 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Effigies of evil go up
in flames
Ludhiana, October 2 In the oldest Dasehra ground at Daresi, people of walled city as well as from the outer parts flocked to see the oft-repeated triumph of goodness over evil. The 65-foot-effigy of Ravana, the tallest one in the city, went up in flames with the help of a remote control device. The function was arranged by the Shri Ram Lila Committee with the support of many other organisations. Special programmes were organised at the Dasehra and Ram Lila grounds in the city. As many as 50 Ravanas were put up in different parts of the city. Prominent among these was the Dasehra organised by the Durga Mandir Committee, Dugri Road. In all the functions, some political figure or bureaucrat took the final shot at Ravana. Urban State Ramlila Dasehra Committee had also organised a huge mela and put up effigies. Navjawan Dusherra Mahotsav Committee had arranged a mela near Civil Hospital while residents of BRS Nagar witnessed Dasehra organised by BRS Nagar Welfare Society Trust. The residents of Aggar Nagar also participated in a colourful Dasehra put up by Aggar Nagar Welfare Society. Upkar Nagar Dasehra Committee, Focal Point, Dasehra Committee in Jamalpur, Shri Hariom Mandir Committee in Moti Nagar and Durga Mandir Committee in Sarabha Nagar had put up effigies and arranged melas. All Dasehra grounds had a lot of stalls selling eatables, bows and arrows, colourful toys, calendars and other knick knacks associated with Dasehra. While thousands celebrated Dasehra by setting fire to the effigies, some people objected to the celebrations. Right from the morning, some people sent sms saying that Ravana should not be demonised. One sms even said that Ravana may have abducted Sita, but he never forced his will upon her, which he could have done conveniently. It said he only wanted to avenge the cutting of the nose of his sister by Laxman. The message added that Ravana was a learned pandit and should be respected. Mandi Ahmedgarh: The town and surrounding villages today boomed with the sound of exploding crackers marking the conquest of good over evil. Effigies were burnt at MGMN Senior Secondary School and Grain Market here, and at Dehlon, Payal, Raikot, Malaudh, Kup and Barundi villages. In the evening, the roads were full of people making their way to these venues. The roads leading to the venues were lined with vendors selling bows and arrows and other items. The function organised by the Trimurti Ram Lila Committee at Grain Market was presided over by Ms Razia Sultana, MLA, Malerkotla. Mr Mohammad Mustafa, ADGP, was the chief guest. Mr Parminder Goga of the BJP presided over the function at MGMN Senior Secondary School. The Ram Lila and Dasehra Committee and Punjab Mahavir Dal led by Mr Bimal Sharma organised a wrestling competition on the occasion. Various episodes of the Ramayana were enacted at the MGMN Senior Secondary School and the Grain Market yesterday night. The Sanatan Dharam Bhartya Mahavir Dal led by Mr Bimal Sharma and the Trimurti Kala Manch led by Mr Raj Pal Garg organised the events at these places, respectively. The organisers also arranged processions and parbhat pheris in the town.
|
|
Agitated motorist shoots groom’s relative
Raikot, October 2 The main accused who was later beaten up by the crowd was admitted to a private hospital in Ludhiana. The police has registered a case under Sections 302 and 307, IPC, against the father and son. Dalbir Singh, son of Lal Singh, and his son Gurbinder Singh, alias Gogi, were booked for allegedly murdering Amandeep Singh Ghuman, son of Malwinder Singh Ghuman, of Ghuman village. According to SSP Jagraon R.K. Jaiswal, Amandeep was shot by Dalbir Singh around 8 pm yesterday when the latter had to wait to get passage for his car, as vehicles accompanying the marriage party had blocked the street. Referring to information provided by DSP Raikot Gurtejinder Singh, Mr Jaiswal said the deceased was shot in the head and succumbed to his injuries at Arora Neuro Centre in Ludhiana this morning. The deceased was accompanying the marriage party of Navdeep Singh, son of Harinderjit Singh, of Andloo village when he was attacked by the accused. In a complaint lodged with the police, Gurpreet Singh, brother of the groom, alleged that Dalbir Singh and Gurbinder Singh had an old enmity with his family. “The accused were unhappy with our prosperity and wanted to settle a score with us. Unable to bear the marriage of my brother to a reputed family, they attacked us and opened fire without any provocation,” Gurpreet reportedly told SHO Raikot Dharam Pal, the Investigation Officer. Dalbir Singh was also reportedly beaten up by an irate mob present on the scene. He was later admitted to the DMC, Ludhiana. No arrest has been made so far.
|
|
Gandhigiri going places,
Ludhiana, October 2 But this year, things are looking different as the younger generation as well as the common people who had thought him to be a rusty old man with outdated ideas have suddenly found him relevant. The interest in Gandhiji’s principles and teachings has been revived thanks to the movie ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’. There are editorials in newspapers and public debates on television to find out how relevant are the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi today. Suddenly, there is a spurt of interest in his life. The sale of his autobiography ‘My Experiments with Truth’ has picked up dramatically and people are finding his story very fascinating. Ludhiana Tribune spoke to a cross section of people to find out the relevance of Gandhiji. Raju, a college student said, “The movie ‘Lage raho Munna bhai’ made us see Gandhiji in a different light. Some incidents of the film do tell us that life could be simplified if we follow his advice like having the courage to speak the truth. It is hard to be truthful when people all around are thriving on lies but there is a challenge to make our own path different from others and we may succeed.” Rajni, a journalist, when asked if Gandhi has touched her life in anyway said, “After watching ‘Lage Raho Munna bhai’, my opinions about Gandhiji changed. But his ideas cannot be of great use. As a journalist, I have seen how brutally people are treated by the police when they are staging peaceful dharnas. Terrorists are killing innocent people every day. Will such kind of people be moved by the ideals of Gandhiji? I do not think so.” Madhu, a Class XII student, also thinks that young people have to end corruption and free the country from the great mess it is in. For that if they follow the teachings of Gandhiji, they can bring some improvement in the country. She adds, “My grandfather had attended a few meetings of Gandhiji. He always has followed his ideals. Now I do realise that he has been practicing Gandhiji’s theories and is definitely more peaceful. He is happy that we are seeing Gandhi in new light now.” Whether the interest in Gandhiji lasts or not has to be seen. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to South Africa at this time has come as a shot in the arm to revive interest in Gandhi. ‘Viva le Gandhi.’
|
|
|
‘Make Gandhi, Shastri your role models’
Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 2 Addressing students at functions held in their respective schools, Ms Kamla Devi Sharma, director, Sanatan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Mr Pardeep Sharda, principal, MGMN Senior Secondary School, Ms Bhupinder Kaur, principal, Guru Nanak Kanya Mahavidylaya and Ms Kusumlata Mediretta, principal, Dyanand Adarsh Vidyalya recalled the contribution of these two leaders in the freedom struggle. Students of Sanatan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School participated in a quiz contest on the lives of the two leaders. Similar functions were organised at Janta College for Women, Kennedy Public School, Jain Muni Kundan Mahavidyalya and Kartar Singh Dukki Government Senior Secondary School, Latala.
— OC
|
|
Liquor vends do brisk business
Ludhiana, October 2 Liquor shops in almost all parts of the city remained open till midnight and even later than that and many people were seen buying bottles till the last minute. A Tribune team conducted a quick survey last night only to find that the vends were open and well illuminated to attract even more customers. A number of vends sold liquor in Dugri, Sarabha Nagar, BRS Nagar, Kochar Market and many other parts of the city. However, many were shocked and sad when they saw banners on liquor shops that read, ‘‘Vend would remain closed on October 2 in view of Dasehra’’ . ‘‘It is unfortunate that people do not know why the nation kept liquor vends shut on October 2. Nobody, including officials of the Excise Department, raised an objection to the banners which were displayed on almost all liquor shops, ’’ said a resident. The shopkeepers were only too happy to enjoy last minute sales. ‘‘We knew people would keep coming. They saw the closure notice for today and specially came in to make purchases,’’ said Kimti Lal, a worker, who was paid overtime by his owner to work at night. In some interior areas, shops were kept open throughout the day today. At other places, liquor was being sold clandestinely, especially in the villages. A small window was being used to hand over bottles although the shutters were downed to hoodwink excise officials. An altercation broke out between residents of Saroop Nagar and workers of a liquor vend as the former wanted the shop closed on Gandhi Jayanti. A team of cops finally intervened and got the vend closed for the day. ‘‘We were pained to see the vend owners not respect the sentiment of the Father of nation who was against liquor. But we will not allow anyone to disrespect Bapu, ’’ said Avtar Singh, a resident.
|
|||||
|
|
Rs 991 crore project for
Ludhiana, October 2 Stating this at a public grievances redressal function at Amarpura here yesterday, Mr Surinder Dawar, Parliamentary Secretary, Power, Employment and Labour, Punjab, claimed that unprecedented development had taken place in the state during the last four-and-a- half- years of Congress rule. During the current financial year alone, the government had released funds to the tune of Rs 9000 crore for completion of various projects and implementation of several welfare schemes. According to Mr Dawar, till date, the state government had approved 235 major development projects, entailing an expenditure of a staggering Rs 80,000 crore, which, when completed, would provide employment to around 16 lakh persons. The government had spent Rs 1154 crore on different welfare schemes for the weaker sections and a special fund of Rs 450 crore had been created to ensure timely disbursement of old age, widow and disablement pension to some 11 lakh beneficiaries. Focusing on the development works undertaken in Ludhiana east assembly segment, represented by him, Mr Dawar maintained that so far projects worth Rs 100 crore had been completed in the area and work had been taken in hand under 'Punjab Nirman' programme on some more development works estimated to cost Rs 6 crore. Among others Mr Dimple Rana, president, District Youth Congress, Mr Rakesh Parashar, councillor, and Mr Ashok Parashar Pappi, secretary, PPCC, were also present at the occasion.
|
|
Thousands immerse Sanjhi in canal
Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 2 The devotees, including men and women, from both agrarian and urban society started converging on the Jandali and Jagera bridges over the canal, near here, around 4 am today. Some enthusiastic groups reached the destination dancing to the beats of the drum. While people from less prosperous families carried the material to be immersed on their heads, others came on two and four-wheelers. Interestingly, a majority of the devotees were unaware of the relevance of immersing Sanjhi in water bodies. Even doctors, advocates and teachers were seen performing the ritual of lighting the diya and immersing it along with cow-dung and clay models in the canal. Justifying the ceremony, many of them said the pollution caused by religious ceremonies was nothing in comparison to what industrial units caused. “We do not find anything wrong with the immersion of a handful of clay once a year. After all, the tradition has been to promote art and preserve cultural heritage,” argued Dharam Pal Sharma. Another devotee Khem Singh said increase in population and deviation from joint family norm had aggravated the problem. “Earlier, residents of a locality used to gather at a common place and worship
Sanjhi. Preparation of different components promoted art of clay modelling also. But now people buy readymade Sanjhi from the market and install it at their own houses,” explained Mr Singh. However, the occasion was transformed into a fair. Farmers and vendors made frisk business by selling sugarcane and toys.
|
|
|
More travel concessions sought for elderly
Ludhiana, October 2 The programme was organised under the aegis of AISCO vice-president Suresh Verma and saw the participation of members of the organisation. The day coincides with the Voluntary Blood Donation Day. Dr S.K. Thaman, therapist and AISCO organising secretary, urged NGOs to come forward and donate blood voluntarily to serve the mankind. Mr Verma asked the government to celebrate the World Elders Day as Grandfathers’ Day/Senior Citizens’ Day. He said there was a need to have a debate on the welfare schemes of elderly people. It should include maintenance, care and health. A Bill should be introduced in Parliament to this effect, he suggested. Dr Mahesh Ludhianavi, a journalist, urged the railways to give 60 per cent concession to senior citizens/elderly, instead of the current 30 per cent, in all trains. Vacant seats on the spot should also be allotted to senior citizens. Various resolutions were passed on the occasion. They sought the utilisation of services of elderly in government panels. Also, there was a need to organise seminars/lecturers at various functions to be addressed by elderly to help youngsters shun clash and hatred. They sought 30 per cent discount in tickets on all Indian flights to elderly who wished to see their children in foreign countries. They also felt the need to allow free travel in railways/roadways to the elderly on Sundays and holidays. They sought grant of necessary food products to senior citizens at controlled rates; 50 per cent discount to elderly in medical treatment in all hospitals; and free medical claim policies to senior citizens.
|
|
Police to act tough with agitators
Ludhiana, October 2 The city police is in no mood to evolve some mechanism so that the demonstrations and protests can be carried out peacefully. In fact, the police seem to be in mood for stronger measures to take on protests. This came to notice at a press conference organised by the police. In response to a question posed to DIG Parag Jain, SP City-I Rakesh Aggarwal said the police will not allow any persons to disturb the law and order problem and to disrupt any government or private function. He was referring to the group of newly recruited pharmacists, who were forcibly removed from Bharat Nagar Chowk yesterday when they were protesting for their non-appointment till date. He said such demonstrations and protests were illegal as the agitationists had no right to disrupt some one else's function, which in this case was a ‘Blood Donation function’. He said the police was following the laid down procedure by first warning the protesters and then use force. ‘‘ So far, we haven't used much
force. Next time we would,’’ he said. Earlier also, the police had accused the veterinary doctors and students of attempt to disrupt the function of the Chief Minister at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). DIG Parag Jain opined that the police does not want to interfere with the democratic right of the protesting groups or unions. But at the same the protesters cannot be allowed to hold the city on
ransom.
|
|
|
Hang Afzal, says ATF
Ludhiana, October 2 In a communication to the President of India and the Prime Minister, Mr Yogesh Diwan, state general secretary, and Mr Anil Sharma, district president of the body, observed that the verdict of the judiciary had been widely hailed by the majority of the people, who wanted law and order to prevail in India, whereas certain elements were illogically trying to justify clemency to the condemned terrorist, saying it would be in the best interest of the nation. The front functionaries maintained that those pleading for clemency to Afzal were of the misplaced opinion that his execution would cast a shadow over the ongoing peace parleys with Pakistan. "Does it mean that we shall have to first prove ourselves as cowards to win peace with our neighbouring country," they asked. According to
ATF, India had been the worst sufferer of terrorism. The country had lost thousands of human lives to the scourge of terrorism. "The violent attacks by terrorists are eating out the vital resources of our country. Acts of terrorism at
Malegaon, Mumbai, Varanasi and Delhi in the recent past have taken a heavy toll of life and property." The communication stressed that in the prevailing circumstances, it was the moral and constitutional duty of the government to ensure that every single person, proved guilty of terrorist violence in any part of the country, was punished as per the law without any further question, which might undermine the judicial system. Strongly opposing any clemency for the terrorist, the front leaders remarked that if Afzal Guru was pardoned or even allowed to live for some extra time due to loopholes of our system, it would send signals of weakness all around the globe. "Any delay in execution of the convicted militant will not only demoralise our security forces and at the same time if the government started taking into consideration any regional or religious reservations, no terrorist will ever be punished." Mr Diwan and Mr Sharma made a fervent plea not to accept the clemency petition of Afzal since it would be tantamount to denial of justice to the kin of the victims of attack on Parliament House.
|
|
|
"Congress will win on basis of development works"
Amloh, October 2 Eleven persons who decided to say good bye to SAD and join the Congress, included members of the panchayat Harnek Singh, Avtar Singh, Jagtar Singh, Darshan Singh, Jeet Singh, Avtar Singh, president co-operative society, Kuldeep Singh Rehal, Darshan Singh Rehal, Dr Rajinder Singh, Bharpoor Singh Rehal and Gurmail Singh Mararu. They were honoured with siropas. The Congress will win the elections on the basis of development, asserted Mr Dharamsot. Zila parishad chairman Pakhar Singh Salana, state secretary of Congress Dr Swatantar Karkara, Block chief Pakhar Singh Salana, PPCC member Gurdev Singh Janjua, chairman, market committee, Partap Singh, Arhatia Association chief councillor Jiwan Puri, media in-charge Pargat Singh Anian and local village sarpanch Tilakraj Sharma spoke on the occasion.
|
|
BJP's candidate for polls ruffles feathers
Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 2 While the BJP leaders unanimously adopted him as candidate, irrespective of the party's decision, the SAD leadership was divided over the issue. Activists and office bearers of the local unit of the BJP led by Mr Ramesh Ghai, president, and Mr Sita Gogna, president of the Bhartiya Yuva Morcha, vowed whole hearted support for Mr Goga irrespective of the decision to be taken by apex leaders of the BJP and the SAD. "As we have been supporting the SAD candidates for all these terms, it is our turn to launch a candidate. Though senior leaders in the party assured an alliance ticket for Goga, we vow to fetch victory for him irrespective of the final decision," said Mr Ghaie and Mr Gogna, while addressing the meeting. The SAD leaders were, however, divided on the issue. Claiming unanimity among constituents of the party, Dr Kuldeep Singh Bhullar, a senior functionary of the SAD, declared that the local unit would leave no stone unturned in supporting Mr Goga.
|
|
35 families get one-month ration
Amloh, October 2 Civil Surgeon M.S. Sidhu was the chief guest and the function was presided over by Surinder Khanna, chairman Khanna Vikas Club. Manch chairman Som Nath Lutawa welcomed the guests. Manohar Lal Verma supervised the arrangements, while Ram Lubhaya read out the annual report of the manch. He said the manch had organised medical camps and adopted poor families. Thirty-five families were given one-month ration and other goods today, the report stated. The People’s Theater staged a play on female foeticide. DEO Ropar Roshan Lal Sood was honoured on the occasion. Mr Sidhu was critical of the working of hospitals. He said he had taken action against two nursing homes running ultrasound facility for illegal purposes in the district. SGPC member Ravinder Singh Khalsa, SAD district vice-president Brij Lal Sharma and sarpanch Paramjeet Singh Khaniana appealed to people to create awareness on social evils.
|
|
Website for retired Sikhs
Ludhiana, October 2 “The aim is to help those in the community put their experience gained in a lifetime to use and earn money,” said a press note issued here today. All retired Sikhs, who come from professions like defence, banking, teaching, engineering, law, business, etc. can register with the website for free by filling out a form, the press note stated. It added that the profile of the registrant would be added to the website database. Using the database, employers such as NGOs, companies and placement consultants could search and find suitable people for different jobs. “While prospective employers will find mature talent at an economical rate, those who are retired will find jobs of their taste.” A “Discussion Corner” is also a part of the website, which lets the members discuss various issues pertaining to their life and society, helping them to communicate their thoughts to each other.
|
|
LSE Securities appoints member directors
Ludhiana, October 2 Five public representatives — Dr M.A. Zahir, Ashwani Kumar, P.C. Garg, Ajay Chaudhry and Vinay Shrivastava — have been appointed to the board of the company. At the seventh annual general meeting of the company held in Chandigarh last week, the general house also approved a dividend of 5 per cent for the financial year 2005-06. The house approved and adopted the audited balance sheet and profit and loss account along with the Auditor’s report and Director’s report for the year ended March 31, 2006. Public representative and chairman of the Audit Committee of the company Ajay Chaudhry, who chaired the meeting, said the LSE Securities recorded an income of Rs 420.45 lakh in 2005-06 in comparison to Rs 394.61 lakh during the previous year and registered an increase in accumulated profits from Rs 67.43 lakh to Rs 132.92 lakh. He said the company was directly settling funds and security obligations of the clients registered with it after the implementation of SEBI (Stock Brokers and Sub Brokers Amendment) Regulations, 2003. M/s Anoop K. Goel and Company were appointed statutory auditors for the next financial year.
|
|
RSS celebrates foundation day
Ludhiana, October 2 Earlier, addressing the volunteers, RSS leaders emphasised the need for imbibing nationalistic and patriotic spirit. They observed that certain forces within and outside the country were bent on creating a sense of insecurity among people. The RSS leaders called upon the government to ensure that terrorism was tackled with an iron hand. They said terrorism was the biggest threat that the country was facing today. They recalled the sacrifices of RSS volunteers in safeguarding the unity and integrity of the country.
|
|
Centre has ignored Punjab, says Beopar Mandal
Ludhiana, October 2 Mr Jaitwani said, in a statement, here, the farmers of Punjab and the small scale industrialists and traders were expecting the Prime Minister to make some announcement for relief to them during his visit to Punjab on September 27 and 28. The latest decision of the Cabinet to grant relief to four states and ignore Punjab has come as a shock to the people of Punjab. This clearly showed the bias of the Central government against Punjab, he said.
|
|
Collections launched
Ludhiana, October 2 Abhishek Dutta (Kolkata), winner of Smirnoff International Fashion Award and award-winning student of Wigan and Leigh
College (UK), also displayed his creations.
|
|||
|
Showroom inaugurated
Ludhiana, October 2 “This is the third Arena showroom in Punjab, while there are around 45 such across the India,” a company spokesperson said.
|
|||
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
