Daily Excelsior.........State

Lt Gen Brar visits Jammu Military Hospital

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: General Officer Commanding, 16 Corps, Lt Gen TPS Brar, YSM visited Jammu Military Hospital on November 29. The General Officer was conducted by Brigadier S S Jog, Commandant of Jammu Military Hospital.

This 499 bedded hospital is the largest zonal referral hospital to all other satellite military hospitals and polyclinics of the Jammu region. It provides OPD and indoor facilities to all Army and para military units including separated families, ex-servicemen and their families located in and around Jammu. The hospital is equipped with modern equipment and varied specialised facilities like medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, pathology, surgery, orthopedics, opthalmology, ENT, obstetrics and gynecology. The annual OPD workload of the hospital for the year 2002 has already touched a figure of 207854 upto October 31, 2002 which includes 12610 hospital admissions. The hospital carried out 660 emergency life saving surgeries this year. The hospital has rendered yoeman service, in the terms of life and limb saving surgeries to security forces and civilian population. Under Operation Sadhbhavana, it also provides technical personnel and stores for medical camps organised by Army units.

The Corps Commander also visited the Dental unit which provides dental treatment in all specialities. It can dispatch a fully equipped, air conditioned mobile dental van which can reach out to the troops in field.

The Corps Commander met all the patients and enquired into their well being and wished them speedy recovery. He also praised the good work done by the hospital staff and directed them to continue their effort of providing best available patient care.

Diabetes on rise among displaced KPs

MUMBAI, Nov 29: Diabetes cases are on the rise among Kashmiri migrants, uprooted from the Valley due to militant activities during the last 12 years, with the main reason being the stress and instability due to displacement, a Jammu-based Diabetologist, said today.

"Diabetes was never a common disease, especially among Kashmiri Pandits," Dr Jitendra Singh, a renowned Diabetologist at Government Medical College, Jammu, said while presenting his studies at the International Conference on Diabetes’ here.

The main reasons for the disease condition among the Valley migrants were stress due to displacement, dislodgedment from their homes, disruption in their employment and economic instability, Dr Jitendra Singh said.

In the first study of its kind of "internal migrants", about 1000 patients are under follow-up study, he said adding this is found to be first major kind of "internal migration" after 1947 partition, where stress-related problems have been studied in detail.

Asked about those who migrated outside the country, he said "these people were not stressed so much as the internal migrants as they left for leading better lives". Dr Jitendra Singh said it is now for the political and social activists to join hands with Diabetologists and sort the issue.

The three day conference which started today was also attended by the renowned Diabetologists from all over the world. It will culminate on Sunday. (PTI)

Renowned cardiac surgeon to provide free of cost consultancy services

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: A renowned cardiac surgeon of Batra Hospital New Delhi will provide free consultancy service to the people of Jammu and Kashmir at week end of every month from tomorrow.

Talking to media-persons, renowned cardiac surgeon of Batra Hospital New Delhi Dr Anup K Ganjoo disclosed that he will be available for consultancy regarding cardiac problems at week end of every month from tomorrow at Batra Guest House, Gandhi Nagar.

"All those suffering from cardiac problems before or after surgery will be given consultancy that too free of cost", he said and added that this step has been initiated as people suffering from cardiac problems are finding it difficult or rather impossible to visit New Delhi regularly to seek guidance of cardiac surgeons.

This step, Dr Ganjoo said, will also create awareness among the people about cardiac problems and made it clear that it is only myth that cardiac surgery is risky. "A large number of people are suffering from cardiac problems and their number is increasing rapidly thus adequate and timely consultation are needed to properly guide them", he said.

In reply to a query, he made it clear that this is purely the attempt of Batra Hospital New Delhi and Batra Hospital Jammu has nothing to do with this initiative and said that providing free consultancy does not mean he will refer the cases to Batra Hospital New Delhi and people are at their liberty to visit any institution either within or outside the State.

"We are also planning to open such consultancy centre in Kashmir Valley also and if it receives good response the consultancy will be provided there even at every weekend. About the objectives behind this step, he said "first objective is to create awareness and second to provide consultancy to people suffering from cardiac problems who cannot afford expenditure of making repeated visits to different states".

Govt accused of double speak on cross-border terrorism

NEW DELHI, Nov 29: Accusing the Government of speaking in two voices on the issue of cross-border terrorism, the Congress in the Lok Sabha today demanded that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee should clarify the position.

Raising the issue during zero hour, Congress chief whip P R Dasmunsi quoted Defence Minister George Fernandes as saying in Parliament in reply to question that mobilisation of troops had achieved quitportedly said the mobilisation exerted military pressure on Pakistan and forced the Pakistani President to denounce support to ‘Jehad’ through his speeches of January 12 and May 27.

"Some of the terrorist organisations in Pakistan were banned, some terrorist camps in PoK were closed, their accounts frozen and leaders arrested. The infiltration this year has come down considerably compared to the figures of the corresponding period of the previous year," Fernandes was quoted as saying.

Dasmunsi contended that External Affairs Ministry was giving a different line saying Pakistan has done nothing to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure operating from its soil.

MEA officials maintained that after an initial dip, infiltration levels had shot up and even increased to the corresponding levels of last year, Dasmunsi quoted from a newspaper report.

MEA figures showed after Musharraf’s May 27 declaration of ending infiltration, there had been an increase in the infiltration level. There were 1,624 incidents after May 27 as compared to 1,403 in the sixth-month period before that.

Dasmunsi said the differing views had created confusion among the people and was only helping the Pakistan President.

"Government cannot keep quiet on this issue," he said demanding "Prime Minister should come to the House and clarify the situation".

As the Congress member persisted with his demand, speaker Manohar Joshi requested Law Minister K Jana Krishnamurthy, who was present in the House, to bring the matter to the notice of the Prime Minister. (PTI)

Traders’ concern over slump business

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: The members of Kali Janni Traders Welfare Society has expressed serious concern over the slump business activity in the old Jammu city.

According to a release, a meeting of the members of the organisation was held here today under the chairmanship of Mr Ramesh Kumar. The problems being faced by the traders were discussed in the meeting.

Mr Suresh Abrol, general secretary of the Society apprised the members that the change of Traffic route for Matadors is one of the reasons behind the slow business activity in Kali Janni market. He said JMC is equally responsible for it because all the main entrances to this market have been encroached upon illegally by the encroachers particularly from Sabzi Mandi side.

Mr Shekhar Chander, senior vice president pointed out that JMC despite requests from the traders and directions from the High Court has failed to remove the encroachment. He demanded that the encroachment be removed immediately as the business activity is suffering badly due to this menance.

The members further urged upon the concerned authorities to take appropriate action for the removal of these encroachments from the main entrances while entering the Raj Tilak Road and also from Sabzi Mandi, otherwise the traders will be forced to adopt agitational path.

Messers Balbir Singh, Bhushan Lal Gupta, Sham Lal, Anil Jain, Kamal Nagpal and Sanjeev Dhawan also attended the meeting.

Elections to left over panchayat halqas soon

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Minister for Rural Development Peerzada Mohammad Syed today said that elections to the left over Panchayat halqas in the State would be held shortly so that powers are given to the democratic institutions at the grass roots level and the pace of development in rural areas is intensified.

The Minister was addressing a high level meeting here today convened for holding elections to the remaining panchayat halqas in the State. He stressed for expeditious devolution of powers to panchayats in the State and said that a high level team from Jammu and Kashmir would visit West Bengal and some other states to study the pattern and working of panchayats there.

The Chief Electoral Officer, Mr Pramod Jain and Director, Rural Dev, Jammu, Mr Mehboob Iqbal were among those who participated in the meeting.

JDU strongly flays Mufti Govt for releasing ultras

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: State Unit of Janata Dal United (JDU) has strongly criticized the PDP led Government for releasing the secessionists and hard-core terrorists involved in heinous crimes and terrorism related activites.

Expressing his Party’s anger over the style of functioning of Mufti Mohammed Syeed Government, the State JDU, chief, Mr Sanjesh Gupta said this decision will carry a wrong message.

Mr Gupta who was talking to mediapersons here this morning alongwith his other Party colleagues including, secretary general, Dr A K Khuru, S P Mangotra, chief organizer and Rajinder Sharma, vice president alleged the release of the secessionist elements and militants will demoralize the security forces and encourage the subversives.

He demanded constitution of a Screening Committee for release of detenues and warned that no body will be allowed to compromise with the security of the nation.

Strongly condemning the recent statement of PDP vice president, Ms Mehbooba Mufti who had said that India and Pakistan should not interfere in Kashmir, Mr Gupta wanted to know what she means by bracaketing India and Pakistan together.

He also demanded that the Mufti Government should provide the list of 341 people who have been provided jobs in Kashmir recently on the plea that they have been hit by militancy.

He however welcomed the Adoption of Accountability Commission Bill by the State Legislature and said this is a major step to check the corruption.

He said that the Election Commission of India (ECI)and J&K Government should come clean about the facts regarding recent revelations that some officers of police had tried to rig elections.

Condemning strongly the recent Fidayeen attack on sacred Raghunath Temple and Shiv Temple, Mr Gupta said the motive of the enemy was to communalise the situation in Jammu.

He however, hailed the people of Jammu for maintaining the peace and brotherhood despite hundreds of provocations by the enemy.

Gupta visits Sainik School Nagrota

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: The Union Minister of State for Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta today visited Sainik School, Nagrota-a pioneer institute of J&K State. The Minister was received by Commander S B Ray, the Principal of the School, staff and young cadets of this modern Gurukul.

Soon after his arrival in the school, the Union Minister was given a guard of honour by the smart and energetic cadets of the school. The Minister visited the class-rooms and applauded the authorities for including the latest electronic teaching equipments for academic excellence of the student fraternity.

In his address, the Union Minister said that Sainik Schools are the feeder institutions to the National Defence Academy (NDA). He expressed the hope that in the coming years the Sainik School, Nagrota will maintain its tempo and keep on standing maximum cadets to NDA. Prof Gupta stated that he has seen a lot of potential in the cadets to join defence forces inthe officer cadre. He urged the students to work hard, increased their efficiency and aspire to get above 90 percent marks in the examinations to meet the challenge of present time. He emphasised that hard work in studies at this time will help the students in the longer run. The Union Minister stated that Indian students have shown their excellence in the field of information technology and added that today India is leading the world in the field of information technology.

Later the Union Minister took lunch with the students of the school in the Cadet’s mess.

Himalayan scholars excel in science exhibition

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Nov 29: Himalayan Education Mission Scholars exhibited excellent performance in model display, debating and paper reading contests in the district level science exhibition held on November 28, in the premises of DIET, Rajouri.

The District Development Commissioner, Mr K A Khan was the chief guest on the occasion. Various prominent persons including academicians, lecturers and teachers were also present. The students of various school both private and government of the district participated in the said exhibition.

In the model display, Himalayan School was adjudged the best for displaying scientifically and technologically important exhibits like Eddy current generator, water transformer, water quality checker and many more. Mr Ashish Kapoor of 10 th class of said institute bagged third prize in debating contest whereas in paper reading contest Mr Asif Lone a teacher of the same institute got third prize.

It was one of the most peaceful elections ever held at SGPC: Capt Amarinder

Excelsior Correspondent

MUMBAI, Nov 29: He is the scion of the most famous family of Punjab, the son of the Maharaja of Patiala. But there’s much more to him than his Royal blood. He is an ex-Army Captain, who fought in the 1965 war and later when he joined politics he never ceased to surprise people with his decisions to leave one party for another rival party, be it the Congress or the Akali Dal. Now as Chief Minister of Punjab, he talks to Vir Sanghvi this week on Star Talk about the turmoil his political career as seen and the turmoil of Punjab politics.

Resignation from Congress over Operation Blue Star:

I always believed that religious confrontation was no answer. I told them that this is a very sensitive issue and we have to try and end it otherwise this would lead to major confrontation. I think the feeling was all along that this had to be ended but events overtook them. And at this stage I felt so strongly about it that resigned.

Was there as alternative to Operation Bluestar ?

I think it was excessive use of military power.... Because when I used to go at nigh to talk to Bindranwale or Sant Longowal on behalf of Mrs Gandhi, I could see bunkers and machine guns being positioned. I could see sand bagging and you mean to say that Punjab intelligence didnot know this ? We did been seeing this happening for months and it was just unfortunate that they allowed this to happen.

Being part of the Akali Dal culture after being a Congressman:

Well I always say that I am the second person in the world to have done 14 years of Banvaas. The Akalis, their thinking never crosses what I call the Shambu barrier, the barrier between Punjab and Haryana. They are very insular. When I joined the Akalis, I donot think a lot of them had even seen Delhi. Delhi was always the Dushman of the Sikhs. So I carried on but it was very stifling.

Leaving Barnala Government over Black Thunder :

I resigned because I felt that here that I had left my party, I had left friends for what I felt was wrong and here the Akali Dal was doing it again. I had no attachment with Mr Barnala or with the Akali Dal which would hold me there. Parkash Singh Badal was waiting for an opportunity to break them and with me there were 22 of us who quit, so it played straight into his hands. Badal does not settle any thing unless he is centre stage.

Opposition to Badal has become an obession?

Not it is not. This is something that I feel very strongly about. Every job in Punjab was on sale. Every work that had to be done any level, money was changing hands and people were getting fed up. And we have now begun to change things. Why do you want to catch a Patwari or a cooperative inspector ? It is a big fish that you need and biggest fish of them all is Mr Badal and his colleagues. Once our investigation are completed we’ill get him.

Sending the police into the Golden Temple complex during the SGPC elections:

Mr Badal called for 30,000 people to go there. Bandungra said, "bloodshed will take place". Tohra called for a lakh of people to go. There was a lot of tension building up so we did preventative arrests and we deployed police there to see that there was no clash between the two groups. And it was perhaps one of the most peaceful elections ever held at the SGPC. I may have lost sympathy with the Akalis but I have not lost sympathy with the people.

Bhalla tours various areas in Gandhi Nagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Senior Congress leader and MLA Gandhi Nagar, Mr Raman Bhalla along with officers and staff members of Public Health Engineering Department (PHE) including Executive Engineer visited various localities of his Assembly Segment to ascertain the problems of the people living there.

The MLA inaugurated the construction of Lane in Preet Nagar and the work for laying of water supply pipes for Greater Jammu.

He also visited the Bahu Fort and assured the people that all their problems will be solved.

He complimented the people for extending full support to him during the recently held Assembly elections and assured them that he will leave no stone unturned in solving their genuine problems.

He said the new Government is committed to welfare of people especially those living below poverty line and many welfare schemes have been initiated in this regard.

Bhalla said the first step taken by the Government to mitigate the sufferings of the masses soon after taking over was that power curtailment time was reduced from 9 hours to four and half hours a day.

He urged the people to maintain amity and brotherhood and defeat the designs of the enemy who is trying to communalise the situation in Jammu region.

He said people have suffered a lot during the last 13 years of terrorism and we all have to join hands to bring state out of present mess.

JSM leader welcomes BJP’s initiative

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Mr Amar Nath Gupta, vice chairman, Jammu State Morcha (JSM) and member Executive Committee, State BJP has welcomed the move of the Party’s state unit to persuade its High Command to support the demand for Jammu statehood or permit its J&K Unit to raise this demand and join the movement launched in this regard.

Mr Gupta while referring to recent meeting of Sangh Parivar where in RSS Central leader Mr Madan Dass Devi was requested by the State leadership to prevail upon the Central BJP leaders to support the demand or allow the J&K leadership of the Party to raise its voice openly in support of statehood demand.

He has also appreciated the concern shown by BJP and JSM to avoid the split of votes and that only one of them should contest the elections in future.

He strongly criticized the statement of PDP, vice president, Ms Mehbooba Mufti who in an interview with BBC had said that both Indian and Pakistan should not interfere in J&K.

Doon valley, perfect background for ‘Kashmir’

DEHRADUN, Nov 29: The old tea gardens and bungalows of the Doon valley are providing perfect locals to the serial "Kashmir" being shot here.

The serial would be aired on the Star Plus channel next year.

Last year too, a serial ‘Jazba’ was shot for Doordarshan which used the locals of this Valley as the background of Jammu and Kashmir.

Shooting for the twentysix-episode serial in the Niranjanpur tea estate and some old bungalows in the Dalanwala area of the valley is a team of Stars comprising Suresh Oberoi, Smita Jayekar and Neelima Azeem. Actor Farookh Sheikh who has already done his scenes had left Doon.

Talking to UNI here, Oberoi said that the serial was about militancy. "However, it offers no solutions", he added.

The senior actor said Doon had changed a lot having become the capital of the new state of Uttaranchal. "The traffic has increased multifold. However, the beauty of the place fascinates me". He added that the exquisite locales were ideal for shooting films and serials.

His favourite actors from yesteryears include Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor. "I simply adore the movies and songs of the golden sixties", said the actor who has recently given a good performance in the film "Deewangee". Among his own films, he said "Ek Baar Phir" and "Aitbaar" were his favourites."

The trend in Hindi films to concentrate more on frivolous stories and characterisation of the younger generation was disturbing. "The content is not as fine as it should be" he said.

Oberoi who recently replaced Farookh Sheikh as host of "Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai"on Zee TV said hosting the show gives him immense satisfaction.

The actor has decided to be a little choosy about the offers he take up in the near future as he wants to work in a relaxed atmosphere. (UNI)

Unemployed agri technocrats’ plea to CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Seeking the intervention of Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Syeed, the Unemployed Agriculture Technocrats Association has appealed him to issue the directives to various wings of the Agriculture and allied departments to fill up the vacant posts immediately.

As per a release, the Association in its meeting here today, said a large number of posts of agriculture technocrats are lying vacant in Agriculture and its allied Departments. It alleged that the plight of the Agriculture graduates is pitiable as they have been hankering for the jobs for years together and some of them are at the verge of overage.

They alleged that despite the assurances no appointment was made by the Government since 1996 that has led to lot of unemployment.

The meeting warned to launch agitation in case no attention was paid by the Government to provide jobs to unemployed Agriculture technocrats.

‘Develop horticulture on modern lines’
Legislators, fruit growers to study HP horticulture system: Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29 : Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir would be developed on modern lines on the pattern of Himachal Pradesh to boost its marketing for better returns to growers.

Talking to a deputation of Jammu and Kashmir Fruit and Vegetable Growers-cum-Dealers Association here this morning, the Chief Minister said that a joint team of legislators, fruit growers and officers of horticulture department would be sent to Himachal Pradesh to study their system which has benefited the fruit growers there. He said Government would consider giving support price for cull fruit which would improve the quality of supply in the market and boost its marketing. The cull fruit would be utilised for producing apple juice concentrate and jam. He said private sector would be involved in a big way for processing of fruit to produce quality apple juice concentrate and jam. The entire capacity of two such plants in the State, one each in Government and private sector, would be fully utilized to benefit the fruit growers.

Mr. Sayeed called upon the fruit growers and dealers to produce quality fruit and use latest technical know-how for its packing to successfully compete in the market to fetch better returns.

The Chief Minister said that laboratories would be set up for soil testing of land under orchards to increase the yield and improve quality of fruit in Jammu and Kashmir, horticulture being backbone of the economy.

Around l1 lakh metric tonnes of fruit is produced in the State every year. Of this, over 6.63 lakh metric tonnes, including 16,000 metric tonnes of dry fruit, is exported from the State every year. Horticulture is one of the major sectors that provide direct and indirect employment to lakhs of people in the State.

Interacting with a deputation of Kashmiri migrants, the Chief Minister said that Government would make sincere efforts for safe and honourable return of the migrants to the Valley in a phased manner. He said all possible facilities would be provided for the purpose.

A large number of deputations and individuals called on the Chief Minister and apprised him of their problems and developmental needs. He gave them a patient hearing.

In case of employment, Mr. Sayeed politely declined to interfere and advised them to apply as and when posts are advertised. He told them neither he nor any Minister is authorised to appoint any one as his Government would institutionalize process of recruitment that would be fair and transparent.

The deputation of Jammu and Kashmir Fruit and Vegetable Growers-cum-Dealers Association comprised its Chairman, Mr. Ghulam Mustafa, Vice President, Mr. Ghulam Rasool Bhat, President, Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Sopore, Mr. Abdul Jabbar Parray and President, Fruit Mandi, Sopore, Haji Mohammad Shahban Lone.

SC directs State Govt to provide relief to Jammu migrants

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Nov 29: In a historic judgment, the Supreme Court of India directed the J&K Government to provide relief to Jammu migrants immediately at par with the border migrants.

This order was passed by a Divisional Bench of the Supreme Court comprising of Ms Ruma Pal and Mr B N Srikrishana after hearing Prof Bhim Singh’s most powerful arguments for nearly three hours.

The petition was moved by the JKNPP nearly two years back seeking relief for the migrants of Jammu province who were forced to migrate from Doda, Mahore, Gool, Prankote (Udhampur) in 1998-99 in the wake of terrorist attacks on the minorities. Two commissioners were sent by the Union Government to study the condition in the so-called refugee camps on the direction of the Supreme Court. The commission visited the camps and sites of the Kashmir migrants, border migrants and also those who had migrated from Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri and Poonch who have been living in the broken huts in Reasi, Talwara, Pauni and Belicharana without any assistance of the State Government. The State Government had refused to grant them any relief. The coalition Government had included their issue in the Common Minimum Programme but did not act upon due to the bureaucratic opposition.

Prof Bhim Singh was assisted by a battery of lawyers included Bhim Singh, Dinesh Kumar Garg, B S Billowaria and Manzoor Ali Khan whereas R N Trivedi Additional Solicitor General, Ms Meenakshi Arora, B V Balram Dass and Anis Suhrawardy represented the Union of India and J&K Government.

The Apex Court directed both Union and State Government to file an affidavit specifying whether any policy has been framed with regard to the issue of forced migration within the country making provision in respect of those who have had to migrate by reason of any emergent situation from the area in which they normally reside.

Death of Ashok Khajuria’s mother condoled

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Various political and social organisations have condoled the demise of Mrs Pushpa Devi, mother of senior BJP leader and ex MLA Ashok Khajuria, who passed away yesterday.

Prominent leaders, including Union Minister of State for Defence Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, BJP State unit president Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal and others paid a personal visit to Mr Ashok Khajuria’s residence and expressed their sympathy with the bereaved family.

Pradesh Bhartiya Party held a condolence meeting and observed a two minute silence in memory of the departed soul. The meet conveyed its sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed Almighty to give peace to the departed soul.

Saraswati Dramatic Club, Panjtirthi Jammu also held a prayer meeting and condoled the demise of Mrs Pushpa Devi. Those who attended the meeting included Rajiv Gupta, Shiv Kumar Bamotra, Hira Lal Verma, Bua Dass Khajuria, Shiv Mehta, Ashwani Sudan and others.

Meanwhile, body of Pushpa Devi was cremated at the Jogi Gate cremation ground, this afternoon. A large number of people from all walks of life attended the funeral and expressed their condolence to Mr Ashok Khajuria.

Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister of State and National Conference president Omar Abdullah, former Minister and MLA Ajay Sadhotra, Ashwani Sharma, Jugal Kishore, Yogesh Sawhney (all MLAs) and several senior bureaucrats were among those who attended the funeral.

RRL celebrates foundation day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) celebrated its foundation here today as it was on this in 1957 that this became a constituent unit of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi.

The function was presided over by P Pushpangadan, Director, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow while the Foundation Day lecture entitled " New Trends in Bio-Technology" was delivered by Prof B B Chattoo, Vice Chancellor of Mata Vaishno Devi University.

Prof Chattoo said that the Bio-Technology is making rapid strides and its latest research is find solutions to many human problems. He said investment in basic research in Molecular Biology has borne fruit in important areas such as agriculture productivity and environment.

The lecture, illustrated with slide, gave detailed outlook for the future and underscored need for adopting Bio-Technology in various spheres like agriculture, medicinal plants, healthier animals, manufacture of standardised products and clean environment.

Dr Pushpangadan, in his presidential address, recalled the intitial years in RRL and expressed satisfaction over its progress in the recent years. He praised the vision of Col R N Chopra who founded this institution which is engaged in research and propagation of scientific knowledgle for the benefit of the society.

Earlier, the Director, G N Qazi, Director, RRL in his welcome address outlined the activities and achievements of this premier institute in Jammu and Kashmir over the year particularly during the past few years. He made mention of significant contributions in medicinal and aromatic plants made by RRL and gaining recognition in the country and abroad. The RRL’s laboratory at Srinagar has also been made fully functional, he added.

Dr Qazi informed that the RRL has already generated all-time high Rs three crore as targeted for the current year. This is proud achievement. Big pharmaceutical houses have signed agreements with this institution.

A galaxy of scientists and prominent citizens were present at the function. Dr O P Suri, Director Grade Scientist presented vote of thanks.

Bajwa takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Nov 29: Mr Trilok Singh Bajwa, first Member Parliament (MP) of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) today took oath as member of the Rajya Sabha.

Deputy Chairman person of the Rajya Sabha, Mrs Najma Heptullah administered oath to Mr Bajwa in the presence of veteran Parliamentarians and senior leaders of different political parties. Leader of the Upper House was also present when Mr Trilok Singh Bajwa took oath.

Later talking to EXCELSIOR from New Delhi after taking oath as member of the Rajya Sabha, Mr Bajwa said that he will work with dedication and sincerity to mitigate woes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He assured that he will use the august House to inform the entire nation about the problems and miseries of the people in general and border areas particular.

Listing his priorities, Mr Bajwa said that besides highlight woes of the inhabitants of violence plagued State of Jammu and Kashmir, he will interact with Union Ministers to get more and more relief for the affected families. "Very soon I will met Agriculture Minister Mr Ajit Singh to inform about the hardship being faced by the farmers of Jammu and Kashmir and ask him to declare J&K as drought affected State", he said, adding, "being a farmer and resident of border I am very much aware of the miseries of the people".

It is worthwhile to mention here that Mr Trilok Singh Bajwa was among four candidates who were elected unopposed for the four Rajya Sabha seats of the Jammu and Kashmir State. Mr Bajwa was the candidate for PDP.

Others who were elected unopposed for Rajya Sabha are former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Union Minister Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz.

Unemployed physical teachers hold meeting

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: All J&K Unemployed Physical Teacher Association convened a high level meeting under the chairmanship of its president Mr Munesh Kumar.

According to a press release, while addressing the meeting, Mr Vijay Manhas stressed upon the need of maintaining and implementation of all UCC norms strictly so that there will be chances of loopholes in the Government machinery. All the representatives from different districts called upon the Government to realise that time was running out and soon number of unemployed physical education teachers will come the category of over-aged.

He further demanded that physical education must be introduced as a subject from primary to college level because of its duel importance. Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr Pardeep Gupta, Ranjit Singh, Vinod Sharma, Miss Pushpanjali Bohora and Satinder Kour.

It was also decided that meeting of the unemployed physical education teachers would together infront of M A Stadium on November 30, 2002 to chalk out future course of action.

Dalit Sahitya Akademi award conferred to T R Magotra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi conferred Dr Ambedkar Distinguished Service Award-2002 to Mr T R Magotra ‘Sagar’, Dogri poet for recognition of the commendable literary, social and cultural services rendered by him for the upliftment of downtrodden, oppressed and depressed people of the country. Prize distribution function was held at Talkatore Stadium, New Delhi.

According to a press release, Mr Satya Narayan Jatia, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment present this award. The function was inaugurated by Mrs Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi while attended by Babu Parmanand, Governor of Haryana, Dr Suraj Bhan, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Justice J S Verma, chairman of the National Human Rights Commission and delegates from India and abroad.

Saraswati temple committee constituted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: A meeting of Saraswati temple, Colonel’s Colony, Bohri Jammu was held under the chairmanship of Mr Ramji Koul.

According to a press release, in the meeting various measures regarding betterment of the temple and provide better facilities to the devotees were discussed.

Later names of other office bearers of the Committee were declared. Mr Parmod Kumar as vice-chairman, T N Miya as secretary, C L Channa as joint secretary, Anurud Kapil Sharma as treasurer, B N Taimere as auditor and Manuji Saproo as storekeeper. A five member committee comprised Rama Kant Sharma, P N Rayu, M L Matoo, B K Jalali and A K Bharadwaj was constituted.

International ‘Qods Day’ celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Nov 29: Juma-Tul-Vida, the last Friday of Ramzan-ul-Mubarik as international "Qods Day" was celebrated through out the district today with enthusiasm and religious fervor. Hundreds of Muslims from Leh and surrounding villages offered Juma-Tul-Vida prayers at Imamiya Jamia Masjid, Leh led by Alhaj Sheikh Mohammed Ali Imam Juma.

According after the congregation prayer, an extra ordinary function was organised under the presidentship of Sheikh Mohammed Ali, Imam Juma to express solidarity for the struggle of the oppressed people of the world and the people of the Palestinian in particular. The speakers highlighted the significance of international "Qods Day" and prayed for the liberation of the occupied holy Musjid-ul-Aqsa and other usurped Muslim lands throughout the world.

JJSF delegation meets JU VC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: A delegation of Jammu Joint Students Federation (JJSF) today met the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University and highlighted some grievances of the JU students and scholars.

The delegation, led by JJSF chief Mr Rajinder Jamwal, apprised the Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo about the hardships being faced by JU students and scholars due to insufficient capacity of the Campus hostels and also demanded introduction of new courses in the University.

The delegation apprised Prof Mattoo of theft of some professional degrees from the Campus and urged a probe into the matter. The JJSF activists stressed the need for immediate vacating of the University land under the army occupation as the existing Campus area was getting conjusted.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the delegation that he would strive hard to take the premier education institution to new hights and sought assistance of students in his endeavour.

The JJSF delegation included Hari Dutt Shishu, Pushvinder Singh, Manu Sharma, Ashwani Sharma and Deepak.

Spiritual Satsang on Dec 1

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Universal Spiritual Association (Satsang) is celebrating its 14th annual convention on Sunday, December 1, 2002 at Shantivan Ashram, Gajaysingh Pur, Sangrampur, Gajansoo Road Jammu.

Saint Janak Raj Maharaj will deliver sermons in the Sammelan. He will enlighten the masses spiritually and will pray for peace and bliss in the entire universe through spiritual Satsang and cosmic rays.

Function held at Hr Sec School Nagrota

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 29: Government Higher Secondary School, camp Nagrota organised an impressive function to award the meritorious students of the schools whose names were approved by Susheela Dhar Charitable Trust, Bandra Mumbai.

According to a press release, Mr G L Dhar, trustee of the Trust was the chief guest in the function which was presided over by Principals Mr A K Raina and H N Razdan. A cultural programme was also held on this occasion.