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

JAMMU, Oct 23: The Bahai’s community held a special devotional prayers meeting here last evening. It was rare occasion as four members of National Spiritual Council (the highest forum of Bahai’s faith in India) arrived here on a two days visit to Jammu and Kashmir State.

The members who arrived in Jammu and participated in the prayer meeting are: Prof Anil Sarwal, Dean, Students Welfare, DAV College, Chandigarh, Dr Nayson Olyai from Gwalior who is Treasurer of National Spiritual Assembly, Mr Narinder K Budhiraja, Trustee, General Manager, Finance, New Delhi and Dr H Moghbelpour, member of National Spiritual Assembly. They have specially come to Jammu and Kashmir to have intimate contact with the well-knit Bahai’s community and raise fund for additions in Lotus shrine of Delhi, which is shinning symbol of Bahai’ faith in India.

Each of the four members gave discourse in the meeting on the Bahai’s faith which they said is solace to mankind as it teaches Communal harmony universal peace, compassion and global unity. It was stressed that the followers of this faith should have active interaction between themselves, hold regular prayers assemblies and study the scriptures.

It was disclosed that all the nine members of the National Spiritual Council of Bahai’s community in India have started touring the country to raise funds for the construction of an Auditorium, exhibition hall adjacent to world famous Lotus Temple in Delhi. the campaign started on October 19, birthday of prophet of Bahai’s faith. This will add to attraction of the marvelous piece of architecture, Lotus temple which is frequented by lakhs of persons.

Prof Anil Sarwal told EXCELSIOR that in the entire construction work it is only the money from Bahai’s community that is utilised. No donations are accepted from followers of other faiths. It was argued that the charity and prayers lead to spiritual upliftment of man or woman, which is one of the essential traits impressed in this faith. There are no priests or clergy to preach but it is only through common community gatherings that spiritual knowledge is spread.

The work on the additional construction at the Louts temple is going apace at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crores of which Rs 3.80 crore have been spent already. Now it is proposed to raise fund to the tune of Rs 1.50 crore for this noble monument.

There was devotional songs by girls and few other cultural items including one in Dogri. It was followed by discussions on the faith which underlines global peace, communal harmony and universal education for enlightenment.

90 pc people suffering from dental diseases

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: About 90 per cent people are suffering from various Dental diseases including Carries, Cavities, Pyorrea and Bleeding gums. Of the total body cancer cases, 40 per cent are of oral cavity.

This was disclosed at a function organised by Indian Dental Association, Jammu here to distribute free dentures to ten aged persons today. The function was organised in collaboration with Lions Club, Jammu.

The Director Health Services, Jammu Dr RK Goel was the chief guest and Dr Arun Gupta, Director, MIER was guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Goel said that Tobacco consumption, chewing of Tobacco leaves and use of Chutki was mostly responsible for mounth cancer in 80 per cent cases. He said that the oral hygiene was very essential for general upkeep of all the vital organs of the body. Referring to the traditional living and nutritional conditions, Dr Goel said that intake of fibrous material and diet having ruffage in it is very important for the health of oral cavity especially the teeth. He lauded the role of dental association for organising awareness camps especially for school children in order to educate them in scientific techniques of keeping their teeth healthy and strong.

On the occasion, the President Indian Dental Association, Jammu, Dr Gotam Mengi said that about 60 per cent of school going children are suffering from various dental diseases. Speaking on preventive side Dr Mengi said that the students should avoid sticky sweets, brush after every meal, floss between the teeth daily, use fluride therapy and get regular dental check up. He disclosed that about 70 per cent adult population is suffering from gum diseases caused by plaque. He said that regular brushing removes the plaque. He also disclosed that about 50 per cent of young adults usually suffer from irregular teeth. He said any danger signal including tumor or swelling, loss of weight, change of colour, chronic ulcer, excessive discharge, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness of voice and chronic cough should at once be reported to Doctor. He said Pan Masala is also responsible for oral cancer. He disclosed that seven branches of Indian dental Association has taken up the project of providing dentures in the country. Our branch is one of them, he added.

Dr Romesh Singh, Periodontist said that pus-pockets near gums cause a great danger to the vital organs like kidneys, heart and brain. He said although 1.5 per cent of the total budget is spent on health sector every year but nothing is done for prevention of oral disorders prevalent on a large scale in school going children. He said a survey is being conducted to find out oral cancer cases in Jammu division shortly. He said that prevention is better than cure.

On the occasion Dr Arun Gupta, Director, MIER, also inaugurated Dental Health Education Programme for the children. He said that the children were the best messengers of the awareness campaign. He called upon the teachers and the students to disseminate the message of healthy teeth to every nook and corner of the State.

A brochure on oral health care presented by Lions Club Jammu was also released on the occasion. A documentary film on dental health was also exhibited.

Among others the function was attended by Col GP Singh, President Lions Club, Jammu, Members of Indian Association, Jammu, teachers and students of the institution.

Mast Freedi’s death condoled

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today expressed grief over the demise of veteran freedom fighter, political and social worker, Mr Abdul Gani Mast Fareedi.

In a message, Dr Abdullah, who is currently abroad on an official visit, said that the later leader relentlessly worked in various capacities for the uplift of the people of the State in general and Doda district in particular. Mr Mast Fareedi, he said, was a front runner leader in the struggle for the just cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and a close associate of Sher-i-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

The Chief Minister said that the contribution of Mr Mast Fareedi will always be remembered as an able parliamentarian, capable administrator and as a writer. With his passing away, the State has lost a dedicated and sincere leader, he added.

Dr Abdullah conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

The Union Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Mr Umar Abdullah has expressed profound grief over the passing away of Mr Abdul Gani Mast Fareedi, the renowned freedom fighter, political and social worker.

In his condolence message, Mr Umar Abdullah has recalled the services of the late leader for the people of the State and lauded his role during the movement for the just cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir as a close associate of Sher-i-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

Conveying his condolences to the bereaved family, Mr Umar prayed for peace to the departed soul.

The Minister for Works, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah has expressed shock and grief over the death of Mr Abdul Gani Mast Fareedi.

He accompanied the Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil and flew to Doda and visited the residence of the late leader this afternoon to offer personal condolences to be bereaved family. Mr Firdous Syed, MLC and Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy, MLA, also accompanied them.

Mr Shah described Mr Mast Fareedi as a distinguished Parliamentarian, who served the State in various capacities as a Legislator, Minister and as a journalist. Mr Mast Fareedi became a Legislator in 1975 and functioned as a Minister in the Dr Farooq Abdullah Ministry. He said his role during the movement for the honour and dignity of the people of the State will always be remembered. For the just cause of people, the late leader remained in prison also, he added.

Mr Vakil also paid rich tributes to Mr Mast Fareedi and said that his services will always be remembered. Mr Vakil and Mr Shah prayed for peace to the departed soul.

The House today observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to Mr Abdul Gani Mast Fareedi, former Minister and Legislator, who passed away yesterday.

The Speaker Legislative Assembly, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil, while paying tributes to the memory of Mr Mast Fareedi, said that he was a great social worker and veteran leader. He said, by nature Mr Fareedi was very gentle and had high qualities of head and heart besides a great humanist.

The Speaker said that Mr Fareedi had comprehension of the problems of the people of the State.

Mr Vakil expressed grief over the demise of Mr Fareedi on his own behalf as also on behalf of the members of the House.

The Works Minister, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah said that Mr Fareedi was his close associate. He said, Mr Fareedi will always be remembered for the services he rendered for the development of the State and upliftment of down-trodden people.

The Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr PL Handoo while paying rich tributes to departed leader, said that Mr Mast Fareedi will be remembered for his ideals and the services he rendered to the people. Mr Shiv Charan Gupta, Mr Som Nath, Mr MY Tarigami and Mr Tara Chand also expressed their grief over the death of Mast Fareedi and paid homage to him.