Raikot, November 8
With the announcement of the re-election of the president of the municipal council here, political activity has started with the BJP and the Akalis up in arms against each other. The council has 15 councillors. One is from the Congress, three from the BJP and 11 from the SAD.

It has been an arrangement with the SAD and the BJP alliance that the party with more seats would retain the post of president. This was seen at Jagraon also where the BJP retained the post of president as it had six councillors as compared to the SAD which had five.

Earlier on August 27 at the time of the elections, Vijay Jain and Amandeep agreed for presidentship for two-and-a-half-years each. Vijay Jain assumed the post first. This agreement was rejected by the Punjab Government and Vijay Jain was declared president for five years.

Amandeep Singh Gill filed a writ petition in the Punjab and Harayana High Court to set aside the resolution and requested for election for the post of president.

The court ordered the re-election within one month with Vijay Jain and Amandeep Singh as candidates. At Raikot, the parties seems to be indulging in horse-trading.

At a press conference called by councillor Satish Aggarwal yesterday, seven Akali councillors were brought before the media. Seven out of the 11 councillors, who fought the elections with Akali support, came out in the support of Vijay Jain.

Amandeep Singh said the election should be held as early as possible as delay could lead to unethical practises.

According to sources, money power would play a decisive role as both candidates are close to the Akali leadership of Raikot.

Ludhiana, November 8
At least three theft cases took place in the city today. Thieves in the guise of domestic servants decamped with goods and cash worth Rs 20 lakh.

A domestic help of Nepalese origin stole Rs 5 lakh from the house Kultar Singh of BRS Nagar. The domestic help, who was appointed four days ago, served them the lunch laced with sedatives. The victim and his wife, Kuldeep Kaur, fell unconscious after taking lunch. After this, the servant stole all cash and jewellery available in the house and fled away.

The condition of Kuldeep Kaur, who was undergoing treatment at DMCH, was reported to be serious.

According to Sarabha Nagar SHO, the victim neither got the servant registered with the police nor do they got his antecedents verified before appointing him.

In the second incident, another domestic servant of Nepalese origin stolen cash and jewelry worth Rs 3.50 lakh from the house of Sant Fateh Singh Nagar resident Rajinder Kapoor. The accused has been identified as Gokal.

The complainant stated that the accused entered his bedroom in the evening and stolen jewellery and cash of worth Rs 3.50 lakh while his wife was away to the market.

In another incident the domestic servant from Uttar Pradesh decamped with a tractor owned by Ranjit Singh, a resident of Kohara village.

Ludhiana, November 8
In the absence of stringent enactment of directions of the Supreme Court, a sexual harassment case has been pending with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) for past two months in which the accused has “refused” to record his statement.

Under the directions of the court, the complaint committee should be headed by a woman and not less than half of its members should be women. Further, to prevent the possibility of any undue pressure or influence from senior levels, such complaint committee should involve a third party, either an NGO or some other body familiar with the issue. Most importantly, the complaint mechanism must ensure time-bound treatment of complaints, says the apex court.

In utter violation of the directions of the Supreme Court, the district authorities have failed to constitute a committee dealing with sexual harassment cases.

An official with the district administration, on condition of anonymity, said no such committee had ever been constituted at the district level. Does it mean that all working women in the district are secure or not even a single woman has ever been harassed at work place?

Though, there is no enacted law to protect working women from sexual harassment, the Supreme Court, in exercise of its powers under Article 32, says that this will be treated as law under Article 141 of Constitution of India.

Sexual harassment of working women means violating fundamental rights of working women regarding their life and liberty and their right to work, carry out occupation, trade or business with dignity.

Further, it has been directed by the court to constitute district-level committees to deal with such cases, until enactment of the Act.

Taking note of the fact that the present civil and penal laws in India do not adequately provide for specific protection of women from sexual harassment in work place and that enactment of such legislation will take considerable time, the court has made it mandatory and expedient for employers at work as well as other responsible persons or institutions to observe certain guidelines to ensure the prevention of sexual harassment of women.

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexually determined behaviour (directly or by implication) such as physical contact and advances, a demand or request for sexual favours, sexually coloured remarks or any other physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.

Ludhiana, November 8
In the spotlight for allegedly carrying out illegal abortions, the Jodhewal police has registered another case against Jatinder Gambhir Hospital and three doctors for administering a foetus termination drug to a woman.

The police has booked Varinder Singh on charges of rape following a complaint by the victim, who alleged that Varinder Singh had promised to marry her. When she became pregnant, he refused to marry her.

The police has also booked the mother of the accused.

Varinder Singh started taking her to various doctors for an abortion. “He told me that I was carrying a weak baby. I was also told that the baby was being given medicines for strength,” she alleged. She was brought to Jatinder Gambhir Hospital, where her pregnancy was terminated.

The police has got a medical examination of the victim done and the report is expect tomorrow. All the accused, including the doctors, are absconding.

Ludhiana, November 8
The builder of Housefed super deluxe flats in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar has reportedly dumped earth on the road, much to the annoyance of area residents.

Workers of the builder have dumped the earth on a 100-ft road in front of Bhai Daya Singh Charitable Hospital.

As a result, a mound of sand has appeared on the road and it is impossible to pass through the road.

‘‘The digging started a week ago. We thought they would start throwing the earth elsewhere, but they continued dumping it here. We wonder if the conditions of the contract allow the builder to do so,’’ G. Pal Chadda, a resident, said.

The residents said if the road was not cleared soon, they would stage a protest outside the office of the Ludhiana Improvement Trust.

‘‘How can they allow the dumping of earth like this? The road was recarpeted a few months ago, that too after repeated complaints,” S.P. Singh, another resident, said.

People had started throwing garbage at the place, mistaking it for a dump. ‘‘We are using the other lane,” Hardev Singh Batra, another resident, added.

Ludhiana, November 8
Hectic work schedules, strict deadlines and never-ending tasks take a toll on both mind and body. To combat stress and pressure, local residents have adopted different ways to detoxify themselves.

A majority of them pack their bags and head to nearby cottages and nature-care chalets to unwind. Body massage, spa, sauna, yoga and nature walks do the trick and helps in rejuvenation.

Taman Dua, working in an MNC, is just back from her one-week trip to Kikar Lodge.

“All those massages, sauna and mud baths worked wonders for me. My trip was rejuvenating. Living in the lap of nature was a stress-free experience and long nature walks in mornings and evenings were refreshing,” she say. She is once again ready to handle the work pressure with vigour and zeal.

Sandalwood, herbs, ayurveda -these ingredients many sound routine but they feel divine when they are part of the spa treatment at such resorts and cottages offer.

Such massage and treatments promise rejuvenation, relaxation and nourishment. Each therapy helps one unwind in ease.

Rosaline Nathaniel working with a private bank took a break from her hectic work schedule by taking off to Kayakalp at Palampur. “I wanted to de-stress myself and this was the best place to go. People from across the country go there. The massages got my skin glowing,” she adds.

She enjoyed her stay even though her diet was restricted to fruits, soups, salads, vegetables and lentils. “The visit has given a boost to my stamina. For a few days, I felt transported to a different world and left with the assurance that most of my peers will end up envying my radiance,” she quips.

Not only professionals even housewives who want a break from their chores are heading to these resorts. “While my kids plan to go for holidaying with their friends during Christmas break, my husband and I plan to visit some spa resort. The same old routine at home takes a toll on you and one really needs to unwind at least once every six months,” adds Navkiran, a housewife.

The percentage of people opting for cottages and nature care resorts has increased tremendously over the years. These days, people want to go for a holiday to recharge themselves. “Keeping the taste of the clientele in view, a majority of hotels today are also providing facilities like massages, sauna, spa, organic diets and yoga,” says Mrinal, a tour operator from the city. 

Ludhiana, November 8
The ministry of rural development has sanctioned a project for training unemployed rural youths of Punjab in the hosiery and textile industry.

Disclosing this Vinod Thapar, president, Knitwear Club, Ludhiana, said today that the government had not fixed any limit for admitting candidates. Initially, they had planned to train 15,000 youths from the district. The minimum qualification for getting enrolled under this scheme is Class VIII.

According to Thapar, the ministry would train the selected youths for three months. Each would get Rs 10,000 during this period. After this, they would be absorbed in the hosiery and textile industry.

Thapar said the Ludhiana hosiery and textile industry was facing shortage of the skilled labour. This would go a long way in helping them in gaining employment.

To begin with they will be trained at Punjab Trade Centre in the industrial and some other places in the focal point area. The state government had offered the premises of the Punjab Trade Centre for imparting training to the youths. ILFS, an international company, has tied up with the governments of India and Punjab for training the youths.

Thapar revealed that the block development and panchayat officers (BDPOs) had stated that there were 26,000 unemployed youths in the state.

Amar Singh, joint secretary, ministry of rural development, will be visiting Ludhiana the next week for finalizing the arrangements and the curriculum for the training the youths.

Ludhiana’s hosiery and textile industry employs more than five lakh persons. But there is a shortage of skilled labour and at present majority of the workers engaged in this industry are migrant workers. The industry is also dependent on them.

A few local multinational mills like Vardhman organise regular training programme for the Dalits who are selected from rural colleges with graduation as minimum qualification. They have been given training in managerial skills and lessons in English. 

Ludhiana, November 8
The Federation of Tiny and Small Industries of India has in a letter written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged him to form a statutory commission for resolving the problems being faced by the micro-sector.

Joginder Kumar, president of the association, had in a letter stated that the government was not worried about the micro-sector that was the second largest employment generator next to the agriculture sector. “The micro-sector contributes to 40 per cent industrial production and 45 per cent in exports,” he added.

He said the financial crisis that had exacerbated a global turndown was likely to be more severe and prolonged and the crisis of this magnitude was going to affect the economy.

The federation feels that micro/service sector, which is the backbone of the economy is the only panacea to get rid of this recession provided the government focus its attention to this vital sector of economy and mitigate its woes.

The members have urged that a statutory commission with quasi-judicial powers should be constituted so that focus could be on micro- sector and its woes addressed in the right earnest. 

Ludhiana, November 8
Ludhiana has the distinction of having the biggest district bar in the country with 2,800 practicing lawyers. Due to this, the judicial complex has become congested.

The complex has two parts --- one consists of courts and the other chambers of lawyers. The complex is six-storeyed with as many as 34 courts, while the lawyers’ chambers are housed in an eight-storeyed building.

The complex has become so unwieldy that security is becoming a matter of concern. A shooting incident and an attempt to free undertrials have taken place at the complex within a month. These incidents have caused panic and concern among lawyers as a lawyer was injured in the firing incident that took place in October.

The police has tightened the security, but it is clearly inadequate. District and Sessions Judge G.K.Rai and district bar association president Parupkar Singh Ghuman have urged the police to further tighten the security. The Sessions Judge has even sought the installation of CCTV cameras in and around the complex.

According to Ghuman, more than 10,000 persons visit the complex daily. If lawyers and munshis are included, the number touches above 15,000.

The police has deployed 30 policemen and an inspector for security. Sukhpat Rai Wadehra, senior-most advocate of Ludhiana, rues that no attention has been paid to the problems of aged lawyers. Lifts have been provided, but he suggests an escalator should be provided in the middle of the complex to enable senior citizens and advocates to reach courtrooms without wasting time.

Yash Paul Ghai, another advocate, said unauthorised vendors should be removed from the complex.

The bar association chief has urged the Chief Minister to allocate Rs 10 crore for constructing lawyers’ chambers. He says the old judicial complex has been demolished and handed over to PUDA which will get at least Rs 300 crore from it.

Ludhiana, November 8
42nd Desh Sewa Diwas was held at Government College for Women here yesterday. The function was organised by Shaheed Memorial Sewa Society (Regd) and Jai Harinam Educational and Service Society (Regd).

Harish Rai Dhanda, chief parliamentary secretary Punjab government, the chief guest urged the teachers and parents to fill the children with patriotism, as foreign powers were trying to influence our culture. The youth was getting caught in a mesh of drugs, alcohol and when youth is trapped in these things then the society slides downward. He urged the religious, political and social organisations to step up in bringing the youth on the right path.

Music director Uttam Singh, was honoured for his contribution in music. Uttam Singh said, “Music can win the hearts, any country that honours its soldiers, intellectuals, musicians and writers can reach the zenith of glory.”

The other personalities honoured, included Dwarka Bharati, Rajiv Gandhi, vice-chancellor National Law University, secretary V.K. Puri of the Indian Red Cross Society, Chandigarh, principal V.K. Mehta, child singer Sanvinder Singh, visually challenged players Balwinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh and Harman Preet Singh. NRI Avtar Singh Mann, as well as former district governor, Philip Demois, Rotary Club, California, received accolades.

BCM Senior Secondary School, Focal Point, was declared the best school of the city. Vajinder Singh, secretary of Sewa Society urged the people to come forward to help. He said, “Our new project is to start a Bridh Ashram, as many senior citizens are being turned away by their families.” Nirmal Sidhu and Dolly Guleria, singers regaled the audience with their songs.

Ludhiana, November 8
In another example of misuse of funds, the civic body has invited tenders for the construction of toilets at seven sites. These tenders have been called even though the MC had already asked for tenders on October 14 for ultra-modern toilets that had to come in various parts of the city.

According to an advertisement issued by the superintending engineer Dharam Singh in an English daily today, the MC has called for tenders for the construction of toilets at seven sites and the earnest amount of all these are different.

While the construction of a toilet at a park in Fatehganj costs Rs 2 lakh, one at Dhuri Lane costs Rs 5 lakh. Similarly, a toilet near Dukh Niwaran Sahib would cost Rs 3 lakh while the construction of a toilet at Nirankari Mohalla and Ramgarhia College would cost Rs 3 lakh each.

The difference in the rates could be overlooked, but the fact that the MC had already invited tenders for ultra-modern toilets on October 14 cannot be ignored.

The much hyped project of providing public toilets would be constructed on built-operate-transfer (BOT) basis. The tenders were called without mentioning the number of toilets to be constructed.

All tenders have been called by Dharam Singh who seems to have forgotten to check it with the authorities if the seven toilets were to be included in the BOT project.

Sources in the corporation said the SE must have not checked the estimates submitted by the councillors during the sangat darshan.

Dharam Singh said since the estimates of the seven toilets were passed during the sangat darshan, he had added them in the list. He said the ultra-modern toilets were only for main roads.

However, highly-placed sources in the MC denied that the toilets were restricted only to major roads.

Ludhiana, November 8
An annual prize distribution function, Viraasat 2008, organised by Guru Gobind Singh Public School was held at Guru Nanak Bhawan here today. Bikram Singh Majithia, cabinet minister, was the chief guest. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, MP, presided over.

Harish Rai Dhanda, chief parliamentary secretary, was the guest of honour.

Majithia informed that a new university at a cost of approximately Rs 4,000 crore was being set up at Amritsar and for this the sanction from Government of India had already been obtained. Central University was coming up at Bathinda. The minister said that state government has launched a programme to upgrade 351 Government Senior Secondary Schools i.e. three in each constituency at a total cost of Rs 175.50 crore, besides opening a series of Adarsh Schools, involving an expenditure of Rs 4 crore each in every block of the state to provide quality education to the poor and meritorious students free of cost.

These schools would be set up in collaboration with industrial houses. He said the gulf between the privileged and unprivileged sections of society in terms of education must be bridged up at the earliest. Majithia also released News Letter-2008 of the school and announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for the school.

Manjit Kaur, principal, highlighted the academic and other achievements of the school.

Ludhiana, November 8
About 100 students from DD Jain College for Women here met deputy speaker Satpal Gosain today and sought his intervention in the issue of fee hike by certain college managements.

Terming it to be unjustified, they said since thousands of students were involved, the issue must be dealt with seriousness.

Gosain said he had gone through the documents and found that the hike had been imposed by the university authorities and not by the college managements. Also, the government had started providing less grant to colleges, he said.

“I have asked students to stay united with the college managements and raise the matter with Panjab University, Chandigarh. Protests and strikes will not serve any purpose,” he added.

Ludhiana, November 8
Dr Veer Parkash Sethi, associate professor in the department of Mechanical Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, has been selected for the prestigious K.F. Antia Memorial Award by the Institution of Engineers (India) for his research paper entitled "Effect of aquifer water thermal control system on green house vegetable raising."

This award is given for the best paper published in the Institution's Journal on any subject related to engineering. The design and thermal modeling part of this unique system developed for greenhouse heating as well as cooling is already published in the international journals like Solar Energy and Energy Conversion and Management.

Dr Sethi is conducting research in the area of solar thermal particularly greenhouse technology for the past many years and has developed a number of greenhouse related technologies. He has published more than 25 research and review papers in the international and national journals.

This award will be presented to him at 23rd Indian Engineering Congress to be held at Warangal (Andhra Pradesh) on December 12, 2008.

Ludhiana, November 8
Tele artiste having a busy schedule are always on the move from one set to another and hardly have any time for gratifying their culinary skills. In the fast-paced life, most of the artiste prefer eating fast food. However, exceptions are there in every field and Kunickaa and Ashwini Kaleskar are among those who are passionate about cooking. Talking to The Tribune Kunickaa said she took a three years break from acting to satisfy her cooking impulse. And after three years of hard toil, she came up with a restaurant named 'White'. Shooting for serial ‘Ranbir Rano’ at Kamal Amrohi Studios in Mumbai she talked about her love for cooking and also acting.

Apart from making her children relish scrumptious dishes, she also uses cooking as a stress buster. "I love cooking, whenever I feel worn out, the sweet and saucy fragrance of the food brings me back to the normal," chips Kunickaa. She has personally prepared the menu of her restaurant and loves to try out new things.

Her cooking passion is not restricted to dishes but the actor has a strong conviction that men who can cook are sensuous. "Men who love to cook have ability to sense the things differently", she feels. Even her nine-year-old son cooks and they both relish dishes made by one another. Italian cuisine is a hit with her.

In acting also, she prefers doing meaty roles so the character with grey shades clicks with her most. Know for her character, Nishi in ‘Swabhimaan’ she loves playing negative leads. Kunickaa has also three music albums in her kitty but presently she would continue with her acting, as music albums were just to satisfy her singing instinct. She would soon be producing a Hindi and a Bhojpuri film.

Ashwini Kaleskar is another actor who shares Kunickaa's passion. Shooting for her serial ‘Kasamh Se’ at Film City in Mumbai, she shares her obsessions, cooking and acting. "I am avid about cooking and whenever I am at home you will find me in chef's cap. I do not follow any recipe book but create my own recipes.

Coming to her acting field, the role, which she loved, was ACP Netra Menon, in ‘CID’. "I always wanted to join the police or defence forces and even got an opportunity but on my mother's insistence I became an air hostess. So today I am making my long cherished dream come true by playing a cop", she signs off.

Ludhiana, November 8
Being hailed as a significant victory for the Sikh Diaspora in western part of London, reviving hopes of better advocacy for rights and socio-religious issues pertaining to the community, the appointment of Gurmail Singh Malhi as president of British Gurdwara Council has been greatly welcomed by people and a few Sikh organisations in India and abroad.

Gurmail Singh Malhi, who is presently touring Punjab, visited Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College, Hospital and Research Institute today. Chairman Baba Jaswant Singh and other managing committee members welcomed and felicitated him for being the champion of Sikh rights and religious issues.

Malhi while also appreciated the role of a few institutions in providing medicare, education and welfare services not only in India but in other countries also.

Raikot, November 8
Local residents extended a warm welcome to Rai Aziz Ullah Khan, former MP, Pakistan, who is on a the visit to India with a 36-member delegation that played a golf match with Indian Punjab in Chandigarh from October 27 to 30.

Khan, accompanied by his wife Tabassum and daughter Maham, visited the historical Gurdwara Tahliana Sahib and his mansion here.

The family holds a soft corner in the hearts of local people, especially the Sikhs. The township (called Fort Rai earlier) was founded by the forefathers of Khan.

Moreover, the family is in the possession of Sri Ganga Sagar, the holy article that was presented to his forefathers by Guru Gobind Singh 303 years ago in 1705 for the services rendered by the family for the Sikh religion.

The family was received by Kulwinder Singh Bhatti, mahant Keval Dass, Jagjit Singh Talwandi, Mohan Singh Talwandi, Attar Singh Chaddha, Amandeep Singh Gill, Amarjit Singh Sehabajpura, Manjit Singh Talwandi, sarpanch Gurmail Singh Andlu, Inderjit Singh Andlu among others.

The family was honoured at the historical gurdwara and presented a Siropa.

Talking to The Tribune, Khan said with the joint efforts of Indian and Pakistan governments, relations between both countries had improved but lot more needed to be done till there were no borders in the hearts of people of both countries.

He added that he would again bring Sri Ganga Sagar, the holy article of Guru Gobind Singh, to Punjab so that devotees could have a its glimpse.

Ludhiana, November 8
Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha L.K. Advani will inaugurate a two-day national conference of the Indian Media Centre (IMC) at Pal Auditorium of Panjab Agricultural University here tomorrow.

According to IMC director Shyam Khosla and general secretary of Punjab chapter Dr Harjinder Singh, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal will be the chief guest.

Around 125 delegates from across the country will take part in the conference. Also, journalists from across the state will attend the conference.

Delegates from different states will present their progress reports during a business session on the opening day.

Seminars on terrorism and citizen journalism will be part of the two day conference.

Prominent leaders, editors and other figures are expected to take part in the conference.

Ludhiana, November 8
Pakistan is the grip of Bollywood craze. Their flirtation with Hindi cinema is not new. For them, Shah Rukh Khan is a national icon. Bollywood film stars are icons not only for general public but even special children who adore these film stars.

In Ludhiana to be part of the Punjab Special Olympics, these children share their preferences in Bollywood.

In sheer innocence, Majid Ejaz urges The Tribune to invite Shah Rukh Khan to be a special guest at the sports event. “I want to get a prize from his hands,” he wishes. “Veer-Zaara” is his favourite film, which he has watched it countless times. Whenever he has time, he picks up his favourite DVD and watches it on computer.

The drop of Shah Rukh Khan’s name invites an entire gang of students, who one by one start telling their choices. Undoubtedly, Shah Rukh Khan tops the list.

While pirated DVDs of Bollywood films are available in Pakistan, their public screening has not been allowed ever since India and Pakistan went to war in 1965.

The screening of the Indian films was made possible only after former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf granted special permission after receiving representations to lift the ban.

Wearing black glares, Ammad Uddin Khan looked no less than a star. But his choice of favourite star is different from his fellows. He adores Bobby Deol and wants to look just like him. “I am wearing black glasses and a cap as Bobby Deol wore in his film ‘Bichhoo’. Do I look exactly like him?” he says.

Among the Khans, Salman Khan also has a decent fan following there.

Mohd Awais, Syed Asim, Adul Khan and Baist Ali idol the actor while Nosheen, Taiba Rais, Bailwal Aslam side with Shah Rukh Khan. Among female actors, the special children crazy about Kareena Kapoor and Preity Zinta.

Besides Hindi movies, Punjabi songs are also a hit among these children. Foot-tapping Punjabi numbers like “Ji karda”, “Sohni de nakhre” top their list.

Ludhiana, November 8
Continuing with their winning spree, Malwa Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana, scored a facile 13-0 win over Sangrur in a group “A” match in the u-16 years section in the ongoing Punjab State Inter-District Weekend Hockey League for Boys organised by the Punjab Sports Department at the Prithipal Singh Memorial AstroTurf Stadium of the Punjab Agricultural University campus here today.

Sangrur lads had no clue to their superior opponents, as Malwa lads went on to score at will and the former looked hapless. The winners established 7-0 lead at the lemon break.

Ravinder Singh opened the account in the 16th minute and four minutes later, Parminder Singh struck to increase the lead. Ranjit Singh scored in quick successions (26th and 27th minute), which further consolidated the lead 4-0.

Devinder Singh too found target twice (29th and 30th minute) to make it 6-0. In the 32nd minute, Ranjit Singh again sounded the board to cement the lead 7-0.

After changing ends, Malwa players continued to unleash attacks on the rival territory and in the 41st minute, Kulbir Singh was on target to read it 8-0.

Malwa players were unstoppable as they pumped in five more goals through Amanjot Singh (51st minute), Prabhjot Singh (52nd minute), Kulbir Singh (53rd minute), Ravinder Singh (55th minute) and Amanjot Singh (59th minute) to complete the rout 13-0.

Earlier, in the first match of the day played between Gurkul Mehta Academy of Doraha and Moga A in the u-14 years section of group A, the former romped home victorious without being challenged 11-0.

Gurmit Singh put his team ahead in the 3rd minute, while Parminder Singh enhanced the lead three minutes later.

Jaswant Singh scored in the 8th minute and in the very next minute, Prabhjot Singh struck to read the score sheet 4-0.

In the 15th minute, Parminder Singh and two minutes later, Gurmeet Singh sounded the board to consolidate the lead 6-0.

In the next two minutes, they added two more goals through Jawant Singh and Tanveer Singh, respectively, to make it 8-0.

Tanveer Singh (21st minute) and Jaspreet Singh (25th and 34th minute) pumped in three goals which sealed the Moga lads’ fate 11-0.

In the third match of the day, Jagdish scored a brace as Roomi defeated Mohali 2-0 in a group B encounter in the u-14 years section. He sounded the board in the 19th and 27th minute to enable his team to overcome a spirited challenge put up by Mohali players.

In the last match of the day in group “B”, Moga B outplayed Bathinda 5-1 after leading 2-0 at half time.

Moga lads surged ahead in the 4th minute through Sewak Singh. He again found the target in the 16th minute to enhance the lead.

In the second session, Jagjit Singh of Moga converted a penalty stroke in the 40th minute while Gurdeep Singh of Bathinda scored a field goal in the 43rd minute to reduce the margin 3-1.

Gurpreet Singh and Jatinder Singh of Moga struck in the 50th and 59th minute, respectively, which steered their side to 5-1 win.

Ludhiana, November 8
The stage is set for the second edition of the Ludhiana Mini Marathon to be held tomorrow. The marathon is being organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad in association with Indian Overseas Bank, Janpath Estates, Union Bank Of India and Swati Industries in which over 3,000 participants between 15 years and 75 years of age besides physically challenged persons are expected to take part.

On the eve of the marathon, Narinder Mittal, chief coordinator and Satish Singla, marathon route in charge, said all arrangements, reviewed at a meeting of the parishad held last night, had been completed.

A large number of school, college students besides, businessmen, women, political personalities, sportspersons, social activists and senior citizens have come forward to take part in the run.

They further said a tri-cycle race would also be held for physically challenged persons who are required to cover about 1 km distance. In the senior citizen’s category, participants will cover a distance of 2.8 km, while in the men and women’s category, the runners will have to complete 8.8 km distance.

Master Mohan Lal, minister for Transport, Punjab, Prof Rajinder Bhandari, president, Punjab unit of Bharatiya Janta Party, and ADGP, Punjab, Chander Shekhar will flag off the marathon on 8 am at Guru Nanak Stadium.

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

Some NGOs and voluntary organisations have also planned to provide water and refreshment to participants during the course of the marathon.

Three teams of doctors from Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Shri Rama Charitable Hospital, Dholewal Chowk and Bharat Vikas Parishad Charitable Trust will provide medical assistance.

Jagraon, November 8
Human Rights Association of Jagraon unit today conducted a seminar on foeticide in India. The seminar was held in DAV College, Jagraon. It was stated in the seminar that the ratio of girls to boys is continuously declining. In past 20 years about one crore girls became the victim of foeticide.

Earlier, the technologies were not advance, but now the technology for sex determination is available at every crossing. The punishment to the violators is so minimal that no body is afraid of the consequences. In Punjab there are only 798 girls for 1000 boys.