Beekeeping training course concludes at PAU
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 28
A 10-day ‘beekeeping training course’ for farmers and farm women was organised at PAU, here by the Directorate of Extension Education, PAU, in collaboration with the Department of Entomology, PAU, concluded on October 27,2005. As many as 42 trainees from different districts acquired training.

The concluding ceremony was presided over by Dr Gurdev Singh Deol, Head of Department of Entomology. During his presidential address, Dr Deol asked the trainees to follow the PAU recommendations and not to be swayed by unsustained claims by private firms and for any technical advice, they should contact PAU experts.

He ensured all technical help to the trainees even in future and inspired beekeepers to read PAU literature.

According to Dr Deol, farmers of the state are showing a lot of enthusiasm and interest in the PAU beekeeping courses. Dr Deol distributed the certificates among the trainees. The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr Pardeep Kumar Chhuneja. According to Dr G.S. Gatoria, the technical coordinator, the trainees were given training on various aspects of beekeeping, including starting beekeeping; apicultural equipment and machinery; seasonal bee management practices; management of bee enemies and diseases; swarming, robbing and queenlessness problems and their remedies; queen bee rearing; honey extraction, processing, packing, quality, AGMARK and marketing; collection of other bee products viz bee wax, royal jelly, pollen and propolis; and loan facilities to beekeepers from banks.

Besides, the trainees were also taken on a tour to progressive beekeepers, and to hives and apicultural equipment manufacturing industry and to honey trading and exporting entrepreneurs. The function was also attended by Dr Kartar Singh Brar, unit in charge (useful insects) and Dr Amrik Singh Sohi, president (PAUTA). Ms Paramjit Kaur Pandher, the in charge for the course was also present. Mr Jaspal Singh, Asstt, Entomologist presented the vote of thanks. PAU is also organising an advance course on mass queen bee Rearing Techniques will also be organised in November 2005 for the progressive Beekeepers of the state. Besides, another refresher beekeeping training course was also being organised for agriculture extension scientists and officers of the state during November 2005, with the aim of speedy and immediate needed help, guidance and information to the beekeepers at their nearest possible. 

PAU youth festival from Nov 10
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 28
The annual youth festival of the PAU will be held from November 10 to 18. It was decided at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Dr Lall Singh Brar, Director, Students Welfare, PAU.

Dr Brar said the festival would start with a debate and declamation contest in the Students’ Home on November 10.

On-the-spot painting and carton-making competitions would be held on November 11, whereas the competitions for poster and collage making would be held on November 12 and clay modeling, poetic recitation and humour competitions on November 13.

Mr Manjit Singh Grewal, secretary, Dance, Drama and Music Club, said the festival would be inaugurated by Dr K.S. Aulakh on November 16 in the open air theatre. It would be started with folk songs, while the competitions for “shabad gayan” and plays would be held on November 18.

All five colleges of the university — the College of Agriculture, the College of Agricultural Engineering, the College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, the College of Home Science and the College of Veterinary Science — would participate.

Teachers’ union elections
Our Correspondent

Mandi Gobindgarh, October 28
The following were elected block presidents of the Government Teachers Union here today. Sirhind block (I) — Mr Tejinder Singh of high school, Sadhugarh; Sirhind block (2) — Mr Jarnail Singh Tooran of elementary school, Kumbhra; Sirhind block (3) — Mr Karnail Singh of high school, Warraichan; Bassi block (I) — Mr Gurjeet Singh of senior secondary school, Badali Alla Singh; Bassi block (2) — Mr Gurmail Singh of high school, Baag Sekandar; and Khamano block — Mr Jasbir Singh of high school, Sanghal.

The presidents will further nominate office-bearers of their respective block committees.

Mr Balvir Singh Ghuman, district president of the union, said 23 delegates of the union from Punjab would participate in the All-India School Teachers Federation’s convention on December 16 and 17 at Hyderabad.

From Schools and Colleges
Rally for quiet Divali
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, October 28
Sanatan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School and Sanatan High School, Deep Nagar, organised an anti-cracker and anti-pollution rally to make the people aware about the harmful effects of crackers, under the leadership of Mr Mangat Rai Sharma (Director Sports) and D.P.E. Amandeep. The rally was flagged off by members of managing committee. 350 students of Classes VII to XII participated in this rally.

Divali celebrations: Diwali celebrations were on in Holly Hock Nursery School here on Friday with great zeal and enthusiansam. All children actively participated and dressed up as different characters from Ramayana. Most of them were dressed up as Lord Rama , Sita and Hanuman.

GNPS students say no to crackers: Under the able guidance and inspiration of Mr R.S. Gill, Principal, Guru Nanak Public School, the students took a pledge that they would not burst crackers on Divali so that the environment may be protected from further deterioration. They promised that they would make all efforts to spread awareness among others about the harmful effects of the poisonous gases which caused diseases.

Exhibition-cum-sale: An exhibition-cum-sale was organised by the NSS volunteers of Government College for Women here today. The exhibition was a feast for the eyes with candles, ethnic ‘diyas’, invitation cards and other articles made by the volunteers an display.

Students visit old-age home: Students of GGNIMT decided to celebrate this year’s Divali with the elderly at Swami Vivekanand Vridha Ashram here today. The management, staff and students of GGNIMT conveyed their regards to elderly by visiting and interacting with them. This interaction helped the students to understand concerns and feelings of the aged.

The elderly blessed the students and expressed the hope that they would respect and take care of the senior citizens.