Ludhiana, September 24
High drama was witnessed in A-zone office (headquarters) of the municipal corporation, as a tehbazari superintendent was slapped, and employees in all four zones of the civic body stopped work for the second half of the day. After extended parleys between the affected parties, a compromise was reached late in the evening.

It all started at around 2 pm, when a few activists of the Municipal Karamchari Dal, led by its vice-chairman, Choudhry Yash Pal, went to meet Rajiv Bhardwaj, tehbazari superintendent, to make a plea that the hoardings put up in connection with the forthcoming shobha yatra of Maharishi Valmiki should not be removed during the ongoing drive against removal of all hoardings, banners and unipoles.

Eye witnesses said that the official said that he had no authority to go selective and the matter ought to be taken up with the higher officials who had ordered the removal of all hoardings after the expiry of the contract for advertisements.

After exchange of heated words, a supporter of Yash Pal slapped the tehbazari superintendent. A large number of MC employees who had gathered at the spot after hearing the commotion, felt offended and humiliated, as their colleague was assaulted and they decided not to continue with the work. The MC employees in other zones in the city also followed suit and many of them rushed to the A zone office to express solidarity with their co-worker.

In the meantime, senior MC officials and elected functionaries, including mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria and Deputy Mayor RD Sharma arrived at the spot and tried to pacify the agitated workers who had announced to go on an indefinite strike unless the miscreants tendered an apology to the aggrieved employee.

The meeting between the representatives of the MC employees and activists of the Municipal Karamchari Dal continued for more than three hours, and it was late in the evening when both the parties agreed to a compromise.

Lakshman Dravid, chairman of the Municipal Karamchari Dal, said the matter had been amicably settled and the MC employees were satisfied with
the outcome. 

Ludhiana, September 24
The grant released by the government for the mid-day meals in schools could only serve the purpose till August, and once again, there is paucity of funds. Teachers and principals of respective schools have started collecting funds at their own level.

According to available information with the District Education Department (primary), the funds of Rs 3.70 crore came from the government on September 5, for the mid-day meals in the district. One of the employees of the department on condition of anonymity said, "All funds have been sent to the respective schools and almost all of them have cleared their dues till August end. For September onwards, they will have to make their arrangements again, till the arrival of the next grant for the mid-day meals", aid the employee.

One of the senior teacher of a government school, wishing not to be quoted said that it had become very difficult to sustain the scheme in the absence of grants by the government. "Still we make our own arrangements so that the mid-day meal scheme does not suffer. Teachers and principals pool-in money to get the ration so that the meals can be prepared. The schools that have funds spend it on meals, but the condition of middle schools is bad and a majority of the schools collect the funds from teachers and principals", said the teacher.

The mid-day meal scheme has been embroiled in controversies ever since its inception. At times there are no funds with the government, while in other cases students had refused to eat the mid-day meals due to the sub-standard material being used. 

Ludhiana, September 24
The city witnessed moderate rain following a dust storm this afternoon. The Agro Meteorology Department at Punjab Agricultural University recorded 24mm rain in one-and-a-half hour.

Following rain, and the dust storm, the temperature in the city dipped to 21.4 degrees Celsius. Giving details about the weather conditions, Dr Kulwinder Kaur Gill, Agro-Meteorologist at Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), said that the rain was rare once the monsoon was over.

Meteorology experts said the heavy rain fall in Gujarat led to the disturbance in weather. The experts at the PAU had been expecting clear weather in the next few days.

Dr Kulwinder Kaur Gill said, "The disturbance is temporary, since the forecast says that the weather will be clear in the next few days. It will not affect the crops much".

The winds uprooted several trees and rain led to waterlogging of roads in many areas.

The evening was pleasant as the temperature dipped and the cool breeze provided relief from the humid weather.

Sandeep, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar said "We did not expect it to rain today as the weather conditions were humid for the past few days. All houses were full of dust after the dust storm, but later, the rain provided the much needed relief".

"The weather this evening is pleasant. I have enjoyed the drive on the city roads, as there is no dust and cool breeze is blowing. However, the roads and streets are waterlogged, but the rain has brought the much needed relief", Honey, a resident of Maya Nagar, said. 

Ludhiana, September 24
Cartoon characters came alive during the birthday parties of children these days. Mickey Mouse, Doremon and other cartoon characters are guests at the birthday parties of tiny tots of the city.

Themes parties are quite prominent among children’s birthday parties. Themes like jungle party, mickey-mouse superheroes like Spiderman, Superman themes are quite popular. The trend of having a theme to a party has caught on quickly. For girls themes for very young girls are based on themes like Princess Cinderella, whereas for the grown ups, Hannah-Montana and teenage themes are organised.

Teenagers sometimes like themes like Madagascar, Masquerade for birthday parties, according to a birthday party organiser. Puppet shows, magic show during the parties add the charm for the kids. Tattoo makers, make-up artists also come up to add colour to the parties.

"When the trend started in the city about five years back, it was restricted to elite. Only elite would have a theme-based parties and decorations for their parties, and the parties of their little ones, but now the trend has really caught on," says Shikha Arora of Eventum Party Zone. Even the little games the children play are based on the themes of the parties. We add a touch of the theme to the games, she says.

Event organisers have started going the extra mile offering customised theme parties and much more. "We have a complete play way for the kids with small tunnels, bouncies for games etc. We have furniture, cutlery especially for little kids," says Payal Mohindra from Thematics.

"Themes for birthday parties make them more memorable. My daughter remembers her birthday party. Parties are organised in any case, but the themes make them more fun for children," says Renu Uppal, a resident.

Ludhiana, September 24
District president of the Bharatiya Janta Party Praveen Bansal met and listened to the problems of protesting employees at Christen Medical College and Hospital here today. Following the meeting with employees, Bansal also met AJ Thomas, director, Christen Medical College and Hospital and members of management.

In a press note released by district cell of BJP Parveen Bansal said protesting employees did not gave any list of demands to him. The hospital authorities gave positive response to address the problems of employees. When the employees will submit the demands to CMC&H management they will take it seriously and will try to address the problems.

Ludhiana, September 24
Punjab has a rich folk legacy but the sad part is that youngsters are forgetting the rich culture. Only a few Punjabi singers are spotted with traditional instruments during concerts or functions.

Folk instruments made their presence felt during the ongoing youth fest at the Khalsa College for Women today.

Girls, who performed giddha, were seen carrying toombi, a high pitched, single string instrument.

The girls, who did not know how to play the instrument, said the was made of a wooden stick mounted with a gourd shell resonator. "A single metallic string is passed on a resonator over a bridge and tied to the key at the end of the stick. The string is struck with the continuous flick and retraction of the forefinger.

The instrument was a favourite with famous Punjabi singers. Another wooden instrument spotted at the fest was jori/nagoza. The Punjabi woodwind instrument resembles a pair of wooden flutes which a musician plays by using three fingers on each side.

"It is not easy to play the instrument as the sound is generated by breathing into it rapidly; the quick recapturing of breath on each beat creates a bouncing, swing rhythm. The pairing of nagoza with dhol in a piece of music produces a great sound that makes everyone tap the foot for dance," stated a nagoza player. A teacher said it was only during youth fests and cultural functions that the instruments were seen.

"The instruments are a part of Punjabi culture which is reflected in folk songs and dances. Bhai Mardana, the disciple of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, used to play a musical instrument called rabab. Guruji used to say: "Mardaneya, Rabab Vaja Bani Ayi Aa,"she said.

Ludhiana, September 24
The education department believes all students are eligible for competitive exams. Despite knowing that only those students who have scored 70 per cent in the Class IX annual examination are eligible for National Talent Search Exam (NTSE), the department has made 100 per cent attendance mandatory for Class X students. It has also sent a schedule through Edusat Society to all government schools asking them to prepare students for the exam.

As per a letter uploaded on the website today, all students will attend the classes (in first period) from October 1 to November 8, 2013. The letter states that it will be mandatory for all students to attend the classes as 'these will be of great help for the students'.

"This means that every day, the students of Class X will be trained for the NTSE. Every school has its own timetable but first period of the particular subject (it may be English, maths, science, social studies and Punjabi) will be missed for over one month in the schools. Barring a few, a majority of the students are not even eligible to take the NTSE. But classes will be held for every student," said a teacher. A principal of a school lamented that on an average not more than five to six students appeared for the exam as it was "too difficult". "The standards of learning need to be improved. The students are too weak in subjects like maths, English and science. But all students will have to attend Edusat classes and the subject which is taught in the first period in each school will suffer. The decision taken by the department is not fair," said the principal.

When asked if the department had thought of something to make up the loss of students as first period of respective subjects will be missed, Rajiv, in charge, Edusat, SAS Nagar, Mohali, said, "Students need not worry as the timetable can be adjusted accordingly."

When told that a majority of students did not even take the NTSE, Rajiv said the classes were beneficial for all students.

LUDHIANA: NSS day was celebrated at Doraha College of Education here today. The theme of the celebrations was "Not me, but you". The celebrations started with the blessing of God by recitation of Shabad. Dr Sandeep Sawhney, principal, Doraha College of Education was chief speaker.

Education World - Lifetime Achievement Award in education leadership 2013 was given to Dr AF Pinto & Madam Grace Pinto of Ryan Group of Institutions & Ryan International School, Ludhiana.

LUDHIANA: National Service Scheme (NSS) Day was observed today at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), wherein Gurpreet Singh Toor, zonal AIG (Intelligence), Punjab Police, and PAU alumnus, delivered a thought provoking lecture on the topic "Challenges before Youth."

Exhorting the PAU students to read books, Gurpreet Toor said books are man's best companion. "It is only through books that we remain attached to our glorious tradition and culture," he added. Voicing concern over declining moral values amongst the youth, he observed that they affect the personality of the students. He told students to evince and take active participation in co-curricular activities such as fine arts, music and sports. Gurpreet Toor also expressed concern over the increasing drug abuse amongst the youth and emphasised on making collective efforts to free the society from the clutches of drug menace. He said technology is a double-edged weapon and its appropriate use can pave way for the progress of the society.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr HS Dhaliwal, dean, College of Agriculture, said the organisation of informative and inspiring lectures is vital to guide the youth. The declining ethics amongst the youngsters is a matter of concern, he expressed, while calling upon the students to lead a disciplined life and develop a sense of responsibility.

Ludhiana, September 24
Young Indians Ludhiana Chapter's Student Net, at Punjab College of Technical Education (PCTE), invited eminent business personality of the region, Sandeep Riat. Riat is the managing director, Akal Spring Limited, and a former chairperson of CII, Ludhiana Zonal Council. As many as 200 students from business management program, PCTE, attended the session.

Riat shared her own real life experiences as to how did she manage to run the debt burdened auto parts company, after her father passed away, and motivated the students by narrating her own business success story. She emphasised on the significance of honesty and integrity in business dynamics.

She also equipped students with the information regarding new entrepreneurial ventures, family businesses and start up or first generation entrepreneurial businesses. She insisted students to dare to think big in their entrepreneurial projects.

“There are numerous businesses options available to start with, numerous ways to arrange funds through the help of governmental bodies and other private financial institutions, but first and foremost important aspect is the courage to think big,” said the managing director.

Riat exemplified success stories of few first generation entrepreneurs to motivate the students. The students attended the session with great enthusiasm. It was an enriching experience, said a student on the occasion.

Ludhiana, September 24
A city-based writer and artist, Janmeja Singh Johal, has adopted a new technique to expand the reach of Punjabi literature among the masses. Johal has recorded several books in an audio CD called Speaking Books, which is all set to release. With this initiative, people who don't understand the Gurmukhi script, but can understand Punjabi language, will be able to ‘listen’ to their favourite books.

“As many as 60 percent of the population in Pakistan are Punjabis, but they are well-versed in the Sahmukhi script, not the Gurmukhi script. Then there are Punjabis settled abroad, who are also facing the similar problem. So this initiative will cross the language barrier,” said Johal.

Initially, Johal recorded five books in one CD. Now, as many as 100 classic books are under the process of recording.

Darshan Basraon, Gurmukh Bhullar and Sawaran Tiwana are lending a support to Janmeja Singh Johal in making this initiative a successful one.

Jaswinder Singh, a Canada-based poet said, “It is a common saying that Punjabis are good listeners but not good readers, as compared to Bengalis and other sub-nationalities. It is, indeed, a great way to promote the Punjabi literature among the masses.” 

Ludhiana, September 24
A decomposed body of a woman was found from a vacant plot, near Veer Palace, today. The incident came to light this evening, when area residents smelled a foul odour emitting from the plot. Residents were shocked to find a decomposed body of a woman and informed the police. The woman appeared to be a migrant in her 20s. The station house officer, Moti Nagar, said an effort to ascertain the identity of the woman is on.

Meanwhile a body of a middle-aged man was found from a canal in Barewal area. The body was spotted by commuters this evening who further informed the police. Either the victim drowned or was killed and then thrown in the canal, said a police official.

The bodies have been sent to the civil hospital for conducting a post-mortem.

Ludhiana, September 24
The Mini-Bus Operators Association, Punjab, held a meeting today. Representatives from all over Punjab discussed issues related to the 80 per cent hike in tax under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Jaswinder Singh Grewal, president of the association, said in their last meeting with Bikram Singh Majithia, the latter had assured them of doing the needful.

But nothing has been done so far. "We postponed our agitation following his assurance," said Grewal, adding that they would have to resort to agitation to press for their demands. The authorities have failed to keep their promises.

Among others present in the meeting included Tarlok Singh Batala, Jarnail Singh Garhdiwal, Harmeet Singh, Balwinder Singh, Vinod Kumar, Bhupinder Singh and Lakha Singh. 

Jagraon, September 24
The 10th annual free-of-cost eye check-up camp was organised by Ajaib Singh Saggu Welfare Council, Jagraon, at Vishavkarma Mandir today. As many as 450 patients, suffering from various kinds of eye diseases, were examined by a team of doctors led by Dr Ramesh Mansooran.

During the occasion, over 98 patients with serious eye complications were also chosen for surgeries. According to Harwinder Singh Saggu, president of the council, the operations of the selected patients would be conducted free-of-cost at Mansooran's hospital.

Ludhiana, September 24
If this was done 10 years ago, they'd have become a laughing stock. Saying a no to socks, more and more youngsters are going in for colourful loafers and canvass shoes.

From colourful shoes, trousers, jeans, above-ankle jeans to below-ankle canvass shoes, distinctions are blurring.

"Colourful trousers matched with loafers are the in thing," said Amandeep Kaur, a faculty member from INIFD. Earlier, girls would be conscious about their clothes, but now guys too have turned equally fashionable, she said.

The fashion trend that began in the West is catching on here as well.

"Earlier, I found it a bit weird when I saw someone wearing ankle-length jeans and canvass shoes. I thought it was girly. But I had a change of heart as boys too look cool wearing the same," said Anupreet, a college student.

"Rather than the conservative look that men have been confined to for a long time, splash of colour and smart clothing do make men look cool. With colour and fittings, there can be a faster change in men's fashion too," says Bhavneet, a fashion design student.

Ludhiana,September 24
Members of the United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association, Effluent Treatment Society (LETs) and Ludhiana Electroplating Association today held a meeting with member secretary of the Punjab Pollution Control Board Babu Ram.

They said the units were facing a great difficulty in getting their licences renewed.

They said the pollution department sent them to GLADA. The office issued a form and charged Rs 5,000 as renewal fee.

The delegation also held a meeting with principal secretary, labour, Vishawjeet Khanna. Babu Ram told the delegation that he along with the chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board would visit Ludhiana tomorrow and look into their problems.

Ludhiana, September 24
The clerical staff's strike entered the seventh day today. Visitors to the Civil Surgeon's office were at the receiving end.

The employees staged a dharna and raised slogans against the state government and the health department.

Sukhvinder Singh, Punjab Health Department Subordinate Offices Clerical Association, said, "The strike will continue till our demands are met. The apathetic attitude of the authorities have forced us to resort to agitation. The health minister and director, Health and Family Welfare, have been dilly dallying the issue."

The demands include promotion of assistants, superintendents, stenographers and statistical staff. They demanded that 60 posts of accountant should be filled at the earliest. 

Samrala, September 24
A road accident on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh road, near Hedon village, injured 10 persons including two minors. As per the information, a canter collided head-on with a bus, going from Chandigarh to Faridkot, injuring three members of a family, driver and conductor of the bus. The driver of the canter also sustained injuries.

A 19-year-old driver of a tractor trailer passing from the site of the accident was also injured in the mishap.

“The accident occured at 6.30 in the morning. Three members of a family injured in the accident have been referred to a private hospital in Ludhiana, while the other five are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Samrala,” said a police official.

The injured have been identified as Rachpal Kaur (28), her daughter Rubi (14) and her son Ankit (7), all residents of Khanna, Sukhdev Singh, driver of the bus, Inderjit Singh, conductor of the bus, Dalip Singh, a resident of Mohali, and Gurmel Singh, a resident of Pamaal village. Two minors were discharged after giving first aid.

A case would be registered against the driver of the bus as it was his fault, said the station house officer, Samrala.

Ludhiana, September 24
Four unidentified persons entered a mobile shop located on RK Road near Cheema Chowk and decamped with six mobile phones and Rs 30,000 in cash by throwing red chilly powder into the eyes of its owner.

The complainant, Deepak Kumar, said the incident took place this evening when four persons, who came in a car, entered the Hot Spot mobile shop posing as customers.

While one stood at the entrance to watch the movement of police, the others engaged the victim in conversation and kept asking him to show a mobile phone.