Jalandhar, June 10
Though the municipal corporation is continuing with its sealing drive against the commercial establishments in the residential areas, the city residents feel that the officials are adopting a pick-and-choose policy. Sealing of a beauty parlour, functioning in the residential area of Adarsh Nagar, by the MC yesterday has received severe criticism. The residents lamented that there were various commercial ventures like karyana stores, coaching institutes, fitness centres, schools and boutiques operating in every colony, and action should be taken against all of them.

They said, “There are 1,000 factories emanating foul smell, toxic gases and soot in the residential areas, but no one is bothered to seal them. It proves that owners have a close nexus with the authorities.”

The basti areas, including Basti Nau, Basti Bawa Khel and Basti Danishmandan, have scores of factories, mostly of sports goods. They were functional throughout the day and night making it nearly impossible to have silence in the area. Even factories in Model House area, Bhargo Camp, Lamma Pind, Gazigullah, Suranussi, Basti Sheikh, Kishanpura and Aman Nagar are working without any fear.

Talking to The Tribune, Santokhpura resident Baljit Shergill said, “A pipe-fitting factory on the back of my residence is a real nuisance. The factory has 15 chimneys and soot creeps out every now and then ‘blackening’ our house, clothes and almost everything exposed to the air.” Even the residents of adjoining Ambika Colony are demanding closure of this factory, he added. The residents of Surya Enclave have already made several representations regarding the air pollution in the area but have failed to make an impact. “The smell emitted is highly obnoxious and unbearable. Forget taking a stroll in the colony, even sitting inside our houses with doors and windows closed becomes difficult at times,” they said. SAD councillor Kuldeep Singh Oberoi opined that all such factories should be sealed right at the time when they are set up. “Such a policy will help the residents as well as the owners. Once the investment is made, it becomes very difficult to uproot an establishment. I have seen many families in Delhi losing all their gains at one go,” he added.

Interestingly, earlier too when the corporation had started a drive against the commercial establishments against parking space, the residents had been cribbing that they were being targeted.

Denying “pick-and-choose policy” of the corporation, Mayor Rakesh Rathour said, “Owing to limited manpower and resources, it is not possible to take action at one go. People may say because sometimes they become the first ones to face the MC action.” The MC drive is against all violators and there was no deliberate attempt against anyone, he added.

Jalandhar, June 10
Enjoying life to the fullest in just one life is not that easy for all. But the Punjab-born celebrated actor Raza Murad has led his life splendidly performing as a corrupt politician, gangster, dishonest policeman and much more on the big screen. Raza Murad created a distinct place for himself in negative roles in an era when protagonist-based films were popular in the Indian cinema.

Today, having won million of fans with his acting and voicing skills as showcased in over 300 Hindi films, he cannot complain of not having made the best of his times after having undergone his share of hardship when he started his career.

“Prem Rog”, “Ram Teri Ganga Maili” and “Heena” were some of the popular films which helped him rise to fame and be recognised as an actor with a difference on big screen.

Raza says, “In 1971, I completed my professional training from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). My first brush with stardom came with the film, ‘Ek Nazar’, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri and directed by B.R. Ishaara. Though my work in the film was admired, the film flopped and my struggle had to continue. Positive roles didn't suit my personality. And, whenever I acted as a villain, I came out on top. My personality lends to negative roles, and that’s why I am given villain’s roles in films,” Raza said.

Asked about his message to youngsters and others in the present-day society, Raza said, “I believe one should not forget one’s roots - parents, relatives, friends, ancestors, nation and the state.

No matter how tall a tree, it will not bear fruit until its roots are strong. Whatever my parents taught me during my early years I still follow those teachings.” — ANI

Jalandhar, June 10
To equip children with life skills and help them surge ahead in life, a number of personality grooming sessions were organised at Police DAV Public School here.

Eminent personalities were invited to enlighten the students with their nuggets of wisdom. While Major General GG Diwedi gave mantras for success in his talk on ‘Born to Win’, MP Singh from Delhi delivered career tips. Manoj Dutta gave a presentation on phonetic skills, while Dr Rashmi Vij, principal of Police DAV Public School taught the students how to cope with stress. Roopa Basak gave practical demonstration on mediation and yoga asanas, chefs Parveen, Arvind, Hareesh and Sambhu from Radisson Hotel gave demonstration on preparation of cake-icings. AC Sangal, registrar of Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, also addressed the students.

Besides, the campers took part in swimming, badminton, skating, martial arts, chess, football, volleyball and table tennis. Skill-based activities like music, dance, dramatics, calligraphy, drawing and painting were also taught to the participants.

Jalandhar, June 10
For those who have known this city for years, the name of “Pandit Lehri Ram de Kulche Chhole” is not new. Famous for its simple recipe and serving style, Pandit Lehri Ram has become a household name.

Situated in Qila Mohalla, one of the oldest localities of the city, the shop offers mouthwatering “chhole-kulche” but in a different style. Lehri Ram serves hot “kulche” dipped in savouring “chhole” which makes his dish all the more delicious. Available at a price of Rs 10 and Rs 12, a majority of the residents of Qila Mohalla visit his shop almost daily.

Even his “chhole” recipe has a huge fan following in the city. People come from far-off places to enjoy his preparation. Serving the palate of Jalandharites from his small shop in the narrow lanes of Qila Mohalla, Lehri Ram started his work some 30 years back.

On being asked about the special “chhole” recipe, he said, “The best part about the ‘chhole’ recipe is that they are simply boiled with a pinch of cumin, salt, asafoetida, red chilly and other home-made spices. The ‘chhole’ are not fried and simply served hot to make the dish more delicious.”

He says, “I feel satisfied when people come here from far-flung places with their families to enjoy ‘kulche-chhole’. Over the past 30 years there are many families who have now become my regular customers. And I make it a point to provide the best food to them.”