JU 10th convocation held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 17: The 10th Convocation of the Jammu University (JU) was held in the campus here today wherein doctorate, M Phil, and various post-graduate and graduate degrees were awarded by the Governor, Mr Girish Chandra Saxena, who is also Chancellor of the University.

The Minister for External Affairs, Mr Jaswant Singh was the Chief Guest and the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, who is Pro-Chancellor as also the Vice-Chancellor, Prof R R Sharma were on the dias with Mr Saxena.

Other dignitaries who were presented at the convocation included: the Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil, Chairman, Legislative Council, Mr Abdul Rashid Dar, Cabinet Ministers, Legislators, leading educationists, students and prominent citizens.

Besides conferring degrees on the successful candidates in various faculties, the top meritorious students were given gold medals by the Governor.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Professor R R Sharma, welcomed the chief guest, the Chancellor, Pro Chancellor and all others present. He highlighted the activities and achievements of this seat of higher learning and lauded the services rendered by different bodies of the varsity in making it an institution of excellence.

He stressed that convocation should not be looked upon as a mere function designed to confer degrees and award medals to meritorious students but an occasion to look back and review the progress made by the University since last convocation.

Giving the profile of the University, Mr Sharma said Psychology Department and Centre for National Security and Regional Studies are being started in the coming session.

The Vice Chancellor stated that since the time of its inception, the University has attained the status of an accredited institute of higher learning. He expressed his satisfaction the Jammu University has been included by the UGC in the top sixty universities in the country.

Mr Sharma said that tenth five year plan proposals are being drawn up for submission to the UGC shortly with an objective to strengthen the available teaching and research programmes in the Jammu University. These programmes will include job oriented courses which will go a long way to provide adequate opportunities to the youth of the area in gainful employment, he added.

The Vice-Chancellor also made a fervent plea for more funds to ‘young and growing’ Jammu University as a sizeable portion of plan grant is inexplicably spent on the payment of salaries.

Registrar Jammu University Prof Zahur-ud-Din, with the permission of Chancellor Mr Girish Chander Saxena, declared the convocation closed. On the conclusion, National Anthem was also played.

Kulwant Singh condemns killing of Sikh youth

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 17: Dr Kulwant Singh convener State Forum for Justice and Human Rights has expressed his shock and grief over the kidnapping and killing of Sikh youth at Kasana area of Poonch district.

As per a release, he has also expressed his shock over the killing of innocent Muslims in Valley and elsewhere by militants and described them heinous crimes against humanity.

He has expressed his disappointment over the failure of Central and sate Governments in providing security to minorities in the state and said the Government has lost moral right to continue in office.

He conveyed his heartiest condolences to bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace of departed souls.

Omar meets Annan

Excelsior Correspondent

Delhi, Mar 17: The Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Omar Abdullah met the UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan last evening and called for solving Kashmir issue bilaterally by India and Pakistan.

Indian and Pakistan should solve the Kashmir issue bilaterally in the letter and spirit of Lahore declaration, he added.

"I conveyed to him the feelings and sentiments of the people of Kashmir who have been made to suffer a lot because of the continuous violence sponsored, orchestrated and managed by Pakistan", Omar told to the media.

Mr. Omar who met Mr. Annan at the reception hosted in his honour, said that India is not averse to any kind of bilateral dialogue but conducive conditions must be created and export of all violence must stop first. Islamabad must take some confidence building measures and come out sincerely to the offer made by India and take forward the peace process initiated by Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vaypayee.

Mr. Omar also complimented the UN particularly the bold, pragmatic and realistic statement given by Mr. Annan in Pakistan in which it has been clearly spelled out that UN resolutions on Kashmir are neither relevant nor enforceable and matter is to be resolved bilaterally without any third party intervention. This is nothing but emphatic and unequivocal support to Lahore Declaration, the Minister added.

It may be interesting to note that earlier Hurriyat Conference had also sought an appointment with Mr. Annan during his stay in the capital, which was, however, turned down by the UN office.

500 newly elected Panchs & Sarpanchs felicitated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 17: As many as 500 Panchs and Sarpanchs of 8 blocks of Kathua district were felicitated at a special function held at Dalyachack near Kathua today.

Present on the occasion were Sheikh Nazir, General Secretary, National Conference, Mr. Bodh Raj Bali, Provincial President, NC, Dy. Speaker Legislative Council, Malik Ghulam Hyder, Mr SS Slathia Power Minister, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra, Minister of State for Rural Development and MLA Bandipore, Mr. Ghulam Rasool Naz.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Nazir gave the historic background of the concept of Panchayati system in the State and said that this was the dream of late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in whom the Father of the Nation had seen a ray of hope in 1947. He said National Conference firmly believed in the principle of socialism, secularism and democracy as enshrined in the Constitution of the country.

The Deputy Speaker, Malik Hyder while felicitating the newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs underlined an urgent need to provide more funds for the development of hilly and neglected pockets of the district. He hoped that the public representatives would come to the expectations of the people.

Speaking on the occasion, the Provincial President, Mr. Bodh Raj Bali said that primary aim of Panchayati system was to involve common masses at the grass root level in the developmental process. He underlined the need for organising awareness camps for the newly elected representatives to apprise them about the functioning of the civic institutions. He also lauded the district administration and party functionaries for their benevolent role in making the election process a big success.

Congratulating the newly elected members, the Power Minister, Mr SS Slathia said that the panchayat elections were conducted in a challenging circumstances when Pak added militancy was actively trying to sabotage the process. He said the elections were conducted on non-party basis to provide equal opportunity to all sections of the society. He said that drought like conditions in the State have added miseries to the people especially farming community. He said that the Government is fully aware of the problems of the people and is firmly committed to mitigate these.

The Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra gave a detailed resume of Panchayati Raj system and rural development. He said that involvement of the people in the process of development was a key to success in a democratic setup. He said that of the total elected Panchs 181 from Scheduled Caste category, 22 Scheduled Tribe, 23 women and 1127 others. Similarly, out of the total elected Sarpanchs, 11 are from Scheduled Caste category, 3 from Scheduled Tribe, one woman and 169 others. He said the 2nd phase of Panchayat election will be completed after the election of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen who will represent the Panchayats in the concerned district development boards. The newly elected representatives will have to submit a panel of 7 members for induction in the Panchayat Adalats for settling their dispute of land and other day to day problems. He assured them that he would take meetings of every block in due course of time and provide all proper assistance to the Panchayats.

The district party functionaries including Mr. Ajit Kumar Sharma, Mr. Pyer Singh, Mr. K.K.Bakshi, Mr. Bashir Ahmad, Secretary, Mr. Ravi Mahajan, Mr. Rattan Chand Gupta, Senior Police and civil officers and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.

NCC Girl cadets conduct trekking for Gujarat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 17: A one-day local trekking expedition to express solidarity with Gujarat victims was conducted by 2-J&K Girls Bn NCC Jammu today. The expedition was dedicated and named " Trekking for Gujarat".

Lt Col J S Chaudhary, Commanding Officer of 2 J&K Girls Bn NCC, who planned this trekking, said that the main aim of this expedition was to carry the message that " Nar Seva is Narayan Seva" so that pace for relief work for Gujarat gets further boost.

Col Chaudhary said that in addition, the aim of this expedition is to inculcate spirit of adventure, developing of stamina, self confidence, team spirit, love for nature and to promote national integration.

Eighty volunteer girl cadets of the senior division who had given their willingness to participate in the relief operations in Gujarat after their examinations are over, took part in this expedition as an initial step. The trekking expedition was led by Commanding Officer, Associate NCC Offices and Staff was flagged off by Brig D S Dhillon, Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate J&K from Bhage Bahu.

It involved walking through various basis, forests, streams and villages; touched Maha Maya Temple and finished at Environment Park, where it was received by Col A K Madhok, Group Commander, NCC Group headquarters, Jammu.

The cadets were given attractive prizes for their outstanding contribution in various competitions, while’s the enthusiasm and the morale of the trekkers for this noble cause was worth watching and highly appreciated by the general public.

Col Chaudhary said that trekking is the first and the basic step for any other adventure activity in the mountains. Trekking in India is comparatively a young sport, thus the right concept and ideals behind this character building activity must be understood on the right lines, he further said.

Rohit elected state president of AIRBG
It is high time to throw out NDA Govt at Centre: Tiwari

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 16: Launching a scathing attack on the BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government at Centre for defence deal scams, the National Chairman of All India Rajiv Gandhi Brigade Mr M V Tiwari today said that the security of the country can not be compromised and those who dabble with sensitive areas should not be allowed to go scot free.

Addressing a press conference after electing Mr Rohit Mahajan as president of the Brigade for Jammu and Kashmir State, Mr Tiwari said that on one side the BJP has been beating the drums of Swadeshi and on the other side its office bearers are working as mediators in defence deal scandal and accepting bribe in dollars. "The country is not safe in the hands of BJP and it is right time, after startling disclosures by the tehelka.Com, to throw it out", the national chairman of the Rajiv Gandhi Brigade said.

Apprehending that BJP Government may use influence to change the result of investigation into the defence deal expose, Mr Tiwari said that Defence Minister George Fernandes would definitely be given clean chit in the said scandal. "Every day our Army Jawans are sacrificing their lives in guarding the territory of the country but it is very shameful that the Defence Minister of the country was indulged into defence deal scams and putting the security of the nation at stake", he said, adding if the BJP Government was not thrown out the whole country will be sold at the hands of foreigners.

He also apprised that a delegation of Rajiv Gandhi Brigade had also met President of India few days back and asked him to throw out the BJP Government at an earliest so that country could be saved from being sold.

When asked about the Bofors Pay-Off case, the National Chairman of the Brigade said that it was only Bofors Gun which brought victory for India in Kargil war. "Had not the Rajiv Gandhi finalised the deal for buying Bofors Gun, Kargil would have been taken away by the Pakistan", he said, adding in the Bofors case there were only allegations but in startling disclosures by new portal there are proof of videotapes.

The newly elected state president of the Rajiv Gandhi Brigade Mr Rohit Mahajan said that his main priority will be to strengthen the Brigade at grass root level. He assured that Brigade will fight aagainst the wrong policies of any Government.

Mr Sandeep Pahlwan, national general secretary and Mr Verinder Manhas were also present on the occasion.

MTCA condemns killing of Sikh youths

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 17: An extra-ordinary meeting of J&K Motor Transport Companies Association (MTCA) was held here this afternoon under the presidentship of Mr T S Wazir. The meeting strongly condemned the killing of two innocent Sikh youths in Rajouri yesterday.

The participants were highly critical of the State Government for is failure to protect the lives of he minorities in the State, despite repeated promises and assurances made by the Government from time to time.

The meeting demanded immediate arrest of the culprits and payment of adequate compensation to the next kin of those killed.

It was hoped that the State Government will take urgent and appropriate measures to ensure security of minorities lest the situation gets out of hands.

As already reported, in another round of killings by Pakistan sponsored militants targeting minority community, two Sikhs were beheaded by militants at village Bachianwali in Lasana area of Surankote tehsil yesterday morning. This was yet another attack when the Sikhs were made target after the incidents like Chitisinghpora and Mehjoor Nagar recently.

Seminar on land development organised

Excelsior Corrspondent

Jammu, Mar 17: The Jammu and Kashmir State Land Use Board organised a one-day seminar-cum-awareness programme titled "Sustainable use of culturable lands"at Krishi Bhavan here today.

The Vice-Chancellor, Sher-i-Kashmir Agricultural University and Sciences( SKUAST) Mr.H.U.Khan inaugurated it.

While speaking on the occasion, Mr.Khan said that over

population has necessitated preservation of the land and its protection to meet the requirement of human lives. He said that we all should make collective efforts and adopt a pragmatic approach to tackle the issue of land use for different purposes.

The Director, Agriculture, Dr.Gurdit Singh said that Land Use Board was established in the State to initiate measures for forest cover and to make environment healthy and save it from erosion adding that its suggestions would prove very useful for coming generations.

The Chairman of Pollution Control, Mr. P.P.Sharma said that if the quality of land is low how one can expect good yield and results. He emphasised that water, air, land and plants are inter linked and the Government should incorporate in the constitution for safeguarding them. He further said that two-third of pollution comes from the emission of vehicles.

The Joint Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Vinod Bala in her address said that erosion of land has increased and it has even not spared pastures. She said that concrete structures have been raised on the banks of rivers and as a result of it the ecological equilibrium has been badly affected. She further said that 60 per cent of land is suffering from soil erosion and water logging. She also suggested that earnest efforts should be made to preserve the natural resources at all costs and added that views should be obtained from cross section of the society about the land use.

The Assistant Soil Conservation Officer said that there can be shortage of water and food in and around the year 2025AD. He suggested that farmers should be educated about the plantation.

The Training Officer in his address said that India is facing the problem about the health of land and its protection. He said that we all should think collectively so that coming generation could find quality land. He further said that chemicals which are used in the land are harmful for human beings and added that their use should be done judiciously. He also said that a law should be made about the use of land.

A large number of experts in the field of agriculture, Scientists and members of non-governmental organisations participated and delivered valuable lectures on use of land.

State millennium art exhibition inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 17: The Jammu and Kashmir State Millennium Art Exhibition was inaugurated by the Principal Secretary to the Government Education Department Mr. Vijay Bakaya, at Art Galley of Cultural Academy here today.

The exhibition was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society New Delhi.

As many as 54 exhibits from painting, drawing, graphic and sculpture sections were displayed in the exhibition.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Bakaya complimented the artists for their excellent work. He called upon the artists to use their creative talent in duplicating the prevailing socio-political conditions of the society and hoped that they will help in bettering the conditions through their latent potential. He assured all possible help to the Academy for the upliftment of art and culture.

Mr.Balwant Thakur, Secretary of the Academy while giving the brief resume of the activities of the Academy said that despite economic constraints the Academy is fully committed to give a boost to its activities. He added that for this purpose proper and reliable sources are being contacted. He disclosed that the Academy is organising a J&K Kala Mela and another Art Exhibition in collaboration with Lalit Kala Academy New Delhi in near future and said that one important aspect of this Mela would be that the exhibits will be available for sale also. Mr. Thakur further disclosed that another National event 'NATYOTSAV' would also commence in Abhinav Theatre from March 23 with collaboration of Sangeet Natak Academy New Delhi in which 6 plays of different regions will be staged.

On the occasion, awards were also distributed among the artists adjudged the best in various sections. In painting section, Mudassir Mujeed Mir for the painting entitled ''Storm''and Mehboob Masarat for his paining 'Portrait of Rural Women' were awarded. Similarly in Graphic and Drawing Sections, Mohd. Ashraf Munshi for ' A flow of Stream'and Subash Anand for 'Dream Land-II' adjudged the best respectively whereas in sculpture section Ganesh Kumar Sharma for his sculpture 'In Search of' and Ajay Kumar for his work' African Drums' were also awarded.

The awardees will display their exhibits at the national level exhibition being organised by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, New Delhi in near future.

The exhibition was designed and displayed by Mr.O.P.Sharma, exhibition officer and Mr. Sat Pal, Assistant Exhibition Officer of Cultural Academy.

Prominent among those present included art lovers, literary personalities and prominent citizens.

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