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Authorities Tell Farmers
Contemporary take on Valmiki’s Ramayana |
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Party twist to the Karwachauth tale
The poorest Improvement Trust
Only wild growth in the name of greenbelt
The greenbelt outside Amritsar railway station has virtually become a
garbage dump. Photo: Vishal Kumar
Walk for healthy heart
SGPC honours special sportsperson
Won’t let land mafia flourish, says Chawla
YC workers protest poor power supply
Initiative to popularise solar energy
Maths orientation programme ends
Revenge Politics
Birth anniversary of Guru Ram Dass
Banks asked to install CCTV cameras
Langoor Mela comes to an end
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Bring in dry paddy and get MSP
G.S. Paul Tribune News Service
Amritsar, September 29 In yet another significant decision, the Amritsar administration has also secured first place to impose Section 144 for restricted operation of the combines. The restricted time has been prescribed as from 7 pm to 10 am. Also, these orders have enabled Amritsar to be the first place to implement Section 144 and the noncompliance of these orders would land the wrongdoers behind bars, officials confirmed. Nevertheless, with a bit advantage of less moisture content in the paddy this season, the state authorities foresee marginal increase in the purchase of paddy. According to official stats, the moisture content in 2008-2009 was recorded at 18 per cent whereas in the current season it has been observed as 17 per cent. A government agency official, preferring anonymity disclosed, “We were forced to pick up paddy with broken grains, discoloured or with high moisture content, which later posed as a problem when millers used their connections and insist for relaxation of quality.” However, Deputy Commissioner K.S. Pannu told that the less moisture content this season would help in attracting the government agencies to purchase paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). It is evident to mention that MSP as stipulated by the state government stands at Rs 980 for grade A and Rs 950 for common quality. “We have appealed to farmers for bringing in less moisture paddy with properly drying it up and meet prescribed standards to gain minimum support price. We have also implemented restricted hours operation of combines and any violation of these orders would attract stringent action and can be awarded imprisonment too,” said Pannu. Out of a total of 58 mandis in Amritsar district, the paddy has been arrived at as many as 10 spots. Till date, in Amritsar, the maximum procurement has been recorded in Jandiala and Bhaktanwali mandi. The total purchase has been recorded at around 250 metric tonnes. The government agencies which participated in this exercise included Punjab Agro which procured 35 metric tonnes; Pungrain 190 metric tonnes, PUNSUP 11 metric tonnes, FCI 5 metric tones and Warehouse 11 metric tonnes. Meanwhile, in Punjab, the anticipated paddy procurement is of 127 lakh tonnes by the different agencies in the state, which otherwise is six lakh tones more comparative to last season (2008-09). Sources told that the Food Corporation of India Punjab Region has been assigned the target of 20% paddy procurement in the ensuing Kharif. According to officials FC, across the region has plans to procure approximately 26 lakh tonnes paddy. “Out of total anticipated paddy procurement of 127 lakh tonnes by the government agencies in the state, the FCI will procure approximately 26 lakh tonne paddy,” he said. Experts believe that the overall crop yield has been satisfactory this year. However, chances of paddy to be effected with bacterial leaf blight cannot be ruled out due to moderate to high rainfall in the past few days.
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Contemporary take on Valmiki’s Ramayana
Amritsar, September 29 These views were expressed by Dr Vachaspati Upadhyaya, Vice-Chancellor, SLBS Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Delhi while delivering his inaugural address at the two-day international seminar on “Life and Ideology of Maharshi Valmiki.” The seminar was organised by Guru Nanak Dev University under the aegis of its Department of Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit in collaboration with the Central Valmiki Shabha International, UK, here today in Dasmesh Auditorium. A distinguished Sanskrit scholar from Chandigarh, Dr Ramakant Angiras delivered the keynote address while former MLA Sardool Singh Bandala, Dr Manjula Sachdeva from Patiala, Dr Gangadhar Pande from Banaras, Dr Rajinder Sharma and Dr Raghbir Singh from Hoshiarpur, Dr Ved Kumari Ghai, Dr Ram Partap, Dr. Ram Bhadur Shukla from Jammu and President, Central Valmiki Sabha, UK, Dr F.C Sahota, also expressed their views on this occasion. Swami Tirath Nath from Peer Nigahen, Una, Himachal Pradesh also attended the seminar. Dr Vachaspati said the philosophy of Maharishi Valmiki was the complete guide for the welfare of mankind. He said that human welfare was not safe until it keeps on dividing humanity into segments. He said it was only Maharishi Valmiki who immortalised the characters of Ramayana through his holy scripture Ramayana. He said the need of hour was to evaluate the immortal characters of Ramayana in today's context. He said Dassehra was celebrated as the victory of good over evil and Ravana as an embodiment of evil was burnt every year. But today, one Ravana is burning another Rawana without introspecting the human values, he added. Dr Vachaspati said the farsightedness of Valmiki would be remembered for the ages. He said the Vedic concept becomes clearer and more practical with the help of his illustrations in the Ramayana. He said the Maharishi provided code of conduct for the solution of social, political, ethical and physiological problems. Dr Ramakant Angiras in his address said the political, social, ethical, family and psychological problems could be solved through the teachings of Maharishi Valmiki as mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayan and Yog Vashishth. He emphasized that the social norms established since long were being violated which could be re-established through the teachings of the Maharishi. President, Central Valmiki Sabha, UK Dr F.C Sahota, while speaking on this occasion said the Sabha in UK was promoting and spreading the teachings of Maharishi Valmiki. He said that the thoughts of the respected sage were still relevant in this materialistic era. He hoped that the deliberations of this two-day seminar would be helpful for researchers and be a torch bearer for young generation. On this occasion, Dr. Vachaspati Upadhyaya and Mr. Sardool Singh Bandala released a book edited by Dr. Manjula Sachdeva on the life and thought of Maharshi Valmiki.
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Party twist to the Karwachauth tale
Karwachauth is associated with married young girls or women who observe fast for the whole day without taking any food and water and pray to God for the long and healthy life of their husbands. They don’t have permission to do any extra work except making food. The traditional Karwachauth katha and pooja was the traditional way of celebrating the festival but with changing times, women have now started opting in for the contemporary Karwachauth party. A status symbol, the parties are the newest twist replacing the traditional festivities of the occasion. Many organisations have enthusiastically chipped in for these parties, charging Rs 300 to 500 for the function. But according to the traditional Pativratas, this is not the way to pray. Parneet Kaur (75) says the day is primarily spiritual in which women are supposed to seek the blessings of God for the long life of their husbands but the parties organised are not sacred. The whole day ideally has a religious feel so that God will send them blessings for the long and happy life of their spouses. How to worship on karwachauth? Married women start their fast at night just after the appearance of the moon, within sight of their husbands. They then wait until the next night’s moon to appear, to start with the fast breaking ceremonies, without consuming any food or drink. In the evening women dress in their best clothing, and adorn themselves with jewellery and henna. On sighting the moon, they offer prayers and worship it, and then receive their first bite of food and water from their husbands. Thereafter, women consume their special meals prepared for the occasion. Worshipping the moon involves filling up the karwa with specially prepared food and jewellery and offering it to the god. Karwas are also exchanged with other women after that. Further practices involve telling and listening to stories regarding the origin of Karwa Chauth. In Punjab, women get up early in the morning, before sunrise and eat food prepared by their mother-in-laws. The morning passes by in other festive activities like decorating hands and feet with heena, decorating the pooja thali and meeting friends and relatives. The essentials of this gathering and listening of the karwa chauth story, a special mud pot, that is considered a symbol of lord Ganesha, a metal urn filled with water, flowers, idols of Ambika Gaur Mata, Goddess Parwati and some fruits, mathi and food grains. A part of this is offered to the deities and the storyteller. They sit in a circle, and many such circles are made depending on the number of devotees attending the function, as it is easy that the thalis are passed in a circle (fera) amongst themselves. Here is the puja song sung by Punjabi women, while they exchange thalis seven times. They place 'Bayen' in the thali. Veero Kudiye Karwada, Sarv Suhagan Karwada, Aye Katti Naya Teri Naa, Kumbh Chrakhra Feri Naa, Aar Pair payeen Naa, Ruthda maniyen Naa, Suthra Jagayeen Naa, Ve Veero Kuriye Karwara, Ve Sarv Suhagan Karwara....... These lines are chanted six times, till the thalis have been exchanged and all women have their own thalis. For the seventh fera, or circle, another set of lines is chanted. Earlier, an idol of Gaur Mata was made, using earth and cowdung. Now just an idol of Goddess Parwati is kept. Every one lights an earthen lamp in their thalis while listening to the karwa story. Sindoor, incense sticks and rice are also kept in the thali. At this time, women wear heavy saris or chunries in red, pink or other bridal colors, and adorn themselves with all other symbols of a married women. Once the moon rises, the women see its reflection in a thali of water, or through a dupatta or a sieve. They offer water to the moon and then turn to their husbands who are near them and touch their feet. They pray for the safety, prosperity and the long life of their husbands. This marks the end of the day-long fast. |
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The poorest Improvement Trust
Tarn Taran, September 29 According to the information, the trust was formed on June 21, 2006, soon after the state government declared this town as revenue district which was dedicated to Guru Arjan Dev on his 500th death anniversary. The government has not provided proper funds for the smooth functioning of the trust. It has failed to pay Rs 4,124 to clear the BSNL telephone bill. The phone has been disconnected. Though the government has not sanctioned adequate staff, the two clerks and a class IV employee working here are paid their monthly salaries from the nearby Improvement Trust of Amritsar. The work of the Executive Officer (EO), the JE, accountant and other officials has been given to officials of the Amritsar trust. Its Chairman Chander Kumar Aggarwal had to pay the bill for the repair of the official car from his own pocket. Chander Kumar, while confirming the pitiable financial condition of the trust, said that he had written a letter to the Local Bodies Minister to sanction Rs 50 lakh for the smooth functioning of the trust. He said the trust had sent two proposals for the construction of multi-storey buildings at the local old bus stand and the old grain market for commercial purposes.
— OC |
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Only wild growth in the name of greenbelt
Amritsar, September 29 The condition of the green belt is worst which has turned into a urinating spot and garbage dump and appears as a blot on more than a century old heritage building with colonial architecture. Renovation of the main entrance of the railway station is part of the master plan prepared by the Government of India under which the station would be upgraded to international standards by 2010 in a phased manner. Even as smoking is banned at public places, including railway stations, a tourist and person arriving the holy city is greeted by kiosks selling cigarettes and tobacco, etc. Earlier, the Municipal Corporation had developed the green cover after spending lakhs of rupees, which was inaugurated by then Mayor Subash Sharma with much fanfare. But the authorities later did not bother to maintain it and now there are only wild plants in the name of greenery. One can see a barber doing his job by putting up a chair and a mirror in the green belt. Certain people have broken the boundary wall. The belt has turned into a urinating spot for people, resulting in a terrible stench emanating from there. Social worker and Citizens Forum president Brij Bedi said the corporation bothered little to take steps to maintain the green belt while the district administration had launched a “go green” campaign to enhance the green cover in the region. He pointed out that the entrance should be most beautiful part of the railway station in keeping with the adage that first impression was the last impression. The authorities should try to beautify to give best impression. Municipal Corporation Commissioner D.P.S. Kharbanda said he would check it up and would direct the officials concerned to look into the matter and maintain the belt. However, he added that the kiosks were allotted many years ago and they paid rent to the corporation under the lottery system.
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Resentment growing against the PSEB
Neeraj Bagga/Tribune News Service
Amritsar, September 29 Eight to 10 hours long daily power cuts have affected water supply and daily life of residents. Against the need of 180 lakh units, the border zone, under which falls the districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur, is getting only 150 lakh units. Even as residents of Ward 21 irked over power cuts of more than 10 hours on an average everyday poured out their anger against the PSEB and the government by blocking Batala Road on Sunday night. They had great resentment against the PSEB and the state government. The power cuts and erratic power supply were putting the residents to a lot of inconvenience. The power cuts have affected the normal life as the residents allege that the official agencies have been indifferent towards their plight. A resident of the area, Manjit Singh, said a number of localities like Kangra Colony, Judge Nagar, Ram Nagar, Adarsh Nagar were located on Batala Road. He claimed that the area was experiencing nearly 15-hour-long power cuts a day. He said despite repeated representations to the nearest PSEB office, the power situation had not improved. The department had not been taking any initiative to provide reasonable regular power supply even though many assurances had been given by the higher officials of the department to streamline power supply. Chief Engineer (Border Range) Rajiv Kumar said collectively numerous problems affected the supply of power considerably. The board was not getting power from the northern grid, with which it had an exchange system, since the demand from other northern states like Delhi and Uttar Pradesh had risen sharply. Besides, the power generating units at Bathinda (110 MW) and Lehra Mohabbatan (250 MW) were also grappling with technical snags. While revival of summer and heat wave conditions coupled with sultry weather had reintroduced AC load, besides eight-hour certain power supply to farmers for the basmati crop. He said load shedding was done evenly in all areas while following proper guidelines issued by the head office.
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Walk for healthy heart
Amritsar, September 29 Students of nearly 17 schools and colleges participated in the walk with an aim to create awareness about importance of staying fit for a healthy heart. The students matched steps with one of the country’s top heart specialists and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr T.S. Kler who specially flew in here from Delhi to participate in the walk. Addressing the gathering, Dr Kler said over 17.2 million people worldwide died annually of heart diseases and strokes. Workplace wellness programmes that encouraged healthy diets, physical activity and restrictions on tobacco use had been shown to be a cost-effective way to save lives and improve productivity. Adding to it, Dr H.P. Singh said that only 30 minutes of brisk walk daily could reduce the risk of heart disease by 18 per cent, a stroke by 11 per cent and running for an hour could reduce risk by 42 per cent. Kharbanda impressed upon the public that observance of World Heart Day was just a start of the journey. People should adopt healthy lifestyle and walk daily at least for 40 minutes to keep their heart fit. Meanwhile, the hospital organised a declamation contest the topic “A workplace that encourages healthy habits can reduce heart diseases and strokes”. The Spring Dale Senior School team comprising two students Vrinda Mehra and Shivani Joshi bagged two prizes of the “best team” and Shivani Joshi of grade X was adjudged the “best speaker”.
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SGPC honours special sportsperson
Amritsar, September 29 She was presented with a painting of Harmandar Sahib, a siropa and Rs 51,000 for clinching a gold and a bronze medal in shot put and 100m sprint events, respectively, in the special events for the blind held in the USA recently. At the age of 12, Harmanpreet has achieved a rare distinction of bagging 17 medals in various events of national and international repute under special categories. “Though I have been honoured by the state with the state award on Independence Day, this honour was something special to me,” she said. Speaking on the occasion, Jathedar Avtaar Singh
announced that the SGPC would always endeavour to encourage the unsighted children of the state who were into the sports arena. “Special arrangements would be made for these special children, especially those who have brought laurels to the state and made their presence felt at various sports events,” he emphasised. The SGPC had extended special funds for events like cricket for the blind in Pakistan in 2005. While praising the contribution of Harmanpreet, the jathedar stressed that she had set an example to educate the masses against female foeticide. Among those present on the occasion were Parminder Singh Phulanwal, a contributor to such special sports, and international blind sportsman Vivek Monga. |
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Won’t let land mafia flourish, says Chawla
Amritsar, September 29 She stated this while answering queries of the media with regard to the incident of snubbing of Akali and BJP councillors led by Youth Akali Dal general ssecretary Mandeep Singh Manna by the SSP. She said she would not allow such a racket to flourish in the city. Chawla said she had already taken up the matter with the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister who had assured her that no one would be allowed to run a racket of that sort and the senior Akali leaders had no role in supporting such persons. The Health Minister said the traders of Goenka Market in Katra Ahluwalia, who were victims of blackmailing and fraud by Rakesh Jangi with the backing of Manna. Manna was allegedly also involved in several fraud and land dispute cases. She said rule of law would be maintained in the city and nobody would be allowed to disturb the peace. SSP Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh had snubbed Manna and his supporting councillor by refusing to meet them. They later threatened to hold a protest dharna seeking his transfer. This had drawn a flak from various quarters, including several NGOs, which had come in support of the SSP. They said certain anti-social elements should be socially boycotted and not allowed to get any political patronage. They said certain persons had vitiated the peaceful atmosphere of the city by eyeing disputed properties in the residential and commercial areas. Meanwhile, Chawla had strongly taken up the case of demolition of Shivam Dyeing Factory last month by a certain hired goons of politically connected people which had sent shock waves among the business community. She said the police had arrested two to three persons and action would be taken as per law.
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YC workers protest poor power supply
Amritsar, September 29 Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee secretary Harpal Singh Bhatia said all sections of society, whether farming, trading, industry, hospitality and education, were reeling under prolong and
frequent power cuts. He said Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal immediately after assuming the office had assured the people of Punjab that he would ensure non-stop power supply to the state. Verka Block Congress Committee leader Navdeep Singh Hundal said a majority of the residents of his block were in the occupation of farming and were feeling harassed for not being supplied adequate power. He said apart from farming the area also had industrial units which provided employment to its residents. However, erratic power supply had hit the industrial units hard, he added. On the Amritsar-Jammu highway, also known as Kashmir Road, they raised slogans against the government. |
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Initiative to popularise solar energy
Amritsar, September 29 The guest house, which houses 14 well-furnished rooms, would receive hot water supply in its bathrooms from the solar heating system. Majithia said the union
government had already sanctioned a hybrid solar wind power system worth Rs 16 lakh for uninterrupted 24 hour power
supply in the natural surroundings of lush-green fields in the college. Away from pollution and the meddling crowd, the guest house would provide organic vegetarian food with a fresh supply of milk from its own dairy farm for its guests. He said the guest house has been established keeping in view the growing need of Khalsa Institutions, which has crossed the one dozen mark. The facility of the guest house would be available to the office bearers and members of the Managing Committee, faculty, visiting officials, examiners and guests of the Khalsa Institutions. Dr J.S Dhillon, Principal, Khalsa College of Education, welcomed all the guests present at the inauguration of the guest house and sought the help of all those present to make the project successful. |
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Maths orientation programme ends
Amritsar, September 29 The aim of the orientation programme was to create a problem within the realm of mathematics and solve the same in a facile manner. National coordinator of mathematics olympiad cell S.S Sane, regional coordinator V.K. Grover, also professor of mathematics at Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Dr Venkatchalla and Prof Praneshar, both from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, were resource persons who enlightened the teachers and delegates with their easy methods of solving ticklish problems in the subject. The Dean Colleges, Guru Nanak Dev University, Dr M.S. Hundal, presided over the valedictory programme. He said the need of the hour was to create interest of the youth in mathematics which had become an important component in every new invention in science.
— TNS |
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Cong releases list of cases against party supporters
Amritsar, September 29 Badal issued the statement following the recent visit of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Maken to the border districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur. Maken had advised the SAD-BJP coalition government not to indulge in undemocratic practices and not to pursue politics of vengeance. Sukhjinder quoted five FIRs registered at Majitha, B-Division and Kathunangal police stations. He claimed that FIRs 71, 93 and 103 registered at Majitha police stations were against Congress sympathisers. While FIR 142 at Kathunangal police stations was also filed against a Congress supporter. He demanded that in order to bring out the truth, an independent agency like the CBI must be given the responsibility to investigate the cases registered against Congress sympathisers. — TNS
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Birth anniversary of Guru Ram Dass
Amritsar, September 29 According to information, the Mukh Vaak Katha would be commenced from October 1 to 2 by Bhai Harpreet Singh Makhu. On October 3, Giani Jaswinder Singh, officiating Head Granthi, Sachkhand, Shri Harmandar Sahib. From October 4 to 5, Giani Jaswant Singh Parwana from Jalandhar; on October 6, Giani Mann Singh, Granthi, Sachkhand, Sri Harmandar Sahib; from October 7 to 11, Giani Pinder pal Singh from Ludhiana; from October 12-13, Giani Sawaran Singh from UK; on October 14, Giani Jaswant Singh Granthi Sachkhand, Shri Harmandar Sahib; from October 15 to 18, Giani Ranjit Singh Gohar from Ludhiana.
— TNS |
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Banks asked to install CCTV cameras
Amritsar, September 29 He was speaking at the quarterly district level security committee meeting held at Bachat Bhavan here recently. The meeting was held to review the security in various banks. He told the authorities of various banks to renew the arm licences of guards. He asked them to keep a close watch on cyber crimes, adding that the police was doing its utmost to provide security at all the banks. Among other issues on which the discussions were held were risk qualification of each bank branch, status with regard to posting of armed guards, provision of security gadgets in the banks, security arrangements in currency chests in risk-prone areas, delay in renewal of licences, change in the name of armed guards as retainers in the gun licence, hotlines in the currency chests, fake currency and night patrol by the police at variable timings.
— TNS |
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Langoor Mela comes to an end
Amritsar, September 29 However, the mela posed many difficulties for the people who had made their children langoors as there were restrictions during this period. Those who could not comply to these rules mistakenly, they had to ask for forgiveness from the God during a
havan. The havan was organized by the Durgiana Managing Committee. After the havan on Dassehra, as per traditions langoors took a shot at the Ravana and a day after, the langoors took off their clothes and completed the fast of
Navratri.
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Taking ‘less moisture’ as a peg, the Amritsar district is all geared up to purchase paddy. The authorities here have appealed the farmers to bring in dry paddy with a slogan “Sukha Jhona Leyao, Pura Mul Pao”.
In yet another significant decision, the Amritsar administration has also secured first place to impose Section 144 for restricted operation of the combines.
Amritsar, September 29
Amritsar, September 29