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Where residents ferry water on horses
School for special children faces neglect
Airfare to Srinagar soars as tourists head for valley
Wildlife park gets operation theatre |
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Varsity students take fashion forward
Madrasa a blessing, say students
Kashmiri youth prepares LPG-run iron
On mission to promote vegetarianism
Campus Notes
Biz clips
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Where residents ferry water on horses
Mandi (Poonch), May 29 This comes at a time when Indians take pride in asserting that our nation is “racing towards becoming a developed country”. The residents complained that even as the Water Supply Department (WSD) had laid pipes in the villages in late seventies, these hardly provided water. They added that since the department did not supply water through the pipes and there was no other source of water in the areas, they had no other option but to ferry water on horses. The villagers added that whereas people of Goday Nakh ferried water on horses from the Kumbliyaan Nullah and Bedar Nullah at a distance of 4 km each, the residents of Maharkote brought water from the Nadi Baan Nullah, at a distance of 2 km from the village. “Even as the WSD laid pipes in our area in the year 1978, it hardly supplies water.Since there is no other source from where we can get water, we are left with no other option but to bring water on horses from the nullahs”, said Muhammad Bashir, a resident of Goday Nakh. “We have even deputed people for getting water from streams on their horses. I don’t know whether the department will ever supply water to our areas through the pipes”. “Since I need water for domestic chores , the amount of water we ferry on horses is inadequate during the summer and we have to go to the stream ourselves to get it”, said Muneera Begum, a housewife of Maharkote. A senior officer of the WSD on condition of anonymity confirmed that the villagers were not getting regular supplies through the water pipes. “Though we have laid the pipes in these villages, it is true that the residents are not getting water regularly through the pipes. The reason is that these villages are located at a height and it is a major problem for us to provide water there”, the officer claimed, and added “ however, we have proposed a scheme for these villages wherein we will be supplying water on a regular basis”. |
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School for special children faces neglect
Jammu, May 29 Even as the government recognised it as a senior secondary school in 1996, it has allegedly not been funded regularly and a charitable organisation, J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra, has been looking after the affairs of the school since its inception in 1981. The school authorities told The Tribune that they aimed to construct a residential school. “For this, we paid Rs 2 lakh to the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) in 1995. Later, we were asked that there was some dispute over the land,” they stated. “We again deposited Rs 2 lakh with the JDA in 2006, but the urban body has been delaying handing over the ownership rights of the land,” they alleged and added, “We are not getting the land nor the money deposited or interest on it. We don’t have the money to fight a legal battle against the JDA,” they
lamented.
The head of the charitable organisation, Inderjeet Khajuria, adds, “We have already paid Rs 5 lakh to the JDA for 8 kanals near Gol Gujral. We want to raise a hostel for special children of far-off districts, but it is not understandable why the JDA has been delaying giving the possession of the land”. “Last year, the school did not get any financial assistance from the central or state government,” said principal of the school R Bhan and added that the functioning of the school was directly dependent on donations”. According to the 2001 census, there are as many as 3,03,670 persons with disabilities in the state which constitutes 3 per cent of the total population. This includes 2,08,713 persons with visual disability; 14,157 with impaired hearing; 16,956 with speech disability; 37,965 with locomotor disability and 24,879 with mental disability. Maintaining that the school is the only higher secondary for special children in the entire state, Bhan said the school had presently 80 students. “We can train as many as 200 students with existing infrastructure and faculty, but due to the lack of boarding facilities, special children from the far-flung areas cannot avail this opportunity,” he added. “The irregular supply of funds from the government is also a cause of concern. The government should ensure regular funds so that we can perform more effectively,” he said and added, “We assure that physically challenged children would not become burden on society and the state. We are committed to make them live their life with dignity”. |
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Airfare to Srinagar soars as tourists head for valley
Srinagar, May 29 The soaring airfare is probably the most authentic evidence of the sudden surge in the number of tourists. Travel operators say plane tickets are running out of availability in a matter of a few hours. Kingfisher Airlines, which has recently started flights from Chandigarh to Srinagar, is reaping the harvest, as enquiries reveal that there are no tickets available till June 3. After that, a one-way ticket costs a whopping Rs 12,149 till June 10 for the Chandigarh-Srinagar flight. The same ticket was available for not more than Rs 4,000 till a few weeks ago. Similar is the case for return tickets which are not available on the Chandigarh-Srinagar route for a few days from May 31 onwards. “I had earlier anticipated a huge rush of people, but the rumours of Taliban presence resulted in the cancellation of many advance bookings. But the situation has changed in a matter of weeks. It shows the maturity of Indian tourists who are not getting bogged down by rumours,” says Nasir Jan, a travel operator at Lal Chowk here. Airport officials say flights connecting New Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar are full these days and it may be possible that some airlines divert planes from other routes to this booming circuit at least for the summer season. One
could book a New Delhi-Srinagar ticket for around Rs 3,500 earlier,but now most of the airlines are offering tickets anywhere between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000. Operators say ticket prices are dynamic and fluctuate according to the availability on a daily basis. On several flights connecting New Delhi to Srinagar, you may get a bargain, but you should forget about earlier prices. Tourism officials attribute the rush to the intense heat wave in North India and also the fact that elections are over and a long summer vacation has set in. “All the scary news about the valley have proved unfounded. So people are coming,” an official said. So if you plan to head for the valley in the coming weeks, travel operators say, it is wise to plan in advance. “However, if you book tickets at least two weeks in advance, you will definitely get a bargain,” Jan adds. |
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Wildlife park gets operation theatre
Jammu, May 29
A doctor on deputation has also been posted at the park, who would look Though the hospital started functioning a year ago, the doctor there has so far treated a number of sick and injured animals. The need for a hospital arose last year when there were fears that the migratory birds that visit the state every year might have been affected with the bird flu virus. As the need to monitor the migratory birds arose, a doctor was called in for the purpose. “I was posted here on deputation to monitor the breakout of avian influenza among the migratory birds last year and now, my duties here include looking after the sick and the injured birds and animals that are brought here after being rescued from different areas of the Jammu region,” said Dr Rakesh Gupta, veterinary officer. He said though the operation theatre and the recovery room were in a state of infancy, the department had already started the treatment of animals. “Whenever an injured or sick animal is brought to the hospital, we first conduct tests and then start treatment. If the need arises, we perform some surgical operations as well,” Dr Gupta said. “Last year, when the hospital was inaugurated, a leopard cub was brought from Rajouri, who was seriously injured. We started the treatment and removed one litre of pus from his left front paw”. The hospital also conducts regular health check- ups of the animals. The department is also planning to put plaques outside the cage of every animal, giving the details of the animal and how and from where it was rescued. “This would help the visitors know more about the animals and birds at the park,” Dr Gupta added.
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Varsity students take fashion forward
“Students going for hippest clothes are the ones who are setting fashion trends on the campus," says Divya Gupta, a university student. Salwar kameej has been erased out of the scene. “Youngsters have learnt the art and are following the possible ways of looking trendy while abiding by the rules of the campus. Anti-fit jeans is the latest trend and boys are supporting the style. Slim-fit jeans and ankle lengths are the latest craze among girls. Such trends being followed religiously by the youngsters have been vibrating the placid mood of the city,” she adds. “Much advancement has taken place on the campus. The addition of many new centres in the last few years is an example of it. It is the place where students are exposed to the latest fashion trends,” says Meenakshi Dogra, another student. “There was a time when the students of the university followed simplicity. Simple living and education was their only motto. But with the changing times, this scenario has changed immensely,” says Parminder, a student of the distance education department of the university. “Even the university girls want to be seen as well-groomed. In fact, the number of girls who are very particular about their looks is quite high. Besides the glamorous look, they are also working hard to maintain a good outlook,” says Sameer, a student of law. “The trend has changed a lot. Now, the meaning of education has also changed. Maintaining oneself and making oneself presentable is a part of academics. If you are well-dressed, the impression goes that you are well-behaved. Fashion seems to have become the facet of life. Who doesn’t want to remain updated? Even in education, many fields like aviation, hotel management, MBA etc demand good personality as part of their curriculum,” says Poonam Sharma, a university scholar. Finding a non-fashionable or poorly groomed youngster is a thing of past as the generation next is responding to the changing scenario with grit and determination. |
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Madrasa a blessing, say students
Poonch, May 29 After that he wants to learn jurisprudence and become a moulvi, which can enable him to live “life in accordance with Islamic principles and also earn him dignified livelihood”. Muneer is one among the 12 resident students of Madrasa Azizia Madinatul Islam in a small township, Seri Chauhana, near Surankote. He says his parents were very poor and hence, they sent him to the madrasa. Another 150 local children come to the madrasa in the morning to learn Quran. Young Muneer and his fellow schoolmates are,however, aware of the generalised perception about madrasas (religious schools) being the breeding ground of fundamentalism, and lately, of terror. "We have been here for the past more than a year and no one ever asked us to join jihad,” says Muneer, adding, “We just know one thing that Islam teaches peace”. According to Abdul Rasheed, muhtamim (organiser) of the madrasa, these religious schools run on the funds donated by local people. “I am yet to come across a case where someone studying in the madrasa has been charged with spreading violence,” he says. The local residents say the madrasa is a blessing, as their children get to learn Quran and Islamic teachings. "The allegations that madrasas are preaching jihad are baseless. There is a deep-rooted conspiracy against these religious schools. My son Muneer is memorising Quran. It gives me pleasure and respect in society. Besides, the madrasa is taking care of him," says Muhammad Shakeel. The local police says there are around 12 such madrasas in this frontier disrict and the police through its various intelligence agencies keeps a tab on these schools. A senior police officer says the police has not received any report about madrasas teaching anything wrong to the students. "We are keeping a vigil on them," he adds.
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Kashmiri youth prepares LPG-run iron
Srinagar, May 29 During the Innovation Meet, the first meet of its kind, organised here recently in the University of Kashmir, Wani said the iron was an answer to load-shedding problem in Kashmir, particularly during winters. “The iron can be of immense use but it ought to be supported financially,” said Wani during the meet organised by the Entrepreneurship Development Cell and the Grassroot Innovation and Augmentation Network Cell, Jammu and Kashmir. The innovation works on LPG and as soon as it is switched on, it turns hot and “can be put to use (iron clothes).” He said the iron is safe to use. “It is as safe as any gas stove.” “For the past two years, I have been using it at home. I’ve been granted the patent a year ago.” According to Prof. GM Bhat, director, USIC, University of Kashmir, Wani wants to bring the innovation to market as he has a working model. Wani, however, said the innovation being in its crude form couldn’t be sold in the market in its present form. “It has to be polished. This is just an idea and we have to improve the model.” Cost of the iron, he said, should not be more than Rs 300. Appreciating the innovation, Dr AS Rao, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, said, “Its safety has to be tested by the concerned authority. Besides, it has to be seen who is going to do its fabrication.” Referring to the innovative ideas presented by Safora and Tahira Tabasum, both students of Elite Educational Institution, Kupwara, Dr Rao said it would be considered for the grant of Rs 75,000. The students, while presenting a broad outline of the innovation, demanded a grant of Rs 90,000. Abid Hussain, another innovator, had come up with high-intensity searchlight. A resident of Hassnabad, Srinagar, has number of innovations to his credit, including the lantern. Hussain said initially he faced problems for the want of money, but the situation had improved now. He said he had applied for a solar light that the government distributes at the rate of Rs 5,000 but failed to get it. “An idea struck me and I started innovating things. I can prepare solar water heater costing Rs 30,000 in the market for just Rs 16,000,” he said. Referring to the searchlight, he said it could function for eight hours and could be used anywhere. “I am doing its marketing also.” Prof. Bhat said it could be used during camping as it produces huge beam of light and could be used for longer time.
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On mission to promote vegetarianism
Jammu, May 29 This is the strong belief of an employee of the state government and founder- president of the Vardhman Vegetarian Chain, Arun Jain. He has pledged not to consume non-vegetarian food in his life, besides motivating others to follow the pursuit as well. “Each one make at least one vegetarian” - is the guiding principle of Arun and his organisation that aims to promote peace through vegetarianism. “All religions preach peace and non-violence. Violence could be of any sort. It could be in our thoughts, behaviour and actions. If we stop butchering animals for food, only then peaceful coexistence could be
possible in this world,” he believes. Though he started the organisation for the promotion of vegetarianism this year , he has made 60 persons to pledge not to consume non-vegetarian food for the rest of their lives. “These persons will further motivate others and thus the chain will go on to make people purely vegetarian,” he shares his agenda. Arun, an employee of the J&K Government Planning Department, wants to bring five lakh people of his religion into the organisational fold. “These people with the profound knowledge of Jainism (a religion that prohibits consumption of non-vegetarian food) can finally convince several people of the advantages of vegetarianism and love towards animals. “Having set up 100 branches of the organisation, I would like to collaborate with the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),” he says about his future plans. |
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Campus Notes
Jammu, May 29 “It is the right of ST/SC students and it should not be taken away by the authorities,” Haq said. He requested the vice-chancellor of University of Jammu to intervene and direct the department to keep seats reserved for these students in LL.M. He also demanded immediate release of scholarships for them as soon as possible. Death condoled
The fraternity of the University of Jammu (JU) has expressed deep shock on the death of Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi, wife of Dr Karan Singh , MP, who died on May 24. Motivation campaign
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute, Jammu, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Enterprises in collaboration with the Bhadarwah Campus of University of Jammu, organised an industrial motivation campaign at the campus. The programme was attended by MBA, MCA, English and e-learning students. Tirlok Gupta, assistant director, explained the details of setting up an enterprise, besides apprising the participants of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Scheme, the Entrepreneurship Development Programmes conducted by the institute, the procedure of availing loan from banks, getting subsidy from the government and the Rajiv Gandhi Udyami Mitra Scheme. Prof Hamal of the campus and SK Sahu, director of the institute, also addressed the participants and clarified their doubts. Paper presented
Dr Parikshat Singh Manhas, associate professor, The Business School and In Centre for Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, and coordinator, Global Understanding Course, attended the second Global Partners in Education Annual Conference held in Beijing, China, from May 15 to May 17 which was hosted by China Agricultural University. Dr Manhas presented a paper titled, “Virtual Collaborative Learning Environment and Online Education: An Emerging Branding Paradigm for Higher Educational System”. This conference was one of the largest annual gatherings of professors and professionals working in the field of Interactive Computer-Aided Learning from all over the world. Recently, his efforts have been endorsed by the apex educational institutions by awarding him with the “Career Award for Young Teachers (CAYT)” worth Rs 10.50 lakh by the All-India Council of Technical Education for working on a research proposal titled “Destination Positioning Analysis for Promotion of Tourism in Violence- Prone Regions”. Ban sought on study centres
After University of Jammu banned the study centres of University of Pondicherry and Maulana Azad National Urdu University from operating on the campus, the Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) has demanded a ban on other unauthorised study centres operating in the state. Tarunee Sharma and Ashu Chib, members of the association, rued that these unauthorised study centres were playing with the career of students. Chib said these study centres provided fake marksheets with high percentages to the students and at the time of interview, a hard working student lagged behind to grab the opportunity due to merit. |
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Letter
An awareness campaign against the use of non-biodegradable material, including polythene bags, has been launched in Srinagar over the past two months. The State Pollution Control Board, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other NGOs are actively engaged in the campaign. The government imposed a ban, through its order on May 11, on the use of non-biodegradable material within the municipal limits of Srinagar. But so far, no end to the use of polythene seems to be in sight, though the traders were asked to exhaust their stocks within a week’s time.
The government claimed that a huge quantity of polythene was seized in the city in various raids, which included a consignment of 1,800 quintals of polythene. The people have been asked to make alternative arrangements to avoid such bags. These measures would not help in ending the use of polythene. While the aim is to make the city polythene free and thereby preserve its ecology and environment, it can be achieved only when the transportation of polythene to the Kashmir valley is stopped for which the government must take stringent measures. Merajuddin,
Srinagar
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Poonch, May 29
JAMMU: The sprawling, lush green and beautifully laid campus of the University of Jammu has become a place for youngsters to make a fashion statement. It is here the daring- and raring- to- go Gen X is maintaining pace with the fashion world alongside academics.