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| Deccan Aviation may start copter service to Shri Amarnath Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Deccan Aviation Pvt Ltd, country’s renowned air charter company in the private sector and presently providing air service to the pilgrims at Katra Mata Vaishno Devi is planning to operate during annual Shri Amarnath pilgrimage. ....more Mangal
Tara rides Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Passers-by find it difficult to believe that a motor-cycle borne youth, with blind-folded eyes, was not only passing through the traffic hazards........more SRINAGAR, Nov 21: As many as 642 youth from across the country today wore BSF colours as they passed out from a training centre of Humhama in Budgam district of Central Kashmir............more Freshers’
day ASCOMS Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today called upon young medicos to work hard and come upto the expectations....more No threat
to coalition Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Peoples Democratic Forum (PDF) has strongly denied the reports that there were some attempts of destablizing the coalition Government.......more |
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Balak
Yogeshwar Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Nov 21: Sanatan Dharam Sabha Rajouri is organizing a religious function in honour of Yogiraj Balak Yogeshwar Ji Maharaj on his arrival to Rajouri tomorrow............more Ego, lust
root cause of all Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Sant Balak Bal Yogeshwarji of Brindaban has asked the people to shun ego and lust which are the root cause of all agonies......more 10
qtls poppy straw recovered from Police truck Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu, Mr Subash Chander Gupta has rejected the bail application of the three accused —Fouja Singh, Mohd Iqbal and Gul Mohammad involved, in NDPS Act against whom allegation of possessing about 10 quintals of poppy straw was leveled........more Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 21: In order to check the revenue record and review the progress of the ongoing settlement work, the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal alongwith Assistant Commissioner (G) conducted inspections of various Patwar halqas of Niabat Nagrota and Muthi yesterday......more |
Deccan Aviation may start copter service Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Deccan Aviation Pvt Ltd, country’s renowned air charter company in the private sector and presently providing air service to the pilgrims at Katra Mata Vaishno Devi is planning to operate during annual Shri Amarnath pilgrimage. Addressing a press conference here today, Col Jayant Poovaiah, Director & Chief Pilot of the Company said that at present Deccan Aviation operates a fleet of 9 helicopters and 2 fixed wing aircrafts from eight bases across the country. Seeing tremendous response at Katra Vaishno Devi, the Company is also planning to provide services to the pilgrims, especially to the aged and weak during Amarnath pilgrimage this year. Responding to a question, he said the matter has been taken with the J&K Government and the Company would love to offer services to the devotees visiting holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnathji. He said the company has retired and most experienced pilots and all the safety precautions are taken care of by the Company officials. The Company will also to like to provide services to the various far flung tourist resorts of the state and it will also help in tourism promotion in the State. Lt Col Arun Rao, Head Sales & Liaison disclosed that Company operates the Bell 407 and Bell 206 ( US make) Long Ranger helicopters from its Katra base. These copters can carry 5 passengers each and fly between Katra and Sanjichhat every 20 minute. The helicopters fly as average of 20 to 25 sorties a day. The tickets are priced at Rs 2000 for a single journey between Katra and Sanjichhat while two way ticket is Rs 4000. The Company started its service on Nov 16 last year and in last one year nearly 27,940 persons utilised helicopters’ services for Vaishno Devi. The percentage is hardly 0.5 % of the total pilgrims visiting in just one year. It has in no way effected the livelihood of the ‘Palkiwalas’ or the ‘ponywalas’. Apart from value addition to services being offered to yatris visiting shrine, Deccan’s Services have provided employment to the people of Jammu, Katra and Udhampur with 60% of its work force. An average 2348 passengers travel every month while the daily average comes out to be 78 passengers. Maj Yogendra Kandhari, Manager and Capt Preetham Phillips were also present on the occasion. |
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Mangal
Tara rides through traffic hazards Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Passers-by find it difficult to believe that a motor-cycle borne youth, with blind-folded eyes, was not only passing through the traffic hazards of the city but also negotiating the difficult curves of the city lanes, excellently, without taking any help. Mangal Tara- a renowned magician of the country, today enthralled the Jammuites by his daring performance. He travelled almost all parts of the walled city on his bike with eyes covered continuously for about three hours. Mangal Tara left Aparsa Theater at about 11 am and returned back at about 2.15 p.m. after travelling through ever busy Raghunath Bazar, Purani Mandi, City Chowk and other congested areas of old city. Passers-by were seen resorting to nail biting when Mangal Tara, on his bike, was passing through the traffic and riding smoothly with blind-folded eyes. Mangal’s Tara motorcycle rally was organised in connection with the opening of his magic show in Apsara Theatre. The Magic show which commenced today will continue for a month. From tomorrow there will be three shows everyday. According to manager of Apsara Theatre, Vinod Koul, the tickets for each show per person according to row will cost Rs 70, Rs 50 and Rs 30 respectively. Mangal Tara has so far performed more than 5000 shows across the country. Mangal Tara is a professional magician. He took up the magic as a profession since his childhood. In very early age he left home and went to Ahmedabad to learn magic from a known magician-Junior Mangal. Belonging to Rajasthan, Mangal Tara’s original name is Ramesh. He claimed that there are many items, which no other magician can perform. He assured the people of Jammu that so interesting will be his show that no body will leave the hall even for a moment. Making anybody from the audience fly in the air or setting ablaze a girl and again making her acquire original form will be some of his interesting items. Mangal Tara through his magic will also try to give a message of peace to the people of Jammu through his magic. He has prepared a special items for the people of Jammu which will carry a special message for the people of this violence plagued State. Through his magic and trick, Mangal Tara can disappear a Maruti car from the stage. |
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SRINAGAR, Nov 21: As many as 642 youth from across the country today wore BSF colours as they passed out from a training centre of Humhama in Budgam district of Central Kashmir. The recruits, hailing from various parts of the country, attended an impressive attestation parade at the conclusion of 36 weeks of vigorous training during which they were imparted training in anti-terrorist and anti-insurgency operations besides commando operation and respect of human rights, Additional Deputy Inspector General K J Keswani, who commands the training centre, said. Addition Director General of BSF A K Mitra took the salute at the parade which was commanded by recruit-constable Niwasma Swamy. Subsidiary Training Centre, Kashmir frontier was established near airport at Humhama on June 10, 1990. The centre was raised keeping in view the training requirements of Srinagar and Baramulla frontiers and to impart the recruit basic training to Kashmiri youths. The centre has so far trained 5339 recrits which include 1689 Kashmiri youth, who are performing their duties in different parts of the country, Keshwani said. During their basic training, stress was laid on physical training and fitness, weapon handling, shoot to kill exercises, map reading and discipline. Besides, training was also given in field engineering, anti terrorist and anti-insurgency operations. (PTI) |
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Freshers’
day ASCOMS Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today called upon young medicos to work hard and come upto the expectations of the society by serving the ailing humanity with compassion. He said the profession is a noble one and the first and foremost duty of the medicos is to provide their best to the suffering people. Speaking at freshers’ day function at Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences at Sidhra near here this afternoon, Mr.Sharma hoped that the senior medicos would provide all possible help and guidance to their young colleagues for pursuing their studies treating them as their younger brothers and sisters. Mr. Sharma said that Government has accorded highest priority to the health sector so that the people across the state get best possible medicare facilities. He said a network of modern hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities is being created by setting up new health institutions in all the districts to facilitate the people .But ultimately it is the medicos and paramedics who have to serve the people, he added. He said that this calls for a missionary zeal among them to serve the needy in a befitting manner. Congratulating the freshers for presenting a colourful variety programme , the Deputy Chief Minister said that the presentation was superb and showed how talented our youth in the state are. He said that if the creative potentialities of the juniors are so laudable, the talent of seniors is quite imaginable. Referring to the Acharya Shri Chandra College of Medical Sciences, Mr. Sharma said it has come up as a landmark health institution in the state with latest diagnostic and treatment facilities, describing it as a pride of Jammu and Kashmir. The Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated the function by lighting the traditional lamp. Earlier, the freshers of the college presented a captivating cultural programme comprising ghazals, songs, skits and folk dances including rouf. It was highly appreciated by the jam-packed audience. Director-Principal of the college, Dr.S. S. Soodan gave a detailed account of the functioning of the institution and the facilities available in it. Minister of State for Rural Development Ch. Gharu Ram, Mr. D. V. Batra, faculty members and students attended the function. |
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No threat to coalition Govt: Yasin Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Peoples Democratic Forum (PDF) has strongly denied the reports that there were some attempts of destablizing the coalition Government. In a statement the PDF leader and Revenue and Relief Minister Hakim Mohammad Yasin has taken a serious exception of such reports and termed them as irresponsible and mere figment of imagination. He said it should be known to one and all without any ambiguity and doubt that the coalition Government’s sole agenda and resolve is restoration of peace, streamlining of administration, eradication of corruption and development of the state. He said every coalition partner has a pledge to these resolves and there is common belief that the purpose could not be achieved without stability of the coalition. Hakim Mohammad Yasin has said that in the light of above resolve stability of coalition and cohesion among partners is not a compulsion but an act of faith for which the people of Jammu and Kashmir have given mandate. Hakim Yasin has warned the elements making attempts at creating a state of uncertainty. He said that coalition with the confidence and faith of the people is stable like a solid rock as it will certainly continue for next remaining five years. The people creating uncertainty are being exposed as real culprits of sufferings of the people of the state, he added. Terming the reports appearing in a section of press that attempts were being made to install a separatist leader as Chief Minister could best be described as a figment of imagination. He said the media being most vital element of the responsible society is not expected to fan such irresponsible prepositions. |
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Balak Yogeshwar arriving today Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Nov 21: Sanatan Dharam Sabha Rajouri is organizing a religious function in honour of Yogiraj Balak Yogeshwar Ji Maharaj on his arrival to Rajouri tomorrow. The President of Sanatan Dharam Sabha Rajouri, Mr Ashok Kumar has appealed to the people to take part in this religious function to seek blessings of Swami Ji. |
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Ego, lust root cause of all agonies: Swami Yogeshwar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Sant Balak Bal Yogeshwarji of Brindaban has asked the people to shun ego and lust which are the root cause of all agonies. Addressing a largely attended religious function at Sarwal today, Swami Ji asked the people to upheld the dharma in all circumstances as it is their only savior. He said the human birth is the only opportunity to realize the reality and to know the self so one should not let this opportunity to get waste. Swami Ji will visit Rajouri tomorrow and address a Dharma Samelan there. The Dharma samelan will be organized by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Rajouri. Swami Ji during his tour to other places of Jammu also addressed a huge religious gathering at R S Pura some days back. He was given a rousing reception by the people of the area. A huge crowd of devotees gathered opposite Agriculture University R S Pura to receive the Yogiraj, the Sanchalak of Ati Maha Vishnu Yagh, held at Surya Putri Tawi Jammu. Addressing the gathering Swami Ji asked the devotees to follow the path of dharma. He said every body on this earth has to perform a specific duty and the mothers have to play a very important role to build a value based society by inculcating the moral values among the children. He remembered the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their motherland. Swami Ji also consoled the mothers, widows and children of these martyrs and advised them to obey the will of the God which is the great force running this entire universe. |
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10 qtls poppy straw
recovered from Police truck Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu, Mr Subash Chander Gupta has rejected the bail application of the three accused —Fouja Singh, Mohd Iqbal and Gul Mohammad involved, in NDPS Act against whom allegation of possessing about 10 quintals of poppy straw was leveled. In his eight page judgement, Mr Gupta observed that Advocate Sunil Sethi appearing for the accused submitted that the accused Fouja Singh and Gul Mohd are the Government employees and the truck in which the alleged poppy straw has been recovered was loaded with arms and ammunition from Jabalpur which halted at Police Lines Channi Himmat and was guarded by Police Personnel and how the vehicle came out of the guarded area which was to proceed to Srinagar with arms and ammunition and the contraband normally is taken for the sale outside the State and not back to Srinagar. He stated that FSL report was silent with regard to the percentage of morphine. On the other hand, Public Prosecutor EA Tak opposed the application and said that the accused Fouja Singh is a person of belt force and was involved in the heinous crime. The Judge took serious note of the Medical certificate in which main ground of release of Gul Mohd on bail agitated by his Advocate cannot be left out without producing the same in this order to show the deterioration in the standard of this noble profession who issuance of such medical certificates. In the certificate specific mention about the cause of depression of mother of accused Gul Mohd, the certificate is supposed to be confined to diagnose and prescription of treatment and such certificates makes the validity and value of the certificate doubtful and dubious and cannot be relied upon. A futile attempt has been made for securing the release of the accused Gul Mohd on bail by stating medical ground of ailment of the mother of the accused. According to the certificate issued by Doctor, it was stated that Mrs Raja Bano was suffering from Reactive Depression and is presently in severe cataphonic state and is refusing any type of feeding. Her life is in danger of getting wasted unless given proper remedy of psychological support to combat the cause of her depression which being the death of her one son and the imprisoned state of her only surviving second son, Gul Mohd. The court after considering the validity of the medical certificate and looking to the recovery of the quantity which is a commercial quantity of poppy straw of 9.54 quintals— that too from a Police truck driven by a person of belt force, its conductor and the other accused who are the killer of the society, as such their petition for bail was dismissed. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 21: In order to check the revenue record and review the progress of the ongoing settlement work, the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal alongwith Assistant Commissioner (G) conducted inspections of various Patwar halqas of Niabat Nagrota and Muthi yesterday. At Nagrota, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the Khasra Girdawaris, mutation registers, Fard Partal and also the work of completion of computerized Mussavis. He instructed the Patwaris to keep their revenue records upto date especially that of mutation. He also inspected the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Government High School Boys and Government Primary School and Middle Schools and interacted with the teaching staff who apprised him about the various problems being faced by them, mainly that of lack of accommodation for students. Dr. Kotwal assured the school authorities to solve their problems of additional accommodation by getting new rooms constructed. He also visited the nearby site proposed for relocating the Primary School and the Middle School, at presently housed in the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Nagrota. The Deputy Commissioner also visited Niabat office Muthi and checked the revenue record of all Patwar halqas. He issued instructions that revenue record be maintained as per the prescribed formats. The Deputy Commissioner also issued instructions to the Naib Tehsildars to hear the public grievances and do their immediate redressal and also maintain a pubic grievances register for proper follow-up action of the genuine grievances of the public. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: The Theatre Camp 2003 organized by Natrang started here today. The theatre camp is being conducted by Balwant Thakur the eminent Theatre Director of the State. In this camp the 25 new aspirants are participating. The camp will focus on acting this year. This was stated by Mr Thakur. Neeraj Kant is the camp coordinator, whereas Vikrant Sharma and Sumeet Sharma will be the assistant directors. Mr Thakur further said that this is one of the unique theatre workshops in which whole production process will be taught to the participants. An attempt is being made where the concept, music, direction and composition of play will evolve during the workshop process. Natrang, Jammu initiated this new project of Theatre camp in the year 1989 with the motive to provide a platform to the young entrants in theatre. Natrang has been initiating directors from outside to conduct theatre programmes in Jammu. Those who have conducted theatre workshops for Natrang include M K Raina, Adil Hussain, Harish Khanna, Probir Guha and Ms Kalai Rani. Mr Thakur said the present training programme of Natrang will continue for one month. |
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JD(U) demands immediate winding
up of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Terming the Evacuee Property Department as a tool at the hands of Government to harass the poor people, State president of Janata Dal (United) Sanjesh Gupta today demanded immediate winding up of the department. Talking to media-persons, Mr Gupta said that through this department the Government has been invariably subjecting its tenants to undue harassment and thus leading to litigations and added that it would be in the interest of all parties if the evacuee properties are allotted on hire purchase to its occupants and conferring on them proprietary rights. This would, at the same time, remove the sword of uncertainty on the heads of occupants, he further said. Narrating the incident as to how the office of JD(U) was forcibly sealed by the officers of the Evacuee Property Department on the instructions of the Revenue Minister Mohammad Hakeen Yasin, Mr Gupta said that the office was locked with the malafide intention of providing the same to unscrupulous elements and added that Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Principal Secretary to CM Iqbal Khandey, in a true democratic spirit, personally intervened and restored the office premises to the party. "The office premises was sealed by the Evacuee Property Department under pressure from some elements, who sought to grab the building by using their political clout and resources", he alleged and said that the non-issuance of prior notice smacks of ulterior motives. To a question, Mr Gupta made it clear that JD(U) will continue to oppose those policies of the Government which are not in the interest of the people of the State. He suggested the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to properly scan the Government departments and ministries as some people for their personal interests could damage his image. The State president of JD(U) also alleged that some bureaucrats, who are still loyal to Dr Farooq Abdullah, are hell bent to harass the poor people by conveying to the people that their actions are on the directions of the coalition Government. He demanded that Evacuee Property Department be immediately winded up and ownership rights be given to the occupants. He further demanded framing of charges against those who torn up the JD(U) as well as National Flag while forcibly sealing party office. |
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BSNL employees continue strike SRINAGAR, Nov 21: The strike by employees of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) here entered the second day today, in protest against the death of one of their colleagues — Kuldeep Singh —in the Indira Nagar encounter. The employees affiliated to different BSNL unions stayed away from work in protest against the killing of Mr Singh who went missing on Tuesday when two ‘fidayeen’ entered the Indira Nagar telephone exchange. The employees staged a demonstration within the BSNL complex and were raising slogans against the authorities for failing to protect the life of Mr Singh. The outdoor complaints also remained unattended and the bill counters wore a deserted look. Customers who had come to deposit their phone bills were sent back by the CRPF guard posted there. The body of Mr Singh was recovered from the damaged telephone exchange building by the security forces and handed over to the police last afternoon. The employees boycotted work yesterday and charged the authorities of not doing enough to locate Mr Singh. Mr Singh who was going on a leave on Monday, postponed his trip after he was told that the Srinagar-Jammu national highway was closed due to heavy snow. The BSNL spokesman said the Indira Nagar telephone exchange which was completely damaged in the attack provided service to the 15 corps. He said all the 4,000 phone connections were dead and it would be a while before another exchange was installed. Though the 15 corps had their own exchange, a large number of private telephones of senior army officers were connected to this exchange. Two fidayeen of the "Al-Mansoorain" group entered the exchange, which was being guarded by SSB personnel, after making an unsuccessful attempt to storm the nearby headquarters of the 62 battalion of the CRPF around 1815 Hrs on Tuesday. All the seven SSB personnel have been rescued by the army. (UNI) |
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Exhibition of Jammu’s heritage attracting heavy rush Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: A number of people, including students from different schools, NCC cadets from different State and prominents, today visited the exhibition of Jammu’s heritage in the Jammu University gymnasium hall. CPIM MLA Mohd Yusuf Tarigami was among the visitors to exhibition. He evinced keen interest in the exhibition and said that such type of shows on cultural heritage link people to their past and roots. He also appreciated the efforts of Prof Zahur-ud-Din and Dr Anita Billawaria for collecting rare artefacts for the exhibition. 235 NCC cadets from 28 States also visited the exhibition and were enlightened to see the culture of Jammu. The students from New modern High School, Army School Kaluchak and Jammu Public School, also visited the exhibition. Meanwhile, a new section of Cultural Academy on Gujjar’s lifestyle, has been added to the exhibition. The exhibition has been organised by the JU Heritage Cell and the Centre for History and Culture of Jammu and Ladakh Regions in collaboration with Archaeological Survey of India. |
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Deep’s Dogri Gazal audio cassette launched By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, Nov, 21: Waking to the fact that poetry is carried into the memory of masses through music only, an audio cassette of Ved Pal Deep’s gazals was formally launched at the Dogri Bhavan, Karan Nagar, here today. The audio magic of the haunting melodies was also given a new dimension when an artistically made video album based on Ved Pal Deep’s selected gazals was also screened on the occasion. Ved Peel Deep, the ‘betaj badshah’ of Dogri poetry was pioneer in writing gazals in Dogri. Finest examples of poetry with thought provoking content that portrays an intensity of emotions and personal anguish which the tender heart of ‘Ghalib’ of Dogri felt in his heart, was appreciated during life time of the poet. "But Deep’s Gazals were sung in infrequent music concerts only", says Dr. Lalit Magotra; who in the first place had visualized the project to render his poems in musical form some years back. "Then began the long and painstaking process of selection, making choice of singers, recording studio, and above all arranging funds for undertaking the project, said Lalit Magotra. "With contributions from some friends of late Ved Pal Deep, the gazals were recorded at Mumbai. Titled ‘Khayalen Ch Koi Aaya’, the audio cassettes has seven of the best gazals of Ved Pal, which are sung by daughter of soil, Seema Anil Sehgal and Jaswant Singh, both Mumbai based artistes. Produced by Neeraj Tandon, for K.T. Agencies, composed by Brij Mohan, the music for the gazals has been arranged by Mumbai based music arranger Jwala Prasad. The tunes of gazals based on classical ragas, including Raag Pahari, sung in sonorous and sweet voices create a haunting atmosphere of nostalgia as well as romance. Bringing to fore the tragico- romantic and philosophical undertones that pervade Ved Pal Deep’s poetry, this collection of audio rendering of his gazals is a must for any lover and connoisseur of Dogri. Equally praise worthy were the video clippings shown on the occasion. Different from the present day mind boggling collage of images that defines the run of the mill videos, these clippings succeed in creating a visual mood that only reinforces aural- the lyrics. The video has been directed by Aditya and enacted by actors such as Deepak Kumar and Gurmeet Kaur. We shall soon come out with a complete video album on Deep’s gazals, said Pros. Lalit Magotra. |
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Defence Accounts services celebrate Foundation Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: The Defence Accounts services (Northern Command) celebrated the Foundation Day by organising an impressive cultural programme at Abhinav Theatre, here this evening. The cultural programme commenced with lighting of traditional lamp and Sarswati vandana. The programme included songs, dances and humourous items which were highly applauded by large number of those present in the auditorium. The drama "Gandhi Chowk" depicting the sharp decline of moral values for which Father of Nation stood all his life and won independence. Ms Somi Tandon, Secretary, (Defence Finance), who was the chief guest at the function, appreciated the presentation of the cultural show by the staff Defence Account, their families and children. She said such activities bind together the families of staff and leads to better work performance also. Ms Tandon said she was looking forward to visit this part of the country and was impressed by the talent of the staff members. She asked them to put in their best in their duty and serve the nation. Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Northern Command), K Shankar, said that week-long celebrations of this over 250 year old organisation concluded with this cultural evening today. Ms Tandon distributed cash prizes and presented mementos to the staff and children for different sports events, cultural items and winners in Hindi fortnight competition. She also released a souvenir on the occasion. |
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Healthful By Mohinder Verma Don’t lend an ear to the silly notion that weakness of the eyesight is a modern disease and has started coming to fore in recent years. Even in previous years the people were having problems of refractive errors and errors have not started developing with the passage of time. The incidence of refractive errors always remains to the tune of 20 percent of the population and the only reason behind the less number of people wearing glasses in the previous years was the less visual needs and subsequently less detection which has now increased manifold in the present era. In the previous year, the visual needs were less because of the fact that less number of children were going to schools and not exposed to things like television and computers. Earlier, the people were either ignoring the weakness of eyesight or doesn’t come to know about the same due to lack of awareness. But in the present era, the visual needs have increased with the change in scenario and today, even minors have been complaining of refractive errors due to exposure to television and computers. In an interview for HEALTHFUL, Dr D P Gupta, Senior Eye Specialist, said that several silly notions have been associated with refractive errors and by way of these groundless beliefs, the people have been playing with the most important and sensitive part of the body. "The person suffering from short sightedness are more confortable in the books only as they can see only nearer things in a better way and looking at far off places don’t provide them enough satisfaction. But in majority of the cases parents of such children remain unaware of the reality and used to term them `bookworm’, which is another notion", Dr Gupta said. It is only because of lack of awareness that the people used to advice each other to consume this thing and that thing to prevent eyes from becoming weak but the fact is that the diet has nothing to do with the eye-sight as this is a heridatory and genetically determined, Dr Gupta said and added that even 10 years back glasses were being prescribed for the persons suffering from eye-sight weakness but the people were shying from wearing spectacles. Lots of awareness has come to fore among the urban population while rural population is still having belief on silly notions but they are not aware of the fact that they are just waisting their time. Normally people used to take headache, eye strain, heavyness around eyes and less blink of eyes lightly because of ignorance about the fact that these are the basic symptoms of weakness of eyesight, the eye specialist said. According to Dr Gupta, the refractive errors are of three types—Mayopia (short sightedness), Hypermayopia (far sightedness) and Astigmatism. The medical fraternity has further classified short-sightedness into two types—simple and pathological. "The simple short sightedness starts from school going age upto 20 years and after that number goes on increasing in majority of the cases. But it can remain stable also", Dr Gupta said and added that in the pathological short sightedness, even retina becomes weak and can get detached which ultimately leads to total loss of eye-sight and can only be surgically rectified. According to Dr Gupta, the person suffering from hypermatropia can see but his eyes gets tired after regular interval of time. Newborn is always hypermatropia and after five years the child becomes normal but in some cases the child becomes normal at the age of 12 to 13 years. But those whose eyesight cannot become normal even upto the age of 13 years, they have to wear glasses permanantely. The persons suffering from Astigmatism errors gets eye strain after any visual action. These persons require two meridians of lenses and if the difference of number between the two eyes is between 2-3 diaptors eye of higher number becomes lazy and likely to get squint. The squint of eye can happen in any of the refractive errors yet the major chances are in Hypermatropia and Astigmatism. After 40 years of the age, every individual becomes unable to see clearly the nearer things and these people should go for glasses, Dr Gupta advised and added that wearing glasses is a universal need and to avoid this is absolutely wrong. According to Dr Gupta, any child complaining of eye strain should be sent to the opthomalogists for inspection of eyes, eye check-ups at the time of entering school and yearly should be made mandatory and once the glasses are prescribed, parents should strictly adhere to the same and should not waste time in uncrsuplous means to avoid glasses. "There are two alternatives to wear glasses—contact lenes and laser surgery. Though contact lenses has great cosmetic advantages but the wearer of these lenses should adopt utmost care as any sort of laxity can cause eye ulcers", Dr Gupta said and added that the laser surgery can be performed when the eye number is stable. Saying that no surgical technique is 100 percent perfect, this eye specialist said that all other surgeries are done on a diseased organ but eye surgery is being done on healthy eye and added that the best way to protect the eyes is to wear glasses as soon as eye specialist prescribes the same. Though the general notion that viewing television always leads to weakness of the eye sight is wrong, yet television should be watched from a proper distance—10 to 15 feet away from the eyes. Don’t switch off all the lights while veiwing television and be careful about the posture. The television set and your eyes should be in line to each other. Dr Gupta’s suggestion to those working several hours on computers is to blink eyes as much as you can so that protective layer which comes in the eye with the blinking don’t gets evaporated. |
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CGM, GM attend last rites Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) official, who was killed by the terrorists inside Telephone Exchange in Srinagar, was cremated at his native village Akhnoor. A large number of BSNL officers including Chief General Manager (CGM) and General Manager (GM) attended the last rites of the employee. This apart, all the associations of the BSNL staff staged a dharna infront of the Telephone Exchange here and mourned the demise of their colleague in terrorist attack. The body of the Kuldeep Chand was brought in the Telephone Exchange this afternoon where large number of BSNL staff including CGM Arun Kumar, GM R K Koul and president of Telecom Engineering Officers Association (TEOA) S K Mahaldar paid rich tributes. They lauded the services rendered by Kuldeep Chand, who laid down his life while protecting the assets of the BSNL. Later, the body was shifted to the native village of the deceased where the last rites were performed. Chief General Manager and General Manager were among others who attended the funeral of the BSNL staffer. They offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the peace to the departed soul. The killing of BSNL staffer has left his two minor children orphan and even clinched their source of lifelihood. The CGM and other officials of the department were seen consoling the minor children and wife of the deceased BSNL staffer. Earlier, all the unions of the BSNL employees staged a dharna outside the office of Telephone Exchange and mourned the demise of Kuldeep Chand. They recalled the selfless services rendered by the deceased. They also observed two minute silence and prayed to Almighty God to grant peace to the departed soul. The unions demanded immediate job to one member of the Kuldeep Chand’s family and ex-gratia relief. Our Udhampur Correspondent adds: The members of TEOA (I) and SNEA (I) held a meeting at Telephone Exchange Udhampur to mourn the demise of Kuldeep Chand. Earlier, a large number of BSNL employees led by Telecom Engineering Officers Association (TEOA), Udhampur president T B Garu gathered at Traffic Check Post, Udhampur and paid floral tributes to the deceased. The employees, later, took out a procession and shouted slogans against the militancy and Pakistam. They stressed on the BSNL management to provide adequate security to the BSNL employees working in the militancy prone areas of the State particularly in Srinagar, Udhampur and Doda districts. |
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Governor’s Iftaar party with a difference Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: It was an Iftaar party with a difference. Organised in the sprawling lush green Raj Bhavan lawns, the Governor’s guests included over two dozen lowest ranking police personnel who were overwhelmed to be received by no less than the first person of the state, Lt. Gen. (Retd) S.K. Sinha. It is for the first time that Raj Bhavan Iftaar party invitations were extended to those who are always seen standing outside its (Raj Bhavan) gates or that other VIP residences regulating the guests for such high profile functions. For a change, today they had good fortune of becoming the guests themselves at Raj Bhavan. The change in the protocol for Iftaar party was made by the Governor himself going with the spirit of Islam, which does not make any distinction of human beings on the basis of their social and economic standings. True to the spirit, the Governor received Muslim constables who were in civies in the same manner as he received the Chief Minister and other dignitaries like Ministers, senior IAS Officers, top ranking bureaucrats, police officers, businessmen and political leaders. This healthy change had a desired effect on the guests who were visibly amused to be eating and standing in the company of state’s elite. While the media glare obviously was on the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah who were bombarded with questions by media persons to elicit a juicy copy for front page away from it, the Governor was found attending to his guests. The police constable, Manzoor Ahmad of Rajouri and Mr Riaz of Doda were visibly overjoyed to receive His Excellency’s invitation. They said ‘ we never dreamt that the Governor would invite petty officials like us at the party and serve us sumptuous meal on Iftaar. They said they were treated in the same manner as DGP and other senior officers. Similar views were expressed by constables Mr Gul Mohammad of Rajouri, Mohammad Shabir of Doda, Rafaqat Hussain of Jammu, Mohammad Yaqoob and Zamurat Hussain of Rajouri and said that the previous Governor never invited them on such occasions. Brushing aside another Raj Bhavan tradition, the Governor today was in the lawns right at 4.45 P.M. to personally receive each guest. Earlier, the Governor would descend on lawns when Chief Minister and other dignitaries had already arrived. The services of police band were dispensed with this time. The guests were taken aback when they found Governor standing there to receive them. The Iftaar party was electrified with the presence of the leaders of both ruling alliance and opposition National Conference. While Chief Minister arrived at about 5.10 P.M. alongwith some Ministers, Dr Farooq Abdullah came with his son former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Umar Abdullah a little later. The Union Minister of State for Defence, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta and Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma were among senior leaders at Iftaar party. Most of the Members of Council of Ministers were also present. The Chief Secretary, Dr Sudhir S. Bloeria, senior civil, police and Army officers were also present. The Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Dr Farooq Abdullah were among those who offered Nimaz. Mufti offers Nimaz at Hazratbal shrine Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 21:Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today offered Nimaz on the occasion of Jamut-ul-Vida at the most revered holy Hazratbal shrine. He was among 60,000 devotees who offered Nimaz at Dargah. The atmosphere was totally relaxed and the Chief Minister was received warmly by the people there. Mufti Sayeed especially flew into here to offer Nimaz at the Hazratbal shrine on the auspicious day of Jamut-ul-Vida. Mufti Sayeed probably is the first Chief Minister to offer prayers at the Hazratbal shrine on the occasion of Jamut-ul-Vida after many years. After Nimaz, people shook hands with the Chief Minister and taking the advantage of his presence, they apprised him of the problems being faced in their areas. He gave a patient hearing to the people and assured suitable action. Mufti Sayeed spent about 40 minutes in the Dargah complex and also visited Waqf Board’s counter and offered donation towards Zakat Fund set up by the Waqf Board after its management was taken over by it. The Chief Minister, who is also the Chairman of Waqf Board, enquired about the arrangements made for the devotees at Hazratbal and other shrines for Shab-i- Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Director General Police Gopal Sharma, Chief Executive Wakf Board, M. S. Pandit, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, IG Kashmir, K. Rajendra and DIG M. A. Shah. |
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