Ludhiana, November 6
Cash and computer parts worth Rs 6 lakhs were stolen at Big Byte Computers, Krishna Nagar, last night. The incident has sent a shock wave among computer dealers as they fear that an organised gang may be behind it.

The association of computer entrepreneurs called for a closure of all computer shops in the city in this regard.

Four armed youths entered the showroom and took away cash and computer parts. They shot a youth in the leg when he tried to flee from the spot.

Rajeev Bansal, owner of Big Bite Computers, said the youths, with their faces covered, entered the showroom at around 8 pm and took out a pistol. They also took the mobile phones of all workers and tied their hands and legs with a rope.

They then emptied the cash counter in a polythene bag and fled. A similar theft had taken place at Saphire Computer two months ago.

A delegation headed by the president of the association gave a memorandum to the SSP today, seeking the immediate arrest of the accused.

Ludhiana, November 6
Five persons were seriously injured after a minor scuffle between two groups at a tavern here late last night.

The injured were rushed to the DMCH, where the condition of one of the victims is reported to be serious.

Vishal Joshi, a resident of Sukhram Nagar, said they had a minor scuffle with six youths at a tavern. “They threatened us with dire consequences and left,” he said, adding that when they reached the lights on the Pakhowal road, they were attacked by the youths who were armed with sticks and sharp-edged weapons.

They pounced on the victims who were in a car and were waiting for the light to turn green. The accused then fled on two motorcycles. The police has registered a case.

Ludhiana, November 6
Two groups clashed at the elite Satluj Club here late last evening, much to the shock and dismay of members.

The groups were reportedly led by former general secretaries of the club, G.S. Laddi and Sanjay Arora.

While both parties levelled allegations against each other, eyewitnesses said the group led by Sanjay Arora and Mahesh Goyal reached the club at around 11 pm with its supporters and started accusing Laddi of misbehaviour.

The scene turned ugly when both groups started abusing each other. Several members, including some NRIs, intervened and the group led by Arora left. Laddi has written a complaint to the club’s general secretary in this regard.

“I was trying to intervene in a long-pending money matter between Mahesh Goyal and another member. He did not take it kindly and started abusing me over the phone. Then he brought some persons to the club to scare us and misbehaved with us,” he alleged.

On the other hand, Arora alleged that Laddi had threatened them over the phone. He then went to the club with his supporters and a heated argument took place. “There was only an argument at the club,” he said, adding that Mahesh wrote a complaint to the general secretary about the entire episode.

The general secretary, Yogesh Bansal, said he had received a complaint, but he was yet to go through it.

Last night’s incident has evoked protest from members, who said they were embarrassed at the abuses used by the groups in front of their families.

“It is better to go to a liquor vend and drink amid drunkards. What is the need to pay a hefty fee for membership to the club? The environment is no better here if members have to stoop to such a level. They should be ashamed of themselves,” a member said, urging the deputy commissioner, who is the president of the club, to intervene in the matter.

It is not for the first time that such a scene has taken place on the premises of the club. Earlier also such incidents had been reported and the matter was taken up with the DC, but no action was taken.

“Had the club president been strong, such cases of indiscipline would not have taken place,” another member stated.

Ludhiana, November 6
The muchsexual harassment case against the director students welfare (DSW) seems to be finding no headway even after around two months of the formally lodged complaint.

All those related to the case, including the complainant, accused and committee members seem to have decided to remain mum on the issue till something “concrete” comes out of it.

But those working at the farm university, including certain senior faculty members, feel since the allegations against the officer were serious in nature, it should have been on the priority list of the committee to submit the report as soon as possible.

The case has continuously been highlighted in various sections of media but committee members have been maintaining that “process is going on and we will come up with the findings. Any revelations at the stage may hamper the probe”.

On the other hand, the female employee who lodged a complaint in writing against the DSW has maintained silence over the issue. She said she was tight-lipped because of the instructions given by committee members not to reveal anything to anyone.

The DSW, who is on a long leave (till December), has also refused to talk to the media.

But his son, Gaurav Brar, had recently said that unless they were handed over the copy of the complaint, his father, Dulcha Singh Brar, could not record the statement. Both phone numbers of the DSW have been switched-off.

A senior faculty member, on the condition of anonymity, said such a complaint (sexual harassment) against a faculty member had been filed for the first time in the university.

All those attached with the prestigious institution, including students, teachers and employees feel that truth must come out.

“If a person refuses to record his statement, committee must submit findings on the basis of statements recorded by complainant or witnesses. For how long will you wait for a person’s version?” he said.

Another faculty member, however, said the accused had every right to ask for a copy of complaint. “There is nothing wrong in that. He has the right to know the nature of the complaint before recording the statement. It seems no one is interested in solving the case,” said a female teacher.

In September, a female employee, working under the DSW, had framed sexual harassment charges against the latter, following which the charge of hostels was taken from the officer on “administrative grounds”.

Ludhiana, November 6
Hundreds of students of Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, DD Jain College for Women and Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College today went on a strike in protest against the increase in fee.

Students, a majority of them girls, alleged that the management’s “dictatorial attitude” was responsible for the ruckus on college campuses. Most students were from BBA and B.Com courses, who were being asked to pay more fee.

Savita Arora (name changed) of DD Jain College said parents had to shell out thousands of rupees for the admission of their wards to BBA and B.Com courses. It was the time for the second instalment and the management was asking for more fee.

“We are aware of the university guidelines. Such a hike was never mentioned in the prospectus. They cannot befool students by demanding extra money. Why should we keep quiet?” asked an agitated student.

A student of GNKCW said students were educated enough to differentiate between right and wrong. She said they did not need any union to represent their case. “Ours is a genuine demand. They tried to suppress our voice. We are getting education by paying hefty amounts. Why should we pay extra in the name of various funds? BBA students are not even getting proper facilities. Some lectures are being conducted at the principal’s guest house. We will not pay extra money in the form of any hike,” she said.

At Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College, however, students looked relieved after the management announced to reduce Rs 1,000 from their next instalment. “We spoke to the principal in the morning and she reduced the instalment amount,” Ramaninder Singh, a student, said.

Gursharan Kaur, principal of the GNKCW, said students were not on strike. She said there was some confusion over the instalments and the authorities had agreed to charge fee in two instalments as desired by students. No classes were being taken at the guest house, she added.

Despite repeated attempts, the principal of DD college could not be contacted for comments.

Students of Guru Nanak Girls College had also gone on strike yesterday. They resumed classes today after getting an assurance on fee reduction by the management.

Ludhiana, November 6
Dressed in a fawn suit, actor-cum-theatre director, Nadira Zaheer Babbar, was a combination of an ideal Indian woman and a true professional. Munching on a salad, she took pride in introducing herself as Mrs Raj Babbar as she spoke about her play “Pencil Se Brush Tak” to be staged at Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan tomorrow. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

What is the relevance of theatre for children in your career as an actor and theatre director?

I have always felt passionately towards children’s theatre, which is why I conduct special workshops for them during vacation. It is important to catch them young and create a liking in them for live performances as it not only enables them to take life at its face value, but also helps them to identify their areas of talent.

Is it true that folk theatre is responsible for the revival of theatre?

Folk theatre has a regional flavour which is elemental in the growth of language and expression of the territory to facilitate the progress of theatre at large. The value and dignity of every small theatre group when acknowledged in the right perspective, promotes artistes with a potential to cast a spell on the audience. Subrojyoti (West Bengal), Pawan Uttam (UP), Anup Soni (Punjab) and Ankur (Gujarat), despite their diverse backgrounds, are an integral part of the Mumbai-based Ekjute Theatre group.

Your role in “Bride and Prejudice” brought you laurels. What made you skip the silver screen soon after?

Theatre for me is the food for soul as I have evolved as an actor on the stage and before the live audience. “Bride and Prejudice”was a good change that brought dozens of offers, but none of those intrigued me as a performer. I turned down the offers as I was offered roles similar to my character in the film. For me, versatility in character portrayal and subject of the movie matters more than anything else. But I am open to new ideas of new genre directors in Bollywood. At present, I’m working on the plays “Memoirs of a Doctor” and “Daastan Goyi”.

How would you define “Pencil Se Brush Tak”?

Written by playwright Varun Gautam, the play revolves around Maqbool Fida Hussain. Unity in diversity is the pivotal point that unveils the struggle of an amateur artist in a pastoral backdrop. Pawan Uttam, Anup Soni and Tom Alter portray the three stages of the artist’s life. The play is the means to reach the end that includes tolerance, love, compassion and brotherhood among fellow Indians.

Ludhiana, November 6
The issue of inviting tenders by the municipal corporation for various works of around Rs 65 crore, which includes construction of roads, passed by the Chief Minister during sangat darshan, seems to have seen a ray of hope.

According to sources, municipal commissioner G.S. Ghuman might come up with a proposal that would allow remaining 161 works passed during the sangat darshan to be given to contractors as the municipal councillors desired. The projects are worth around Rs 31 crore.

Talking to The Tribune, mayor Hakam Singh Gyaspura said: “We have planned that big tenders could be given in groups while small tenders could be allotted individually.” He said he would talk about the issue with municipal councillors to resolve amicably.

The controversy over tenders invited by the municipal corporation for various works arose on Monday when BJP councillors under the leadership of senior deputy mayor Praveen Bansal met mayor Hakam Singh Gyaspura.

They told the mayor about their opposition against allotment of tenders on the basis of group system and alleged that municipal officials were hand in glove with big contractors and this was done to facilitate them.

On Tuesday, Congress councillors along with the leader of opposition Prem Mittal met the mayor to discuss the issue and told Gyaspura that even they were not in favour of the manner in which tenders were being given.

They were of the opinion that the MC’s move to call tenders in the form of groups would affect the quality of work as there were only five or six big contractors in the city who could apply for the work.

According to the advertisement published in newspapers, the MC had divided various works into five categories. While the first group consists of 11 works, group two and three consists of 33 and 37 works, respectively. The groups four and five have 19 and 27 works only.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 6
The police station at Dehlon is being renovated for the director general’s inspection. IG Zonal Jalandhar Sanjiv Kalra would be inspecting the preparations at the police station, among others, on November 10.

The police authorities here are paying special attention to register number 13, which might emerge as a rare police document for Ludhiana (rural) as it comprises critical evaluations of the performance of the police station over the past 104 years and remarks by gazetted officers who visited it.

First few pages of the register have been written with pens known as “dunks” and lends it an exclusive look. Some pages are written in Urdu.

Perusal of the register showed that pre-Independence gazetted officers had been analysing the working of the staff critically. They used to recognise outstanding performance, besides those social leaders who assisted the police in maintaining law and order in their respective areas.

Comments by an SP in 1905 acknowledged the outstanding performance of the then SHO. The officer had commented that the sub-inspector was the only one in the district who could write.

He had also noted down that the general knowledge of the constables was nil and mentioned cracks had appeared in the walls of lock-ups.

Though the police station has been shifted to a new building, officials are leaving no stone unturned to renovate it.

Ludhiana, November 6
Inter-college youth festival of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) started here today. On the inaugural day, a cultural procession comprising contingents from different colleges of PAU started from museum of rural life of Punjab on the campus of College of Home Science.

The events of collage making and cartooning took place on the first day. The festival will conclude on November 19. During the days, different events like debate, clay modeling, rangoli, cultural programmes, mono acting, mime, shabad gayan, quiz, extempore etc will be held.

The nine-day festival has formally begun but most of the people on campus are waiting for the November 17 when the cultural program would commence with the competitions in activities as creative dances and folk songs.

However, as the panel of the experts designated for these competitions would be preparing results but the results for the same would be announced on the final day of the festival, November 19, he informed.

Ludhiana, November 6
The students of Arya College protested here yesterday against the principal and computer lecturer Amrish Aggarwal for "ruining" the careers of students. The students demanded the removal of the principal as well as the computer lecturer.

They even threatened if, the computer lecturer, who forced them to take tuitions, was not terminated, they would resort to a strong agitation.

The members of the Arya College Students' Union said the management and certain teachers were playing "petty" politics and students were being made to suffer.

“We did not approach the principal to complain against the lecturer, as we had lost faith in him (principal). We preferred to contact the vice-chancellor directly,” a student said.

Ludhiana, November 6
Ludhiana women stepped into the shoes of Bollywood divas of yesteryear as they performed at a costume extravaganza at a city boutique recently.

The occasion was not just another party for homemakers but a time for some young professionals to rejuvenate themselves. A doctor having travelled 20 km to be part of the show lived up to the expectations of her friends as she came dressed up as Asha Parekh.

Draped in Mumtaaz style sari, Reeta with her sleek crimson sari added to the pulsating moments, as she hip hopped on “Aaj kal tere mere pyar ke charche”.

“Lets get nostalgic”, the theme of the retro party, grew on judges of the event who added to the dazzle with their elaborate hairstyles and ethnic wear.

Speckled with vibrant hues, the morning was a blend of classical, semi-classical, jazz, hip-hop and twist (the most sought-after dance in Bollywood of 70s).

Revisiting Sridevi era, the hosts and guests enjoyed an animate performance on the number from film Chandni.

Old being gold gave an edge to competitors representing Saira Banu, Sadhana, Vahida Rehman and Mumtaaz and Zhumka Gira as they were amongst the best performers of the day.

Charanjit could have rightly been termed as “showstopper” with her Neetu Singh looks. Oozing with confidence, she said: “If Priyanka Chopra bedazzled audience in ‘Fashion’, I have managed to take everyone’s breath away with my short-pleated skirt with baby curls.”

Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 6
Showing concern over declining ratio of men undergoing vasectomy in comparison to tubectomy in women during reproductive age, civil surgeon Sangrur Dr Dalip Kumar, persuaded members of the staff at local community health centre to motivate more men to adopt this 'fool proof' method of birth control and stressed on need of maintaining nuclear family.

Dr Dalip was addressing doctors and members of paramedical staff after concluding function of the family planning camp at which about 24 women and three men were operated for tubectomy and vasectomy respectively.

"We should educate the couples that vasectomy like tubectomy does not cause any type of weakness," the civil surgeon directed health officials.

He presented gifts worth Rs 1,100 and Rs 250 to men and women undergoing surgeries at the camp.

The services were provided to residents of about 50 villages falling under Sangrur and Ludhiana district. Dr Kumar claimed that more doctors had been deputed to improve the services. Besides posting Dr Balwinder Singh, surgeon and Dr Jyoti Kapoor Hind, a pathologist and gynaecologist permanently, the authorities had deputed Dr Gurdip Singh, an orthopaedic surgeon and Dr Deepak Modi and dermatologist for two days a week here.

Ludhiana, November 6
The secretary of Managing Society of Arya College, Ludhiana, SK Syal, submitted his “retreat” letter to the president of Arya Vidya Parishad Punjab last evening.

In his resignation, he submitted, “Under the prevailing conditions, wherein, my confidence has been completely shaken in the administration of Arya College, Ludhiana, I regret to retreat as secretary Arya College Managing Committee.”

Syal said recent events that took place in the college had perturbed him. “I can not comment much on the issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vijay Kumar Sathi, president managing society said, “We will persuade him. He will withdraw his resignation”.

It may be mentioned here that Arya College had remained in controversy recently when certain students levelled allegations against one of the lecturers, who was asking students either to take tuitions from him or to get poor results in the internal assessment.

The students as well as the members of the Arya College Teachers’ Union had further levelled allegations that the principal was shielding the lecturer and nothing would come out from the inquiry committee constituted by the principal himself.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 6
State Bank of Patiala, grain market branch, manager Bharpoor Singh distributed woollen garments among needy students of Government Senior Secondary School Nathumajra, near here, today.

Principal Amandeep presided over the function, while sarpanch Amolak Singh was the chief guest.

Addressing the function, speakers, including Nirmal Singh and Jagjit Singh, called upon social leaders and elite members of society to come to the rescue of those students who were forced to drop out due to poverty.

Ludhiana, November 6
A teachers training programme initiated by the Government Inservice Teachers Training Centre, Ludhiana, has entered into the third phase yesterday at 22 centres in the district.

“Over 4,000 government school teachers will be imparted exclusive educational training during this programme,” Gurdeep Kaur, centre principal, said here today.

Teachers have been provided with the specially designed modules in order to make the training programme more effective. The module-based training is attracting the teaching community’s attention this time.

The programme is being monitored by SSA Authority, Punjab, under the aegis of DG (School Education) Krishan Kumar.

The coordinators and lecturers of the centre, Dr Shashi Trehan, HS Manocha, Davinder Singh Chhina, Shivani, Savita Chadha and Balbir Kaur, visited various centres during the just concluded second phase of the training programme.

Teachers related to Science, Social Studies, Maths, Punjabi and Hindi are undergoing the training programme and the various experienced lecturers had been appointed as the resource persons.

“The attendance of the teachers had been made compulsory during the training programme,” disclosed a teacher Gurdeep Kaur. The monthly meetings of the teachers are also being organised simultaneously on each Wednesday.

Ludhiana, November 6
Change has come to US with Barack Obama recording a landslide victory in the US presidential elections, turning the country from red (Republican) to blue (Democrat).

A cross-section of people that The Tribune spoke to said they were excited at his winning the elections. Manjit Singha a die-hard fan of Obama, said: “That Obama will win the election was a foregone conclusion and I am thrilled that finally the racial barrier in America is broken.”

Ranju, a housewife, said: “I thought America was not yet ready for a Black president, but Obama’s political genius and powerful oratory has landed him in White House.” Kajal, a student, quipped: “I am happy that Obama has won as he will be good for India.”

The enthusiasm among residents for the US presidential polls was evident from the fact that most of them remained glued to their television to find out the results.

“I switched on my television in the middle of the night to find out the latest news. It was a chance for me to see how US mandates and I was surprised to see how traditional Republican states voted for Obama, who is a Democrat. If such changes can come to American politics, we can hope that our political scenario will also change,” said Ravinder Kumar, a resident.

Even before the results were out, M.R. Dhand (80), who is physically challenged, had visited the newspaper’s office from Himmatana village, near Malerkotla, by public transport just to express his feeling for Obama.

“It’s my verdict. Obama will win. In spite of my handicap and arduous journey to the office, I want to share my conviction that Obama will lead the Americans for the next four years.”

Mullanpur Dakha, November 6
Baba Jaspal Singh, chairman of Bhai Ghaniya Charitable Hospital and Service Society, solemnised the mass marriage of 206 couples at Baddowal village today.

Though the society had set a target of 100 marriages of girls, the number reached 206. Among them were 192 Sikh, six Muslim, five Hindu and three Christian girls.

Father Stephen, Pt Jeevan Kumar Sharma, Mohammad Adib and a local granthi conducted the marriage of girls in their respective rituals.

He also gave the newly wed couple household goods, clothes and cosmetics worth around Rs 50,000.

A common kitchen for the couples, guests and visitors was organised. The programme that started two days ago was conducted with all religious ceremonies.

AICC general secretary Manish Tiwari, Anti-Terrorist Front chairman Maninderjeet Singh Bitta, Jagraon MLA Gurdeep Singh Bhaini, Punjab Mandi Board chairman Ajmer Singh Lakhowal were among those present at the ceremony.

Ludhiana, November 6
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led UPA government on its dilly-dally attitude in cutting down prices of petroleum products even after the crude oil prices have touched rock bottom in the international market.

Dr Subhash Verma, convener of NGO cell of the party, said here today the crude prices had crashed from $147to around $60 but the Union petroleum minister Murli Deora was still not prepared to pass on the benefit of fallen prices to the people.

“The manner in which the UPA government has connived with hoarders and profiteers in fuelling inflation in the country, the electorate will also give a befitting reply to constituent parties of the UPA, including the Congress in the coming Lok Sabha elections.”

He said even when the public sector oil companies were running in profit, the government had jacked up prices of petroleum products on the pretext of rise in the prices of crude oil in the global market.

Now that the crude prices had crashed, what was stopping the government to proportionately cut down the oil prices, Dr Verma wondered.

The BJP leader observed prices of essential items were touching the sky, interest rates of bank loans had gone out of reach of a common man.

“The wrong economic policies of the government, coupled with manipulative tactics of certain vested interests have led to the crash of share prices in which investors have lost thousands of crores during last couple of months. However, the UPA government is trying to wash its hands off the responsibility for such a huge crisis by attributing it to global recession.”

Ludhiana, November 6
German luxury car manufacturer Audi yesterday announced sales figures for past 10 months, showing progress towards its goal of record sales figures this year.

From January to October, Audi India increased its sales countrywide by 203 per cent to 884 cars (January-October, 2007: 292 units). In October, 2008, the sales grew by 312 per cent in comparison to October, 2007.

“After recording highest sales in each month of this year, Audi succeeded again in increasing sales figures and the growth of market share in October in India. The introduction of new models with the “Vorsprung durch Technik” brand core for the Indian market and the expansion of dealerships will keep the brand growing in India,” said Benoit Tiers, managing director of Audi India.

The most successful models in October were newly launched Audi A4 and Audi Q7, underlining its leadership in the luxury SUV segment.

The model range consisting of A4, A6, A8, Q7 and TT is available at present at 12 dealerships across the country, including Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Ludhiana.

In the first week of Nov, the brand with the four rings will launch its award-winning super sports car in India.

Mandi Gobindgarh, November 6
The placement cell of Gobindgarh Public College, Alour Khanna, organised campus placement for the students of BA III.

As many as 100 students participated in the campus placement drive. Prof Gopal Krishan and Prof Shashi Kapoor, co-ordinators, assured that students would be offered a package of Rs 2.20 lakhs and Rs 1.80 lakhs annually from companies like Wipro and Infosys.

Principal Dr Suresh Tandon addressed the students on the occasion and guided them to opt jobs in IT Sector.

Workshop: CII Workshop on India @75 was held at RIMT-Institute of Engineering & Technology in which various industrialists from Punjab participated. Gunbir Singh, vice-chairman, CII Punjab State Council, along with other officials presented their views. Gunbir said CII is a non-government, non-profit, industry led and industry-managed organisation, playing a proactive role in the development process.

Ludhiana, November 6
Gopal Ashtmi was celebrated today with religious fervour. Prabhat pheri was taken out early in the morning at 5.30 am from Shiv Shakti Mandir, New Rishi Nagar.

All the houses in the locality were illuminated with candles and lamps. While the prabhat pheri entered the lanes, devotees showered flowers.

Gopal Ashtmi is an auspicious day, when Lord Krishna, went to the ‘gaudham’ for the very first time with his father.

After taking a round of the ‘gaudham’, Lord Krishna developed an instant bond with the cows and also feed them. After that cows and Lord Krishna were frequently seen together.

Prabhat pheri after taking the round of New Rishi Nagar reached Shree Govind Gaudham, Hambran Road. Rajiv Duggal, general secretary, of the temple added that ‘gaudham’ houses nearly 1,800 cows that need treatment.

“Proper care of the cows is taken at ‘gaudham’ and timely treatment is also provided to them," he added.

The prabhat pheris started from November 1 and would conclude on November 15 with the rath yatra in the evening.

The rath yatra would start from Durga Mata Mandir and go through Ghumar Mandi, Ferozepur Road, and would conclude at Nav Durga Mata Mandir, Sarabha Nagar.

Ludhiana, November 6
The premiere of “Sat Sri Akal”, a tribute to commemoration of 300 years of Gurta Gaddi Diwas (Coronation) of Guru Granth Sahib, was held at a local cinema in the presence of the film crew and select audience, including some NRIs.

A Cinemascope film project, “Sat Sri Akal” is an endeavour towards propagating a way of life impregnated with rich heritage of Punjabi culture, moral values, emotions, traditions and Sikh tenets.

It is a joint venture of Frankfinn Entertainment Company Pvt Ltd. and Mata Triptaji Charitable Trust.

Mumbai-based Manpreet Singh, who is in the lead role, said: “I enjoyed every minute of the movie.”

Written by Arvinderjit Singh (Kittu) and directed by Kamal Sahni, the flick revolves around traditional values, love, sentiments, and faith in the Almighty.

The film tries to portray how Guru Granth Sahib is a practical Guru in the modern world. For the first time, the “true to life” ambience of pilgrimage places like Harmandar Saheb (Amritsar), Hazur Saheb (Nanded) and Bangla Sahib (Delhi) would be shown on 35 mm format.

It has a love story going through ups and downs of life, told amongst the rendering of Gurbani shabads. Music, a fusion of tradition and modernity, with eight Gurbani shabads and three songs, is a highlight of the film.

Three shabads in the soundtrack are rendered by Jagjit Singh, and another by Ishmeet Singh, which is his first, last and only playback in any film.

Other renowned singers include Alka Yagnik, Sunidhi Chauhan, Abhijeet, Sadhana Sargam, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Krishna, Ravinder, Feroz Khan and Richa Sharma.

The star cast includes Punjabi actress Kimi. Manpreet Singh, a turbaned Sikh guy from Bollywood, plays the male lead against Kimi.

Key roles have been played by Arun Bali and Dolly Minhas, besides Avtar Gill, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Shauq, Neelu Kohli, and Nirmal Rishi. Pooja Tandon and Sonpreet are in their debut roles.

Doraha, November 6
Nearly thirty lecturers of English from all over India, including the city teachers, would participate in a 3-week refresher course, starting from tomorrow at the Academic Staff College of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and would conclude on November 27.

According to Dr H.S. Bhatia, director, Academic Staff College, Guru Nanak Dev University, “Dr Harish Narang, dean, JNU, would inaugurate the course and being an eminent literary scholar would share his experiences with the participants.”

The director also told that in case, any teacher of English is interested in joining the course at the eleventh hour, he or she may do so with the permission of the head of the institution. Dr Parminder Singh, Prof department of English, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, informed that the course would comprise of lectures, discussions, workshops, seminars, project work and multiple-choice test on the trust area of the course i.e. ‘Trends in Indian Literature and Literary Theory’.

“Apart from this, the participants would be asked to submit written assignments and deliver a seminar on a topic related to the thrust area of the course which would be evaluated by an expert committee. The certification at the end of the course would be tied up with the performance of the participants and the conduct during the course”, the coordinator said.

Ludhiana, November 6
In a first for city, Media Artists will organise a concert for peace and understanding on November 16 at Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan, featuring Bhai Baldeep Singh.

A multi-dimensional cultural explorer, Bhai Baldeep Singh is a 13th generation kirtan exponent who is a vocalist, percussionist and string player, besides being an instrument maker, lecturer, archivist, and founder of ANAD Conservatory: An Institute of Sikh Aesthetics and Culture.

Rooted in the tradition of Sikh scholarship and Gurbani tradition, Bhai Baldeep Singh is also a sought-after teacher and musician. He has travelled widely to Europe, North America, Singapore and Australia, holding workshops and concerts, and is currently taking a course on sacred music of Punjab at Hofstra University, US.

He will be accompanied by Saraswati Rajagopalan, an acclaimed Veena artiste of Karnatic music, and Parminder S. Bhamra, a pakhawaj/jori exponent.

Extending an open invitation to public, Dr Surjit Patar, patron of Media Artists, said it would be a rare treat and an enriching experience to see world acclaimed artistes perform for the first time in city.

Dedicated to the issues of environment, alternate thinking, gender equality and holistic education, the body has been engaged in promotion of artistic and cultural activities in region.

Besides bringing in acclaimed artistes and performers like Dr Madan Gopal Singh and Navtej Johar to city, it has staged shows of Punjabi adaptations of “Waiting for Godot”, “Caucasian Chalk Circle”, “Macbeth” and many other original plays like “Shagoofey”, “Jooth”, “Tain Ki Dard Na Aaya”, etc.

Ludhiana, November 6
Over 3,000 participants between 15 years and 75 years of age are expected to take part in the second edition of the Ludhiana Mini Marathon to be held on November 9.

The marathon is being organised by the Bharat Vikas Parishad in association with Janpath Estates, Ludhiana, Union Bank of India and Swati Industries.

Giving this information at a press conference here today, Narinder Mittal, chief coordinator, Bharat Vikas Parishad, said a large number of school, college students, besides businessmen, women, political personalities, sportspersons, social activists and senior citizens have already come forward for participation.

He said a tricycle race would also be held. The winners in the men’s, women’s, senior citizens’ and tri-cycle races would be give cash prizes of Rs 5,100, while the runners up would receive a cash prize of Rs 3,100 and the third position holders in all categories will get Rs 2,100.

Minister for transport, Punjab, Master Mohan Lal, Bhartiya Janata Party Punjab unit president Prof Rajinder Bhandari, and ADGP Chander Shekhar will flag off the marathon at 8 am at Guru Nanak Stadium.

Punjab singer Manmohan Waris along with prominent cine personalities and star sportspersons will also be in attendance there.

Giving details of the route of the marathon, Mittal said the participants would start from Guru Nanak Stadium, pass through the Fountain Chowk, Mall Road, Bharat Nagar Chowk, Ferozepur Road, Aarti Chowk, turn towards the PAU Road for Rose Garden near gate No. 4, Government College for Boys road and culminate at Guru Nanak Stadium, covering a total distance of 8.8 km.

The Ludhiana police will provide security to participants on the entire route of the race. Some NGOs and voluntary organisations have also planned to provide water to the participants during the course of the marathon, Mittal added.

Ludhiana, November 6
Grewal Hockey Academy, Kila Raipur, run by the Grewal Sports Association, finished runners-up in the Punjab State Schools Games (hockey) in the u-17 years section held at Talwandi Bhai, recently.

The members of the academy team were honoured at the Grewal Stadium of Kila Raipur yesterday. Paramjit Singh Grewal, secretary of the association, along with Gurmeet Singh Meeta, Kamaljit Singh, Paramjit Singh and Hoshiar Singh received the boys at the stadium.

They appreciated the lads and their coach Gurdeep Singh Titu for bringing fame to the academy.

The coach said the academy lads began their campaign on a sound note with a thumping 7-0 victory over Taran Tarn.

In the next match, Grewal Academy pipped title favourites Ludhiana 1-0 and in the third encounter, they defeated Fatehgarh Sahib 6-0.

In the super league, Kila Raipur boys outplayed Moga 2-0 and prevailed over Jarkhar Academy 2-1.

However, in the last fixture, Grewal Academy, Kila Raipur, went down fighting against SAI, Patiala, by a solitary goal and secured second position.

In the entire tournament, the academy conceded just two goals for which goalkeeper Rakesh and defenders Rakesh and Rajwinder Singh were praised for their exploits.

Ludhiana, November 6
On the penultimate day of the Punjab Inter-Polytechnic Colleges Kho-Kho and Badminton Championship for girls being held here at Government Polytechnic College, Rishi Nagar, today, hosts Satguru Ram Singh Government Polytechnic College set up title clash with LLRM Ajitwal in kho-kho.

In semifinals, LLRM Polytechnic College, Ajitwal, routed Government Polytechnic College, Patiala, 9-0, while Satguru Ram Singh Government Polytechnic College, Ludhiana, thrashed Government Polytechnic College, Ropar, 12-1 to storm into final.

In badminton, Government Polytechnic College, Khoonimajra, along with Government Polytechnic College, Phagwara, Satguru Ram Singh Government Polytechnic College, Ludhiana, and Government Polytechnic College, Chandigarh, recorded victories in their respective quarterfinal encounters to advance into the semifinals.

Ludhiana, November 6
The Ludhiana Disrict Table Tennis Association will organise the Ludhiana District Table Tennis Championship here at Shastri Hall on November 15 and 16.

According to Fang Jenn Chiu, association honorary secretary, competition in the cadet boys and girls sections (u-12) born on or after January 1, 1997, sub-junior boys and girls (u-14) born on or after January 1, 1995, junior boys and girls (u-17) born on or after January 1, 1992, boys or girls, born on or after January 1, 1998, besides in the men’s and women’s sections would be held during the two-day event.

On the basis of their performance during this tournament, the Ludhiana teams would be selected to take part in the Punjab State Inter-District and Open Table Tennis Championship scheduled to be held next month, Feng said.