One-day conference on "Value Education" held at IMPA

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, June 25: One day conference on "Value Education – A way Forward" was today organized by the Institute of Peace Research and Action (IPRA), Srinagar at Institute of Management and Public Administration (IMPA), Srinagar in collaboration with Directorate of School Education, Kashmir.

Among others, Chairman J&K Public Service Commission, Mohammad Shafi Pandit, Director School Education, Mohammad Rafi, Chairperson, IPRA, Prof. Susheela Bhan and about 180 officials of Heads of High and Higher Secondary Schools from Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kupwara and Baramulla participated in the conference.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, Public Service Commission Mohammad Shafi Pandit stressed for moral and value based education. He said certain evils have crept in the society degrading moral values especially among youth and added that it is our prime duty to uphold traditional ethos that teach truth, honesty and mutual brotherhood.

Director School Education, in his address, said that besides academic qualification need of the hour is to teach moral values of new generation who are giving trapped in various social evils.

Chairperson, IPRA Prof. Susheela Bhan highlighted the objectives of the project "CROKSY" and said that project envisages working closely with the youth, developing an effective communication with them and operationalize an educational programme aimed at imparting necessary knowledge, values and skills for cultural regeneration with a special focus on four modern values namely democracy, secularism, human rights and social justice.

On the occasion, Mohammad Shafi Pandit released a monthly news letter "Guftaar" in Kashmiri language published by IPRA.

Earlier, Siraj-ud-Din presented welcome address and a brief about project CROKSY.

Later, discussions were held on the topic "Value education".

Dr. A. G. Madhosh highlighted the topic on "contemproneity principle and emergence of values.

Youth hangs himself to death

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 25: A youth hanged himself to death while as 11 persons were injured in separate road accidents and four persons allegedly consumed poisonous substance.

Police spokesman said that a youth Surinder Kumar, son of Suram Chand of Ward Number 4, Kathua hanged himself to death over some domestic issue this afternoon.

He was found hanged with the ceiling fan by his family members, who immediately shifted him to hospital where he was pronounced as brought dead. The body was, later, handed over to family members after post-mortem.

Police has initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 CrPC into the incident.

Meanwhile, two persons were injured when a tanker bearing registration number JK02R-4508 which was on its way from Udhampur to Jammu met with an accident near Doodor Nullah.

Both have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. One of them has been identified as Bishan Kumar.

Eleven persons were injured in separate road accidents reported from different parts of Jammu and its outskirts. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger.

They have been identified as Akbar Ali, son of Peer Ali of Trikuta Nagar, Tilak Raj, son of Nehru Ram of Bishnah, Bodh Raj, son of Vakeel Chand of Doda, Balbir Lal, son of Gian Chand, Sachin, son of Puran Chand of Barnai, Zabair, son of Mohd Sadiq of Chingis, Ankit Gupta, son of Bansi Lal Gupta of Janipur, Jagtar Singh, son of Ram Singh of Panthal, Balkar Singh, son of Santokh Singh of Fatehpur Salarian and Ashwani Kumar, son of Darshan Lal of Kootah Morh.

Four persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. Identified as Bittu Sharma of Janipur Colony, Suraj Parkash of Chak Malal, Surinder Kohli of Ambphalla, Kamaljeet Singh of Chatha, they were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital when spotted unconscious by family members.

Doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Police has taken cognizance of all the incidents.

Budgam to be developed on pattern of
Pahalgam, Gulmarg: CM

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, June 25: Doodhpathri, Toshmaidan and other spots with full of scenic splendour and serene natural beauty in Budgam district would be developed and promoted as major tourist destinations on the pattern of Pahalgam and Gulmarg.

This was stated by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad while interacting with people during his visit to Doodhpathri today.

Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen also accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit.

Mr. Azad said that the Government has already set up Tourism Development Authority for Doodhpathri and appointed its Chief Executive Officer. He asserted that adequate and modernised tourist infrastructure would be put in place to develop Doodhpathri, Toshmaidan and other such beautiful spots in the district considering the high tourist potential thereof.

The Chief Minister announced improvement and upgradation of Khansahib-Doodhpathri and Basantwudar-Doodhpathri roads. He also said that mini-hydel projects would be set up on Sukhnag and Shaliganga flowing in the area. This, he said, would help in enhancing power availability and open up new avenues for development, economic activity and generate job opportunities in the area.

The Chief Minister while responding to the demands of the locals at Doodhpathri assured that these would be addressed on priority.

Mr. Azad alongwith Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen also had an aerial survey of Toshmaidan and other tourist spots in the district with a view to devise appropriate strategies for developing these as major tourist destinations.

District Development Commissioner Budgam Ravi Thussu and other senior officers of the district were also present on the occasion.

Channi Himmat residents inform Div Com of their grievances

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 25: A 3- hour long interaction was held here today to redress the legitimate grievances of the residents of Channi Himmat Housing Colony.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pramod Jain chaired.

The President of Channi Himmat Housing Colony Welfare Association and Corporator of the area, Parveen Gupta put forth a charter of demands to Mr. Jain which include removal of garbage, augmentation of water and electricity, widening of approach points of roads, development of Rotaries and parks, improvement in street lights system, construction of community hall and hospital, conferring of free hold rights and re-allocation of labourer hamlets.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Jain said that State Government is familiar with most of the problems and difficulties being faced by the inhabitants and efforts are on made to resolve these in a phased manner. He said that plantation drive, plugging of leaking water pipes, installation of street lights and un-interrupted water supply would be ensured with the cooperation of the people of the area. He asked the concerned officers to make vigorous efforts to accelerate the pace of development in Channi Himmat area in order to minimize the difficulties of the people.

Later, the Divisional Commissioner accompanied by a team of officers and Corporator was shown vulnerable spots where extensive damage to drains is caused due to water logging besides the parks where the CRPF is camping. He was also shown another spot at the entry point of Channi Himmat colony from Railway crossing encroached by the shopkeepers.

Mr. Jain also planted saplings of different species in the Rataries which were arranged by the Horticulture and Floriculture departments for making the area green.

Among those present on the occasion include Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, V. K. Abrol, Municipal Commissioner Jammu Vinod Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner, B. S. Jamwal, Joint Director Information S. K. Sharma, senior engineers of various departments and prominent citizens of the area.

Romeo Force organises ex-servicemen rally

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, June 25: Troops of Rashtriya Rifles organised an ex-servicemen rally at Surankot today which was inaugurated by Commander Surankot Sector and attended by a large number of ex-servicemen of the area.

In his inaugural address the Commander assured the ex-servicemen that their welfare will always remain a prime concern of the Army. Emphasising their role in nation building, he exhorted them to proactively participate in bringing normalcy in the region. He also informed the ex-servicemen that Army was pursuing their grievances with the local civil administration in right earnest. Ex-servicemen were also educated about advantages of ex-servicemen contributory health scheme and the functioning of the polyclinics under the scheme.

Officer-in-Charge Zila Sainik Welfare Board Poonch, while addressing informed the necessity of timely and correct documentation of ex-servicemen, which would help them avail welfare schemes being introduced by the Government as also by Zila Sainik Welfare Board and assured them of all possible assistance.

One of the highlights of the event was the demonstration on mushroom farming. All present expressed their enthusiasm and appreciated the efforts of the Army to introduce new methods for employment and income generation amongst the under privileged masses. The rally was well received by all and considered as another step in ensuring normalcy in the region.

SR College of Competitions conducts VST

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 25: S R College of Competitions (Formerly S N Das Gupta College) today successfully conducted Very Similar Test (VST) for Board of Professional Entrance Examination (Medical/Engg Entrance)-2006 patterned, designed and styled on similar lines.

The response was over-whelming and the students appreciated the whole exercise. The College since its inception has been imparting coaching for academic as well as competitive exams like medical, engineering, Bank PO, MBA, MCA, NDA, CDS, BBA, BCA, Law Entrance, Hotel Management, SSC Exams, NIFT, NID, IAS, KAS and other State services.

In April 2000, the College formally opened its centre at Gandhi Nagar and Kachi Chowni, Jammu and the students coached by the college came out with flying colours in various competitive examinations, both at State and national level.

The college has also started one year/ two year classroom programmes (Academic+ Entrance) for 12th and 11th class students. The college also provides separate hostel facilities for boys and girls.

Swami Gurdeep Giri Ji delivering sermons
at Guru Ravi Dass temple

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 25: Swami Gurdeep Giri Ji Maharaj of Dera Swami Jagat Giri Ji Pathankot prayed for peace prosperity, unity and brotherhood while delivering sermons at Shri Guru Ravi Dass Temple Krishna Nagar here this morning.

A large number of devotees of Swami Ji drawn from different parts of Jammu participated in the Satsang.

Addressing the Satsang, Swami Ji said that man has taken the birth to follow the path of Bhakti so that he attains Nirwana and gets relieved of all the worldly bondages.

He said God is present in every human being but only those can realize Him who follow the marg of Bhakti in a true sense. Later in the afternoon Swami Ji also delivered sermons at R S Pura.

"Those who surrender themselves to God get rid of all worries and problems as the marg of Bhakti is the ultimate way to salvation,’’ Swami Ji added.

The devotees present in the function listened their Guru with rapt attention and an atmosphere of serenity prevailed in the entire area.

It may be recalled that Swami Ji who is on the visit of J&K State toured the Kashmir valley also. He met hundreds of his disciples in Kashmir valley at Srinagar. He also visited the religious places like Shankaracharya and Kheer Bhawani temples and Mattan.

He also delivered sermons at Srinagar which was attended by a large number of devotees.

On his way to Jammu Swami Ji delivered the sermons at Udhampur on June 24 and prayed for the betterment of mankind.

Retrenched workers' plea to CM

We the local retrenched workers of Kishtwar would like to convey our problem to the Chief Minister which has arisen due and hurt to violation of agreement and step motherly treatment by J P Associates, DHP Kishtwar.

The local retrenched workers working with J P Associates at DHP Kishtwar were retrenched by J P Management in the year 2001, and at the time of retrenchment and agreement were executed between J P Management and local citizens and trade union workers on 8.3.2001, in which it was agreed that whenever work force is required the retrenched workers will be adjusted on priority basis and no outside workers will be brought in this project. That an other agreement was executed by Director, Projects NHPC on 27.5.2002 which reads as "The work of Dul Hasti H E Project is nearing completion and the manpower already engaged in the project is in excess of requirement. However, in case any requirement for employment emerges, then preference will be given to local retrenched workers" but it is a matter of great concern that no retrenched workers has been adjusted by J P Management. Besides the DHP HE Project is an employment package provided by Centre Govt to State Govt to get the jobs for local youths of J&K State particularly district Doda.

So, Chief Minister's intervention is solicited to provide us justice in this era of justice and democracy. The authorities may kindly be ordered to consider the demand of the retrenched workers.

Prehlad Bhagat
JPIL Retrenched Workers Union
DHP Kishtwar

Electricity evades Patether

Patether in Panchayat Gaduflal Billawar has not been electrified even after 55 years of independence. The village gives a look of medieval India, as people still make use of lantern and wax candles. We made several representations to the concerned authorities in this regard. Even our public representatives failed to raise this problem at the right flatform. As a consequence of it, the village continues to grope in darkness, and our school going children remain deprived of availing facilities of internet and computers.

We now request the Chief Minister to personally see into the matter and order the authorities to electrify our village.

Makhan Singh
Jagdish Chander
Patether (Billawar)
Kathua.

Water shortage in Reshamghar

During these hot and humid days, Reshamghar Colony is facing acute shortage of water. The water supply is quite erratic. The authorities were time and again apprised of the problem, but no action to redress the grievance has been taken. It may be mentioned here that at some places in the colony, the network of pipes has remained same as was 30 years ago. Since the population has increased manifolds, these pipes fail to cater to the needs of people.

Hope the authorities may head to what we have been saying repeatedly.

Anil Bali
Amar Battery Lane
Reshamghar Colony
Jammu.

Well without water

We the resident of village Nonial (Nowshera) Rajouri want to draw the attention of higher authorities to the fact that about two years back one more new dugwell was constructed in the area. This newly constructed dugwell was taken-over by the PHE Department Nowshera last year. Lateron it was found to be defective (unsafe) and did not fulfill the purpose as it has no water. The money thus spent on it seems to have been wasted.

The water supply system in our area is defunct from the very beginning as water is being supplied after an intervel of five days throughout the year without considering the requirement and we were in hope that after the completion of new dugwell our problem would be solved, but all our hopes dashed to the ground and we will enjoy the facility of drinking water. Therefore, our request to the Chief Minister of the State and concerned higher authorities is to initiate an enquiry regarding the construction of above said useless dugwell and strong action may please be taken against the officials involved in its construction. And it may also be ensured that water is supplied daily.

Prof H D Singh & others

Bhawani Nagar road requires repairs

The (R&B) authorities are informed that due to digging of water pipes the road leading to Bhawani Nagar, Janipur has developed many ditches and even metalling has been up-rooted at many places with the result the inhabitants are facing great deal of hardship and inconvenience. As such the (R&B) authorities are requested to take up the renovation work of the road at the earliest, so that there is no inconvenience to the residents of the colony as well as the yatries who are coming from distant places to the Khir Bhawani Peeth to pay obeisance to the Divine Mata.

It would be pertinent to mention here that on 4th July 2006, a grand Havan is being solemnised at the Peeth, in which a large gathering is expected to participate in the Puran Auhoti amd Prashad. As such the renovation of the road before this function is of utmost importance and will highly be appreciated by the general public.

Ashok Sen
Bhawani Nagar,
Janipur

Pamposh Colony crying for water

This is to invite the attention of JE, PHE City Division, Jammu No. 1 to the extreme hardship and inconvenience being faced by the residents of Pamposh Colony, Sector-1 (Extension) because of the non supply of drinking water. They are thus deprived of their fundamental right to have water, which is the most essential basic need. Repeated requests for the redressal of their most genuine grievance have not been heeded. This callous in difference points to the dereliction of duty on the part of the officers and the field staff. It is an irony that whereas the residents of the neighbouring sector get plantiful of water regularly, the residents of the unfortunate sector 1 (Ext) face deprivation of the right to water.

The JE concerned is requested to look into the matter and fix responsibility for this grave negligence and take urgent steps to restore water supply to sector-1 (Extension) of Pamposh Colony. It is hoped that the residents are not driven to the necessity of seeking legal redress.

Prof M L Raina
Janipur

Augment water supply

The KB Colony near Kendriya Vidyalaya Bantalab is experiencing shortage of water these days. The water shortage has hit the people terribly. Water comes after every six, seven days which is not quite sufficient to run day to day life. To meet the requirement, people are faced to purchase water from tankers which is quite costly these days. Since every house-hold can not enjoy the luxury of tankers they live a hard life. As such it is requested to the authorities to augment water supply in the area.

Ramesh Kumar
K B Nagar Bantalab

Indo Asian Fusegear Ltd launches new products

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 25: Indo Asian Fusegear Limited launched new products for the customers. Indo Asian Fusegear Limited is a six decade old company which is pioneer in introducing various innovative products in switchgear. It was the first company which has manufactured effective and radical CFL’s rewireables PCCB’s etc.

One of the big groups in energy management, Indo Asian Fusegear Limited has achieved a growth of 100 percent over last year. The company is poised to take a challenge of 400 crore for year 2006-07. It has earned a profit of 16 crore in 2005-2006.

Company has invested Rs 50 crore in hardware plant where it manufacturer CFL’s, FTL’s and wires. The company is planning to launch fans and outdoor luminaries very shortly.

After setting itself as a leader in energy management, the Company has launched fluorescent tube rods and consumer luminaries in Jammu market. In connection with the launching of its new product, the company had organised a get together of dealers of Jammu in which large number of dealers were present.

On this occasion, vice president of the company Harsh Mittal, regional manager Sameer Mahajan, branch manager, Kamal Goyal were present on the occasion.

Jammu distributor, Yovraj Sharma of M/s Standard Electrical Corporation, was instrumental in growth of company in Jammu. He played very active role in organising such an event.

Kamal Kumar Goyal, branch head of Chandigarh said that main aim of the company was to provide quality products to its customers. He said that customers’ satisfaction was company’s slogan.

Foundation stone of Meditation Centre laid
at Muthi Camp Phase IInd

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 25: The foundation stone of Meditation Centre was laid at Muthi Camp, Phase IInd by Swami Kumar Ji today. The function was attended by a large number of devotees of Swami Ji and various community leaders.

On the occasion a book titled Phat Sangrah composed by Swami Kumar Ji was also released by Jyotshi Omkar Nath Shastri. The function was graced by Dr B L Kaul, Dr Agnishekhar, Swami Chaman Lal Bamzi, Dr Sushil Wattal, Piyaray Hatash and Sheela Handoo, corporator JMC.

On the occasion two sevadars of Swami Kumar Ji Ashram, Nath Ji and Chaman Lal were felicitated for their services to the Ashram.

Speaking on the occasion, Shastri Ji announced that Jyotshi Karyalya Goel Gujral and Pt. Prem Nath Shastri Shodh Sansthan has taken a crusade against the social evils in the community. He urged the women to come forward and relieve themselves of superstitions and other dogmas which has become a stigma for the community.

He also highlighted the objective before the solemnization of series of 107 havans which will culminate with Chandi Maha Yagya in November this year by the Sansthan. He said so far 41 havans have been performed at different places in the country and 42nd havan was solemnized at Aap Shamboo Temple, Roop Nagar today.

Addressing the function, Dr B L Kaul said braving all odds and forced exile, the Kashmiri Pandits struggled a lot to overcome the situation.

He said onslaught of terrorists not only resulted into the forced exodus of the community but also brought many upheavals for it. The worst of which was that the families were scattered and the community lost its social moorings.

Dr Kaul, while justifying the proposed Mahasharad being organized by Panun Kashmir headed by Dr Agnishekhar said as per shastras there is no hindrance in performing Samohik Mahasharad as all Kashmiri Pandits are the descendants of Kashyap Rishi and belong to one ‘Gotra’.

Addressing the function, Dr Agnishekhar also highlighted the importance of Mahasharad being performed by his organization at Mattan in Kashmir valley on August 6.

He said Mahasharad has been organized to pay obeisance to the matryrs of the community who laid down their lives during the 17 year long terrorism.

In his presidential address Swami Kumar Ji highlighted the objectives of Geeta Satsangh Ashram. He complimented the Relief Organization for allotting the land to the Ashram for construction of the meditation centre. The speakers also expressed confidence on the pace of construction of quarters in the camp.

Earlier Vir Ji in his welcome address gave the resume of the functioning of Ashram.

Channi Himmat Residents Association highlights problems

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 25: A meeting of Channi Himmat Residents Association was held under the chairmanship of V K Grover wherein various problems being faced by inhabitants of the area were highlighted.

The participants strongly criticised the Jammu Municipal Corporation for neglecting the area in general and attempting to please only a few influential by illuminating selected points only. Similar arbitrary expenditure has been made while repairing a few drains and leaving the entire colony untouched, they alleged and appealed the Mayor to personally visit the Colony to ensure that works are executed in a fair manner.

The meet also appealed the Mayor to instruct the administration to provide all information to the Association under Right to Information Act so that the residents can monitor the works and point out violations.

Balwant Thakur conducts National Theatre Camp

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 25: Renowned stage director Balwant Thakur conducted a ten-day National Theatre Camp at Kullu in Himachal Pradesh.

The camp was organised by the Department of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Languages and Culture, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Fifty artists participated in this unique residential theatre camp which was coordinated by the alumni of National School of Drama while Balwant Thakur was the camp director.

Based on the latest developed techniques and the new innovations of theatre, the camp work primarily focussed on new play making process. By putting two different techniques in use, the camp work came up with two productions within ten days, which could otherwise have taken more than three months.

The camp concluded with presentation of the two plays and the concluding function was also marked with the honouring of Balwant Thakur by the Director Languages and Culture, Government of HP.

Sachdeva College holds VST

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 25: Third Very Similar Test (VST) for the aspirants of Medical, Engineering and BCA courses, was conducted by Sachdeva New PT College at GGM Science College.

A large number of candidates, both boys and girls, appeared in the VST. The test would provide the aspirants an opportunity to know the level of their preparation for the entrance exam.

According to a release, Sachdeva College has the tradition of conducting five VSTs every year for professional entrance tests. The remaining two VSTs will be held on July 2 and 9, added the release.

Lal Singh sanctions Rs six lakh for developmental works

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, June 25: Expressing optimism that Salal Project will become commercial hub for generating electricity as it has a lot of potential in this regard, Parliament Member, Ch. Lal Singh has urged the engineers to put in their maximum efforts in generating more electricity for making the J&K a Khushal state in real terms.

Addressing the public rally in Salal, Lal Singh also urged the local youth not to be after the Government jobs and pay attention towards their land which in real sense can change their fate.

He regretted that the village youth instead of running tractors in their area will like to run trucks in cities. The MP also sanctioned Rs six lakh for various development schemes in the area including community hall, primary school and higher secondary school.

Mr Singh also visited the site of proposed Dug Well Project.

The MP of Udhampur, Doda Constituency urged the farming community to seek maximum benefits from the Centre sponsored schemes while apprising them of the various schemes launched by Union Government for their welfare.

Justifying the demand for granting district status to Reasi, he said that he would himself sit on agitation to force the State Government to accord district status to Reasi.

He said that it was due to his efforts that 18 new colleges have been opened in the state and GMC Jammu has been upgraded on the pattern of AIIMS.