Ludhiana, September 5
Anil (25), who was asphyxiated in a sewer at Basti Jodhewal yesterday morning, today lost the battle of life after a struggle of 24 hours.

The Municipal Corporation has given compensation of Rs 2 lakh to his family and also promised job to one of the family members.

The Mayor handed over the cheque for Rs 2 lakh to the family of Anil (25), who died at the CMCH Hospital today. He was admitted to the hospital on Friday morning when he fell unconscious while cleaning a sewer in Basti Jodhewal.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered against the Municipal Corporation SDO RP Gupta and JE Purshotam Lal in the case. This is the third such death in the last five months, exposing the apathetic attitude of the MC towards the security of sewermen.

In April this year, two sewermen identified — Ram Prakash (45) and Tarsem (21) - working with the MC, were killed while cleaning sewers in Mansa, a place more than 100 km from the city.

While the mystery shrouding the death of two sewermen in Mansa is yet to be resolved, as the Punjab government had put off the matter by paying compensation, the question remains that when would the sewermen get safety kits.

A large number of sewermen said: “The MC had bought some safety kits around a year back but they were of no use as they were around 18 kg in weight and it was impossible to enter a 12-inch diameter manhole with this kit.” They added that most of them were temporary employees and they are often made silent by paying compensation after such mishaps.

“Penury forces us to do this job, otherwise who would like to work in sewers. Besides, the social stigma associated with this profession also rubs salt of our wounds, but we need to accept it as we don’t have any alternative,” they said.

Everybody knows that the work involves risk of life and is generally conducted at night or during wee hours, but even then the civic body does not pay any concern, they added.

“Most of the officials go and sleep while we are struggling with our lives in sewers that emit poisonous gases that leave most of us ill,” said a sewerman.

“We endanger our lives to clean sewers whenever there is blockage and we are paid just peanuts for it,” said a sewerman, adding that neither the Central nor the state governments have ever given a thought to their plight.

Ludhiana, September 5
Her tears have dried up and her wish to see her eldest son dressed up in groom's attire is not going to be fulfilled anymore. For Meena, the mother of sewerman Anil Kumar, who died due to asphyxiation at the CMC here early this morning, the world has come to an end.

"Mujhe mere bete se mila do" and "Apni maa ko ake milja aur mujhe apne saath le ja" are the only two lines being uttered by this mother who was banging her arms strongly to a wooden bed after the news of Anil's death was broken to her.

The shanty near the Chand cinema disposal pulley where Anil lived, today gave a gloomy look with just three-four women trying to console the mother and Anil's brother, while his father Pyare Lal was sitting alone just a few metres away from his shanty.

He was smiling and crying alone, thinking how his son used to make him laugh and crack jokes. "On Thursday night at around 9 pm he left for work as usual and within a few hours, we were told that he got unconscious while working," said distressed father, who didn't want to talk to anyone and neither had anyone to console him.

A daily wager by profession, Pyare Lal along with his wife migrated from Uttar Pradesh around 25 years ago when they got married. All their children were born in Ludhiana. Their days of penury had forced the two sons Anil and Punnet to take up the job of cleaning sewers. Anil was second among the four siblings his parents had and is survived by two younger brothers and an elder sister.

When Pyare Lal was asked does he want his son Puneet to continue with the work, "It's his choice," was the reply of a man trying to come with the terms of his fate.

Ludhiana, September 5
Twenty-four out of the 37 milk samples failed the purity test during a sample-testing camp held at Salem Tabri here today.

This was the 34th camp organised by the Punjab Dairy Development Board in the city in the past two months, said deputy director, Punjab Dairy Development Board Dilbagh Singh.

Singh said almost all failed samples had 75 per cent water. “This is not an isolated camp where milk samples have failed the purity tests. Every year, such cases have been reported. Number of such cases register a sharp increase during summer months when milk production is low," Dilbagh said.

The deputy director said the dairy department would give a detailed report of the tests to the Deputy Commissioner, who in turn, would decide the next course of action against the erring milk vendors.

The purity test is done free of cost at the department office in Model Town on a regular basis. Samples of milk, which is not boiled, are tested for best results.

Ludhiana, September 5
Tiger Safari at Ludhiana and Deer Park at Neelon would soon be developed as state-of-the-art zoos, as the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) of India has sought a master plan for the project and state wildlife authorities are preparing for its submission.

The zoos would now provide an ideal excursion to humans in the lap of nature and a comfortable environment to animals. More attractions would be added to both the places to attract children and people.

To review the arrangements that would be done at the zoos, Chief Wildlife Warden RK Luna visited both places and issued important directions to the officials concerned.

Talking to The Tribune, Divisional Forest Officer, Vishal Chauhan, said both the zoos would be developed in such a way as to attract visitors for a safari in the wild. Also, arrangements would be made in such a way that the animals, too, did not feel out of place.

He said the CZA had agreed to fund the project and they had been planning to bring more animals to Deer Park and Tiger Safari. More enclosures were being set up and the CZA authorities had given permission for bringing in more animals.

The authorities are ready with the master plan on Neelon zoo and would take another 20 days for preparing a detailed report for local zoo. ‘‘We would submit these as soon as these are prepared so that we can get the funds and start the work.’’

Chauhan said after the theft of animals from Kolkata Zoo, concerns for security at the local safari were compounded. They were now planning to raise the wall of the zoo so that such incidents could be avoided.

‘‘This too would be part of the master plan. We are including this issue in the master plan. This would be done soon,’’ he said.

Ludhiana, September 5
Putting up illegal hoarding and pasting posters on public and government property can land violators behind bars.

The administration today directed the police to take stern action against the violators. Deputy Magistrate Vikas Garg has directed the police to register cases against the defaulters under the Anti-Defacement Act. The violators will either have to pay a fine of Rs 1,000 or face six-month imprisonment or both.

The police today removed illegal hoardings installed in different parts of the city. It is learnt that the move was taken following Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal's visit to the city.

The Deputy CM, who was here to attend Chappar Mela, expressed concern over the defacement of government and private properties.

Sources said that Sukhbir objected to the installation of illegal hording and posters on public places and demanded their immediate removal.

Sources said Sukhbir discussed the issue with DM Vikas Garg and directed SSP SS Gill to remove illegal hoarding.

The entire operation was conducted quietly and illegal hoardings were removed from Fountain Chowk, Sarabha Nagar and Model Town.

Besides, posters pasted on the walls of government offices were also removed. However, the police remained tightlipped about the entire operation. Even the MC officials did not disclose any details.

Sahnewal, September 5
The fatal combination of red and green lights working simultaneously at the Sahnewal Chowk, the National Highway 1, can prove to be disastrous for many commuters.

This is due to the callous attitude of the authorities who have till date shown no concern in this matter.

The Sahnewal Chowk branches towards Doraha, Kohara, Dehlon and Ludhiana. It was called a “killer chowk” due to the non-availability of traffic lights.

The traffic lights not only mislead the daily commuters but can result in a major causalty anytime.

The commuters on the NH-1 seem to be at their wits end on finding two lights working at the same time.

“Instances of clashes and minor injuries due to wrong directions have occurred here, but it seems the authorities are waiting for a big tragedy to happen before the necessary amends are initiated,” rued a commuter.

School and college going students who board their buses or vans on the opposite side in the early morning seem to be the worst sufferers. Aged people, too, due to less mobility, reduced visibility and confusion of lights have to wait endlessly for the final clearance of the road. The position of two-wheeler drivers is no better. Students are commonly heard saying that they have to miss several buses due to the confusion of red and green which is being allowed to work together at the same time.

Ludhiana, September 5
The nation should use its strengths to meet the emerging challenges, said Ludhiana MP Manish Tewari during a lecture at the Ludhiana Management Association (LMA) meet here last evening.

“We should use our strengths to overcome the emerging challenges. Democracy, large intellectual base, substantial economic growth in the past, unity in diversity, strong agriculture base, strong international presence and fast-paced industrial and infrastructural growth are some of the major strengths of India which can be used to meet the emerging challenges in the present times,” he said.

LMA president VK Goyal, senior vice-president JR Singal, vice-president Sachit Jain and general secretary Dr KNS Kang were among others who attended the lecture.

Welcoming the guests and the speaker, Dr Kang said a vision was needed for any nation to become successful. A nation may see many ups and downs, but to put it on the path of process, guidance and supervision of eminent politicians was needed to make India corruption free, pollution free, crime free, slum free and global power where the GDP growth was high and the distribution of income among its people was equal, he added.

Tewari gave an example of nations like Japan and Germany, which were bombarded but still possessed the inner instinct to emerge as super powers and rule the globe. During his lecture, he stressed more on the nation's civilisation and how it evolved with time in totality with the past and present.

Imagining India was a much diversified task, but taking past into consideration, a bridge was built for its future vision. He said the key foundations of this bridge were laid on India's substantial growth in 62 years and the huge amount of untapped intellectual capabilities. Tewari also talked about the main challenges that were currently faced by India such as poverty, issue of lopsided employability and security of the nation.

The biggest challenge, he said, was the movement of people from rural areas to the urban cities, which had led to the creation of urban slums. This in turn has downsized the rate of economic growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said the LMA had formed two committees- city development committee and social issues committee - for the betterment of the city.

Ludhiana, September 5
Taraksheel Society, Punjab, along with doctors at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) today organised a seminar to promote the cause of donation of human body.

Endorsing the cause of organ donation, medical experts and members of Taraksheel Society dispelled the fear that human soul did not rest in peace in case of improper burial or cremation of the body.

Dr AG Thomas, director, CMCH, while speaking on the importance of bodies in a medical institute said in order to carry out proper study of human anatomy, one body was required for every four students.

But the shortage of bodies owing to the religious sentiments deprived the medical students of getting practical knowledge adding that more organisations and individuals should come forward to promote the cause of human body donation.

He also accredited the members of Taraksheel Society with a certificate for promoting the cause followed by mementoes to the members of the families whose bodies were donated to CMCH.

Chief organiser of Taraksheel Society, Dalbir Katani, while speaking on the issue stated that the body was alive due to the natural process and it was not justified to reduce it to ashes or bury it.

“Instead, all vital organs, including eyes, liver, kidneys and heart can be transplanted to save another life. Also the body can be beneficial for advanced studies on various diseases,” stated the chief organiser.

Jaswant Zirakh, a leading activist of the society, acknowledged late Krishan Bargadi, a member of the society, who was the first person to donate his body at CMCH.

Till date the society has donated 12 bodies to the hospital, said Zirakh.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 5
Despite thousands of people, including devotees of ‘Nag Devta’ and activists of various political parties, having thronged the historic Chhapar Mela during past two days, old-timers claim the festival is losing its sheen.

Entrance of groups of youths in the event in traditional attire, dancing and playing on beats of drums has become a thing of the past. Though they did come, but the enthusiasm seemed to be on the wane.

Bhangra, gidha, kabaddi and tug-of-war, which used to be the centre of attraction for all those coming to the mela, have almost disappeared from the mega event.

In sharp contrast, people come in normal dresses without festival-related preparation in the sartorial make up. While some reached the site in their vehicles, others simply walked down with sign of fatigue visible on their faces. However, villagers formed the majority of the crowd. With paddy ripening in the fields, they do not have much work on their hands and have enough time to look for recreation in the festival.

Whiles decades ago, every visitor used to pay obeisance at the Guga Mari before attending the fair, thousands, including political leaders and activists, returned without digging out earth or paying obeisance at the shrine.

Though the fair gets extended to more days, the rush at the festival is termed as comparatively low than the previous years.

Ludhiana, September 5
The landline telephones falling under Rishi Balmiki Nagar are not working from the past two months. The subscribers of this exchange are harassed a lot due to the non-functioning of the telephones.

AK Bhandari, subscriber of the area, said the telephones of the area had been lying dead since June 25. “I have written to the authorities many times, but to no avail. The 70 per cent landline phones lying in this area are still out of order,” he added.

Bhandari further said in the absence of services being provided and as per the laid down norms, if the service provider failed to provide services for seven or more days, the provider had no authority to charge bills, there was no justification in charging the subscriber for this period.

“It will be in the fitness of things to waive off the bill for the said period without waiting for any type of request or application from the subscriber in this regard. We should not be charged the rental and other basic charges as we are deprived of the telephone services from quite a long time,” he said.

While the BSNL authorities are giving the option to the subscribers to pick up a WLL phone from the exchange and they will be charged only for the calls made and no rent will be charged from the
subscribers.

Another subscriber, Atul, said they failed to understand why the fault had not been corrected and taking too long. “We have been making requests to the telecom department to rectify the fault, but nothing has been done so far,” he said.

Adding, another subscriber said if they were not being given the services, then why were they being charged the rent. “Though everybody has mobile phones with them, but still landline number is a necessity. Though people in BSNL are working even during night to repair the fault and I hope soon phones will be working,” he added.

Ludhiana, September 5
The Association of Teaching Staff (ATS) of Lord Mahavira Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, as a mark of protest against the management policies, yesterday observed a full-day token strike, followed by a dharna in front of principal's office.

Association president Dr VK Thukral said the staff had been paid meagre salaries, which amount to just from 16 to 20 per cent of that recommended by their statuary body and Punjab government.

He said there had been no policies of promotion, study leave, maternity leave and pay scales of the institution.

The secretary of the ATS Dr Parmod Kumar said they had met minister of medical education and research Tikshan Sood, secretary Rakesh Singh, and Vice-Chancellor of the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) on the issue.

He reiterated that it was difficult to meet both ends with existing salaries in present time when prices of the essential commodities, school fee of children and cost of living had been sky-rocketing.

He further said they had not been given any enhancement after 2007 and they had been working under protest since then. They had even refused one increment offered by the management, said Parmod Kumar.

Dr Sushil Kumar Chalotra, vice-principal and patron of the ATS said they had been fighting for getting justice since 2003, adding that the association had put forth the issue before the government and university, but to no avail. He stressed that they would further intensify the stir to get their long-pending demands accepted by the management.

Ludhiana, September 5
Teachers’ Day, a day celebrated to thank those who made us what we are, who taught us the important lessons not only from our textbooks but also of life. Today is one of those special days of the year when one thinks about one's teachers!

However, one wonders how many students, these days, think of their teachers on this day and if the day holds any significance for today's youth. If the young brigade holds the respect and love in their hearts for their teachers that a guru is worthy of!

The young generation, so lost in itself, often forgets to take note of these amazing people, who once made them walk straight, punished them when they erred, loved and cared for them when they needed that love the most and, may be were one of the very few souls, who enjoyed their successes as if it was theirs! Do our youngsters remember the big responsibility our teachers have uncomplainingly carried out? Do our students care to make their Teachers' Day special by doing as little as wishing them with a flower or a token of love?

While the younger lot, The Tribune talked to, shied away from accepting the truth, teachers did share their emotions about "their day" losing sheen.

Rashpreet Kaur, a former school teacher, feels that while on one hand, our youth do not need a reason to celebrate the "special days", be it a Valentine's Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, or Flower’s Day, Friendship Day, Chocolate Day; on the other hand, they seem to have forgotten the importance of the day celebrated as a tribute to the teachers.

"Days, when teachers were held in great esteem by students, are passé. Teaching is increasingly becoming a thankless job. One feels bad when one sees that for students, teachers have just become a medium of instruction and nothing more," Rashpreet added.

She disclosed that just two of her former students called upon her to wish her today. "After a teaching career spanning almost two decades, if just two students remember to wish a teacher on Teachers' Day, it speaks volumes about the importance of the day and profession in today's times," the former teacher remarked.

Echoing her views, Dr AP Singh, senior editor and professor, department of journalism, PAU, said five students wished him today. "Student-teacher relationship has undergone a sea change," Dr Singh said.

As to the day losing sheen and importance, Dr Singh remarked, "Students respect and care for their teachers, but perhaps do not have time to wish them."

Dr Singh's words found testimony in engineering student Shruti Katyal's reaction. When asked about what Teachers’ Day meant to her, the 20-year-old said, "Even though I have forgotten to wish them today due to my busy schedule, my teachers know how much I love and respect them."

Ludhiana, September 5
Teachers of Ludhiana have made their mark by winning five state awards out of 15 given today at the state-level Teacher’s Day function organised here.

These teachers include Ramesh Pal, a lecturer in political science, Senior Secondary School, Bija, Karamjit Singh, a teacher in Punjabi, Government High School, Kheri Ghameri and Ajmer Singh, DPI, Government Senior Secondary School, Ghungrali, all in the secondary category and Ajmer Singh Mohie, head teacher, Government Elementary School, Rurkalam, and Amar Singh, an art and craft teacher, Government Girls’ High School, Ramgarh, in the elementary category.

Karamjit Singh told The Tribune that he was feeling at the top of the world today, as his services had been recognised by the government. He has put in 13 years of service in the education field and has written three books. He has also participated in an English feature film, “Women from the East”.

Ajmer Singh said he had won six gold medals at Punjabi University and a gold medal in hammer throw event at the national level during his academic career. He claimed that his school had won 64 championships, including 56 district-level tournaments, in the events like athletics, kho-kho and kabaddi.

Ramesh Pal has been awarded for bringing awareness against social evils and for organised camps. He was also instrumental in organising state-level political quiz, training of computers and creating literary tendencies among the students. He has shown 100 per cent results in his subjects.

Ajmel Singh Mohie has been involved in the education field for the last 21 years. He himself is a writer and is popular among the students.

Amar Singh is a committed teacher and is an active participant in the PTA meeting and has beautified the school campus with his artistic and aesthetic capability.

Mandi Gobindgarh, September 5
Desh Bhagat Group of Institutes celebrated the Teachers Day today. A cultural programme was organised to mark the occasion. Dr Zora Singh, chairman, Desh Bhagat Group of Institutes, presided over the function.

Teachers showcased their talent in the fields, including dancing, singing, mimicry, skits and mono-acting. Bhangra and antakshri were the main attractions of the cultural events. Outstanding teachers and members of the non-teaching staff were honoured on the occasion.

Dr Zora Singh greeted the teachers on the day and urged them to keep up the good work as the destiny of the students lied in their hand and they could mould a career out of a student. The greatest achievement of the teacher was to inspire its students to do well in life and to serve humanity.

He was accompanied by vice-chairperson Tejinder Kaur, Prof Achchar Singh and director general Prof Shalini Gupta, who also participated in the antakshri.

Government Secondary School (Boys) at Mandi Gobindgarh celebrated the Teachers Day on the school campus. Principal Dharampal and mathematics teacher Ashok Kumar spoke on the importance of the day and role of teachers in nation-building. Principal gave a tea party to the teachers.

Mandi Ahmedgarh: Teachers’ Day was celebrated at various educational institutes of the town and surrounding villages. Students greeted teachers by presenting flowers and cards.

Addressing students and teachers at MGMN Senior Secondary School, Rajnish Sharma, president, Ahmedgarh Vidya Parcharak Sabha, said teacher was the foundation stone of a nation. “When a teacher educates a child, he/she contributes in the process of nation building. An ordinary person reaches the top in a field by virtue of his or her education and deeds, which are tailored by a teacher,” said Sharma. Kedar Kapila, manager, and Ravinder Puri, councillor, also spoke on the occasion.

Teachers and students of the Janta College for Women presented a cultural programme. During his address, Abhay Jain impressed upon the students to recognise the contribution of their teachers in shaping their lives. Expanding the word Teacher, he stressed that a teacher should have training, enthusiasm, ability, character, honesty, education and sense of responsibility as essential qualities. Pardeep Sharda, principal, urged the social and political leaders to work collectively for saving the dignity and respect of the teaching community.

The students of Guru Nanak Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Institute arranged a cultural function to felicitate their teachers. Dr Balwinder Singh Walia, chairman of the institute, called upon the teachers to reciprocate the sentiments of the students by imparting them up to date and intensive knowledge.

Separate functions were organised at Anand Isher Senior Secondary School, Green Valley Public School, DAV Senior Secondary School, Jain Muni Shri Kundan Kanya Mahavidyalya, Guru Kanya Maha Vidyalya, GHG Khalsa Senior Secondary School and Maya Devi Public School.

A teacher couple of Kilarapur village persuaded a number of their acquaintances to make a will to donate their eyes after death to the Punar Jyot Eyes Bank of Punjab, for restoring the vision of those who could not see.

Sukhvir Singh Grewal, a Punjabi teacher at Government High School, Khera and his wife Kamaljeet Kaur of Government Primary School, Kilaraipur, declared to donate their eyes at a function organised at Mansooran today. Dr Ramesh Mansooran, chairman of the trust appreciated the gesture of the donors.

Sahnewal: Teachers' Day was celebrated by students and teachers of Sacred Heart Convent School here today.

Jagdev Singh Garcha, former district president of masters’ union and retired principal, was chief guest on the occasion. Sister Judith welcomed the teachers and other staff members.

The students presented an impressive cultural show on the occasion. Various items performed on the stage included songs, skits, solo dances and group dances. Teachers of the school were honoured by members of the principal, S Pavitra, and vice-principal sister Pauline. The chief guest too was especially honoured in the end.

Doraha: Teachers Day was celebrated by the students and teachers of Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School here today.

At the very onset, director Jaspreet Kaur welcomed the teachers and other staff members.

Karan Mehtab Singh of Class X delivered a speech on the importance of Teachers' Day. A poem was recited by students of Class I and girls from Class VI to IX presented a dance. A solo song was sung by Gurwinder Kaur of Class IX, English play “True Education” was staged by students of Classes V, VI and IX. A folk song was sung by Ravleen Kaur of Classes from IV to X. Bhangra was presented by the boys of Classes from VIII to X.

Teachers of the school were honoured by members of the management committee, including Amrit Kaur Gurm, Amarjit Singh, director, Karamvir Singh, and Jaspreet Kaur.

Ludhiana, September 5
Noted Bollywood actress Divya Dutta becomes the proud owner of Ludhiana Gullies, a city team to take part in T-10 Gully Cricket: Season 2 -“Ab Har Koi Khelega”.

Hailing from Ludhiana, Divya Dutta will be attached with Ludhiana Gullies in every aspect. She’ll be calling for entries, selecting and grooming the players. The celebrity will also be elemental in getting corporate sponsorships for her team this season and cheering the players.

“Watching kids play cricket with Thapis during my last film shoot in Punjab made me accept this proposal at the first instance. I will do my best to encourage the players of Ludhiana Gullies to become the winners from runners-up,” said Divya. She was in the city today to formally announce her association with T-10.

Divya said for decades this city and the state of Punjab had displayed extraordinary sporting skills in all disciplines, but many of talents never got their due credit. There are some extremely brilliant players who play in the gullies of our country and in the process have sharpened their skills continuously bettering their performance.

Speaking about her future ventures in Bollywood, the actress revealed that she was being offered a lot of women-oriented roles. “Sukhmani” in Punjabi and “Chehra” in Hindi are her forthcoming movies of Divya Dutta on which she said, “My role and appearance in ‘Chehra’ will remind people of Meena Kumari. I loved every minute of this role”.

The call for entries for participation will be open from September 19 to 22. This format of 10 overs (each side) will be played among 896 players from 64 teams in 16 cities with a day / night grand finale on November 20. Matches will be telecast live on DD Sports with highlights on DD1.A total prize money of Rs 25 lakh will be distributed among various teams.

Ludhiana, September 5
Charu Sharma, a diver-turned cricket commentator now takes over the role of a mentor, jurist responsible for the selection of participants in the T-10 Gully Cricket.

With Ludhiana lads partaking in the T-10 Gully Cricket Season 2, “Ab Har Koi Khelega”, comprising 16 teams from different cities, Charu Sharma is here to create a platform for amateurs thereby providing opportunities to the deserving yet undiscovered cricketing talents.

An excerpt from the interview:

Q: Critics refer to the T-10 Gully Cricket as a commercial connotation of the real game of cricket. Do you agree?

Ans: Millions play cricket in our country but a few get a platform to exhibit their talent. The players in the pyramid beneath “Ranjhi Trophy” are lost and the T-10 Gully Cricket is an initiative to give young and talented cricketers a step up. It is not just a commercial venture but also an opportunity provided to these players in reciprocation of their passion for the game, which is brought before the selectors at the national level through formal broadcast.

Q: How do you see the reaction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the conditions listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?

Ans: The BCCI's reaction to the conditions listed by WADA is uncalled for, as in the contemporary world of sports the doping tests are mandatory for every sportsperson. Cricketers should not be treated as holy cows, as they too have an access to a large number of medicinal byproducts referred to as “masking agents”. The use of these products is prohibited which needs to be checked much before the scheduled tournaments which is why WADA's condition of players disclosing their whereabouts can't be termed as intrusion in privacy.

Q: Globally speaking, what according to you is the status of test cricket?

Ans: Test cricket is safe in the hands of the cricket-governing authorities in the respective countries. All cricket boards across the world give adequate priority to the test cricket, as it is a part of every significant tournament.

Q: Which essential changes are required to promote sports culture in India?

Ans: A massive increase in the annual sports budget needs to be made followed by accountability of all sports federations as per some national guidelines. Salaried executives with proper checks and balances should govern the federations.

There is nothing in the name of infrastructure for the sports in India, which is the biggest handicap to inculcate interest amongst students and people at large. Multiplexes of sports run by private bodies are a viable solution.

Ludhiana, September 5
Bhartiya Vidya Mandir, Dugri branch, fielded a 10-member squad in the Ludhiana Zonal Wrestling Tournament held at Manakwal Akhara near here and the students did not disappoint, as they bagged nine medals to make their presence felt.

According to Amandeep Singh, physical education teacher at BVM, young wrestlers from the school competed in the under-14 and under-17 categories and made their alma mater proud by winning seven silver and two bronze medals.

Meanwhile, another student of the school, Samridhi Jidnal, who participated in the Ludhiana District Karate Championship organised at Saraswati Modern School recently secured a bronze medal.

School principal Anu Gupta congratulated the position holders and appreciated their instructor for training the students to perform and finish among medal winners.

Ludhiana, September 5
Trials to select the Ludhiana junior basketball teams (boys and girls) will be conducted by the Ludhiana District Basketball Association (LDBA) at Guru Nanak Stadium here on September 8 from 4 pm onwards.

According to Teja Singh Dhaliwal, honorary general secretary, LDBA, players born on or after January 1, 1991, are eligible to take part in these trials. The aspirants have been advised to bring their birth certificates, attested by the head of their schools or institutes. They have been asked to report to Balkar Singh Brar, vice-president of the association, or Dr S Subramanian, director of the Ludhiana Basketball Academy at Guru Nanak Stadium.

The selected cagers will represent Ludhiana district in the Junior Punjab Basketball Championship, slated to be held at Guru Nanak Stadium here from September 10 to 13.

Ludhiana, September 5
Students of Sutlej Public Senior Secondary School, Rahon road, Ludhiana, stole the limelight as they wrapped up top honours in the boys as well as girls’ sections in the Sahodaya Schools Kho-Kho Tournament (central zone) held at Sutlej Public School on September 3 and 4.

According to school principal Satwinder Kaur, as many as 13 teams took part in the two-day event and players of Sutlej Public Senior Secondary School stamped their superiority over others.

In the boys’ section, hosts Sutlej Public Senior Secondary School annexed the title, while Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police School, Phillaur, secured second position and Kundan Vidya Mandir, Civil Lines, Ludhiana, had to content with the third place.

Similarly, the girl participants from Sutlej Public Senior Secondary School proved their mettle and romped home as champions. DRV DAV Public School, Phillaur, finished as runner-up and Bhartiya Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Kitchlu Nagar, Ludhiana, secured the third position.

Dr HS Cheema, chairman of Sutlej Public School management committee, distributed the prizes to the winners. The principal congratulated the students on bringing laurels to the school.