NEIGHBOURHOOD

BEd students protest varsity decision
Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 31
Nearly 150 students of BEd courses of Punjabi University staged a dharna in front of the office of the dean (colleges) to protest against the university’s decision to take their examinations in Punjabi language.

The protesting students said when they brought prospectus for the courses, it was clearly mentioned that they could take their examinations in English, Hindi and Punjabi. However, the students claimed that now the university had reversed its decision and was asking the students to take their examinations only in Punjabi.

The dean, however, said this decision of taking exams in Punjabi was taken nearly six years back. A student leader, preferring anonymity, said if that was the case, why did the university management come out with the prospectus in which it had clearly mentioned that they could take exams in three languages. Sources revealed that with this decision, nearly 640 students would be affected.

Patiala, March 31
Hundreds of city residents are sore over the fact that the main road in Baradari Gardens, just in front of the site of a proposed hotel, is blocked. They have threatened to sue the government if the road was not opened to traffic immediately.

Various committees have sprung up, most prominent being the Baradari Bachao Commiittee, which are fighting for the cause of the aggrieved residents.

The committee members met principal secretary (toursim) Geetika Kalha when she was in the town recently.

However, Kalha said it was under an agreement between the government and the local hotel, owned by the Neem Rana Group of Hotels, that the road had been blocked.

The Capt Amarinder Singh-led Congress government and the hotel promoters had signed an agreement and it had been envisaged that 2.65 acres of land would be given to the hotel promoters, who in turn, would convert Rajindra Kothi into a hotel. Earlier, Rajindra Kothi was house to the archives department.

The agreement also envisaged the closure of certain roads in the periphery of the hotel and the road facing the hotel right in the middle of Baradari Gardens was to be one of them. The road connects the walled city to localities like Model Town, Hira Nagar, Ajit Nagar, Gill Enclave, Majitha Colony, Raghbir Nagar, Raghbir Marg and several other semi-posh colonies.

With the closure of the said road, thousands of residents, including school children, have to travel long distances to reach their destinations. In fact, many top schools of the city are on the other side of Baradari Gardens and even tiny tots face a lot of inconvenience due to this.

Former chairman of the improvment trust and prominent Congressman K.K Sharma is spearheading the agitation against the government's decision to block the road, considered to be one of the busiest arteries of the town.

Intriguingly, it was during the previous Congress government's tenure that the agreement with the hotels promoters was executed.

Kharar, March 31
As many as 50 big and small dhabas situated on Kharar-Mohali road, especially near Balongi tax barrier, serve truck drivers, mechanics and cleaners everyday. Working almost round the clock, majority of these dhabas serve unhygienic food cooked in unhealthy conditions. But little is being done by the health authorities to check them.

With summers here, the risk of waterborne diseases increases.

Even the sale of cut fruits and sugarcane is going on unabated in the area despite a ban issued on it. Scores of hawkers and vendors can be seen selling these items in the market.

The sanitary inspectors of municipal council are supposed to keep a check over hawkers, but little had been done in this regard.

SMO Kharar civil hospital, Dr Jai Singh, said, “Few cases of abdominal pain have come but gastro patients haven’t started coming in as yet. Slum dwellers mainly end up taking treatment from quacks and even fail to report to health centers.”

Meanwhile, district health officer, Dr S.P. Surila said regular checks are being conducted and dhaba owners are ordered to prepare hygienic food. Today, the health team collected milk samples from shops on Mohali-Kharar road. The health authorities had put up a naka on the road at 5 pm and collected milk samples from milkmen. Milk coming from Ropar, Fatehgarh Shaib and Patiala was collected. These samples had been sent to Chandigarh for purity check. Appropriate action would be taken against those found erring, he said.

Kharar, March 31
Shyam Singh (11), a resident of Mata Gujri Sukh Niwas Anath Ashram at Khanpur village, was killed in an accident today.

At around 4.30 pm, Shyam was playing cricket with his friends and the ball was flung outside the ashram premises. He ran towards the highway to get it, but was run over by a Maruti Zen being driven by Jagdev Singh, a resident of Sector 40-A in Chandigarh.

Jagdev was arrested and later bailed out.

Shyam and his twin had been living in the ashram for the past six years. Their mother works with a sister concern of the ashram in Delhi.

The boy was studying at a government school in Sector 46, Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, March 31
Local star Vijayant Malik and Yannick Nelord found themselves at the receiving end against third seeded pair of Rohan Gajjar and Purav Raja in the doubles first-round match during the Futures ITF Men's Circuit played at CLTA Stadium in Sector 10, 
here today.

Rohan Gajjar and Purav Raja were comfortably placed to outplay Malik-Nelord duo in just 54 minutes in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

Davis Cupper Hjajrsh Mankad and Rupesh Roy had an easy first-round against N. Vijay Sundar Prashanth and Ranjeet Virali Murugesan whom they beat by 6-1, 6-3.

Third seed Hyun-Woo Nam of Korea outclassed Indian Vijay Kannan in straight set 6-3, 6-4.

Vishnu Vardhan ended the challenge of Idan Rosenberg of Israel 6-3, 7-6 (4) to move into the main draw. Virali Murugesan dropped just two games as he defeated Prajnesh Gunndswaran in straight sets 6-0, 6-2.

However, Rupesh Roy and Siriluethaiwattana P were engaged in hard-fought final qualifying round matches. Rupesh Roy faced a tough resistance before overcoming a stubborn Chinese Qi Xiao in a match extended to three sets 3-6, 6-3 7-6 (6).

Down by first set, Siriluethaiwattana staged a grand rally to snuff out the challenge of N. Vijay Sunder Prashanth 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

South African 10th seed Ciaran Moore toiled to overcome Austrian sixth seed Christoph Lessiak of Austria in a closely-contested final round 6-7 (11), 6-4, 7-5. Qualifying (final round): Rupesh Roy b Xiao Qi (3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6)), Ji Shi b Hui Zhang (6-3, 6-3), Zhuo-Qing Zhou b Ilya Belyaev ( 6-4, 6-3), Ciaran Moore b Christoph Lessiak ( 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5), Perakiat Siriluethaiwattana b Vijay sundar Prashanth ( 2-6, 6-4, 6-3), Ranjeet Virali Murugesan b Prajnesh Gunneswaran ( 6-0, 6-2), Vishnu Vardhan b Idan Rosenberg ( 6-3, 7-6 (4)), Mithun Murali b Ye Du ( 6-4, 6-2).

Main draw: Singles: (First round): Hyun-Woo Nam b Vijay Kannan (6-3, 6-4) Danila Arsenov b Sergei Krotiouk (6-4, 6-3). Men's doubles (First round): Roman Jebavy and Nathan Thomas b Hsin-Han Lee Yu Jr Wang ( 6-4, 6-3), Yuki Bhambri and Kamala Kannan b Katsushi Fukuka and Kento Takeuchi (6-4, 6-7 (7)), Rohan Gajjar and Purav Raja b Vijayant Malik and Yannick Nelord ( 6-4, 6-2), Harsh Mankad and Rupesh Roy b N. Vijay Sundar Prashanth and Ranjeet Virali Murugesan (6-1, 6-3), Vivek Shokeen and Ashutosh Singh b Divij Sharan and Vishnu Vardhan ( 4-6, 7-6 (2)), 10-8, John McGahon and Claran Moore b Ash Misquith and N.P. Singh (6-4, 7-6 (5)), Ilya Belyaev and Sergei Krotiouk b Peng Sun and Hul Zhang ( 6-2, 6-4).

Chandigarh, March 31
The last minute change in the venue for the launch of IPL Team Mohali, from Sector 17 to PCA Stadium, left people disappointed at Sector 17 Plaza.

Arrangements for the grand ceremony were completed with the setting up of a stage and barricades when the Chandigarh cops intervened and ordered the organisers to shift the venue barely an hour before the starting of the ceremony. The reason given was that the organisers had no permission to hold the function there, said sources.

Much to the frustration, the organisers had no alternative but to shift the venue to the PCA stadium. Meanwhile, many families as well as cricket lovers, who turned up at the plaza, to catch a glimpse of their favourite Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and cricket stars, including Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan and Sree Santh, were disappointed.

“We specially came to see Preity Zinta and star cricketers.

The shifting of the venue has spoiled our evening. If they did not have the permission due to security reasons then why didn’t the administration stop them when they earlier announced their programme,” said J.P. Singh Kalra, who came along with his family. “We want to launch our team in front of the public. But the last minute order forced us to change the venue, which is ridiculous,” said an organiser on condition of anonymity.

Chandigarh, March 31
HDFC Bank defeated Airtel XI by eight wickets in the ongoing Vth Bharat Kesho Memorial Cricket Tournament at Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, here yesterday. 
Batting first, Airtel XI posted a respectable total of 112 runs in alloted 20 overs. Balwinder top scored with 38 runs while Rajesh Jadeja chipped in with valuable 25 runs.

Manpreet Singh was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with the figure of three for 21 runs.

In reply, HDFC overhauled the target losing two wickets in just 12.4 overs. Amritpal steered the team with his unbeaten 64 runs.

Imran Khan took two wickets.

In another match, Innovative XI lost to Haryana Warehousing Corporation XI (HWC XI) by 4 runs. Batting first, HWC XI posted 123 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.

In reply, Innovative XI was all out on 119 in 19.5 overs.

In the third match of the day, Fullerton XI defeated Dell XI by 8 wickets.

Brief Scores:

Airtel XI: 112 for 8 in 20 overs (Balwinder 38, Rajesh Jadeja 25, Manpreet Singh 3 for 21, Gurinder Saini 2 for 10).

HDFC XI: 116 for 2 in 12.4 overs (Amritpal Singh 64 n o, Charanjeet 24, Imran Khan 2 for 16).

HWC XI: 123 for 8 in 20 overs (Vaneet Chawla 29, Vikas 28, Rakesh Singh 2 for 20, Manjit Singh 2 for 21).

Innovative XI: 119 all out in 19.5 overs (GurbajSingh 55, Mahesh 4 for 22, Vikas 2 for 24).

Dell XI: 132 for 7 in 20 overs (Abhishek Prashar 38, Dennis 34, Nagender Negi 3 for 23).

Fullerton XI: 133 for 2 in 18 overs (Vikas Kala 53, Kamal Behl 26, Abhishek Prashar 2 for 23).

Chandigarh, March 31
Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy beat Twenty 20 Cricket Association of Uttar Pardesh by seven runs in the final match of Vivek Twenty 20 Cricket Tournament organised by T20CFI and Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy. The tournament was played at Vivek High School Sector 38 - B, here today.

Vivek Academy won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 177 runs for 7 in allotted 20 overs. Deepanshu scored 54 runs. While replying, the Twenty 20 UP team could muster only 170 runs after losing 8 wickets in stipulated overs.

Brief Scores: Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy 177 for 7 in 20 overs. Deepanshu Rajanwal 54 runs, Abhinav Sood 37 runs, Avinash 21 runs n.o, Noor Alam 2 for 28.

Twenty 20 Cricket Association Of Uttar Pardesh: 170 for 8 in 20 overs. Gautam Sharma 46 Runs, Iqbal Khan 37 runs, Sandeep Kumar 20 runs n.o, Paras Singh 4 for 25, Sutixen Mehta 3 for 23.

Man of the match: Deepanshu Rajanwal (Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy), best batsman: Deepanshu Rajanwal (Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy), best bowler: Paras Singh (Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy), man of the series: Manjit Singh (Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy), best all rounder: Iqbal Khan (Twenty 20 Cricket Association Of Uttar Pardesh). 

Chandigarh, March 31
A brilliant knock of 79 by Anmol Singh paved the way for APJ Academy of Kharar beat Mohali Cricket Academy by three wickets in a closely fought pool ‘B’ match of the Chandigarh under-13 Inter-Academy Cricket Tournament being organised by Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy at the St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here today.

After winning the toss, Mohali Cricket Academy batted first and scored 158 for 8 in allotted 30 overs. Captain Sarthak Grover played a fine knock of 60, which included four boundaries. Sehajdeep Singh contributed 26. Tejas chipped in with 28. Karanveer Singh (3 for 33), Prabhjot Singh (2 for 38) and Baljinder Singh (2 for 20) restricted the MCA total with fine bowling.

APJ Academy achieved the target by scoring 159 for 7 in 28.4 overs. Anmol Singh displayed his batting skills by reaching the fence 12 times as he piled up match-winning knock of 79. Prabhjot Singh and Sahil Sharma scored 15 and 12, respectively.

All-rounder Sarthak Grover (3 for 29) and Gurpreet Singh (2 for 28) were the most successful bowlers for Mohali Cricket Academy.

Brief scores: Mohali Cricket Academy: 158 for 8 in 30 overs, (Sarthak Grover 60, Tejas 28, Sehajdeep Singh 26, Karanveer Singh 3 for 33, Prabhjot Singh 2 for 38, Baljinder 2 for 20). APJ Academy, Kharar: 159 for 7 in 28.4 overs (Anmol Singh 79, Prabhjot Singh 15, Sahil Sharma 12, Gurpreet Singh 2 for 28, Sarthak Grover 3 for 29).

Chandigarh, March 31
At least two cars were stolen from the city during the past 24 hours.

R.S.Virk, a resident of Sector 35, reported to the police that his car (CH 03 X 8139) was stolen from outside his residence today.

A case under Section 379, IPC, has been registered at the police station-36.

In another incident, Richa Sharma, a resident of Sector 38, reported to the police that her car (CH 01 N 2195) was stolen from her residence today.

A case under Section 379, IPC, has been registered at the police station-39.

Theft bid

On the complaint of Dharampal of Parwanoo, the police has registered a case against Naresh Kumar of Mohali on charges of attempting to steal his car from Sector 46 here this afternoon.

Chandigarh, March 31
The Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi presented a programme of Punjabi songs and ghazals written and composed by eminent classical maestro Ravinder Singh at the Randhawa auditorium here today.

A man of myriad talents, Ravinder Singh displayed his versatility as a lyricist, singer and composer.

Akademi chairman Kamal Tewari welcomed the chief guest N.P.S. Rattan, who honoured the artistes and released a book "Valvalle Pyaar De" authored by Ravinder Singh. The rich lyricism was embellished by leading singers of the region. Ravinder Singh himself opened up the musical soiree doling out the title song 'Valvalle Pyaar De'. The acclaimed flautist was at his best while bringing alive the romantic fervour of the lyric. Another accomplished playback singer Veenu Kotish followed with 'Tere Mere Pyar Di' while Kulbir Saini bared the splendour of folklore in 'Terian Jhanjran'.

The audience seemed to have reserved their applause for the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa national winner Rinku Kalia, who cast spell through her renditions, especially the concluding duet with Veenu Kotish. All artistes presented three songs and gazals each.

Chandigarh, March 31
Acclaimed classical vocal music wizards Pandit Rajan Mishra and Sajan Mishra of
Benaras gharana administered an overdose of melodious music to the medical fraternity during a musical soiree held at the Government Medical College
auditorium-32 here today.

The event was brought to the city by the local chapter of Spic-Macay, an
organisation engaged in the proliferation of Indian classical arts among the youth.

The maestros commenced the recital with the delineation of raga Bhim Plasi through an elaborate slow (vilamabat) tempo composition “Ab to badi der bhyi” set to ek tal, whilch later melted into faster (drut) “Ja ja re” in teen tal. The masters displayed melodic embellishments delving deep into the Khiraj of lower octave, swar nyaas, thehraav and renditions of bol and aakar taans. The duo was at their best with a devotional composition “Jai jai Durge maa” in laudation of the deity.

The artistes and audience drew pleasure from the impeccable recital that was extended in deference to the wishes of the intrusive audience consisted mainly of doctors and medical students. Since both medicine and music has a healing touch, the maestros defined the genres of thumri through a bandish ‘Arre meri bayian’ in Khamaj raga and also a tarana in raga Bihaag before culminating the soiree with ‘Sadho rachna raam benai’ enshrined in the Gurbani of Guru Nanak. Vinay Mishra and Vinod Lele accompanied the maestros on harmonium and tabla. Earlier, chief guest Principal Dr Raj Bahadur honoured the artistes.