Ludhiana, September 7
A day after notorious gangster Kala Hawas was shot dead by two unidentified assailants on the Rahon road, the city police today booked alleged rival gang leader and former sarpanch Rajwinder Singh, alias Ravi Khwajeke, and his brother Sandeep Singh on charges of murder and attempt to murder.

Old enmity was said to be the reason behind the killing. The victim Kala Hawas faced nearly 15 criminal cases.

Recently, he came out of jail in an attempt-to-murder case. He was also exonerated from charge of involvement in murder attempt on Bunty Bajwa.

According to investigating officer of the Jodhewal police, the case was registered on a complaint of Arshdeep Singh. The officer said a manhunt was on to nab the accused persons and their accomplices.

Besides booking them under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC, the police have slapped several sections of the IPC against the accused.

Sources said Ravi Khwajeke had killed Kala Hawas as the latter had shot at his brother during a marriage ceremony at Kohara three years ago.

The complainant, Arshdeep Singh said he, along with Kala Hawas, was going towards Rahon in a car. When they reached near the octroi (chungi) post, four unidentified assailants came on two motorcycles and opened fire at them. Kala died on the spot. The shooters fled the spot after killing Hawas.

Old rivalry suspected reason

Sources said Ravi Khwajeke and Kala Hawas were rivals and were running their own gangs. Both of them took special interest in college politics. In 2009, Kala shot at Satwinder Singh Aujla, the then president the GGN College wing of the Student Organisation of India. Interestingly, the police had then booked Ravi Khwajeke in the case.

In 2010, Ravi Khwajeke was booked after Jaswinder Singh (Jassi), who was also contesting the presidential election in the college, alleged that besides damaging two vehicles, a group, led by Ravi Khwajeke, sarpanch of Khwajeke village, robbed his supporter of Rs 1.5 lakh and a licensed pistol.

Ludhiana, September 7
It has been nearly a fortnight since a hosiery trader was robbed of Rs 10 lakh near Kailash Cinema. However, the police have failed to nab the robbers despite the fact that they have the footage of a close circuit television (CCTV) camera that captured the incident.

The victim Ramji Das, who is undergoing treatment at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital for the injuries he suffered in the attack by the robbers, has lost sight in the right eye.

Though the police recovered the victim’s scooter from Railway Colony, there is no further lead in the case.

The relatives of Ramji Das have alleged that the police merely completed formalities. After taking the victim’s statement, they did not visit him again.

Ramji Das’ son complained that the police had not yet told them about the progress made in the case.

“We have suffered a double blow. We have lost a huge amount in the robbery and my father has suffered life-threatening injuries and lost sight in the right eye. We have spent a huge sum on his treatment,” he said.

“The victim’s family is at their wits’ end. Ramji Das is said to be one of the biggest traders of cloth material from Kolkata. As the winter season is around the corner, the shop is brimming with stock. With members of the family shuttling between the hospital and the police station, their business has taken a hit,” said a relative.

The incident

The incident took place on August 23 at around 10.30 pm when Ramji Das, owner of a hosiery unit, was returning home in Patel Nagar. According to information, two persons riding a motorcycle intercepted Ramji’s Activa scooter near the Kailash chowk. Before Ramji Das could react, the pillion rider attacked him with a rod and threw red chilli powder into his eyes.

They took away his Activa scooter containing cash. An injured Ramji Das was rushed to the Dayanand Medical College and hospital (DMCH) by the local residents.

Ludhiana, September 7
The police have booked six Non-Resident Indians for duping an 80-year-old NRI of Rs 10 crore. The case has been registered on a complaint of Jaswant Singh Rattan. The accused have been identified as Jasvinder Singh Brar, Sukhdev Singh Garewal, Baljeet Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Baljeet Kaur and Randhir Singh.

Jaswant said they usurped his two properties worth Rs 10 crore on fake power of attorney. Baljeet Kaur was looking after his properties in Shaheed Kernail Singh Nagar and Gurdev Nagar. — TNS

Ludhiana, September 7
It seems snatchers have no fear of the police. Two motorcycle-borne youngsters snatched the purse of a woman outside a gurdwara in Model Town where Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, along with his 12 ministers, was attending a programme held on the death anniversary of Tajinderpal Singh, son of Avtar Singh Makkar, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

The incident has caused major embarrassment to the city police. Besides personnel of the Chief Minister’s security, a large number of the city police personnel were deployed at the spot where the snatching took place.

Harjit Kaur of Bhai Nand Lal Public School, Anandpur Sahib, said before entering the gurdwara, she handed her purse to her driver Kamaljit Singh. As the driver was putting the purse inside the car, two motorcycle-borne youngsters came from behind and snatched the purse containing Rs 29,000 cash, a mobile phone, an ATM card and other important documents.

Kamaljit Singh said he raised the alarm and tried to chase the fleeing snatchers. However, they escaped.

Later, Harjit Kaur reported the matter to the police.

Ludhiana, September 7
A day after tehsil secretary of the CPM Santokh Singh Gill was attacked and his right leg was broken, the police today booked 12 persons in an attempt-to-murder case.

Recuperating at the DM&H, Gill said first he was attacked outside the house at Sudhar. In order to save himself, he entered the house and raised the alarm. The attackers chased him and broke his leg by hitting him with an iron rod.

“They left me to die. Fortunately, I survived the attack,” said Santokh.

The accused have been identified as Talwinder Singh Nikku, Harpreet Happy, Gurpreet Kaur, Daljit Kaur and nine unidentified persons, all residents of Sudhar and Akalgarh village. They have been booked under sections 307, 452, 325, 356, 295-A, 294, 427, 506, 148 and 149 of the IPC and sections 25 and 54 of the Arms Act.

Sub-inspector Diwan Singh, in charge of the Sudhar police station, has been suspended and sent to the lines. Gill said the accused were earlier booked for assaulting shopkeepers in Sudhar. Gill said he was supporting the shopkeepers and was pursuing their case.

Ludhiana, September 7
With seasonal change comes an increase in cases of depression. This is evident in the number of cases being reported in the city clinics and hospitals. The people, who are already suffering from the bipolar disorder, are more prone to it.

Dr Ravinder Kala, a city-based clinical psychologist, said: “The bipolar disorder is an illness in which a person can have absolutely normal mood. But when a sudden seasonal change occurs, he can go to the extreme of depression or excitement. Some may have only the excitement phase and can either indulge in overspending, talk a lot, get hyperactive or do activities showing overexcitement.”

Other patients may slip into depression. They may become quite, suicidal, disinterested in work. Some patients suffer from both extremes.

Dr Kala said there were very good treatments available for bipolar disorders. Also, there is medicine available to prevent the occurrence of a condition in such patients during seasonal change.

Dr Rajiv Gupta, a city-based clinical psychiatrist, said: “There is an increase in the number of such patients these days. Moods are associated with sunlight or length of the day. From dawn to dusk, such patients feel good but as the night falls they become depressed. Patients of depression become less active on the onset of winters and become more active with the onset of summers.”

Mood swings in such patients depends on season, he added.

Dr BP Mishra, a professor at the psychiatry department of the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, said: “Whenever seasonal changes occur, we receive 15 per cent of 20 per cent more patients of depression at the hospital OPDs. Such persons should keep consulting the doctor if they have been put on some medicine.”

Ludhiana, September 7
The authorities of Kalveri Church, Brown Road, today held a press conference alleging that the state’s premier medical institute Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC&H) had given a contract of building an auditorium to members of the CMC committee in violation of rules.

Samsun Dogar, secretary, Kalveri Church, said as per rules, such a contract could not be given to relatives of the committee members.

The contract has been given to Abhishek Giani, son of CMC chairman Dr Rajinder Giani. Despite repeated attempts, Abhishek and the CMC director, AG Thomas, could not be contacted.

Samsun Dogar said the contract was given at Rs 9 crore while the actual cost was Rs 5 crore.

Dogar said Younas Massey, Bishop of Chandigarh Diocese, and treasurer of the governing body of the CMC hospital, had sought a copy of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of the auditorium, but it was not given to him. Samson Dogar maintained that the church was not against any person, instead its purpose was to eradicate corruption from one of the oldest and most reputed hospitals of the state.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 7
A large number of devotees from the town and surrounding localities paid obeisance to Guga, the embodiment of Nag Devta at Chhapar village, on Sunday. The administration and social organisations were caught unaware when, despite hostile weather, the devotees started converging on the Guga Mari shrine.

Visitors included activists of political parties and volunteers of social and religious organisation who had come to the town for making arrangements.

While security arrangements are yet to be completed, SSP Ravcharan Singh Brar has advised the SHOs at Jodhan, Sudhar and Raikot to step up vigil.

Today being a public holiday, a large number of devotees from the town and adjoining localities paid obeisance at the sacred shrine. The vendors, who had already set up their stalls near the shrine and on the roads leading to the venue, did a brisk business today. Reacting to the sudden arrival of a large number of devotees, office-bearers of a religious organisation, which had announced to organise langar during the event, enhanced the arrangement to serve “karhi-chawal” to the devotees. The Social Welfare Organisation, Hind Hospital & Diagnostic Centre and Kundal Lal Hospital established primary health centres and mobile health units. Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana Rajat Aggarwal and SSP, Ludhiana (Rural), Ravcharan Brar held meetings with officials of various departments. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 7
The police remained on toes making unprecedented security arrangements at the venue for Mela Chhapar that commenced today.

Although a majority of the teams requisitioned from other police districts are yet to arrive, their circle officers and in charges have been asked to ensure that no untoward incident occurs in their sector during the event.

Unlike earlier such occasions, special officers have been deployed to ensure that no official leaves the venue till September 9.

The Ludhiana (Rural) police had drafted a plan for the convenience, safety and security of devotees visiting Guga Mari Mandir.

Security personnel succeeded in implementing the strategy to thwart overcrowding and congestion on the first day of the mela.

CCTV cameras, including hidden ones, have been installed.

Mandeep Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dakha, claimed that all sectors of the mela site would be provided security cover in a phased manner.

“Although a number of devotees thronged the venue today, we succeeded in keeping away eve-teasers and pickpockets,” said Mandeep Singh, maintaining that police personnel in civvies had also been deployed at sensitive points. The devotees have been told not to accept eatables from strangers.

Officials of the administration and the police department are learnt to have studied decade-old accounts before making security arrangement, particularly on the day of political conferences.

The authorities have deployed special teams on the periphery of the town.

Dr Indi Seehra, director, HR, London School of Economics (UK), and Dr Viji, professor, University of Cambridge (UK), interacted with the students. Avtar Singh, president, SGPC, Amritsar, along with Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Cabinet Minister, Finance and Planning, Punjab Government, inaugurated the programme. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Cabinet Minister, Irrigation, Punjab Government, appreciated the efforts put in by Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University. — TNS

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Sept 7
Paying gratitude to teachers for their contribution in spreading education and knowledge, officials of various branches of the State Bank of India organised functions on the occasion of the Teacher’s Day.

As a part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility, contributions were made for development and enhancement of teaching aids at various schools.

Managers and staff at Dehlon, Sehora, Jodhan, Phoolanwal and Katani branches organised functions at educational institutes in their respective areas. Assistant general manager SK Sethi supervised the activity that was undertaken to boost educators.

The main function was held at the Bhutta Group of Colleges. Mohit Jindal, branch manager, presided over the function and former minister Jagdish Singh Garcha was the chief guest.

Sonu Grewal, principal of the institutes, was felicitated with the Great Teacher Award by the organisers.

Besides playing an outstanding role in the development of technical education among students from rural areas, Dr Grewal has paved the way for scholars by bringing out the Journal of Advanced Studies in Education and Management. Dr Rajni Bala and Chetna Bharti were also felicitated.

The stretch from Deepak Cinema towards Mata Rani Chowk through Bhadaur House and Clock Tower via Society Cinema has virtually turned into a nightmare for commuters. For quite sometimes now, there are big potholes and depressions on both sides of the road which literally give a jolt to motorists, especially two-wheeler riders and those travelling on cycle rickshaws and three-wheelers. Ironically, most of the senior officials as well as elected representatives of the MC travel by this road while going to Zone A Office of the civic body located at Mata Rani Chowk. However, none of them seems to have realised the plight of people using this road. Besides, a part of this road near Society Cinema was recently dug up and the repair work going on this section of road further adds to the misery of its users. If the badly damaged portion of the road cannot be recarpeted due to financial constraints, at least the MC could undertake patch work to mitigate the suffering of residents of the city till then.

Schoolbags with locks!

As exams are around the corner, students of some schools in the city are extra alert as their own classmates steal their notebooks. Finding their own innovative ways, students of a few schools have started locking their schoolbags. The locks which they use are not ordinary ones but number locks. A student said: “I have lost my four notebooks just before the previous exam. Now, I use number lock as I do not have to carry keys along. Thank God, these locks are available.”

‘Chai pe charcha’

The resignation of Harish Rai Dhanda from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has become the talk of the town. In a discussion at a tea vend, a political expert from the city expressed worry on the strategy of the SAD. He said on the one hand the Akali Dal has opened the doors for Hindus in the party but on the other a loyal Hindu face, Harish Rai Dhanda, left the party due to disappointment with party leaders. The city also witnessed rumours that Dhanda will join the BJP.

Contributed by Kuldip Bhatia, Anupam Bhagria and Charanjit Singh Teja

Dehlon, September 7
Agrarian families of the region falling under Ludhiana district vowed to adopt dairy farming as an organised vocation to supplement their income.

The oath was taken in response to an appeal made by officials of the Department of Dairy Development during an awareness camp held at Rania village, near here, recently.

The camp was inaugurated by sarpanch of the village Narinder Singh. Deputy director Dilbagh Singh Hans and inspector Santokh Singh were the keynote speakers.

Stating that the profitability in the dairy farming could be enhanced significantly by adopting scientific temper in the profession, the speakers called upon residents to utilise their free time for rearing milch cattle.

They said dairy farming was one of the professions in which every member of the family could contribute his or her share without upsetting the original schedule.

Illustrating various aspects of breeding, heeding, feeding and weeding, they said the dairy farmers should make use of knowledge being provided by experts to increase the gap between expense and income in their vocation.

The experts highlighted various schemes being launched by the department from time to time.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Sept 7
To voice their anger against alleged anti-people policies of the state and the Union Government, office-bearers and activists of the CPI and the CPM organised meetings in the town and nearby areas.

Meetings were organised as part of an awareness movement launched by Left outfits, including Punjab Kisan Sabha and trade unions, besides the CPI and the CPM. Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon, secretary, CPM; Kartar Singh Buani, secretary, CPI; Sikandar Singh Jartoli from the Punjab School Teachers’ Union; and Baldev Latala, general secretary, Punjab Kisan Sabha; were among those who addressed the meetings.

Accusing successive governments of looking after interests of corporate houses, the speakers alleged that both SAD in the state and BJP in the Centre, were bent upon dividing society on the basis of religion.

Corruption, unemployment, drug addiction and inflation were other issues raised by the speakers.

Accusing all major political parties of “sponsoring radicalism on a communal basis”, they called upon marginal farmers, labourers, employees and small traders to join hands with secular organisations so that interests of the common man could be protected.

Ludhiana, September 7
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal paid a surprise visit to the Senior Secondary Residential School for Meritorious Students here this evening.

Being Sunday, the school was closed today and the authorities were not present. On learning about the CM’s surprises visit, they rushed to the school. Officials from the Education Department, including District Education Officer Paramjeet Kaur, also reached there.

During his half-an hour visit to the school, Badal visited the hostels for boys and girls also.

While interacting with girls, he appreciated the well-furnished building of their hostel.

A girl student from commerce stream asked the CM if she could sing a song. On getting his nod, she crooned one and the CM appreciated her singing skills. Then, the CM asked them if they were interested in learning music. As a few girls raised their hands in affirmative, Badal instructed officials to depute a music teacher at the school.

Later, he asked the girls, “How many of you want to join Indian Navy?” To this, some girls raised their hands, following which the CM asked the District Education Officer to arrange NCC training for the students.

Badal told the students that he would visit the school again and students could tell him if they faced any problem.

School Principal Anoop Passi said, “It is our pleasure that the Chief Minister has visited the school for the third time. He interacted with students and heard them out.”

School sans non-teaching staff, medical facility

While Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal visited the school thrice, the school is still awaiting fulfillment of basic needs. The school has not got non-teaching staff till date. There is no medical facility. The number of computers available and other infrastructure is inadequate. However, the Chief Minister did not show any concern over these issues.

Doraha, September 7
Harpreet Kaur of MA (Political Science) Semester II of Guru Nanak National College here stood second in Panjab University by securing 79.25 per cent marks. The university had declared the results recently.

“The pass percentage of the college is 100 per cent,” said college Principal Dr Narinder Sidhu. He added that while Harpreet Kaur was topped the exams in the college. She was followed by Sandeep Kaur and Mandeep Kaur, with 75.25 per cent and 72.5 per cent marks, respectively.

Visibly ecstatic Harpreet Kaur said it was a proud moment for her as she brought laurels to the college that had given her financial assistance to continue with her studies. She said owing to financial reasons, her parents were not in a position to let her continue with her studies.

Harpreet’s father Lakhwinder Singh said, “I can never repay what the college has given to my daughter. But I am happy that she, at least, proved her mettle and lived up to the college authorities’s expectations.”

The president of the college management committee, Roop Brar, general secretary Harpratap Brar and Principal Dr Sidhu congratulated the head of the Post-graduate Department of Political Science, Prof Gursharan Kaur, for the 100 per cent result that the college had achieved making the institution proud.

Ludhiana, September 7
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reminded the schools affiliated with it to abstain from corporal punishment.

In this connection, CBSE secretary Joseph Emmanuel gave the reference of an advisory for eliminating corporal punishment in schools under Section 35 (1) of the Right to Education Act-2009 issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Union Ministry of Human Resource Development.

It may be mentioned that for the last few years, no such incident has been reported from any of the schools affiliated with the CBSE here. However, incidents of students being subjected to corporal punishment in government schools affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) have often come to light.

A study, ‘Child Abuse in India -2007’, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development found that two-third of school children has faced corporal punishment.

The RTE Act, which came into force in April 2010, prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment under Section l7 (l) and makes it a punishable offence under Section 17 (2).

CBSE-affiliated schools here claim that they are well aware about the negative effects of corporal punishment and they keep reminding teachers to avoid it.

Sandeep, a school teacher, said, “It is a matter of debate as to what kind of punishment should be given to students. But it is very clear that the punishment should not be physical. Strict punishment proves hurdle in the growth of the student.”

What about PSEB-affiliated schools

Despite the ban on corporal punishment in the country and clear instruction under the RTE Act, the practice prevails in government schools and schools affiliated with state boards. Such incidents remain unchecked.

Ludhiana, September 7
Panjab University will follow all the norms of the Association of Indian University (AIU) during the upcoming youth festival.

With the implementation of the AIU rules, the condition of minimum time to present an item during the youth festival has been done away with. Earlier, there were minimum and maximum time limits for a presentation.

The zonal-level competitions are scheduled to start from September 23. The Government College for Girls will host the zonal youth festival from September 23 to 26.

Dr Nirmal Singh Jora, Director, Youth Welfare, PU, said, “The minimum time- limit increased the burden of participants. Now, they will have to follow the maximum time-limit only.” He said there were changes in some other conditions, which the participants would be made aware of before contests.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, is proud to present the next generation of Access 125 scooters. Equipped with several new features, Access 125 has undergone a generational jump and is more evolved to cater to Indian users. In addition to being feature-laden, the design team has ensured that the glamour quotient of the model goes up significantly. According to a press statement, the features of the Access 125 include attractiveness, comfort, convenience, environment, security and style.

GS Radiators bags award

G S Radiators Ltd of (GST Group), Ludhiana, has been awarded the coveted M&M (PTL) award for excellence in the category of ‘Best Support’ Supplier for 2014 in the National Vendor’s meet held on on Friday at Zirakpur near Chandigarh. The company was selected amongst more than 300 suppliers for this prestigious award. Ranjodh Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of GS Radiators Ltd received the trophy from Harish Chavan, chief operating officer & Rajender Choudhary, SGM, Sourcing. — TNS

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised the Milan Samaroh here on Sunday at the Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan. The aim behind the event was to plan for the national conference of the ABVP to be held in the state on November 13. 

Suraj, organising secretary of the ABVP, Punjab, said: “The national conference will be held at Amritsar from November 13 to 16. In the conference held on Sunday, office-bearers and former office-bearers participated with enthusiasm.” Sunil Ambdekar, national organising secretary, was the chief guest. Krishan Gopal, state president of the ABVP, Shiv Dogra and Amanpreet Singh Guru were among those others present. — TNS

Ludhiana, September 7
The two-day matches in the Punjab leg of the inaugural edition of the World Kabaddi League held at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium on the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus, here, concluded this evening.

A sizeable number of spectators (girls), most of them students, turned out at the PAU to watch their favourite kabaddi players in action.

Two big TV screens installed in the ground for the benefit of viewers present in the ground did not function properly. However, the organisers succeeded in removing the technical fault in one of the screens after around 45 minutes into the first match played between United Singhs and Royal Kings, USA. The second match was played between Lahore Lions and Yo Yo Tigers.

During the first match, Deepa Korli, raider of United Singhs, sustained injury on his right foot while making raid during the second quarter of the encounter. As there was no proper arrangements for carrying an injured player on a stretcher, volunteers helped the player to go out reeling under severe pain. Preliminary investigation revealed that Deepa had twisted his ankle.

Harjeet Harman, a popular singer also performed today. He sang his popular numbers as the spectators applauded repeatedly and danced.

Sohan Singh Thandal, Punjab Cabinet Minister for Jails was the chief guest. Hira Singh Gabria, Chairman, Ludhiana Planning Board, Ranjit Singh Dhillon and Manpreet Singh, MLAs, were among other dignitaries present.

Ludhiana, September 7
The second year of the Reliance Foundation Junior NBA programme – a joint initiative of the Reliance Foundation and the National Basketball Association (NBA) - started at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana yesterday with the ‘Train the Trainers’ programme.

After a highly successful first year, the Reliance Foundation Junior NBA programme is expanding to eight cities this year - Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Chennai, Delhi, Kochi, Kottayam, Kolkata and Mumbai.

The programme in Punjab will include ‘train the trainer programme’ in-school basketball sessions, elite training camps and a city final featuring shooting, 3x3 and 5x5 competitions.

Three international NBA-certified coaches will be available in Punjab for three months to oversee the programme, train coaches, work with schools and teach the game to youth across the state.

The programme expects a total of 170 physical education instructors/coaches from the 170 partner schools to receive ongoing training from international coaches along with ‘turnkey’ curriculum to teach the game to the youth. All local coaches will receive a ‘Reliance Foundation Junior NBA Basketball in a Bag,’ which contains resources for them to grow the game in their communities. The bag includes an India-specific coaching guide with curriculum for in-school and after-school programmes, basketballs, nets, whistles, cones, air pumps and a Reliance Foundation Junior NBA poster.

The international coaches will support the programme implementation at each school where, ultimately, the local coaches and physical education instructors will conduct weekly basketball-led physical education classes for grades 3-10.

The first year of the programme was conducted in three cities - Mumbai, Kochi and Kottayam - engaging more than 140,000 youth, 40 per cent of whom were female, from 225 schools. It trained over 250 coaches and distributed over 4,500 basketballs to partner schools. NBA legend Muggsy Bogues and WNBA player Swin Cash are in Mumbai and Kochi to conduct coaches and player clinics and support the programme.

The Reliance Foundation Junior NBA initiative is a comprehensive youth basketball programme. It uses the positive values of the sport to engage and impact the lives of Indian youth.

It focuses on inspiring youths to play and living a healthy, active lifestyle. Basketball is a great form of exercise that teaches youth valuable lessons such as teamwork, sacrifice, discipline, dedication and sportsmanship.