Ludhiana, December 5
In another twist to the ongoing PAU sexual harassment case, members of the Punjab Agricultural University Teachers Union (PAUTA) today came to the rescue of Dr Dulcha Singh Brar, dean (students’ welfare), who has been accused in the case.

Talking to The Tribune, Mukesh Siag, general secretary of PAUTA, said: “When the fourth member of the committee, Shravan Kumar, affiliated with an NGO, refused to sign on the report prepared by the committee, the university should have a re-look into the matter. We have every right to know the reason behind the member not signing the inquiry report.”

He said: “We teachers want the issue to be resolved in an unbiased manner and at the earliest. We strongly feel that in case there is no unanimity on such a serious issue, the matter needed to be looked at afresh. The committee should be reconstituted and Dr Brar should be given another chance.”

Sources said certain members of PAUTA openly spoke against the allegations of the woman employee.

It had also been pointed out that the NGO representative did not sign the report as he was not satisfied with the way the inquiry had been conducted.

He expressed his reservation on the “hasty” nature of the inquiry and Dr Brar was not being given a fair chance to defend himself.

The matter was reported in September and as per directions of the Supreme Court, such a matter should be settled within 90 days, which would end on December 14.

Meanwhile, Dr Brar was reportedly scheduled to have a special meeting with the vice-chancellor in the evening, but it did not take place, the sources added.

An emergency meeting of PAUTA was held in the morning and members decided not to appear for interviews for heads of various department scheduled for tomorrow.

The faculty members want that the system of appointing heads on a rotational basis should be carried on. The rotation was done on the basis of a seniority list as per the office records.

Sahnewal, December 5
The airport security was put on high alert today following the reports of gunshots at Indira Gandhi International Airport last night.

The Delhi airport was shut for nearly half hour this morning. Later, the reports of the firing were found to be false.

Civil aviation department officials said the move had been taken in the wake of the terror strikes in Mumbai and after the revelation by intelligence agencies of a possible terror strike on airports of the country.

According to sources in the state civil aviation department, a communique has been sent to Raja Sansi International Airport in Amritsar and the Ludhiana Airport situated in Sahnewal to step up security.

“Security was beefed up soon after receiving the communique from the department. All entry and exit points are being thoroughly manned and everyone is being frisked,” said an officer of the aviation department.

He further added that though this airport did not receive major air traffic, but to be on the safer side, the department had stepped up security.

The police and intelligence officers deputed in the proximity of the area have
also been alerted.

MC’s Labour Lost
Battery thieves at it again
Kanchan Vasdev
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 5
Even as the traffic police and the MC are often criticised for traffic chaos, battery thieves are actually to be blamed for the mess.

Battery thieves steal inverters fixed on chowks and every time there is a power cut, the traffic lights stop working, causing jams.

The municipal corporation installs inverters to keep the lights working during power cut, but is wondering if it’s worth the trouble.

Batteries have been stolen thrice from all main intersections. The MC has even written to the DIG in this regard.

Though cops are posted at busy points, it becomes difficult to control the jam during a power cut.

“We want to streamline traffic, but what do we do with the thefts?” G.S. Ghuman, MC commissioner, asked.

He said everytime they installed a battery for backup, it disappeared within a few days. Some days ago, even the lights at Bharat Nagar chowk had been stolen and had to be installed again.

“We tried mounting these on the top of the lights and even at the bottom. We tried to weld the inverter with an iron box, but then electric shock was a matter of concern. Now we have asked the police to do something about it,” Ghuman said.

He said he had also pulled up the contractors and told them if these were stolen they would be held responsible.

“Who else can take away the batteries? They only know that these have been installed. Some of their workers might be taking these away,” he added.

“People should refrain from junk food, especially fried items, as these are very low in essential micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, but high in calories. Every person should follow a diet plan depending on the body weight, physical activity and health history,” she said.

Ludhiana, December 5
With a huge variety to choose from, there is a special kind of bread for every occasion. This certainly has made buying bread a more fascinating experience than before. Today, exciting varieties of bread make every meal a delight to have.

Most breads come in different shapes and sizes, like oval, sandwich loaf, ring, sandwich roll and sliced wrapped with many different varieties, including white, brown and whole meal, seven grain bread, fruit, plait and sandwich bread to name a few. Even herbal varieties in bread are available in the market these days.

Different types of flours can be used, thus lending a different colour to the bread. In addition, with a few extra ingredients like jeera, dry fruits, and sweets one gets more varieties of breads.

“I have kept different varieties of bread, as their demand is increasing,” said Rakesh from Krishna Department Store.

Earlier, it was just white bread but now different varieties like brown, fruit, masala, whole grain have made their way into the market.

“I eat bread almost every day. It keeps me healthy and brown bread tastes really good,” said Rohan Thapar, a resident of Aggar Nagar.

According to Satinder of Hot Breads at Sarabha Nagar, there are many new varieties of bread entering the market and people really have taken to it.

Jeeva, master baker at Hot Breads, giving details of the varieties of bread available with them said they have multi-grain, whole wheat, masala, masala cheese, bran, vita, garlic, ti-pizza bread are available at their bakery. “Rosemary bread is the herbal variety available with us,” he added.

This observation was made on the basis of results of samples, tested at a camp organised at Shri Ram Mandir Dharmsala, by a team of the state dairy department officials headed by deputy director Prem Singh today.

Councillors Bimal Kumar Sharma and Kedar Nath Kapila supervised the camp.

According to the deputy director, variable percentage of water was found added in milk in case of more than 66 per cent samples.

Fat and SNF (solid non fat) were found lesser than the stipulated minimum percentage in all samples except a few. But, no sample was found adulterated with hazardous chemicals.

Later, addressing a gathering Prem Singh illustrated simple methods of testing the milk’s purity at home. He stressed that consumers should inform the authorities about any degradation in its quality they purchase from the vendors.

At the same time the deputy director called upon milk suppliers to desist from adulterating the milk that has since been considered a pious drink.

Appreciating those who preferred to charge higher rates than supplying low-grade commodity, Prem Singh claimed that sample brought by Krishan Kumar Sharma was of highest quality.

It contained 7.18 per cent fat (higher than standard of 6) and 8.4 per cent SNF (standard value 9).

On the other hand sample brought by Mandev Singh contained only 1.46 per cent fat. A sample that apparently looked very dense, with 38.25 (standard 29) was suspected to be adulterated with milk powder.

The official recommended that people in general and children in particular should drink cow milk as it contains sufficient amount of carotene that was good for vision and brain.

Jagraon, December 5
Sikhs should work toward glorifying the Sikhism in one way or the other. Film actor, producer, director and scriptwriter Mangal Dhillon was in the town to attend the religious and historical film festival being held at Hans Kalan village near here.

It is being jointly organised by Mangal Dhillon and the International Khalsa Council, Amritsar. Eight historical films produced and directed by Mangal Dhillon will be screened in the film festival to be held on December 6 and December 7. The festival is being sponsored by the Guru Nanak Dev Lok Sewa Society of Hans Kalan.

In a press conference called by Mangal Dhillon, he explained the importance of chanting “Wahe Guru”.

About 10 years ago, Dhillon said there was not a single film or documentary on the Sikhs or Sikhism.

He said the film festival would be organised in Chandigarh, Mohali, Amritsar, Koharka (Taran Taran) besides other places.

Ludhiana, December 5
A luxury jewellery exhibition, “Wedding Asia-Royal Jewels”, opened in the city here today. The three-day event has been designed for the elite section of the society.

Event organiser Maninder S. Sethi, director, Excelior Public Relations, said:
“‘Wedding Asia Royal Jewels’ is a premium show for premium people to be
presented in a premium way.”

“This show is another milestone in our journey and with this we are entering the fastest growing luxury market. For this, we have categorically chosen products suitable to the profile of our target customers.”

Ostentatious and luxury collections of high-end bridal solutions are available in this exhibition. M.B. Jewellers and Sons have displayed the royalty of Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Young designer Chitwan Malhotra’s designs comprise nature on every piece of jewellery. Exquisite collection of high-end diamond jewellery by Classic Jewels and C.A. International are other attractions of the show.

Celebrity designers Nisha Merchant of Lusture whose creations were displayed in Wills India Lifestyle Week 2008, Mamta Devi from Mumbai, Cuts and Colour from Delhi, Kashmir Cottage from Kashmir, Mandvi from Jaipur and Dar-e-Aab from Jammu have displayed their creations.

Cesta Belgium Chocolates are also there, as are Geetanjali with luxury watches, Saisang Home Furnishers with their home décor accessories to make the event even more attractive for the would-be-brides.

Ludhiana, December 5
The NSS units of Kamla Lohtia SD College organised extension lectures on HIV, liver and heart diseases on the college campus in association with Dayanand Medical College and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, stated Deepak Dhingra, spokesman of the college, here today.

Dr Rajoo S. Chhina, professor and head of gastro and medical superintendent, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, delivered a lecture on HIV and liver diseases through a power point presentation.

He discussed the history, various symptoms, reasons and treatment of AIDS and
liver diseases.

He emphasised on various precautions to be taken for avoiding these diseases.

He also discussed various myths, which were assumed by the public in civil and made the students aware about its facts and figure.

Dr Neeraj Singh, heart specialist from Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, delivered a lecture through power point presentation on prevention and cure of heart diseases.

He discussed history, causes and symptoms of heart diseases. He also emphasised the precautions the public should take for avoiding these problems.

He suggested tips regarding routine diet, exercise, etc to students. He also had thrown light on the various treatments available for these diseases.

These lectures were followed by question-answer round where the queries of students were addressed by the experts.

Programme officer Prof Mohd Saleem and Prof Kavita discussed various completed projects of the NSS.

Principal M.M. Gupta appreciated the efforts of NSS units and the expert for providing in depth knowledge on these subjects.

Prominent among others were Deepak Kaushal, Prof Sarita Aggarwal, Deepak Dhingra, Prof Rohit and Prof Vikram Puri were present on the occasion.

Ludhiana, December 5
Holding the Pakistan guilty for Mumbai attacks, city lawyers have demanded strict action, including destruction of terrorist training camps.

A memorandum to this effect was sent to President of India Pratibha Patil through the deputy commissioner’s office, after a protest march.

The protest march was held by the Lawyers for Common Cause Association from the court complex to the deputy commissioner’s office. Protesters were carrying placards depicting slogans against 'terrorism.’

Association’s chairman Surinder Pal strongly condemned political leaders who were trying to take political mileage from the tragic incident of Mumbai, in which hundreds of people died and police officials sacrificed their lives.

President of the District Bar Association Parupkar Singh Ghumman, Stevon Soni criticised Pakistan for abetting terrorism in India.

Activists of the All India Majilis-e-Ahrar today criticised the Mumbai terror attack and burnt an effigy of terrorism in front of Jama Masjid here.

Led by Shahi Imam, Maulana Habib-Ur-Rehman Sani, the activists were raising slogans against the terrorists, who killed scores of innocent people in the attack.

The Shahi Imam said such inhuman acts should be criticised. He rapped the intelligence agencies for their failure to predict terror attacks.

He called for boycotting Pakistan and stated that if the neighbouring country was harbouring terrorists then time had come to take action.

He said they had on several occasions urged respective governments to take a stand against that country.

‘‘Why should anybody kill innocent people on our soil. It does not go well with
us,’’ he added.

Activists of the All India Shiv Sena also took out a peace march by holding
candles in their hands while praying for the peace of the Mumbai terror victims
and Indian soldiers.

Ludhiana, December 5
Chaos and mismanagement ruled the inaugural day of the state athletics meet that began at Guru Nanak Stadium here.

Students drawn from various government schools were forced to march to the stadium to attend the inaugural function.

It was an ordeal for schoolchildren, who had to cover around five to 10 km on foot on the congested roads of the city to make it to the stadium.

The organisers had directed school authorities to bring students to the stadium. A senior teacher of a local government school, on the condition of anonymity, lamented that the organisers had not provided them with transportation facility to ferry students to the stadium.

Nor had the authorities made any arrangements for refreshments. Even drinking water was not available, she rued.

Another teacher remarked: “This was a show to make the political masters happy and win their patronage.”

He further said parents were unhappy with them for sending their children to the stadium without proper transportation.

December examinations are slated to start from tomorrow and parents were unhappy that their wards had to miss the studies.

During a visit to the stadium, the TNS found no security arrangements. The students were in a hurry to go back to their schools after giving their performance to prepare for their examination.

Computers were not switched off though these store important information about the revenue-related documents.

Samrala, December 5
An unidentified woman committed suicide by jumping off the Neelon bridge into the Sirhind canal here today.

According to sources, the woman, aged around 30 years, walked on to the bridge and jumped into the canal.

Seeing her drown, a youth jumped into the canal and brought her out of the canal.

However, she died while being taken to the hospital in a police highway ambulance.

No proof of identity was recovered from her body and her identity was yet to be ascertained. The police is looking into the matter.

Ludhiana, December 5
Athletes from Sangrur and Jalandhar dominated the proceedings on the first day of the 54th Punjab State Schools Athletics Meet being organised by the Punjab School Education Department at Guru Nanak Stadium, here today.

In the boys’ section (u-19), Lakhbir Singh of Sports School, Jalandhar, came out triumphant in 1500m race.

Gurtej Singh of Bathinda followed him closely to secure second position, while Sarabjit Singh Sports School, Jalandhar, finished at third place.

In the girls (u-19) section, Sakshi of Jalandhar outpaced her opponents to secure top position in the 1500m race, while the second and third positions were bagged by Supinder Kaur of Fatehgarh Sahib and Jyoti from Jalandhar, respectively.

Around 3,000 athletes drawn from different schools of Punjab besides those from Sports School, Jalandhar, Kairon Wing, STC Sports Authority of India (SAI), Badal and Sports Wing, Panjgrahi in Gurdaspur district are taking part in this five-day athletics extravaganza.

Earlier, minister for jails and tourism Hira Singh Gabria declared the meet open.

District education officer (Ludhiana) Sudesh Bajaj, assistant education officer (sports), Ludhiana, Rupinder Singh Ravi, deputy education officer, Ludhiana, Varsha Shukla, District Football Association president Sivtar Singh Bajwa, Punjab Basketball Association honorary secretary Teja Singh Dhaliwal, AEO, Barnala, Inderjit Singh, AEO, Muktsar, Shamsher Singh, AEO, Mansa, Ashok Kumar, and education department officials Ajit Pal Singh, Jagroop Singh, Kulbir Singh, Manjit Singh Rurka, Amrik Singh, Surjit Singh, Satnam Singh, Harjit Singh Khera, Jaswinder Singh, Makhan Singh, Kulwinder Singh, Jagdev Singh, Gurinder Singh Lapran, Satwant Singh, Harpreet Kaur, Suridner Kaur, Jasvir Kaur, Veena Rani and Paramjit Kaur were present at the opening function.

A culutural programme presented by students of different schools, gidha by girls, bhangra and a band display by a contingent of the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, were the highlights of the inaugural function.

Other results: Boys: 1500m race (u-17): Talwinder Singh of Gurdaspur 1, Harpinder Singh of Gurdaspur 2 and Darshan Singh of Mansa 3; 600m race (u-14): Harpreet Singh of Amritsar 1, Dharminder Kumar of Ludhiana 2 and Jahwant Singh of Taran Tarn 3; shot put (u-19): Jagdish Singh of Amritsar 1, Gurbant Singh of Ferozepur 2 and Karanjasjit Singh of Taran Tarn 3; u-17: Gurmukhpal Singh of Amritsar 1, Yudhvir Singh of Ludhiana 2 and Surinder Singh of Ferozepur 3.

Girls (u-19): Sakshi of Jalandhar 1, Supinder Kaur of Fatehgarh Sahib 2 and Jyoti of Jalandhar 3; 1500m race (u-17): Harpreet Kaur of Hoshiarpur 1, Bhupinder Kaur of Sangrur 2 and Prabhjeet Kaur of Taran Tarn 3; 600m race u-14: Navjot Kaur 1, Rajvir Kaur of Taran Tarn 2 and Jaskaran Kaur of Sangrur 3; long jump (u-19): Kulwinder Kaur of Sangrur 1, Manisha of Jalandhar 2 and Jatinder Kaur of Sangrur 3.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, December 5
Jaspreet Singh and Pawanpreet Kaur emerged fastest runners during the fourth annual athletics meet of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Public School Sarabha, which concluded on the school campus, near here, today.

SP Pritam Singh, a former player of Indian hockey team, inaugurated the meet, while Ludhiana SDM Manpreet Singh Chhatwal presided over the concluding session.

Various speakers called upon students to adopt sports as a lifestyle as these edified significance of discipline and cooperation.

Organisers presented awards to outstanding performers. According to principal Kuldip Singh, 210 students took part in various events.

Results: Junior section: jump race: Tejas Dhaliwal 1, Sandeep Singh 2, Gauravdeep 3; 50m race: Jasmeet Kaur 1, Gurnoor Kaur 2, Simarjot Kaur 3; balloon race: Iqbal Singh 1, Gurjit Singh 2, Sananbir Singh 3; reverse race: Jasmeet Singh 1, Harjot S. 2, Gagan 3; long jump: Jaspreet S. Deol 1, Gurpreet Singh 2, Sukhchain Singh 3.

Senior section: boys: 100m race: Jaspreet Singh 1, Sukhchain Singh 2, Tejinder Singh 3; 200m race: Sukhjinder Singh 1, Simranjit Singh 2, Gurpreet Singh; 400m race: Jaspreet Singh 1, Tejinder Singh 2, Navjot Singh 3; shot put: Simranjit Singh 1, Gurpreet Singh 2, Sukhjinder Singh 3; long jump: Jaspreet Singh 1, Gurpreet Singh 2, Sukhchain 3.

Girls: 100m race: Pawanpreet 1, Manpreet Kaur 2, Rajbir 3; shot put: Alamjit Kaur 1, Jaspreet Kaur 2, Rajdeep Kaur 3; discus throw: Jaspreet Kaur 1, Gurinder Kaur 2, Navjot 3; long jump: Pawanpreet 1, Jaspreet 2, Gurinder Kaur 3.