Ludhiana, August 22
Visitors to Tehsil East and West had to go through a harrowing time today. For the past three days, they have been returning disappointed, courtesy the Revenue Patwar Union’s strike.

Work at both the tehsils has come to a standstill. Patwaris are not issuing intkaals and fards. The agitation has inconvenienced the visitors no end.

“Although the strike was called off today, but the harassment cannot be expressed in words,” said Sarup Singh, a resident of Ashok Nagar.

He said: “Now, I will have to wait till Monday to get my work done. How can they make the general public suffer? For the past three days, we have been waiting.”

Students were not affected as patwaris did not stall the issuance of Scheduled Caste and domicile certificates.

The Revenue Patwar Union Tehsil Ludhiana (West) today called off its strike. The patwaris were protesting under the presidentship of Nirmal Singh Randhawa. They were up in arms against an official who had failed to clear pending files. Randhawa accused the official of not approving intkaals and stalling work. The general public remained at the receiving end, he said. People had to return without getting their works done.

The protesters took up their problems with Rajat Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, and Mukesh Kumar, District Revenue Officer. Rajat Aggarwal said: “The official has been replaced. Karamjit Singh, Mullanpur naib tehsildar, has assumed the charge. The official was a trainee PCS and his training will end this week. The patwaris have been told about the development and the strike has been called off.” Jagir Singh, general secretary of the Revenue Patwar Union Tehsil Ludhiana (West) said the administration had told them that they would not have to face such a problem in future and that the work would not be affected. 

Ludhiana, August 22
State Information Commissioner Narinderjit Singh has issued bailable warrants against Monica Anand, Assistant Town Planner-cum-Public Information Officer, for failing to appear (with the relevant record) in three consecutive hearings of a case filed by an RTI activist, Rohit Sabharwal.

As per orders issued by the Information Commissioner, on May 6, the official was directed to attend the next hearing to explain reasons for the delay in replying to the applicant’s queries. The case was to be heard on July 8, 2014. But again the official did not turn up. The PIO was then asked to remain present on the next hearing on August 13 by the State Information Commission.

As Anand failed to show up, the Information Commissioner issued bailable warrants against the ATP under Section 18 (3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, with the provisions of the CPC to produce relevant record related to the complaint of Sabharwal on October 16, 2014, at 11 am. The Commissioner of Police has also been sent a copy of the orders. Anand has been asked to appear through video-conferencing on October 16.

Referring to the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the Civil Writ Petition 4886 of 2003 which read: “The Municipal Corporations shall forthwith locate the encroachment-prone areas and take all necessary safeguard/preventive measures against possible trespass/encroachments viz erecting barbed-wire fencing, displaying notice boards containing statutory warning. The encroachment and monitoring committee should be held responsible for any lapse.”

The activist had sought information on encroachment-prone areas, total number of trespass/encroachments and the number of encroachments on which notice boards containing statutory warning were displayed. 

Ludhiana, August 22
The police remained on high alert following calls made by a religious organisation to stage a protest against the release of Kaum De Heere.

However, the last-minute ban imposed by the censor board stalled the release of the film.

There were inputs that some radical organisations that were supporting the release of the film could stage a protest outside cinemas and multiplexes.

The Shiv Sena had also announced a protest against the screening of the film.

Fearing trouble, heavy police force was deployed at cinemas and multiplexes.

However, the day passed off peacefully. In the evening, activists of the Shiv Sena Yuva Morcha demanded registration of a case against the director, producer and actors for making a controversial film in order to breach the communal harmony in the state.

RD Puri, national president, Shiv Sena Yuva Morcha, demanded a probe to find out if any agency, working against the nation, had funded the film in a deliberate move to create turmoil.

Rakesh Kumar, CEO of the Central Board of Film Certification, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was suspected to have allegedly taken a bribe for issuing a no objection certificate to the film.

The makers of the film maintained that there was nothing objectionable or controversial in the film and that the story revolved around three characters. They also issued a statement that the purpose of the film was not to hurt anyone’s sentiments.

Unaware of the ban, youngsters in large numbers reached the multiplexes to watch the movie.

“What is the problem in releasing the movie in the country. I think people are mature enough and do not indulge in petty tactics of anti-social elements who try to harm the communal harmony,” said a youth visiting a multiplex.

Social networking sites were also flooded with comments on the ban. While some supported the view of banning the film, the others wanted the ban to go. 

Ludhiana, August 22
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Parkash Singh Badal has urged corporate houses to “think big”. The CM, during his visit to Ludhiana for the launch of Loomba Foundation’s project on socio-economic empowerment of widows, admitted that inflation was high and it was pushing up the cost of living, making it difficult for the underprivileged section to meet their daily needs. Underscoring the need for “big” welfare projects in the state, the CM said: “In the times when inflation is soaring and household expenses run high, merely distributing sewing machines (to poor and needy women/widows) will not work.”

The CM, raising the pitch for “big” projects, went on to add: “What will the women do by earning Rs 1,000 every month? We have to make women more ‘productive’ economically.” Addressing philanthropist Lord Raj Loomba, founder of the Loomba Foundation, the CM said: “The former is welcome in Punjab. Assuring the philanthropist of his support, Badal said: “You can call me any time for the (welfare) projects. But the projects should be big.”

Earlier, addressing industrialist Abhay Oswal’s wife Aruna Oswal, who is a trustee of the Loomba Foundation, Badal said the corporate houses should come up with “big” welfare projects, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, for the state. The CM assured the corporate houses of providing all possible help and cooperation in this regard.

The Chief Minister urged the NRIs to start welfare projects in villages of Punjab. “The state government will provide matching grants for the projects initiated by the NRIs,” he added.

Meanwhile, the CM today gave a nod to the setting up of a state-of-the-art multi-skill centre on the premises of the knitwear facility, managed and run by the Punjab State Hosiery and Knitwear Development Corporation, at Industrial Focal Point. A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister during a high-level meeting with industrialists. The CM said the entire capital cost of restructuring and renovating the existing infrastructure at the knitwear facility would be borne by the state government. A committee comprising eminent industrialists would manage the affairs of this centre. He said this multi-skill centre would impart training to 2000 unemployed youth. The CM also asked the committee to put in place a training module (for students) in consultation with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other premier organisations engaged in skill training programmes.

Ludhiana, August 22
The 10-bedded de-addiction centre of Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital will be transformed into 50-bedded. This was stated by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, who was on a visit to the hospital, today.

Senior Medical Officer of the hospital said: “On learning that 100 to 125 addicts visited the OPD of the de-addiction centre every day, the Chief Minister said it was strange that only a few addicts came to the centre. When asked why the number was declining, Dr Sudha Vasudev, head of the department of psychiatry, replied that there were a number of private de-addiction centres in the city and those belonging to well-off families preferred private centres to government ones.”

Dr Sudha said the number of addicts in Ludhiana district was less as compared to other districts.

The Senior Medical Officer told the Chief Minister that the centre needed to be upgraded.

Dr Karkara said more beds were required. The Chief Minister assured him of upgrading the infrastructure. A team of experts will soon visit the centre and draft a plan.

Sahnewal, August 22
Strike of sweepers has entered Day 15 today. The sewerage has made the living conditions of the Sahnewal residents a nightmarish experience.

The residents have no other option but to put up with dirt, filth and squalor. The municipal authorities are yet to find a solution to the problem.

The over filled nullahs, and the stink is making life difficult for residents. The dirty condition is giving rise to mosquitoes as well. The open dumping is making situation all the more deplorable.

“Residents are passing through testing times. The dingy condition in which they are forced to live is posing a threat to their health. They can acquire various waterborne diseases and fall prey to infections. The fear of dengue and other waterborne diseases hangs heavy on their heads in wake of such telling conditions,” rued a localite, Harbans Singh Sains. “If the strike continues for a few more days, has the council thought of another alternative or will they simply continue to watch the show, while we suffer? The residents themselves have to clean the over brimmed nullahs. The garbage water and filth is jammed in the small nullahs have turned the streets into pools of filthy garbage water,” rued Rajiv Kapila, a resident of the town.

Sanitary inspector Jasvir Singh said, “We too are helpless in this regard. We try to send our personal sweepers at some particular places but people do not allow them to clean the area. The strike may end on Monday. We are aware that the residents are passing through difficult times but there is no other option. The sweepers have simply refused to work.”

LUDHIANA, August 22
Ann Jal Sewa Trust, a non-government organisation, with the help of the Municipal Corporation, Health and Police Department rescued as many as 15 beggars from Shri Durga Mata Mandir and Bharat Nagar Chowk.

Founder of the NGO, Shiv Ram Saroy, said, “Dr Seema Jain and counselor Manjinder Singh from Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, Satish Malhotra from MC and police personel from the Division Number 5 Police Station accompanied us in the rescue operation. The beggars bathed at the Night Shelter, Hambran Road Shelter. Then they were taken to Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, for medical check-up. Many of them were found to be suffering from some health ailments.” Saroy said one of the beggars was a rickshaw-puller. He said he started begging as his vision is very poor and he is unable to pull the rickshaw.

Ludhiana, August 22
A national seminar on “Scope of Agri-Business Management in India” was organised at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Gurupkar Mehta and Ishan Chawla from the Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Symbiosis International University, Pune, delivered a talk and held an interactive session with the students. The agriculture and engineering students pursuing their graduation and postgraduation at the PAU attended the seminar.

In their talk, the resource persons said, “A total of 1,76,97,9000 people are engaged in agriculture sector in India. Most of them belong to middle sector.” They observed that land holdings are very small and new technologies are not being used. Farmers are not getting adequate resources, for which there is no allocation, they said. Therefore, the need of the hour is to diversify agriculture for enhancing profit, reducing yield gap and increasing export of farm products, they emphasised.

The resource persons also informed the audience about government and non-governmental organizations supporting crop diversification. They impressed on adopting advanced farming such as horticulture, fisheries, etc for lucrative agriculture. “As food is the need of the population, commercial production is equally essential,” they emphasised. Referring to the scope of agri-business management, they called upon the generation Y to engage themselves into food processing sector, consultancy, retail sector and organic farming. Besides, they apprised the students about the admission process to agri-business management programme of the SIIB. They also organized a general agriculture quiz programme, wherein winners were awarded prizes.

Earlier, Dr PK Chhuneja, chairman, Academic Affairs and PAU Entomologist, welcomed the guests, and the participating faculty and students. He said farm income can be augmented by adopting meticulous methods, involves judicious use of farm inputs and by opting for strategic marketing system.

Dr Rajendra Kalra, professor of Extension Education, coordinated the programme.

Ludhiana, August 22
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal called upon the major industrial houses to play a key role in opening skill centres to upscale the existing skills and expertise of their employees besides imparting skill training to the unemployed youth as a ‘mission mode’.

Addressing the gathering, after giving away the certificates to the first batch of supervisors and welders who had undergone technical training in ‘Hunar’- a skill centre of Hero group on its premises, the CM said such industrial tycoons and entrepreneurs should come forward to establish the upgraded skills and training centres as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He said it was the need of the hour that industrial units and the state government should join hands to impart quality skill training to the unemployed youth for making them self employed on one hand and weaning them away from drugs on the other.

Badal, while lauding the Hero group for opening the centre, expressed hope that the centre would act as a lighthouse for the other industrial units to follow its footsteps adding that the state government would provide fulsome support and cooperation to the industrial units for such endeavors.

The CM also urged other industrialists to replicate the same model on their industrial premises to empower the unemployed youth with the provision of new technical skills especially in cycle, textile, knitwear, small scale and machine tool to cater the need of specialised labour in local industry. — TNS

Ludhiana, August 22
The Loomba Foundation, the UN accredited global NGO working exclusively for the cause of widows and their children, has launched a unique project together with the Punjab Government to empower 5,000 widows in the state.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was the chief guest for the launch function. He, together with Lord Raj Loomba, the founder and chairman and trustee of The Loomba Foundation, and Lady Loomba distributed sewing machinesto some of the beneficiaries to formally kick-start the ‘Punjab Project for Empowerment of Widows.’

British philanthropists Graham and Susan Tobbell as well as Aruna Oswal, the Indian trustee patron of The Loomba Foundation, were also present on the occasion to express their solidarity for the cause.

The first phase of ‘Punjab Project for Empowerment of Widows’ will cover 2,000 poor widows in and around Ludhiana.

Well-qualified trainers have already been identified across 19 different centres so that the project can take-off immediately.

Upon successful completion of the training course for garment-making, each widow beneficiary will also be given a sewing machine. The purchase of sewing machines has already been completed through tender process and these will be supplied within a time frame of one month. The Punjab Government and the Loomba Foundation will also explore possibilities to provide employment opportunities for widows in the garment making industries in and around Ludhiana.

The second phase will aim to empower 3,000 widows in the districts of Amritsar, Jalandhar, Mansa, Muktsar, Ferozepur, Sangrur and Kapurthala. Five more districts are likely to be covered under the project later.

The project also envisions to set-up a Rapid Advisory Group (RAG) amongst the local bodies which will seek to address the problems faced by widows and provide counsel and assistance to approach law enforcement agencies on a case-to-case basis.

Jagraon, August 22
The ongoing tussle between Jagraon Naib Tehsildar Sadhu Singh and the leaders of the Jagraon unit of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has come to an end. Sadhu Singh had allegedly misbehaved with the district BJP president, Dr Shrishti Garg, during the Independence Day celebrations.

The controversy had erupted on August 15 when Dr Garg had gone to attend the function organised at Government Senior Secondary School, Jagraon.

According to sources, when Dr Garg arrived on the stage and sat on a chair placed for the invited guests, Naib Tehsildar Sadhu Singh who was sitting nearby asked him to leave the stage.

Dr Garg quietly left the stage but the incident irked the workers and leaders of the local unit of the BJP.

The local party leaders brought the matter into the notice of the party high command. Criticising the incident, the local BJP leadership termed the incident completely unacceptable. While the party workers were planning to launch agitation by staging a dharna outside the office of the Naib Tehsildar, the SDM, Jagraon, Apneet Rayat, convened a meeting of the local BJP leaders and senior officials of the local administration to end the impasse. The matter was sorted out during the meeting as Naib Tehsildar Sadhu Singh apologised for his behaviour.

Sadhu Singh told the BJP leaders that he could not recognise Dr Garg because he had been transferred to Jagraon only recently. He also assured the BJP leadership that such kind of incident would not reoccur in the near future. Following this, Dr Garg accepted the apology the matter was resolved. 

Ludhiana, August 22
The city has a large appetite for luxury and the city’s youth is no exception when it comes to grabbing the latest smartphones and mobile handsets. Most of them get the latest handsets, not so much out of necessity, as for the flaunt-value of these smartphones. Many of them don’t even use handsets beyond six months.

“I generally change my handset every quarter. I want to stay abreast of technology and make use of what is the best in the market,” said Sarabjit, a resident.

“Smartphones are your companions to quite an extent these days,” reasons another youngster. It is there with you all the time, everywhere you go. It is your ticket to speak with your friends and stay connected, he added.

So getting new phones is important.

Many people buy expensive phones to impress others. “A smartphone goes with you everywhere. After your clothes, smartphones depict your status. So I keep the latest and the best in the market,” says another resident.

Having a latest smartphone has another advantage too, as it is an ice-breaker, he says. “Seeing my smartphone, people often ask me about my new phone and that gets the conversation flowing,” he added. This way you make new friends too, said a resident,

“I think the phones that cost above Rs 50,000 are so ubiquitous. The show-off value of smartphones is driving the youths to own the latest handsets,” say residents.

Khamano August 22
Consumer Awareness and Entrepreneurship Literacy Programme was organised at the Cordia Institute of Business Management, Sanghol.

The objective of the programme was to spread awareness regarding the marketing literacy among rural and urban youth.

Prof Madhu Viswanathan, professor in business, University of Illinois, US, and prof Tejinder Sharma, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, were the key speakers.

Professor MadhuViswanathan joined the programme online and addressed students for the recent developments in the marketing and entrepreneurial activities.

Dr Sharma talked about the various marketing skills and encouraged students to live their subjects by doing the practical projects instead of theoretical learning only.

Urmil Verma, director, Lord Rana Foundation Trust, UK, and executive trustee, Jawala Devi Memorial Trust, India, maintained that such programmes are essential for spreading awareness about marketing ethics and consumer rights.

Ludhiana, August 22
Wedding Asia 2014- a three-day extravaganza kicked off at Hotel Majestic Park Plaza here today. Bringing together the veteran fashion gurus and budding designers under one roof, the exhibition provides one-stop solution for all the problems related to wedding paraphernalia.

Maninder Singh Sethi, CEO, Excelsior Group, who has organised the exhibition, said, “In this edition at Ludhiana, we have put forward the amasing concept of ‘Wedding Asia Polo Bride’ which is beyond the imagination of the masses.”

Wedding Asia has exhibits from Kaaisha Studio by Shalini which includes widest variety of colours and combinations. Sarees, the ultimate attire of an Indian woman, are the highlight of Shalini’s collection by Kaaisha, along with sensuous lehngas, shararas, corsets and tunics.

While Ruceru, Kolkata’s new majestic library for royal ensembles, is another unique collection at the expo. They provide their own signature draping style and the craftsmanship exuding the heritage and culture of traditional Indian embroidery. Another exhibit, the silhouette is fusion of gown and lehnga.

Gems and jewellery is equally attractive. Anand Gupta, chairman of Tibarumals Gems and Jewellers, said, “We are a Hyderabad-based brand which has a strong hold in diamond and antique gold jewellery. This is our first visit to Ludhiana and we are expecting a good response from the local people. The exhibition is being organised here at the request of many traditional clients in this region.”

Similarly, Khurana Jewellery House provides jewellery which is a combination of all the positive qualities from its past with an innovative approach to design and craftsmanship today. This approach is visible in the wide range of merchandise that we offer. The stunning beauty and intricacy of each design is centre of attraction for all.

VAVCI –Kanika Mehra (Men’s Wear), a design studio for men, has come up with its well-tested fabrics and matchless craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Studio Gravity by Aman Preet (Men’s Wear) has also displayed its exhibits. 

Ludhiana, August 22
Actor Aditya Redij who plays the male lead in the Zee TV show, Bandhan … Saari Umar Humein Sang Rehna Hai was in the city to promote his show.

“It’s an interesting experience to play a forest ranger and shoot at real locations in the forests of Gujarat.” This has lent authenticity to the show,” said Aditya.

Viewers will be amazed to see depiction of a brother-sister relation in a different way, where a family accepts an elephant calf as their daughter’s brother. The show will be aired on Zee TV in the month of September.

There are some bonds that you are born into and there are others that you forge on your own. And then there’s a third kind that destiny picks out especially for you, simply because they are meant to complete you as a person. Relationships of the third kind are sometimes so unique that they question the norms of nature, challenge all socially acceptable patterns of lifestyle and leave everyone around gaping wide-eyed with amazement.

Zee TV’s latest primetime offering Bandhan … Saari Umar Humein Sang Rehna Hai is a television show that would delve into one such astonishing relationship between a little girl Darpan and Ganesha, a new-born elephant calf, who she accepts as her younger brother. Actor Aditya Redij plays the male lead of the show. Produced by Swastik Productions, Bandhan … Saari Umar Humein Sang Rehna Hai, is a heartwarming story of a very tender relationship between two innocent souls.

Aditya Redij plays the role of Darpan’s father, a kind-hearted and upright forest ranger. Shweta Munshi essays the role of Darpan’s mother. 

Ludhiana, August 22
Intense fusion of the traditional and the contemporary by flute maestros Suchismita and Debopriya sisters, accompanied by tabla player Mithilesh Kumar Jha, enthralled one and all. In collaboration with Spic Macay, a flute recital was organised at BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, Ludhiana.

The eminent officials from Spic Macay and members of the school management committee graced the occasion.

The performance began with a flute recital by the two sisters. Luminous Raags of Indian Bansuri, filled with an expressive intimacy revealed the subtle beauty and spiritual depth of classical music.

The beautiful rendition of ragas combined with beats of tabla held everyone captive.

Khanna, August 22
The Commanding Officer of 19 PB Battalion NCC, Ludhiana, Colonel Ranjit Singh, conducted entrance test for enlisting students in NCC at the Gulzar Group of Institutes. The entrance test consisted physical test, including 100m race and long jump, followed by personal interview.

More than 150 students of the Gulzar Group of Institutes appeared in the physical entrance test and as many as 18 students were selected for the three-year NCC programme.

Col Ranjit Singh also delivered an extension lecture to the students of the institute. The lecture was organised by the NCC wing of the college. He also highlighted the importance of NCC in shaping the all-round personality of the cadets. He informed the gathering about the job opportunities available to the NCC cadets.

He told cadets and students of the college, assembled in large numbers, to plant more and more trees so that the earth continues to look green for years to come.

“Planting trees is a social service as the fresh air and the environmental benefits of a tree is enjoyed by all for years altogether,” said the Commanding Officer.

On the occasion, he emphasised on the threat of global warming which is an outcome of defore station.

Er Gurkirat Singh, executive director of the college, extended a warm welcome to the guest and highlighted the aims and objectives of NCC.

He also ensured full cooperation for the proper functioning of the NCC unit of the college.

Campus director Dr Vijay Athavale and GSM director Dr RK Maheshwari were also present during the event.

They encouraged students to take part in NCC programme.

Er KJS Gill, in charge, NCC wing of the Gulzar Group of Institutes, thanked the speaker for addressing the gathering. 

Ludhiana, August 22
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal visited Senior Secondary Residential School for meritorious students to check the arrangements and functioning of school. The Chief Minister interacted with students and staff of the school and listened to the problems being faced by them.

The students informed the CM that the school was lacking playground for outdoor sports.

Responding to the demand of students, Badal asked the District Administration and education officials about the land for the playground inside the school campus.

The school authorities suggested that the land on the backside of the school, where eucalyptus trees have been planted is suitable for the playground. The Chief Minister ordered to provide the playground to students at the earliest. Meanwhile, the students also demanded a canteen in the school premises from where they can have tea and snacks during day time.

The Chief Minister approved the opening of a canteen-cum-stationary shop in the school.

Most of the students told him that they were getting good facility and environment to study.

Parkash Singh Badal also asked the District Education Officer about the status of the construction work at four other branches of the school in the city, where the construction of new building is going on to accommodate the large strength of students.

Paramjeet Kaur, District Education Officer, informed that on the directions of the Chief Minister they had sent the length and width of the playground to the Deputy Commissioner.

“We will also start the canteen soon. Two separate canteens will be opened in boys’ hostel and girls’ hostel. Female staff will be appointed at girls’ canteen,” the DEO said.

Ludhiana, August 22
The police has booked seven persons in an abetment to suicide case.

The case was registered a day after Rinki was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her in-laws house in Amarpura.

Rinki’s husband Vicky, her father-in-law Jai Gopal, mother-in-law Mamta, Kalu, Simmi
and Goldy have been booked under Section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the IPC.

The victim’s mother, Nirmala, told the police that the accused gagged her daughter and hanged her body from a ceiling fan to project it as a suicide.

She said Rinki tied the knot with Vicky in 2003, but as the couple was childless, Vicky and his parents harassed her daughter.

Yesterday, she received a call that her daughter had committed suicide.

Nirmala said Vicky had hatched a plan long ago so that he could marry someone else. The accused are yet to be arrested.

Ludhiana, August 22
Two motorcycle-borne youths snatched a mobile phone from a schoolteacher near Suman Hospital in the Model Town area in Ludhiana today.

The victim, Ranjit Kaur, was returning home on a rickshaw when the duo snatched the mobile phone near Suman Hospital.

Ludhiana, August 22
City shooters reigned supreme in the 15th Punjab State Inter-School Shooting Championship held at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar from August 19 to 21.

Trainees of shooting coach Gurjeet Singh, the players stamped their supremacy in the event and finished among position holders. Six shooters from Ludhiana took part in the championship and all of them made their presence felt, clinching medals.

In the 10m peep sight air rifle event (men), Ludhiana boys, Arshdeep Sekhon proved his class to bag a gold medal while Tanish Galhotra followed him closely to finish as runners-up.

Likewise, in the 10m air pistol ISSF category (youth), Ekam Grewal and Anhad Jawanda of Ludhiana secured gold and silver medals, respectively, while in the women’s section in the same event, Ludhiana girl, Jasmeet Kaur Gill won a bronze medal.

In the sub-junior boy’s section, Viren Krishan Adya was on target in the 10m air pistol event to win a gold medal.

Bikramjit Singh Majithia, Punjab Cabinet Minister and president of the Punjab State Rifle Shooting Association, distributed prizes. The gold medal winner pocketed a cash prize of Rs 21,000 in addition to the trophy while the silver medal winner received a cash prize of Rs 14,000 each. Players who won bronze medals got richer by Rs 7,000, besides momentoes.

Sayan Singhi adjudged best shooter

Mandi Gobindgarh: Om Parkash Bansal Modern School, Mandi Gobindgarh, hogged the limelight in the Punjab State Shooting Competition held at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, yesterday. Sayna Singhi, a student of Class IX of the school was the highest scorer out of 300 participants hitting a target of 385 points.

Sayna was awarded a cash prize of Rs 21,000 by the Cabinet Minister, Bikramjit Singh Majithia, who happens to be the president of the Punjab Rifle Association. Second position was bagged by Vanshika Shahi and Rajpreet Singh, who received a cash prize of Rs 15,000 and the third position went to Samiksha Dhingra, Dilshaan Kelley and Manreet Kaur, who got a cash prize of Rs 7,000.

In the Team Air Shooting event, Prerna Khanna, Samiksha Kathuria, Chahatpreet Kaur of the school bagged the second position, while Shubham Aggarwal, Shivam Garg and Sahil Karwal bagged the third position. Chairman Dr Hukam Chand Bansal congratulated the winners. Principal of the school PK Arora inspired the winners to further raise their bar to hit the Olympics.

Ludhiana, August 22
The 60th edition of the Punjab State Inter-District School Games for boys and girls started at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Punjab Agricultural University campus here today.

Handball (boys and girls) and softball (boys) matches were played on the opening day. Paramjit Kaur Chahal, District Education Officer (Secondary), declared the games open. Sanjeev Thapar, principal of the host school, and other officers of the District Education Department were present at the inaugural function.

Results

Handball (U-19 boys): Hoshiarpur beat Mansa 8-5, Patiala beat Amritsar 12-7, Ropar beat Sangrur 13-12; Handball (U-19 girls): Patiala beat Amritsar 5-4, Mansa beat Fatehgarh Sahib 4-1, Ferozepur beat Faridkot 12-5 and Kairon Wing, Tarn Taran beat Mohali 12-1; Softball (U-19 boys): Ludhiana beat Fatehgarh Sahib 16-0, Gurdaspur beat Fazilka 12-2 and Mohali beat Tarn Taran 12-5.