Artists felicitated by Cultural Academy
Regional Wood Carving Camp concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: A 10-day Regional Wood Carving Camp organised by Jammu and Kahmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages in collaboration with Lalit Kala Kendra, New Delhi concluded today.

In this camp, a number of artists from various states took part and converted their imaginations into unique wooden sculptures. The artists worked day in and day out during all these days to prepare sculptures which impressed everyone.

In his wooden sculpture, Ajay Pandey of Delhi depicted the era from Mohanjodaro to modern era. "All this is carved by me during this camp and based on my imaginations", Mr Pandey said while informing media-persons about his sculpture.

The simple wooden pieces were converted into beautiful sculptures by the artists through minute carvings and the beautiful carvings were inviting attention of everyone, who attended the concluding day function of the camp.

On the concluding day of the camp, all the artists were felicitated by Mr Balwant Thakur, Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

The artists, who were felicitated included Kishore Chakarwarti, Ajay Pandey, Raj Kumar, all from Delhi, Rajinder Kumar, Jagdish Jolley from Punjab, Ganesh and Mrs Sonu Aggarwal from Jammu and Sahil Aditi and Altaf Hussain, both from Srinagar.

Mr Brij Sharma and Mr Om Parkash Sharma were the Programme and Exhibition Officers respectively of the camp and both were assisted by Mr Rajinder Tickoo.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Balwant Thakur thanked Lalit Kala Kendra for organising this camp in collaboration with Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and said that some sculptures of the artists will remain in the possession of Academy.

"We will also organise such camps in Kashmir in the coming summer season to encourage artists", he disclosed and said that in this 10-day long camp, the students of Institute of Fine Arts overwhelmingly took part.

He said that Institute is becoming centre of activities and conducting of this camp has served twin purpose of encouraging artists and benefitting students by way of their interaction with the artists from outside the State. "We are trying to organise such programme in performing arts also", he added.

Later, all the artists expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements made for the camp.

‘Providing good governance is our objective’
Govt craving for creditablity: Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Seeking cooperation of people for the restoration of peace and serenity in the violence plagued State of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today said that the need of an hour was to evolve a consensus at national level to get this region rid of the yoke of blood-shed and destruction. Chief Minister said that instead of promising ‘Moon’, his Government would prefer to earn creditability of people by providing good governance.

Addressing a function organised by the Federation of Retailers Associations to felicitate him and his Council of Ministers, the Mufti said that Kashmir problem was not confined to the people of Jammu and Kashmir only. "This problem has became a ‘recurring one’, eating the vitals of our country", he said, adding, that the just concluded elections has given an opportunity to solve this problem. He, however, cautioned, "if we missed this golden opportunity, it will prove disastrous not only for Jammu and Kashmir but also for the entire nation".

"I donot agree with this version that voters have given fructured verdict, it was verdict against the then ruling party", he said adding that the coalition is not for ruling the State only, but to deliver good governance to the inhabitants of this State, who have been witnessing bloodshed and destruction for the last more than 13 years".

The Chief Minister said that PDP-Congress alliance is programmatic, guided by the wishes and aspirations of all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir.

While reiterating his stand for removing alienation of the people, the Chief Minister stressed on giving healing touch to the wounds of the people. "Ander Ki Aag Bujaney Ke Zarurat Hai", he suggested and emphasised the need of involving all groups and political parties in the on-going efforts to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Involvement of commoner in a day to day functioning of the Government was must to remove alienation, he argued, adding that autocratic behaviour of the previous regime was responsible for the prevailing mess in the State.

"It is very unfortunate that inhabitants of this border State were never allowed to elect representatives of their choice", he regretted and narrated how elections for the Constituent Assembly were held ‘uncontested’ and opposition candidates were not allowed to contest. He, however, appreciated Election Commission of India for conducting free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Assuring the people that his Government will bring transparency and accountability in administration, the Mufti asserted that neither Ministers nor politicians were allowed to interfere in recruitment process. "Recruitment process should be streamlined and no interference will be allowed", he said and narrated an incident how he expressed his helplessness in giving Government job to one of his old friend’s son.

"We will not repeat blunders committed by the previous regimes. Instead of giving populist slogans, we will rather try to earn creditability of the people", he said, adding, that unlike previous regimes his main objective will be to earn faith and trust of common masses.

While admitting that political discrimination was meted out to Jammu region, Mufti assured that due share will be given to this region in decision making process.

Lavishing all praise on Jammuites for maintaining brotherhood and communal harmony during turmoil, the Chief Minister apprecaited the people of this region for sheltering all those irrespective of caste, creed or religion. "Had Mahatma Gandhi alive today, he would have seen a ray of hope in Jammu region", he said.

Responding to the demands of Retailers Association, the Mufti termed ‘Retailers Association’ as real Chamber of Commerce and assured them their problems will adressed.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma cautioned the people against malicious campaign launched by some vested interests against the coalition Government. He stoutly refuted the allegations that this Government was soft towards terrorism. "Our Government is committed to wipe out terrorism", he said but favoured giving healing touch to the wounds of the people.

Coming down heavily on those vested interests who have launched vicious campaign against coalition Government, Mr Sharma clarified that Chief Minister has not provided jobs to the families of militants at Baramullah. " I was very much present there. Jobs were not given to militants’ families but to those who are victims of militancy", he said.

Appreciating problems of the trading community, Deputy Chief Minister said that bussinessmen were the worst sufferers of the militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, in his welcome address, president of the Federation of Retailers Association, Yash Pal Gupta asssured full cooperation from the trading community to the new Government in putting the economy of the State back on rails.

Highlighting demands of the traders, he demanded promotion of tourism in hill resorts like Patnitop, Sudh Mahadev, Mansar and other areas besides construction of roads from Patnitop to Sudh Mahadev and Sudh Mahadev to Mansar. He further demanded that VAT system should not introduced in haste in Jammu and Kashmir. He also highlight some other demands of the trading community.

Newly elected Rajya Sabha member, Trilok Singh Bajwa, MLAs namely Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Prem Sagar Aziz, Girdhari Lal and Mr Mir were present on the occasion.

Cong failed to protect interests of Jammu: BJP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Senior BJP leader and Union Minister of State Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that utility of the BJP has not diminished in Jammu and Kashmir despite set back to the Party in recent battle of ballots.

Addressing party activists, Prof Gupta said that BJP is the legacy of great struggle in this State to defend Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part the country and defeat the designs of the secessionists and powers hostile to India. The party has a big achievement to its credit in restoring the confidence of the people of the State in the ballot because the hegemony of the any ruling party was smashed for the first time.

He referred to the great sacrifices made by the nationalists under the leadership of late Pandit Prem Nath Dogra and said that even today large number of people look towards BJP inspite of the fact that they voted for other parties. Prof Gupta said that workers should gear up to meet the challenges ahead because the dangers facing the state from inside and outside still persisted.

Prof Gupta claimed that BJP is a movement and not mere a political party. He was highly critical of the Congress and said that Congress in J&K always played as a second fiddle detrimental to the interests of the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions. Referring to some recent developments regarding release of some controversial elements, Prof Gupta said Congress can not escape from responsibility. He asked the workers to expose the Congress and mobilise public opinion.

Fankar felicitates scribes
8 books on Kashmir history released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Eight books on history and Kashmir and its culture were released at a special function held in Jammu Press Club this evening. The function was organized by J&K Cultural Organization in collaboration with Gulshan Publishers Srinagar.

The function was presided over by Mr Fayyaz Shehryar, Director Doordarshan Jammu, while Mr Ved Bhasin, chairman Kashmir Times Group of Publications was the chief guest. Besides Prof. Jigar Mohammed HoD History, Jammu University, Padam Shri Ram Nath Shastri, Mrs Bimla Raina, Mystic poetess, Mohan Lal Aash, president, Nagrad Adbi Sangam, Hasrat Ghada and Sheikh Aijaz of Gulshan Publishers were in the presidium.

On the occasion, scribes representing print and electronic media were felicitated by the Organization. They include Messrs Sohail Kazmi of Dainik Taskeen, Harbans Nagokey, Bureau Chief Dainik Jagran, Raju Kerni of Zee News, Avtar Bhat of Daily Excelsior, Zaffar Choudhary of Kashmir Times and Afzal Shah, Photo journalist KT.

However, Mr Ashwani Kumar of Aaj Tak whose name was also in the penal was not present to receive the award.

Among the books which were released included Kashmir Sofism of Shafi Ahmed Qadri, The History of J&K 1885-1925 written by Mohammed Saleem Khan, Iqbal Aur Mushair Kashmir written by Kaleem Akhtar, Kashmir Main Ishait Islam by Mohammed Isaq Khan, Aina Tehreek Kashmir by Mohammed Amin Khan, Historic Kashmir, and Kashmir the History of Himalayan Valley by Fida Mohammed Hussain and History of Economic Development in Kashmir by S R Bakshi.

Among them Kashmiri Sufism and History of J&K were released by Mr Ved Bhasin and papers on the two were read by Dr Assadullah Wani. The other three books Iqbal and Mushair Kashmir, Kashmir Main Ishait Islam and Aina Tarikeeh Kashmir were released by Fayyaz Shehryar and the papers on them were read by Dr Premi Romani. The other three books History of Kashmir, Kashmir the History of the Himalayan Valley and History of Economic Development in Kashmir were released by Padam Shri Ram Nath Shastri while papers on them were read by Mr Neeraj Jandial.

The welcome address was made by Mr Hasrat Gadha, general secretary Fankar Cultural organization while Mr Piarey Hatash compered the programme.

Later, in his address, Mr Shehryar said with the publication of these books the concept has been proved wrong that the good books are not being published in Kashmir after the turmoil gripped the Valley.

This has indicated that Kashmiri intellectuals are still alive and they have not given in he said, adding the history can only be preserved in book form and not in videography

Mr Bhasin complimented both Gulshan Publishers and Fankar for bringing out these books on Kashmir History. He however stressed on imbibing the habits of reading the books among the students. The writing of a book has no value till it does not have the readers, he added.

Speaking on the occasion Sheikh Aijaz said the Gulshan Publishers have decided to reprint and publish centuries old historic books of Kashmir. He hailed the Fankar for guiding the publishers in publishing the books in latest pattern.

Relief to war widows, ex-servicemen provided

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Jammu accompanied by his staff members visited Jindrah and Kishenpur and on Nov 16 and provided relief to the war widows and ex-servicemen of the area.

According to a release, a large number of ex-servicemen and other beneficiaries had gathered at Kishenpur from the adjoining areas. Problems of the ex-servicemen and widows were attended to on the spot by Col Karan Singh who distributed sewing machines to Mrs Vijay Kumari, widow of late NK Baldev Singh and Mrs Nirmala Devi, widow of late Naik Rattan Singh.

Col Singh while addressing the gathering, educated them on various welfare schemes and concessions available to them from the Central and the State Government. All routine documentation like issue of identity cards, Medical treatment certificate, completion different types of relief forms were carried out.

The Zila Officer distributed financial relief of Rs 1000 to Mrs Shanti Devi, widow of late Naik Dalip Singh amongst others. Col Singh informed all present ex-servicemen and widows that two quarters have been allotted by the Station Headquarters Jammu in the vicinity of Military hospital Jammu for utilisation by the ex-servicemen and widows who come for treatment and get admitted in Military hospital Jammu.

He also explained about the scheme of resettlement courses continuance announced by the Central Government.

THe team also paid a visit to the house late L Nk Rashpal Singh who laid down his life for nation in NE while fighting militants recently and enquired about their health and problems.

JSM holds One-day convention, elects office bearers

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 18: One day convention of Jammu State Morcha was held here in which various bodies at district, tehsil and city level were constituted. the meeting was chaired by state president of JSM Mr Sri Kumar.

As per a release the office bearers for Udhampur district included Messrs Rakesh Gupta, Mahant Hem Raj, Sanjeev Advocate, Sushil Sharma and Vikas Gupta as president, vice president, general secretary, secretary, cashier respectively while members were Ashok and Satish Baria. Vishal Khajuria and Ms Chanchla Sharma were made Youth and Mahila Morcha presidents .

Tehsil Committee office bearers are Capt Durga Dass as president, Sat Pal Sallan as vice president, Om Parkash Sudan as general secretary while committee members are Ravi Kumar of Chakhar, Chain Singh of Pathi, Jia Lal of Tirshi, Ravinder Kumar of Krimchi, Vijay Kumar of Mansar and Sugreev Sharma of Chak.

The City Committee office bearers are Sanjeev Sharma as president, Subash Sharma as vice president, Anil Mahajan as general secretary and Vivek Gupta as secretary. The members of city committee are Karanveer Singh, Paras Ram Sharma, Ashok Kumar Bucha, Ram Krishan Sharma, Sanjay Kailwoo, Deepak Gupta, Ashwani Sharma, Verinder Baria, Neeraj Modi and Raj Kumar Sadotra.

An Advisory Committee was also framed with Messrs Paras Ram Pachiala, Kulbhushan Gupta Advocate, K C Gupta, Rama Nand Baria and Tilak Raj Khajuria as members. Mr Dinkar Gupta Advocate was appointed as Legal Advisor.

ASI to observe World Heritage Week from Nov 19

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: The Archaeological Survey of India in order to propagate the rich cultural heritage of our country and to keep it intact besides creating general awareness among masses and children, has decided to observe the World Heritage Week every year from 19 to 25th November, coinciding with the birthday of late Prime Minister of India, Mrs Indira Gandhi, whose love and concern for the cultural heritage is well known.

According to a press release, every year the Srinagar circle, Archaeological Survey of India has been celebrating the World Heritage Week at important centrally protected monuments located in Jammu and Kashmir. This year the centrally protected monuments located in Jammu and Kashmir. This year the celebrations are scheduled to be held in the premises of the famous Devi Bhagwati Temple at Manwal and Ancient Palace at Ramnagar district Udhampur. The students of local schools as well as general public have been invited to participate in the various activities being organised throughout the week. Besides a small photo-exhibition is planned to be organised highlighting important conservation works of monuments of Manwal and Ramnagar carried out recently by the circle.

There are five temples at Babour (Manwal) are located 28 kms South of Udhampur on Udhampur-Dhar Road. These temples date back to circa 10th-11th century AD and bear characteristics of Kashmiri style.