R E G I O N A L   B R I E F S

PUNJAB

ABOHAR
Computer centre: The Commissioner, Mr Kulbir Singh Sidhu, on Thursday inaugurated a computer centre at the sub-divisional complex here.

Bathinda
School inaugurated: The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Rahul Bhandari, on Thursday inaugurated the building of the Government Elementary School at Kheta Singh Basti. The building has been constructed by the Ambuja Cement Foundation.

Book released: Punjabi writer, Prof Brahm Jagdish Singh, released a book on Punjabi poetry, “Sarap Mukt” written by Dr J.S. Anand at DAV College on Wednesday.

Jagraon
Death anniversary: Thousand of devotees from far off places gathered at Gurdwara Nanaksar, 5 km from here, to participate in the 43rd barsi of Baba Ishar Singh, a disciple of Baba Nand Singh. Baba Gurdev Singh from Chandigarh, Baba Sadhu Singh, Baba Ghala Singh, Baba Gurcharan Singh, Baba Lakha Singh, Baba Mangal Singh, Baba Geja Singh, Baba Gurbax Singh Nakodar, Baba Sukhdev Singh (Mandar Muher) were present on the occasion.

Ludhiana
Jor Mela on Oct 7: An annual jor mela would be held at Dera Baba Kehar Dass Kukranwale at Bhamian Khurd village near here on October 7, Friday, according to Mr Gurmail Singh Kamboj, one of the organisers. He said thousands of devotees were expected to throng the place which belongs to the five pirs. Several political and social personalities would also pay obeisance at the dera during the mela, he added.

Book exhibition: Sikh Book Centre located at Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle (GGSSC) will start its 33rd annual Sikh religious book exhibition from October 7 at the Central Hall of the study circle. The exhibition will be on till October 9. Mr Gurpinder Singh, General Manager of GGSSC, said besides exhibition of religious books, several competitions like gurmat kavi darbar will be held. He said the aim was to encourage people to get connected with religious literature.

PATIALA
Awareness camp: An awareness camp on TB was held by the Health Department here in collaboration with the IMA, Patiala, in which about 500 persons were examined. The camp was also attended by Dr O.P.S. Kande, Patron, IMA, Punjab, Dr Jagbir Singh, President, IMA, Patiala, Dr V.S. Mohi, Civil Surgeon, Patiala, and Dr Bhupinder Singh D.T.O, Patiala, among others, according to a press note issued here today.

Samrala
Camp organised: The Veterinary Department's women empowerment campaign is running smoothly in Punjab, said Mr Ashok Sharma, president of the Punjab Veterinary Officers Association, here on Thursday. A camp was organised at Sihala village, 5 km from here, in which 78 women of nearby villages participated. The camp was inaugurated by Dr B.N. Sharma, Senior Veterinary Officer. Various experts, including Dr Baldev Raj Chaudhry, Deputy Directory, Dairy Department, Dr Ashok Sharma, Veterinary Officer, Dr Deepak Jangra, Dr Ravinder Paul Singh, Dr Raj Paul Jindal and Dr Harminder Paul, spoke on different topics.

CHANDIGARH

Tech fest: A two-day technical festival concluded at the Chitkara Institute of Engineering and Technology (CIET) on Friday. The focus of the Fest was to integrate the technical minds of students of various disciplines on one common platform. The students of all four technical streams of CIET: Bits and Bytes for computers, e-buzz for electronics, elecrama for electrical and mechqe genie for mechanical organised the technical events. 

Taken over: Prof Shashi K. Sharma has taken over as Chairperson of Department of Laws for the period of three years from October 2005. Dr Shashi K. Sharma is also a Dean Foreign Students at Panjab University campus. 

Camp: The Indian Medical Association, in collaboration with the Sri Sathya Trust, organised a cardiovascular check up camp at Sri Sathya Sai Old Age Home in Sector 30 here on Wednesday. Various doctors from the PGI and GMCH conducted the camp. Dr Thakur from Department of Community Medicine, PGI, counseled the inmates of the home about the life-style leading to heart problems. Dr Ramneek Sharma, Secretary of the IMA, gave details about the healthy heart action project. Earlier, Mr A.K.Ummat, convener of Sri Sathya Sai Trust, urged the doctors to provide adequate medical facilities to the inmates of the old age home. 

HIMACHAL PRADESH

Dharamsala
Dental camp: As many as 400 persons were examined and 189 persons were given treatment by a team of dentists from Australia at a dental check-up camp on Thursday at Middle School, Dhar. The camp was organised by the Rotary Club and the Dental Hospital.

KANGRA
Water tariff: The Senior Citizens’ Forum in a meeting on Thursday demanded withdrawal of the increase in water tariff.

KUMARHATTI
Girl kidnapped: A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped from her home at Ber village on Tuesday. Her father, Mr Man Singh, has named Neeraj Kumar and Sunil Kumar of Donsi village as the accused. A case has been registered. The police has arrested Sunil Kumar.

Shimla
Parking fee: The Talland Citizens’ Forum has demanded withdrawal of the decision of the PWD to impose parking fee of Rs 500 per month for parking vehicles along the road side.

SOLAN
Wildlife week: The Forest Department organised a quiz competition, a declamation contest and a painting competition as part of its Wildlife Week celebrations here on Thursday.