Ludhiana, November 14
Children’s Day at Ryan International School turned out to be a nightmare for parents and students.

According to information, some students were asked to stay back to rehearse a performance that would be held in front of the school chairman tomorrow. However, neither the students nor their parents were informed about the rehearsal.

Rohini Sharma (name changed) said: “My son is a student of Class V and he had gone to the school at 7.15 am with a light lunch since it was a Saturday. However, when he didn’t return till 1.30 pm, my parents-in-law informed me. I was shocked to learn that he had not returned and when I tried to contact the school authorities, the telephone was engaged.”

Finally, around 4 pm, she went to the school, but was not allowed to enter the premises. However, she was adamant and was let in. “I was surprised to see my son sitting in his class and when I questioned the school authorities, they said it was the fault of the music teacher,” she said, wondering how a school could keep the children back without informing the parents.

Another parent whose child was in the school till very late said: “My husband is out of town and I have a small son waiting for me at home. My daughter was inside, but the school authorities were not telling me how long she would be there. When she was let off, I was told to get her for the function tomorrow and then take her back home because no school bus service would be available.”

The parents are annoyed and have decided to take up the matter with the management. Despite repeated attempts, the school authorities could not be contacted.

Ludhiana, November 14
The two-day anti-encroachment drive conducted by the MC has been appreciated by residents, who feel that if stringent laws prevail in the city, it would make the city a beautiful place.

The clearing of the service lane along the Ferozepur Road by removing structures that had narrowed the road has helped commuters.

A businessman, Gurdit Singh, said: “I was surprised to see the service lane in front of Embassy Palace yesterday. No vehicles were parked there. The effort must be appreciated and we must inculcate the feeling of responsibility by obeying laws.”

Sarabdeep Singh, a lawyer, shared his views. “Social responsibility is something we Ludhianvis need to understand. When there is a parking place, we should use that space rather than using the road for parking. These are small things, but would go a long way in helping the MC. Abide by laws and the change will be visible,” he said.

A housewife, Anshu, stated that she saw shopkeepers of Ghumar Mandi removing steps and shelters on their own, fearing MC officials. “If fear can teach responsibility, I think there is no harm in adopting it,” she said.

The MC officials could ensure that the encroachments did not return. If the MC did its duty honestly, residents would be embarrassed to violate laws, she added.

Awareness drives for encroachments could also help, Shobha Kumeria, a resident, said. “The media, along with the MC, could educate people on this issue. I don’t know what a building line is and I am also not aware that before constructing a room, permission needs to be sought from the MC.

Such things could be highlighted. If the public is alerted on encroachments and how encroachers could be penalised, nobody would dare to do it,” she added.

Ludhiana, November 14
Four persons were today nabbed for assault on an excise and taxation officer.

The accused, identified as Shiv of Bihar, Vijay of Jodhewal Basti and Gulam Sadik and Sanjay, both residents of UP, were nabbed by the police following raids at various places.

The SHO Kotwali said the ETO, Parminder Singh, had identified the accused and the hunt was on to nab the others.

The ETO was thrashed by at least a dozen persons when the enforcement team confronted operators while they were trying to slip in packages inside the railway complex from an opening on Friday night.

The ETO sustained injuries and the other members of the team accompanying him were manhandled. It is learnt that the police was reprimanded following the assault on the ETO.

The police today launched a massive hunt and nabbed the four members of the peti mafia, which is reportedly backed by influential politicians.

It is not the first time that the peti mafia has flexed its muscles. There have been various instances when officials were attacked for stopping the transportation of goods inside the railway station.

Ludhiana, November 14
Additional Sessions Judge-cum-presiding officer of the fast-track court, BR Garg, has sentenced Pritpal Singh and his brother Bikramjit Singh of Kheri village to rigorous life imprisonment in a murder case.

The court held them guilty of killing their uncle following a land dispute. The court turned down the plea of leniency raised by the accused. They were also ordered to pay a fine of Rs 5,000 each.

A case under Sections 323, 324 and 34 of the IPC had been registered against the accused on the statement of the victim, Albel Singh, in 2006. Later, Albel Singh succumbed to injuries inflicted on him by the accused. The police then added Section 302 against the accused.

Albel Singh had stated to the police that there was a dispute among them regarding the partition of land. Armed with sharp-edged weapons, his nephews attacked him when he was walking in his fields.

A counter case had been registered against Albel Singh by the accused, who said Albel Singh had caused injuries to them. But the case was cancelled by the police after it was found to be false.

Ludhiana, November 14
After a fire at an Indian Oil depot in Jaipur that claimed five lives recently, managers of petrol stations in the city have directed their staff to be cautious with customers using mobile phones. In order to prevent any ontoward incident, petrol station owners have put up posters, prohibiting people from using mobile phones while getting petrol filled.

Apart for prohibiting the use of highly inflammable items, the employees have been directed to stop filling fuel if they saw the vehicle owner talking on the mobile.

“I was shocked when the employee suddenly stopped filling petrol and asked me to switch off my mobile. I did not know that the mobile could actually cause a fire,” Tarun Gupta, a student, said.

Sanjay Jain, owner of a filling station, said: “We have been directed by the petroleum department to do so. If there is any chance of a fire starting in this way, it is a grave matter. We do not want to put the life of our employees and customers at risk.”

Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 14
Having lost hope of repair and recarpeting of link roads connecting the town with Ludhiana, Malerkotla and about a dozen other localities falling under Sangrur and Ludhiana districts, some voluntary organisations and individuals have started undertaking necessary repairs on their own.

Since the roads here are full of potholes, people opt for zigzag driving to avoid these. This has led to several accidents in the area.

The Dhulkote road, Chhapar road, Dehliz road and the Jagera road are in a bad condition. Parts of a few of these roads had been re-laid, but are not safe for driving.

Condition of some of these roads is so bad that commuters prefer to take longer routes than putting their lives at risk by using these potholed spans.

The roads along the bank of the Bathinda branch of the Sirhind canal and from Mulanpur, Sandaur and Raikot are also in a bad shape. The situation worsens during the rainy season.

Though senior leaders of all parties and government officials had been visiting the area frequently, none seems to be bothered about the condition of these roads, rued residents.

Tarsem Garg, a social activist, said though the local bodies department, the PWD and a few market committees were responsible for the upkeep of these roads, nothing had been done so far. This confusion has worsened the condition of the roads further, he added.

Having failed to impress upon the authorities to get the roads repaired and re-carpeted, some voluntary organisations have started undertaking necessary repairs and levelling work on their own.

Ludhiana, November 14
Directorate of extension education, PAU, in collaboration with department of entomology, is organising an advanced training course on “Integrated refresher training course in apiculture for extension personnel” from November 16-20 at Kairon Kisan Ghar on the university campus.

Director Dr MS Gill, who is also the course director, informed that 30 participants comprising of horticulture/ agriculture development officers and teachers from Krishi Vigyan Kendras would be participating. Registration for the course would be held on November 16.

During the course, the participants will be provided tips on importance of bee-keeping in sustainable agriculture, technical aspects of the bee-keeping, management of bee colonies during different seasons, artificial feeding of bee colonies, bee rearing techniques, production of bee products other than honey, management of diseases and other enemies of bees, etc by subject-matter-specialists from PAU.

The participants will also be provided hands-on practical in various activities connected with bee-keeping.

Ludhiana, November 14
The three-day conference of Indian Society of Veterinary Surgery concluded at GADVASU, Ludhiana, yesterday.

The congress was attended by more than 45 delegates from all across the country and 33 from abroad.

The day started with anaesthesiology session. Various combinations of pre-anaesthetics and general anaesthetics, along with local anaesthetics, were discussed for safe and potent anaesthesia in bovines, equines and canines.

The focus was on safe and cost-effective anaesthesia in farm animals.

Papers on use of various pre-anaesthetics were presented by various authors. Intravenous general anaesthesia was also discussed and it was concluded that propofol is the safest drug for emergency caesarean section in bitches to save the life of puppies.

Safer inhalant anaesthetic protocols for maintenance of general anaesthesia were also presented.

The emphasis was laid on the use of inhalant anaesthetics in all major surgeries for successful surgery and early recovery from anaesthesia.

The session was followed by award session, which included “Young Surgeon Award” and “Best Field Clinician Award”.

A total of eight papers were presented. The last session of the conference was plenary session, which was preceded by deliberation with field veterinarians. They discussed their practical problems with experts, which they face in field conditions like lameness in bovines, which is a major economic setback to the dairy farmer.

Treatment of bone fractures in horses, management of urinary obstruction in bullocks and dogs, diagnosis and management of rumeno-reticular disorders in ruminants were also discussed.

Various awards were announced where a gold medal and an appreciation award was announced for each session.

The awards announced will be presented to the respective winners at the 34th Congress of ISVS to be held at Puducherry.

Meanwhile, in the business session, office-bearers of the ISVS were elected for next two years.

Ludhiana, November 14
DARSHAN ACADEMY: Children's Day was celebrated with fun and zeal at Darshan Academy. Students from senior secondary section participated in various activities like debate on the life of Pt Nehru. Students from primary section participated in poem recitation competition. Rangoli competition was the main attraction of the day.

NEW GMT: Students of New GMT Public School celebrated Children's Day with enthusiasm. A get-together was arranged for children. Students dressed up as 'Chacha Nehru' and sang patriotic songs, recited poems and gave short speeches.

Atam Public: A glamorous, impressive and action-filled function was held by the students of Atam Public Senior Secondary School here today. Students had a jolly time, celebrating the day in the honour of the great Indian patriot and national leader Jawaharlal Nehru. Skits, dances, solo songs, fancy dress, cartoon drawing, collage making, save wildlife show, quizzes and declamation contests were organised on the occasion.

Bal Bharati: Bal Bharati Public School organised Children's Day on the school campus. Various fun games were organised for the students like lily pad leap, step on your tail, hide the chalk, hen and chicks, jumping jack, hitting the target, straw game, iceberg jumping, crossing river, help me partner etc. Students were also given goodies. A dance party was also organised.

Spring dale: Children's Day was celebrated at Spring Dale Senior Secondary Public School. The students made artificial roses in memory of "Chacha Nehru". The students also planted saplings with a slogan "Each One, Plant One". Students were also taken on excursions to science city and Kurukshetra.

Vardhman international: Vardhman International Public School celebrated Children's Day with great pomp and show. Children were the chief guests of the show. Asha Rani Jain was the guest of honour while Ruchika Malhotra, Alka Jain, Monica Malhotra were the special guests. Children offered floral tributes to Pandit Nehru and participated in a quiz.

BCM: To commemorate the birth anniversary of Pandit Nehru, Children's Day was celebrated in BCM Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh Road today. Santosh Mehta was the chief guest. Parents of the students were invited to participate in the celebrations. Kids performed various dances.

Ek aas: Ek Aas Foundation (My Safety in Your Hands) conducted a song-writing contest at Pacemaker Educational campus. The participants had to write a song on female foeticide and drug addiction. National president of the foundation Tirath Singh Grewal facilitated Kuldeep Singh, ADC, Ludhiana, on the occasion. Zeenat Sharma was announced the winner of the contest and was given a cash prize of Rs 51,000 and a chance to appear in a music video to be made on he song.

Greenland: Children's Day was celebrated at Green Land Senior Secondary Pubic School with great zeal and enthusiasm. The kindergarten section presented a fancy dress show. A cake was also cut to mark the occasion.

Blooming dale: Blooming Dale Nursery School, Model Town, celebrated Children's Day today with a cultural programme and modelling. Children came dressed in colourful dresses of different states, representing the unity of the nation.

Ram Lal Bhasin school: Ram Lal Bhasin Public School celebrated Children's Day and organised a Health Carnival to mark the birth anniversary of our first Prime Minister Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru. The carnival was grouped into different activities such as healthy baby show along with free health check up, active baby show, fun filled brain storming session, tambola, lucky draw etc. Free health check up of children was done in the presence of experienced doctors. Headmistress of the school Tarannum Fatma greeted the children.

BVM: A "Bal Mela" was celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal in Bhartiya Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Udham Singh Nagar, Ludhiana. The campus was given a touch of Punjabi culture and heritage. There was a cultural programme comprising folk songs, dance, giddha and bhangra. The students relished many eatables at stalls put upo on the occasion. Besides this there were many games for the kids. Principal of the school Sunil Arora wished the children and motivated them to get inspiration from "Chacha Nehru." The members of BVM Trust were also present.

SKN model: Pt Nehru's birthday was celebrated in SKN Model High School with great pomp and show. Sham Malhotra was the chief guest. Krishan Lal Sehgal of UK Sehgal hosiery inaugurated the function and Kusum Bevej lighted the lamp.

Saraswati modern: Children's Day was celebrated today with great zeal and zest in the pre-primacy branch of Saraswati Modern School. A fancy dress competition organised for the students of nursery and UKG classes was the major attraction of the day.

Atam Devki niketan: Atam Devki Niketan celebrated Children's Day to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Nehru. Children were welcomed by Spiderman, Charlie Chaplin, Mickey Mouse, dinosaurs and various swings and bouncers. Principal Mridu Ablash congratulated the kids.

Everest public: A fancy dress contest was held to mark the Children’s Day. Tiny tots came dressed in colourful attires as Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi. Cakes and sweets were distributed among kids.

Kiddies' paradise: A party and a fancy dress competition were organised for the children wherein they came dressed as soldier, Lord Krishna, butterfly, fairy and Chacha Nehru. Chief guest Pravjit Singh Bal distributed sweets among the kids.

Dr Ranjit international: In the fond memory of Pandit Nehru, Children's Day was celebrated at Dr Ranjit International School Kids participated in a song and dance programme on the occasion.

Annual fete: Euro Kids organised the annual fete today to celebrate Children's Day. Fun and frolic was the theme of the fete where tiny tots along with their parents enjoyed the day to the fullest.

Expo: An exhibition on latest education reforms was held at BCM School, Dugri. Parents were made aware of various changes introduced by the CBSE.

Ludhiana, November 14
Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College, Hospital and Research Institute, Ludhiana, welcomed the new batch of students during a freseher's party. Students interacted with each other irrespective of their senior/junior status and added to lively evening of cultural extravaganza.

College chairman, Baba Jaswant Singh congratulated the students for selecting a noble professional of being a doctor and playing a constructive role in alleviating the pain and sufferings of mankind. Principal Dr DS Kalsi extended a warm welcome to the new batch and exhorted them to work diligently towards the achievement of their career goals.

Sagar Sachdeva and Pooja Bhardwaj were crowned Mr and Ms Fresher, respectively.

Nimrat Tung was adjudged Ms Charming and Ishaan Kumbkarni was titled Mr Elegant.

Ludhiana, November 14
Sportking Institute of Fashion Technology, Ludhiana, organised a Children's Day function here yesterday.

With the hectic schedules and gradually depleting value of special occasions, are we doing enough to make “special days” really special? Does Children’s Day hold the same importance today that it used to a few years ago? How can we make the day special for our children? On Children's Day, a cross section of people share their views with The Tribune staffer Charu Chhibber.

	Almost all schools hold functions on Children's Day to make it special and memorable for the kids and this endevour has kept the spirit of the day alive even today. However, we, as adults, can do a lot more for the children to enlighten their lives by instilling in them, our moral, social and cultural vales. Tomorrow, on Children's Day, I will spend the entire day with the special kids of Mother Teresa Home. Even otherwise, it has become a routine of sorts in my life as I spend every Saturday with the inmates of the home as it gives me immense pleasure. — JK Jain, Assistant Commissioner (General)
	The day is special even today, thanks to the tradition of celebrating it in schools. But there is still scope to make it even better for our children by holding special activities for them, especially for the underprivileged ones. Tomorrow, the NSS volunteers of my college will go to the orphanage and distribute sweets, clothes and other items of necessity among them. This, we do every year, to make the children feel good on "their day". — Dr Varinder Kaur Thind, Principal, Khalsa College for Women
	The day is indeed very special and celebrated across India in the form of various activities in schools. However, besides the routine celebrations, I feel, we can celebrate the day as "guidance day", "counseling day" or "career day" to make the exercise more constructive and productive for the children. — Prof GS Dua, coordinator, GGNIMT
	Children's Day today does not mean what it used to when we were kids. It has, unfortunately, lost its essence. But we can still make it special for the children, especially those from the underprivileged sections by giving them the gift of knowledge. I used to teach the child of my domestic help in my free time and I am sure, if on the eve of Children's Day today, each one of us pledges to take upon ourselves, the responsibility of spreading knowledge, that will be the best gift for them on this Children's Day. — Nipun Thapar, MA IInd year (English) student

Ludhiana, November 14
It was a double delight for DAV Public School as its girls and boys teams stood first in the under-19 Sahodaya School Complex Handball Tournament held at Nankana Sahib Public School.

A total of 10 schools of the city participated in the competition. Principal Harmeet Kaur Waraich congratulated all the teams for their performance.

She congratulated Suman Kant, DPE, Nankana Sahib Public School, for the smooth conduct of the tournament. She also appreciated the players for showing true sportsmen spit during the tournament.

Results

U-19 Boys: DAV Public School, Nankana Sahib Public School, BCM, Shastri Nagar. U-19 girls: DAV Public School, BCM, Shastri Nagar, Nankana Sahib Public School.