sachdev and Mr Dinesh Tuteja, other industrialists of the area, said they had written about this to Chief Minister as well as PWD Minister, Mr Partap Singh Bajwa, and other senior officials of the departments concerned, but in vain. The industrialists of Chheharta focal point have been urging the Punjab Chief Minister to pay attention to the problems of the focal points and small-scale industry.
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First animated movie on Sikh religion
The first-ever animated movie on Sikhism was shown to the residents of the Holy City at the SGPC-run Sri Guru Ram Das Dental Hospital on September 4. The movie showcased the sacrifice of the two youngest Sahibzadas (sons) of Guru Gobind Singh.
The movie has been produced by Vismaad Mediatech Private Ltd, Mohali, after 18 months of hard work. Mr Navneet Singh, one of the three directors of the company, said the film was the first animated movie to be made in northern India. He said all work on animated movies was being done in southern India. He informed that the project cost was about Rs 35 lakh. Interestingly, the film has been made by amateur artists who passed out recently from Government Art College, Chandigarh. The 50-minute movie brought out the poignant story of brothers — Sahibzada Jhujjar Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh — for the viewers. It depicted how they coped with the tyranny of the ruling community and did not give up even in the face of adversity. Eventually, they preferred to be bricked alive rather than to surrender before the tyrants. Another director of the company, Mr Sukhwinder Singh, said the movie was a tribute to the Sahibzadas, whose 300th martyrdom anniversary was recently organised. Besides, it was an endeavour to inspire Sikh children, who were shearing their hair to imitate the Western culture. “To send the message of the movie to rural areas, we have joined hands with the Akal Purkh Ki
Fauj.
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LIC celebrates golden jubilee year
The Insurance Week celebrations were started by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Divisional Office, Amritsar, from September 1 onwards to mark the golden jubilee year of the LIC. Mr Sachindra Sharma, Senior Divisional Manager, started the programme by the hoisting of the corporate flag that was followed by the singing of the corporate anthem.
Mr Sharma, while addressing the employees on the occasion, highlighted the achievements of the LIC in 50 years, which included the LIC’s contribution towards national development like drinking water, electricity, housing. He informed that various activities would be organised during the week-long celebrations. These activities would include planting of saplings, installation of water tank at schools in remote rural areas where tap water facilities are not available, organising drawing and painting competition for children, opening special service counter for policyholders in the LIC branches and Divisional Office. The senior divisional manager said the LIC had registered a grown rate of 42.11 per cent in premium income for the year 2004-05. He said the Amritsar Division of the LIC comprising three districts — Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepore — was occupying the first or the second position in India on various counts. He said the LIC was the number one insurer in the world in volume and had sold around 24 million policies during the last financial year. He further said the LIC had received various awards, which included the Awaaz Consumer Award 2005 for the “Best Life Insurance Brand in India”, the Golden Peacock Award for corporate social responsibility in emerging economy.
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Nanda’s brush with art
Art knows no boundaries. This seems to be true in case of Bhupinder Singh Nanda, 54, a teacher, who has carved a niche for himself by colouring his imagination on canvas. His paintings have fetched him name and fame at state and national levels.
Ever since his childhood, he had a fascination for colours. He felt that he could use colours to express his feelings, his innermost thoughts. His expertise in drawing figures and his paintings won him accolades in his school days. It was enough to boost his morale. He kept practising the art and reaped the dividends when his paintings were bought by art connoisseurs from Australia, Canada and the UK. He has had the honour of winning the “College Colour” for three consecutive years (1969 to 1971) during his graduation from DAV College. He has so far organised five solo and seven group shows across the country. He participated in the 33rd National Exhibition and the 12th National and State Workshop camp. He has to his credit 800 paintings projecting a spectrum of themes from nature to society and machines to imagination. Apart from this, he has made 50 titles for books and magazines. “The thrust of my paintings is on morality and spirituality, though they cover a wide range of subjects,” he said. His painting, showing the consequences of AIDS, was displayed on the full page of “The Week”. He makes posters, water paintings and mix-media, but his favourite is oil painting. Besides painting, he has been imparting training to art and craft government teachers for the past six years. He gives all credit for his creativity to his mother, Ms Pritam Kaur Nanda.
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Ford dealer joins President’s Circle
Mr Raj Naresh of Bhagat Ford has been selected to join the prestigious President’s Circle, the only global dealer organisation that represents all eight Ford motor company brands.
Mr Jim Padilla, president and chief operating officer, Ford Motor Company, said the dealers were the strength of the company, as they were the closest to the customers. He welcomed Mr Raj Naresh to the President’s Circle and said that Mr Naresh would be a valuable addition to the group. There are approximately 200 members in 30 countries representing all eight Ford Motor Company brands — Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. In Asia Pacific and Africa there are 23 Ford, Land Rover, Mazda and Volvo dealers who are members of the group. Ford India claims that it aims at providing customers with a superior purchase and ownership experience that would place the company at the forefront of modern automotive retailing in India. To meet the growing demand for Ford models in the country, and in readiness for further new model launches, Ford has embarked on an aggressive market representation programme. The company plans to have a dealer network of 115 dealership facilities in 79 cities by the end of the year. Ford had also launched a wide range of programmes and services like FordCarGainz, Extended Warranty, Total Maintenance Plan and a 24-hour Service Helpline, designed to make Ford owners among the most satisfied motor vehicle owners in the country.
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Chaos at makeshift bus stand, even as new bus stand awaits inauguration
The ultra-modern bus terminal of the Holy City, first of its kind in Asia, has been completed with a huge cost of over Rs 22 crore. Yet this bus stand remains non-operational, as it has still not been inaugurated. Though the public has been facing inconvenience due to traffic chaos at the makeshift bus stand, the newly-constructed bus terminal has not been opened so far as the local administration has been waiting for a VVIP to inaugurate it. However, Mr Jugal Kishore Sharma, Chairman, Improvement Trust, while talking to Amritsar Plus, said that he was going to meet Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, to finalise the date of inauguration. Mr Sharma said that a private group had constructed the bus stand under the Built, Operate and Transfer (BOT) system. The Chairman said that the modern bus terminal was equipped with a water treatment plant so that water could be purified and reused for drinking purposes. He further said the terminal was equipped with a rain harvesting system so that the rainwater, which entered the complex, was used for drinking and other purposes in the complex itself. Spread over an area of about eight and a half acres, the land has been planned for its optimum utilisation. There would be counters on “all-round system”. Sixty buses would be able to simultaneously enter and leave for different destinations. At a time 200 buses could be parked in the open area of the modern bus terminal. Giving further details, Mr Sharma said that for the optimum utilisation of the modern bus terminal, a basement area of more than 4,000 square metre had been provided for the parking of cycles, scooters and other two-wheelers. A separate site outside the basement had been earmarked for car parking, he added. He said that about 30 to 35 office rooms would be earmarked for various transport companies. Special care had been taken to provide separate restrooms for drivers and conductors so that they could have proper rest before embarking upon the journey, he said. He further said that other modern facilities such as banks, ATM and post office would add to public convenience. Internet facility would be available for booking of airways and railways and other modes of travelling, and tourism guidance. In case of power failure, a 200KW generator system would remain alert to keep light and life going, he added.
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New district court complex a picture of neglect
Stinking toilets, no drinking water facility, no sitting arrangement, no proper ventilation system — this is the picture of the new district court complex.
The situation worsens during long power cuts. Judges, advocates and persons who come here for hearing in connection with their cases have to sweat it out at this court complex, as there is no hotline power connection available to the court. Although there is resentment among judges and advocates in this regard, they are not coming out openly. Hundreds of lawyers and their clients come daily to this court complex, which does not even have enough exit points. During morning and at lunchtime, it becomes difficult to move through the gates due to heavy rush. The police on duty has put up metal detectors because of security reasons, which add to the woes. “One can easily imagine the result in case of a stampede,” says a lawyer, pleading anonymity. The new complex also lacks proper drinking water facility. There is only one water cooler at each floor having two or three rooms where hundreds of persons come daily for hearing. There is no sitting arrangement for these visitors. An advocate said that the district court contributed huge revenue to the government and judiciary. However, it came the last in terms of facility. The advocate said the high court complex was connected with the hotline power connection and had AC rooms for judges, magistrates and bar council. But the situation was miserable in Amritsar district court complex where even using an inverter was a “headache”. Mr Randhir Singh Sandhu, advocate and president, Amritsar Bar Council, said that the bar council had taken up the matter a number of times with the session judge who had assured them that he would talk with the authorities concerned. He said they would also take up the matter with the authorities concerned at Punjab and Haryana High Court. The advocates have urged the authorities to provide necessary facilities to the court complex, besides connecting it with electricity hotline. They have also demanded that the chambers of advocates be connected with the hotline.
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Beautification of Durgiana Temple complex on anvil
The Chairman of Amritsar Improvement Trust, Mr Jugal Kishor Sharma, has announced that Rs 5-crore plan for the beautification of Durgiana Temple would be undertaken soon. Talking to Amritsar Plus, Mr Sharma said that during the meeting of the trust, they had received representation from various quarters about the beautification project. He added that the trust had decided to incorporate various suggestions put forward by residents and shopkeepers of the area. He said that under the project, the development would be undertaken in phases and it was likely to start within the next two months. Giving details of the project, he said that in the first phase the police station in the Durgiana Temple complex would be shifted to Gole Bagh area where an underground parking and a shopping complex would be constructed. He added that the people had given their assent to the scheme. He said the trust would beautify the entire complex by providing green spaces and fountains. The chairman said the trust had undertaken an ambitious project for widening of the 40-foot road from Gheemandi Gate to the Golden Temple for the convenience of devotees. He said they had planned to make the road in the zero-encroachment area and had decided to accommodate the shopkeepers at a convenient place nearby. The work on the widening of the road would be started very soon. He said the entire scheme would be dedicated to the public by October 15. He added that the trust would provide roads, lighting system, sewerage and water supply and green area in the complex.
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New hip replacement surgeries for arthritis patients
Amandeep Hospital claims that it has become the first hospital in north India to offer Computer-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgeries to patients suffering from arthritis. Dr Avtar Singh, an ortho-surgeon who has done more than 1500 joint replacements during the last 15 years, says that during Computer-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgeries, a computer helps a surgeon to put the new joint in perfect alignment, thus eliminating mal-alignment which is prevalent in about 30 per cent cases done without this technique, thereby making it a totally error-free surgery.
Dr Avtar Singh said that with this procedure badly-deformed joints could also be replaced very precisely and accurately. The joints which were previously replaced with older technique and which gave trouble could also be set right using this technology. With increased life expectancy and sedentary lifestyle, more and more people were suffering from arthritis or joint pains. There were three major types of arthritis of joints — osteo arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis following an injury. Patients affected with arthritis suffered from pain in the affected joints. There were many effective treatments for arthritis. In most cases, persons with arthritis could continue to perform daily activities. Exercise, painkillers and weight-reduction for obese patient were common methods to reduce pain, according to experts. In persons with severe arthritis, joint replacement surgery provided dramatic pain relief and improves joint function. A total knee or hip replacement could usually enable a person with severe arthritis to walk without pain or stiffness. The doctor said that these days, joint replacement surgery had become a routine surgery. In the USA alone every year, more than six lakh such surgeries were performed. But the success rate following the old technique was only 70 per cent as far as long-term success of the joint replacement was concerned. The high-failure rate was the main reason for many people not opting for joint replacement despite being in very bad shape. The single most-important factor for failure of joint replacement was mal-alignment of implanted joints. “Even in the hands of very experienced surgeon, the failure due to mal-alignment is high because the surgeon is dependent on the instruments, and the instruments give you only a 2D idea and not the 3D picture. So there is always an element of doubt with old techniques,” explained Dr Avtar Singh.
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Shopkeepers urge govt to repeal Rent Act clause
The shopkeepers of the 40-year-old Bhullar Complex at the Lawrence Road have demanded from the Punjab Government that the clause 13-B of the Rent Act incorporated by the previous Badal government be repealed. They claim that the clause was added to “please and invite” the non-resident Indians (NRIs) to invest in the real estate. The shopkeepers of the Bhullar Complex, while talking to media persons, alleged that the proprietor of the market wanted to demolish the entire building and construct a shopping plaza. They alleged that the owner, who was an NRI, had been harassing them for the last about one year by unloading 30-40 trucks of sand in front of the shops (this sand was subsequently removed by the Municipal Corporation). They alleged that even the toilets provided according to the rent deed had been closed permanently by erecting brick walls. The shopkeepers said that clause 13-B clearly stated that those NRIs who wound up operations in foreign country and wanted to settle in India had the right to get their property vacated and the tenants had no right to plead. They alleged that the owner of the market was misusing the provisions of clause 13-B as he seldom came to India and that he and his family members were settled in Indonesia. The shopkeepers said they had been running their business from the rented shops for the last 40 years and had been paying rent to the owner on time. They alleged that only last year the rent of the shops had been increased by 125 per cent and some of the tenants had renovated the shops by spending their lifetime earnings. The shopkeepers warned that they would resort to hunger strike and would carry out rallies to protest if the government did not repeal the law. The owner of the complex, however, was not available for comment.
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Weekly Round-up
The PCMS Specialist Doctors’ Association, Punjab, has elected its state executive members for 2005-06. Dr Sham Lal Mahajan was elected as the president, while Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal, Dr Kamaljit Singh and Dr Dinesh Kumar were nominated as the senior vice-president, the vice-president and the general secretary, respectively. Dr Surjit Singh Chhina was elected the joint secretary, Dr Satya Kiran Kapoor the finance secretary, Dr B.S. Walia the media secretary and Dr Rajinder Singh Makhna the organising secretary. Besides, Dr Manjinder Singh Brar, Dr Vijay Sadana, Dr Jatinder Mehta and Dr O.P. Gupta were elected as members of the association. Mohalla Sudhar Mr Pritpal Singh (Raju) of Gali Murabba Wali was unanimously elected as the president of the newly-formed Mohalla Sudhar Committee. Other executive members included Mr Ajit Singh, patron; Mr Mahinder Singh, vice-president; Mr Manjinder Singh, general secretary; and Mr Gurdit Singh, secretary. During the meeting, the committee members expressed their concern at the pitiable condition of the area. Election Mr Goutam Sen Gupta and Mr Mohan Singh Sekhon have been elected as the general secretary and the secretary, respectively, of the All-India Punjab and Sind Bank Staff Organisation. Teachers’ Day Five teachers from Guru Harkrishan Senior Secondary Public School were honoured recently for meritorious services and for completing 20 years in the school. The teachers included Ms Amritpal Kaur, Ms Babbi Chawla, Ms Jagdip Sawhney, Ms Tejinder Uppal and Ms Gursharan. The function was presided over by eye specialist, Dr Ranvir Singh. Dr Ranvir Singh, while speaking on the occasion, appreciated the guidance provided by the former president of India, Dr S Radhakrishanan whose birth anniversary falls on the Teachers’ Day.
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Great
men have a vision that serves as a beacon of light for future
generations. Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia was one of them. It is indeed
the most befitting tribute to this “great son of the soil” who was
an inseparable link between Lahore and Amritsar (though the twin
cities were divided by the Radcliff Line 58 years ago) that Sardar
Dyal Singh College and Dyal Singh Library in Lahore still retain his
name! Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia Trust Library, Lahore, has been the
hub of Punjabi cultural and social activities.
Art knows no boundaries. This seems to be true in case of Bhupinder
Singh Nanda, 54, a teacher, who has carved a niche for himself by colouring his imagination on canvas. His paintings have fetched him name and fame at state and national levels.
Ever since his childhood, he had a fascination for colours. He felt that he
could use colours to express his feelings, his innermost thoughts.
