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Sodal Mela near but roads in a bad shape
Panel awaits info from MC for submitting report to Speaker
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Insulated space ready for holding gatherings at Virsa Vihar
Anger at fuel price hike
BSP activists block rail traffic
Nari Niketan solemnises marriage
BEd teachers plan dharnas
Asaram should not hinder probe, says Congress
Cong flays honouring of Dilawar’s family at Akal Takht
Travel agent arrested
Free medical camp organised
Co-op bank to recruit staff
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Sodal Mela near but roads in a bad shape
Jalandhar, September 1 As usual, lakhs of devotees are likely to pay their obeisance at Sodal Mandir during the mela on September 18. Devotees from various parts of Punjab and other states start thronging the temple two days before the mela. The Municipal Corporation (MC) used to improve the basic amenities, including patch-work of all the roads leading to the Sodal temple and installing proper lighting system around it much before the mela, but it has not yet started any such work although the mela is just a fortnight away. Almost all approaching roads to the temple are in a bad shape. The condition of Kali Mata Mandir road and Gujja Peer Road, connecting the highway to Sodal Mandir, are considered as worse roads compared to other roads approaching the temple. Big and wide potholes and pits and flying dust cause a lot of inconvenience to the commuters here. Similarly, the condition of roads from Kishan Pura Chowk, Sodal level crossing and Ram Nagar level crossing to Sodal Chowk is also not much better. Further, there are several streetlights around the temple which are not in a working condition and are required to be repaired. Meanwhile, the president of the Jagdambay Naujawan Sabha Ramesh Sharma said the MC should start the repair of dilapidated roads and faulty streetlights without any delay to avoid any inconvenience to the devotees. Stating that the MC forgot to repair Gujja Peer Road and Kali Mata Mandir road, connecting the highway with Sodal Mandir, during past melas, the president of the Jai Veshno Jawan Sabha Sarabjit Singh Nagi urged the MC authorities to ensure the repair of these roads also before the mela, as thousands of devotees from nearby areas also use this road to reach Sodal Mandir for paying their obeisance. So step-motherly treatment should not be given to these roads, he added. History of mela
Baba Sodal Mela is observed in the city to commemorate the death of child deity Sodal. The fair is held on the day the child is said to have received his communion with God. Held on the 14th of "Shukal Paksh" in the month of "Bhadon", which coincides with the month of September in the English calendar, Baba Sodal Mela is one of the most popular festivals in Jalandhar, celebrated by people of this city. Legend has it that Sodal, a member of the Chadha clan of the Khatri caste, who reside in the city of Jalandhar, sacrificed his life by 'telling him to drown himself' in the pond. Although prohibited by his mother, Sodal followed his mother to the pond. Enraged by his insolence, his mother asked him to drown himself in the pond. After asking his mother three times about her resolution and repeatedly receiving the same answer from her, Sodal jumped into the pond never to appear again. The people of the city of Jalandhar believe that the child was blessed with divine powers and observe his death anniversary every year. The "smadh" of the child deity is the sanctum sanctorum. Beside it stands the portrait of the child that is embellished with flower garlands and rosaries. Prayers are offered here by the devotees who arrive from all the corners of the city and from the neighbouring city of Jalandhar. Wading through the waters of the Baba Sodal-da-Sarowar or the tank situated beside the smadh or taking a dip in the holy water also forms part of the religious curriculum of the pilgrims. The religiosity of the people of Jalandhar is reflected in the Baba Sodal
Mela. |
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Panel awaits info from MC for submitting report to Speaker
Jalandhar, September 1 Committee chairman Prem Mittal (Mansa MLA) said, “We are waiting for the information sought by us from the MC on various issues, including submitting list of commercial buildings constructed with and without the approval of site plans. We are likely to get the same by September 8 as the MC sought one-month time for that.” Mittal said besides illegal construction in the city, the committee also sought information regarding the number of MC vehicles, how old these were their present condition and the status of various city roads and when they were last constructed. After getting the information from the MC, the committee would submit its report to Vidhan Sabha Speaker with the recommendations of further streamlining its working, he added. Mittal said the Speaker, in turn, would send this report to Local Bodies, Secretary, for implementing the recommendations to improve the MC working.” During the two-day visit of the city on August 7 and 8, the committee expressed its dissatisfaction with the MC functioning. After visiting Pholriwal Treatment Plant, Nikku Park and some roads located in posh localities on the second day of its two-day visit to the city, Mittal publicly said he was not satisfied with the working of the MC and there was immediate requirement of streamlining its functioning to provide basic amenities to the residents. Other committee members, including Pargat Singh (Jalandhar Cantonment MLA), Iqbal Singh (Amritsar MLA), Balwinder Singh Bains and Bharat Bhushan Ashu (both Ludhiana MLAs) and Amarinder Singh Raja Wirring (Gidderbaha MLA), also expressed their unhappiness regarding the working of the MC. Pargat Singh said the condition of roads and their cleanliness were very bad. Balwinder Singh Bains said there was need for improving the system in the MC. In reply to a question why the committee visited only those roads located in posh areas, ignoring Basti areas, Guru Nanak Pura road and Gujja Peer road, Mittal and other committee members said, “If the roads in posh areas are in a dilapidated condition, the condition of those in other areas may easily be judged."
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Insulated space ready for holding gatherings at Virsa Vihar
Jalandhar, September 1 While efforts to give a gallery space-like feel to the Virsa Vihar, the construction of an acoustics-enabled auditorium on the first floor and the art exhibition which saw its final day-workshop are some of the ongoing efforts, more projects are in store for future. While the district administration-backed art exhibition which displays the work of 95 district artists is one of the latest feats, an eco-friendly - thermocol and egg-crate lined auditorium on the first floor is another indication of the projects which are taking a practical shape in the building. While artists and playwrights have for long asked for an alternative space where they can hold artistic endeavours without worrying about costs, the Virsa Vihar administration claims this could be called one of the best shots to provide them such a space. Speaking about the auditorium - assembled together with thermocol and inverted egg-crates fixed to the walls with nails, the present arrangement constitutes a cost-effective, humble substitute for the state-of-the-art acoustics one would otherwise find at a studio and indoor-theatre space. However, one has to laud the ingenuity of the improvisational effort which renders mere garbage into a thing of art. Screaming into the empty space, office secretary, Virsa Vihar, Channi GS Takulia demonstrates its effectiveness, “It is as effective as the acoustics panels one usually finds providing insulation at studios etc. Both budget and sold quality have been kept in mind to provide a proper auditorium experience to people.” However, he adds that even the available budget came through Virsa Vihar’s own funds accumulated over years and there has been no funding by the district administration. “The revenue of the handicraft and clothes exhibitions held for the past four years had been accumulated and it is out of that we have spent the money. There has been no extra funding from the administration for the auditorium,” Takulia said. “We have earned about Rs 8 lakh from the exhibitions and about Rs 2 lakh has been spent on the current endeavours,” he said. When asked will the administration shall be charging for the usage of the auditorium, he replied in the affirmative. However, he said the charges to be levelled had not been decided so far. Takulia also added that the work for the completion of an open air theatre was also on and the first floor auditorium had a seating capacity of 125 people. Reacting to criticism regarding the lack of efforts to promote avant garde art in the city, Takulia said, “It is very difficult to satisfy all detractors. However, efforts in this regard are also being made. Shortly, we will be holding an exhibition of young, talented artists from fine arts colleges across the city. In November, we shall also be calling veteran artists from across and beyond the region to hold an exhibition.” Workshop closing ceremony
While the current exhibition of 95 artists held its concluding workshop today, the formal closing ceremony of the workshop will be held on September 2. During the exhibition, 32 veteran artists and amateurs displayed their works. Prizes were given away to artists of three categories. In the below-21 category, Sahil Dhiman stood first, Devika Bhadur stood second and Hardeesh Bindra stood third. Consolation prizes were bagged by Pankaj Bial and Pallavi Oberoi. In the below-30 category, Simarjit Kaur stood first, Ritu Spall second and Andleep Iqbal stood third. The three won cash prizes of Rs 1,500, Rs 1,000 and Rs 750, respectively. Consolation prizes of Rs 500, each, were awarded to Jaspreet and Sarbjeet. A musical evening will also be held on September 18 by the Virsa Vihar. |
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PSSF calls for state-level rally
Jalandhar, September 1 Speaking on the occasion, leaders said the partial policies of the contemporary governments had rendered the employees, labourers and citizens unable to meet their daily need ploiting all the environmental, natural and financial resources in the country. The leaders condemn globalisation, privatisation and liberalisation policies.They said the policies of the government were causing people’s issues to take a backseat which in turn is causing the fall of the rupee, increase in inflation, unemployment, corruption, etc. They said due to the Punjab government’s dilly-dallying approach on the following issues - Payment of the final instalment of the 5th Pay Commission, removal of ban on GPF and every other kind of payment, release of grade pay after every step as per ACP scheme, implementation of all the recommendations of the 5th Pay Commission from January 2006, return of department given to Zila Parishad, rendering promotion process time-bound under the very department, 180 days maternal leave for every female employee, grant of all leaves to all employees under CSR rules the PSSF (scientific centre) will be holding district meets from September 15 to 24 for the fulfillment of aforementioned demands. Giving a call for a state rally by PISSF at Chandigarh on September 24, they said demand letters regarding the issues mentioned will also be sent to the Chief Minister,Punjab, through administration after district meetings. On a call from the All India State Government Employees Federation, a ‘march to Parliament’ will also be held on December 12.
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Anger at fuel price hike
Jalandhar, September 1 Meanwhile, the public here has demanded immediate rollback of the hike. Condemning the hike in fuel prices, the Punjab unit of the BJP has said that the price in the fuel will further boost inflation. Manoranjan Kalia, national executive member and former minister of Punjab, said the raising of petrol and diesel would further bring misery to people, already reeling under high prices of commodities, grains, vegetables and other products. — TNS |
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BSP activists block rail traffic
Phagwara, September 1 New Delhi bound 14674 Flying Mail was stopped and remained standard for 50 minutes as the agitating BSP activists sat on a dharna in the middle of the railway track and hold a protest rally against the police failure to nab the accused, booked by GRP last night.Dharna could be lifted and rail traffic was restored this afternoon when DSP Phagwara Manjit Singh and GRP In-charge Pawitra Singh reached on the dharna site and assured for the early action against the accused. The train could proceed towards its destination after lifting of dharna. Later hundreds of the residents attended funeral of the deceased Sarpanch in his village on Sunday evening. It may be recalled that Des Raj(45), BSP Sarpanch of nearby village Khangurra reportedly committed suicide by jumping in front of a Jejon bound 74954 Diesel Multiple Unit Train near DAV College on Phagwara-Chiherru rail section on Saturday afternoon. GRP In-charge Pawitra Singh said an application written to Phagwara DSP against Canada-based NRI villager Baghicha Singh was found from his pocket. In the application, the deceased had alleged that he was being abused by the NRI who delivered caste- based remarks in his abusive language when the deceased refused to sign few suspicious papers of Bagicha Singh. The body of the deceased was handed over to the family members after conducting post-mortem examination. Later the GRP registered a case under Section 306/3/4 of Sc/St Act against Baghicha Singh, who could not be arrested till filing of this report.
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Nari Niketan solemnises marriage
Jalandhar, September 1 Anita,who had been at the niketan for over a decade, said, “The marriage is a very happy occasion for all. Most of us are girls and I am currently studying. Our authorities arranged the wedding and we have also seen many of our other inmates getting wedded on this very compound. Though I am currently studying and not thinking of marriage, at the suitable time, a groom might be arranged.” Presently, there are a total of 44 inmates at the niketan, only three to four of them are boys, while the rest are girls, said the authorities. CEO, Nari Niketan, Colonel(retired) SS Shoker, while talking to The Tribune, said, “Since most of the families abandon their girls, the respective parents are mostly untraceable. There are only a few child inmates whose (one) parent is still keeping in touch. Their wedding is special occasion when the entire home comes together.” While the bride’s marriage was arranged by the niketan authorities, she had been wedded to a man from Khanna. Trustee Seema Chopra and her husband Arvind Chopra conducted her kanyadaan, playing the part of Rajbir’s parents. Anjana Talwar, general secretary, Nari Niketan said many marriages had been conducted here in her time. “We hope for her utmost happiness. Grooms have also been approaching us for the weddings of other girls.”
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BEd teachers plan dharnas
Jalandhar, September 1 The B Ed Teachers Front held a meeting at the local Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall here today. Teachers of elementary/secondary schools, district held and state leaders from across the state participated in the meeting.
Sukhdarshan Sigh, front head, Bathinda, said as many as 14,000 tecahers of the state were a worried lot. During the meeting, issues like delayed promotions, delay in provision of DA
instalments, held-up salaries, merger of primary/middle schools, among others were discussed. The re-implementation of the old pension scheme was also discussed. It was decided that on issues discussed, teachers across the state would hold district dharnas
on September 16 outside the offices of the DEOs. A state-level protest march and rally would also be held on October 6, the front decided. State general secretary Sukhjinder Singh Sathiala, vice-president Harvinder Singh, Paramjit Duggal, Chandrashekhar, Kuljit Singh, Paramjet, Sartaj Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Kamal, Jaswinder Singh, among others were present on the occasion.
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Asaram should not hinder probe, says Congress
Jalandhar, September 1 Stating this, PPCC secretary Virendra Sharma, DCC (Urban) president Arun Walia said, “No one is above law. Law is taking its own course. Asaram should not create any hindrance in the investigation.” Sharma and Walia accompanied by local congressmen Kunal Sharma, Manjeet Singh Saroya, VP Mahajan, Pushpinder Khanna and Ashok Khanna said Asaram should not instigate his supporters to demonstrate. If he is innocent, he should cooperate with the investigative agency and provide evidence in his support. Asaram should not blame senior Congress leaders for his arrest as it is nothing but his own misdeeds for which he has been taken into custody, they added. |
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Cong flays honouring of Dilawar’s family at Akal Takht
Jalandhar, September 1 In a press statement issued here today, Punjab Congress spokesperson Nimisha Mehta said, “Shri Harminder Sahib is a pious place. The honouring of the family members of the Dilawar Singh and presenting Saropa to them by the head priest Jagtar Singh has once again brought back the dreaded memories of the black days of terrorism experienced by Punjab. The act of Giani Jagtar Singh honouring
murderers of Beant Singh has humiliated the supreme sacrifices made by those in curbing the terrorism and restoring peace in the state. It appears that Shiromani Akali Dal which has a very strong control over the affairs of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee is behind the entire programme that was staged at Shri Harminder Sahib” “Also, the decision of the members of the Akal Takth of putting the picture of the assassin in the Sikh Ajaib Ghar is absolutely wrong and unjustified. These kinds of acts will do nothing but once again sprinkle salt and scrap the wounds of those who have suffered during the
widespread terrorism in the state. By exercising the vote bank politics in the state, the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal intends to scare the Hindu community of the state by creating an atmosphere of terror,” said Nimisha Mehta.
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Travel agent arrested
Phagwara, September 1 According to a complaint lodged by Lakhan Bhatti , Parveen Kumari had cheated him for issuing documents for travelling to Italy. Later, Bhatti found that the documents provided to him were forged.He demanded his money back from the agent, who threatened him with dire consequences, the police said. The police arrested the woman yesterday and a case has been registered against her, the police said.
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Free medical camp organised
Jalandhar, September 1 Dr GP Singh (orthopaedic) along with his team examined the patients and advised them about the line of treatment. Blood sugar and haemoglobin was checked under the guidance of Dr Rajendra Kumar and Dr
Gagandeep. Over 100 patients were examined at the camp. AK Goswami president of the society apprised everyone regarding the efforts being conducted by the society. Shard Aggrwal, Sarabjit Kaur
Billa, Sk Kapoor, OP Sharma, Satpul, Subhash, Dua, SM Lala, Santokh Singh, Vasdev
Uppal, RC Malhotra, AK Sharma, MPS Gulati, CS Mudhar, SC Vedhra, SD
Arora, among others, were present on the occasion.
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Co-op bank to recruit staff
Jalandhar, September 1 Accompanied by Kamaldeep Singh Sangha, registrar, Cooperative Societies, Punjab, Sangha made the statement after inaugurating a newly computerised branch (842nd) of the bank, here recently.He said the recruitment would be made in a phased manner to avoid the problem of promotions and bulk retirement. The posts would be advertised shortly, he added. Moreover, the bank would also open its own 100 ATMs (networked with the ATMs of other banks) across the state to facilitate its customers, Miglani said. “The computerisation and online networking of the bank was completed in a record time of 11 months, besides providing infrastructure and other facilities in all 842 branches in the state,” said Sangha. The computerisation and the internet networking would not only ease the customer but also help in maintaining transparency, he said.
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With less than three weeks left for famous Baba Sodal Mela to be held here, the roads around Sodal Mandir are still in a dilapidated condition.
It seems like endeavours towards ensuring artistic activity at the local Virsa Vihar are finally picking up.
While efforts to give a gallery space-like feel to the Virsa Vihar, the construction of an acoustics-enabled auditorium on the first floor and the art exhibition which saw its final day-workshop are some of the ongoing efforts, more projects are in store for future.
Hundreds of activists belonging to the Bahujan Samaj Party led by its state general secretary Jarnail
Nangal, today blocked rail traffic on Jalandhar-Phagwara Rail Section near Satokhpura Rail Crossing for about one hour in support of their demand to arrest an alleged accused NRI Baghicha Singh, allegedly responsible for the suicide of BSP Sarpanch Des Raj who was forced to took this extreme step yesterday evening.
With less than three weeks left for famous Baba Sodal Mela to be held here, the roads around Sodal Mandir are still in a dilapidated condition.
