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Agarsain Jyanti Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Agarsain Jyanti was celebrated with great pomp and show by the Aggarwal community, here today. A special function was organised .....more NC celebrates Farooq’s birth anniversary Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Provincial unit of National Conference celebrated 65th birthday of Dr Farooq Abdullah at a simple function at Sher-i-Kashmir .......more 15
lakh children die of water borne diseases every year By Gopal Sharma Health of the people of a country do not depend only on the number .........more Gujjars
demand Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Gujjar Islahi Committee Jammu demanded political reservation .......more Police commemoration day parade organised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: With a view to commemorate the sacrifices made by jawans, a number of functions were .....more |
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2600th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir celebrated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Navyuvak Mandal Jammu and Shri Atma Nand Jain Sabha organised a special function on the ......more Remembering
martyrs Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: The Director General of Police, Mr A K Suri has said that we can never forget the sacrifices of our valiant officers and....more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the Centre has been approached for more power to the State to ....more Birth
anniversary of Gulab Singh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: The 209th birth anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of Jammu and Kashmir State, was celebrated here today. .....more |
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Agarsain Jyanti celebrated with great pomp and show Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Agarsain Jyanti was celebrated with great pomp and show by the Aggarwal community, here today. A special function was organised at Aggarwal Dharmshala (Sabha), here, wherein a large number of people participated in the ‘Havan and Purna Ahuti’. The day-long function, which was organised by the Aggarwal Sabha of Jammu and Kashmir, began with performing of Havan and Purna Ahuti and concluded with the serving of community lunch to the devotees. A number of colourful cultural programmes were also presented by the children who were in colourful dresses. Special attraction of the cultural programme was a 10-month old kid taking part in the fancy dress show exclusively organised for the children. All India Sampark Parmukh of RSS, Indresh Kumar was chief guest on the occasion, who hoisted the Maharaj Agarsain flag amidst singing of songs by the Sabha members. Dewan Chand Bansal was the chief organiser of today’s programme, while Surinder Bansal was organiser. Earlier, secretary Aggarwal Sabha, Hardeep Aggarwal welcomed the guests and members present in the jam-packed sabha hall. Mr Krishan Gopal Aggarwal, general secretary of the Sabha highlighted the activities of Sabha. Later, chief guest distributed certificates among the meritorious students in different fields and also to those who excelled in today’s cultural programmes. At the end, president Aggarwal Sabha, Jagdish Aggarwal presented vote of thanks and praised the organisers for making the function a success. |
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NC celebrates Farooq’s birth anniversary Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Provincial unit of National Conference celebrated 65th birthday of Dr Farooq Abdullah at a simple function at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhavan in which leaders of various communities prayed for long life of Dr Farooq and his family. Sweets, fruit and cake were distributed amongst participants. Speaking on the occasion provincial president of NC Mr Bodh Raj Bali called upon the workers to strengthen the hands of Dr Farooq Abdullah and join with him to fight against worst type of terrorism, sponsored from across the border. Those who attended the meeting included Messrs Rattan Lal Gupta, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Jugal Mahajan, Lt Col D S Trehan, Mirza Abdul Rashid, Ajay Sadhotra, Bimla Luthra, Zubaida Salaria, S Peter, S M Gill, Bir Chand Mahasha, Darshan Lal Jain, Shakti Ram Sharma and various other leaders and office bearers of National Conference. Meanwhile District president of Youth National Conference Mr Chander Mohan Sharma organised a blood donation camp at SMGS Hospital, which was inaugurated by Mr Ajay Sadhotra, Minister for Rural Development, who congratulated the young donors on the occasion. Besides highlighting the achievements of the National Conference Government during the past five years, Mr Sadhotra asked the youth to come forward and take part in coming local body polls. Provincial secretary of NC Sheikh Bashir Ahmed also addressed the gathering and congratulated youth for organising blood donation camp. Those who participated in blood donation camp included Vir Chand Mahasha, Mangal Sharma, Vinod Sharma, Yash Pal Khajuria, Tajinder Khajuria, Bishan Dass, Rashpal Singh, Rajinder Singh, Mrs Rani Gupta, Pawan Nanda, Om Parkash, Rakesh Sethi, Anil Sharma, Mrs Kamla Devi and Daleep Kumar. |
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lakh children die of water borne diseases every year By Gopal Sharma Health of the people of a country do not depend only on the number of doctors and hospitals, but also on clean environment because if it is conducive to spread of disease, the state of health of the people will be poor. The growing threat of environmental degradation in several regions of the country has posed a major risk to the health of the people here. But how much, the Centre and the state Governments are serious about the issue, is known to its citizens. Not only the air pollution, water pollution is equally responsible for the poor health condition of the people. A recent survey of the World Health organisation indicates that majority of world problems are linked with the water pollution and its poor quality. With the increase in pollution in the rivers and other major sources, the problems is increasing day by day. The consumption of unsafe water is posing a major threat to the health of the people. There are fourteen river systems in India which account for 83 per cent of the land mass, 80 per cent of population and 85 % of water discharge. The detailed analysis based on monitoring status has shown that 90 per cent of the pollution load in river system is on account of human wastes and faecal matter. The situation here is unique.It’s a country where centuries co-exist and we have today both near stone-age to near space age cultures. The spectrum of diseases ranges from those that result from poverty and stark need to those that are the result of prosperity, affluence and greed. The challenges, infact, faced by the medical scientists and the health planners in our country are considerable. The environment conservation concept in our country has its long history even before the Mahabharata period. Our old granthas have also acknowledged the great Saint Valmiki of epic age of Ramayana as environmental conscious. The conservation of olden tanks, lakes and ponds connected to the old history, itself speaks of the level of wisdom among our elders and betters (ancestors) regarding environment protection. A scientist associated with the research wing of Hydrology disclosed that abnormal contents of impurities and salts especially in the kandi belt of Jammu and Kathua districts have added several health problems to the people consuming it. In some areas the water samples tested so far have shown abnormal quantity of salts like Floride, which is harmful for the human consumption. No doubt its presence to the prescribed limit ( 1.5 g/Lt.) is not harmful but water samples tested in Kathua, Samba, Jammu, R S Pura and Akhnoor area have shown that a large number of people, due to the consumption of some salts through water are more prone to joints and bone related problems. This has been confirmed from the record compiled from various hospitals in these two districts, the Scientist said. He indicated that the water supplied by the Public Health Engineering Department which is properly filtered and Chlorinated is satisfactory to some extent but there are several villagers who consume water directly from the sources like, wells, springs etc. The problems like jaundice and Hepatitis etc. are the most common in the cities like Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri, Udhampur and other major towns where sanitation arrangements and the water quality are poor. Giving an illustration another scientist said, during Kumbh mela at Hardwar coliform increases in Ganges water from 300/100 ml to about 170,000/100 ml. The infection in the river persists for 35- 40 kms downstream. Infact, the doctors can do precious little if there is a constant source of infection. The different types of diarrhoeas, which by themselves may not be killers could prove disastrous when accompanied by malnutrition. About 15 lakh children die of this in the pre-school group i.e. about three children per minute. The impact of this disease has been found considerable in J&K state as well. A similar situation is seen regarding the Guinea worm. Nearly 8000 villagers in Rajasthan and Central India are afflicted with the disease. He said it is essentially a question of supply of clean water accompanied by sanitation. But at the same time it is necessary to point out that the condition of the water pipes in the major cities like Jammu, Srinagar and other big towns here are not satisfactory. There is correlation between intermittent water supply and the hepatitis. The PHE department seems to be not much serious about the health of the people as in old Jammu city areas, about fifty year old water supply pipes still exist and they await replacement. And when there is no water in the pipes, due to reverse pressure the empty pipes draw subsoil water full of sewage and faecal matter. This is the major source of infection. There is serious gap between the proper water supply and sewerage system and usually water is provided to the exclusion of sewerage facility. Another aspect is increase of pesticides, fertilizers, which come into the contact of irrigation water and due to rains flows down to the water sources and mix with the potable water is most harmful for human consumption and gives rise to many diseases. This is the negative impact of the agriculturisation. Water-logging and breeding of mosquitoes also directly linked with the malaria and allied diseases and the source is again—the water. |
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Gujjars demand political reservation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Gujjar Islahi Committee Jammu demanded political reservation for Gujjars and Bakerwals. Addressing a press conference, chief organiser of the Committee, Ghulam Rasool Asghar said that Gujjars and Bakerwals were included in the list of the Scheduled Tribes by the Central Government in April 1991 after a long Struggle. "It is obligatory of the part of State Government to reserve Schedule Tribes constituencies in the State for the political upliftment of the community by making the amendment in the constitution of J&K State but the same has not been done so far even after the period of 10 years of grant of Scheduled Tribes status to this community", he said and asked the State Government to give political reservation to the community. Demanding inclusion of the Gojri language in the 8th scheduled of the Constitution of India, Mr Asghar said that the Gojri has its own identification, own heritage and old standing history of the period of Aryawart. He also asked the State Government to establish Gojri Department in both Jammu and Kashmir Universities and consider this language as a subject upto the 5th class at first instance. Accusing State Government of sabotaging census process, Mr Asghar alleged that the Government has always shown the wrong figures of population of the Gujjars and Bakerwals of the state due to political motives. Highlighting woes of the Gujjars and Bakerwals, he said that population of the nomadic Gujjars in the State was more than 5 lakhs and this chunk of population has no land for cultivation, for cattle, for fodder and for their residential houses. He demanded that nomadic Gujjars be provided land and Nazool, Forest and farms land already in their possession be regularised to their names and they may not be evicted therefrom and all Gujjars, who are in the possession of the above said nature of the land for the last fifty years to hundreds years ago, their possession may be regularised. Mr Asghar also expressed concern over non-implementation of SRO 126 with letter and spirit in every sphere of life. He also demanded delete of the category STO. He also demanded that Gujjar Regiment should be established in the Indian Army. "We have repeatedly making this demand since 1976 but nothing has been done so far in this regard", he regretted. |
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Police commemoration day parade organised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: With a view to commemorate the sacrifices made by jawans, a number of functions were organised by the J&K police, CRPF and Border Security Force in Jammu region. In Jammu, the commemoration day was celebrated at District Police Lines where Inspector General of Police Jammu zone Mr R V Raju was the chief guest. Mr Raju read out the names of 1113 jawans of the country who had sacrificed their lives for the motherland. He said that Martyrs laid their lives during duty as soldier. Former MP and senior Congress leader Mangat Ram Sharma, Ashok Sharma MLA, DGP retired—M M Khajuria , IGP T R Kalra ( Retd), DIG Jammu-Kathua Range S P Vaid, Cong leader- Gulchain Singh Charak , Y P Sharma, Rajinder Mutiyal from CCI and others were also present on the occasion. Our correspondent from Rajouri reported that a colourful ceremonial parade was held today in District Police Lines Rajouri to mark the occasion on Police Commemoration Day. DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range S S Bijral took the salute and addressed the gathering on the occasion. Several prominent citizens, senior civil and police officers were present at the function. All of them paid rich tributes to the martyrs. Meanwhile, Police Commemoration Day parade was organised ar Seema Prahari Park at BSF Camp Ploura. Mr Vijay Raman, IG BSF Jammu Frontier was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Raman, other senior officers and SOs laid wreaths at the memorial. Widows and family members of BSF personnel who made supreme sacrifices also paid floral tributes. IG BSF read out names all police and para-military forces jawans who laid down lives for the country during last one year. A two-minute silence was observed by the officers and jawans in respect of martyrs. Later, IG honoured the widows and presented them shawls and assured them to attend to their problems. |
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2600th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir celebrated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Navyuvak Mandal Jammu and Shri Atma Nand Jain Sabha organised a special function on the occasion of 2600th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir Swamy at Abhinav theatre here today. Mr Sudershan Jain, president Shri Atma Nand Jain Sabha Jammu inaugurated the function. The chief guest supported by his wife—Bimla Devi Jain and Mr Shrada Lal Jain from Ludhiana, special guest lit the traditional lamp to mark the occasion. A large number of people including children and women attended the programme. The birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety by the community members. At several places religious and cultural programmes were held. Amid tight security, the religious function was performed smoothly. The chief guest Mr Sudershan Lal while speaking on the occasion extended thanks to Sikander Lal Jain, Devinder Lal Jain and Sushil Jain for their valuable contribution in making a documentary on the life and teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir. He asked the community members to follow the path shown by Mahavir Swamy. Appreciating the efforts of Ludhiana team Janam Kalyan Prachar Samiti in organising a film show in Abhinav theatre for the community people and their dedication and devotion for making this documentary film, Mr Sudershan asked the community members to serve the people of their sect with same zeal and dedication. Earlier, Mr Shrada L. Jain highlighting the efforts of Mr Sikander Lal, producer and director said that this project has been widely appreciated by the community people. Extra funds worth Rs 2 crore have been kept for such projects in future too. He briefly recalled the life of Bhagwan Mahavir and high character of Mata Trishla. Mahila wing member of the Jain Sabha—Ms Pushpa Jain also spoke on the occasion. The film which was shown to the people is completely based on the teachings and life of Bhagwan Mahavir. Earlier, the Jammu Jain Sabha members honoured the Ludhiana team and offered them excellent idols of Bhagwan Mahavir. Mr Sudershan Lal Jain presided over the function. |
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Remembering martyrs Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: The Director General of Police, Mr A K Suri has said that we can never forget the sacrifices of our valiant officers and jawans who have given their pleasant today for our peaceful tomorrow while fighting proxy war launched by Pakistan and its infamous ISI. Speaking at the Commemoration Day function with Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah as chief guest at Zewan, Srinagar today, the Director General of Police said that State Police has made countless sacrifices during the last twelve years for the unity and integrity of the country. He said 110 Police personnel have laid down their lives in the first nine months of the current year and 179 personnel have died in action w.e.f. Ist September, 2000 to 31st August, 2001 as against the total of 1111 police/security forces personnel across the whole country. This, he said, shows that over one tenth of all the security forces personnel who have sacrificed their lives throughout the country has been that of J&K Police martyrs. Mr Suri said that all these years of proxy war the sacrifices of our martyrs have been a guiding spirit for all of us. Militants/terrorists have been attacking/ambushing Police and SOG camps and other installations with their suicidal squads. The increased attacks by militants, he said, goes on to show that militants consider state police as main impediment in the accomplishment of their nefarious and divisive designs, adding the attacks are also a reflection of the desperation of militants. The Director General of Police said that we are fighting an invisible enemy, an enemy which is backed by a full establishment. There is no value of human life before this enemy. This is the enemy which has not spared even the school going kids and women, pedestrians and passengers, peasants and shepherds, he said. On the other hand, while fighting the monster of militancy consistently and bravely, the DGP said that we are taking every care to ensure that innocent people do not suffer any harm and there is no violation of human rights. "Sometimes we have suffered causalities only because we wanted to save lives of common people from harm who were caught in between police/security forces and militants during encounters", he said. Attributing the success of operations against militants to the cooperation of people, Mr Suri said that service and security of people is the first and foremost duty of police. He advised policemen to be doubly conscious in the execution of their duties as compared to others. "We should never do any such thing that may tarnish the image of police. Our image should be such as may inspire others to emulate", the DGP said, reiterating that one wrong action washes away ten other good actions of police. Calling police force as a very big family, the DGP said that families of the martyrs are a part and parcel of this vast family whose numerical strength has almost doubled over the last five years. Families of martyrs should never feel that they are alone or that they have been ignored, he said, adding the whole police force is with them. The function besides others was attended by Minister of State for Home, Mr Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy, Legislators, Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly and senior police and civil officers. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the Centre has been approached for more power to the State to offset its scarcity during winter months. Inaugurating an exhibition on the achievements of works sectors in the state during the past five years of his government, the Chief Minister said the power scenario becomes grim with receding water level during the winter. He said he has already taken it up with the Union Home Minister Mr L K Advani and hopes that the Centre would accede to the request. He said a whopping sum of Rs 1000 crore is being spent on power procurement though the tariff recovery is a meager Rs 270 crore. The people, he said, must make judicious use of scarce power resource. About achievements in various developmental sectors, the Chief Minister said though he does not claim to have achieved everything, yet the progress is discernible to the people. Dr Abdullah complimented the Works Minister and his team of engineers for the excellent progress registered over the years and hoped this journey to progress and development will continue with full pace. Referring to problems confronted to people, the Chief Minister instructed for taking up expeditiously the alternate road connecting the Srinagar city at Pantachowk-Mehjoor Nagar bye-pass as commuters face many difficulties due to traffic restriction near Badami Bagh cantonment. He also asked for taking up flood control master plan urgently. The Chief Minister asserted that the State is all set to achieve excellence in various developmental spheres despite constraints and said this journey will continue despite the uncalled for criticism by adversaries. ‘Baade Mukhalif Se Na Tu Gabra Ae Uqaab, Yeh To Uthti Hai Tumhe Oonch Udane Key Liye". He also made a passionate appeal to the people for coming forward to save water bodies. ‘Upon the survival of Dal and Anchar lies the survival of all of us’, he said, adding that several measures are underway to conserve the precious water bodies in the state. Dr Abdullah also dwelt on various evils confronted to the state and called for a war against these for harmonious society. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman Legislative Council, Mr Abdul Rashid Dar complimented the Government for pulling out the State from darkness towards light. He said besides infusing a new life in the dormant democratic institutions, undoubtedly credit goes to the Government for its contribution towards rebuilding of the devastated infrastructure. Mr Dar said from 1989 to 1996, the State witnessed a virtual collapse of democratic and administrative institutions besides devastation of infrastructural base. "There was no end to the devastation at the hands of militants who were bent upon destroying the public property and raze the State’s assets to the rubble," he added. The Chairman said the timely political intervention by the present Government in October 1996, not only revitalized the democratic institutions but saved the State from further destruction. He said if there would have been no political intervention by the National Conference government, the conspiracies hatched against the State and the diabolic designs of the enemy would have consigned it to the pages of the history. Mr Dar congratulated the Minister for Works and his team of officials for their immense contribution towards the rebuilding of the State. The Speaker Legislative Assembly, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil, who also addressed the function, said nobody could deny the tangible development undertaken by the Government during the past five years. Mr Vakil said although the progress made on the infrastructural front is commendable, the Government should also take steps to fulfill its constitutional and political obligations towards the people. He said the NC Government has not only come to the rescue of the State’s people during the ongoing turmoil only, it has contributed immensely towards the progress of the people in the past as well. Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Mr Vakil said, not only freed the people from the shackles of autocratic rule but also brought emancipation to them. He said it was Sher-e-Kashmir who institutionalized education at a time when the literacy rate was almost negligible in the State. The Speaker said credit goes to Sher-e-Kashmir for bringing back continuity in the history of the State which had undergone various turbulent phases of slavery till then. He said today’s youth are unaware about the State’s history, which is not a good trend. Mr Vakil said history should be put in the right perspective and taught as a compulsory subject in our educational institutions to make the youth aware about their past. Earlier, welcoming the guests, the Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar gave a brief resume of the achievements recorded by the present Government in various sectors during the past five years. When it came to power in 1996, Mr Sagar said, the present Government inherited a state which had gone through a worst turbulent phase of its history. He said the infrastructure in education, health, road communication, water supply and other vital sectors was devastated and there was a chaos all around. "We took the responsibility on our shoulders and, despite heavy odds, started the mission of reconstruction which is still going on," Mr Sagar said and added that the achievements recorded by the Government during the past five years are before the people. He said besides massive infrastructural rebuilding, around one lakh youth were provided jobs and maximum public participation has been ensured in the execution of developmental programmes. "The developmental plans are not being formulated in the corridors of power but by the public and their representatives themselves," he added. The Minister said besides rebuilding the devastated infrastructure, the biggest achievement of the present government is bringing in an element of accountability and transparency in governance. He said when the present Government took over, the work culture was dead and the Government-people contact was at its lowest ebb. Despite facing bombs, bullets and threats, he said, the government functionaries revived the mass contact and reached every nook and corner of the State to assess the people’s problems. "Although several attempts were made on the life of the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues, they continued to reach out to the people," he said and added that the people have now realized that who really are their well-wishers and who are their enemies. Mr Sagar said the Government’s effort is to revive the age-old tradition of brotherhood and amity in the State and ensure return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes. "However, whenever we made such efforts, hurdles were created by shedding innocent blood of the minority community members in various parts of the State," he said and added that the government’s resolve is to restore complete peace and normalcy in the State and it would definitely succeed in its endeavor one day. To fulfill the political aspirations of the people of the State, the Minister said restoration of autonomy was inevitable. He said the NC government has a commitment with the people that it will work towards restoration of autonomy and measures have already been taken for the same. He called upon the centre to take steps for the restoration of autonomy as it is the only way to restore the confidence of the people and their dignity and honour. Mr Sagar complimented the engineers and other officials of various engineering departments for their contribution towards rebuilding of the State. He also thanked the people for their cooperation to the government in its efforts of reconstruction. Two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect for all those killed in the decade-long turmoil in the state. |
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Birth anniversary of Gulab
Singh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: The 209th birth anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of Jammu and Kashmir State, was celebrated here today. At a solemn function held in Amar Mahal complex, Maharaja Gulab Singh’s statue was profusely garlanded and rich tributes paid to this great warrior, who consolidated the northern boundary of the nation and founded Jammu and Kashmir State today. The president, Dharmarth Trust, Thakur Divakar Singh and secretary, Dharmarth, Mr Khem Sharma paid floral tributes. A large number of religious scholars, leaders of political parties, social and cultural organisations as also prominent citizens were present. Maj Gen (retd) Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, Mr Gulchain Singh Charak and Mr G A Tak paid tributes to the founder of the State. Two students of Delhi Public school read papers about the contribution of this ruler of Jammu and Kashmir. The proceeding were conducted by Shastri Lakshmi Dutt. In the morning, hawan yagya was performed by Dharmarth Trust office-bearers amidst chanting of Vedic mantras in the famous Raghunath Temple complex, Jammu. While the students of Sanskrit Maha Vidyalay, Birpur recited shalokas from holy scriptures, the boys and girls from Raghunath Pathshalla presented a variety show. A free Langar was also arranged by the Dharmarth Trust. His monumental contributions in founding the Jammu and Kashmir and consolidating the north-western borders of the country. He created a key endowment " Dharmarth Trust" in 1846 with a personal donation of Rs 5 lakh for purpose of promotion of Hindu religion. The trust utilises the interest on the principal sum on establishing sadabrat, construction of new temples and repair or renovation of old ones in and outside Jammu and Kashmir as also maintenance of goushallas, pathshallas and other charitable purposes. Maharaja Gulab Singh, born on October 21, 1792 received no formal education but was a accomplished horseman, a proficient in gun and sword and emerged as a great warrior. He joined in 1809 as a trooper in service of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and proved his mettle in various battle-fields. Moved by Gulab Singh’s loyalty and military strategist, Maharaja Ranjit Singh performed his rajtilak as raja of Jammu in 1822. He later extended Jammu and Kashmir State over an area of 84,000 sq miles. Besides being a great warrior, he took interest in social and administrative reforms. He installed his son Ranbir Singh as ruler in his own life time, a rare example. Maharaja Gulab Singh’s rich contribution was recalled. |
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Navratra Festival at
Katra Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Oct 21: As many as 17 singers participated on the fourth day of the All India devotional songs competition of the Navratra festivals at Katra yesterday. Of them five singers were from outside the State.Mr. Naveen Punjabi of Ludhina, Ramaloo Ram and party of Ramnagar district Udhampur and Saroop Sing of Kishtwar declared Ist, 2nd and 3rd by the three members panel of judges. They were awarded prizes of Rs.5000, Rs.3000 and Rs.2000 respectively by Dr. Shikha Diwvedi. The Navratra festival has been organised jointly by the Shri Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Tourism Department at Katra. Main highlight of the festival is the All India Devotional songs competition. The final of the competition will be held on 25th october. The first prize winner will get Rs. one lakh. Earlier the cultural procession started from Ragunath Mandir Katra which after passing through the Katra bazars culminated at Higher Secondary School Katra.OSD in the Shrine Board, Mr. Verinder Gupta lit the jyoti to mark the start of the procession. Large number of pilgrims, prominent citizens of the town participated in the procession. Local organisations are taking active part in the celebrations. In the afternoon, students of Higher Secondary School, Katra, Nityanand Bal Niketan Panthal, Government High School, Panthal, Government Higher Secondary School, Katra and Girls High School, Katra presented colourful cultural programme comprising Bhaints, patriotic songs, devotional songs and skits which was witnessed by the large number of pilgrims as well as prominent citizens of the town. In the evening the Song and Drama Division Government of India presented a cultural programme. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: After a gap of thirteen years, Ram Lila- dramatic presentation on life and works of Lord Rama, is once again being staged by Shri Radha Krishan Saraswati Dramatic Club at Panjtirthi Radha Krishan temple (Billo Mandir). On the first day of the commencement of Ram Lila, Saraswati Vandhana was performed and the well rehearsed programme was witnessed by a number of people, including children and women. MLA Jammu (East) Mr Ashok Khajuria, who was chief guest on the occasion, inaugurated the show and lauded the contribution of various actors as well as director for the Club. The programme was well conducted by general secretary of the Club Mr Shiv Kumar Banotra who, on the occasion also read an introductory note about the achievements of Shri Radha Krishan Saraswati Dramatic Club. The historical Radha Krishan Temple popularly known as Billo Mandir was specially decorated with buntings and flags. Like other part of the country, Ram Lila is being staged by this club with much fun fare and religious giety. Ram Lila is being celebrated on the auspicous occasion of holy Navratas and will be concluded on the occasion of Vijay Dashmi when effigies of Ravana, Kumbkarna and Meghnath will be burnt. Their effigies are being burnt throughout the country to mark victory of truth over evil. Ravana, the King of Lanka, is considered a symbol of evil. Rama Lila is celebrated every year to educate the people about teaching of Lord Rama, who had killed Ranava to eradicate evil from the world. |
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Pampore grid station to be completed by March next: Slathia Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Pampore grid station is likely to be completed by the end of current financial year which will help improve power supply in the valley. This was informed at a review meeting of System Operation Wing of Power Development Department here today. The Minister for Power, Mr S S Slathia presided. It was apprised to the Minister that work on 220 MVA transmission line 2nd circuit is apace. To evacuate full power from Upper Sindh Hydel Project (USHP)-II and transmission line to Habak grid station are progressing at a cost of Rs.4.66 crore and likely to be completed by the end of this year. 50- MVA three lines installed at Habak grid station for the first time. Speaking at the meeting, the Minister stressed the need for completion of the other schemes on priority like Badampora Ganderbal grid station 2 x 20 MVA, grid stations at Kangan, Mattan, Sheeree, Kulgam and augmentation of grid station at Wanpoh, Rawalpora, Amargarh and Pattan so that the people in Valley should get proper power supply. He said that major stress is being given on the generation side but it can not be fruitful unless system operation and distribution system is improved. He said a close liaison is to be maintained between the different wings of the department for speedy disposal of the proposals and schemes. He issued on the spot instruction for lifting of transformers from Jammu for installation at Amargarh grid station to minimize overloading of the station. He asked the engineers to set an example in the public by enhancing their residential connected load and make all the connections of the departmental functionaries legal before 27th of October, 2001. It was unanimously decided that Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers will declare their connected load as 4 KV, Executive Engineers and Assistant Engineers as 3 KV, Assistant Executive Engineers and Junior Engineers as 2 KV of their residential houses. The Minister directed all the engineers to be duty bound, dedicated and share their responsibilities in improving system to come up to the expectations of the people. He instructed them to pursue the court cases expeditiously for their early settlement. The Minister lauded the services of the Development Commissioner, Power, Mr Vinod Sharma and Chief Engineer, System Operation, Mr. Showkat Ahmad who are retiring by end of this month. He assured of full cooperation of the government in implementing the directions aimed at improving the power infrastructure in the State. Among others Development Commissioner Power, Mr Vinod Sharma, Chief Engineers, M&RE and System Operations and other engineering staff of the department. |
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Shobha Koser leaves spectators spell bound with performance Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: With the movements of the body, hands, limbs, together with facial expressions and filled with ‘Rasa’ or ‘flavour’, Kathak dancer of national repute Mrs Shobha Koser today enthralled and mesmerized the audience with her performance. The precision of footwork, its many rapid turns, its patterned rhythms with many varieties of ‘bols’ leave the spectator of Kathak performance amazed and spell bound. Noted Kathak dancer has an arresting stage presence and she danced with that rare felicity of movement and grace that her recital becomes a poem. Each movement of her speaks a phrase, each attitude paints a situation, every gesture unfolds a thought and the brilliance of her look announces a new sentiment. Mrs Koser, a versatile artist, executes all its finer intricacies on the stage which has drawn applause from the most audience. Subtlety of footwork, graceful lyrical movements and portrayal of emotions through ‘Bhava’ were her forte. At one moment she appears to float as delicately as on the wings of a soft spring wind and at another she whirls with astonishing verve and vigour. The performance she gave in Abhinav Theatre this evening will be long remembered as audience has a rare chance to see such an artist in this city. In her every action everyone saw mastery of technique. It was her instinctive capacity to project herself and to involve the audience that has won affection among the audience. Artist of par excellence, Mrs Shobha Koser showed extraordinary mobility of facial expression and she kept the audience spell bound. She started the dance from Ganesh Bandhana after which enthralled the audience with Thumri, Solah Shringhar of Lord Krishna and Jatauju Moksh. Later, Akashvani Doordarshan Casual Music Artistes Association felicitated Mrs Shobha Koser and Mr M L Koser, who is also a renowned dancer and popularly known as ‘Tandav King’. Mr Ved Bhasin was the chief guest on the occasion which was also attended by Mr Sham Sunder Anand, Prof Zahur-ud-Din and Mr V N Kohli besides writers, artists and other known personalities. |
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Burglaries in 6 shops in Gandhi Nagar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Burglars last night struck in Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Gandhi Nagar locality and decamped with Rs 10,000 in cash and other valuables from six adjoining shops. According to reports, a group of burglars broke open the shutters of six shops adjoining to each other and escaped with Rs 10,000 in cash and other valuables. The burgled shops were Babar Collections, Nice and Easy, Gunjan Enterprises, Bunty Gift House, Sharma Provisional Store and Sharma Karyana Store. Around Rs 2800 were reportedly stollen from Babar Collections. At around six in the morning, some locals, who spotted shutters of shops broken informed the police. A police party from Gandhi Nagar Police Station rushed to the spot to assess the situation. A case has been registered in this connection and hunt was on to nab the thieves but no arrest was made till late this evening. This is the second incident in the Gandhi Nagar locality within three days as earlier two thieves escaped with gold ornamentals worth Rs 50,000 in broadday light from a jewellery shop at Aquaf Market. In that case no arrest has been made by the police so far. Earlier, thieves also escaped with Air Conditioner from R K Electronics, Apsara Road, Gandhi Nagar and none of the thieves was arrested. The shopkeepers of the main Gandhi Nagar market alleged that police seems to be insenstive towards the increase in theft cases. They accused the police of sleeping over these incidents and was doing nothing to arrest the thieves operating in the area without any fear. |
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