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| Dogri should cater to needs of common people: Ved Rahi Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: If there was a time when Ved Rahi, the eminent Dogri writer and film maker, presently living in Mumbai, wanted to be in Jammu was the occasion when the entire region went ecstatic on the news of Dogri’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.......more 6 get out
of turn Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 25: Deputy Inspector General of Rajouri-Poonch Range S M Sahai today provided out of turn promotions to six J&K Police personnel and honoured widows and parents........more 3 bodies
recovered; Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Three bodies were recovered from different areas while as eight persons were injured in collision between four vehicles.......more Efforts to
unite Hurriyat SRINAGAR, Dec 25: Efforts of Kashmir Bar Association, an erstwhile constituent of Hurriyat Conference, to unite rival factions of separatist conglomarate ran into rough weather.......more X-Mas
celebrated at Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Mr Waris Gill, President Jammu and Kashmir Christian Association organized Christmas...........more |
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increase in flow GULMARG Dec 25: The changed security scenario has led to a steady rise in the flow of foreign tourists to Jammu and Kashmir despite negative travel advisories issued by Governments of European Union countries, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said today...............more Home for
Aged & Infirm Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: The Home for Aged and Infirm, Ambphalla today held its annual general meeting under the chairmanship of its vice president Prof Dr Vidhya Nath Gupta, which was attended by a large number of members of the Society...........more Tarigami
flays bid to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Veteran CPM leader Mohd Yusuf Tarigami, MLA, today said by conferring due recognition to the Dogri language by including it in the eighth schedule of the Constitution, the people of Jammu region have got their legitimate demand fulfilled.........more ‘Jammu
Di Pukar’ Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 25: Senior Bharatia Janata Party leader, Chander Mohan Sharma presented ‘Jammu Di Pukar’—a transcription of poems of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, into Dogri. The book was presented to........more |
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should cater to needs of common people: Ved Rahi Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: If there was a time when Ved Rahi, the eminent Dogri writer and film maker, presently living in Mumbai, wanted to be in Jammu was the occasion when the entire region went ecstatic on the news of Dogri’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule. For the one who cherished and worked relentlessly for creating the literary base for Dogri’s recognition, like so many other writers of Jammu region, Ved Rahi’s yearning to be in Jammu on this historic moment is understandable. Nonetheless, Ved Rahi in an exclusive telephonic interview from Mumbai, with the EXCELSIOR, while sharing the joy and happiness on this good news with Dogras, also conveys a word of caution. He said that any language and its literature will only flourish when it caters to the needs of common people. "We should not become complacent after crossing the first hurdle. But to live up to the truth of our language and literature that it no less than any another developed language of the world. Ved Rahi’s creative expression, especially short stories in Dogri, being rooted in native culture, through their translations in various languages, has already acted as a window for the world to Dogri and the culture of people who speak it. At this juncture when Dogri has now got the much need impetus, he says that "we have to draw the attention of our own people to the inherent strength and vibrancy of Dogri language and use the opportunity for self-refinement." Hailing the contribution of writers, poets, critics, teachers, politicians and all those Dogras as well as non-Dogras, Ved Rahi through these columns of Daily Excelsior, shares his joy with one and all. |
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6 get out of turn promotion, widows of 20 cops honoured Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 25: Deputy Inspector General of Rajouri-Poonch Range S M Sahai today provided out of turn promotions to six J&K Police personnel and honoured widows and parents of twenty other jawans who laid down their lives while fighting with the militants in a function held here today. The function in this connection was organised in the premises of Gujjar-Bakkerwal hostel where large number of prominent persons of the area, officers from the Civil Administration including Additional DC, J S Pachnanda, Tehsildar Haveli, Jitender Singh and others. The programme was well organised under the supervision of DySP Poonch (Op) Ashok Sharma and DSP DAR, Nassir Ahmed. The DIG while speaking on the occasion highly appreciated the services of those police personnel who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and gave tough fight to the terrorists. He asked the police men to maintain high alert and fight against the militants with strong determination. While honouring the widows and parents of twenty martyrs, the DIG distributed blankets among them. Mr Sahai also provided out of turn one rank promotions to six cops in recognition of their gallant services while fighting with the militants recently in district Poonch. Several prominent local leaders spoke on the occasion. An impressive cultural programme was also presented by a local cultural group under the supervision of Pardeep Khanna which was highly appreciated by the audience. |
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bodies recovered; 8 injured in collision Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Three bodies were recovered from different areas while as eight persons were injured in collision between four vehicles. Police spokesman said that body of Davidner Gupta, son of Janak Raj Gupta of Shanti Nagar was recovered a water tank in Shanti Nagar. The body was reportedly spotted by the brother of the deceased. Police has taken the cognizance of the incident and started further investigations. Another body was recovered by police from Adkawari. Identity of the body was not established till late this evening. Meanwhile, body of one Khem Raj, son of Choru Ram of Sungali was recovered under mysterious circumstances at village Puneja. According to the brother of the deceased, he was taken by one Sanjay Kumar, a tractor driver, to load fire wood. However, Khem Raj didn’t turn back and his body was recovered with grevious injuries on his head, from the road side. The body was rushed to hospital and handed over to family members for last rites after post-mortem. Police has registered a case in this connection and hunt was on to nab the absconding tractor driver. Eight persons were injured in collission between four vehicles bearing registration number JK02-5271, PB08X-0561, JK02K-9323 and JK02F-2619 at Barian under Samba Police Station. The injured have been identified as Mohan Lal, son of Rangeela Ram of Bantalab, Madhu Sharma, daughter of Tilak Raj of Bari Brahamana, Manisha Kar, daughter of Mohinder Paul of Talab Tillo, Nisha Sharma, daughter of Rattan Lal of Janipura, Neelam Kumari, daughter of Ghani Shyam of Nagrota, Bindiya, wife of Bikram Raj Singh, Giri Raj, son of Bikram Raj Singh and Ankshi, daughter of Bikram Raj Singh. Their condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. |
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Efforts to unite Hurriyat run into rough weather SRINAGAR, Dec 25: Efforts of Kashmir Bar Association, an erstwhile constituent of Hurriyat Conference, to unite rival factions of separatist conglomarate ran into rough weather as Chairman of one of the factions Moulana Mohammad Abbass Ansari categorically ruled out participation in tomorrow’s meeting convened by it. "We are not going to participate in the KBA meeting," Ansari said reacting to the proposed meeting to be held at Sadder Court premises tomorrow in a bid to iron out differences between the warring groups of the Hurriyat Conference. Bar has invited all the constitutents of Syed Ali Shah led Hurriyat conference and Ansari’s Hurriyat besides other separatist groups including Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front headed by Mohammad Yaseen Malik, Jamaat-e-Islami and Democratic Freedom Party led by Shabir Ahmad Shah, to the meeting. KBA was one of the constituents of the Hurriyat Conference and was invited to a meeting convened by former Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Umer Farooq during his unity efforts immediately after some of the Hurriyat constituents deserted the conglomarate, Ansari said. When the KBA did not honour the founder chairman’s invitation, how can they expect us to participate in the meeting, Ansari asked. On the other hand, Geelani’s faction has yet to decide on the invitation, but sources close to the hardline leader said the leaders have decided not to take part in the meeting. "The Hurriyat has been purified. There is no question of providing any opportunity to those who have been rejected by the people to join the separatist amalgam," they said. However, the sources said the efforts of the faction to bring pro-movement parties into its fold will continue. We have not shut our doors to those individuals and parties who are serving the ongoing movement sincerely, they clarified. Participation of JKLF in the meeting also appears remote a the party leaders were presently busy with its door-to-door signature campaign launched by the organisation to know the views of the people about their participation in any talks between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Comments from other parties invited to the meeting were not available immediately. (PTI) |
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X-Mas celebrated at Mother Teresa Ashram Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Mr Waris Gill, President Jammu and Kashmir Christian Association organized Christmas celebrations at Mother Teresa Ashram, Janipur today. Provincial President National Conference, Ajay Sadhotra was the chief guest while’s number of dignitaries including leading businessman Devinder Rana took part in the celebrations. On the occasion, prayers were offered and Christmas message conveyed to the destitudes, orphans, cripples, handicaps and mentally retarded people. It was pointed that Jesus Christ had come for all the mankind including even such persons who are destitudes. The programme became attractive when the choir of St Paul’s Church Residency Road (English Congregation) sang X-Mas carals. The other prominent persons who took part in the celebrations included Mr Brij Mohan Sharma, Jagjivan Ram, Capt Vivan, Vimal Bajaj, Sudhir Kumar, Surjit Singh, Satish Sahni and Mela Ram. They all gave their Christmas greetings to the people, particularly Christians. |
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Steady increase in flow of foreign tourists to J&K GULMARG Dec 25: The changed security scenario has led to a steady rise in the flow of foreign tourists to Jammu and Kashmir despite negative travel advisories issued by Governments of European Union countries, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said today. "Despite negative travel advisories issued by Governments of European Union countries, especially Britain, the flow of foreign tourists is steadily increasing," he told reporters after inaugurating an ice-rink for winter sports here. Sayeed said there was a marked improvement in the security situation in the State since last year which was instilling confidence among domestic as well as foreign tourists. However, the advisories were affecting the tourist arrivals in the State, he said. "During my recent visit to London (to participate in a travel mart), I took up the issue of advisories with Parliament members there, who promised me to look into the matter." Sayeed said his Government has taken the initiative to invite people in the travel and tour trade to the State to have a first hand experience of the changed situation. "At least 45 travel and tour operators participated in today’s meeting and they have all promised to do their bit for the state’s tourism industry after they felt the change in the situation," Sayeed added. Pawan Khanna, a tour operator who was visiting the Valley after 17 years, said "we have to carry forward the momentum. We will remove all the obstacles in restoring the pristine glory of tourism in the State." Travel Agents association of India president Balbir Singh said the Jammu and Kashmir Government should persuade the Centre and other State Governments to hold conferences of Public Sector Undertakings in the State."It will be a major boost for the tourism industry in Kashmir." He asked Sayeed to take up with Indian Airlines and other operators to rationalise their fares of flights to Srinagar along the lines of some northeastern states. "Kashmir is of very significant importance to tourism. Special airfares should be given on Srinagar sector. We will do our bit too in this regard," Singh said. ITDC Chairman-cum-Managing Director Amitabh Kant said the Union Tourism Ministry was making all out efforts to help in the revival of tourism industry in the State. (PTI) |
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Home for Aged & Infirm holds annual meeting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: The Home for Aged and Infirm, Ambphalla today held its annual general meeting under the chairmanship of its vice president Prof Dr Vidhya Nath Gupta, which was attended by a large number of members of the Society. The annual report and audited accounts for the year 2002-03, presented by Honorary Secretary Vijay Kumar Bhagotra were adopted by the house. All outgoing office bearers were unanimously re-elected for another term, of two years. They are D N Gupta, president, Dr Vidhya Nath Gupta and Dr Kaushalaya Wali, vice presidents Vijay Kumar Bhagotra, honorary secretary, B B Gupta, joint secretary and T R Gupta, H L Choudhary, G S Khajuria and H S Manhas, the managing committee members. The membership fee for patron and life member was revised at Rs 4000 and Rs 1500 respectively and Rs 300 for a members, which is payable in a financial year. The House appreciated sincere efforts put in by the managing committee in general and Mr Bhagotra in particular for improvement in over all functioning of the Home and facilities and amenities for the inmates. Dr vidhya nath Gupta informed the House that against the capacity of around 100 inmates, there are 65 inmates including 23 females at present. He appealed to the general public for liberal donations in cash and kind on regular basis. he also expressed gratitude to Social Welfare Department for grant-in-aid amounting to Rs 1.55 lakh released during the year 2002-03. |
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Tarigami flays bid to take credit on Dogri Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Veteran CPM leader Mohd Yusuf Tarigami, MLA, today said by conferring due recognition to the Dogri language by including it in the eighth schedule of the Constitution, the people of Jammu region have got their legitimate demand fulfilled. Voicing concern over a mad race among the political parties and social organisations to take credit for the inclusion of Dogri in the eighth schedule, Mr Tarigami said it was a unanimous demand of Dogri speaking people, which was supported by the writers of other languages. "The due to Dogri was unfortunately delayed by those ruling the country", he regretted and said the people of Jammu must look forward to the upgradation of All India Radio (AIR) Jammu station to cover the Dogri speaking people. It may be recalled that it was CPM MP Basudev Acharya, who had moved an amendment in the Lok Sabha for including Dogri in the eighth schedule of the Constitution. A news to this effect was also carried by all the newspapers. |
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‘Jammu Di Pukar’ presented to Vajpayee Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 25: Senior Bharatia Janata Party leader, Chander Mohan Sharma presented ‘Jammu Di Pukar’—a transcription of poems of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, into Dogri. The book was presented to Mr Vajpayee as a gift on his 79th birthday today. Mr Sharma has himself translated these poems. He was accompanied by Mr Rajiv Chuni, SOS Chairman. The duo thanked Mr Vajpayee for including Dogri in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution. The Prime Minister assured Mr Sharma that he will release the book in the month of January next. |
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Sahitya Akademi Awardee Ashwani
Magotra By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, Dec 25: The 2003 Sahitya Akademi Award to Dogri poet Ashwani Magotra is a classic case where the recognition has come to the poet after his death. The highest literary award of the country, bestowed annually to best writers in 22 different languages of the country recognised by Sahitya Akademi, has been given for Dogri to Ashwani Magotra for his long poem "Chull Barha Deya Pattra". Which was again a posthumous publication brought out by Dogri Sanstha, Jammu. One who remained unsung during his life time, Ashwani Magotra worked as a compositor in a different printing presses of the city and lived a hard pressed life. In the beginning he worked for Ramesh Printing Press which incidentally handled printing of Dogri books and periodicals like Sheeraza. One who clearly saw through the hypocratic veneer of worldly behaviour, Ashwani was an outspoken and witty person who would never hesitate to call spade a spade. Recognised for creative spark in young age only, he was patronised by stalwart poets and scholars like Mohan Lal Sapolia, Om Goswami, Shiv Ram Deep and many others. According to some critics, his early gazals, which had the brilliance and depth as those of Ved Pal deep’s gazals, are best examples of his poetry. Ahwani’s poems had appeared in journals like Cultural Academy’s Shreeza, Dogri Sanstha’s Nami Chetna and Amber published by Om Goswami. The awarded book "Chull Barha Deya Pattra", is a long poem called by the late poet as a modern epic, had first appeared in a serialized form in ‘Parchol’ a Dogri news paper brought out by Sudarshan Rattanpuri. There is no definite subject matter of the long poem, instead it is a conversation between the poet and the his friend, the ‘Barh’ tree. Full of a feeling of longing, the highlight of the poem is pictorial description of Duggar’s nature, seasons, colors, spectacles, memories and anecdotes of childhood, festivals, rituals, customs like Navratras, mela Bahu Fort, Lohri, Cchjja Dance, the drums of Baisakhi etc. The main emphasis of the poet is on eulogizing the importance of mother earth and women folk which has not got its due appreciation. He brings to fore the issues like discrimination with girl child in a simple but effective manner. The recognition to Ashwani Magotra’s poetic expression is a well deserved honour though it has come to the poet a bit too late. |
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Christmas celebrated with enthusiasm Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Various educational institutions and other organisations celebrated Christmas Day with enthusiasm and high spirits. New Modern Higher Secondary School today celebrated Christmas and New Year in the school premises wherein Joint Secretary of the Board of School Education Harish Gupta was the chief guest. Principal of the School Mrs Loveleen Bahl, Director Tarun Bahl attended the function. The function started with item—Twinkle Twinkle Little Star—which was presented by tiny tots of the School. It was followed by Teddy Bear Teddy Bear and welcome song. In his speech, the chief guest said "I am very happy to see the fast growth and prosperity of this institution and wish them best of luck in the future". Director Tarun Bahl and Principal Loveleen Bahl also spoke on the occasion. As usual Hotel Asia organised a Christmas Carnival for the children. For the last five years in a row they have made available this opportunity to the children and the overwhelming response to it proves how well the children have liked the event. The main event of the programme was a painting competition in two categories—junior and senior. Around 300 children from different educational institutions took part in the competitions. In the junior category, "Peace and Environment" was the topic while in the seniors category there were options of "courtesy and festival" to portray their skills. Mr Ashwani Sharma and Mr Swaran Singh from Camlin Ltd and Mr Gourav Gupta from Amar Ujala were the judges to select the best three in each category. The first, second and third prizes in senior category went to Arushi Kartik of Presentation Convent, Damani Bali of Sangrila Public School and Monica Shukla of Army School Domana respectively while Sonalika Jain of Delhi Public School, Palavi Sharma of SD Tarapuri and Gagandeep Singh Bali of Guru Harkrishan Public School bagged first, second and third prizes in the junior category. M/s Camlin sponsored the prizes for each category while Amar Ujala sponsored the trophies for the winners and mementoes for the consolation prizes. The Pepsi sponsored the soft drinks for the children. Apart from the painting competition, there was another programme of fancy dress and dance competition. In dance competition, first, second and third prizes win senior category were given to Sunidha, Rahul and Shivanki respectively while Bhavya, Bahar and Mehak bagged first, second and third prizes in junior category respectively. Anirudh and Damini bagged first and second prize in fancy dress competition. The prizes were given by Hostel Asia and Amar Ujala. The Birthday of Jesus Christ was celebrated in Ramakrishna Mission, Udhiwala. Swami Jnanaprabhananda conducted special Puja and offering. Swami Girijeshananda, the secretary of the Mission read some portions from holy Bible and spoke about Jesus Christ. Swami Vinirmuktananda rendered some Bhajans and carols. The Christmas also has an important position in the Ramakrishna order. It was on this day, way back in 1886 all the direct disciples of Ramakrishna were inspired to follow the life of renunciation and formed a group which has now taken the share of world-wide Ramakrishna order of Sannyasins. Sri Ramakri-shna practiced Chri-stanity and had the vision of Jesus Christ and proclaimed that all religions lead to the same goal, only paths are different. Blue Bells Public School celebrated X-mass day with great enthusiasm and zeal. Children were enthralled to watch Marry, Jesus and angels. All India Rajiv Gandhi Brigade celebrated the Christmas Day at party office. State president of the Brigade Verinder Manhas and district president Ashok Khajuria congratulated AICC president Sonia Gandhi on the occasion. First Step Pre-Nursery School, Trikuta Nagar celebrated the Christmas with a lot of joy and merry. The atmosphere in the School was full of excitement and laughter. The children felt the festive mood and the ambience was perfect for every child to enjoy. The school was decorated gracefully. There was Christmas carols for back ground music with a lovely Christmas cake and the showman for the day Santa was there to give away gifts to all the children making it off course a Merry Christmas. Maharaja Agarsen Public School, Janipur Colony celebrated Christmas Day with religious fervour and gaiety. Santa Claus distributed gifts and sweets among the children and advised the students to follow the path of love and peace shown by Jesus Christ. Morning Walkers Welfare Association, Manda celebrated the Christmas with full zeal and zest. Col (retd) V P Bhasin, president of the Association congratulated all the members and friends on this pious and path shown by Jesus Christ. Later sweets and tofees were distributed among the walkers and children present there. All the members took pledge to follow the path shown by Jesus Christ and vowed to help down trodden and weaker section of the Society. Heaven Kingdom School, Janki Vihar, Janipur celebrated Christmas day in the school premises with great enthusiasm. Santa Claus distributed sweets and gifts to the children of the school. |
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NR to computerise reservation in 8 district headquarters PHAGWARA, Dec 25: The northern railways will computerise reservation in all the eight district headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir by March next year. Ferozepur Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Hukam Chand Punia told UNI here today that the railways was working on top priority in Jammu and Kashmir to provide rail links in the Kashmir valley with other parts of the country by the year 2007. He said five such centres would be set up at Fazilka, Kotkapura, Nawanshahar, Mukerian and Chakki Bank (Pathankot) in Punjab by March next year. He said unreserved computerised ticketing centres would also opened at Pathankot, Jammu and Ferozepur during this period. Such centres were already working at Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar. He said railway stations the Ferozepur division, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Pathankot, Jammu, Kathua, Ferozepur and Chakki Banks had been developed as model stations. Mr Punia said the 117 Km railway line between Jalandhar and Ferozepur section had been replaced with new rails. Another 120 Km railway line on the Ludhiana-Ferozepur section would soon be replaced with new rails. He said more than one dozen old railway bridges were being strengthened and work of doubling the railway line on the Jalandhar-Pathankot-Jammu section was in full swing for completion by March 2007. Mr Punia said the railways was considering to increase the speed of prestigious Shatabadi Express train running between Delhi and Amritsar from 110 Km to 120 Km per hour. He said almost all express trains’ maximum speed is 90-100 Km in this division, including that of all night trains. The DRM said the division had recorded 30-35 per cent increase in railway revenue as goods loading traffic had increased tremendously. (UNI) |
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BJP flays attempts to politicise Dogri issue Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: State BJP vice president and spokesman Prof Hari Om has termed as unfortunate the attempt of certain Congress leaders controlling socio-cultural organisations to convey an impression that credit for inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India goes to them. He asserted that Dogras of Jammu are very intelligent and they know who has contributed what in the crusade for getting recognition to Dogri language. He claimed that Dogras are fully aware of the fact that what the Congress which at times commanded absolute majority in the Parliament could not do so as has been done by BJP in a short span of time. Prof Hari Om he has no doubt whatever that the recognition of Dogri is a crowning triumph of millions of Dogri speaking people of Jammu region, parts of Himachal and Punjab. He expressed hope that this momentous decision of the BJP-led NDA Government would go a long way in promoting further this highly rich and very sweet language. The BJP vice president said that this is the time to rejoice and not an occasion to politicize cultural issues and the issue of identity of proud and brave Dogras. He urged all irrespective of their political affiliations and religious denominations to get united and work whole-heartedly for well being of ignored people of Jammu region. |
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Vijaypur MLA launches computer awareness programme Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Mr Manjeet Singh, MLA Vijaypur, launched the world computer literacy drive at NIIT Bari Brahmana by releasing the courseware for the computer literacy course namely SWIFT Jyoti. He launched the batches by giving away the material for the course. Secretary Soldier Board Samba, Sarpanches and ex-servicemen joined the gathering of students from Bari Brahmana, Vijaypur, Bishnah, Ramgarh, Rahya, Ratnuchak, Kaluchak, Kunjwani, Badhori and Sarore. Mr Manjeet Singh complemented the NIIT Centre for its achievements towards World Computer Literacy Drive. He said computer is an inherent part of all major commercial systems and equipping the people to handle them is the moral and social responsibility of all. He commended the Principals who came forward willingly with their unstinting support to this mission and said it was inspiring to see senior bureaucrats, army personnel, political leaders, educationists and others taking their first step towards IT. He met the ex-servicemen of the area and gave them a patient hearing. Col Prem Singh (Director) in his address thanked the prominent people for their active participation and said that World Computer Literacy Day is a movement started by NIIT to help bridge the digital divide in India. Col Singh said that his team and students were instrumental in taking this concept from door to door, thus creating awareness about WCLD in every nook and corner of the area. Apart from unprecedented support from the Indian political and local leadership, it was an over-whelming response to a trusted brand NIIT. |
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EP tenants discuss demands, warn agitational course Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: A meeting of the EP Tenants Welfare Society was held under the chairmanship of Mr Banarsi Dass Angral, president of the society in which a large number of tenants participated. The speakers expressed resentment and anxiety over adamant attitude of the present coalition Government for non-fulfillment of the genuine demands of the EP Tenants. They recalled that many peaceful rallies, meetings and dharnas were held in support of their demands during NC Government but Dr Farooq did not bother. So ultimately during Assembly election 2002, society members unanimously resolved not to vote NC since all the political parties has assured for giving full support to EP Tenants, especially now ruling coalition partners. Alleging harassment by the officials of the Custodian Department on one pretext or the other, it was resolved with one voice that if Government fails to consider the genuine demands of the EP Tenants and no concrete step is taken to redress grievances and stopping harassment within a one month, the EP tenants will have no other option but to come on streets and adopt agitational path. EP Tenants were appealed to remain united for a joint struggle and consequences of which shall squarely lie on the shoulders of the Government. Prominent speakers included Krishan Lal Gupta, chairman, Nazir Ahmed, vice president, Suraj Raj Sharma, general secretary, Rattan Sawhney, secretary, Mrs Meena Begum and others. |
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HPCL holds mini draw for oil customers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has launched a consumer-focussed campaign at all retail outlets in the State with effect from October 5 to January 26, 2004. Four mini draws were planned one each for Diwali, Id-ul-Fitr, Christmas Day and the Republic Day. The mega draw will also be held on January 26 next year. In mini draws prizes worth Rs 7 lakh are to be distributed ranging from Motor Cycle, refrigerator, Colour TV etc. In the Mega draw Maruti Car would be awarded. Draws are based on coupen system eligibility of which is to buy minimum petrol worth Rs 100 or diesel worth Rs 600. On X-Mas Day today a gala mini draw ceremony was held at M/s Jay Kay Gas which was presided over by Dr Pawan Kotwal, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, who also took out the draw. Speaking on the occasion he said HPCL, the second largest marketing and refining Company in India, is doing very good job. "It looks nice, being a Government company working like a private one" said Dr Kotwal emphasising on the need of giving correct quality and quantity of product to the customers. K S Sudan, senior Manager, HPCL Jammu presented vote of thanks. Messrs Gyan Prakash, Gurmeet Singh and Sarabjeet Singh of HPCL and many dealers of the Corporation were present on the occasion. Sanjeev Bakshi with Coupen NO; 39907 got prize of Fridge, Ramesh Kumar (204765) got CD Player, Anil Gupta (150561) obtained prize of ceiling fan, Mahfuz (189119) for Suit Length and Vishal Sharma (178718) got Micro Oven. The prize of Motor Cycle went to Coupen No: 303938, Colour TV to 304487, Refrigerator to number 272323, Washing Machine to Coupen No: 389701, Music System to No: 434108, Aqua-Guard to No: 229185, besides various other prizes. |
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Christmas at Gulmarg with a difference Excelsior Correspondent GULMARG, Dec 25: It was Christmas celebrations with a difference at Gulmarg. Wrapped in snow white blanket, the beautiful slopes of Gulmarg were reverberated with skies of hundreds of enthusiastic youth moving up and down, enjoining the nature’s bounties. Incidentally, today was the 39th anniversary of Ski festival that was first organized in 1965 on Christmas when Indian Airlines introduced foker friendship aircraft on Srinagar route. There was another occasion worth celebration. St. Mary Church, established during British rule, was formally thrown open today after its renovation that restored its pristine glory. During militancy this heritage church turned into ruins especially when it went into disuse. On the instruction of Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Gulmarg Development Authority renovated it. To mark the occasion a special Christmas Mass was held where special prayers were offered for the peace in the state and welfare of its people . Father Khanna, who led the Mass also prayed for the success of mission of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for restoration of peace and also for his long life. Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Tourism Minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister of State for Tourism, G.A.Mir, a large number of senior officers and tourists participated in the Mass. At least 20 Christians were also present The church has come out magnificently after renovation and would be added tourist attraction in Gulmarg. |
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KP organisations reject return formula Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 25: Some of the Kashmiri Pandit Organisations of Delhi held a joint meeting under the chairmanship of HN Jattu to introspect the detrimental consequences of the divisive policies of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed towards the migrant Kashmiri Pandits. The policies were revealed during his recent visit to Kashmiri Samiti New Delhi. Many KP Organisations were represented. Prominent among them were Mr Jattu, Dr BL Khachroo, TN Razdan and NA Gangu. A unanimous resolution, condemning the anti-KP policies of the Government was passed. The speakers were critical of the move of J&K Government to settle some migrants in the recently made hutments in the Valley, by alluring them with small benefits. They denounced the untimely move of the State Government to call its employees back to the Valley and opined that it amounts to forcible return. It was made clear that KPS will not return to the Valley in piece meals, asking Government employees to return to the Valley at present will be deemed as forcible return and providing incentives to the migrants on their return shall be deemed as an exploitation of their poverty. Rich tributes paid to Madan Mohan Malviya Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Glowing tributes were paid to Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya on his 143 birth anniversary at a function organised here at Jammu Club today. The function was organised by Jammu Chapter of Mahamana Malviya Mission an international body founded by BHU Alumni. Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor Jammu University was the chief guest on the occasion. Among others who attended the function include president of Jammu Chapter of the Mission, Rana Ranjit Singh, its All India secretary general, M L Gupta, R K Mishra, HoD Bhuddhist Study, Jammu University and Dr Champa Sharma, Ex HoD Dogri Department. The function started with the garlanding of the portrait of Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya by the dignitaries. Paying rich tributes to this illustrated son of India, Prof. Mattoo said Madan Mohan Malviya was one of the greatest educationists, social reformer and leaders. He said "I have been greatly inspired by his life and dedication". Recalling his contributions, the VC said, he founded the Hindu Mahasabha in 1906, worked for the upliftment of women and gave Dev Nagri script to Hindi. Prof. Mattoo assured full cooperation to the Mission in propagating the philosophy and thought of Madan Mohan Malviya. Dr R K Mishra while paying tributes to this great scholar termed him a thinker ahead of his time and a visionary. He said setting up of BHU is among the greatest contributions of Malviya who even did not hesitate in begging to raise funds for this varsity. Paying his homage to Mahamana Malviya, All India, secretary general of the Mission, M L Gupta recalled his services in freedom struggle of the country. In his address Rana Ranjit Singh described Malviya a great patriot and clean hearted person who was not against the Western civilization altogether. This is the reason that he created all the technical facilities at BHU which were not available at other universities of the country at that time, he added. Paying her homage to Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, Dr Champa Sharma said his contributions can never be forgotten. On the occasion B N Memorial Quiz Competition prizes were given away by Prof. Mattoo. The team of Sandeep Koul from Shastri Memorial School bagged the first prize while the second prize was bagged by the team of Sandeep Singh S/o Charanjit Singh and Prakati Gupta of Oriental Academy. The Third prize was bagged by Light House School. Vote of thanks was proposed by R K Balgotra organizing secretary. CPI leader demands PG classes at GDC Shopian Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: The leader of the Communist Party of India, Kashmir Council, Abdul Rehman Tukroo, MLC, has demanded that arrangements be made for teaching Post-Graduate classes in the Degree College Shopian. Mr Tukroo said that the large population of the area consists of Gujjar and Bakerwal tribe and because of their poor economic conditions they cannot continue their education after graduation. He added that large population of the area is also backward. He said students of the area are not able to continue their studies after completing graduation as no higher educational institution is available other than the Srinagar, which is beyond their means. To get rid of educational backwardness of the area, arrangements must be made for teaching MA classes in the GDC Shopian from the coming next session, said Mr Tukroo demanding necessary step for the same. Mr Tukroo further said that Shopian be given status of a District so that the long pending demand of the area was fulfilled. 100 new diabetics detected at Ramgarh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: A two day long Diabetes Detection and awareness camp was organised at Mriutnjay Maternity & Nursing Home Ramgarh today. This was the first ever diabetic related programme to be held in the area. The camp was held under the steawardship of Dr Sandeep Gupta in which 100 persons have been detected as diabetics out of 272 samples collected. The camp was graced with the presence of Dr Vijay Gupta, CMO, Jammu, Dr Jitendra Singh, renowned Diabetologist and author, Dr K K Gupta, Surinder Mahajan, president Lions Club, Vijaypur -Gaurav, Congress leader Yash Paul Sharma and other citizens. Dr Jitendra Singh said that hectic pace, jealousy, irregular sleeping habits, fast food and tension are the main causes of this disease. This disease is quite curable provided we return to our traditional,life style, he added. He said the diabetes can lead to other diseases like High Blood pressure, diminished vision, heart attacks and kidney failure. Dr Vijay Gupta assured the people that Diabetes is not a disease but a result of change in the life style which has even spread to rural areas. Free medicines were distributed by M/S Deepak Zazia and Anil Sharma representatives of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals Ltd, OTSIRA GENETICA . The parents of Dr Sandeep Gupta were felicitated on the occasion. Inclusion of Dogri in 8th Schedule hailed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Duggar Kala Manch, Sunderbani, has expressed jubilations over the inclusion of Dogri language in eighth schedule of Indian Constitution. A meeting of the Manch was held under the chairmanship of Pushkar Raj Sharma Bharti wherein the Central Government’s move for inclusion of Dogri language in the eighth schedule was described as a new year gift from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to people of Jammu. Those who attended the meeting included Madan Mohan Sharma, Vijay Kumar, Ram Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Om Pandit, Surinder Kumar, Rajinder Kumar and Balak Ram. The Jammu Tele Media Association has also hailed the inclusion of Dogri language in 8th schedule. A meeting of the Association was held under the chairmanship of Mr Shiv Dutt wherein the members thanked Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishan Advani and those who fought for the cause of Dogri. The meet said that artist fraternity of Jammu has special reason to rejoice as creative and performing artists associated with the production of television programmes in Dogri language ever longed to see their mother language placed at high esteem alongwith Kashmiri and Urdu. NC supports people
protesting for restoration Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has extended its full support to the people of Akhnoor who are agitating against allotment of Government school land to a private party. A team of senior NC leaders, headed by Brij Mohan Sharma, MLC Mr Jagjeevan Lal and Balbir Singh Manhas, visited Akhnoor town and interacted with prominent citizens. They took stock of the situation aroused due to 31 days long agitation against allotment of school land to a private party. Expressing concern over the way by which the school land has been allotted to a local person with the alleged connivance of local MLA, they alleged that the coalition Government was playing with the sentiments of people of Akhnoor, especially students. Grabbing of school land is a crime against future generation and it is unfortunate that the State Government is un-necessarily making it a prestige issue. The NC team assured full support of the party to agitators in getting the land restored to the primary school and asked party rank and file of Akhnoor to fight for the cause of people. Others and locals who comprised the NC team, included Krishan Lal Sharma, Kulbeer Singh Choudhary, Rattan Singh Chib, Kuldeep Kour. ‘Sola Chan’-poetry work of Kesar released Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Minister for Education Harshdev Singh today said that with the inclusion in the 8th schedule of country’s constitution, best opportunity now is available to develop and spread the language in the widest possible ranges through good literary works available in it. He called upon the writers and poets of the language to come up with more thought provoking and interesting contributions to avail complete advantage of the bright vistas it now offers. The Minister was speaking at a function organised by J&K Academy of Art and Culture to release the book ‘Sola Chan’ carrying collection of poems and songs written by the eminent writer and poet of Dogri Inderjeet Kesar. ‘Sola Chan’ comprises of an excellent collection of poems and songs written on varied subjects relating to life of a common man. The collection depicts the causes of dissatisfaction spread in the world due to self centered and superficial attitude of human race. The writer has earlier contributed four books on poetry and two novels in Dogri inspite of working on a busy post in civil secretariat. |
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