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

Ram Saroop asks people to reject Cong

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: The BJP candidate for Akhnoor Assembly constituency, Ram Saroop Sharma today addressed election rallies at Sungal, Samah and Bardaal and appealed people to vote in his favour.

Launching a scathing attack on Congress for its alleged anti-Jammu policies, the BJP leader said that PCC chief Peerzada’s statement on implementation of Wazir Commission report, regional council and delimitation commission, leaves no one in any doubt that the Congress has been playing with sentiments of people of Jammu region and befooling masses. He also drew the attention of people towards controversial role of Congress in allowing the ruling coalition to bring discriminatory Permanent Resident Disqualification Bill in State Assembly.

The BJP candidate said that all those who have represented Akhnoor constituency since independence, have miserably failed to serve people of the area. Neither Congress nor those who remained in and outside the Congress for their own interests, have any welfare scheme in their kitty and people must not repeat them, he said and stressed that if elected to Assembly, he would leave no stone unturned to mitigate the hardships of people of the Constituency.

Ram Saroop Sharma was accompanied by Jugal Dogra, Ved Bhagat, S P Magotra and Shiv Ram Chib.

Meanwhile, the BJP Mahila Morcha team continued its door-to-door campaign in favour of BJP candidate and appealed people to vote in favour of Ram Saroop Sharma.

National Group Song contest organised by
Bharat Vikas Parishad

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Bharat Vikas Parishad organised a National Group Song competition, here last evening, at which the Education Minister Harshdev Singh was the chief guest.

The programme started with lighting of traditional followed by Vande Matram.

S N Sharma, state president, Bharat Vikas Parishad welcomed the participating teams and the guests.

The Education Minister, in his address said that Bharat Vikas Parshid is doing a very good work in inculcating patriotism character and discipline among the students. He was happy to know that the Government schools too are taking part in the competitions.

In the contest, there were 14 teams, seven in senior category and junior group coming from schools located in Jammu city, Udhampur, Kathua and Katra.

Among the senior category, Govt Higher Secondary school, Udhampur bagged first position, Dewan Badri Nath secured second slot and JK Public School, Kunjwani got third position.

In the junior category, JK Public School stood first, while Dewan Badri Nath and Happy Model School, Udhampur obtained second and third position respectively.

I D Ohja, national secretary, BVP, distributed prizes among the winning teams and lauded the work being done by Bharat Vikas Parishad in Jammu and Kashmir in spreading message of brotherhood and integrity.

Dr Harbilas Bansal, central observer from BVP that the programme was conducted as per norms. SC Anand explained the rules and regulations for the contest while Dr Santosh Gupta, secretary general conducted the programme.

Sood Eye Centre conducting cataract surgeries
without tissue damage

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Sood Eye Centre has become the first clinic in Jammu and Kashmir and among few in the country to have phaconit machine for cataract surgery.

Several cataract surgeries have been performed through this machine by Consultant Eye Specialist and Phaco Surgeon Dr R D Sood during the last three months of installation of the phaconit machine.

Talking to the EXCELSIOR, Dr Sood said that the cataract surgery through phaconit machine doesn’t cost any tissue damage and patient can recover early and go back to home within a day. He added that very few centres are conducting cataract surgery through phaconit machine in the country.

"For conventional cataract surgery 2.8 to 4 mm tissue opening is required but cataract surgery through phaconit machine requires only 1.5 mm opening", Dr Sood disclosed and termed the machine as most reliable one.

To a query, Dr Sood disclosed that this surgery costs Rs 6,000 to Rs 18,000 depending upon the opting of lens by the patients.

With the availability of phaconit machine for cataract surgery at Sood Eye Centre the patients need not to go for conventional surgery or to visit other centres outside the State for this facility. The patient can avail the modern facility at Sood Eye Centre (stitch less-phacoemulsification centre for cataract surgery) at Trikuta Nagar near Mini Market.

Kawa launches Computer Institute at Simbal Camp

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Kawa Institute, a brand name in Computer and Information Technology Education catering to the needs of job oriented professionals for the past 8 years successfully through a network of 26 institutes in 5 States, launched today its 27th Associate Institute at Simbal Camp, RS Pura.

Member of Rajya Sabha S Tarlok Singh Bajwa was the chief guest on the occasion who while addressing told that computer education has become essential for people belonging to all sections of the society. He praised the efforts of Kawa Institute for establishing Computer Institute at Simbal Camp.

Addressing to media persons M S Katoch, Chairman Kawa Group of Institutions told that their prime motive was to impart quality education by maintaining high standards that too their target being lower middle class of the society who otherwise cannot afford to carry on with their desired education.

He said institute has succeeded in making the desired education easily accessible to aspirant of the border/remote areas. Launching of this institute, he said, was a live example of Kawa objectives, which also formed a long pending demand of local students and public to establish Kawa Institute in their area. Initially Kawa will offer diploma and certificate level computer courses and thereafter the other courses will also be introduced.

He further added that the launching of institute in rural belt will save money and time of students who move towards Jammu city for getting computer education.

Sinha gets Gandhi Peace Medal
Revival of Kashmiryat key to Kashmir problem: Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 2: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S K Sinha today said that revival of Kashmiryat is the strongest weapon to overcome difficult situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at a function organised by All India Rachnatmak Samaj held in observance of Gandhi Jayanti here this evening, the Governor said that reviving Kashmiriyat would be a message to the world that Mahatma Gandhi, who saw a ray of hope in Kashmir during horrendous days of partition, is still amid us.

The Governor said that Kashmiryat symbolizes brotherhood, tolerance, peace and love and once this glorious tradition is fully revived there will neither be need of anybody’s help nor guns to overcome problems in the Valley which has witnessed wanton destruction over the years. ‘If we succeed in it, we can proudly say that Mahatma Gandhi is still alive’, he added.

Paying tributes to the Father of Nation, the Governor said that he inspired towering wold personalities and such was his statute that flags flew half mast over United Nations headquarter as a mark of respect to any non-Government individual. He made a mention of Gandhiji’s relentless struggle for strengthening the bonds of amity and said during the communal holocaust in 1947, he went to Calcutta to calm down frenzy. That was the time when over 40,000 troops were maintaining order in Punjab and Gandhiji was alone working for peace in Bengal. ‘Lord Mountbatten had said that one man boundary in Calcutta is more effective than the 40,000 boundary elsewhere’,

About the spirit of sacrifice of the great saint, the Governor said that he did not aspire for any governmental assignment like President or Prime Minister after independence and responded to the offer of accepting independence from British by saying that it was the privilege of Prime Minister. When the entire Delhi was celebrating independence, Gandhiji was moving around in Calcutta streets, meeting his people, he added.

He recalled his childhood days when an opportunity came to him to listen to the Gandhi during a public meeting and said that Bapu started with the hymens of various religious scriptures that described the world as a family. He referred to holy Quran and said God is Rabul-Almeen and not Rabul-Muslimeen. Similarly Gita emphasizes the universal brotherhood. He said Gandhiji professed love, amity and peace all his life.

The Governor also mentioned various facets of Gandhiji’s life and said that though he fought British rule, he never nourished any animosity with English people. This endeared them with all as he believed that one should even love his enemy.

General Sinha referred to the upcoming heritage museum in Hari Niwas Srinagar and suggested that its main hall should be dedicated to the cause of Kashmiriyat.

Minister for Tourism and Housing & Urban Development, Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir said that the message of peace and non-violence preached by Mahatma Gandhi has immense relevance now as the world is reeled under tension and hatred.

Various political, social, educational organisations
celebrate Gandhi Jayanti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Various social bodies, political parties , trade unions and educational institutions celebrated Gandhi Jayanti as also Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti with great devotion and fervour here today.

135th birth anniversary of father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi was observed at PCC Headquarters here in a meeting today which was presided over by Om Chopra, ex-MLA and president DCC Jammu (urban) in which large number of women leaders were also present. Mr Dharam Pal Sharma, ex-MP and a senior party leader was the chief guest while various other senior leaders of the party were also present on the occasion. Speakers paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and praised his philosophy of non-violence, which is prevalent even today. The meeting also paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Late Lal Bahadur Shastri, who so far has remained a symbol of simplicity in the Indian polity.

Jammu and Kashmir Trade Union Congress celebrated 135th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the official residence of Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, who while addressing stressed upon the participants to follow the path as shown by father of the nation. The birthday of late Lal Bahadur Shastri was also celebrated by J&KTUC under the presidentship of Sewa Ram Sharma and other leaders of the organisation including O P Khajuria, Ajay Sadhotra and also participants from Doda district.

Workers of Shri Gandhi Sewa Sadan celebrated the Jayanti at Gandhi Bhavan here today. Charkha spinning was followed by songs of Mahatma Gandhi by the artists of Song and Drama Division. Statue of Mahatma was garlanded and tributes paid to father of the nation. Prof Ved Kumari Ghai, chairperson of Sadan stressed on propagating the message of non-violence for bringing peace and harmony to the country.

KC Playway School celebrated Jayanti with great zeal and zest. Students personified as Mahatma Gandhi threw light on his life and teachings. Chairman of KC Gurukul Educational and Research Institute, Arvind Mahajan appreciated the efforts of the school and encouraged the children for their participation. Children also presented various items.

Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Health Sciences and Sai Montessori Higher Secondary School celebrated Gandhi Jayanti in which Minister of State for Tourism Jugal Kishore was the chief guest while Narinder Sharma president PEACE presided over and Shiv Dutt, chairman Abhiyan the guest of honour. Mr Jugal Kishore while paying tributes to Father of Nation appealed the parents of the children and other guests to follow ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and learn simplicity from Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Lord Shiva Day Boarding School, Chhani Himmat celebrated the twin Jayantis of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri under the able guidance of Principal B L Mattoo. A hand writing competition was organised on the occasion and outstanding students honoured with gold medals. Tributes were paid to late Shastri by organising patriotic songs competition and games contests. Winners were awarded by vice chairperson Mrs Nisha Gupta.

Shemrock Birds, the play school at Channi Himmat, the first branch of Shemrock Group of Schools, New Delhi celebrated the day with pomp and show. Small kids participated in Fancy Dress competition. Deepa Mahajan, centre in-charge of the Shemrock Birds, emphasized on need of input of patriotic values and overall growth of the society. Mrs Bharti Vaid, Regional Director, Field Publicity also attended the function.

Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party prayed for peace and prosperity of all on the occasion of birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Prof Bhim Singh addressing rally of young Panthers called on them to inculcate the spirit of sacrifice and dedication to the security and progress of the nation with selfless approach. He advised youth to follow the commitment of Gandhi and Shastri to strengthen the spirit of revolution to create a healthy society and destroy evil forces.

All India Rajiv Gandhi Brigade in a meeting paid tributes to Father of the nation. While addressing State president Varinder Singh Manhas described Bapu ji as a great visionary leader who sacrificed his life for unity and integrity of India. Others present on the occasion were Sanjay Sawhney, Karan Singh, Shrikant Sharma, Pranav Gupta etc.

Bhartiya Janata Party, Rajouri unit organised a gathering to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at village Peer Kanju under the chairmanship senior party leader Kuldeep Raj Gupta. Remembering Gandhi Kuldeep Raj Gupta said that people belonging to socially backward classes and real ‘soul’ of the nation.

Himalayan Education Mission Society also organised a function at Rajouri in which BJP leader Kuldeep Raj Gupta was the chief guest. Mr Gupta praised the society for its efforts towards socio-educational excellence. He appreciated the management for taking such occasions seriously.

District Youth Services and Sports, Udhampur organized symposium at Government Girls Higher secondary school. MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia was the chief guest, who gave away prizes to position holders. In ‘thought’ contest Malikka Raina Vijay got first position, Pankaj Gupta bagged second and Rekha Rani was placed at 3rd slot. In symposium Pankaj Gupta, Sunil Choudhary, Pallavi Gupta bagged first three positions while Neetika Arora got 4th position.

Pradesh Youth Congress leader Rajesh Bali paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 135th birth anniversary as also to Late Lal Bahadur Shastri. He requested the youth to follow the foot-steps of great leaders of India, who gave their everything for the country.

Himmat Learning Field High School, Chhani Himmat celebrated Gandhi and Shastri Jayanti jointly at an impressive function today. The simplicity of Lal Bahadur Shastri and his approach towards the Nation as also the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi were highlighted by Principal Indu Sharma advised the students and their parents to follow foot-prints of both the great leaders.

J&KTUC, Kishtwar unit celebrated Gandhi Jayanti under the leadership of Raj Kumar Badyal. Other leaders present on the occasion included Abdul Qayoom Butt, Roop Lal, Kashmir Singh, Capt Prem Nath, Mohd Amin, Suresh Kumar, Bansi Lal, Azad Hussain, Altaf Hussain, Ghulam Mustafa and Rakesh.

Tagore Memorial Higher Secondary School Rani Talab Digiana celebrated Gandhi Jayanti at a function presided over by the school chairman S Garib Singh. Students presented variety of cultural programmes. The speakers described Gandhi as a great visionary and mass leader, whose contribution towards independence struggle cannot be forgotten as he also worked for Hindu-Muslim unity and strived for unity and integrity of the country.

Girls High School, Chenani celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with fervour by launching a week long cleanliness drive in the school and its surroundings as also in Devi temple Chenani. Celebrations included Bhajan and Kirtan including "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram". Speakers threw light on life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

New Modern Higher Secondary School organised Gandhi Jayanti in collaboration with Office of NSS Coordinator, Jammu University with the holding of a peace rally from Indira Chowk to Ved Mandir Ambphalla in which over 500 students from Ved mandir, SOS Home Channi Rama, New Modern Higher Secondary School and NSS volunteers took part. Various cultural items were presented by the children of different institutions.

Morn Matins Tutorials organised a quiz contest to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti at Luthra building in which contestants from six reputed educational institutions participated. Oriental Academy bagged first prize while second and third prizes were given to Light House Public School and Jagriti Mission School Talab Tillo. The programme was presided over by Sanjeev Gupta (MD) Morn Matins and Sanjeev Luthra, Principal Luthra Higher secondary School, who was the chief guest.

Gandhiana, which had launched a 12 day interactive exhibition, held its valedictory function on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti at Brig Rajinder Singh Auditorium in which Education Minister Harsh Dev Singh was the chief guest, while Vice Chancellor has sent his message through the coordinator of Gandhiana Dr Anurag Gangal, as he was suddenly called by the Chief Minister for another assignment. Prof Devinder Singh read out welcome address, while former ZVC Jammu University Prof M R Puri presented mementos to S P Sawhney, Mrs Vijay Laxmi, Mrs Indira Rathore, Vijay Attri and Kulbhushan Singh. various other cultural items were presented on the occasion.

Gandhi Memorial High School, Vijaypur celebrated annual function in which Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma was the chief guest. Others present on the occasion included MoS Youth Services and Sports Yogesh Sawhney, Mahila Congress president Mrs Swaran Lata, senior Congress leader Arun Sharma etc. The function was organised by Director of the School Mr Rattan Lal Sharma.

Rich tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi at a function held at Government High School Bhawani, Rajouri, today. The function was chaired by School Headmaster Raj Nath Raina, who while paying homage to Mahatma said that he was a true spirit in a human being. Function was also attended by prominent people of the area.

Swearing in ceremony of HESK office bearers held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: The newly elected office bearers of Hindu Educational Society Kashmir (HESK) were administered oath of office at a simple but impressive function held in the premises of Gandhi College, at Raipur today.

Prominent Kashmir Pandit leaders including All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) chief, A N Vaishnavi, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha (KPS) president, T N Khosa and Maj Gen. (retd) B N Dhar participated in the function.

First the HESK chief, A K Deewani was administered the oath by Maj Gen B N Dhar who in turn administered the oath to other office bearers including the general secretary Anil Dhar, V K Hando and K B Kachroo.

Later addressing the function Mr Deewani said, today is the important day in the history of the College which has been named after Mahatma Gandhi.

He said the College was named after Mahatma Gandhi as the KP community’s thought coincides with the Gandhian philosophy.

The newly elected team resolved to develop the educational arm of the community. They took a pledge to give HESK a status of deemed university.

Bunglings in Poultry Deptt
HC stays recovery proceedings against petitioner

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: The State High Court has stayed the recovery proceedings against a petitioner, Dr RK Gupta who retired as Chief Animal Husbandry Officer in September 2002 and against whom, alongwith two other officers, a misappropriation case of over rupees 1,34000 was registered.

The Government had issued orders of recovery of this money from the petitioner, vide its order dated August 2, 2004. The petitioner challenged this order in the State High Court here.

Justice YP Nargotra after hearing petitioner’s counsel WS Naragal, issued notices to the Commissioner-cum- Secretary Animal Husbandry Department and Accountant General J&K, with the direction to the Registry to list the case after completion of the service. Meanwhile, it was directed that the recovery proceedings shall not be initiated against the petitioner, subject to his furnishing surety that incase the writ petition is decided against him, he will deposit the amount with the authority concerned.

According to the case, an FIR was registered by Vigilance Organisation against the Officers of the Poultry Development Udhampur, in order to investigate into the alleged bunglings committed by the Purchase/distribution of the medicines during the period 1989-90 and 1990-91.

After the investigations, Vigilance Organisation exonerated the petitioner and other officials of the Poultry Department and said that the material collected in the case was not found to be sufficient to lodge a successful criminal proceedings and consequently the criminal proceedings were dropped. However, it was advised to refer the matter to the Government for appropriate administrative action against the officers and directed to initiate the departmental inquiry.

During the course of investigations, it was submitted that Vigilance Organisation had exonerated the petitioner and other officials of the charges leveled against them but the Government, without conducting the departmental inquiry, as envisaged under law, initiated the proceedings. It was prayed for quashing the recovery proceedings and seeking directions to the respondents to release full pension in favour of the petitioner alongwith all retirement benefits and commuted value.

Qazi inaugurates water supply scheme at Navid Khai

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 2: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Qazi Mohammad Afzal today inaugurated the water supply scheme at Navid Khai. The scheme, which is completed at a cost of Rs. 1.24 crore would provide safe drinking water to the villages including Navid Khai, Kanipora and Hanji, Gund-Jajangir and Tangpora covering a population of about 9,000 people. The scheme having a capacity of providing 15,000 gallons of clean water was started in 2001 and is completed in the year 2003-04.

On the occasion, the Minister said that the Government is firm to provide atleast the basic amenities to every citizen including the lot residing in the far-flung areas. Several schemes to ensure the provision of safe drinking water in every nook and corner of the State have been launched by the coalition Government. He mentioned about the four water supply schemes at a cost of Rs. 3 crore on which the work is under process in Sonawari tehsil.