Yogoda Satsang Dhyana Kendra inaugurated
Have faith in love, justice, power of God:
Swami Achalananda Giri

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: Have faith in love, justice and power of the Divine and pursue all things in the life with fearlessness. This was essence of the message of Swami Sri Achalananda Giriji, who came all the way from United States to deliver religious sermons in a public Satsang organised by Yogoda Satsanga Dhyana Kendra in connection with the inauguration of new Dhyana Kendra at Jammu.

God, according to Swami Achalananda Giriji, is all caring for his devotees and one should have faith in the power of Divine who is creator of the Universe. "With faith in the justice and love of Divine one should pursue things in life with righteously and fearlessly", he advised.

For experience of God, Swamiji said, route and channel is only through the Guru. Guru knows the way how to experience the God and how to realise grace of the God. The man can only realise power of God with the consistent assistance of a true Guru.

Swamiji further said to find God, the devotee had to merge his consciousness with the consciousness of the Guru and the Guru who understands God, will take him to the the supreme power.

For salvation and experience of God, Swamiji said, a devotee has to contribute 25 percent efforts and another 25 percent comes from Guru while remaining fifty percent is grace of God.

Though, he said, it is fifty percent grace of God which leads one to experience God, yet this fifty percent is also channelised and flow with the help and guidance of the Guru. Relationship of Guru and disciple is unique.

Stressing the need of having blind faith in God and Guru, Swamiji said, "God and Guru never give up their support or backup to the disciple. But they also expect that devotee will also not give up his efforts"

Swamiji said that the meditation is the only way to get rid of the stress and tension and to attain eternal peace. Eternal peace and solace is possible only if one keeps away from the restlessness and fully devotes his time in pursuit of calmness and happiness in daily meditation on God. Meditation is that specific form of concentration which is applied only to knowing God and it is the door to true freedom.

"During meditation, one has to struggle for controlling his thoughts. During the time of struggle one achieves maximum progress as without struggle there will be no progress", he said and stressed the need of searching God.

"For a human being, search of God is very important, as we become human beings after 8 million of reincarnation. During these lower births, we live by instincts and it is only when we become human beings, we get free will either to accept or to reject the God", he said, adding, "we have to use this free will to pursue God and to realise purpose of life".

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Sri Krishnanada Giriji, who presided over the function, read the message of Shri Shri Daya Mataji, president of the Yogoda Satsanga Society. The message was translated into Hindi. He said that there are over 130 centres of the Yogada Satsanga Society. He lauded the efforts of the management of the local Kendra for constructing a new temple. Swami Krishnananda Giriji came from Ranchi for this Satsangh.

Swami Sri Girijeshanandaji of Ram Krishan Mission, who was the guest of honour in the religious congregation, highlighted teachings of Swami Yogananda. He, in his speech, highlighted importance of the Yoga which according to him, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ means union with God. He said that Swami Yogananda has shown the best way of Yoga.

Stressing on Satsangh and meditation, Swami Girijeshanandaji said, "when we do Satsangh from the heart, God listens and during meditation, devotees sit with calmness and God talks".

Speakers appreciated the efforts of the local management of the Kendra specially secretary of the Kendra R K Dutta. Mementos were given to architect and contractor who contributed for the construction of the temple. Large number of devotees attended the function.

Earlier Sanyasis of Yogoda Satsangh Society took out a procession which passed through Akhnoor Road before reaching at Dhyana Mandir. Narayan Sewa for poor was also conducted on this occasion.

Thieves strike in Gandhi Nagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: Thieves struck in a house in Gandhi Nagar locality and decamped with gold ornaments worth Rs two lakh.

Police spokesman said that the theft taken place in the house of Anil Mahajan, son of Satish Mahajan. A case has been registered in this connection.

NCC Day celebrated at Nagrota
DyCM for channelising services of cadets

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov. 23: Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma today called upon the NCC cadets to actively contribute in the development of the state and supplement government efforts in restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.

Addressing the 55th NCC Day celebrated at Nagrota near here this afternoon, Mr. Sharma said the cadets could act as a 3rd force and contribute immensely in providing the nation and the state their much needed services. He said that the cadets could also contribute in eradicating the social evils like dowry, drinking and drug menace from the society. He said its resurgence will make the society and youth more vibrant and would assist in combating the anti national forces with which the state is presently confronted with.

Minister of State for Rural Development Ch. Gharu Ram, senior level officers of NCC, prominent citizens and parents of the cadets were also present at the impressive function.

Mr Sharma said that the NCC is devoted to the cause of humanity and has immensely contributed in spreading the message of unity, patriotism and oneness among the youth of the country. He said the cadets have not only acted as a reservoir of disciplined citizens but also contributed significantly in promoting the cause of national integration. He said the NCC is playing a vital role in inculcating courage, discipline and sportsmanship besides building up the ideal of self less service among the youth.

He said that the activities of the NCC should be broad based and efforts made to bring more and more children under its fold even from the rural and far-flung areas.

Appreciating the performance of the cadets, Mr. Sharma assured that government would consider reserving some quota for them in the professional colleges to enable them to get higher education of their choice. He said every effort would be made to strengthen the NCC directorate so that it plays the role assigned to it in a better way.

Mr. Sharma also presented awards to the cadets who excelled during the training and released a cadet journal-2003 comprising information on various aspects of training, articles and other relevant information. He also presented Chief Minister’s banner to the Jammu group. He also appreciated the presentation of cultural programme based on the composite culture of the state.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister took salute at the march-past and inspected the parade presented by 4-boys and girl contingents.

In his welcome address, Deputy Director General Brig. J.R.Sharma said NCC was started in Jammu and Kashmir in 1954 with a strength of 200 senior and 400 junior division cadets, while the Jammu and Kashmir NCC directorate came in the existence in 1960 at Srinagar. He said a Naval Wing was started in 1961 and a girl wing in 1964. It has 20130 cadets at present, of these 15670 are boys and 4460 girls covering 223 institutions in all the 14 districts of the state.

Mr. Sharma said that 6560 cadets have attended this year’s annual training camps at Nagrota and Leh and 600 cadets sent to other parts of the country to attend national integration and other camps. In addition, 111 cadets attended all India trekking events while six cadets were sent to Bangladesh, U.K. and Vietnam under youth exchange programme.

Earlier the cadets drawn from all the three regions of the state took a pledge ‘to work with dedication to preserve and strengthen the freedom and integrity of the nation, never resort to violence and continue to endeavour towards settlement of all differences and disputes relating to religion, language, region, political or economic grievances by peaceful and constitutional means’.

Pandita’s another book of short stories hits stalls

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: Girdab-a book short stories in Kashmiri, written by Makhan Lal Pandita was released at a simple but impressive function here at Kashmiri Pandit Sabha (KPS) Ambphalla, this afternoon.

The function was organized by Nagrad Adbi Sangam. M Y Teng, MLC and former Secretary Cultural Academy who was the chief guest on the occasion released the book. The function was presided over by Kashi Nath Bhagwan.

The other members of the presidium were Dr B L Koul and M L Aash, president Nagrad Adbi Sangam.

This is the second book of short stories written by Mr Pandita.

The foreword of the book has been written by Mr Teng an art critic, While Mr Aash read the introductory note on the book. He said Girdab is the best selection of short stories based on psychartic problems of people and the society. Besides it reflects the pain and agony of of exiled people, he added.

Mr Teng while highly acclaiming the book termed it a best literally piece. He said the Kashmiri Pandits are the part of original culture of Kashmir and with their displacement this original part has got separated from the Kashmiri culture.

He highlighted the valuable contribution of the community in enriching and nurishing the Kashmir culture and ethos for centuries together.

Dr B L Koul made the critical evaluation of the book. The function was attended by a galaxy of scholars and intellectuals.

Plus 2 lecturers honour retired cadre officers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: All J&K Plus 2 Lecturers’ Forum organised an impressive function in honour of retired officers of the cadre wherein about 80 retirees were honoured with mementos and certificate by Minister of State for Education A R Veeri. The new issue of Forum’s Policy Document "UDA-N" was also released on the occasion.

Mr Veeri speaking on the occasion highly appreciated the efforts of the Forum for organising such a function to honour dedicated services rendered by officers who attained age of superannuation after decades long service to the society. He declared that Government was committed to redress the genuine grievances of plus two cadre.

Mr M Y Tarigami, MLA, reiterated his commitment to personally take up the matter with the Chief Minister to get these fulfilled.

Director School Education Hardesh Kumar Singh expressed his good wishes for the retirees and disclosed that a transparent transfer policy is being made available to ensure justice to every individual besides finalization of grievances committee report at an earliest.

Forum president H D Qureshi while appreciating the services rendered by retirees stated that vacuum created by their retirement would be filled up only with the blessings of new generation in the days to come. He handed over a memorandum to the Education Minister on the occasion highlighting various demands including removal of pay anomalies, promotion of lecturers as senior lecturers, regularization of incharge Principals, elevation of eligible incumbents etc.

Forum vice president Nirmal Choudhary stressed on the Government to bring back all the Principals working in the far flung areas while making the promotions in the newly upgraded higher secondary schools. Mr Natha Singh, Principal Hari Singh Higher Secondary School, who presided over expressed gratitude to the visiting dignitaries. Others who spoke included Kiranjeet Kour, Didar Singh, Yash Paul Sharma, S Gurcharan Singh, Devinder Kour while retirees were represented by Mohan Chopra.

Army School Sunjwan celebrates Annual Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 23: Army Middle School, Sunjwan celebrated Annual Day yesterday.

School Principal Mrs Poonam Gupta while welcoming the chief guest Brig J S Thind, Commander36 Infantry Brigade and chairman of the school, highlighted laurels and achievements of the School in the field of sports and studies.

The Headmistress Mrs Madhu Mathur explained the role of the teachers and parents in the upbringing of good citizens for which hard work is being done by the school.

The students presented variety entertainment programme which was well applauded by the audience. Highlight of the evening were a number of skits, group songs and dance sequences which were well researched and very well presented by the students. Prize distribution function was applauded by the parents and fellow students.

In his concluding speech the chief guest exhorted parents to provide conducive environment to children for their bright future. He also appreciated the hard work done by the teachers and the staff in improving the standards of school results over the years.

Terrorists’ hideout smashed, ammunition recovered

Excelsior Correspondent

BHADERWAH, Nov 23: A terrorists hide out was smashed in a joint operation of Police, Security forces and Rashtriya Rifles and arms and ammunition recovered from the site.

After getting an information about suspicious movement of anti-national elements an operation was planned by S P Bhaderwah D K Salathia, Mr Ram Charitra, Second-in-Command, 125 Bn CRPF Bhaderwah, O P Shekhawat, Deputy Commandant (Ops), Mr Pankaj Dwivedi, Assistant Commandant and Capt Vijay of 4 RR, the operation was launched at Benzila Ronal, 1 km south of village Zanarodal and one hide out was detected.

The recoveries included two magazines of AK Rifles, 59 rounds of ammunition of the same caliber, three time devices for IEDs, three wireless antenna, 15 electric detonators, 16 other detonators, one stunned grenade and 2 UBGL grenades. After recovery the hide out was smashed.

Action Please!
Make teachers available

Since last year Government has started upgrading schools on internal adjustment basis. Under this scheme already existing staff have to run the Institution till the creation of new posts.

No doubt, with the upgradation of schools, the problems and hardships of the students who had to cover a long distance previously in getting 10+2 level education have been solved but at the same time they (students) are unable to receive the quality education due to non-availability of well qualified staff, especially in Science stream in these newly upgraded schools.

In order to meet out the subject requirement of newly upgraded schools, ZEOs were asked by the higher authorities of Education Department to provide teachers with M.Sc qualification to these schools but ZEOs are unable to do justice in this regard as M.Sc teachers are not available in their zones.

On June 10 this year the Education Minister had said in reply to the supplementaries on the floor of Assembly House during the assembly session that detailed requirement have been compiled and sent to Planning Department for creation of posts both for the schools upgraded last year as well as during the current year.

Now for the schools upgraded last year posts have been created vide Government Order No. 301-Edu of 2003 dated 31.7.2003 but unfortunately posts for the schools upgraded during the current year are still to be created as a result of which students of these schools are suffering a lot.

It is, therefore, requested to the Education Minister, Commissioner/Secretary of School Education Department and Director for School Education Jammu that the posts may kindly be created at the earliest for the schools upgraded during the current year, so that these schools can get sufficient qualified staff and students of these schools may not suffer for want of qualified staff.

Mohd Shabir
Teacher, HSS Kandi (Rajouri)

Repair Chinore Coventary school road

The Chinore-coventary school Link road is damaged beyond description. The road has been washed off on the both sides completely. Only two feet (middle portion) has been left for vehicular movement. Now one can very well imagine, how safe the road is. The attention of the authorities was time and again invited towards this road through this paper a number of times. But it is unfortunate that neither the Government, nor the public of this area are concerned towards it. The people are totally lazy, so are the authorities.

It is pertinent to mention here that the no two vehicles can cross each other at the same time. Two wheelers are the most disadvantaged.

We hope that this time, the Government would initiate action to make the road immediately.

Ramesh Kumar
Chinore

Release selection lists

The J&K Government under its new policy advertised posts of JEs, Doctors, PETs etc. through Deputy Commissioner Jammu in August 2003. More than two months have passed but the result of the interview has not been declared as yet. The various selection lists are pending with the General Administration Department in Civil Secretariat which is not serious in releasing these lists. This is a sign of discrimination with the people of Jammu. The selection lists for all other districts have been released and the selected candidates have joined their respective departments but those who appeared in the interview in Jammu district are still waiting for their result.

Therefore, it is urged to the Government to release the list immediately.

Raj Kumar Sharma
Gandhi Nagar,
Jammu.

Traffic trouble

The inhabitants residing along the Telephone Exchange road are facing innumerable problems after the Traffic Department did away with two ways traffic from Rajpura to Parade ground.

Besides common commuters, the handicapped, infirm, old aged and children are victims of this unsound policy. It is pertinent to mention here that the traffic department is aware of the problems that how autorikshaw drivers fleece the passengers. They change exorbitant rate of Rs 20/- per km which is no where prevalent in India.

We request the Traffic Department to reconsider the decision to mitigate the problems of the people.

Nandita Kesar
and others
New Rehari Jammu.

Barnai-Bantalab road in bad condition

The three kilometer road from Barnai bridge to Bantalab Chowk is in a vulnerable condition as one side of the road has been completely washed away by the rain and drainage water. With the construction of an underground drain on the left side of this road by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) last year it was expected that the people of the area will get rid of decades old problem. But the work was abandoned by the organization half way for the unknown reasons. This way the Department instead of solving the problem has aggravated it further.

This road is in such a precarious condition that not to speak of four wheelers coming from opposite direction but a scooter and a Maruti can not cross if coming from opposite sides.

Moreover, the traffic rush on this road has increased tremendously during last one decade and besides the rush of CRPF vehicles and local matador service, scores of school buses and matadors ply on this road daily. In addition to this there is a lot of rush of traffic during Sundays on this road as hundreds of devotees from different parts of Jammu visit the Radha Swami Satsang Ashram Keran to participate in the religious function.

Keeping this in view it is hoped that the concerned authorities will take immediate steps in renovating the road and solve the long pending demand of the people of the area.

In case the immediate steps were not taken this road will prove fatal for the commuters.

Ravi Khajuria,
Sarpanch
And Kulbir Chib
JJSF District chief

JK Bank branch at Reshamgarh

It was time and again brought into the notice of the Chairman J&K Bank that the people of Reshamgarh Colony Jammu want that a branch of the bank be established in this area.

It is pertinent to mention here that there is no branch of my bank in this area. As such people- employees, businessmen, housewives have to move far off places to carry on their transactions. This puts them to great inconvenience.

It is, therefore, opportune time for the J&K Bank to open a branch at Reshamgarh Colony.

Anil Bali
Reshamgarh Colony

National Integration Week
Cultural programme organized at Dewan-i-Aam

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov. 23: As part of the National Integration week, the Cultural wing of the State Information Department organized a scintillating cultural programme at Dewan-i-Aam, Mubarak Mandi complex here this evening.

A number of captivating variety items were presented by the artists, which included patriotic songs, skits in different regional languages, ghazals enthralled the audience and received immense applause. With a view to create awareness among the masses about various schemes launched by the government for the socio-economic upliftment of the weaker sections and other such projects the artists presented short plays depicting the same. The people were educated about various self-employment schemes, advantages of small families and planting of trees and social evils.

Besides Joint Director Department of Information, Jammu Satish Nehru, other senior officers and staff members of the department were also present on the occasion. A large number of prominent citizens, artists and local people attended the programme.

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