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

‘State will soon witness revolution in Education’ Deptt...

Mirpur Mahajan Sabha organises function...

Police-public meet held at Atholi...

Satisar releases Sadhna Phath....

4th day of National Youth Festival
Nagpur, Punjab Universities bag first position in folk dance...

NC asks Govt to provide 90 pc job to local youth...

Children art competition organised,...

BJP raps Farooq

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly reacted to former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah’s recent comments on a capital punishment to Parliament terror attack mastermind Afzal Guru vis-a-vis those judges who pronounced the judgment.

In an emergency meeting of the Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party held under the presidentship of Dr Nirmal Singh, it was alleged that Dr Abdullah crossed all limits not only of decency but openly threatened the Indian judicial system, rule of law and democracy.

The National Conference patron, it may be mentioned here, in an interview to CNN, IBN in Karan Thaapar’s Programme "Devil’s Advocate", appearing in the press today, talked of " physical harm to those judges who pronounced capital punishment to Afzal Guru".

The BJP, in a statement here, said that Dr Farooq has fallen in the same line like other leaders and parties including Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mufti Mohd Sayeed, Mehbooba Mufti and separatists, who have been criticizing pronouncing capital punishment to Afzal.

Imposing ban on all such political parties and organizations pleading clemency for Afzal Guru, the meeting demanded booking of all such elements under Public Safety Act (PSA) for trying to create communal wedge amongst different sections of the society.

Central Mahajan Sabha organises debate,
symposium competitions

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: Mahajan Bhawan at Shalimar Road echoed with thought provoking speeches by young students as the Jammu Central Mahajan Sabha today organised symposium and debate competitions in connection with 140th birth anniversary of Sher-e-Duggar, Lala Hans Raj Mahajan.

In the presence of prominent persons from the Mahajan community, the young students in different age category, forcefully presented their views on the various topics.

Topic of the symposium for students of 7th and 8th standard (Group-I), was ‘Hans Raj Mahajan-A great social reformer’ while for the students of 9th and 10th standard (Group-II), the topic was ‘Role of the family atmosphere in all-round development of new generation’.

Kriti, Manavi and Damini were adjudged Ist, 2nd and 3rd, respectively in Group-I while in Group-II, Swadha bagged first position and Sonali secured second place.

In debate competition, topic for Group-II (Graduates and Post-graduate students), was ‘Slogan of self rule and autonomy are simply political exploitation and stunt’ while for Group-I (students of 11th and 12th standard), the topic was ‘Only women can make the family a heaven’. In Group-II, Miss Anchal, Sunny and Vishal Gupta secured Ist, 2nd and 3rd position, respectively while in Group-I, Mohit, Heena and Kanika were adjudged Ist, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

On the occasion, the organizers also announced the results of Painting and Rangoli competitions, held on October 8.

In Painting competition, Saher, Achiyut and Sherya were adjudged Ist, 2nd and 3rd, respectively in Group-I while Avneesh, Pragun and Namit were declared first three winners in Group-II. In Group-III category, Ashok, Raghav and Ankita Mahajan were announced as Ist, 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

In Group-I of the Rangoli competition, Sonali, Megha and Hitakshi were declared as Ist, 2nd and 3rd, respectively while in Group-II, Meenakshi was adjudged first. In this category, second position was shared by Neha, Vidhushi and Richa while third place was bagged by Roohi.

Prof J K Gupta headed the jury. Winners of different events shall be given away prizes on valedictory function of the birth anniversary celebrations on October 29.

Prominent among those, who were present on the dice, included Romesh Chander Gupta, R C Gupta, Lakshmi Gupta, Bal Krishan Gupta, Amar Nath Gupta, Raghubir Gupta, Shiv Partap Gupta, Vir Kanta, Rattan Lal Gupta, Jagmohan Khanna, Dr Sudesh Gupta, Chander Mohan Gupta, Sat Pal, Harinder Gupta, Mohan Lal and Nand Lal.

Institution of Engineers Complex inaugurated
Charak asks engineers to design identity logo

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: Asking engineers to design a logo for identifying their fraternity, Minister for R&B Gulchain Singh Charak said the emblem should be unique and akin to their professional expertise.

Addressing engineers from diverse fields after inaugurating Institution of Engineers (India) complex at Channi Himmat here, the Minister complimented the engineering fraternity especially the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) for developing a state-of -the-art complex.

The multi-storeyed building constructed within a period of 4 years, has been completed at a cost of Rs 2.12 crore at a floor area of 1000 sq metres and houses an auditorium with accommodating capacity for 250 persons, six well furnished guest rooms, a library and conference centre, lecture rooms, offices of the chairman and secretary of the institution and waiting hall.

Regarding the utility of the complex apart from catering to the academic, skill advancement exercise and research purpose, the Minister said that the beautiful complex indeed should serve as a place where for the retired engineers could interact with their successors.

Mr. Charak said that to fully furnish the complex plans would be worked out with the consultants, engineers, and building experts. He also outlined the need for encouraging the engineering profession and advised the engineers to make the building completely functional by outsourcing guest rooms and auditorium so that some revenue can be generated for its maintenance and expansion.

Chairman of the Institution of Engineers Vinod Sharma, who is also Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, said that the complex would act as a centre for dissemination of knowledge on technology, technical advancement, skill development, sharpening of expertise of the faculties, paper presentations and conduct of seminars.

Mr. Sharma said that Institution of Engineers is a well-knit establishment having its centres in 95 locations within and outside the country. He said that the total membership of the fraternity exceeds over a lakh, which has its headquarters at Calcutta.

Secretary of the Institution Samir Sharma said that the guest rooms constructed in the complex would be available to visiting engineers at nominal rates. He also informed that B.R. Gupta and Darshan Gupta, framed the architectural and structural designs of the complex.

He appreciated the members of construction sub-committee comprising of V K Bhagotra, K K Gupta, V M Sharma, B K Suri, J B S Johar, L K Mengi, D K Gupta, P K Nanda, Alok Mengi & Ashok Verma.

Havildar assaulted for trespassing

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: Havildar of Territorial Army was brutally assaulted by a labourer at village Lalyal under the jurisdiction of Kanachak Police Station late last night.

Police spokesman said that Mohinder Singh, Havildar of Territorial Army unit deployed in village Lalyal entered the house of a labourer under the influence of the liquor and started molesting latter’s wife Jyoti Devi.

In the meantime, labourer Sham Lal, son of Punnu Ram returned from the fields and his temper ran high when he saw his wife being molested by an Army Havildar.

He immediately took a wooden log and started hitting on the head of the cop. The intensity of anger was so that Sham Lal continued to hit even when the Havildar fell unconscious.

Some neighbours of Sham Lal intervened and informed Kanachak Police about the incident. A police team immediately rushed to the spot and even informed senior officers of Territorial Army’s unit.

Sham Lal was immediately arrested and severely injured Havildar was rushed to Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. He was, later, shifted to Military Hospital Udhampur by the Army authorities. His condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

Police has registered a case under Section 307 RPC (attempt to murder) against Sham Lal and started further investigations.

Pedestrian killed, 6 hurt in accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: A pedestrian was knocked to death by a speeding vehicle while as six persons were injured in separate road accidents and one person consumed poisonous substance.

Police spokesman said that one Angrez Singh, son of Baldev Singh of Doda was knocked to death by a speeding unidentified vehicle at Chanderkote. He was rushed to Emergency Hospital Ramban and later referred to Government Medical College Hospital.

He could not respond to the treatment and succumbed to injuries. The body was, later, handed over to family members after post-mortem.

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

They have been identified as Suman Sharma, wife of Ashok Sharma of Pacca Danga, Sandeep Bhat, son of P L Bhat of Patoli, Sanjeev Singh, son of Suraj Singh of Samba, Jagjeet Singh, son of Kirpal Singh of Greater Kailash, Davinder Sharma, son of Hans Raj Sharma of Doda and Aditya Chopra, son of Kewal Krishan of Afgan Mohalla.

The spokesman said that one Amit Kumar, son of Bishan Dass of Budhal allegedly consumed poisonous substance at his residence. He was rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members.

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

Vasudev Nand Ji enlightens devotees with his satsang

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15-Enlightening the devotees with his ambrosial satsang at Sant Shri Asa Ram Bapuji’s ashram Bhagwati Nagar here today Shri Vasudev Nand Ji said that just as the mother takes care of her child in nourishing the latter sometimes by extra indulgence and very often by reprimanding; similarly the God also takes care of his Subjects by not granting for us all we desire but by granting what is the most desirable for the overall upliftment of his subjects.

Addressing a mammoth gathering of devotees drawn from Jammu region, Shri Nand Ji exhorted that if the ‘Company and Sewa’ of saints are done for the sake of worldly desires, it is like preferring glass beads to precious gems. He said that constant reflection on the ideas, feelings, precepts and the philosophical thoughts of Ultimate Truth imparted by the saint is what is meant by "Company’ and the assimilation of these in life is his true ‘Sewa’.

He emphasized that if the company and ‘Sewa’ of saints are done with the pure motive of God realization the devotees bound to experience spiritual upliftment in accordance with his individual spiritual state and the intensity of Sadhna will certainly attain the supreme and ultimate goal—God realization.

He stressed the devotees for Guru Bhakti and on the teachings of great sants. The teachings of great sants is very much relevant so we should spare some time for remembering the Holy God, Sat Guru everyday to have a solace from the hustle and bustle," he added.

Shri Vasudev Nand Ji narrated at length the tales on Holy Scriptures and Vedanta and advised the devotees to sincerely surrender all one’s belongings to the Lord and shun ‘Egotism’. It is none other than the Lord who is operating through the nature and every event is taking place in accordance with his will. Then why should one disturb the calmness of ones mind with unnecessary wants and desires. ‘he added. He said happiness becomes a natural companion of one who discharges his duties having surrendered all possessions to the Holy feet of the Lord. Make it a habit to spend each and every moment of your life in contemplation of attaining salvation. Your life will remain a subject to the Vagaries of sorrow and happiness so long as the body exists. Don’t allow them to get an edge over you; just let them pass by and instead remain contended in the ‘Self Bliss’, he added.

Aijaz for adopting scientific techniques to
boost agri-production

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 15 : Measures to boost ensuing Rabi crop production in the Kashmir valley as per the recommendations of SKUAST and by applying modern scientific methods were discussed at a high level meeting held here under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Agriculture Aijaz Ahmed Khan.

Principal Secretary Agriculture S. S. Sahni, Secretary Agriculture K. B. Jandial, Vice Chancellor SKUAST and Director Agriculture also attended the meeting.

The meeting was informed that improved quality seeds including 81 metric tonnes of oil seeds, 23.05 mts. fodder, 8.03 mts. wheat, 8.05 mts. pulses and 9 metric tonnes vegetable seeds are being provided to the farmers during the Rabi season.

It was also revealed that 36000 mts. Urea, 18000 mts DAP, 5000 mts. of MOP and other varieties of chemical fertilizers would be made available to the farmers during the season. A number of demonstration plots of different crops are also being set up across the Valley.

It was stated that 74000 mts. Urea, 32000 mts. DAP, 8000 mts. MOP and 6000 mts. NPK were provided to the farmers during the year.

The Minister said that agriculture being the backbone of the State’s economy, scientific methods of cultivation are required to be adopted by the farmers replacing traditional crop production techniques. He said that the State has huge potential to give boost to agriculture and in this connection, expertise of the scientists of SKUAST and field staff of Agriculture Department is required to be utilized for boosting agriculture production to optimally benefit farmers in the State.

J&K’s NABARD liability touches Rs 585 cr

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Oct 15: The liability of Jammu and Kashmir Government towards National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has touched Rs 585 cr while nearly 2700 Self Help Groups raised by the Bank in the State have 90 percent women beneficiaries.

Out of the total Rs 10,000 cr released by the Bank under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund this year in the country, the share of Jammu and Kashmir has gone up to Rs 459 cr witnessing an increase of Rs 97 cr. Last year, the Bank had sanctioned Rs 380 cr for road connectivity, bridges and several water supply schemes.

Talking to the Excelsior, Deputy General Manager of the Bank in J&K, Mr Munish disclosed that NABARD has sanctioned a total Rs 1105 cr for various projects so far in the State."The liability of the State Government towards NABARD is Rs 585.54 cr as on August, 2006 and seventy percent of the funding component pertains to Road communication projects," the DGM maintained.

Mr Munish further disclosed that Bank has sanctioned funds for 119 roads and bridges projects besides 22 water supply schemes in the militancy infested State.

Responding to a question, the DGM said though Bank provides funds for various projects pertaining to rural development, yet in J&K more than 70 percent of the funds are being utilised on roads communication projects.

He further disclosed that out of the total 112 roads being constructed, 55 projects are undertaken in Kashmir whereas, for seven bridges, the funds worth Rs 5.71 cr stand sanctioned by the Bank. For 57 Jammu roads, the Bank has sanctioned Rs 112.40 cr. He said for twenty two water supply schemes, mostly in Rajouri, the NABARD has sanctioned Rs 10.12 cr this year.

In response to another question, Mr Munish said by introducing the concept of Self Help Groups, the Bank raised nearly 2700 such groups in the State to provide financial assistance to the poorest of the poor people in rural areas.

‘State will soon witness revolution in Education’ Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 15 : Minister for Education, Science and Technology Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed has appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for providing liberal financial assistance to the State Government for over all development of the State. He said this has been possible only due to the personal interest taken by the dynamic Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. He said the steps taken by the coalition Government have started yielding good results.

Peerzada said for lasting peace in the State several steps have been taken and measure are afoot to bring complete normalcy in the State adding the Government is also embarked to prevail upon the misguided youth of the state to shun the gun and join the main stream for the welfare and prosperity of the State. On the other hand several routes have been opened on the line of control for the facility of the divided families of both the sides. He said efforts are ahead to open more points on the LoC.

The Minister further said that steps initiated by the government in education sector are yielding tangible results and he expressed hope that the State will soon witness revolution in education department under these steps. He said opening of seven University camps, 22 degree colleges and upgradation of hundreds of primary, middle, high and higher secondary schools across the State would go a long way in achieving the target of hundred percent literacy.

The Minister who is on 2-day tour of twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch was addressing a well attended public meeting town today.

Mirpur Mahajan Sabha organises function

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: Mirpur Mahajan Sabha organised a function at Samriti Bhawan. The function was presided over by AC Gupta, president of the Sabha in which Karam Veer Gupta was chief guest while as Om Prakash Gupta was guest of honour.

According to a press release, the function was started with Gyatri Mantra followed by cultural programmes. The highlight of the programme was ‘show your talent’ event in which children, youth and aged persons actively participated.

Distinguished persons of Mirpur Mahajan community were also honoured in the function. Those who were honoured included Som Nath Gupta, Chhote Lal Gupta, Barkat Shah Gupta, Dr Raj Kumar, Chanan Shah Gupta, Dr Vidya Nath Gupta, Krishna Gupta, Swaraj Gupta, Viney Gupta, Shashi Kant Gupta, Dharamvir Gupta, Raghunandan Lal Gupta, Santosh Gupta, Deepak Gupta, Koushalya Devi and Des Raj Dogra.

C P Gupta was also honoured for rendering dedicated and meritorious services to Mirpur Mahajan community by compiling directory containing bio-data of Mirpur Mahajan families settled in Jammu followed by a telephone directory of the community members.

Police-public meet held at Atholi

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Oct 15: In a police-public meet held in the remote and far flung area of Atholi (Paddar) in Kishtwar, several local problems were raised by the local population today.

The meeting was presided over by Senior Superintendent of Police Doda, Manohar Singh. Nearly 200 persons including Sarpanchs, Panchs, prominent political and social activists of the area attended the meet.

The local people demanded that a police picket be established at Sansari Nalla point bordering Himachal as no police picket exists beyond Tiari village. They also demanded special recruitment drive for local youth. It was also pointed out that no Agriculture staff was available in Atholi office and farmers were suffering for want of assistance. A demand was raised to provide compensation to the farmers whose crop was damaged due to rains and hailstorm in the area.

The locals demanded that time of bus leaving for Jammu from Atholi at 5 am in the morning daily be changed to 6.30 am. They also demanded that many VDCs were not paid for the last several months and their honorarium be released immediately. The villagers demanded construction of bridge at Kundal in Kishtwar-Atholi road. The people demanded that several posts of lecturers were lying vacant in Govt Higher Secondary School Atholi and the students were suffering. They also said that one Physical instructor is also required to be posted here. The SSP gave assurance to take up their problems with the concerned authorities.

Satisar releases Sadhna Phath

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: Sadhna Phath, a booklet on daily rituals was released at a function organised by Satisar Foundation here this afternoon.

Large number of people, including the women and children attended the function in which A N Vaishnavi, president ASKPC, Keshav Nath, Kashi Nath Handoo, T N Tiku and B L Raina were the guests of honour.

They, while blessing the children said the Sanskar classes started by Satisar in different areas will go a long way in linking the new generation of the uprooted community to their roots.

The children who have completed the four month long course on Sanaskars were also given away certificates and awards during the function.

On the occasion, the children gave a Samohik display of Sanaskars. They also recited Om bhajans . The children also threw light on the language and culture of Kashmir. The Athurot card (importance and utility) was presented to Mr Vaishnavi by Surinder Dhar.

Naina Saproo and her party enthralled the gathering on the occasion by reciting Kashmiri bhajansr. Satish Munshi who compered the programme highlighted the objective of Satisar organization and the projects undertaken by it in social and religious sector while Samohik Shanti Path was recited by Karshme Dhar.

4th day of National Youth Festival
Nagpur, Punjab Universities bag first position in folk dance

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct 15: Mesmerizing Bhangra performance presented by the students of Punjab University, Chandigarh forced the jam-packed audience to dance to their tunes. The festival has been organized by the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) and Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K Government.

The scintillating cultural show performed by the students of other Universities including folk dance 'Natti' of Y.S. Parmar University, Solan (H.P), Rouf of Kashmir University and folk performance of Calicut University also received loud applause of the audience.

In folk dance competition Nagpur and Punjab University, Chandigarh jointly secured first position while as second and third positions were bagged by Dr. Y. S. Parmar University, Solan and Kashmir University respectively.

In the Forenoon, the students of Calicut University performed Yoga session in which different exercises of yoga were displayed which inspired the spectators especially the young students of local schools of the area leaving an ever-lasting impression on their mind to learn yoga.

The Youth Services and Sports Department also organized Tug of War competition in both male and female category of different Universities.

Retired Inspector General Police, Sardar. S. S. Bijral who was the chief guest on the occasion delivered an inspiring lecture about the importance and benefits of holding such events which tantamount to over all personality development of youth of different regions.

The Chief Executive Officer, PDA, K.K. Gupta, District Youth Services and Sports.

Officer, Ashok Kumar and Khilafwarzi Officer, PDA, A.S. Jasrotia were also present on the occasion.

NC asks Govt to provide 90 pc job to local youth

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: National Conference asked the State Government to fulfill promise of providing 90 percent jobs to the local youth in the new industrial units in Jammu. This demanded was made by provincial president of NC, Ajay Sadhotra while addressing a meeting which was organised to welcome activists of BJP and Congress who joined NC.

Large number of political activists led by Som Nath Khajuria joined NC in the meeting which was held under the chairmanship of R D Sharma, block president Dhansal.

Mr Sadhotra said that industrial package was brought to the State by the efforts of Omar Abdullah, when he was Union Minister. He asked the State Government to adhere to the policy of 90 percent jobs to the local youth otherwise be ready to face wrath of the annoyed youth.

He welcomed the new entrants into the party fold and said that doors of NC were always open for all those who believe in programme and policies of the party.

Prominent among those who joined the party included Bansi Lal Sharma, G K Raina, G M Asnari, Rattan Lal Sharma, Dev Raj Baru, Thoru Ram Sharma and others.

Children art competition organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: To promote talent among children, Bhagavaan Gopinath Trust today organised a children art competition at Bhagavaan Gopinath Ashram, Udaiwala.

Rajinder Tickoo, Instructor of Institute of Music and Fine Arts Jammu was the chief guest on the occasion. President of the Trust Jai Kishori Patwari said that main aim of organising competition was to inculcate moral and spiritual values in the youth.

The competitors were supervised by the designer T K Shishoo. Around 450 children participated in the competition under three categories. Certificates and trophies were given to those, who secured first, second and third positions in each category.

The participants, who bagged first three prizes in senior group were Sargam Koushal, Bharti Raina and Sheetal Raina. In junior group, Supriya Saproo, Rajat Bhat and Aarti Thakur bagged first, second and third prizes respectively. Simriti Raina, Diksha Bhat and Aryaman Suri bagged first three prizes in sub-junior group.