Ludhiana, August 15
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's visit for the state-level Independence Day function at Guru Nanak Stadium left the venue in a mess today. The parade by the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) contingent in the arena and the CM’s motorcade damaged the ground which was already damp due to incessant rain.

The sports fraternity is disturbed over the use of sports ground and the indifferent attitude of the local administration in this regard.

It argued that sports centres should be used only for sports-related events and activities as the department was already facing a financial crunch and the repair/maintenance of the infrastructure cost a lot of money.

In the absence of dustbins, spectators and officials who attended the function littered the place with bottles and food wrappers.

Members of the Ludhiana Basketball Academy said facilities like water and makeshift toilets were not provided for the convenience of the public. “Spectators were forced to urinate outside hostels situated in the sports complex, leaving the place stinking,” they said.

Ironically, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had condemned the use of the stadium during the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when he had come to launch the railway corridor project here two years ago.

Dharminder Joshi, an athlete, complained: “They have ruined the premises. Look how seriously they take sports and sports infrastructure. How can sports flourish in this country if our politicians are not sensitive towards the maintenance of the available sports infrastructure?”

Ludhiana, August 15
The visit of chief minister Parkash Singh Badal today virtually lent power to Guru Nanak Stadium, which has been devoid of electricity supply for the past seven months owing to unpaid bills amidst wrangling between the MC and the PSEB authorities. The power trip, however, proved shortlived as soon after the chief minister left the venue, the supply was snapped.

Interestingly, mayor Hakam Singh Gyaspura in the presence of the chief minister claimed that the power supply had been restored at the stadium, as the MC had paid bills to the tune of Rs 6 lakh to the PSEB.

However, when the chief minister left, the supply, which was being provided through an official kundi connection, was disconnected. On the issue, Gyaspura told mediapersons: “The entire pending electricity bills have been paid by the MC and the electricity has been restored.”

After removal of the official kundi, a PSEB employee said: “Officials had told us yesterday to restore the power connection and disconnect it soon after the function was over. So, we are just doing as we have been told.”

The stadium has been reeling under power crisis amidst a blame game between the sports department and the MC.

Ludhiana, August 15
Two ragpickers died after falling in an abandoned well near Tibba road this afternoon. Both died after inhaling poisonous gases in the 15-ft well.

ASI Rajinder Kumar said Okhli and Gokhli, aged about 22 and 17 years, were collecting scrap from a garbage dump nearby when the mobile phone of one of them fell into the well.

Okhli went to look for it inside the well, but fell unconscious. Gokhli raised the alarm and jumped into the well.

Other ragpickers called the police when they saw both of them lying unconscious.

The investigating official, an ASI, said the police pulled the victims out of the well and rushed them to the civil hospital where doctors declared them dead.

Doctors said due to the large garbage dump around the well, poisonous gases had been released that caused their death.

Bagga Khurd, August 15
Insufficient medicine and inadequate doctors and paramedical staff at rural dispensaries has defeated the purpose of offering better health services to people.

The dispensaries working under zila parishads have failed to serve people in villages who rush to civil hospitals or private hospitals in case of an emergency as a majority of doctors and assisting staff in these dispensaries is usually absent from duty.

But doctors ensure that they get their monthly remuneration, for which they are regular in marking their attendance.

The dispensaries falling under zila parishads have the provision for a medical officer, a pharmacist and a Class IV employee on a monthly remuneration of Rs 30,000, which is divided among the medical officer and rest of the staff. These dispensaries get a monthly supply of medicines.

This correspondent visited the dispensary at Bagga Khurd, near here, around 1 pm and found only a pharmacist there. The pharmacist said the medical officer was on leave and the ANM visited the dispensary once a week. She could not reply why the Class IV employee was absent from work.

Posing as a patient, the correspondent asked for medicine for fever and the pharmacist immediately handed it over

without even checking the temperature. Also, no anti-diarrhoea tablets were available.

A resident of Bagga Khurd, Bachittar Singh, said it was a rare occasion when the whole staff was present on duty. “We have to rush to private hospitals as there is no one to deal with emergency cases even in nearby primary health centres,” he said.

The wild growth of plants in the dispensary points at its neglect.

Ludhiana, August 15
The water level in the Sutlej came down to the alarm level from the danger level after sun came out after three days in the region this afternoon. The district administration remained on tenterhooks all through the day at Qasabad village after gushing water of the Sutlej entered Bhatia sewerage treatment plant.

The drainage pipe carrying treated water to the Sutlej began flowing backward, raising the water level in the plant as well as threatening Qasabad village.

Zila parishad chairman Manpreet Singh Ayali reached the scene with some activists to help the villagers.

A team of district administration led by SDM and another by Salem Tabri police also reached there. They were camping at the site to tackle any emergency.

Employees of the water and treatment sewerage board were trying to plug the breach in the plant wall.

Officials concerned said the breach was not serious and there was no danger to the village. Sutlej had been in full flow during the past few days but the water level had receded considerably giving some sigh of relief to the administration.

Amloh, August 15
Official function on the Independence Day was organised at grain market here today. Local SDM Poonamdeep Kaur unfurled the national flag. While addressing the gathering, she reminded people about the great martyrs who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country which we should now strive to strengthen. The programme began with a shabad.

Among others, judicial magistrate Jatinder Kaur Walia, former minister Dalip Singh Pandhi, SAD working committee member Randhir Singh Bhambri, tehsildar Pardeep Singh Bains, DSP Gurpreet Singh, social worker Dr. Raghbir Shukla, CDPO Satish Kumar, market committee secretary Satpal Singh, panches, sarpanches, zila parishad members were present on the occasion. Bhagwan Singh conducted the stage. Five sewing machines were given to the needy women.

School children presented group dance, choreography, solo song, action song, group dance, bhangra, skit and gidha. The programme concluded with the national anthem.

Council chief Lal Chand Garg hoisted the national flag at municipal complex here today. PPCC member Gurdev Singh Khanian, artia association chief Jiwan Puri, councillors and other respectables were present.

Ludhiana, August 15
Pensioners of the state and central government departments, Punjab Agricultural University, Punjab State Electricity Board, armed forces and railways celebrated the Independence Day at a function at Pensioners Bhawan in mini secretariat here today.

Uco Bank deputy general manager B.R. Chauhan presided over the function and unfurled the national flag.

Offering his greetings to pensioners and senior citizens, he urged the younger generation to be grateful to the elderly, who had dedicated prime period of their lives in the service of the country.

“Pensioners are not only an integral part of society but also deserved special treatment in recognition of their services.”

The chief guest focussed on different schemes of the bank that the pensioners and senior citizens could avail of while adding that the bank felt pride in being associated with the task of disbursement of pension to the beneficiaries.

Welcoming the chief guest and others present, Pensioners Bhawan management committee chairman B.R. Kaushal explained the activities being undertaken by the pensioners information centre.

He said the project was the only one-of-its-kind in the state of Punjab that was being run and managed by pensioners associations with their own resources without any outside 
funding.

Prominent among others present were Uco Bank chief manager Anil K. Bhardwaj, H.S. Kahlon, R.S. Behal, Gurmail Singh, V.K. Khanna, H.K. Sood, G.L. Bajaj, D.B. Bhatia, V.M. Bhandari, Charanjit Singh, Dr H.S. Brar, J.S. Dhillon, Prem Sagar Sharma and K.S. Panchhi.

Khanna, August 15
The Congress today paid tributes to Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru at a function at Atwal Palace here. The annual Shaheedi Mela is organised at Issru village in the memory of Issru, who died fighting the Portuguese in Goa.

However, for the first time the venue was shifted from the village to a palace here.

Former PPCC president Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and Shamsher Singh Dullo were present along with newly appointed PPCC president Mohinder Singh Kaypee at the function.

After paying tributes to Issru, leaders lashed out at the policies of the SAD and said the policies of the state government were against the common man.

Dullo said the SAD and the BJP had squandered people’s money. He claimed that the Congress would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections. Mohinder Singh Kaypee too expressed similar views.

Bhattal said people should not forget the sacrifice of martyrs. The state had already been reeling under acute power shortage and now the threat of floods in various districts had made things worse.

“The government should adopt a proactive approach in dealing with the problems of people,” she added.

Issru, August 15
Charanjeet Kaur, widow of Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru, today said that she was not invited by the state government to attend the function held in his memory. “Every time I come on my own. Not even once has anybody bothered to call me. Nobody even recognises me there,” she said.

She was betrothed to Karnail Singh at the time of his death and lived as his widow. “I am happy with my nieces and nephews. I have been brought up in times when one couldn’t even consider a second marriage,” she said.

She is staying with her two brothers at Baraula village, near Ambala. Her brothers Gurcharan Singh and Jarnail Singh said they visited Issru every year with a hope that the leaders might extend them the courtesy of inviting them to the function.

“Politicians only resort to lip-service. My sister comes to this place at her own and none of the leaders have enquired about her well being,” her brother said.

Some mediapersons urged her to go to the place where the Punjab CM was delivering a speech. She was honoured there later today. The government school in the village also invited her and she hoisted the flag.

Ludhiana, August 15
Torrential rain for the past two days and the fear of flood is keeping those residing in colonies alongside the Budda Nullah awake as the civic body has failed to clean it up.

Colonies like New Madhopuri, New Kundan Puri, Shiv Puri, Luv Kush Nagar, Salem Tabri, Mahavir Jain Colony, New Puneet Nagar, Kirpal Nagar and a few other areas face fury of floods due to the overflowing nullah almost every year. The heavy rainfall experienced during the past two days has compounded their fears.

When the SAD-BJP was in power it used to raise a lot of hue and cry over cleaning of nullah. Now when it is in power, no desilting work has been carried out so far. “This month would soon be over. The municipal corporation, however, has not bothered to get the nullah cleaned. With the overgrown weeds and no desilting operation in sight, the nullah is not able to contain rain water and might flood these localities,” said a resident.

Inderjeet Singh, a resident of Kirpal Nagar, said, “ It’s difficult to understand why we are made to face such a situation every year. No solution is, however, in sight. For how long would we continue to live like this?” he asked.

Every year during rains, residents of these localities face a lot of difficulty. “Water enters our houses. This time also it is there in streets. It will enter the houses soon if rain continued for another day,” he added.

Residents of Mahavir Jain Colony had suffered due to floods last year. There was water everywhere and they were forced to shift to the upper floors of their houses. “That did not approach the authorities. I wonder where the funds meant for cleaning the nullah go every year.” 

Ludhiana, August 15
Prof M.S. Cheema, the man reckoned with Punjabi literature, died here this morning. Known for his ready wit even at the age of 79, Professor Cheema was amongst the most respected literateurs of the city.

His last rites were performed at the cremation ground in Model Town Extension.

Having retired as lecturer in Punjabi from SCD Government College, Ludhiana, Professor Cheema enjoyed a good rapport with students, who followed him even years after his retirement.

He also rendered his services at Government colleges in Karamsar, Rara Sahib, Ropar and Guru Nanak College, Ludhiana.

A true patriot at heart, Prof Cheema was a regular visitor to his birthplace in Sialkot (Pakistan) where he spent early years of his life.

His love for Punjab made him an exponent of Punjabi culture who never missed a chance to instill the same values in younger generation.

Having been accredited with many awards, Professor Cheema was designated as senior vice-president of Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation, patron of Malwa Sabhaicharak Manch, president of Government College Teachers’ Association, general secretary of Adeeb International and Punjabi Sahit Akademy.

Jagdev Singh Jasswal , K.K. Bawa, principal Piara Singh, Dr Niranjan Tasneem, Dr Kewal Dheer, Daljit Singh Baggi, Dr Gunwant Singh Dua and various other contemporaries of Professor Cheema paid homage to the laureate at his last rites.

Ludhiana, August 15
Yash Momi has paid tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs of the nation by carving images on pieces of chalk. 

After getting inspiration from a broken piece of chalk in his classroom, this 30-year-old artist from Garha village, near Phillaur, got on the job without wasting any time.

“It took me weeks to carve the images of Chander Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Raguru, Sukhdev, Mahatama Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh on pieces of chalk. It’s my way of paying tributes to the great souls,” the artist says.

The artist was honoured at a district-level Independence Day function for his past endeavours that include Bhagat Singh’s image on rice grain, painting of Guru Gobind Singh inside the bulb and CM Parkash Singh Badal’s image on almond.

Half-inch cot woven from his hair is the latest amongst his collection of “atypical art”. Excited over his latest work, the artist says: “I have already sent an entry to Limca Book of Records with a hope to getting recognition for my miniature art work.”

Having studied in government school, Yash went on to do double MA in Hindi and political science followed by a full-time career in teaching. “I just love to teach as being in school and around students motivates me to set a goal and achieve it in stipulated time.”

Passion to do something new had this artist sitting for hours with his pins and knives but even loss of eyesight could not deter him from carrying on with his work. “I was advised not to carve after losing sight of an eye but the artist in me impelled me to get back to work after a gap of one year,” says Yash.

Government's approval of 6th pay commission is an appreciable action, credit of which goes to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. He has done justice with government employees, including defence personnel.

Still the commission has not done justice with the Army. DIG, who is equalant to brigadier rank, will get Rs 90,000 per month whereas in Army a lieutinent general, who is two ranks senior to DIG, will get Rs 90,000 per month equalant to DIG.

Pay should be given more to Army as compared to the police as service conditions of Army are much toughter than police.

Col (Retd) B.S. Ghuman, Mohali

Readers are invited to mail letters (not more than 200 words) at "ludhiana@tribunemail.com" or post the same to The Tribune, 1, 2 Improvement Trust Building, Badaur House, Clock Tower, Ludhiana.

Mandi Gobindgarh, August 15
A migrant labourer has been found murdered in a godown adjacent to his house. The police retrieved the body of the victim yesterday after the owner of the godown spotted a finger jutting out of the earth.

The victim, identified as 27-year-old Vijay Kumar, had been putting up near the godown and taking care of cattle belonging the godown owner.

“Apparently someone buried the body and then tried to remove it from the place. After the suspect failed to do so, he left the body exposed from some parts,” said police officials.

A case has been registered at the Mandi Gobindgarh police station against unknown persons in this connection.

The victim’s neck was slit by some sharp-edged weapon before his body was buried in the ground, said the officials.

The police is trying to explore all angles, including illicit relations and enmity, behind the murder.

Vijay was residing alone in the house and had been taking care of the cattle for the past three months. He had come to Mandi Gobindgarh three years ago along with his two brothers from Uttar Pradesh.

Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Dr Kaustubh Sharma said the body had been sent for a post-mortem examination.

“We have formed a team of experts who are inquiring into the matter. The culprits would soon be arrested,” he said.

This is the fourth murder in past one month. Two watchmen of a factory, Kelu Jha and Gurvinder, were murdered on August 1 and the police arrested the accused a few days ago.

Another victim, Kharak Singh, was killed at Goyal Traders in the Grain Market on August 21 but the culprits were yet to be arrested in the case.

Ludhiana, August 15
The Independence Day was celebrated at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, with great enthusiasm. Dr V.K. Taneja, vice chancellor, GADVASU unfurled the national flag at 8.35 am in the University premises.

He inspected the NCC Cadets. Dr. Taneja, first paid tributes to all those who fought for country's freedom. We all must remember and salute them.

In his address, vice chancellor described the development of the country in three phases.

First phase was characteristic of poverty and deficit food grains. Green revolution was brought by the great efforts of the scientists and farmers and today we were a food surplus country.

Then came the era of information and technology. This was followed by era of white and blue revolution where in veterinary, animal and fisheries scientists and farmers played a significant role.

Further, Dr Taneja highlighted the contents of Prime Minister’s speech that the development of our country was going at a good pace. This needed to be followed sacredly, so that India became a developed country by 2020.

Ludhiana, August 15
The administration of Jatindera Green Field School had made elaborate arrangements for smooth Independence Day, followed by Raksha Bandhan celebrations.

Jagdev Kaur, secretary of the school, unfurled the national flag on the occasion. An impressive cultural programme by the students was the main attraction of the independence day celebrations. The importance of the day was highlighted by the principal to inculcate a feeling of patriotism. She said such kind of cultural programmes would be undertaken in near future. The manager, Madan, congratulated the teachers and students on the occasion.

SDP SECONDARY SCHOOL: Independence Day was celebrated amidst great fervour, gaiety and joy in the premises of SDP Sec School, Hazuri Road. The flag hoisting ceremony was performed by Lekh Raj Arora, the chief guest of the occasion.

Near about 1500 students attended the function. Students presented a cultural programme including patriotic songs, bhangra, choreography. Bhangra kept the audience spell bond. Jasveer Singh Chauhan, principal of the school made the students aware of the sacrifices by freedom fighters and revolutionaries. Balraj Kumar Bhasin, president of the SDP institutions congratulated all the present there for grand celebrations.

BCM Arya Model: Gaiety, fun and enthusiasm marked the Independence Day celebrations in BCM Arya Model Sr. Sec. School, Shastri Nagar.

The celebration reflected the spirit of patriotism among teachers and children. From corridors to classrooms, everything was decorated in tricolour. Brig. P.R. Deshpande, Station Commander and Commander - 715 (md.) A.D. Brigade graced the occasion as chief guest. The chief guest unfurled and saluted the tricolour which reminds us of our nation's past and present and gives a coded message about lndia's culture and history. Paramjit Kaur, principal of the school, elaborated that Independence Day should mean freedom from petty issues like racism and communalism and exhorted the audience to rise to the wider global issues of advancement in technology and its use in positive and peaceful way.

Vardhman school: Vardhman International Public School celebrated Independence Day with great pomp and show.The chief guest on the occasion A .K. Shori Addi. Distt. and sessions judge unfurled the national flag and paid tribute to the martyrs of the freedom struggle. Vijay Kumar Jain (president) Vipan Mittal (vice president), Sushil Malhotra (vice president), Rakesh Jam and the manager of the school Sanjeev Jain were present on the flag hoisting ceremony.

KUNDAN VIDYA MANDIR: Rain could not deter the determination of KVM students, who observed a grand function in the school auditorium to observe Independence Day. Ashwani Kumar, manager, managing committee graced the occasion by consenting to be the chief guest. He hoisted the tricolour and the whole scenario was filled with the fragrance of patriotism as the national anthem followed the flag hoisting ceremony.

Rajiv Nagalia, principal, Kundan Vidya Mandir, formally welcomed the chief guest, parents. In his address he said Independence in the true sense was long way off and could be achieved only by universal education.

C.S International: C.S International School celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm. National Flag was unfurled by C.S. Matharoo, chairman of the school. Swaranjit Singh, director of the school congratulated all present on the occasion. An impressive march past followed by a cultural programme was organised by the students that also included a colourful programme. Principal Neena Sharma read out the message reminding every one of the great sacrifices made by the martyrs for the freedom of India.

RC JAIN SCHOOL: In Drishti Dr. RC Jain Innovative Public School, Pakhowal Road, Narangwal, Ludhiana, 61 years of independence was celebrated with a great patriotic fervour.

All students Std. II onwards participated very enthusiastically in the function thus creating an atmosphere of joy and celebrations. The programme also highlighted the present social evils and how the youth could take up cudgels and help the country overcome them. There was a clarion call to the youth to stand for their rights and also to perform their duties.

The diverse cultural presentation made on the unifying Vande Mataram was a treat to the eyes. The fast beat of the dhol to the equally fast singing of Vande Mataram made everyone feel the true spirit of India and freedom.

Doraha, August 15
A two-day inter-school basketball competition for Sahnewal zone organised at Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Doraha, concluded here today. Local teams bagged titles in four categories during the meet.

Doraha municipal committee president Inderjit Singh was the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included chairman Sukhpal Singh, school director Umal Kaur, coordinators of Doraha Institute of Management and Technology Japvir Singh and Supreet Kaur and school managing committee member Amarjit Singh.

School principal Manjushaw Vinayak accorded a warm welcome to the guests.

In all, 24 teams from various schools of the zone participated in the tournament. Matches were held in under-14, under-17 and under-19 boys and girls categories.

The results: Under-14 boys: 1 Doraha Public School, Doraha; 2 Kalgidhar Academy, Dugri; 3 Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School, Doraha.

Under-14 girls: 1 Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Doraha; 2 Kalgidhar Academy, Dugri; 3 USPC Jain School, Jamalpur.

Under-17 boys: 1 Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Doraha; 2 USPC Jain School, Jamalpur; 3 Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School, Doraha.

Under-17 girls: 1 Doraha Public School, Doraha; 2 Kalgidhar Academy, Dugri.

Ludhiana, August 15
Jawahar Bhandari, currently ranked third in master’s category in table tennis, won double crown in the Open Table Tennis Tournament held at Public College, Samana, recently.

Jawahar, who runs a table tennis academy here, gave good account of himself in Samana by wrapping up two titles. He won top honours in the veteran’s singles group as well as men’s singles category.

In the veteran’s final, Jawahar came out triumphant against Amarjot Singh of Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) without being challenged. He romped home victorious in straight sets 11-3 and 11-4.

In the men’s singles final, Jawahar registered a win over his experienced opponent Jatinder Kishore from State Bank of Patiala. He won the verdict 11-4 and 11-6.

Jawahar has also been imparting training to young paddlers at Delhi Public School, Ludhiana, Anand Ishar Singh Senior Secondary School, Mandi Ahmedgarh, besides Kundan Vidya Mandir School, Civil Lines, Ludhiana.