Jalandhar, November 22
They had wished for roads to be carpeted ever since the New Dashmesh Nagar colony near Rama Mandi came into existence nearly two decades ago and despite tall claims made by candidates contesting for assembly seat or representing the ward (now number 11), nothing materialised.

When nobody took notice of their needs, the residents of the colony took it on themselves to go past their worries.

They prepared an estimate for 415 feet long road that they wanted to construct in an area of 6400 sq feet.

The estimate came close to Rs 2.5 lakh. The residents started contributing money on voluntary basis and managed to reach the target.

As many as 30 residents, including Col B.S. Bharj, chairman of the development committee of the colony, S.S. Saroya, president, DSP Lakha Singh, secretary, and other members, most of whom have retired from the Army or police, contributed generously.

A resident of the colony while talking to The Tribune , S.S. Sangha, said, “We did not force anyone to contribute. People donated any amount on their own even up to Rs 10,000.

They were all fed up with the system and felt like accomplishing the task on their own. They are taking keen interest in the project and want it to be done nicely as they are shelling out money from their own pockets.”

The construction of road began this morning. Councillor of the ward, Balbir Singh, made it to the event and appreciated the efforts of the residents.

Phagwara, November 22
With an aim to create awareness for energy efficiency, its conservation and use of renewable energy among masses, the Punjab Energy Development Agency has planned to set up Energy Information Centres (EIC) in the state.

The centres would impart knowledge about techniques for energy conservation and use of renewable energy to the visitors.

Even institutions and industry can take advice from these centres for implementation of energy efficiency measures.

Under the co-operation programme between the government of India’s ministry of power, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Agency for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME), France, a French delegation from ADEME and IDEMU led by Boudard Alain, visited different renewable energy installations and energy parks.

Interacting with college and school students yesterday at Palahai village near Phagwara, Alain asked students to help PEDA in establishing these centres.

The centres would also have IT based tools for explanation of various renewable energy systems, investments, economic analysis and contacts of manufacturers and service companies.

The French delegation met today Punjab minister for science, technology and environment

Bikram Singh Majithia and discussed EIC activities in France and how similar models can be developed in the state.

The minister asked PEDA officers to prepare proposals in consultation with ADEME and BEE, government of India to establish Energy Information Centers in Punjab .

Meanwhile, PEDA chief executive T.P.S.Sidhu informed that the action plan has been made to finalise the development of first Information Centre in the state within six months.

Besides, ADEME would also support Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency to develop similar EICs in their state.

Phagwara, November 22
Irregular power and water supply is causing inconvenience to hundreds of devotees taking part in the nagar kirtans organised in the run up to the forthcoming birth anniversary of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev.

Unannounced power cuts have been imposed as many as four times and drinking water facility is also not available during these cuts, allege residents. Devotees rue that water is not available for spraying it on roads while this is also causing inconvenience in providing drinking water in langars and Chabeels at several places.

Devotees are making alternative arrangements on their own by bringing water supply tankers from private companies.

Nagar Kirtan led by panj piaras was taken out from Gurdwara Nimmawala passed through Ramgarhia Gurdwara road, Gaushala Bazar, Sarai Road, Bazar Bansan Wala, Mahabir Bazar, Mandi Road, Railway Road and GT Road before concluding at the same venue.

Jalandhar, November 22
They may be young in age but are blessed with a mature head. While many in their age group are still looking for a right career option, they have decided to fight life’s battles on their own.

Childhood chums, college mates and roomies Pawan Kumar and Keshav Mehta, both students of Bachelor in Hotel Management and Hospitality at CT Institutes, love to shoulder their responsibilities and have made it a point to be self-reliant. Working at Pizza Hut, the duo takes order as well as serves clients.

They are not alone. Brothers Riju Vashisht and Rishabh Vashisht are also in the league.

They are working as mould makers with a plastics company at Rama Mandi here. Riju is a first year student of BCA, while Rishabh is continuing with studies of BBA first year.

Managing work with their studies, despite the fact that they hardly get any time to freak out with their friends, is something these guys are proud of.

After spending six to seven hours in the college, they go for their respective jobs and remain at their workplaces past midnight.

Talking about their routine, Pathankot-based Pawan and Keshav said, “We get up at 7 am and get ready for the college that starts at 9:30 am. We attend our classes which involve a lot of practical work till 4:30 pm. We have to make it to Pizza Hut by 7 pm and attend all visitors who turn up till 11 pm with flashing smiles.”

“Our parents spend nearly Rs 80,000 a year on our fee. By taking up these jobs we feel we are at least not bothering them of any additional expenses on food and lodging, as we manage it on our own, besides sparing some amount as pocket money. We have been working for the last 11 months and by the time we pass out we would gain experience of almost two years. It would definitely help us in future prospects,” they added.

Describing about their employment, Riju said, “I have been working for the last five years and Rishabh got employed in the same company three years later. Presently, he is working under me.” Their father too runs a plastic company and they feel that their experience in the job would help them to make suitable changes in their family business.

Talking about future plans, Riju said, “I don’t want to join my family business. I want to adopt software designing as my career. My job involves designing CAD softwares for plastic moulds and I aspire to excel in computer aided engineering, robotics and allied fields”.

Jalandhar, November 22
Shakespeare came calling at Mayor World School on Wednesday when the school held an Inter-house Shakespeare play competition in which students from grade-VI to grades-IX took part. Plays like Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew and The Merchant of Venice were selected to be performed.

The children performed their roles with elan and sophistication. Some of them were as good as professional actors.

Rajveer Singh who acted as Shylock bagged the best actors’ prize, Supriya Bhaskar got the best actress prize for portraying the character of Katherine in the Taming of The Shrew.

The Merchant of Venice performed by the Dickens house won the overall best play trophy.

The judges from various institutions in and around the city were all praise for the discipline of the audience, the versatility of the actors, and the hard work of the teachers.

Jalandhar, November 22
Nearly 150 cadets of 2nd Punjab Girl’s Battalion and 1 Pb Air Squadron donated blood during a camp organised at Red Cross Bhavan, here today. The event was held as a part of the NCC week.

The cadets were from PCM SD College for Women, Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, HMV College, Lyallpur Khalsa College, MGSM Janta College Kartarpur and BD Arya College.

Commanding officer Lt Col KS Bassi said the other programmes being conducted during the week, include run for fun, anti-dowry rallies and poster making competitions.

He said the cadets and staff were also visiting blind schools, orphanages and old age homes as a part of the welfare activities. Lt Rizu Rawat, administration officer, NCC, coordinated the event.