Ludhiana, August 24
With robberies, snatchings, thefts and killings becoming a routine, the law and order situation seems to have gone for a toss in the city. In the latest incident of snatching, a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law were dragged to about 20 feet by two bike-borne snatchers in the busy Ghumar Mandi market here today.

According to Sukhdeep Singh, Division No. 8 SHO, the incident took place this evening when Urmila Jain, a resident of Sita Nagar, who is an employee of the Municipal Corporation (MC), was going to Ghumar Mandi along with her daughter-in-law on a scooter.

When the duo reached a sweets shop at Ghumar Mandi, two youngsters, riding a bike, came from behind and pulled Urmila’s purse. Both Urmila and her daughter-in-law fell down. Urmila was dragged to a distance of nearly 20 feet. Finally, the person sitting pillion managed to snatch the purse.

Urmila, who has suffered multiple injuries all over body, was rushed to the hospital by her relatives.

She reportedly told the police that her purse contained Rs 35,000, a mobile phone, an ATM card, an identity card and other documents.

Carjacking attempt

An alert resident prevented a carjacking near Dholewal Military Cantonment.

Gurjit Singh, a resident of Partap Singh Wala, near Hambra Road, said he was returning home when the occupants of a Maruti Swift signalled him to stop near the Dholewal Cantonment area. Three persons alighted from the car and asked about the location of the DMCH. In the meantime, one of the persons tried to pull out the car keys.

He raised the alarm. One of the assailants pulled out a revolver and hit on his head. When commuters started gathering there, the carjackers fled the scene.

Theft

Thieves stole Rs 2.6 lakh kept in the dickey of a motorcycle in the Moti Nagar area here today. The incident came to light when the bike owner, Sanjiv Dhawan, a resident of the Vrindavan road area, was shocked to find the dickey of his bike broken and the cash missing. He had parked the bike outside a factory. 

No headway in last night’s robbery

The police have failed to make any headway in Saturday night’s robbery. Two youngsters threw red chilli powder in the eyes of a businessman, Ramji Das, and took away his scooter containing more than Rs 10 lakh last night. The incident took place near the Kailash Chowk, which is a few metres away from the Division No. 4 police station.

The police have got blurred footage from a CCTV camera installed in the area. The camera captured the robbers attacking the businessman and taking away his scooter.

It is suspected he got the money in a land deal. He is undergoing treatment at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.

Murder case: Cops grope in the dark

It has been over a day since 35-year-old Mahinder Singh was murdered but the police have failed to zero in on the accused. Mahinder, manager of a sweets shop on the Rani Jhansi road, was found dead outside his rented quarter in Maharaj Nagar, near PAU.

Ludhiana, August 24
The top functionaries of the Municipal Corporation, including Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria and Commissioner Pradeep Aggarwal, might land themselves in a soup for their failure to convene a general house meeting of the civic body despite pressure being exerted not only by the councillors belonging to the Congress and the other opposition parties but also the ruling SAD-BJP combine.

The last general house meeting of the MC was held on March 3, 2014. Thereafter, the Mayor and other senior functionaries of the MC have been making announcements about tentative dates of the meeting, which never took place. According to the provisions of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act 1976, the general house meeting has to be convened at least once a month.

With just two meetings held during the past eight months, the councillors, cutting across party lines, are up in arms against the MC administration, especially the Mayor, whom they charge with shying away from facing the ground reality.

Going a step further, the Congress councillors, who met here late last evening, decided to seek legal recourse against the failure of the MC top brass to convene a general house meeting as per the provisions of the Act.

Hem Raj Aggarwal, leader of the Congress councilors, and Balkar Singh Sandhu, chairman of the group, said they would soon file a civil writ petition against the MC Mayor and Commissioner for non-compliance with the provisions of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act with regard to general house meetings.

The Congress councillors deplored the evasive attitude of the Mayor, who, they alleged, had backed out of his commitment of holding a meeting of the general house on August 25 and thereafter at regular intervals. “The councillors are being deprived of their democratic right of raising issues of public interest in general house meetings,” Parminder Mehta, spokesperson for the Congress councillors said.

Even as the senior MC officials said a general house meeting would be convened soon and the agenda was under preparation, sources close to Gohalwaria said the issues of resentment among independent councillors against the “rude” behaviour of the Commissioner at his weekly sangat darshan programme and tough postures adopted by the Congress councillors against the Mayor were standing in the way of holding a general house meeting.

Barring the rebel Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and independent legislator Simarjeet Singh Bains from using the councillors’ room in Zone C office of the MC for conducting his sangat darshan, was another reason for the delay in holding the next general house meeting.

Bains, along with his supporter councillors, was expected to raise an angry protest on this issue at the next general house meeting.

Insiders say Gohalwaria had initiated steps to defuse the explosive situation by making overtures of peace before going ahead with the house meeting.

Ludhiana, August 24
A 45-year-old man was crushed under the wheels of a speeding truck near Spring Dale School on National Highway I here today. The victim, identified as Inder Nath (45), was the father of four daughters. He had returned from his native village in Gorakhpur a fortnight ago.

The incident took place this afternoon when the victim was returning home. According to an eyewitness, a speeding truck first hit Inder Nath and went on to injure a woman. She was rushed to the hospital. Her condition was stated to be serious.

The truck driver has been arrested on charge of reckless driving resulting in death. 

Ludhiana, August 24
Jaswant Singh Cheema, District president of the SAD (Mann), along with his accomplices, was booked for attacking a BJP worker, Jagram Yadav and his wife. Cheema, who was arrested by the Salem Tabri police, has levelled counter allegations against Jagram Yadav. He said Jagram also attacked him.

The incident took place this morning when Cheema, along with his accomplices, barged into the Jagram Yadav’s at Gurbaksh Nagar in the Salem Tabri area.

Yadav said Ceema and his supporters attacked him and his wife and ransacked the house. They also took the CCTV cameras.

The police reached the spot and arrested Cheema. The motive behind the attack couldn’t be ascertained.

Sources said Cheema used to visit a woman in the area. The area residents, led by Yadav, raised objection to it. This rattled Cheema and he attacked Yadav.

Kewal Krishan, Salem Tabri SHO, said Cheema was arrested under various sections of the IPC and he would be produced before the court tomorrow.

Ludhiana, August 24
For the first time, candidates taking Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) in the state today were given a set of three answer sheets each with carbon papers. They were allowed to take one of the carbon copies of their answer sheets with them. While the original answer sheet was sent to the evaluation centre, the second carbon copy was kept in the strong room.

Talking to The Tribune, Daljeet Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab, who was in the city to attend two bhog ceremonies, said: “The new system of giving three answer sheets has been adopted to ensure total transparency in the TET conducted today. In the past, candidates used to complain that justice was not done to them. The result of this exam will be released after two days.”

The education minister said the answer key would be uploaded on the website: www.tetpunjab.com. A candidate will be able to evaluate his own answer sheet with the help of this answer key. If any candidate has any objection related to any question, he or she may submit it to the department within five days and the department will immediately redress it, he said.

As many as 1,83,695 candidates appeared for the test at 345 examination centres in the state. Of them, 47,859 appeared for ETT-1 while 1,35,836 appeared for the TET-2 exam. For conducting the exam smoothly, 36 nodal centres were constituted at the district and tehsil levels.

Helpline

For solving any problem related to this exam, a toll free number 1860-180-1814 has been issued. The exam was videotaped.

Three touts held

Education Minister Daljeet Singh Cheema randomly checked a centre at Government Senior Secondary School, Dholewal. “I also checked a few centres in Jalandhar and found everything satisfactory. I got a complaint that a few persons were promising some TET candidates in Sangrur pass result for a payment. I alerted the SSP, Sangrur, who rounded up three persons in this connection,” he said.

Ludhiana, August 24
Parents of other children, who were taking tuitions from Pankaj Arora, are in a state of shock after they learnt that the tutor had been raping a Class X student for nearly a year.

Parents said the conduct of the tutor was dubious, but they never thought that he could rape a student.

“Sometimes, Pankaj used to extend the time of the tuitions from one hour to four hours. Some of the students had noticed that the tutor used to make physical contact with the victim even during the class,” said a parent.

Some of the students said the victim had stopped interacting.

“She had stopped taking to us and used to remain tense. While attending the tuition, she used to keep looking on the floor. We had no clue that she was going through hell,” said a fellow student.

The parents of one such girl said she had shown tremendous courage to have the tutor arrested.

The incident came to light on August 22 when the victim narrated the horrific tale to her parents.

Ravinderpal Singh Sandhu, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP-West), said the accused was arrested soon after the matter was reported and a case was registered under Section 376 of the IPC for rape, Section 8 of the Protection of Child from Sexual Offence Act, 2012. The victim told the police that the tutor coaxed her into taking private tuitions on the pretext of scoring good marks.

After a few months Pankaj started making sexual advances and went on to rape her. Sources said the tutor also made an objectionable video of the girl on his mobile phone. The victim told the police that the accused blackmailed her saying he would upload the objectionable video on a social networking site.

It is being investigated whether the tutor was giving contraceptives to the minor.

Ludhiana, August 24
A day after a Dugri resident accused a parking attendant of overcharging him, another resident complained that he was charged Rs 300 by a youth claiming himself to be an employee of a parking contractor.

Heated arguments were witnessed between the parking attendants and city residents outside Hotel Park Plaza near Bhai Wala Chowk, where a wedding exhibition was on. However, the traffic police swung into action following The Tribune’s report highlighting how the visit to the exhibition was turning into a nightmarish experience for residents.

The traffic police today got the service lane cleared and challaned violators.

JS Sakhon, superintendent, tehbazari wing, said commuters were asked to pay the fixed parking fee and file a complaint if they were being overcharged. He said a recovery truck was pressed into service and announcements were made.

The residents visiting the exhibition were complaining that no such announcement was made near the hotel and some youths posing as parking lot employees kept overcharging the visitors.

The Municipal Corporation (MC) tow-away truck driver “deliberately” ignored traffic chaos on the service lane and was seen roaming around.

Police officials attached with the tow-away vehicle of the police department were seen complaining that employees of the Municipal Corporation were hand in glove with the parking operators and did not tow away haphazardly parked vehicles.

“The MC has its own wing, which includes a dedicated police team, to deal with encroachments and illegal parking and fleecing by parking contractors. But unfortunately they do not act and finally the traffic police is pressed to take action. Technically, it is the civic body’s duty to clear the road,” said a traffic policeman.

Acting pricey

On Saturday, visitors, who parked their vehicles opposite the hotel, were asked to shell out ~100 instead of ~10 (for one hour) and ~30 (for four hours). The visitors said when they objected to the hike in parking fee, employees of the contractor threatened them. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 24
With Chhapar Mela a fortnight away (September 7), the town is abuzz with activity. To avoid heavy rush during the mela, elderly persons have started coming to pay their obeisance at the shrine. Office-bearers of various committees, priests and officials of the civic body are busy making arrangements for the event.

To earn a healthy revenue, office-bearers of the panchayat have been bargaining with organisers and owners of various stalls.

Fun rides, mini circuses and “well of death” will be the main attractions.

Around 24 shops of parsad and traditional sweetmeat “khajla” have started transacting business ahead of schedule.

Leaders of various political parties, including the SAD, the Congress, the AAP and the Left are trying to hire land of their choice, but none has finalised sites for conferences.

Although the organisers have made every effort to hire land at prime location and get fixtures set up soon, none of them is reported to have applied for the permission from the civic authorities.

Expecting premium wages during the event, groups of labourers are also camping at the venue.

A huge turnout is being expected for the historical fair.

Ludhiana, August 24
Veteran Akali Dal leader Ujagar Singh Chappa (80) passed away this evening. He suffered a heart attack. He is survived by two sons and one daughter.

Chappa, who was known to be closely associated with Surjit Singh Barnala and Gurcharan Singh Tohra, had earlier served the party as the district Akali Dal chief. The cremation would be held tomorrow at the Dana Mandi cremation ground, said his son Jaswant Singh Chappa.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the leader. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Jathedar Chappa as a noble soul committed to the Akali Dal.

Shiromani Akali Dal president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information and Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the passing away of Jathedar Chappa.

Ludhiana, August 24
Their eyes are in constant search for what could make a great “click” as they pit their creative images against the world talent. More and more city youngsters are turning into amateur shutterbugs experimenting with and honing their photography skills.

They post their photographs on social media and websites such as Instagram.

“Photography is such a wonderful medium of creativity and expression,” said Vikas, an amateur photographer.

Smartphones equipped with cameras has brought about a revolution in photography. “The great thing with photography these days is that almost everyone has the tool literally in their hand most of the time, all they need to do is to utilise the smartphone cameras to push their creative limits and be a little more observant to click great pictures,” said Harvinder Singh, a student.

The motivation not only expresses their creativity, but also gives them a chance to share their work with the world online. “Not only do you get the great satisfaction of creating art, but also sharing it online. It is so satisfying seeing the likes and appreciation for your work right away,” said Udit, another youngster.

“Social media are no less than amateur art galleries, except the fact that those who post the pictures are not professionals,” he said. Some of the youngsters are participating in international photography contests online.

Smartphone photography is proving to be the starting point for many of the youngsters to delve into photography more professionally. “Starting with mobile phone clicks, my interest in photography has grown. I have started using professional cameras as well for my clicks,” said Gaurav, a student.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 24
As a part of the corporate social responsibility programme, officials of the State Bank of India launched a coordinated tree plantation drive in the region.

Besides planting saplings of shade and fruit trees on the premises of their branches and vacant public places, the organisers motivated their clients to plant saplings at and near their respective residences and workplaces.

Managers and staff posted at the State Bank of India in Dehlon, Sehora, Katani Kalan, Jodhan and Raikot, besides local town, planted saplings of fruits and shade trees in the region. The tree plantation project was undertaken in response to an appeal made by the assistant general manager, SK Sethi, in continuation with the corporate social responsibility programme of the organisation.

Dehlon block development officer (BDO) Rupinder Jit Kaur, PCS, was the chief guest at the main function which was presided over by manager Mohit Jindal. The assistant manager, Anapuran Arora, persuaded clients of the organisation to support the noble cause by planting saplings at their respective places. Appreciating the initiative taken by officials of the bank, BDO Rupinder Jit Kaur called upon office-bearers and activists of social organisations of the area to join hands with the organisation. “As officials of any organisation cannot afford to nurture the saplings planted at various places, residents and social activists should come forward to ensure survival of saviours of the environment,” said Rupinder Jit Kaur. Paramdeep Singh Deepa, Kuldeep Singh and Jagrup Singh, social activists and clients of the bank, assured the organisers that the planted saplings would be nurtured and protected.

The principal of the Government Senior Secondary School, Dehlon, Balwinder Singh Grewal, said, “Students taking best care of their plants will be felicitated during the annual function,” said Grewal.

Ludhiana, August 24
After two days of showcasing luxurious wedding trousseau and couture by more than 85 designers from national and international market, the wedding exhibition “Wedding Asia 2014” concluded today.

More than 19,000 visitors marked their presence in the wedding expo, claimed the organisers

The CEO, Excelsior Group, Maninder S Sethi, said, “Wedding Asia exhibition offers a complete shopping experience to brides and grooms.”

With “Raj nahi sewa” being the official slogan of the government, the senior functionaries of the ruling SAD-BJP coalition continue to claim day in and day out that they believe in ‘sewa’ (service) and not ‘raj’ (ruling upon). However, the fact remains that almost without exception none of the government functionaries practise what they preach. On the other day, when senior Badal (Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal) was in town, there was a curfew-like-situation on the entire route that he was to take to reach the venue of the function on the PAU premises. Thousands of vehicles were stuck on various roads all along the route following the orders by the police. Even pedestrians were stopped from crossing the road lest the CM’s convoy should face any obstruction. If the government functionaries (read Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister) really wish to have the feel of the harsh ground realities, they should move amongst the people without elaborate security arrangements which remind people of the British raj. Or else they should openly accept that two classes exist in the state – the rulers and their subjects.

Good sense of humour or love for dog?

One day I was attending a phone call in the office. The caller was giving me very important information related to some news. Suddenly, I heard a dog howling on the other end. After a few seconds, I heard the caller saying, “Hut oye, hut pare ho” (Get aside). Interrupting the caller, I asked him, “Bhaiji what was this sound? Who was on your phone?” The caller said, “A stray dog. Actually, he loves me very much so now he is seeking my attention. Perhaps the dog wants that I should attend to him first.” After saying this, the caller hurriedly finished his communication. But all this left me amused and confused that either the caller is a dog lover or he has a good sense of humour.

Food for thought

High-end exhibitions held in the city are a delight for the people who love to splurge on “good things of life”. But a reader has a different story to share with us: “The media writes reams on high-end exhibitions. The beautiful products showcased in the exhibitions are highlighted tantalisingly by the media. No wonder, we want to buy these magnificent things. But in most of the cases, even a one-month salary is not enough to buy a single item displayed at these exhibitions. One realises that one has suddenly become poor!” Now, this is some food for thought.

Contributed by: Kuldip Bhatia, Anupam Bhagria, Minna Zutshi 

Ludhiana, August 24
Finally, the boy students of the Senior Secondary Residential School for Meritorious Students will be moving into the old SCD Government College’s hostel renovated for them.

Till now, girl students of the school had been residing in the hostel, while the boys were made to stay in the classrooms of the school. The two, moreover, were sharing the mess.

With the Public Works Department completing one block of the girls’ hostel, the girls will be vacating the boys’ hostel.

School principal Anoop Passi said: “After the completion of Block A of the girls’ hostel, we have sufficient space for accommodating the girl students presently enrolled with the school. The Block B will be ready by the next session.”

While addressing the issue of providing medical aid to students, the principal said there was a need to have permanent medical staff on the premises.

At present, the government has ordered the Civil Surgeon’s Office to arrange medical facility for the schoolchildren. Doctors, reportedly, have starting visiting the school.

“We want the government to depute permanent doctors at the school. The stock of medicine should also be kept in the school. The government should arrange for a tie-up with any good hospital in the city. Also, health insurance should be provided to students,” said Anoop Passi. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 24
Rubinjot Kaur, Alisha Sharma and Neelam emerged winners during the inter-college art competition and exhibition organised at the Bhutta Group of Colleges.

Renowned artist Sidhartha was the chief guest. Appreciating organisers’ effort to promote talent among students from rural background, Sidhartha said his major achievements were accomplished by imbibing ideas from his native village and natural surroundings.

“By drawing inspiration from rural-pastoral environment, I could achieve recognition as an international painter, sculptor and artist. That is why I always used natural pigments extracted from plants and herbs,” said Sidhartha during an interactive session.

With the intent to enthuse budding painters, Sidhartha painted on a canvas on the spot. Former minister of technology Jagdish Singh Garcha presided over the felicitation session.

Ludhiana, August 24
The Gujranwala Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology, Civil Lines, on Sunday organised an intra-college talent hunt show, “Reflexions 2014” on its campus.

The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp followed by the inaugural address by the institute coordinator, Prof Manjit Singh Chhabra.

He motivated the students to make extracurricular activities a part of their life, as these not only broke the monotony of studies but also helped them transform their personality.

The mega event witnessed a plethora of performances including solo song, musical instrument, stand-up comedy, solo dance and declamation. Students also took part in rangoli-making, mehndi-design, painting, cartoon-making and collage-making activities.

Principal Dr PS Khattra gave away prizes and congratulated the winners. The overall trophy was bagged by the first semester batch of BCA.

Ludhiana, August 24
Over 70 members attended the annual continuing medical education (CME) of the Indian Association of Private Psychiatry (IAPP), Punjab and Chandigarh. The theme of the programme was "Opiate addiction: Its current status in Punjab".

Association editor Dr G Prasad Rao from Hyderabad was the chief guest. He said as Punjab had a large number of addicts, psychiatrists in the private sector were working overtime in treating these patients. He said clear guidelines were needed for the treatment and rehabilitation of such a large number of patients.

Dr Atul Ambekar from AIIMS delivered a talk on the policy matters of treating such patients. He said new and relevant regulations should be put in place to deal with the situation.

IAPP president Dr Puneet Kathuria said psychiatrists doing private practice were ready to help the government for achieving a drug-free Punjab through public-private partnership.

The organising chairperson, Dr Rajiv Gupta, urged non-governmental organisations working in the field of drug addiction to come forward and partner with psychiatrists to help make Punjab a drug-free state.

A panel discussion was also held by senior psychiatrists of the region. Dr Parmod Kumar, the national executive member of IAPP, stressed on the need for proper guidelines from the state.

Dr Satyen Sharma, secretary of the association, assured the government of all possible support from the private sector psychiatrists in Punjab and Chandigarh.

Ludhiana, August 24
After a long wait, visitors to the Punjabi Bhawan can sit, interact and enjoy tea and snacks at reasonable prices under one roof. The Punjabi Bhawan houses Punjabi Sahit Akademi, Language Department, District Depot of Punjab School Education Board and Reference Library.

With a cafeteria opening on its premises earlier this month, readers, writers and other visitors are a happy lot. People can sit here and enjoy eatables from 9 am to 5 pm. Although the cafeteria is yet to be inaugurated formally, people have started thronging it.

Appreciating this step of the Punjabi Sahit Akademi, one of the visitors Ramesh Chander said: “It is really a nice effort on the part of the academy.”

Kuljeet Singh, a brother of the caterer who has been given the contract of running the establishment, said: “We started the cafeteria in the first week of August. The visitors are being provided tea, aerated drinks and snacks at reasonable prices. We focus on cleanliness and serving eatables having good quality.”

On all six working days, the visitors can have rajmah, chane, curry and rice for lunch.

Ludhiana, August 24
Students of Guru Gobind Singh Public School brought laurels in various competitions at Flahi Sahib. The school bagged the second prize in “shabad gayan”. In turban-tying competition, Mankaran Singh and Jaskaran Singh won the first prize. Prabhsimran Singh came second and Gurdeep Singh got the third prize. Dapinder Singh earned a consolation prize.

In speech delivery, Navpreet Singh came second. The “shud gurbani” competition saw Gurpreet Singh and Simranjeet Kaur finishing first and second runner-up respectively.

In sprints, Daman Bawa and Ramandeep Singh got consolation prizes.

Ludhiana, August 24
The Baba Farid Foundation International organised a special function to release Barjinder Singh Brar’s novel “Lahu Bhijje Din-1947”. While addressing the gathering, Jagdev Singh Jassowal, patron of Professor Mohan Singh Yaadgari Foundation, said through this novel, Brar has shared sufferings of Punjabis during the partition of India.

Punjabi Sahit Akademi former president Gurbhajan Singh Gill, who presided over the function, called the novel a rich piece of literature.

Foundation chairman Pretam Singh Bharowal said the novel would become a historical document related to the partition.

Vimanika, along with Krome stores, are launching a whole new range of round neck t-shirts with some very interesting graphics in the range of Rs 749 to Rs 1099 in Punjab. The historical t-shirts will be available at all the eleven leading Krome stores across North India, incuding Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Dharamshala. On this collaboration, the chief executive officer of Vimanika Comics, Karan Vir Arora, said, “We got quite a few offers from Apparel retail chain brands from Gujarat, Delhi and even Mumbai but, I had to reject most of them. Although they had a decent reputation, but they lack the passion for our brand, and I only like to work with people or organisations which emit likewise passion for our products. So when I met Akshay Kapoor, CEO, Krome Store, in an event I noticed the same passion in him for our apparels. After knowing about what Krome stands for and about its 16 stores throughout North India, I decided to partner with them.” Akshay Kapoor said, “Krome stores are a division of Kapsons which is the largest multi-brand apparel retail chain store in North India.”

IREO Super Chef Challenge

The IREO Waterfront Gallery is organising IREO Super Chef Challenge. They have invited couples to participate and cook fusion food with renowned chef Shantanu Gupte, who hosts ‘Health Maange More’ on FoodFood channel. The Ireo Waterfront officials stated that the contest is open for couples only, wherein the wife will prepare the dish and the husband will lay the table. Giving treat to the taste buds of people present at the event, chef Shantanu will prepare four mouthwatering fusion delicacies using everyday cooking ingredients. He would present fusion of Indian and Italian food with the masala meatball spaghetti with lababdar sauce. Also donning his kitchen would be lamb kebab spring rolls, veg soya masala shepherds’ pie and caramelised banana n brownie samosa. Shantanu will felicitate the winner couple as well as the first runner up. All the participants have been asked to bring cooking material from home. Vegetable chopping and any other raw material plating would be done at the venue itself. — TNS

Medical camp

A free multi-specialty medical check-up camp was organised by the Ludhiana branch of IMA. The camp was held in association with Sri Guru Nanak Dev Mission Sewa Dal at Gurdwara Shaheedan Pherumaan, Dholewal Chowk. City Mayor HS Gohalwaria inaugurated the camp. Various specialists in medicine, surgery, paediatric, orthopaedic, gynecology, eye and ENT examined the patients on the occasion. Free blood tests were also conducted by a team from Civil Hospital, Ludhiana. Free-of-cost medicines were distributed by the Punjab Medical Representatives Association. About 300 patients were examined by the doctors.

Artificial limbs distributed

Bharat Vikas Parishad Charitable Trust organised a free artificial limbs distribution camp at Viklang Sahayta Kender in Rishi Nagar. Artificial limbs, calipers, crutches, tricycles and hearing aid were given to 50 physically challenged persons. Guests of honour Ashok Garg, Garish Garg and Ram Gopal Singla appreciated efforts of Bharat Vikas Parishad. Secretary of the trust Narinder Mittal said 995 camps have been organised and assistance was extended to more than 41,000 physically challenged persons. In addition, polio surgery camps were organised wherein, 2,000 polio-afflicted persons were benefitted.

Jan Dhan Yojna

Indian Overseas Bank, Civil Lines, organised a camp for the implementation of Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojna, under the supervision of CRM S Kedarnath. AGM Mukesh Kumar along with the chief manager, CN Aggarwal, advised the public about the benefit of the scheme of minimum balance and availability of accidental insurance cover to the account holder. Similar camps were held by all other branches of the bank in Ludhiana to promote financial inclusion for providing banking services to all the sections of the society.

Protest against Pakistan

Members of Action Against Corruption and Shiva Welfare Society held a protest march and burnt effigy of Pakistan for persistent violation of ceasefire during past three months. Expressing resentment against the inaction by the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the protesters demanded befitting reply to the alleged evil designs of Pakistan government against the unity and integrity of India.

Sewerage work resumes

Residents of Guru Amardas Nagar in Ward Number 59, falling under Ludhiana West assembly segment, distributed sweets on resumption of work for laying new sewerage lines. The was lying pending for a long time. The work recommenced in the presence of Inderjit Singh, private secretary to the legislator Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Residents of the locality, including Prem Sagar, president, Guru Amardas Nagar Sudhar Sabha, and Mahila Congress leader Gurpreet Sidhu expressed gratitude to the Congress legislator, who urged the authorities to complete the sewerage project at the earliest.

Protest march

Workers of Shiv Sena Punjab held a protest march through various localities of the city against alleged objectionable remarks and blasphemous acts against Hindu Gods and Goddesses on social media sites. The chairman of the outfit, Rajiv Tandon, while expressing strong resentment against such provocative acts to hurt religious feelings of the Hindus, demanded strict action against people behind such activities. He alleged that certain anti-national forces were resorting to these mischievous acts which were aimed at creating communal hatred and thereby, disturbed harmony between members of different communities.

Plantation drive

Members of Nav Chetna Bal Bhalai Committee, led by Sukhbir Singh Sekhon, president and Jagjit Singh Maan, general secretary, planted saplings at Government Primary School, Meharban to mark Van Mahotsav. Emphasis was laid on providing clean, green and pollution-free environment to children in schools in order to enable them to get good education. District Education Officer (Elementary Education) Gurjot Singh lauded the efforts of the committee towards creating green cover and spreading awareness about the conservation of environment.

PSPCL draws flak

The Bharti Kisan Union (BKU) has come down heavily upon the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for erratic power supply to farmers for running tubewells. The general secretary of the union, Harmeet Singh Kadian, alleged that as against eight-hour promised supply, the farmers were given power supply for only three hours which has forced farmers to run tubewells on diesel pumps. — TNS

Ludhiana, August 24
Jarkhar Academy and Siahar emerged overall champions in the Dehlon Block-Level Games at Mata Sahib Kaur Stadium, Jarkhar. In the U-16 category: Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Academy, Jarkhar, blanked Grewal Academy of Kila Raipur 4-0 to emerge winners. Government School, Gawadhi, secured the third position.

In kabaddi (boys), Khanpur outnumbered Jarkhar Academy 48-32 to come out as victorious while Shaheed Udham Singh School, Sohian, finished at the third place and in the girls section, Aassi Kalan overpowered Siahar 19-17 to clinch the top honours while Jarkhar Academy secured the third place.

In athletics, Punam Rani of Siahar got better of her opponents to win 400m and 800m races, Kamaljit Kaur of Aassi Kalan emerged victorious in long jump, Lovepreet Kaur of Siahar won shot put event and Kamaljit Kaur of Aassi Kalan proved too fast to win 100m sprint.

Harpreet Singh Shivalik, Youth Akali leader, gave away prizes to the winners.

Ludhiana, August 24
The match between Ludhiana and Kapurthala being played in the Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament (U-19) for Dhruv Pandove Trophy at Punjab Agricultural University ground poised for a thrilling finish.

On the penultimate day, Kapurthala, requiring 183 runs for victory, were inching towards the target with the score board reading 126 for 4.

Yesterday, Ludhiana, in their first essay made 130 runs and in reply Kapurthala scored 91 runs conceding lead of 39 runs.

Today, in their second innings, hosts were restricted to 143 runs in which the major contributions came through Deepin Chitkara (36) and Nikhil Chaudhary (31). The visitors began their second innings on a sound note posting 126 runs on the board after losing four wickets. Yudhveer Singh was at the crease with 53 runs against his name.

On the last day, Kapurthala need another 57 runs with six wickets in hand, which appears not to be an impossible task.

Brief scores

Ludhiana (first innings): 130 all out in 73 overs (Kashish 40, Deepin Chitkara 17 and Karan Bhargav 4 for 41).

Kapurthala (first innings): 91 all out in 48.1 overs (Danish Mehta 40, Yudhveer Singh 16, Nikhil Chaudhary 4 for 34 and Hartejasvi Kapoor 3 for 31).

Ludhiana (second innings): 143 all out in 52.5 overs (Deepin Chitkara 36, Nikhil Chaudhary 31, Harpreet 4 for 39 and Karan Bhargav 3 for 53). Kapurthala (second innings): 126 for 4 in 50 overs (Yudhveer Singh 53*, Navedhu Sharma 2 for 22 and Deepin Chitkara 1 for 8).

Ludhiana, August 24
Neha Rani and Simranjit Kaur overpowered their opponents to set up the title clash in the girls’ singles (U-17) category during the Open Ludhiana District Badminton Championship being played at Shastri Hall near Guru Nanak Stadium.

In the first semifinal, Simranjit Kaur, after some initial hiccups, managed to pip her rival, Parerna Dawar 21-16, 21-13 and the second semifinal was played between Neha Rani and Dhriti Vohra in which the former squeezed past 21-17, 21-19.

In the boys’ U-17 category, Dhruv Vashish and Lakshay Singla wrapped up their semifinal matches to assure themselves a berth in the title clash match.

Dhruv prevailed over Khush Fateh Singh 21-19, 21-15 and Lakshay quelled a stiff challenge from Mitaksh Gandhi before romping home victorious 16-21, 21-15 and 21-16.

Earlier, Mohinder Singh Grewal, president, District Badminton Association, Ludhiana, inaugurated the championship in which the competition in junior boys and girls, men and women as well as veterans was being held. He wished the participants good luck.

Other results

Men’s singles (quarterfinals): Anand Tiwari beat Amarvir Singh 21-8, 21-14, Jaswinder Singh beat Chanpreet Singh 21-13, 21-9, Puneetinder Singh beat Guranjan Singh 21-13, 21-14 and Lakhwinder Singh beat Sachin Kumar 21-8, 21-6.

Boys’ singles U-19 (semifinals): Dhruv Vashisht beat Lakshay Singla 21-15, 21-15, Mitaksh Gandhi beat Aditya Gupta 21-19, 21-13.

Women’s singles (semifinals): Harlivleen Kaur beat Prabhjot Kaur 21-6, 21-10 and Simranjit Kaur beat Arshpreet Kaur 21-9, 21-13.

Girls’ singles U-19 (semifinals): Aditi Mahajan beat Jasmine Jain 21-19, 21-19 and Simranjit Kaur beat Dhriti Vohra 21-13, 21-14.

Mixed doubles U-19 (semifinals): Aditi Mahajan and Aditya Gupta beat Neha Rani and Navneet 21-9, 21-13, Mitaksh Gandhi and Parerna Dawar beat Lakshay Singla and Dhriti Vohra 21-11, 21-17.