Ludhiana, January 5
A two-day dialogue on environment health crisis in Punjab began here today to discuss the causes and ramifications of environment degradation owing to the excessive use of chemicals and allied factors in farming.

Organised by the Environmental Health Action Group of the Kheti Virasat Mission, the dialogue is set to ponder over the use of pesticides, fertilisers and other chemicals.

The inaugural session at Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Hospital saw massive participation from various environment action groups, civil organisations and medical professional groups.

Dr Satish Jain, MD of the hospital, presented his views along with Prof Sucha Singh Gill, an economist from Punjabi University, Patiala.

Dr Amar Singh, working president of the Kheti Virasat Mission, spoke about the initiatives taken by the mission in propagating the cause of environment.

Dr Devinder Sharma, food and agriculture policy analyst, New Delhi, said Punjab was in the grip of a terrible environmental crisis emanating from intensive farming practices over the past four decades.

The health impact of pesticides and their proposed regulation were also discussed. Dr S.G. Kabra, environmental epidemiologist from Jaipur, said pesticides were folic acid antagonist resulting in the birth of dull children.

Dr Neelam Sodhi from Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital spoke about epidemiological and reproductive health hazards.

Dr K.K. Nayak and Dr Inderjit Kaur, chairperson of All India Pingalwara Society, Amritsar, shared their views as well.

Dr Chander Bhusan, associate director, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, Dr Padma S Shankar, IIT Kanpur, Dr C Satyamala, Centre for Social Medicine and Community Health, New Delhi, and Dr Zakir Hussain dwelt on environmental issues emerging out of the Bhopal disaster and other tragedies.

Dr A.K. Jain spoke about the consumer's perspective while Dr Ashok Goel, Harshinder Kaur, Dr S.S. Ladhar and Dr Madhur Bhatnagar spoke from the scientific point of view.

Ludhiana, January 5
The Parkash Utsav of the 10th guru, Guru Gobind Singh, was celebrated with fervour and gaiety here today. Devotees paid obeisance at gurdwaras located all over the city and partook langar. Religious functions were organised at these gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Sabzi Mandi, Gurdwara Singh Sabha Kalgidhar, Field Ganj, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Model Town Extension, and Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Sarabha Nagar and Model Town.

Addressing the gathering at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Model Town Extension, SGPC president, Avtar Singh Makkar, urged the devotees to follow the path shown by the 10th guru.

Mohinderjit Singh, gurdwaras general secretary, said various competitions were organised throughout the week to inculcate the spirit of Sikhism among the children and younger generation.

The first Gurbani album of “Voice of India” title winner, Ishmeet, was released at a function organised at Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib today. 

Ludhiana, January 5
After the incident of molestation in Mumbai, girls in the city are worried about their safety but the local market has no self-defence gadget to offer them. While in metropolitan cities the fair sex largely depends on pepper spray, a legal self defence gadget, even the staff in high end shops of the city nod in negative when asked about it.

All famous shops, known for selling latest gizmos, costly perfumes and similar products don’t have such sprays as they claim these were not in demand. But, suddenly the damsels are walking to the shops and demanding the same.

‘‘We had the sprays two years ago. We don’t know when these got off the shelves in our store. Nobody asked for them,” said a store owner on the Mall Road. He added that he did not know any place in the city that sold a similar thing.

Since a large number of girls worked in their offices till late in the city, security had become an instant concern after the incident in the city as well. The damsels were seen asking for any such gadget that could come handy in security threatening circumstances.

‘‘I went around the city. I was told to go to the Jawahar camp. There I was told to go to a shop in Ghumar Mandi; from there I was told to get to Gur Mandi. But not a single shopkeeper could provide me with the same,’’ said Karan Johal, a city resident.

She said following the Mumbai incident, she was scared of going out on the city roads later in the day. ‘‘Though the city is a safe place for womenfolk even at late night hours, I thought of having a psychological crutch in the form of this spray. I was shocked nobody sells it here,” she added.

The US police and the law enforcement agencies have been using these sprays for over a decade and found it effective and convenient in subjugating criminals. In the USA over 10 million pepper sprays are sold every year. The Shanghai police, China, too, has been equipped with these pepper sprays. Interestingly the spray affects an attacker within a second and is effective up to 7 feet. One spray immobilizes the attacker for 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

Prince, a shopkeeper in Jawahar camp, said he had received enquiries about it during the New Year. He said he would find out which company was marketing it in India and start selling it.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 5
Outstanding volunteers of two units of the NSS of Shri Guru Har Krishan College for Women Phallewal were felicitated at the concluding function of a 10-day camp organised at Kanganwal village, near here, yesterday.

Educational trust director Amarjit Singh Sidhu presided over the function, while former Nabha CEO Dr Maghar Singh Kalia was the chief guest.

Sidhu and Kalia called upon the volunteers to adopt social service as a style of life.

They claimed that elements acquired during such camps would inculcate leadership and administrative qualities among students.

The volunteers spread awareness about adverse effects of social evils, including dowry, illiteracy and female foeticide.

Their contribution towards improving awareness on sanitation, adult education, child education and organising cultural exhibition was also appreciated.

Activists of the nagar panchayat, Village Sports Club and constituents of GSS School coordinated with volunteers in various projects.

Sukhdev Singh Walia, Jagtaran Singh , Dr Sujata and Anand Sagar spoke in various sessions.

Ludhiana, January 5
Tributes were paid to freedom fighter Saroop Singh Johal at the second annual cultural and heritage mela organised by the Baljit Charitable Trust at his native village Mandiani, 22 km from here on Thursday. Baljit Johal, chairman, business advisory council to the US President and the trust chairman presided over the function. About 12 prominent citizens, including eight freedom fighters, were honoured on the occasion.

Johal exhorted the social and educational institutions to apprise the people of patriots’ heroic deeds.

He said the trust had been working for the welfare of society and sponsored 40 poor students of Government Senior Secondary School for imparting computer education to them. Jagdev Singh Jassowal, founder president, Prof Mohan Singh Foundation and Col Harbant Singh Kahlon, president, Atam Raksha Sangh, also spoke on the occasion.

Those honoured on the occasion are Mata Pritam Kaur, wife of Late Saroop Singh Johal, Dharam Singh Kanech, Capt Kirpal Singh Hans,Gurdev Singh Gill (all freedom fighters), Bhinder Dabwali (lyricists) and Gurmeet Bawa (Punjabi folk singer). 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 5
Having arrested seven persons for their alleged involvement in the Shingaar Cinema blast case, the state police is still groping in dark for the recovery of about 5 kg RDX and the arrest of Harminder Singh, who is absconding.

However, the department has not taken any action against cops whose laxity had let Babbar Khalsa activist Gurpreet Singh slip from the area and later organise the fatal blast.

If revelations made by the arrested persons were to be believed, the police had allegedly undermined the gravity of the seizure of 3 kg RDX from a car that was heading towards the place where the Chief Minister was to inaugurate an exhibition on environment just 12 hours later.

Even the Chief Minister, instead of admitting the negligence on the part of the police, had appreciated their “alertness”. Observations by the Ludhiana Tribune revealed that Gurpreet Singh’s, prime accused in Shingaar blast case, car was intercepted near Mullanpur on the Ferozepur-Ludhiana road on September 2,2007, but he managed to dodge the policemen.

About 3 kg RDX, 50-m wire, a detonator, iron pipes, sockets along with other accessories, required in making a bomb were found from the car. Though the police had identified the driver on the basis of information provided by an automobile mechanic whose stickers were pasted on the car’s headlights, it failed to comb the area in order to nab him and his accomplice.

Interrogation of Bhawanjit Singh and Palwinder Singh, alias Pappu of Kamalpur, had revealed that Gurpreet Singh, after dodging the cops had walked down to Samadh Baba Pir Zahir Ali, about 2 km from the spot, from where he was intercepted. He spent the night at the Samadh. Had the police cared to comb the area he could have been caught the same night.

Investigations further revealed that Gurpreet had made a telephone call on Palwinder’s mobile phone at 7.05 am the next morning and he (Palwinder) had dropped him on his scooter on the outskirts of the city, a few hours before the Chief Minister was to arrive at PAU. Obviously not a single cop patrolling the highway had cared to check the duo.

According to media reports the Chief Minister, after being quizzed about smuggling of huge quantity of explosives, had said there was no threat to peace in the state. He had stated that such incidents were quite isolated and should not be viewed as any threat to the peace in the state.

“The very fact that RDX and other material were seized before it could be used for any damage speaks volumes as how alert the police is.” Badal had congratulated the Ludhiana police.

Though the members of the investigating team were tightlipped about further progress and strategy, sources revealed that about 5 kg RDX was yet to be recovered. It is yet to be established whether the explosive had been cloaked in the state or in other parts of the country. Arrest of Harminder Singh might help the police recover the same. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 5
The Ludhiana (rural) police has released the sketch of one of the suspected armed robbers who had robbed Rs 4.5 lakh from the owner of a flour mill on the Jagraon- Raikot road, near here, yesterday. The Maruti car used in the crime was found abandoned near Raikot today.

The police had received significant clues about the robbers but these were not disclosed, as it could affect the progress of the case.

SSP Ludhiana (rural) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, after releasing the sketch, claimed that prompt and coordinated operation launched by the police had forced robbers to abandon the getaway vehicle (PB 31 A 0232) near Raikot on the Jagraon-Raikot road.

However, it was yet to be established whether the miscreants had used their own car or was it stolen.

Earlier, a team acting under supervision of SP (D) Pritam Singh questioned some persons to find out if information was leaked about the arrival of a huge amount at the flour mill yesterday.

“As disclosure of vital clues may alert robbers and affect the progress adversely, we have asked our officials not to share information with outside agencies,” said Bhullar while talking to Ludhiana Tribune.

Three car-borne armed robbers had robbed Rs 4.5 lakh from Ramesh Kumar Goyal, owner of Rohit Flour Mills, Jagraon, around 1.30 pm yesterday.

Goyal had told the police that the robbers were armed with a mouser and an AK- 47 rifle. It was also told that the robbers had struck at the mill immediately after the staff of the mill had brought an amount of Rs 3 lakh from a bank.

Policemen at various police stations in the district and surrounding areas had been alerted immediately after the incident.

The police claimed that heightened alert at checkpoints and intensive patrolling had forced robbers to abandon the car used in crime.

Ludhiana, January 5
Punjab, which played a major role in ushering in the Green Revolution, is under the grip of severe environmental crisis. Leading food and agriculture policy analyst from New Delhi, Dr Devinder Sharma, who was in city to inaugurate two-day convention on the “Dialogue on Environmental Health Crises in Punjab”, while showing concern over the problem, blamed the agriculture department and scientists for deteriorating environment of the state.

Dr Sharma said Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) had played a major role in educating the farmers and others in environmental crisis.

“Unfortunately, today, scientists hardly visit villages, field, and farmers etc to get the first hand knowledge. They try to introduce new technology but are not bothered whether it suits the soil or not with the result, the organic matter has reduced to just 0 or 0.1 per cent. We have started using double amount of pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides but the production remains the same,” said Dr Sharma adding that by and large, the agricultural scientists have forgotten to bring mid-term corrections. He also blamed the department for using the same old technology of NPK and fertilizers blindly.

It was shocking to know that a passenger train from Malwa to Bikaner was rechristened as “cancer train” as it boarded by cancer patients only, he added.

The scientists were blindly following the US pattern of agricultural farming in Punjab without giving a second thought that the soil and climate did not match with that of the USA. The farmers were being encouraged to do mentha cultivation but nobody was bothered about the depleting water table. “To get 1 kg of mentha oil, more than 1, 25,000 liters of water is required”, he revealed.

He said the Green Revolution had “collapsed” in Punjab and increasing number of suicides by farmers was its reflection. 

Ludhiana, January 5
Minister of health Laxmi Kanta Chawla formally inaugurated the 7th edition of the “Bharat Ko Jano” Quiz Contest organised by the Bharat Vikas Parishad at KVM School here today. The health minister announced Rs 1 lakh grant for the parishad.

At a press conference, she appreciated the endeavour of the NGO to coordinate such an event.

She said more such programmes needed to be organised in Punjab as the state had the highest rate of female foeticide.

Students presented folk dance during a cultural programme on the occasion.

As many as 90 teams from across the country are taking part in this competition.

PAU vice-chancellor M.S. Kang was the guest of honour.

Ludhiana, January 5
A general body meeting of the PAU Supervisory Staff Association (SSA) was held to elect the office-bearers of the association here yesterday.

Administrative-cum-accounts officer and returning officer Nachhattar Singh declared the following office-bearers elected unopposed for 2008: president — Daljit Singh; vice-president — Jawant Singh; secretary — Ashok Mahendru; joint secretary — Manjit Singh Mehram; treasurer — Diwan Chand Jassal. Later, Ram Khanna, Chand Verma, K.C. Kohli and Brij Mohan Tak were elected councillors of association to run its day-to-day activities.

The meeting ended with New Year’s greetings and pledge by association executives and members to work hard to maintain the dignity and prestige of the university.

Ludhiana, January 5
Home science stream has been integral to the development of overall personality of women. However, lack of focus has led to the gradual decline in interest among girl students in the subject.

This can be gauged from the fact that only 32 (girl) schools are pursuing the stream in the 17 districts of the state.

Though 79 per cent schools are co-education, 13 per cent and eight per cent exclusively cater to girls and boys, respectively.

Dr Manjit Singh Kang, vice-chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, who released a documentary, “Nawin Saver”, on home science education prepared by the PAU college of Home Science yesterday, said there was a need to enhance influx of rural students into the home science stream.

He said: “There are inadequate provisions of home science subject in senior secondary schools in the rural areas. The university has planned to admit students to degree course in home science after matriculation itself.”

He said Home Science College of the PAU had done a good job by bringing out a musical documentary highlighting the relevance of home science in the contemporary society.

Dean, college of Home Science, Dr Jaiswal elaborated that the film focussed on women empowerment and had glimpses of women of substance, who after obtaining training in home science established their units on commercial scale.

The screening of the film was viewed by deans, directors and officers of the PAU, besides faculty and students of home science college.

The documentary has lyrics by Karamjit Grewal and have been sung by Raj Kumar. It has been produced by Janmeja Johal and Palwinder Singh.

The story revolves around dialogue between a young girl and her parents insisting on obtaining education.

The film throws light on the history of the university college highlighting various laboratories providing technical know-how to students and trainees.

Ludhiana, January 5
A meeting of head of departments of constituent colleges of the PAU was yesterday held under the chairmanship of vice-chancellor Dr Manjit Singh Kang to deliberate on the modular, vocational and occupational courses in agriculture and allied sectors with recognition from the National Council for Vocational Training. Deliberations were held on the possibility of starting various add-on courses.

Dr S.K. Mann said the present education system emphasised on technical learning with little input on practical-oriented soft skills.

She added that implementing add-on courses would enable graduates and postgraduates to become better professionals and entrepreneurs.

She said the dean’s committee had decided to consider offering add-on courses (three hours per week) to interested candidates and realise the fee under the practice prevailing in the university on the pattern of French certificate course.

The courses identified are: GGE: biplot analysis, communication and soft skills for personality development and establishing entrepreneurship and cooperative network.

Dr Kang offered himself for the GGE biplot analysis course for a batch of 20-25 computer-savvy students/ faculty members.

The course would help those interested in designing field experiment involving testing of genotype/treatments.

He appreciated the idea of starting need-based courses for students and faculty members and added that faculty from industry and other educational institutes could be involved in the programme.

Dr Mann said to facilitate the programme of add-on courses, a revolving fund would be created under her control from which the expenditure for the courses would be met.

The meeting also discussed the subject of synopsis of MSc and PhD students.

Various innovations regarding the synopsis proposals were deliberated upon. It was proposed to constitute a university synopsis review committee for this purpose.

Earlier, Dr Kang held a meeting with employees of the dean, postgraduate studies, and listened to their suggestions towards improving their discharge of duties. 

Fatehgarh Sahib, January 5
The district consumer dispute redressal forum has directed Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to pay a compensation of Rs 20,000 to Beant Singh for its failure to re-start his mobile connection which had become non-operational due to some problem in the SIM card.

In a case filed before the court on August 9, Beant Singh, a resident of Kotla Jattan, had stated that he was using a BSNL mobile connection number 9463053808 which had become non-operational as the SIM card had stopped working.

He said on May 11, 2007, he approached the sub-divisional officer of the BSNL, who asked him to deposit Rs 120 so that a new SIM card could be issued to him. He said though he had deposited the requisite money and was issued a SIM card, the BSNL did not start his connection.

He said despite repeated attempts and several visits to the BSNL office, his number was not re-connected by the service provider. He finally decided to file a case before the district consumer dispute redressal forum which, after going through the facts of the case, directed BSNL to pay a compensation of Rs 20,000 to him for the harassment that he had to suffer due to the negligence on the part of the BSNL. Besides, the forum also asked BNSL to Rs 500 to Beant Singh towards the expenses he incurred on filing the case. Beant Singh had filed the case against the general manager, sub-divisional officer and treasurer of BSNL, in which he had claimed a compensation of  Rs 50,000.

Ludhiana, January 5
Ashima, Rachit, Neha Mahajan, Shilpa Narang and Rajni of fashion design department, SIFT, have been selected for “Arvind Fashion Awards”.

Their collection will be showcased in a fashion show in Ahmedabad where designers from various fashion design institutes will accumulate from all over India.

According to a press note, the students have explored various possibilities with fabrics provided by Arvind mills.

They have designed a range for domestic Indian market keeping in mind the viability and practical aspects of the same.

The fabrics used were “indigo dyed voiles” and they displayed their creativity by experimenting with silhouettes, various printing techniques and surface embellishments.

“We not only impart technical skills but imbibe in our students visual sensitivity and professionalism so that they can exhibit, interact and perform as design professionals at various platforms, added Harpreet Sarna, course leader. 

Ludhiana, January 5
Ansh Kumar, 11-month-old, has been undergoing treatment in the DHCH’s pediatric ICU for the past two months. His father, Pradeep Gupta, is a daily-wage worker who migrated to the city from Jharkhand a few months ago.

According to doctors, Ansh Kumar is undergoing treatment for acute broncho-pneumonia, with respiratory failure and has been on ventilator for the past 30 days.

The condition of the patient has not stabilized as yet.

The patient is in dire need of financial help as his father, being the sole earning member of the family, can hardly bear the cost of his treatment, which is more than Rs 1.50 lakh.

On behalf of Ansh’s family, DMCH has requested people to donate generously to save Ansh’s life.

All those who wish to bring the smile back on Ansh’s face can contact either the medical superintendent’s office or the COSD office at DMCH.

All donations should be made in favour of the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital and “Treatment for Ansh Kumar (C.R. No 107857)” written on backside of the cheque/DD or on the covering letter.

Ludhiana, January 5
A hat trick by Manjeet Singh helped Malwa Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana, to script 3-1 victory against Spring Dale School, Amritsar, in an under-14 years match in the Punjab Hockey League for boys being organised by the Punjab Sports Department at Prithipal Singh Memorial AstroTurf Stadium, Punjab Agricultural University, here today.

It was Spring Dale School, Amritsar, which earned the lead first when Har Sahib Singh scored a field goal to put his side ahead. Eight minutes later, Manjit equalled through a field goal. He again struck in the 31st minute to lead by 2-1. Manjeet converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute to help his team clinch the title 3-1.

In the second match, Ferozepur blanked Bathinda 2-0. Both goals were scored in the first half.

Mandeep Singh found the target in the 28th minute while in the very next minute; Harmanpreet Singh sounded the board which saw Ferozepur to win the match by two goals.

In another under-14 year’s match, Ropar registered 3-0 win over Grewal Academy, Kila Raipur. Talwinder Singh opened the account in the 16th minute and Sukhpal Singh increased the lead 2-0. Gurpreet Singh scored a field goal in the 47th minute to fashion Ropar’s easy victory.

The match of the day, played between Ferozepur and Faridkot ended in a 2-2 draw.

Faridkot drew the first blood in the 6th minute when Karamjit Singh converted a penalty corner. However, they squandered away the lead in the 13th minute as Mandeep Singh of Ferozepur levelled the score. He struck again in the 34th minute to put his side into the lead. The second goal for Faridkot came off Shamsher Singh’s stick in the 37th minute.

Ludhiana, January 5
Defending champion Jassowal outplayed Kila Raipur 2-0 to retain the title in the 7th annual football championship organised by Dashmesh Sports Club at Grewal Stadium, Kila Raipur, near here, yesterday.

The winners were leading 1-0 at half time.

After wasting a couple of scoring chances, Jassowal surged ahead in the 25th minute when Kuldeep Singh sent a sizzler and Kesar Singh increased the lead in the 50th minute which sealed Kila Raipur team's fate 2-0.

Earlier, in the semi finals, Jassowal routed Latala 4-0 after establishing an unbeatable 3-0 lead at the breather while Kila Raipur defeated Narangwal 2-0. Both goals came in the first session.

Jagpal Singh Khangura, a senior Congress leader, gave away the prizes.

The winners got a cash prize of Rs 12,000 and a trophy while the runners-up received a cash prize of Rs 9,000.

Ludhiana, January 5
As many as 28 top outfits of North India will be vying for top honours in the North Zone Inter-Varsity Hockey Tournament for Men to be held at Prithipal Singh Memorial Astroturf Stadium of the PAU from January 15 to 21.

According to Dr Dulcha Singh Brar, director, students welfare, PAU, the week-long tournament would be conducted on a knockout-cum-league basis.

The first four position holding teams in the last edition of the tournament namely Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjabi University, Patiala, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi, and Gurukul University, Hardwar, have been given a direct entry into the quarterfinals.