Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: To honour the contemporary Urdu literatures and the excellencies of Urdu literature, who rendered their best services to the language, a simple but impressive function was organized by the Urdu Guild Jammu and Kashmir with the collaboration of Literary Cell of Teachers Guild Jammu and Kashmir.
The literary function, presided over by the president of Urdu Guild Amin Banjara, was attended by Advocate Mohammed Farooq Faraz Qurashi, Vijay Kumar Sharma, renowned fiction writer Jaswant Manhas, renowned physiotherapist Dr M U Mukhtar, renowned fiction writer, critic, expert of feminism literature Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Wani and many Urdu lovers.
On this occasion, eminent Urdu poets and writers were selected for the “Fakhr-e-Urdu Award” for the year 2014. The internationally renowned and septuagenarian poet Raees Uddin Raees from Aligarh, famous and towering Urdu and Persian poet Dr Ahmed Ali Barqi Azmi from Delhi, renowned and well established poet and programme in-charge of Persian services of All India Radio Dr Waliullah Wali from Bihar and highly acclaimed poet and educationist Dr Mujeeb Shehzar from Aligarh were awarded the Fakhr-e-Urdu Award for the year 2014. The awards and the citations were presented by Amin Banjara.
In his presidential address, Amin Banjara said that Urdu language is not only the mean of communication but a complete historical cultural heritage. He said the time has arrived to recognize the selfless endeavors of such Urdu writers and poets and to confer awards as a token of inspiration for the current generation, which is our prime duty and need of the hour too.
On the occasion Dr Ahmed Ali Barqi Azmi recited a poetic appreciation, which was applauded and echoed the whole event organized by the Urdu Guild.
Urdu Guild confers Fakhr-e-Urdu Awards
CCB organizes workshop on ‘Tobacco Control’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: A workshop on ‘Tobacco Control’ was organized by the Citizens’ Co-Operative Bank (CCB) Jammu in collaboration with International Union against TB & Voluntary Association here at Red Cross Building.
The workshop was inaugurated by Chering Dorjay, Minister of State for Co-Operative (Independent Charge) and Ladakh Affairs. Dinesh Gupta, chairman, Citizens’ Cooperative Bank Ltd Jammu, presided over the function.
India is at Number 3 in the production of Tobacco products and 2nd as consumer in Tobacco products in whole of the world. J&K has high incidence of smoking and the State is also becoming the Lung Cancer Capital of India due to increased smoking prevalence across all the section of the society. In J&K more than 2.3 million of people use Tobacco out of which 21.9% use Tobacco in smoking form. This will lead to untimely death of about eight lakh people due to various Tobacco related diseases.
This was revealed by Dr NC Prabhakar, who was the resource person. He also explained the objective of the workshop and steps taken by the Government regarding Tobacco Control Programme.
Dr Sanjay Turki, District Health Officer, Jammu from the Health Department made the Power Point Presentation regarding ill effects of the Tobacco consumption while Munish Sharma, Advocate explained various section of COTPA.
The Minister while speaking at the workshop assured full corporation from the Government to implement the said programme and appreciated the initiative taken by Dr Prabhakar to organize such function as a part of awareness programme.
The chairman of the Citizen Cooperative Bank Jammu stressed the need of implementation of COTPA in letter and spirit.
Ashok Goswamy, managing director of the bank conducted the proceeding of the workshop.
Forest Deptt celebrates World Forestry Day
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Mar 21: Like other parts of the world, Leh Forest Division celebrated World Forestry Day by launching planting programme at community Hall Diskit Tsal, here today.
The programme commenced with the dignitaries planting trees in the compound of the community Hall.
Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh, Rigzin Spalbar, who was the chief guest on the occasion said that forests are very essential part of the life on earth and always providing shadow, shelter, refreshment including clean air and water.
With increase in population, the demand of wooden products is increasing day-by-day thereby putting our forests at risks of deforestation and degradation. He said that it the social responsibility of every one to protect the world environment.
“It is very necessary for the common public to understand the value of forests, which are valuable gift of nature to this earth”, said Spalbar.
CEC asked the Forest Department to make people more aware about their contributions in maintaining and preserving the environment and climate.
EC Tourism, Mohd Shafi Lasu and Chief Conservator Wildlife, Jigmet Takpa spoke about various issues related to conservation of forest.
Earlier, Divisional Forest Officer Leh, Mohd Ali briefed about the celebration of World Forestry Day. He said that main objective of the day is to aware the people about the preservation of natural resources to maintain the ecological balances. He appealed the people for planting more and more trees for preservation of the environment.
Terror attacks serious issue: Azad
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Mar 21: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad has condemned the back to back terrorist attacks that took place in Jammu on two consecutive days.
He expressed concern over the heightened terrorist activities and said “the spurt in terrorist violence is a cause of grave concern and this needs to be condemned in no uncertain terms”.
He also hailed the role of security forces who displayed exemplary valour and alertness to take on the terrorists without loss of time and thus kept the loss of human lives at minimum.
Azad said that our security forces have always fought the terrorist violence sponsored from across the border with utmost resolve and firm determination and that entire nation stands by them in fighting the monster of terror unleashed by Pakistan.
He paid tributes to the security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in the twin terrorist attacks and prayed for the speedy recovery of all those who have been injured.
“Such cowardly acts will not diminish our resolve to face the challenge posed by the terrorist organizations supported form across the border”, said Azad.
Azad said that Congress Party has never been in favour of politicization of such acts of terrorism and violence. However, BJP, which used such unfortunate events for reaping political harvest before Lok Sabha elections, needs to be reminded of its lofty promise of handling such acts differently.
“Where are those lofty promises and loud noises”?, asked Azad adding that statecraft and governance are not run on the basis of rhetoric and grandstanding.
Azad said that heightened terrorist violence is a matter of grave concern and the BJP/NDA Government, taking due note of it, should devise appropriate strategies to deal with it.
“Now that the people of the country have seen the hollowness of the promises and mindless rhetoric of the BJP and the NDA Government, it is time to concentrate on devising effective plans to foil the designs of the enemies of peace”, said Azad.
He further said that issues of national security should be dealt with care and sensitivity, bereft of euphoria or over-enthusiasm.
Jat Sabha observes birth anniversary of Chhotu Ram
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Newly elected Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Surinder Choudhary assured that he will work for the welfare of the masses. He said that his only aim of joining politics was to serve the people.
“I will work with dedication and committed to serve the people”, he said and added that his election as MLC is victory of the neglected and marginalized lot of the society.
He said this during a function organized by Jat Kalyan Sabha to observe birth anniversary of Sir Chhotu Ram.
Former Haryana DGP and president of the Jat Sabha Chandigarh Ch Mahinder Singh Malik (Retd IPS) presided over the function.
Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Birendra Singh was chief guest in the function in which Member of Parliament from Haryana Dharamvir Singh was also present.
The function was organized by organizer and general secretary of Sir Chhotu Ram Jat Charitable Trust, Kamal Singh and in which former MLA Pyara Singh was also present.
Prominent among others present on the occasion included Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sukhnandan, President of Sir Chhotu Ram Jat Charitable Trust, Anita Kumari, Dr Krishan Lal, MLA Khour, Rajesh Gupta, MLA, Jammu East and others.
Later in another function Valmiki Samaj also felicitated Surinder Choudhary for his election as MLC. The function was organized by Sham Singh, president of the Samaj.
In the function, Valmiki Samaj listed problems being faced by the community.
Transporters oppose Toll collection at Ban Talab on NH
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: All J&K Transport Welfare Association has strongly opposed the Toll collection by the National Highway Authority of India at Ban Talab, ahead of Nagrota on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
In an emergency meeting of the of all transporters held under the chairmanship of T S Wazir, the members expressed strong resentment against the attitude of the Central and State Governments. They pointed out that transporters of J&K are already paying huge fee/ taxes to the Government. They said the transporters have already suffered huge losses after the operation of train/ DMU service from Railway Station Jammu to Katra/ Udhampur. Recent floods also caused extensive losses to them.
Under such circumstances, the transport operators are unable to bear the burden of extra tax in the form of Toll. Moreover, Toll of Rs 375 per bus/ truck and Rs 200 per mini bus and Rs 125 per Taxi per trip is totally unjustified and excessive. The NHAI have started charging the Toll from March 20, 2015.
They sought the intervention of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to personally intervene and withdraw the Toll tax being levied at Ban Talab near Nagrota. They said transporters are in no mood to take any confrontation and if their demand is not addressed, they will be forced to adopt agitational path.
BLSKS presents ‘Betiya Mata Ka Roop’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan in close coordination with Unison Cultural Troupe, Sangam Tru Art Production and ESRM presented musical play “Betiya Mata Ka Roop” during its 42nd Saturday series.
The musical play was written and directed by M L Dogra, former Regional Director, Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
The programme was inaugurated by VK Magotra, Former Regional Director of Directorate of Field Publicity, Government of India in presence of Romesh Chander, Production Director.
Renowned Singer Raju Bajgal, Usha Handoo, Kamli Devi, Pummy and Shivani Disgotra sang bhaints. Other artists, who also participated in the programme were MC Kotwal, Sant Das, Rajni Gupta, Neelam Gangotra, Hem Raj, KK Jothi, Kuldeep Raj, Ghanshyam Yadav, Chahat Chadha, Deevam Jandiyal, Rakshit Sharma, Dhruv Pandit, Pranavi Khajuria, Rajanya Khajuria, Samarth Gupta, Sanam Gupta, Vansh Raina, Megha Raina, Abhyud, Rajveer, Vandana Gupta and Bhumika Chib.
In the end, Deepak Kumar, coordinator of the programme presented vote of thanks.
Jora accuses Mufti, Centre of being soft towards terrorists
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Congress Legislature Party leader, Rigzin Jora today said that two consecutive attacks by the militants in Kathua and Samba districts are the direct fall out of Chief Minister Mufti Mahammad Sayeed playing footsie with Pakistan, separatists and militants and the failure of Union Government to rein in Mufti Sayeed.
“Emboldened by his statement wherein he thanked Pakistan, separatists and Hurriyat for peaceful elections in the State, the militants are now striking at will”, Mr Jora said in a statement, adding the BJP, which had all along claimed to be the sole guardian of national interest, is watching the situation haplessly and helplessly.
“If the confused policy of the PDP-BJP Government is allowed to be further confounded, the people of the State will have to prepare themselves to witness revival of terrorism in the State”, the CLP leader said, adding all the gains of the past 12 years cannot be allowed to go down the drain when people of the State had reaped rich peace dividends in terms of economic prosperity and accelerated development.
Jora accused BJP-led NDA Government at Centre of lacking a coherent policy with regard to Pakistan and handling of separatists and militants in J&K. “NDA stand at best can be described as swinging from one end of the pendulum to the other end. One moment there is bonhomie with PM inviting Pakistan counterpart for swearing in ceremony followed by suspension of talks between the Foreign Secretaries of two countries”, he further said.
Taking a dig at State Chief Minister, Mr Jora said, “Mufti Sayeed has chosen to call militants non-state actors instead as terrorists as if this will lessen their crime”, adding “while PDP is trying to appease separatists and militants, VJP is pandering to its hardcore Hindutva elements”.
“The sooner this Government goes the safer will this State and the nation be”, the CLP leader said.
Avalanche kills 3, injures 2
Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, Mar 21: Two women and a boy were killed and two others got injured as an avalanche hit the mountainous belt of Mahoo area this morning.
A police spokesman said that, Gulshan Begum (35), wife of Ghulam Qadir, Saira Begum (25), wife of Liyakat and Parveez, son of Ghulam Qadir, all residents of Bajnari hamlet of Banihal Tehsil, got buried under a massive avalanche near Mahoo area in the morning.
The locals rushed to the spot and tried to dig them out from the snow, he said adding, it took almost three hours to dig them out. Parvez had already died whereas the other two women who were still breathing died a couple of hours later.
In the incident, two others namely Bashir Ahmed (40), son of Ghilam Gujjar and Mohammad Ishaq, son of Ghulam Qadar, both residents of Bajnarri also got minor injuries and were rushed to Hospital, where they are respond to the treatment, when reports last came in.
Meanwhile, local people said the two women could have been saved if proper medical care were available.
“We asked the administration to airlift the two women to the district hospital, but nothing was arranged for them and they too died almost two to three hours after being taken out of the snow”, a resident of the area said.
Bhawani Nagar residents elect new body
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: The residents of Bhawani Nagar today elected adhoc Executive Committee and Managing Committee of the Welfare Association in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Tej Krishan Bhat, senior member of the previous Welfare Committee.
Behari Lal Sharma was unanimously elected as president, V S Jasrotia senior vice-president, Makhan Lal Chadha as vice-president, Rohit Arora as general secretary, Varinder Raina as secretary, Nagarmal as publicity secretary, A K Sen and N S A Dutta as additional publicity secretaries, Shadi Lal Ganjoo as treasurer, M K Raina and Sachin Verma as cashiers and Ajay Raina as convener.
The Managing Committee comprises Des Raj Choudhary, Rajesh Heera, N K Sharma, Jagdish Gupta, Ajay Bhagat, Rohit Koul, Krishan Manhas, Sushil Dassi, Daleep Kumar Kana, Sat Paul Luthra, R K Dogra, Riaz Ahmed, Kamal Kachroo and Sudesh Kumar Sharma.
The members of newly constituted Association also discussed various issues and problems faced by the people of Bhawani Nagar. The problems include dilapidated condition of water pipes, poor electricity supply, insanitation and absence of street lights.
The newly elected members resolved to work for betterment of the residents of Bhawani Nagar by approaching all the concerned authorities.