Charitable Hospital was the only exception which received an increased number of cases this year. Medical Superintendent of the hospital said the hospital received 20 burn cases on Diwali night. “While 19 patients were discharged after administering first aid, one with serious burns was admitted to the hospital,” said Dr Sodhi. 

2014 ’13

Civil Hospital 1 5

DMCH 9 18

CMCH 12 20

SPS Apollo 3 6

GTB Hospital 20 12

Kapoor Hospl 0 8 

Ludhiana, October 24
Firecracker sellers had a bright Diwali with the spurt in the sales yesterday. Although the sales have been lower than expected in the past week, most sellers witnessed brisk sales yesterday that helped them cross the previous year’s sales figures.

“It was a good day for the firecracker sellers as they sold about Rs 17 crore worth of crackers, crossing the last year’s sales figure of Rs 15 crore,” said Pardeep Kumar, president of the Wholesale Cracker Association. Fortunately, most of cracker sellers were left with only small unsold stocks, he added.

Residents flocked the cracker markets as most sellers offered heavy discounts on Diwali day.

Throughout the week before Diwali, most of the sellers were on tenterhooks because of the dismal sales. The sales figures had remained low till Wednesday.

Nirmal Singh, president of the cracker market set up at Dugri, said more than half of the stocks were unsold till day before but yesterday, most of the sellers did not have the time to have lunch or even tea break. There was a huge rush of buyers in the firecracker market, he said. Many of them made a good money.

It is difficult to say why most people have started to make purchases of firecrackers on Diwali day now, Pradeep Kumar said. But, residents say one of the reasons for a spurt in the sales on Diwali day is the heavy discounts offered by the shopkeepers. Atul Bajaj, one of the residents, said the fears that there would be no firecracker left on Diwali day are no longer there. “Since last Diwali, my friends and I go to firecracker markets on Diwali day only as there are heavy discounts on offer on the festival day,” he said.

Pradeep Kumar said the noisy firecrackers sold relatively less compared to the trend witnessed the previous years. 

Ludhiana, October 24
Though nearly 36 fire incidents were reported across the city on the night of Diwali and the day after, there was no loss of human life or cases of serious burn injuries. Alert staff and adequate preparedness on the part of the Fire Brigade saved the day on the festival of lights.

Most of the fire incidents were caused either by short-circuit or by live crackers/rockets falling on combustible material in industrial buildings, stores or shops.

In Moti Nagar and Focal Point Phase VIII, fire damaged stocks and machinery in spare parts factories while raw material and finished goods in a godown of a shawl manufacturer on Hazoori Road were destroyed. It took the firefighters and three fire tenders each two to three hours to put out the fire at these places.

A major fire broke out at a hosiery factory on Noorwala Road this afternoon in which stocks and machinery was damaged. Three fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the firefighters doused the flames after about one and half hours.

According to information, minor fire incidents were reported on Diwali night from Mayapuri and Satkar Nagar on Tibba Road, Shakti Vihar (Haibowal), Bhagat Singh Colony (Moti Nagar), Guru Nanak Dev Nagar, Sherpur Chowk, Mall Plaza near Fountain Chowk, Chandigarh Road, Vishal Colony on Kakowal Road, Basant Vihar on Noorwala Road, Arya Mohalla, Field Ganj Kucha No. 9, Ranjit Singh Park near Shingar Cinema, Kalyana Nagar, Sunder Nagar, Model Town, Grain Market, Shivpuri, Railway Station, Samrala Chowk, Rose Enclave on Government College Road, Jawahar Nagar Camp,

Thapar Nagar near Jalandhar Bypass and Guru Arjun Dev Nagar.

“Quantity, intensity and duration of burning of firecrackers have diminished significantly this year, which in turn led to fewer incidents of fire than last Diwali,” remarked Puran Chand Malhotra, a retired college lecturer.

The additional divisional fire officer, Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, claimed that adequate preparedness on the part of the Fire Brigade had drastically cut down the possible losses to property caused by fires on Diwali night. “Our staff had remained on their toes throughout the night and we made every possible attempt to curtail the response time to the minimum possible while at the same time to contain/control the fire in the shortest duration.”

He said the Mayor of the city, Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, as well as other senior officials of the Municipal Corporation had visited the fire office to make sure that the firefighters and their equipment were in the state of total preparedness.

Ludhiana, October 24
As city residents celebrated the festival of light with gaiety yesterday, there were reports of fights over petty issues. Nearly 106 medico-legal reports (MLRs) were issued by the Civil Hospital yesterday.

A majority of the fights took place over the exploding of crackers, gambling and liquor in different parts of the city.

Four persons were injured in a clash among neighbours at Shiv Puri over crackers. The injured have been identified as Manpreet Singh, Tajinder Singh, Chaman Lal and Rinkle.

The injured told the police that they had requested their neighbours to safely explode crackers after a rocket fired by Prince entered Manpreet’s house. As the local residents objected to the careless use of crackers, the accused, along with his accomplices, assaulted them with sharp weapons.

There was rumour that the accused even opened fire but the police denied such reports.

The police today booked three persons, Prince, Shashi Kumar and their mother Sonia, in a case of assault.

In another incident, a man was attacked by his neighbour over a petty issue at Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar.

Ludhiana, October 24
Though a large number of city residents vowed a green Diwali, the data of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) tells another story. There has been an increase in the level of noise pollution on Diwali night.

The PPCB kept a strict vigil on the level of pollution in the city on Diwali night. A slight increase has been recorded in the level of noise pollution while the analysis for air pollution is still going on.

The average noise pollution level in the residential zone was 75.48 decibel while last year, it was 70.86 decibel. In the commercial zone, the level was 78.35 decibel compare to a slightly higher level of 78.60 decibel last year. In the sensitive zone, the average level this year was 74.78 decibel as against 72.95 decibel last year.

The city was divided into three zones, Verka Milk Plant on Ferozepur Road (residential zone), Vishwakarma Chowk (commercial zone) and Sheela Hospital, near Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (sensitive zone). The noise pollution readings were taken by the officials from 6 pm to 12 am on Diwali night.The sensitive zones include hospitals, educational institutions and religious places.

“When fireworks lit up the skyline of the city, devices installed in major areas started monitoring noise pollution. The level of noise pollution was checked with a DV meter while that of air pollution with filter papers. The analysis of air pollution readings was going on and the report will be out within a couple of days. There has been an increase in the average level of noise pollution in the residential and sensitive zones while a slight decrease has been observed in the commercial zone,” said Chief Engineer, PPCB, Gulshan Rai. 

Ludhiana, October 24
MC Commissioner Pradeep Aggarwal has sent a letter to the Chief Engineer, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), asking him to make sure that building maps were approved by the civic body.

Aggarwal said under the Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, no commercial/business establishment could come up in residential areas. He said he learnt that illegal structures were being constructed at night so that these could not be checked. “PSPCL can help stop such constructions,” said Aggarwal.

“Before granting temporary power connection to any building (commercial/business/industry), the PSPCL should ask for a receipt of fee deposited for getting a building plan approved. The plan has to be approved by the MC,” said Aggarwal.

Mandi Ahmedgarh/ Raikot/ Payal, October 24
The festival of lights was celebrated with enthusiasm in Ahmedgarh, Raikot, Payal and its vicinity.

Buildings, including commercial organisations, shops, markets, houses and government offices, were illuminated. Despite awareness campaigns, bursting of crackers continued. Hot air balloons were also seen in the sky.

Prime Minister Narinder Modi’s Swachh Bharat Cleanliness Mission too failed to change the mindset of residents as the region was littered. People celebrated the festival by bursting crackers, but did not bother to clean the litter the next morning,” said Avtar Krishan Sharma, a social activist. “The entire area has turned into a garbage dump,” Sharma added. Despite various organisations, students and social activists boycotting bursting of crackers this year, there was a massive use of fireworks to celebrate Diwali.

Jagraon, October 24
The festival of Diwali brings happiness and joy. But this joy of few minutes for some people has been causing health related problems for many others. In fact, the crackers busted on Diwali accompanied by paddy harvesting season have deteriorated the quality of air due to which people are suffering from various health problems.

Though the environmentalists were actively campaigning for pollution-free Diwali but the appeals made by them to not bust crackers on Diwali seem to have little impact on the people. In Jagraon, the people busted crackers worth several crore rupees on the occasion of Diwali.

“The government and non-government organizations have been appealing the people to not bust crackers on Diwali but it is difficult to convince the children who enjoy bursting crackers. If the government really wants to make Diwali a cracker-free festival, it should ban the manufacturing of crackers,” said Rohit Aggarwal, a local businessman.

The number of people visiting local doctors with complaints of health problems like dry cough, respiratory problems, infections and skin allergies has increased manifolds during last couple of days.

“The number of people suffering from various kinds of diseases has increased during past some days. The people are falling ill due to increased air pollution which leads to various health problems,” said Dr Pradeep Watts.

Dr Watts informed that most of the people visiting him are suffering from respiratory problems, skin allergies and viral infection such as cough. “The changing climate and pollution in air are two main reasons behind these health related problems,” he added.

According to health experts, these health related problems are surfacing due to increase in air pollution. “The quality of air has deteriorated due to bursting of crackers and dust flying due to paddy harvesting.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 24
The Sangrur district police have claimed to redressed all complaints received under the 181 Helpline since its inception nine months ago.

Besides, providing expeditious justice to common people, it reduced the crime rate in the region and toning up of officials at police stations.

Giving details, Mandip Singh Sidhu, SSP, Sangrur, said 2,085 out of 2,094 complaints received from January 1, 2014 to September 30 through 181 service had been resolved within stipulated period according to directions of the department.

Sidhu claimed that the Sangrur police has emerged pioneer in implementing the scheme in letter and spirit.

He said the scheme had gained tremendous popularity amongst public in district Sangrur and crime rate had consequently declined substantially.

Elaborating further Sidhu said 209 complaints were redressed within 24 hours while 555 complaints were resolved within a week as desired by deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Khanna, October 24
Diwali was celebrated peacefully in Khanna and surrounding areas but eight persons suffered minor injuries due to bursting of crackers. The injured were rushed to Civil Hospital, Khanna, from where they were discharged after first-aid.

The injured include Monika (38), a resident of Railway Colony, Khanna, Disha, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Khanna, Prabhjot Singh (12), a resident of Ucha Vihra, Khanna, Gurdeep Singh (26), a resident Gulmohar Nagar, Khanna, Mukesh Verma (23), Nitish (7), a resident of Jagat Colony, Khanna, Gaganpal (45), a resident of GTB Nagar, Khanna, and Sandeep Singh (5), a resident of Rahoun.

As per SMO Manohar Lal Khanna all the injured had minor injuries on mostly hands were discharged after first aid. — OC

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 24
Rotarians and their families pledged to work in tandem with the administration to promote peace and tranquility in the region.

The pledge was taken on the last day of Diwali Milan at Malerkotla Club, which turned out to be an extempore seminar on communal harmony and national integration.

The function laid emphasis on the analysis of communal and ethnic milieu of the region and the role played by society in promoting national integration and communal harmony.

“We will organise community functions on all important festivals,” said the Rotarians. Appreciating the initiative taken by the organisation, chairman of the Waqf Board Izhar Alam and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Farzana quoted excerpts from holy books, adding that each religion advocated the same dos and don’ts for its believers and followers. SGPC member Jaipal Singh Mandian and Mufti Mohammad Ertiqa Ul Hasan Raqi Kandhalavi lauded office-bearers and activists of various social, religious and constitutional organisations for spreading the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Bemby and Deputy Superintendent of Police William Jejjy applauded organisers of Diwali Milan on the pattern of Eid Milan.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 24
The administration has launched a coordinated movement to spread awareness about the causes and consequences of social evils including female foeticide and drug addiction.

Office-bearers and activists of over 300 units of NGO Nehru Yuvak Kendra have already drafted a plan to rope-in members of civic bodies and social organisations for educating masses about the crusade.

Officials led by Deputy Commissioner of Sangrur Arashdeep Singh Thind have prepared a draft plan for educating residents about causes and consequences of female foeticide and drug addiction which has emerged as a menace in the society.

Nehru Yuvak Kendra will be organising awareness camps, seminars and nukad nataks regularly to create awareness.

Referring to outcome of meeting held with advisory committee of the Kendra, Arashdeep Singh Thind said the office bearers of the organisation had volunteered to organise educative sessions at various places including schools, colleges, truck unions and offices of industrial organisations.

Activists led by Dr Rajinder Mittal, chairman, Social Welfare Organisation and Lalit Kaura, president, Rotary Club, have announced to extend support to the crusade launched jointly by the administration and the youth organization.

Additional deputy commissioner (development) Sukhdev Singh, Coordinator, NYK, Amarjit Singh Purewal, district program officer, Avtar Kaur and district education officer Nirmal Singh Sidhu poured in ideas for dissemination during seminars and workshops scheduled to take place at various places. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 24
Peasants of the region are cheerful as the District Sangrur lead the tally and emerged as number one wheat grower of the nation. The peasants are thankful to the Sangrur administration led by Deputy Commissioner Arashdeep Singh Thind for valuable guidance provided by the agricultural department.

Appreciating commitment of peasants towards their profession Thind said it was due to coordinated efforts of the farmers and the administration that Sangrur district emerged topper in per hectare yield of wheat in the nation consecutively for the third year. Total production has been highest for the second year.

“We are really proud of our farmers whose hard labour supplemented by up-to-date technical knowledge by officials of the agricultural department enabled us to retain our top position,” said Thind maintaining that the per hectare yield of wheat in the district had been 5,498 kg, 5,169 and 5,494 during last three years.

He said the farmers of the region had been responding positively to educative sessions and training camps being organised by the agriculture department. Dr Rajinder Singh Sohi, chief agricultural officer, Sangrur, said optimum utilization of free electricity and facilities being provided by the state government, judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides had paved path for prosperity of cultivators of the region.

Yadwinder Singh Phallewal, a young farmer of Phallewal village, said implementation of tips given by the officials of the agricultural department had helped him to improve productivity.

Acknowledging contribution of the administration in identifying and satisfying their needs, farmers led by Punjab Kissan Sabha office-bearers Baldev Singh Latala and Sikandar Singh Jartauli said outstanding performers should be recognized and awarded by the government. Identifying proximity to the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, as another factor for success of farmers of Sangrur and Ludhiana districts Latala and Jartauli said more efforts should be made to organise educative camps and seminars. 

Ludhiana, October 24
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said Lord Vishwakarma was the architect of the universe and was believed to be the designer of weapons.

He exhorted workers to follow in his footsteps. Badal said the Punjab Government was emphasising on imparting skill training to the youth so they could live with dignity and self-respect.

The Chief Minister said due to the prolonged militancy and the step-motherly treatment meted out by the successive governments to the industry, the development of the state had been affected.

He said the incentives given by the Congress governments to the neighbouring states had dealt a blow to the industry. “But the SAD-BJP alliance had made efforts to promote industrialisation in the state,” he added.

He asked the industrialists to promote skill training. Badal said it would not only help in generating employment for the youth, but would also play a pivotal role in putting the state on a high growth trajectory.

Ludhiana, October 24
Prof Hazara Singh, an eminent educationist, a humanist, author and freedom fighter, passed away on October 22 at the ripe age of ninety-two.

He has perhaps left no unfinished job as he felt satisfied with his sojourn here even during his brief illness. He left behind two daughters and two sons who all are successful in their respective careers.

Professor Hazara Singh, who retired as Head of the Department of Languages, Journalism and Culture, PAU, Ludhiana, in 1982 kept him occupied with his pen, books and the social causes. He penned down about dozen books in English on different subjects. He was at ease in both prose and verse. He remained optimistic throughout his life.

His age could never deter him to attend to the literary and other engagements. The people around him described him as a strict disciplinarian who never compromised on his principles.

During his studies, he contributed in Quit India Movement and later too as a prominent student leader for which his scholarship won by him in the Intermediate Examination (1943) was revoked. This action of the British Government provided him further impetus to struggle for Independence of India with more determination.

He was awarded D.Lit. by World Literary Council for his outstanding poetical contributions.

A large number of his students, colleagues, writers and the elite of the city attended his cremation and remembered him. Prominent among them were Dr SS Johl, Jagdev Singh Jassowal, Professor Gurbhajan Gill, Rakesh Pandey, Prem Singh Bajaj, Dr SN Sewak and Dr Jagmohan Singh who represented their organizations.

Wreaths of flowers were placed on his mortal frame by the members of Mewa Singh Gill Foundation of which he was the serving president. The office bearers of the Punjabi Sahit Academy presented a shawl on the occasion. Desh Bhagat Yadgar Committee, Jalandhar, honoured him as a freedom fighter by presenting a shawl. PAU Alumni Association, he was founding president of the association, also paid tributes by presenting a Daushala.

His Antim Ardas will take place at Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Kitchlu Nagar, Ludhiana, on October 26.

Ludhiana, October 24
As International Artist Day is celebrated, art lovers and connoisseurs feel that the level of art education should be improved to produce artists of national and international repute in the city.

A college of art in the city would go a long way for moulding great artistic talent in the city, they said.

Sukhvir Singh Sidhu, co-founder of Gallery Artmosphere, said a college of art with dedicated and learned art teachers might go a long way in upgrading the education in art here. “Although there has been a marked improvement in the number of artists displaying their artwork for the past seven years since Gallery Artmosphere came up, the learning, exposure to international-level art and experimentation that budding artists need from an educational institution in art is missing in the city,” he said.

Most of the fine art teachers have studied in city colleges. So the lack of overall exposure to international art and experimentation leads to very limited artistic footprint and versatility by them. “Because of this, the students also have a limited knowledge and practice in art,” many echoed.

“An institution of art with focus on exposure in art and practice can help flourish the culture of art,” said Varun Khanna from Banyan Art Gallery. For example, the Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata is not only an academy, but also an art gallery. “So a cultural shift towards art is required in the city, wherein budding artists practise great art and also see financial and artistic growth,” he said. 

Doraha, October 24
Guided by their teachers, instructed by their parents and educated by various social organizations and social networking sites about the harmful effects of crackers on health and environment, majority of the kids at Doraha celebrated a green diwali this year by saying complete no to crackers once and for all.

Hardik Kaushal, a student of Green Grove Public School, who resides at Doraha expressed, “On Diwali night, pollution levels increase manifold and the kids, the elderly, asthmatic patients and pets are the worst sufferers. Many others get allergic infections or for that matter catch cold and cough by the suffocation and congestion outside. So this time, as we lighted our homes, we assured that we would not bring or burst crackers.”

Manraj Singh Sidhu, a student of Class XII, Sacred Heart Convent School, Ludhiana, and a resident of Doraha shared, “Our teachers had discussed regarding air and noise pollution during Diwali and told us that we should celebrate green diwali. The extent of pollution has increased to the extent that people are suffering from different respiratory diseases and this problem increases manifold on diwali night.” 

Ludhiana Tribune invites feedback from its readers on issues of public concern relating to Ludhiana region. Readers can email to ludhiana.feedback@gmail.com

and can send their views to: Feedback, Ludhiana Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh - 160029. Letters sent by post must mention 'Feedback for Ludhiana Tribune' on the envelope and it should be signed and must contain the address and telephone number of the sender. It should not be more than 150 words. 

Ludhiana, October 24
High drama took place at the Bhadaur House market after a drunk youth, who claimed himself to be a relative of sitting SAD MLA from Mansa, went on a rampage.

The drunk youth, who was driving a car, first rammed into three cars and them hit a scooter near Calibre Plaza while fleeing.

The shopkeepers and local residents overpowered the youth. Soon, his friends and family members reached the spot.

The persons, whose vehicles were damaged, called the police.

According to information, the matter was resolved after the youth’s family compensated for the loss. 

Ludhiana, October 24
A self-proclaimed godman allegedly raped a nine-year-old girl on the pretext of ridding her of evil spirit in the city.

The accused, identified as Zakir Ansari, a resident of Hargovind Nagar in Gyaspura, was booked on a complaint of the victim’s father.

The victim’s father, also a resident of Gyaspura, said as his nine-year-old daughter was ill, he approached the godman, whom he had known for the past eight years. On Tuesday evening at around 7 pm, the accused took his daughter along on the pretext that he would rid her of the evil spirit.

The complainant said the accused returned his daughter on Wednesday. He came to know that he had raped his daughter. When he expressed his anger with the godman, the latter threatened him with dire consequences.

Meanwhile, the Focal Point police registered a case under section 376 of the IPC (rape), 4 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO)-2012 against the accused and started investigation.

It is the second such case in the past three months. In September, the Model Town police had booked a godman, Rajesh Kakkar, a resident of Guru Gyan Vihar, for raping a minor on the same pretext.

Ludhiana, October 24
A 27-year-old youth, who was injured after his bike rammed into the divider near Extension Library on the night of October 22, died in the hospital yesterday.

The deceased has been identified as Mishu Kalia, a resident of a colony located near Deepak Cinema.

Today, the deceased’s relatives said Mishu was killed and robbed of Rs 1.5 lakh cash. He was being followed by someone. To dodge the person on his tail, Mishu sped up and lost control over the bike.

The investigating team of the Division No. 8 police recreated the accident spot.

A postmortem examination of the body was conducted at the Civil Hospital today, following which inquest proceeding under section 174 of the IPC was initiated.

The police are also investigating whether Mishu was drunk and he was carrying cash a night before Diwali.

Ludhiana, October 24
The Jodhewal police have booked a man in a child abuse case. The accused has been identified as Azharul of the Mayapuri area of Tibba Road. The victim’s father stated that on Wednesday evening after he could not find his son at home, he started looking for him. Later, he went to the room of the accused and was shocked to see that accused was trying to sodomise his son.

The victim’s father raised the alarm and tired to nab the accused. However, Azharul managed to flee.

Ludhiana, October 24
Tamanpreet Singh and Aishvir recorded victories and advanced into the semifinal of the 25th Prithipal Singh Memorial Open Table Tennis Tournament that began at the indoor gymnasium hall of the Punjab Agricultural University today.

Tamanpreet, a student of Bal Bharti Public School, and Aishvir of DAV Public School wrapped up their respective quarterfinal encounters in the cadet boys’ and girls’ sections to book their berths in the last four stage.

In the girls’ section, Aishvir faced a stiff resistance from Bharti whom she overpowered 12-10, 11-9, 6-11 and 11-9. Other girls who made it to the semifinal line-up were Gauri, Sargun and Harleen Kaur.

Gauri registered win over Hargun Kaur in straight sets 11-9, 11-8 and 11-7 while Sargun toiled hard to outplay Dhriti 11-6, 9-11, 11-3 and 11-6 as Harleen outwitted Sehajpreet Kaur 11-9, 11-8 and 11-7 to join Aishvir in the semifinals.

In the cadet boys’ group, Tamanpreet too had to sweat it out against his school mate, Samrath before romping home victorious 11-9, 7-11, 11-6 and 11-9. Gurnoor of Green Land School, Jaskanwal and Pranav also came out triumphant in the quarterfinals to secure their places in the semifinal.

Gurnoor beat Ankit 11-9, 9-11, 11-9 and 11-8; Jaskanwal defeated Karan Goyal 6-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9 and 11-8; Pranav got the better of Yuval 11-9, 11-5 and 117.

Ludhiana, October 24
Sixty probables, 35 in the U-15 category and 25 in the U-18 group, were shortlisted by the Ludhiana District Cricket Association. Trials were held at Arya College to select the probables. The selection panel comprising Chaman Lal Malhotra, Sham Lal, Dinesh Puri, Pawan Pandey, Naresh Marwaha and Ankur Kakkar watched the players minutely. Vinod Chitkara, general secretary, LDCA, said the panel would shortlist the probables who would be provided coaching at the regional coaching centre being run by the association.

The shortlisted players (U-15) are Nihal Wadhera, Deepin Chitkara, Lovish Dhir, Tanrup Saini, Anubhav Bansal, Baljot, Nikhil Rai, Aman Rajput, Inderjit, Vishal Singh, Garry Bhardwaj, Shubham Dyal, Arjun Puri, Harshit Takkar, Shivam Dua, Nipun Kathuria, Arjun Badal, Karthik, Chirag and Shardhanand.

Ludhiana, October 24
More than 350 players representing different schools of Ludhiana battled it out for top honours in the Ashihara Karate Grading Competition organised by the Active Anti-Corruption Group. Ramesh Bangar, president of the group, inaugurated the competition. Pankaj Kumar Sahni, an international karate player, headed the panel of judges. Seven players who won black belt are Sakshi Monga, Kailash, Abhay, Ranjit Vansh, Anand, Gurleen and Rajesh Singh.

Bangar distributed prizes among the winners.