Know Your Legislator
Dreaming to become Scientist, Billawar Social
activist turns out to be MLA

By Gopal Sharma

"I had never thought of becoming a politician and it was not my cup of tea. My aim was to become a Scientist like my elder brother but it was surprising even for me as the destiny had stored something else for me in career. It was a call of people who loved me and wished to lead the masses of the area as their dedicated worker and leader of the masses in this neglected constituency of district Kathua."

These were the words of the highly qualified and only candidate possessing Doctorate Degree (Ph.D) in Chemistry, who has been elected by the people of Billawar constituency as an Independent candidate, rejecting all the members of major parties and the heavy- weights like Congress leader -Balbir Singh and JSM stalwart -Kashmira Singh. This youth, who had recently rejected the job of a teacher, was working as a social activist and also running an NGO—Lok Jagriti Manch for the last about five years. Being connected with all the communities, he became voice of all the public and emerged as the heart- throb of the people due to his good-will, dedication and zeal to serve the people and suffering humanity.

He is none else but Dr Manohar Lal, a village youth from Drung, who has emerged as the strongest among all the independent candidates and claimed highest percentage of votes out of the total polled in the State Assembly elections. Out of the total votes polled, he grabbed 24,735 and defeated Congress sitting MLA, Balbir Singh with a margin of about 15,000 votes, while Kashmira Singh another heavy weight remained at third position, securing 7355 votes.

Interestingly, the last three consecutive MLAs—Balbir Singh, Puran Singh and Suram Singh have also come from the area of Drung, Deval and Rampur within the radius of hardly 5-6 kms, to represent Billawar constituency. The constituency has a total of 44 Panchayats including a major portion of Kandi belt.

The youth leader, who apparently has a deep pain for the sufferings of his people, claims that a turning point came in his life when he was elected to the Assembly and bade good bye to his desired profession. "God who had stored some thing different for me has given me the opportunity with the backing of my people to serve the masses in a better way and I will come up to the expectations of the people of my constituency. I am down to earth and donot even consider myself a leader", says Manohar.

A son of the freedom fighter, Sub. Jagat Ram Sharma, Dr Manohar floated NGO—Lok Jagriti Manch in Billawar with an objective to create awareness among the people regarding their rights, fight social evils like dowry and addiction besides environmental related issues. The youth having secular outlook and an urge to do something for the masses, was projected their leader by the people.

Sharing his experience with Excelsior, the young leader disclosed that he was backed by all communities in his political victory. Those who play the politics of castism and communalism hardly succeed in their designs. Being social worker, I remained closely associated with the members of every community including Hindus, Muslims and other Reserved Castes besides poor and down trodden. It was infact their victory, who showed doors to my predecessor. The people this time outrightly rejected by the sitting MLA due to his own mistakes." I will not like to commit any such mistake which will take me away from my people,"he maintained.

Responding to a question, the new legislator said Degree College for the constituency, development of infrastructure in schools and their upgradation, implementation of water supply schemes, construction of roads, their repair, employment to youth and irrigation facilities will be his top priorities. ‘

"I have been sent by the people and will sit and consult every plan and scheme with them as I am not answerable to any party high command. People are my Party and High command so I am answerable to them only. Whatever, will be in the interest of my people, is expected to be be finalised. The women and the youth reposed lot of confidence in me and their expectations will be taken care of. He regretted that ex-MLA, tried to ruin his image and implicated him in false cases but his all attempts were defied by the public, who reposed faith in me and outrightly rejected him. "Me and my social workers helped him a lot in last elections. The people and the provocative activities of my predecessor compelled me to contest elections and it should be a lesson for him," he maintained.

When asked about the offers from Congress or other political parties to join them, Dr Manohar said, " I will prefer to remain as Independent legislator and if the occasion arises I will go to the people of my constituency and consult the issue with them. I will not take any decision without taking my people into confidence ," he added.

Dr Manohar who was earlier, elected as Sarpanch from his Drung Panchayats Halqa in 2001, suggested to carve out a Kandi constituency taking areas from Billawar, Hiranagar, Kathua and Basohli. With this, the better development of the Kandi area of lower Shivaliks will be possible, he opined.

The new MLA resolved to watch the interests of Jammu people and not succumb to any pressure from any quarter and provide justice to the people. He strongly advocated the implementation of Wazir Commission Report and carving out new constituencies in Jammu region on the basis of population and area.

MLA Doru visits migrant camps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Mr G A Mir, MLA Doru, Constituency visited various Kashmiri migrant camps and non camp migrant localities today.

As per a release, he had a series of meetings with the displaced people from Doru Constituency of Anantnag district at Durga Nagar, Purkhoo Camp and Nagrota Camp. He also met a cross section of Kashmiri migrants from other constituencies.

Mr Mir expressed grave concern over the plight of Kashmiri migrants living in camps. He promised them that he will take up all their problems with the concerned authorities.

While addressing the meetings of the displaced people, he said the composite culture of Kashmir Valley is incomplete with out the Pandits.

He urged the people of his Constituency to frame a committee representing all the villages under the name Shahabad interaction Committee.

The migrants while expressing gratitude to Mr Mir for his good will gesture also hailed the state, Party chief, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad for giving representation to community in the Lower House. It also demanded that one community member among the grass root level workers of the Party be nominated to Upper House as well.

Others who spoke on the occasion, include H L Pandita, Chaman Lal Kaul, Dina Nath, Kamal Fotedar, Moti Lal Dhar, Kaka Jee, Rattan Lal and Bushan Lal.

Rotary Distt Governor visits Akhnoor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: District Governor Mr Mohan Singh Sachdeva of RI 3070 paid official visit to Akhnoor and was taken to Sewa Ashram Akhnoor (a Home for Senior Citizens, being run by Sewa Samiti Akhnoor) where he donated blankets on behalf of the Club.

Mr Sachdeva was taken to Rotary Sewing Centre "Lehar" where he witnessed the work done by the students in the form of exhibition, Teachers and students appreciated the gesture of Rotary and were given one sewing machine and Rs 2000 in cash by the Club and Rs 5000 for the purchase of embroidery. He was escorted by president Deedar Hussain and secretary Dr Pardeep Gupta to club assembly where he discussed Rotary and guided the Club for future course of community work.

A formal function was also organised in honour of Mr Sachdeva by the citizens and officials from Akhnoor town. Besides Mr Dinesh Gupta, executive secretary, IRCS, District Jammu. One sewing machine, 3 lakh hand-bills about AIDS, TB and tobacco smoking and monetary help to two girls were the projects undertaken by the Club on the occasion.

Two new members Messrs Inder Sharma, Guddi Ram, Srinivas Sharma and Pawan Gupta were inducted into the club. Earlier in the function president Deedar Hussain welcomed District Governor and presented work done report for five months of the year. He also outlined the plans for the future which included Medical Camps in remote areas and various awareness Programmes.

Mr Sachdeva exhorted the Rotarians and Citizens to undertake projects of community service, especially to help weaker sections of the society. He exemplified his beautiful narration with appropriate short stories to impress upon the gathering to justify the theme of Rotary for 2002-03 viz "Sow the seeds of love and Rotary Motto of Service before Self. He asked the gathering to spare whatever is available with them viz time, money or manual service for the welfare of the society. He was accompanied by District Secretary Neeraj Sharma from Jallandhar.

The function was attended by almost all the members of Rotary, Innerwheel and Rotract Clubs including their respective past presidents besides GGR BP Munshi Ram from Jammu.

PAS, NSS organise joint workshop

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: A two days workshop organized by Public Awareness Society (PAS) and NSS Unit of SPMR College of Commerce concluded here today with a clarion call to youth to come forward to bring awareness among the masses about the healthy life styles and dreaded sexual diseases like AIDS Hepatitis-B etc.

It also urged them to prepare the students for development of country in socio economic field.

The first session of today’s workshop was chaired by Principal of the host college Prof Reeta Munshi, Prof V K Kapoor, NSS University of Jammu. Dr T R Raina Blood Bank Jammu Medical College was the resource person on the occasion.

He imparted valuable information to the participants about blood transfusion myths and realities. The lecture was followed by an interaction in which participants made numbers of queries which were answered by Dr Raina.

In second session Mr V K Gandotra, shared his experience. Mementos were presented to Mr Gandotra and Mr Nisar Ahmed Bhat by general secretary PAS, Mr Dheeraj Bhasin. Prof Reeta Munshi, Principal and Prof Ajeet Angrwal NSS P O, SPMR College were honoured by Mr Gandotra.

Later the Principal of College also announced to honour Mr Dhreej Bhasin and Mr Harminder Pal Singh Bindra, publicity secretary PAS on the annual day of the College.

Johnson Ltd eyes growth through new products

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: A dealer, sub-dealer and staff training programme was organised by the H&R Johnson India Limited at Hotel Asia here today.

The programme was attended by a large number of dealers/ traders and the staff from Jammu, Udhampur, Pathankot and other areas. A detailed training was given by the Company executives on the developments of the company products. A film was also shown on the occasion on the tile manufacturing process. Mr Rajiv Rajan from Chandigarh was heading the training team.

He disclosed that there is a frequent change in the pattern of development in the tile Industry. It is difficult for the dealer/ sub-dealer to keep a track of these changes. It has been observed that the dealers do not have the full knowledge about the products. He further disclosed that company introduced Marbonite, the vertified tile brand in 1998 and garnered a market share of 29 % in a span of just three years by adopting a strategy of entering the retail segment.

The Company has also introduced new products to achieve the growth and it plans to be present at all the price points. It introduced special Industrial and Pavement tiles under the brand —Endura. These special tiles are specially manufactured for the industries and have properties like high load bearing capacity, acid-Alkali Resistance, extremely low water absorption.

JKCU celebrates Co-operative Week

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: As a part of Cooperative Week Celebrations, the Jammu and Kashmir Co-operative Union organised a function title "Empowerment of Women through Cooperative Day" at Government College for Women, Parade here today.

The Commissioner/Secretary Education, Mrs. Sonali Kumar was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Kumar lauded the role of Co-operative Societies in providing education and economic assistance to the weaker section of the society. She said that Co-operative movement can be successful through cooperation among women. She urged the women to avail benefits of self employment schemes sponsored by the Co-operative Societies. The women should strive hard to attain respectable status and should also be well aware of their rights. Hard work and sincere efforts are always rewarded, she added. She extended her best wishes and cooperation to the Co-operative Society and hoped that the movement will be success in our State too.

Earlier, Mrs. Sonali Kumar inaugurated the Women Consumers Store set up at Women College, Parade.

The students of the college presented a skit highlighting women empowerment and benefits of self help groups.

President Co-operative Union, Mr. Ayub Khan, General Secretary, Mr. Jatinder Dev, Principal, Government Women College, Parade, Ms. Kiran Bakshi, Ms. Rita Jatinder, Dr. Nirmal Gupta, female workers of political parties, social organisations and students participated in the function.

Instt of CAs hold seminar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Jammu and Kashmir branch of Northern India Regional Council of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, organised a one day seminar on emerging opportunities for Chartered Accountants in Insurance sector.

As per a release the speaker was Mr S Gopala Krishnan, a senior partner of Price Ware House Cooper from Hyderabad. He highlighted the need for diversification of profession in the fast changing scenario of modern world.

He stressed that professionals like Chartered Accountants should come and take benefit of the opportunities thrown open in the insurance sector by the opening up of the economy.

The seminar opened with lighting of traditional lamp by the guest speaker. which was followed by welcome address by the Chairman of J&K branch Mr Vipan Seth who stressed for the need of CAs to come forward and take benefits of this sector insurance which has still remained unharvested.

Mr K B Sharma, a senior member of branch also spoke on the occasion. The programme was compered by the secretary of the branch Mr Ravi Kumar Gupta while the programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Arun Gupta.

Land Resources Conservation week ends
Flag march by students

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: On the concluding day of the week long celebrations of National Land Resources Conservation Week, an impressive flag march and slogan competition, involving students from various schools, was organised by the J&K State Land Use Board on the city roads, here today.

This colourful march was earlier flagged off by Mr S N Anand, Director, Agriculture, Jammu.

The march started from Exhibition Ground, here and concluded at the Agriculture Complex, Talab Tillo after passing through Jammu University, via Green Belt, Gandhi Nagar.

Students raised slogans ‘Khet Ki Mitti Khet Main, Khet Ka Pani Khet Main’ throughout their match. The participant schools included Shining Star Academy, Muthi, Abhey Public High School, Muthi, Shangrilla Public High School, Indira Sagar Institute of Education, Dream Land Public School and Central School, Bitera Mishriwalla.

Chief guest in the valedictory function, Financial Commissioner, Agriculture Protection Department, M S Pandit, emphasised on various land protection practices, proper use of water resources and laid stress on vertical development.

Director, Agriculture, S N Anand stressed that land is no case should get misused by implementing agencies in order to protect the environment.

Mr S S Jamwal of AKKA, Mr S P Sharma of EHASAS, Mr R M Sharma of SAWERA, Dr Kulbushan Sharma and Mr H N Tikoo, social activist laid emphasis for organising such awareness programmes in rural areas also.

Joint Director, J&K State Land Use Board, Bashir Ahmed Dar outlined various week long programmes held in the state and emphasised for reconstitution of the Board to make it effective apex body.

Later, prizes and certificates were distributed among the best participants by the chief guest.

Bhaderwahi Welfare Forum organises Iftar party

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: All J&K Bhaderwahi Welfare Forum- cultural organisation floated recently as a platform for preservation of Bhaderwahi culture and safeguarding the interest of the people of Doda district, organised a Iftar party and gave reception in honour of Mr Mohammed Sharief Niaz, recently elected MLA of Bhaderwah constituency.

According to a press release, speaking on the occasion Mr Niaz assured the audiance that he will do every thing possible with in his powers to ameliorate the sufferings of the people of his constituency, irrespective of their political affiliation, religion or language. He put forward most of the demands of the people of his constituency in the recently held Cabinet cum Development Board meeting at Doda. He said that the demands put forward by him in the District Development Board meeting including creation of infrastructure for development like roads, canals, water supply schemes, horticulture development, fruit canning units and most importantly the tourist industry. He added that Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, who presided over the meeting, assured him maximum held from the State Government in implementation of the developmental projects proposed for the constituency.

Prof J L Kotwal, N P Kotwal, B R Manhas and other addressed the function and dwelt at length the problems being faced by the people of Bhaderwah constituency.

Mr D K Kotwal presented vote of thanks to the chief guest and others.