New Delhi, November 18
A 72-year-old man allegedly committed suicide today by jumping on the tracks of the Patel Nagar Metro station.

The incident occurred at Dwarka-Vaishali Metro line around 12.43 pm. The Metro staff said that the man jumped before a speeding train at the Patel Nagar station and before the driver could take any action, he came under the wheels.

The victim has been identified as Devi Charan. He was a resident of Patel Nagar. His body was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead.

"The drivers put the emergency brakes, but the victim could not be saved as he was crushed under the wheels," said one of the Metro officials.

Central Industrial Security Force personnel on duty said that a suicide note has been recovered from the victim. He has blamed his son and brother for taking the extreme step. "The suicide note mentions the name of his son and brother. He was apparently depressed due to family problems," said a member of the force.

New Delhi, November 18
It once acted as a communication control centre for the Allied Forces during the World War II and later became a shelter for refugees who migrated to India from Pakistan after the Partition.

The over 150 acres of the sprawling Pragati Maidan that today hosts the nation's biggest trade fair, boasts of a rich history that is intertwined with the fortunes of Delhi.

It is also interesting to know that once known as "the Exhibition Complex", the sprawling maidan made a modest beginning as a centre of display almost 60 years ago and the initial exhibitions were nothing as spectacular as the India International Trade Fair (IITF).

The complex that is hosting the fair in its 32nd year edition this time with over 6,000 exhibitors at a spectacular infrastructure base began its journey with the small-scale fairs soon after the Independence when stalls were placed under large canopies.

The complex's first-ever exhibition was held in 1953 which was a celebration of the Indian Railways completing 100 years. Several fairs followed soon.

After the China attack in 1962, the complex did not host any event for the next 10 years; the tradition of trade fairs returned with a bang in 1972 through the international fair, 'Asia 72'.

It was also the same year the complex was rechristened 'Pragati Maidan'.

The association of the IITF with Pragati Maidan dates back to the early 1980, when Mohammad Yunus, advisor to Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi conceptualised the fair.

With a view to creating a platform to showcase developing India's strengths to the world, Yunus headed the Trade Development Authority (TDA), the organizing wing of the fair for 11 years.

The TDA is now known as the India Trade Promotion Organization.

Speaking further on the interesting facets of the Maidan, a senior ITPO official said, "The Maidan's first hall--heritage hall number 6--was constructed back in 1972 by architect Rogerwell. After 'Asia 72', the road towards an international trade fair only became smoother. The IITF grew in infrastructure, number of participating countries, states and even the number of visitors. In 1982, the fair received its first state hall when Indira Gandhi visited the fair."

Associated with the ITPO for over 25 years, Prabhat Chandra Sharma, General Manager ITPO, added, "Just as the 26th January showcases the military strength of our country, the IITF showcases the strength of India's trade industry. These are 14 days of national integration where national and international stakeholders and decision-makers come together at one platform."

Over the years, the focus of the fair has definitely shifted.

"What began as a showcase platform has amalgamated into one of the best trade events in the county after 32 years. Small-scale and cottage industries have benefited tremendously. The exposure, the level of interaction that the traders gain here, paves the way for business deals and collaborations. Traders also realize that the fair is a cost-effective public advertising forum, where their target customer can personally see and purchase the product over the counter," he said.

Giving her take on the journey of ITPO, IITF and Pragati Maidan, ITPO Chairman-cum-Managing Director Rita Menon said, "A fair of this magnitude, with such intense involvement of civic agencies, government bodies, police department and other corporate partners, is rarely visible anywhere in the world. Our visitors' numbers even beat the very celebrated Magic Fair in America. It isn't just a fair, but has now grown into an indispensable aspect of the Indian trade industry."

New Delhi, November 18
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) almost totally dominated, winning 11 gold medals, in the All India Police Games in wrestling, weightlifting, judo, gymnastics and boxing at the Indira Gandhi indoor stadium here today. Women judokas and male weightlifters lifted three golds, while the women weightlifters accounted for two golds.

Ramji Yadav (81kg), N Gomti Chanu (57kg), Nirupama Devi (63kg) and Taruna Sharma (78kg) lifted gold medals in judo while Anita Chanu (57kg) and Uma Chauhan (63) bagged a silver medal each.

In weightlifting, the CRPF made their gold haul through Vikram (56 kg), Rajesh Singh (62 kg) and Tej Singh (77 kg) while Sandhya Rani (48 kg) was the star among women. Shamsher Singh was too good in the 74 kg Greco-Roman wrestling final and bagged the gold while Ram Singh accounted for the 74 kg free style gold. Narender Singh was the topper in the 84 kg bout.

CRPF lead the tally with 11 gold, Punjab Police are a distant second on four golds and Haryana third with two golds.