Bhala village, about 15 km from the international border, is steeped in history dating back to the Mughal times. But ignorance of villagers, coupled with government’s indifference, is playing havoc with the historical discoveries here, reports Varinder Walia

Even as Bhala village shot into limelight following the discovery of the four-century-old Mughal coinage during the digging of the ‘theh’ (mound formed by ruins of ancient town) there, no one from the Central or state government reached the site to supervise the levelling of the mound. The structure, made of Nanakshahi bricks, found during the digging operation may very well disappear by the time officials of the Archeology Department reach the historical village. Meanwhile, the levelling of the ancient hillock has been going on war footing, unmindful of its heritage value. Tractors can be seen ploughing the mound relentlessly.

The discovery of the coinage has proved beyond doubt that once upon a time a town existed on the bank of the Ravi River that used to pass through this site, which was once famous as the Goindwal-Srinagar route used by many Mughal kings. Villagers believe that the Ravi had changed its course with the passage of time. They say the fact is substantiated by the huge bed of sand that has been found during the digging of the area.

Till recently, the huge mound (that served as cremation ground for the villagers for many decades) could be preserved in its original shape as it was virtually an island with no passage. The mound was encircled by the land owned by farmers.

According to history enthusiasts, the discovery at the ‘theh’ is a rare treasure trove that can help archeologists gain insight into the Mughal coinage after deciphering inscription that mentions the name of Shah Jehan in Persian script on the coins. Shah Jehan, the “master builder”, had standardised the Mughal coinage.

The early years of Shah Jehan’s reign brought forth a large variety of coin designs, and these designs were standardised towards the later part of his reign. The coins minted by Shah Jehan were beautiful and elegant, while the coins minted during the reign of Shah Jehan’s predecessors lacked elegance.

Heritage lovers and archeologists say that the coins found in Bhala village reflect originality and innovative skills.

However, among the villagers there is a glaring lack of awareness about the historical significance of these coins. Earlier, the four labourers engaged in digging the mound had found 70 invaluable silver coins contained in an earthen pot. The labourers were put behind the bars on the charges that they had violated the Treasure Trove Act, 1878. The four labourers, who landed in trouble after finding the treasure trove, have been identified as Balbir Singh alias Bira, Dalbir Singh alias Bittu, Darbara Singh (all sons of Joginder Singh of Bhala village) and Jaimal Singh. Cases under Section 414 of the Indian Penal Code, and the Indian Treasure Trove Act were registered at the Rajasansi Police Station. The sarpanch of the village, Mr Ranjit Singh Bhala, alleged that the police had done injustice to the four labourers by arresting them, as the latter were not aware of the heritage value of the coins.

Without knowing the archeological value, the labourers had sold some of the invaluable coins at the rate of Rs 25 per coin to a local goldsmith and bought two bottles of country-made liquor. It was good luck that the information was leaked to the police, who raided the village and recovered the coins. The village sarpanch was instrumental in the recovery of the coins. He persuaded the labourers to produce themselves before the police on the solemn promise that no case would be framed against them. However, the police concocted the story that the labourers had been arrested from a police naka following a tip off, alleged the sarpanch.

An old woman of the village, Ms Balbir Kaur, said her village was ancient, and similar discoveries had been made by some persons in the past too. However, no one had ever deposited in the district treasury the coinage of the Mughal period, she added.

Furrowed mound: A tractor ploughs the historical ‘theh’ in Bhala village. — Photos by Rajiv Sharma

Sarpanch Ranjit Singh Bhala (right) shows a painting depicting Maharaja Ranjit Singh changing the village name from Bura to Bhala.

The Ajnala Road, leading to the International Rajasansi Airport, passes over the open Tung Dhab drain gives a wrong message to international tourists arriving here. It is also genetically damaging the people living on its banks.

The state government and the Municipal Corporation are still to wake out of their slumber to treat the polluted waters of Tung Dhab drain, which also passes through different parts of the holy city. The women of the adjoining area have suffered the most due to the presence the drain’s high bacteriological content, which had damaged their gene.

Mr P.S. Randhawa, General Secretary, Pollution Control Committee Amritsar (PCCA), had written to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh in January to make sure that the drain was included in the “River Ravi Action Plan.”

He wrote that Pakistan had on many an occasions pointed out at international fora that India was polluting the river Ravi through effluents from drains such as the one in Hudiara.

The Tung Dhab drain joins with Hudiara drain near the international border.

The PCCA General Secretary said that there were various small-scale industries, notably textile processing, woolen cloth dyeing, electroplating, iron foundries, pulp and paper mills in the area. The effluents of industries discharged wastes into the drains— the Gumtala drain ( which carries paper mill, and textile processing mill effluents) and the Verka drain (which carries milk plant, iron foundries and woolen dyeing mill effluents). These drains together fall into the Tung Dhab drain. The drain also receives sewage water from various localities of the city.

Spread over 30,000 sq mts, Mahal village is situated along the right bank of the drain and is inhabited by the people from low socio-economic strata.

Mr Randhawa said that a study conducted by the the Human Genetics Department, Guru Nanak Dev University showed that the drain carried largely untreated industrial effluents and sewage from various localities of the holy city. The water of Tung Dhab drain and groundwater of the village was found to be hard, more alkaline and had very high bacteriological contents and higher concentrations of heavy metals like chromium, phosphate, nickel and cadmium, and comparatively lower levels of zinc, magnesium and copper. The results indicated a DNA damage being caused by a chronic exposure to polluted water having heavy metals.

The residents of Mahal had much higher frequency of micro nucleated (MN) cells. A comparison was made between MN cell in different age groups of subjects and controls. There was nearly a linear increase in the MN frequency with increasing duration of stay in the village. Women with more than 10 years of stay in the village had significantly higher frequency than women with a shorter stay there.

Don’t laugh if you see someone walking with one foot on the footpath and the other on the road. Thanks to the Municipal Corporation, most footpaths have been gobbled up by installations and structures, not leaving space for even a single foot.

A High Court judgment in 1998 had barred even temporary encroachments on footpaths (structures were asked to stay at least 15-feet away from the road with the Corporation and the Improvement Trust as the implementing authorities.)

While rehris and khokas dot the city everywhere without any notice from the Municipal Corporation, waterfalls too have been erected on footpaths.

The Improvement Trust has constructed a set of air-conditioned toilets at the entry of a shopping plaza on the posh Lawrence Road. And not to be outdone, another toilet was constructed on the footpath outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office. This complex also houses the offices of the SSP and other senior officials.

Most of the footpaths have been encroached by huge pillars erected to support hoardings which itself is banned by a High Court order. Mr S.S. Sharma, a resident of the city, has taken up the matter and sent a letter to the mayor, Sunil Datti, and the Municipal Commissioner reminding them of the non-implementation of the court orders.

Also, there are many who feel that the continued lethargy of the authorities is going to cost the city dearly in the coming years when demolition will be the only alternative left.

The annual prize distribution function of Mahant Kaushal Das DAV Public School, Neshta, Attari, was organised on the school premises here. Mr D.R. Gupta, Director (Colleges), DAV College Managing Committee, New Delhi, was the chief guest on the occasion.

 A cultural programme was also organised by students who performed various items related to environment and other topical issues. The tiny tots of the school won the hearts of one and all by singing “Hum Nanhe Se Phool Hain”. They also sang patriotic songs, including “Sare Jahan Se Achchha Hindustan Hamaara”.

 Mr Gupta, while paying tribute to Mahant Kaushal Das, announced that Plus One would be started in the school from the next academic session. He said schools and colleges were the temples of learning from where children got education and became responsible citizens.

  Ms Sukhwant Kaur, Vice-Principal, read out the annual report of the achievements of the school.

The students who had achievements in the fields of education, culture and sports to their credit were awarded prizes on the occasion. Later, the students presented gidha and bhangra.

DAV institutions have become a role model for other educational institutions by giving quality education and developing the potential of students. Mr Sunil Datti, Mayor, said this on the prize distribution function of All India Mahatma Hans Raj Aryan Youth Festival (State level), which concluded at the BBK DAV College for Women here recently.

Results (in the order of winning):

Ved Mantra Gayan: DAV Public School, Amritsar; Dayanand Model Senior Sec School, Jalandhar; RB DAV Senior Sec Public School, Bathinda.

Light Vocal Solo: DAV Public School, Amritsar; Arya Senior Sec School, Nabha; SDKL DAV Public School, Mansa.

Devotional Bhajan/Shabad: DAV Senior Sec School and DAV Public School, Patiala; MKD DAV Public School, Attari; DAV Public School, Amritsar.

Patriotic Song: DAV Centenary Public School, Haripura; SDKL DAV Public School, Mansa; DAV Senior Sec School, Amritsar.

Welcome Song: Dayanand Model School, Jalandhar; DAV Public School, Ludhiana.

Classical Vocal Solo: DAV Senior Sec School, Amritsar; DAV Public School, Ludhiana; MKD DAV Public School, Attari and JNJ DAV Public School Gidderbaha.

Qawali: Police DAV Public School, Amritsar; DAV Senior Sec School, Amritsar; DAV International School, Amritsar.

Skit: LRS DAV Senior Sec Public School, Abohar; RB DAV Public School, Bathinda; DAV Public School, Mohali.

Quiz: LRS DAV Senior Sec Public School, Abohar; DRB DAV Centenary Public School, Batala; DAV Public School, Amritsar.

Debate (Hindi): RB DAV Senior Sec Public School, Bathinda and LIDG DAV Senior Sec Public School; DAV Public School, Mohali; GND DAV Public School, Ferozepur and Bhikhiwind.

Debate (English): DAV Public School, Ludhiana and LIDG DAV Senior Sec Public School, Jalalabad; DAV International School, Amritsar and DAV Public School, Ludhiana.

Declamation (English): Police DAV Public School, Jalandhar; DAV Public School, Ludhiana; SRT DAV Public School, Bilga.

Lecturers of the local DAV College presented a paper on “E-waste” during the 4th biennial conference of the Indian Association for Medical Informatics that concluded recently at the Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences, Vallah, about 10 km from here.

The paper, presented by Mr Sandeep Sharma, Mr Ranjit Singh and Manish Mehra, all lecturers of the college, focused on the problems of e-waste and its challenges to human health. It stated that following the explosion of information and communications technology (ICT), a new problem of electronic-waste (e-waste) had started plaguing the country. So, a comprehensive policy on the part of the government was needed.

“Electronic waste is inimical to environment. Huge volumes of highly-toxic technological waste like used-computer monitors, keyboards, cables, circuit boards and drives, cell phones, chips from computerised appliances of all kinds are being dumped across the world. Apart from these, household appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners, cellular phones, fluorescent lamp bulbs and personal stereos, plastic, steel castings, circuit boards, glass tubes, wires, resistors, capacitors and other assorted parts and materials are also included in electronic waste,” stated the paper.

The waste contains materials like lead, mercury, beryllium and cadmium. These materials, if not disposed of properly and allowed to blend with the environment, prove harmful to humans and animals. If not managed properly, the cleanup of these items in the environment could cost billions of dollars, the paper stressed. 

About 80 per cent of e-waste collected for recycling in the US is exported to developing nations. Realising the risks of heavy metals and other toxins, many developed nations were quick to place restrictions on the disposal of certain types of e-waste, elaborated the lecturers during the presentation.

“Recycling centres” have sprung up in developing nations to cater to the imported waste. In India too, famous cyber cities are gradually becoming cyber wastelands.  

According to the paper, the problem of e-waste in India is not due to dumping from households and business establishments, but due to import of these waste materials from developed countries for recycling. Moreover, the recycling is not done in an organised manner.

The lure of applause coupled with feelings of patriotism proved to be a turning point for Mr M.K. Pant gave up a lucrative job to perform magic.

Pant is in city to perform for the army’s VIIth Cavalry. He is a favorite among several defence units in Sikkim and Dehradun.

Leaving his job as an export executive in the Birla Group of Industries, Pant decided to take his coffee table tricks to defence personnel.

His most memorable performance was for the war weary army after Operation Parakaram at Dehradun.

The magician says his performances are mere “illusions”. He denied any use of hypnotism. “How aptly you hold the attention of the audience, how you guide their eyes and mind is the trick. The tough part is how smooth and clean your act is and that is the actual measure of your success. The more dramatic the stage presence, the more interest it creates.”

Pant said he has received 40 mementos from the defence personnel in appreciation of his art.

He enthralled crowds at the 25th anniversary of Kumaon Regiment at Uttranchal in September this year.

His  next stop is the 5th Airforce near Ludhiana.

In a career spanning 5 years, Pant has already performed for Assam Rifles, Grenadiers, Brigade of Guard Centre, Rajput Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Sikh Light Infantry, Corps of Signals Mechanised Regiment, Punjab Regiment, Himalayan Institute of Engineering, Rastriya India Military College, National Defence Academy, Armoured Corps.

Pant’s grooming came from world renowned magicians like S.D. Mukherjee and P. C. Sorcar, besides conjurors like Gogia Pasha. He joined the “All India Magic Circle” and then “The International Brotherhood of Magicians” to “entertain those whose unending tears could not be wiped with other than with a few moments of entertainment!”

His electrifying performances have been burning candles through arms, swords through necks, rising cards, pigeons through glasses, and proving antigravity. 

The SR Govt College for Women here has lifted the Guru Nanak Dev University Government Colleges Overall Zonal Youth Festival Trophy. NJSA Government College, Kapurthala, finished the runner-up, while Government College, Gurdaspur, stood third.

Chaudhary Jagjit Singh, Minister for Local Bodies, Punjab, presided over the valedictory function and gave prizes to the winners. He announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for the upgradation of the college.

Final Results:

Painting (Landscape) — SR Government College for Women, Amritsar

Painting (Still Life) — NJSA Government College, Kapurthala

Collage — SR Government College for Women, Amritsar

Sketching — NJSA Government College, Kapurthala

Cartooning — SR Government College, Amritsar

Clay modelling — SR Government College, Amritsar

Poster making — NJSA Government College, Kapurthala

Flower Arrangement (Fresh) — NJSA Government College, Kapurthala

Flower Arrangement (Dry) — NJSA, Government College, Kapurthala

Phulkari — NJSA Government College, Kapurthala

Rangoli — NJSA Government College, Kapurthala

Poetical symposium — NJSA Government College, Kapurthala

Elocution — Government College, Patti

Debate — Government College, Gurdaspur

Fancy Dress — SR Government College, Amritsar

Histrionics — SR Government College, Amritsar

Mimicry — SR Government College, Amritsar

Skit — SR Government College, Amritsar

Mime — SR Government College, Amritsar

One-Act Play — SR Government College, Amritsar

Classical Instrumental (Percussion) — Government College, Gurdaspur

Classical Instrumental (Non-Percussion) — SR Government College, Amritsar

Classical Vocal — SR Government College, Amritsar

Group Shabad/Bhajan — Government Arts and Sports College, Jalandhar

Group Song (Indian) — SR Government College, Amritsar

Vaar Singing — SR Government College, Amritsar

Folk orchestra — SR Government College, Amritsar

Giddha — SR Government College, Amritsar

Classical Dance — SR Government College, Amritsar

Shabad/Bhajan — SR Government College, Amritsar

Geet /Ghazal — SR Government College, Amritsar.

Sometimes adverse circumstances draw the best out of a person. It was a gruesome accident in 1996, in which Balbir Krishen lost both his legs, which gave an impetus to his creativity. He started expressing his feelings through the medium of painting using a ball pen.

The artist has been leading a reclusive life in a nondescript village near Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh since the accident. During a chance visit to Lucknow, Mr Yogendra Nath Yogi, former head of the Lalit Kala Academy, Uttar Pradesh, happened to see Balbir Krishen’s paintings. He not only appreciated the latter’s creations, but also sent his paintings to Mumbai.

Some so-called experts said that his paintings were computer graphics. Subsequently, they sent his paintings to a laboratory where it was duly proved that they were made using a ball pen.

A number of his paintings have found way to England. He says he does not know at what price they have been sold there, as his paintings were purchased by an agent based in Mumbai.

Balbir Krishen, along with two other painters, Dr Sabita Nag and Dr Sushma Roy, was here during the three-day exhibition held at the Indian Academy of Fine Arts.

Interestingly, his all seven paintings on display here were sold even before the formal inaugural of the exhibition in the evening of the first day. One of his paintings on Tsunami fetched him Rs 90,000. “Art is a cathartic experience,” he says.

Sabita Nag, Reader and Head of Department, Visual Art, Drawing and Painting, Raghunath Girls PG College, Meerut, had displayed eight of her paintings in the exhibition. Dr Sushma Roy’s paintings had household activities and spirituality as their themes.