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Monkey menace grows at Bag-e-bahu garden
It’s public grievance camp not ‘darbar’
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JU scholars campaign for low-budget weddings
Light showers bring down temperature
Ramleela to begin at Dewan Mandir from today
Jammu gears up for navratras
JKDF felicitates 3 youths who created ruckus in Assembly
ICCR organises Mehfil-e-Ghazal
NPSU protests against university
Volleyball trophy for Parla Dudu Panchayat
Panchayat Gundna clinch volleyball title
Inter-college hockey, handball competitions begin
Patnitop wows chess players
MAM College is football champ
GHSS Gool win volleyball tourney
PO arrested after 25 years Shootout case accused held
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Monkey menace grows at
Bag-e-bahu garden
Jammu, October 15 Situated on the banks of the Tawi, the garden has a beautiful landscape. The terraced garden developed around the ancient Bahu Fort attracts a large number of tourists every day, particularly in the winters and evening hours in the summer. Amit Abrol, a businessman from the city says, “Earlier, I used to bring my children here at weekends as they loved spending time in the lush green environs of the garden. However, its poor maintenance and increasing monkey menace has forced me to explore other options,” a resident. The monkeys have become a threat pounce upon the visitors carrying eatables with them. The monkeys have virtually taken over the play area for children and can be seen enjoying on the slides themselves. “My 10-year-old daughter had a close save when a big monkey jumped towards her while she was having some snacks with her friends,” said Archana Gupta, a housewife. Some blame the visitors too. In the absence of any ward staff, some people leave leftovers behind after having snacks or food at the garden instead of discarding them in refuse collectors. Though dustbins have been placed in the garden, more needs to be done on this front. “Visitors feed these monkeys which attracts them to the park. We are trying our best to educate the visitors to stop feeding them,” said an official. Probably the only saving grace at the garden is a beautiful underground aquarium that has been drawing a large number of visitors since it was thrown open to the public. It has 400 varieties of freshwater and marine fish. |
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It’s public grievance camp not ‘darbar’
Jammu, October 15 Interestingly, the decision in this regard was taken by the government hours after a Jammu-based RTI activist, Raman Sharma issued a statement wherein he took on the state government for its failure to avoid the use of word ‘darbar’ for public meetings being addressed or held by the ministers and bureaucrats. Almost five months ago, Sharma had made a complaint in the Chief Minister Grievance Cell where he had objected to the use of word ‘darbar’ in official statements issued by the government, the state government has so far failed to take a decision in this regard. Sharma had urged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to direct the General Administration Department (GAD) to issue a circular to all ministers and departments to use the term public meetings instead of ‘darbar’. “Under circular number 32-GAD of 2012, dated October 15, it has been impressed upon government functionaries, divisional and district administration to ensure that the term ‘public grievances camp’ are used in all relevant communications,” the Complaint Monitoring Portal of the state government reads. Earlier in the day, the RTI activist had issued a statement flaying the silence of the General Administration Department headed by Chief Minister on his complaint. He said though 13 reminders were sent in this regard, the government had failed to direct the government functionaries and bureaucrats to avoid the use of the term ‘darbar’. The complainant, in his appeal to the Chief Minister, had argued, “We are a democratic country and state. The people of this country and particularly of Jammu and Kashmir have negated the idea of monarchy 60 years ago and chose a democratic set up but unfortunately even after more than six decades the shadow of monarch system appears to exist in the mindset of our ministers and bureaucrats.” Raman had also said being a citizen of this democratic republic country and democratic state, I feel and find this word very objectionable and it sounds as if the citizens are the subject and these officers and ministers are our masters. It is against the values and principles of democratic establishment of equality.” A shadow of monarchyy Kthe decision in this regard was taken by the government hours after a Jammu-based RTI activist, Raman Sharma issued a statement wherein he took on the state government for its failure to avoid the use of word ‘darbar’ for public meetings being addressed or held by the ministers and bureaucrats |
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JU scholars campaign for low-budget weddings
Jammu, October 15 Having grown intellectually with the knowledge gained from years of research, these scholars discuss the finances involved in a wedding with utmost seriousness for hours. Not ready to be defeated, these young minds are busy chalking out a strategy to create awareness in the society towards curtailing expenses on lavish weddings as well as to keep these auspicious occasions a low-key and simple affair. The simmering worry and uncertainty rules their minds and hostellers spend a lot of time out of their schedule to plan and chalk out a strategy to arrange the “huge amount that runs into lakhs” that is “much needed” to tie the knot. So much so that these discussions adversely affect their research work as they are unable to concentrate on research and studies. “Currently, weddings have become a costly and extravagant affair. The average cost of a regular wedding with ordinary décor is anything between Rs 12 and 15 lakh. My father is a retired grade-III government servant and he is unable to arrange such a huge amount for my wedding. Should I drop my plans to get married because of a continuous rise in the cost of weddings over the years,” asked Munish Kumar (name changed), an MPhil scholar. Kumar, who is eldest among three siblings, said he was unable to sleep properly for the past two months because of “high stress and sheer frustration”. “I give part-time tuition to students because my younger brother and sister too are studying in colleges and my father is not able to give me any pocket money. The family insists I should get married but the prevailing circumstances don’t allow me to even think about it,” he said. Another set of scholars sitting in a congested room of Nehru hostel said, “If one goes by the custom and tradition, Rs 15 to Rs 20 lakh is required for a wedding and the figure is even higher for a bride’s family. The expensive show-off, including decorations, special lights and the kind of food served has made the plight of the ordinary man even worse,” a Ph.D scholar said who insisted anonymity. He said, “If the guest list consists of 700 people, the cost of reception is likely to touch Rs 10 lakh. Caterers will charge no less than Rs 400 per person per plate. And if you enhance the décor at the banquet halls, the overall wedding cost comes to be around Rs 20 lakh. For instance, the people like us will not be able to tie a nuptial knot in their life as we will not be able to arrange such a huge amount. How can we concrete on our studies if such uncertainties rule your mind?” Marriage on their mind
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Light showers bring down temperature
Jammu, October 15 Following light showers in Jammu city, the temperature was recorded at six degrees below normal. The temperature in Jammu was recorded at 24.6 degrees today whereas the night temperature was recorded at 16.2 degrees. MK Khushu, chief scientist and Head of the Department of Agronomy at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences (SKUAST) said, “These clouds are condensed clouds that can bring heavy rainfall in some parts of the region whereas there was light rainfall on other areas. But we cannot call it the onset of winters as this temperature will prevail over the next one day.” “A dip in the temperature will bring relief for the people. It will not affect sowing of crops,” he added. The prediction of rains has alerted the police on the national highway towards any incidents of land sliding or stone shooting in some parts on the highway. Varinder Kumar Sharma, SSP National Highway said, “The road is clear and we have been instructed by the headquarters to take all steps to cope up with any kind of situation as rains can hamper traffic on the national highway which is the main route connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.” |
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Ramleela to begin at Dewan Mandir from today
Jammu, October 15 Addressing a press conference, Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj member Yudhvir Sethi said the eight days’ long Ramleela will conclude on October 24, during which number of prominent artistes will act on the stage to depict various chapters and characters of Ramayana. Sethi said the religious event has produced number of Bollywood artistes, like Om Parkash and KL Sehgal, who became prominent actors and singers. Sethi said one of the distinguished features of Ramleela is that the characters are played not only by Hindus but Muslims too have been part of the natak samaj for decades. He said during the event, various characters showing unity, power, devotion and fight against evil will be depicted on the stage. Sethi appealed to the people, particularly the youth, to visit the event and take pride in the ancient religious event, which is a part of life for the people living in the Indian subcontinent. Natak samaj president Sat Samotra, vice-president Anil Masoom and general secretary Sat Sharma also spoke on the occasion. |
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Jammu gears up for navratras
Jammu, October 15 The festival will start from tomorrow offering a series of programmes for the visitors till its culmination on October 23. Preparations are on in full swing on the Kali temple premises with additional security being deployed. The authorities are preparing themselves to deal with the huge rush that the temple witnesses during the nine-day festival. The Bahu Fort Development Committee also reviewed the final arrangements of navratra festival at the temple along with various departments such as the Police Department, PHE, PDD, PWD, Traffic Police and members of shopkeeper’s union. BFDC president Rajeev Charak along with his team, including member secretary Ishant Gupt, general secretary Raghav Gupta and secretary Hardesh Khokkar, observed the development works. He told the authorities concerned to complete preparations till evening so that the pilgrims do not face any difficulty while seeking the blessings of goddess Mata Maha Kali. Charak appealed to the public to cooperate and not to bring any prohibited items in the shrine for smooth darshans during the navratras. Charak and his team members also warned the volunteers to be cautious and keep a watch on the visitors and yatris to avoid any mishap. |
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JKDF felicitates 3 youths who created ruckus in Assembly
Jammu, October 15 The party workers received the youths by showering flowers and beating drums. Large number of people, including women, children and senior citizens, were gathered near the Ranbireshwar Temple here. JKDF leader Prashant Puri said, “It was a day of celebrations for our party and people of Jammu. The trio has given a clear message to the government in the Assembly that educated youth cannot be exploited anymore and unfair polices of the government would be resisted vociferously.” Speaking on the occasion, Khajuria said successive state governments have been exploiting unemployed youth of the state, but no government has taken any step to solve their problems. “Youths are frustrated due to non-availability of employment,” he said. “The state has broken all records of corruption, nepotism and discrimination. We organised various protests, dharnas and other peaceful programmes to apprise the government about the alarming situation of the state,” Khajuria said. The casual approach of the government compelled us to highlight our problems in the Assembly, he added. “The JKDF will continue to strive for genuine demands of people and fight against the regional discrimination and growing corruption in the state,” said Khajuria. Gupta said they would continue their campaign to highlight plights of the educated unemployed youth of the state. He said patience of the unemployed youth was running out and the state government should take some steps to solve the problem of unemployment. |
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ICCR organises Mehfil-e-Ghazal
Jammu, October 15 The programme featured one of the promising singing talents of the state, Dhamesh Nargotra, who mesmerised the audience through his unique style of singing. Earlier, welcoming the guests ICCR Regional Director Balwant Thakur said six programmes had been successfully organised which started on July 31 with the presentation of vibrant ‘Geetru’ by Romallo Ram. Under the Horizon Series, the ICCR showcases local talent in the field of music, dance and drama with the motive to give artistes a platform to exhibit their talent. The prime objective of the ICCR is to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries. The mandate of the ICCR is to bring nations together through cultural initiatives. Thus, the ICCR sponsors Indian cultural troupes and scholars abroad and brings the best of the international performances to India. |
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NPSU protests against university
Jammu, October 15 NPSU provincial president Varinder Singh said they had high hopes from new Vice-Chancellor IS Paul that he would work for the welfare of the students and scholars and lead the university on the path of progress, but he remained a failure on all fronts. Singh said the closing of the diploma course in yoga and new re-evaluation policy shows discriminatory attitude towards the student community. This shows that the Vice-Chancellor is not concerned about the students and scholars, he said. Singh said the diploma course in yoga should be started as soon as possible and the new re-evaluation policy should be reviewed. |
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Volleyball trophy for Parla Dudu Panchayat
Jammu, October 15 In kabaddi, the Dudu Panchayat toppled the Pachound II Panchayat by two points (28-26). In wrestling, Rakesh Kumar of the Panchayat II Pachound defeated Rakesh Kumar of the Dudu Panchayat in 52-57 kg weight category. Suresh Kumar of the Pachound II Panchayat beat Surinder Kumar of the Parla Dudu Panchayat in 57-65 kg category. On the concluding day today, Dudu Zonal Education Officer Suram Chand was the chief guest who gave away prizes to the winners and runner-up teams. Suram Chand stressed upon the students to participate in sports activities for overall development. The matches were officiated by Pawan Kumar, Jaswinder Singh, Raj Kumar and Sudesh Kumar. The tournament was organised under the supervision of Dudu Zonal Physical Education Officer Mohinder Singh. |
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Panchayat Gundna clinch volleyball title
Jammu, October 15 GHSS principal and in charge Vijay Kumar presided over the valedictory function and distributed prizes among the winners. The matches were officiated by Mohan Singh, Surjeet Singh, Jugal Kishore, Rajna Devi, Radha Devi, Rani Sharma, Ravi Kumar, Shashi Kant and Mohammad Arif. Other Results: Kabaddi: Panchayat Khankoot beat Panchayat Barshalla Kho-Kho: Panchayat Mohalla defeat Panchayat Pershulla 100 m race: Sajid Hissain (Panchayat Gundna, gold) 200 m race: Abrar Hussain (Panchayat Gundna, gold) Wrestling (42kg): Ashraf Ahmed (gold) and Shabir Ahmed (silver) Wrestling (54kg): Irfan Ahmed (gold) and Yasir Arfath (silver) |
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Inter-college hockey, handball competitions begin
Jammu, October 15 In the second match, SPMR College of Commerce beat Government GL Memorial Degree College, Hirnagar, by 4 goals to 3. Gangdeep Singh, Vishal Saini and Harpreet Singh were the goal scorers for the winner team while Jagdeep Singh and Abhishek Khajuria scored for Degree College, Hiranagar. In another match, GGM Science College defeated GDC, Rajouri. In handball, GDC Paloura won against MAM College by 21-11 in the opening match while Commerce College defeated Government College of Engineering and Technology by 18-3. In other matches, Bhargava College got a walkover over GDC Samba and Science College got walkover GDC Rajouri. |
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Patnitop wows chess players
Jammu, October 15 After the end of each round, players and their families can be seen visiting the area around the venue Hotel Mount Shivalik. “It is a brilliant initiative of the All J&K Chess Association to conduct the event at such a beautiful venue,” said a chess player Hari Om Aggarwal from Madhya Pradesh. “Had the championship been held at Jammu, we would have been deprived of seeing this natural scenery,” he added. “Tt may be the job of the state tourism department to promote tourism but the way the association has arranged the event, they have also contributed in promoting not only the game but the tourist spot as well,” said another participant Surender Kumar from Delhi. “There is need to conduct more such tournaments not only in chess but also in other disciplines to popularise these spots among players from outside the state,” Surender Kumar said. However, parents accompanying their wards are also excited to witness the natural beauty of the state. “This is our first visit to the state and I am enjoying every moment here at Patnitop,” said Brijesh Singh from Punjab. “We have heard a lot about the natural beauty of the hill state. If the authorities take some more serious initiatives, this beautiful hill resort can become very popular among tourists,” he added. “The sports associations of state have done a commendable job by organising championships in multi-disciplines at such venues,” another parent Anubhav Vaid said. “It is high time that the authorities concerned should get their act together to promote tourism in this part of the region,” he added. |
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MAM College is football champ
Jammu, October 15 Varjinder scored the decisive goal for GGM Science College in the 60th minute to win the game. Gagan Kumar, Harmanjit Singh, Vijay Kumar, Pardeep Katoch and Arun Jamwal officiated in the match. — TNS |
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GHSS Gool win volleyball tourney
Jammu, October 15 The chief guest Deputy SP Operations, Gool, distributed trophies and volleyball kits among the participants. — TNS |
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