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CHANDIGARH

LUDHIANA

DELHI



THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS
50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
D E H R A D U N    E D I T I O N

CM, Singhal discuss Kumbh Mela plans
Dehradun, September 13
Ashok Singhal, international president, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today met Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank at his residence to discuss arrangements for the 2010 Kumbh Mela.



Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (left) with Ashok Singhal, president of the VHP, at CM’s residence in Dehradun on Sunday.

Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (left) with Ashok Singhal, president of the VHP, at CM’s residence in Dehradun

Dalits to hold mahapanchayat
Ambedkar’s Death Anniversary falls on Dec 6
Dehradun, September 13
Peeved at the failure of the Centre to develop Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar’s residence on Alipore Road in New Delhi as a national memorial, Dalits have planned to organise a mahapanchayat on his death anniversary on December 6.


EARLIER STORIES



Poetesses talk about literary scene in Nepal
Dehradun, September 13
Belonging to different generations Bhuwan Dhungana and Usha Sherchan are the progressive faces of Nepali poetry that is witnessing a robust surge in feminist expression. Using modern metaphors and similes to describe the churning taking place in their society and conveying their own myriad thoughts on various topics.

Usha Sherchan Bhuwan Dhungana
Usha Sherchan   Bhuwan Dhungana


5th Uttarakhand Gaurav Award Ceremony
13 dignitaries honoured
Dehradun, September 13
The Dev Vimal Herbal Heritage and Educational Society organised the 5th Uttarakhand Gaurav Award Ceremony for 2008-2009 in the Himalayan Public School auditorium here today.
Vineeta Bisht, widow of NSG commando Gajendra Singh Bisht, being felicitated at the Uttarakhand Gaurav Award Ceremony on Sunday. Tribune photo: Anil P Rawat

Vineeta Bisht, widow of NSG commando Gajendra Singh Bisht, being felicitated at the Uttarakhand Gaurav Award Ceremony

In the chaat business for 50 years
Dehradun, September 13
Streets of Dehradun are jam packed with chaat vendors luring fast-food lovers. Kumar Chaat corner in the old Paltan Bazar area has been serving high-quality chaat for the past 50 years and is one of the most favourite destinations of many Doonites.
The shopkeeper offers chaat in Dehradun. Tribune photo: Anil P Rawat

The shopkeeper offers chaat in Dehradun

Rafting competition from October 8
Dehradun, September 12
As part of the 9th Corps Reunion celebrations of Corps of EME, a white water rafting competition in the Ganga will take place from October 8 to 11. According to 614 EME Battalion (Rapid), which is hosting the contest, the expedition will cover a total area of 250 km.

Football: The Asian School thrash GRD Academy 6-0
Dehradun, September 13
St Joseph Academy and The Asian School won their respective matches at the ongoing Council School Football Tournament at St Joseph Academy, whereas Marshal and Raja Ram Mohan Rai Academy played a draw, here today.

Players in action at the Dehradun Football League in Dehradun on Sunday. A Tribune photograph

Players in action at the Dehradun Football League in Dehradun

MKP eves are district hockey champions
Dehradun, September 13
MKP emerged winners of the District Women Hockey Tournament at the District Sports Office here today. Divya and Shikha were the star performers who scored two goals each.

Final match in progress of the Inter District Girls Hockey Championship in Dehradun on Sunday.
A Tribune photograph


Final match in progress of the Inter District Girls Hockey Championship in Dehradun

Federation formed to promote tae kwon do
Dehradun, September 13
The Uttarakhand Tae kwon do Federation was formed here today with an aim to promoting the game in an organised manner throughout the state.

CM to visit IIM site soon
Dehradun, September 13
Preparations to begin construction of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Pantnagar are nearing completion and the Uttarakhand Chief Minister is expected to visit the project site shortly.

ITBP DIG denies Chinese incursion
Dehradun, September 13
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials today denied media reports that the Chinese army had made any incursion into Uttarakhand border. There were reports in some sections of the media today that the Chinese army had made incursions into the Indian side in Chamoli district of the state. They had left behind cigarette butts and newspapers.

Army soldiers, widows get modified scooters
Dehradun, September 13
Thirtysix physically challenged soldiers and 22 widows of soldiers, called as Veer Naris of the Army, were felicitated here today at a grand Army presentation ceremony held at Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC).
Physically challenged Army men with new scooters provided by the Army at RIMC, Dehradun, on Sunday. Tribune photo: Vinod Pundir
Physically challenged Army men with new scooters provided by the Army at RIMC, Dehradun

Students Union Poll
Vidyarthi Parishad apologises for violence
Dehradun, September 13
Yamuna Colony corporator Sachin Gupta has declared his support to Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in the upcoming students union elections at DAV (PG) College.

Vikasnagar bypoll counting today
Dehradun, September 13
Poll officers were today imparted training as part of preparations for counting of votes for the Vikasnagar bypoll, which is slated for tomorrow.

Nishank urged to meet statehood agitators’ demands
Dehradun, September 13
Dhirendra Pratap, president of the Uttarakhand Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, an umbrella organisation of different organisations, today appealed to Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal to immediately intervene to solve the demands raised by Uttarakhand statehood agitators.

Truffaut classic screened
Dehradun, September 13
Reach Talkies, the city’s film club, today screened ‘The Soft Skin’, a 1964 film directed by French director Francois Truffaut, here today. This is the club’s 10th film show on Sunday since its launch on July 5.

Institute holds freshers night
Dehradun, September 13
The Baba Farid Institute of Technology organised Welcome Freshers Night-2009 yesterday. The chief guest at the function was Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harbans Kapoor.The function started with lighting of candles, after which a melodious prayer was sung by students.

2 killed in truck-car collision
Dehradun, September 13
Two persons died and three others were seriously injured when a speeding truck hit an Indica car here today near Dat Kali Mandir. The injured were taken to Doon Hospital where two persons — Arun Verma (38) and Kapil Sharma (35) — succumbed to their injuries.





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CM, Singhal discuss Kumbh Mela plans
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Ashok Singhal, international president, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today met Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank at his residence to discuss arrangements for the 2010 Kumbh Mela.

They discussed about the arrangement of ‘akhadas’ for saints. The CM said that the work of the mela would be finished by October 2009. He said that they were determined to maintain the purity of the Ganga.

Later, Singhal met Raj Rani, founder of Information Technology Institute for Tribes of India (ITITI), and gave valuable tips to students today during a programme organised to salute the Mother India at the institute in Jhajra.

Singhal said that empowerment of tribesmen was a good initiative. He said that the VHP was also making efforts to uplift these kids.

ITITI president Tarun Vijay said that students from 14 states were being imparted education at the institute. These kids have the knowledge of 22 languages. He also urged the state government to help them in the cause.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal inaugurated the programme. He praised Raj Rani for her efforts, hard work and dedication in the service of the tribal kids.

He said that after passing out of the institute, the students have bright future prospects ahead.

In charge seeks support of saints

Kumbh Mela in charge Anand Vardhan has sought the support of saints for the success of Kumbh Mela.

Participating at an annual function of Pawan Dham Ashram in Haridwar, Vardhan said while crores of people would be participating in the fair next year, making arrangements for such a big event required the support of saints and other ‘akharas’ based in Haridwar.

Earlier addressing a meeting at the mela control room, he directed the officials concerned to work in coordination to get better results. He also expressed resentment over a lack of coordination between various departments, particularly the Public Works Department and Ganga Pollution Control Unit.

While issuing warning to officials of other departments, he said nodal officers would be held accountable in case of any discrepancy during the mela.

He asked the officials to ensure that the soil left on the way after laying cables by the corporation should be cleared on the same day.

Shri Ram Institute has been entrusted with the task of testing the quality of construction work. Nodal officers were also directed to improve the shortcomings found in the plasterwork of police barracks during the meeting.

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Dalits to hold mahapanchayat
Ambedkar’s Death Anniversary falls on Dec 6

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Peeved at the failure of the Centre to develop Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar’s residence on Alipore Road in New Delhi as a national memorial, Dalits have planned to organise a mahapanchayat on his death anniversary on December 6.

The mahapanchayat will be held at his residence where he had breathed his last. More than 10,000 Dalits from the state are expected to join the mahapanchayat.

The head of the Dr Ambedkar Janambhoomi Mhow Vikas Sansthan, Indresh Gajbhiye, said Dalit leaders from various parties would participate in the event. Gajbhiye holds a cabinet rank in the Madhya Pradesh government.

He said: “The NDA government, led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had purchased Dr Ambedkar’s residence for Rs 16 crore in 2003. It had planned to develop a national memorial there but the place continues to be in a shambles. It has turned into a garbage heap. The gates remained locked and there is no electricity supply there.”

He said the proposed mahapanchayat would also discuss other issues pertaining to the Dalits in the country, the main being the procurement of a Scheduled Caste certificate.

“We want the government to simplify the procedures to get the certificate by bringing about a constitutional amendment.”

He further stated the participants would also discuss raising the demand for the pre-Poona Pact plan prepared by Dr Ambedkar with regards to the elections in the reserved parliamentary and assembly segments.

He also expressed the resentment of Dalits against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for having done away with the mandatory greeting of “Jai Bhim”. It was announced that after the mahapanchayat, the Dalits would meet the President and hand over a memorandum to her.

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Poetesses talk about literary scene in Nepal
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Belonging to different generations Bhuwan Dhungana and Usha Sherchan are the progressive faces of Nepali poetry that is witnessing a robust surge in feminist expression.

Using modern metaphors and similes to describe the churning taking place in their society and conveying their own myriad thoughts on various topics.

To attend the first International Nepali-Hindi Poets Meet, organised jointly by BP Koirala Foundation and Sahitya Akademi, the Nepali poets spoke over the conditions in their country and the literary scene there.

A former reader at Tribhuwan University, Bhuwan Dhungana has written several poems, short stories and essays. Her short story ‘The Bell’ has been selected for publication to form a part of a collection being brought by Indian publishing house. Besides, she has translated Pakistani author Tehima Durrani’s novel ‘Blasphemy’ in Nepali.

She gives credit to the academic and political atmosphere of Nepal that helped her to formulate views about freedom of expression, human rights and democracy. “Being part of the Koirala family I had firsthand experience about the freedom struggle and had seen my cousins being jailed during the democracy movement in Nepal,” she said.

Like most of the women of her generation, Bhuwan Dhungana is also connected to India through education. She undertook her education at Shanti Niketan in West Bengal. “The women of my generation preferred to come to India for higher education, among other things, we followed the literary magazines published in India to keep ourselves abreast of trends,” said Bhuwan.

She rues the absence of activist writers and poets among women in Nepal. “Surely, they can make a big difference to society and its intellectual moorings. Indian poetess and writers like Mahashewta Devi and Arundhati Roy have pursued issues and have never been constrained by their roles as writers, it provides intellectual weight to the struggle of the downtrodden,” she added.

Wedded to the present time, Usha Sherchan is a popular and face of the feminist angst that gets reflected in the style of poetry recitation and temperament.

A housewife, she belongs to the Gurung Thakli tribe (there are 69 indigenous tribes in India) to venture out and take part in the demonstrations in support of democracy.

“None of my family members had any connection with literature, but living in Pokhara poetry was the natural outcome of my surroundings. You will be surprised to know that we have ignited the poets and writers to form a cultural organisation by the name of Pokhra Pokhrali Yuba Sanskritic Sansthan that organises recitation shows of poets that are ticketed,” she revealed.

Terming the support for art and cultural activities in Nepal by government organisations and literary bodies to be nominal she said, “For women, it is difficult to find space without proper backing and I think I was lucky to get one.”

She has so far published three works and is currently working on a new one that is expected to focus on the women trafficking in Nepal.

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5th Uttarakhand Gaurav Award Ceremony
13 dignitaries honoured
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
The Dev Vimal Herbal Heritage and Educational Society organised the 5th Uttarakhand Gaurav Award Ceremony for 2008-2009 in the Himalayan Public School auditorium here today.

Thirteen dignitaries from different fields were awarded in the ceremony. The programme was presided over by chief guest Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harbans Kapoor.

Guest of honour on the occasion was former Chief Minister Nityanand Swami, Air Marshal HL Kapoor (retd), former Delhi Governor Dr Maya Ram Uniyal, Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Technical University Dr DS Chauhanand and Dr S Farooq, famous industrialist, social worker and educationist.

The eminent guest were awarded with mementos, shawls and bouquets. The programme began with lighting of the lamp by the chief guest and the guest of honour, followed by the Veda mantras chanted by students of Himalayan Public School. Renowned singer of the town Sonia Singh sang “Vande Matram” in Sanskrit.

President of the trust Harsh Vardan Arya delivered the welcome speech. The newsletter of Himalayan Public School was also released by the chief guest and the Principal of the school.

Former MLA Ranjit Singh Verma, social worker Madan Mohan Tayal, film producer Dr RK Verma, educationist Waryan Singh, DAV College HoD Dr Sukhda Solanki, social worker Satyendra Singh Arya and a few other known members were the chosen awardees for the day.

Dr S Farooq said the way to heaven would be possible only if we serve our parents and country.

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In the chaat business for 50 years
Divya Semwal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Streets of Dehradun are jam packed with chaat vendors luring fast-food lovers. Kumar Chaat corner in the old Paltan Bazar area has been serving high-quality chaat for the past 50 years and is one of the most favourite destinations of many Doonites.

Situated in a clumsy lane, this mini shop has a few standard items on the menu. From 10 am to 9 pm, residents throng the shop seven days a week. Started by Santlal Mittal more than 50 years ago, Deeraj Kumar Mittal and his family is successfully continuing the business.

“It was our grandfather who started this business and as we got a very good response in the city, today we are happily continuing our family business,” said Amit Kumar Mittal.

“I love all items of the Kumar Chaat shop as it’s worth eating there. The stuff is prepared in clean surroundings,” said Tanu, a resident.

Papri chaat, bhalle chaat, tikki, stuffed with yellow pulses, and crispy golgappas are some favourite items which satisfy the taste buds of Doonites.

However, within the parameters of these basic items variations are also done as per the demand. While a plate of delicious papri chaat and bhalle chaat costs Rs 20, tikki is for Rs 15 and golgappas Rs 10.

“For the past so many years, we have our known customers who would drop in at our shop frequently to have their style of chaat,” said Mittal.

Interestingly, where most of the food joints have cooks, the Kumar Chaat corner has all family members who are involved in preparing delicacies at home. At 5 am, members of the family get together and prepare items for the day.

“We are very content with the response we get from our customers. Moreover, in spite of running our shop in a small area, at times when all seats are occupied, our customers even wait for their turn.

“Quality oil as well no stale food is what we serve and for the future we don’t feel the need to expand the business,” added Mittal.

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Rafting competition from October 8
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 12
As part of the 9th Corps Reunion celebrations of Corps of EME, a white water rafting competition in the Ganga will take place from October 8 to 11.

According to 614 EME Battalion (Rapid), which is hosting the contest, the expedition will cover a total area of 250 km.

Led by Maj Vishal Ahlawat, the expedition will start on October 8 from Rudraprayag and conclude at Rishikesh.

While the first stretch between Rudraprayag and Srinagar will cover a distance of 34 km, the second stretch between Srinagar and Deoprayag will be of 38 km.

The third stretch will start from Deoprayag and will end at Shivpuri covering a distance of 65 km.

The final stretch of expedition will begun from Kaudiyala and culminate at Bhadra Barrage, Rishikesh, which will be followed by the flag-in ceremony.

The expedition is aimed at motivating the youth to take up defence services. It also inculcates qualities of courage and leadership among soldiers.

Participants will also interact with ex-servicemen and war widows and inform them about the welfare measures introduced by the Army.

The state will organise the 20th National Rafting, Kayaking and Cannoning competition at Nainital from October 21 to 25. Fortytwo teams will participate in the tournament.

The championship will see 800 paddlers competing at the competition.

The Uttarakhand team will be selected on September 11 and 12.

Training camps for the state teams will be organised from September 14 to 27 at Roorkee and Bhimtal from October 10 to 18.

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Football: The Asian School thrash GRD Academy 6-0
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
St Joseph Academy and The Asian School won their respective matches at the ongoing Council School Football Tournament at St Joseph Academy, whereas Marshal and Raja Ram Mohan Rai Academy played a draw, here today.

In the first match, St Joseph Academy (SJA) thrashed Carman School, Dalanwala 3-0. All the goals were scored in the second half by the SJA team. In the first half Carman School team put up a strong defense to deny any scoring opportunity to SJA.

In the second half, SJA changed the strategy to score its first goal in the 39th minute of the match. It was Aryan for the team who dodged two defenders before skillfully placing the ball in the nets.

Five minutes later, Pramanshu scored another goal for SJA. He did well in the 44th minute to place the right cross into the opponent’s net.

The third goal for the team came in the 58th minute through Janvijay who scored through a powerful right kick to make the score 3-0.

Meanwhile, in the second match, The Asian School battered GRD Academy 6-0. It proved to be a one-sided match as GRD Academy got its first jolt in the 5th minute of the match.

It was The Asian School forward Tenzin who scored of a half volley to give his team an upper hand in the initial minute of the match.

One minute later, Fuw scored the second goal for The Asian School. The Asian School team was high in spirits and came back to score its third goal in the 10th minute.

By the end of the first half, Asian School made it 4-0. The fourth goal was score by Ayuesh.

Despite resisting hard in the second half, GRD team still conceded two goals. Abhinav scored in the 45th minute of the match for The Asian School and Nikhil in the 50th minute making the final score 6-0.

In other matches, Marshal School and Raja Ram Mohan Rai played a draw, while in the fourth match, Moravian defeated Carman School, Prem Nagar, 3-0.

Doon Star triumph

Doon Star registered a narrow 1-0 victory over Roshani Club at the ongoing District Football League here today.

It was a slow pace match. The Doon Star team scored first goal in the 26th minute of the match through Rajesh making it 1-0.

The team managed to hold on to the lead right till the end and won the match by solitary goal.

Meanwhile in the second match, Cantt Blues beat Doon United by 4-1. For Cantt Blues, Surendra opened the account in the 2nd minute of the match. In the 23rd minute, the Cantt Blues team scored again through Surendra. The Doon United team managed to score a goal in the 24th minute through Nikhil making it 2-1.

Thereafter, it was Cantt Blues team’s Yuvraj, who scored in the 25th and 65th minute to make the final score line 4-1 in Cantt Blues favour.

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MKP eves are district hockey champions
Vishal Thakur
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
MKP emerged winners of the District Women Hockey Tournament at the District Sports Office here today. Divya and Shikha were the star performers who scored two goals each.

It was a strong show put up by the MKP team in the final to completely corner Welham Girls School.

MKP launched a sharp attack in the 10th minute to penetrate the Welham Girls defence. Welham’s goalkeeper did well to save a powerful shot off MKP’s forward Divya from the top of the striking circle.

Barely five minutes later, Divya was on the attack again and this time, she successfully placed the ball in the Welham goalpost.

After the first goal, the MKP team constantly mounted pressure on their opponents.

The team was successful in scoring their second goal in the 30th minute. It was MKP forward Shikha who neatly deflected a cross from the right flank into the net making it 2-0.

Welham Girls completely looked out of place in the match failing to match the skill of the MKP girls.

In the second half, MKP stuck early through Divya making it 3-0. After conceding their third goal, Welham Girls looked demoralised and were pushed on the backfoot.

In the 57th minute, Welham Girls conceded their fourth goal. It was forward Shikha for MKP who completed the tally. In the end, MKP won the title beating Welham Girls 4-0.

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Federation formed to promote tae kwon do
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
The Uttarakhand Tae kwon do Federation was formed here today with an aim to promoting the game in an organised manner throughout the state.

Addressing a press conference, president of the Tae kwon do Association of India B Rajendran Balan said: “Our aim is to work in an organised manner for the promotion of tae kwon do and to provide employment to people.

“Eleven schools in the city have included the game in their curriculum, but now all these schools will come under one banner of the Uttarakhand Tae kwon do Association for its promotion”. More events will be held by the schools under the federation banner.

Praveen Joshi, newly elected state president of the Uttarakhand Tae kwon do Federation, said his sole aim was to promote the game throughout the state.

He said at present, the game had branches in 25 states and had given employment to thousands of youth. It is a great self-defence and a popular way to keep yourself fit, he added.

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CM to visit IIM site soon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Preparations to begin construction of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Pantnagar are nearing completion and the Uttarakhand Chief Minister is expected to visit the project site shortly.

The IIM is to come up near Pantnagar Airport and will help the region emerge as an educational hub in the country.

Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, along with Chief Secretary and a central human resource development team, will visit the site before the start of construction.

Last year, the Union Government had sanctioned an IIM for Uttarakhand following which the state government had surveyed various places like Hempur, Escorts farm, Kashipur, Rudrapur and Rishikesh but finally selected Pantnagar as most suited for the IIM.

Kumaon Commissioner had also conducted on-the-spot inspection last year for the purpose.

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ITBP DIG denies Chinese incursion
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials today denied media reports that the Chinese army had made any incursion into Uttarakhand border. There were reports in some sections of the media today that the Chinese army had made incursions into the Indian side in Chamoli district of the state. They had left behind cigarette butts and newspapers.

“We have not sighted any incursion by the Chinese army on the Indian side in Uttarakhand," ITBP DIG Sanjay Singhal said here today.

However, the ITBP officials explained that civilians, mostly shepherds, usually came to the Indian side during the monsoon season, which is not an “unusual” thing on the Uttarakhand-Tibet border, particularly in the Barahoti area in Chamoli district.

Singhal said ITBP personnel deployed on the border were on high alert.

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Army soldiers, widows get modified scooters
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Thirtysix physically challenged soldiers and 22 widows of soldiers, called as Veer Naris of the Army, were felicitated here today at a grand Army presentation ceremony held at Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC).

Both serving and retired physically challenged soldiers were given modern modified scooters while financial help was provided to the 22 Veer Naris.

The function was attended by a large number of senior serving officers, ex-servicemen and civil dignitaries along with their families.

Speaking on the occasion, Major-Gen BS Daulta, lauded valiant deeds of soldiers and informed all present about the welfare measures initiated by the Army to look after their genuine needs.

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Students Union Poll
Vidyarthi Parishad apologises for violence
Vishal Thakur
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Yamuna Colony corporator Sachin Gupta has declared his support to Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in the upcoming students union elections at DAV (PG) College.

Addressing a press conference, Gupta said that the recent win of the ABVP on the president, general secretary and university representative posts in the DBS student union elections shows its popularity among students.

He said that the ABVP is an organisation with a clean image therefore, it stands a better chance of succeeding at DAV (PG) College elections as well.

Bhupendra Singh, an ABVP activist, expressed his disappointment over the recent clash of students outside the DAV (PG) College premises.

He termed it as a shameful event that should not have happened.

He expressed his apology on the part of the ABVP supports who were involved in the incident.

Recently elected president of DBS College Digvijay Singh Negi also extended his support to ABVP candidate at DAV (PG) College, Ashish Bahuguna.

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Vikasnagar bypoll counting today
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Poll officers were today imparted training as part of preparations for counting of votes for the Vikasnagar bypoll, which is slated for tomorrow.

Chief Election Officer and District Magistrate Senthil Pandeyan, while presiding over the training programme, asked the officials to ensure a free and fair counting of votes.

He said the counting would commence at 8 am and 15 tables would be set up for the purpose. He also asked officials entrusted with the task of counting to reach Asha Ram Vedic Inter-college, the venue for the counting, by sharp 6 am along with their identity cards.

The Chief Election Officer said the counting would comprise 12 rounds.

The Deputy Election Officer and Additional District Magistrate UC Kabadwal asked the officials to bring to the notice of agents of various political parties the results of every round of counting.

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Nishank urged to meet statehood agitators’ demands
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Dhirendra Pratap, president of the Uttarakhand Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, an umbrella organisation of different organisations, today appealed to Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal to immediately intervene to solve the demands raised by Uttarakhand statehood agitators.

In a statement, Pratap expressed deep anguish over the neglect of the demands of statehood agitators. He said the new state was formed due to the sacrifices of the agitators and the government should always respect their sentiments.

Meanwhile, he also expressed deep sorrow over the death of Hukum Singh Pawar, a prominent agitator from Mussoorie. He described him one of the pioneers of the Uttarakhand movement and said with his death a glorious chapter of selfless life had come to an end.

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Truffaut classic screened
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Reach Talkies, the city’s film club, today screened ‘The Soft Skin’, a 1964 film directed by French director Francois Truffaut, here today. This is the club’s 10th film show on Sunday since its launch on July 5.

‘The Soft Skin’ is a study in adultery, presumably based on Truffaut’s own experiences including the break-up of his marriage.

An older man, a well-known writer, begins an affair with a young flight attendant. They endure a variety of setbacks and humiliations in their effort to spend time alone together.

He falls head over heels in love and begins to re-organise his life. She informs him that for her, it was not such a serious thing and ends the relationship. His wife, who has discovered the affair, shoots him in a restaurant.

The film club movement has become popular in the city as the number of members of the club has gone up to 35.

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Institute holds freshers night
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
The Baba Farid Institute of Technology organised Welcome Freshers Night-2009 yesterday.

The chief guest at the function was Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harbans Kapoor.The function started with lighting of candles, after which a melodious prayer was sung by students.

However, to entertain the crowd laska daska, a Garhwali dance, was performed by students. Students also performed a group dance on many songs from Hindi movies. The highlight of the day was a beautiful composition “Yaaro dosti badi hi haseen hai” sung by students.

Chairman Joginder Singh Arora, director Aninder Singh, registrar Bupinder Singh and other member of the institute welcomed the guests. Members presented a detailed report highlighting the activities and future plans of the institute.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest said the standard of education had steadily gone high in our state and both government and private organisations had played a pivotal role in this connection. Prominent persons present present on the occasion were Agriculture Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, MLA Dinesh Agarwal and others.

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2 killed in truck-car collision
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 13
Two persons died and three others were seriously injured when a speeding truck hit an Indica car here today near Dat Kali Mandir.

The injured were taken to Doon Hospital where two persons — Arun Verma (38) and Kapil Sharma (35) — succumbed to their injuries. The other three victims - Anil Sharma, Vivek Sharma and Joginder Kumar - were being treated. The victims hail from Saharanpur.

According to the police, the incident happened at 11.45 am. The driver of the truck fled from the spot.

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