Jalandhar, February 28
Transport and banking services were hit in the city today following a day-long strike called by major trade unions against the "anti-labour" policies of the Centre.

The Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) wore a deserted look for around two hours in the afternoon as Punjab Roadways buses remained parked in Jalandhar depot-I and II.

As Punjab Roadways buses remained off road, passengers had to wait for private buses. A majority of passengers were unaware of the strike and had to face tough time. "We reached the ISBT and were surprised to see that no Punjab Roadways bus was operating. It was total chaos outside the bus stand as private bus operators were not allowed to park their buses inside," said Joginder Singh, a city resident.

Besides, banking, postal, telecom and other essential services were badly affected. Banks wore a deserted look with employees striking work on a call given by the All India Bank Employees' Association and the National Organisation of Bank Worker's Union. Many city residents were seen making rounds to banks.

"We have come to deposit a cheque in the bank, but after reaching here, we got to know about the strike. The government should inform people a day or two in advance so that they do not face inconvenience," said Kishore Chand, a senior citizen.

Members of various unions gathered at Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall and raised anti-government slogans under the banner of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre for Industrial Trade Unions (CITU) and Pendu Mazdoor Unions (PMU).

Members of ASH, anganwari workers, Punjab Metal Union workers, the Kirti Kisan Union, the PMU, the Technical Services of Union and many others lambasted the government for its "anti-labour" policies, unemployment, privatization and demanded scrapping of the contractual system in government departments. They also demanded hike in wages.

Earlier in the day, members of trade unions also took out a protest march from Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall to the Deputy Commissioner's office. They submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner.

Jaandhar, February 28
Perturbed at the alleged police inaction, relatives of a woman who was allegedly killed a few days ago, along with residents of Shahkot, today gheraoed the Shahkot police station and blocked the National Highway 703 for more than three hours.

They were demanding the arrest of the woman's husband for allegedly killing her. A few days ago, residents of the area and relatives of Monica, who was killed, gheraoed the police station and blocked the NH.

Hundreds of residents, including women, staged a dharna on the highway in front of the Shahkot police station from 10 am to 1 pm today and shouted slogans against the police.

Deceased's father Vinod Sharma alleged that the police had assured them to arrest the accused within two days, but nothing had been done to date.

Long queues of vehicles were witness on the highway and commuters had to face inconvenience.

Meanwhile, Shahkot SHO Lakhwinder Singh Mall assured the woman’s parents that raids were on to nab the accused. "We have alerted the airport authorities and police stations across the state," SHO added.

Jalandhar, February 28
The stretch of road between Football Chowk and Focal Point has become a nightmare for commuters.

The Municipal Corporation has failed to repair the road and commuters, especially two-wheeler riders, often skid on the road. The risk of mishaps is high during the night.

"Last week, my motorcycle skidded on Kapurthala Road and I sustained injuries," said Gaurav, a resident of Basti Bawa Khel.

Varinder Sharma, a resident of Mahavir Marg, said the road had large potholes and it was dangerous to drive on it.

Senior Deputy Mayor Kamaljit Singh Bhatia said the patchwork on the road between Kapurthala Chowk and Basti Bawa Khel would start from March 15. The work on the road from Football Chowk to Focal Point will also start in March. "We have already told the contractor to do the required patchwork," he added.

Jalandhar, February 28
Upbeat after qualifying for the London Olympics, Indian hockey team players —Gurwinder Singh Chandi, Sarwandeep Singh and Manpreet Singh — received a hero's welcome as they had a brief halt at the Punjab and Sind Bank office near Shakti Sadan here today.

Amidst loud drumbeats, the players were received by Olympian Rajinder Singh and a host of hockey players and enthusiasts.

Gurwinder Singh Chandi, the talented striker from ONGC said: "Initially, we were under pressure, but gradual wins boosted our confidence. It was a mix of a good planning of coach Michael Nobbs which ensured victory in all four matches. We share a good chemistry with Nobbs and it is working wonders."

Chandi added that the team is focussing on the next preparatory camp beginning at Bangalore from March 15. "We will also participate in a test event in London and also take part in an exposure trip to Europe," he added.

On the double standards of Hockey India (HI) pertaining to World Series Hockey beginning tomorrow, Chandi said: "I would prefer to go in for the national team camp rather than the World Series Hockey."

The star striker scored four goals in the Olympic qualifiers and said although it would be a tough test facing leading teams like Australia and Holland, the team was confident to take on the rivals.

Sarwan Deep Singh, an employee of Punjab and Sind Bank, said the team had a good combination of drag flickers. Midfielder Manpreet Singh, a product of the local Olympian Surjit Hockey Academy, whose maiden stint in the qualifiers brought him to the limelight, said: "Our team's attacking skills coupled with planned practice schedule ensured our victory. For me, it was a golden chance and the team won with flying colours."

Olympian Rajidner Singh, who was all praise for the team and local boys, said the team's confidence level was at an all-time high, which had seen them make the cut for the Olympics after eight years.

Jalandhar, February 28
With roles like 'Lacchi' in Bollywood's latest hit 'Agneepath' and Santosh in Colors daily soap 'Na ana iss des laado' in her kitty, Jalandhar girl Madhurjeet Sarghi is going places.

Her wiser-than-her-age demeanour makes her stand out from the crowd. No wonder, she is usually chosen for roles of women whose lives are marked with hardships.

After completing her Masters degree from Jalandhar, she acted in Punjabi films and serials. But it was her marriage to Anurag Singh, director 
of Punjabi film Yaar Anmulle, that brought her to Mumbai.

After an initial period of struggle, she hit the jackpot with 'Na aana iss des meri laado' and now things have moved to another level with the role of Priyanka Chopra's mother in Agneepath.

In Jalandhar recently, she shared her experience in the tinsel town.

How did 'Na aana iss des laado' happen?

My casting director from 'Radha ki betiyan kuch kar dikhayengi' called me for an audition for this Colors show. I got through and bagged the role of Santosh.

How did Agneepath happen?

After watching my work in 'Laado', casting director of Agneepath called me for an audition and it was my day.

You play Priyanka Chopra's mother in the film. How challenging is it to play a role of an elderly woman?

I play a courtesan in the film. My character Lacchi helps young Hrithik in the film. The character was very interesting as it ages as the film progresses. I am a 23-year-old in the first half of the film and in the second half, the story takes a leap of 15 years. It was a wonderful experience. Director Karan Malhotra and the entire crew of Dharma Productions were amazing to work with. Hrithik and Priyanka were very friendly. Sharing screen space with Rishi Kapoor and Om Puri was like a dream come true.

When you compare Bollywood and TV projects, do you find any interesting differences?

Television these days is going through a bad phase. It's thriving on gimmicks and shock value. Stories and characters change overnight depending upon the TRPs. Tele series today don't have the rerun value like the days of Hum Log, Buniyaad, Kirdaar, Mirza Ghalib or Tamas. Though things are changing.

Bollywood is going through a pretty decent phase. Producers have started taking risks. Small budget films are making profits. Today we have audience for all kind of films.

Punjabi film industry is still considered to be an unprofessional and uncreative world as compared to Bollywood. What is your take?

I think Punjabi audience is like a spoilt brat, which only wants to laugh and have fun. Punjabi filmmakers, unlike Bengali and Marathi filmmakers, do not dare to serve the audience with a thought provoking, serious film. Such stories face outright rejection so producers are forced to put their money in so called 'commercially viable' projects. But on the flip side, technically, the look of Punjabi films these days is a feast for the eyes. The best cameras are used. A lot is spent on the look of the film in the post production stage. All we need at this hour is a good script, which entertains and improves the tastes of our audiences without being didactic.

When and where you met your husband?

(Laughs) I first met my husband the day I was born. He was three years old and had come to see my mother with his mother. Both our mums are colleagues. He is my best buddy to date and we share a very special relationship unlike conventional husbands and wives. We are brutally honest with each other. He is very understanding when it comes to work. I can't thank him for introducing me to the world of cinema.

Which is your favourite character you have portrayed so far?

I am yet to play my favourite role. But I loved my role in a college play where I played Amrita Shergill. It was called Amrita Shergill-Ek Agni Pakshi.

What are your upcoming projects?

I have a clichéd answer (laughs). Talks are on but it's too early to name any venture. Of course, 'Laado' is entering its fourth year and I am happy about it.

Jalandhar, February 28
Punjab Technical University (PTU) extended the last date for online registration of the industrial training on its website.

The university has allowed the BTech students to continue to apply till March 4. Punjab Technical University in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), PHD Chamber of Commerce and the other reputed industry associations is giving final-year engineering students industrial training. The students who have to undergo industrial training during their seventh semester of BTech during the period of June to November are eligible to apply for the same, said Dr Anirudh Pratap Singh, Dean, PTU.

He said the online registration can be done on the Industrial Training link under the Student Affairs column at PTU’s official website www.ptu.ac.in.

The online registration had started on February 9 for which there are 1,073 vacancies. Dr Anirudh Pratap Singh has appealed to students to get more and more benefits from this opportunity. He said for further updates as well as inquiries, the students could contact Assistant Professor Shashi Behl.

Jalandhar, February 28
The CT Group of Institutions will organise the fifth annual CT Half Marathon in the city on March 4.

The funds collected through the event would be given to the inmates of the Pingalwara, Prayas School, Unique Home and Red Cross Society. A special 100-m race would also be held for the physically challenged students of Prayas School.

Renowned Bollywood singers Master Saleem and Hans Raj Hans would be the star attraction of the marathon, as the duo would join the event along with sports persons, Olympians, artists and players.

The marathon will begin at 6.30 am from the CT Shahpur campus and conclude at CT Maqsudan campus.

Cash award of Rs 21,000 would be given to the male and female standing first in the marathon, while an award of Rs 11,000 would be given to the male and female coming second. The third prize comprises of Rs 5,100 and 14 consolation prizes of Rs 1,100 each would also be awarded.

Jalandhar, February 28
Based on his findings, the Executive Engineer of the Horticulture Wing of the Municipal Corporation has recommended action against a sawmill owner of Bhargo Camp for axing a 30-year-old tahli tree in the Baba Budha Mal Park here.

PS Gill, Executive Engineer, MC, submitted his report to MC Commissioner BS Dhaliwal here today.

The Commissioner said on the basis of report submitted to him, he had asked the police to register an FIR against the owner of Soma Sawmill.

Interestingly, while the Deputy Mayor and councillor of the area Parvesh Tangri has confirmed to media that it was he who had got the tree cut and that, too, without any relevant permission, the officials are perhaps reluctant to take any action against him.

Jalandhar, February 28
As many as 435 students and nine faculty members were honoured during the 37th annual prize distribution function of the Apeejay College of Fine Arts today.

Inspector-General of Police, Zone-II, Ishwar Singh gave away prizes to the winners.

In the function, 138 university position holders and merit holders, 145 students who excelled in academics and 151 students who won in youth festivals were honoured.