Kotli Tanda sails into finals of Kho-Kho; Rinku emerges winner in 100-meter race

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April 23, 2012

Inter Block Level PYKKA Tournament

Excelsior Sports Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Apr 23: Kotli Tanda Panchayat thrashed Ambaran Panchayat in the semifinals and sailed into the finals of the Kho-Kho event of Inter Block Level PYKKA Tournament (under 16 boys) organised by Department of Youth Services and Sports at Government Boys Higher Secondary School.
During the semis of Kabaddi, Mehra Mandrian panchayat beat Kaink Jagir panchayat by 18-15 whereas in Volleyball semis, Gurha Brahmana panchayat routed Sohal Panchayat by 25-15.
In Handball semifinal, Gurha Brahmana panchayat defeated Nardi Wala panchayat by 10-8 and Nardi Wala panchayat trounced Gurha Brahmana by solitary goal in the Football semifinal match.
The matches were officiated by Raman Gupta, PEM and Bua Ditta, PET.
Earlier, Vijay Kumar, first class Magistrate of Akhnoor, addressed the players while Hitesh Kumar, BDO declared the tournament open in presence officials of sports department and civil administration besides citizens and sports lovers were also present.
Tirth Ram, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO), highlighted the events to be organised during the tournament.
The tournament is being organised under the overall supervision of Sher Singh, ZPEO, Akhnnor.
Meanwhile, Dori panchayat will take on Hamirpur panchayat in the finals of the Kabaddi event of Inter Block Level PYKKA Tournament (under 16 boys and girls) organised by Department of Youth Services and Sports at Government Girls High School Khour.
Earlier, in the first semis of Kabaddi, Dori panchayat thrashed Naryana panchayat by 12 points whereas in the second semis, Hamirpur panchayat routed Sarwal panchayat by 2 points.
In Volleyball, Bakore panchayat thrashed Badwal panchayat by 2 sets, Gigrial panchayat beat Pangali panchayat by 2 sets, HP Sidhar panchayat routed Chak Malal panchayat by 2 sets, Upper Pallanwala panchayat defeated Samwan Panchayat by 2 sets, Sarwal Panchayat thrashed Khunda Panchayat, Manchak Panchayat beat Bhalwal panchayat, Lower Pallanwala defeated Dehrian Panchayat, upper Pallanwala defeated Sarwal panchayat, Bakore panchayat beat Gigriyal panchayat and Manchal panchayat defeated HP Sidhar panchayat.
In Wrestling, 35 kg category final, Parveen Singh of Bhagwan Chak panchayat outplayed Yuvraj Singh of Panjtoot panchayat whereas in 42 kg, Rajat Singh of Platan panchayat was the winner.
In 48 kg category, Raman Singh of Pallanwala panchayat defeated Mohit Sharma of Panjtoot panchayat whereas in 55 kg, Rahul Sharma of Naryana panchayat beat Sahil Singh of Pallanwala panchayat.
In Long Jump, Rinku Singh of Bhalwal panchayat, Arjun Singh of Hamirpur panchayat and Vishal Singh of Bhalwal Mallo panchayat secured first, second and third positions respectively.
In Athletic, 100 meter, Rinku Singh of Budwal panchayat, Arjun Singh of Hamirpur panchayat and Vikrant Sharma of Plattan panchayat were adjudged first, second and third respectively.
In 200 meter race, Arjun Singh of Hamirpur panchayat, Anil Singh of Bakore panchayat and Vikrant Sharma of Plattan panchayat secured the first three rankings respectively.
In 400 meter race, Vishal Singh of Bhalwal Mulk panchayat secured first position while the second and third positions were conferred to Sanjeev Kumar of Samwan panchayat and Rahul Singh of Pallanwala panchayat respectively.
Earlier, during the inaugural ceremony, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, was the chief guest, who while speaking detailed about PYKKA scheme and stressed upon the youth to come forward and avail the benefits of the scheme.

WFI drops Geetika, proposes Anita’s name for Helsinki event

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April 23, 2012

NEW DELHI, Apr 23: Putting an end to the controversy surrounding the selection of Geetika Jakhar for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Helsinki, the selection committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) today unanimously decided to drop the contentious athlete for the event.
WFI secretary general Raj Singh informed that neither Geetika nor Alka Tomar, whom the former defeated in the selection trials, have been handpicked for the qualifiers, and instead Anita would represent India in the 63kg category in the Helsinki event from May 4-6.
“We want the best wrestler to represent India in the qualifiers. It is not only the question of participating in the qualifiers but it is about getting maximum representation at the Olympics,” Singh told here.
“After witnessing the footage of Geetika’s bout against Alka Tomar, the selection committee has unanimously decided that Geetika made her way through because of poor refereeing,” he said.
“So, we have decided to go with the best available player and in these circumstances Anita was the best possible choice.”
Anita will also represent India in the World Qualifiers in China from April 27.
Singh, meanwhile, said that there was a clear violation of the rules during the second round bout between Alka and Geetika, and insisted if it would have been a International Wrestling Federation (FILA) event, the former would have been declared a clear winner. (PTI)

India to open campaign against SL in Junior Asia Cup hockey

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April 23, 2012

NEW DELHI, Apr 23: Seeking a hat-trick of titles, India will open their campaign against Sri Lanka in the seventh Junior Men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament to be held at Malacca, Malaysia from May 3 to 13.
India have been placed in Group B alongwith arch-rivals Pakistan, Sri Lanka and China, while Group A consists of Korea, Malaysia, Japan and Iran.
India will play the Lankans on the second day of the competition on May 4, followed by games against Pakistan on May 6 and China on May 7.
India will start as favourites in the tournament after having won the last two editions at Karachi and Chennai in 2004 and 2008 respectively.
The tournament will also serve as the qualifier for the FIH Junior Asia Cup to be held in 2013.
The Indian team will be captained by striker Akashdeep Singh while defender Amit Rohidas will be his deputy. (PTI)

Tendulkar turns 39 today

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April 23, 2012

CHANDIGARH, Apr 23: Sachin Tendulkar turns 39 tomorrow but no big celebrations have been planned so far by the batting icon or his Mumbai Indians team-mates though his die-hard fans have made elaborate plans to observe the day in a big way.
Tendulkar and his wife Anjali, but without their two children, arrived here by an afternoon flight from Mumbai.
The batting maestro’s IPL team Mumbai Indians teammates also arrived here with him. Mumbai are set to clash with Kings XI Punjab in Mohali on Wednesday.
While the five star hotel where Tendulkar and his teammates are staying have made arrangements on their own to throw a party to celebrate his birthday, his first after scoring his 100th international ton, but MI sources said the event is likely to be a low-key affair.
A small private function may be kept and his teammates will wish him on his birthday and cut the cake. MI team owner Nita Ambani is also likely to be present, the sources said.
“There may be a small function, but nothing grand. Tendulkar is a very private person and we are not expecting the event to be a bash. It will be a small function,” a team source said.
Tendulkar turns 39 todayA senior official of the hotel said they were ready with their preparations, but were waiting for the green signal from Tendulkar’s side.

Relief holders chain hunger strike in 23rd day, dharna continues at Jagti

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April 23, 2012

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 24: The chain hunger strike of Kashmiri Migrant Relief holders and over aged youth in front of Relief Commissioner’s Office here entered 23 rd day while the relief holders dharna at Jagti township entered 30th day.
The speakers addressing the demonstration in front of RC office lambasted the Central and state governments for their rigid attitude towards the relief holders and over aged youth and demanded immediate enhancement of cash assistance.
They said that despite giving the assurances the Government has failed to issue orders regarding hiking the monthly cash assistance. The migrants getting cash dolls of Rs 1000 per head per month are facing many hardships in making their body and soul together in these tough times when prices of essential commodities have touched the sky.
The speakers took serious note of the state government’s delaying tactics in sending the letter to Centre in this regard. They resolved to continue hunger strike till demand is settled.
The protestors at Jagti warned to intensify the struggle form tomorrow by launching chain hunger strike. The protestors urged the Government to take immediate steps in settling the issue failing which the relief holders present agitation will take ugly turn.

2 shops gutted at Dayala Chak

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April 23, 2012

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Apr 23: Property worth over 6.50 lakhs was destroyed after two shops were gutted at Dayala Chak in tehsil Hiranagar last night.
A police spokesman, the tea stall of one Ganesh Dutt and Maniyari -cum-ready made garments shop of Bharat Bhushan suddenly caught fire during mid-night. The shop owners were sleeping at their respective houses. Apparently due to short circuit at one place, both the shops were trapped in the fire. The Fire tender was called from Hiranagar which controlled the fire. The police party also reached there. The loss of property worth Rs 6 lakhs was projected by Bharat Bhushan while Rs 50,000 by Ganesh Dutt. The police has started investigation.

Wildlife Deptt to use Camera Traps for recording animal diversity

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April 23, 2012

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: Keeping in pace with the technology and modern scientific wildlife management tools, the department of Wildlife Protection has introduced latest cameras to be installed in different wildlife sanctuaries in Jammu in order to conserve and protect the wild animals in a scientific method.
The Department has recently procured IR as well as flash Camera Traps for studying animal presence, conducting research in different wildlife sanctuaries and conserve the reserves including Nandini, Ramnagar, Sudhmahadev, etc.
To train the field officials in using and handling camera traps, a training programme was organised by the Wildlife Warden, Jammu at Nature Interpretation Centre, Manda.
The wildlife range officers, block officers and foresters of Wildlife Division Jammu participated in the training programme.
The field exercise and demonstration was conducted in Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary, where the officials were practically involved in handling, setting and deploying Camera Traps in the field by a trained Camera Trap Engineer from Dehradun and Wildlife Warden Jammu.
Addressing the officials, Chief Wildlife Warden, AK Singh emphasized on the need of introducing new technologies in wildlife management and expressed hope that by using Camera Traps, the Department would be able to survey the diversity and abundance of wild animals in protected areas.
Wildlife Warden, Jammu, Tahir Shawl while interacting with the officers revealed that 30 camera Traps have been procured by Jammu and Kathua divisions which would be shortly deployed in different protected areas. He further informed that two Camera Traps have been installed today in Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary near Manda zoo.
Additional PCCF, Deepak Khanna and CCF Wildlife Jammu, Upender Pachnanda were also present.

Relief holders chain hunger strike in 23rd day, dharna continues at Jagti

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Daily Excelsior

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April 23, 2012

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 24: The chain hunger strike of Kashmiri Migrant Relief holders and over aged youth in front of Relief Commissioner’s Office here entered 23 rd day while the relief holders dharna at Jagti township entered 30th day.
The speakers addressing the demonstration in front of RC office lambasted the Central and state governments for their rigid attitude towards the relief holders and over aged youth and demanded immediate enhancement of cash assistance.
They said that despite giving the assurances the Government has failed to issue orders regarding hiking the monthly cash assistance. The migrants getting cash dolls of Rs 1000 per head per month are facing many hardships in making their body and soul together in these tough times when prices of essential commodities have touched the sky.
The speakers took serious note of the state government’s delaying tactics in sending the letter to Centre in this regard. They resolved to continue hunger strike till demand is settled.
The protestors at Jagti warned to intensify the struggle form tomorrow by launching chain hunger strike. The protestors urged the Government to take immediate steps in settling the issue failing which the relief holders present agitation will take ugly turn.

Governor authorizes JU VC to take action

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April 23, 2012

CS-headed committee report on irregularities
Excelsior Correspondent

Governor N N Vohra chairing University Council meeting of JU on Monday.

JAMMU, Apr 23: Governor N N Vohra today authorized Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof M P Singh Ishar to take all remedial measures/ actions on the recommendations of Chief Secretary-headed Enquiry Committee vis-à-vis allegations of administrative impropriety, favourtism and financial irregularities against former Vice-Chancellor and officers of the Varsity.
Chairing the 72nd meeting of the University Council at Raj Bhawan here this evening, Mr Vohra asked the Vice-Chancellor to take action within his competence on the recommendations of the Chief Secretary headed Enquiry Committee, which was constituted by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to look into allegations of various kind of irregularities.
The Governor also advised the Vice Chancellor to ensure that the recommendations/ observations of the committee, which require special approvals, are placed before concerned bodies of the University on a time bound basis and entire report processed without any delay.
Mr Vohra, who is the Chancellor of the Varsity, called upon the Universities of the State to organize short-term vocational courses in tourism and other potential disciplines to enhance employability of the youth in travel trade and varied other employment intensive sectors.
“With the revival and the promotion of tourism in the State the youth having pursued short-term certificate courses could find ready employment avenues”, he said, adding “Universities could also think of organizing other such courses having potential in the emerging job market to benefit the youth of the State”.
Referring to the creation and upgradation of infrastructure facilities at the main campus and the off-site campuses, the Governor said that the construction of students hostels, particularly for girls, need to be given priority attention so the students from remote areas could pursue their academic careers in large numbers.
He underlined the need for micro-focusing on the growth of campuses for continually improving the quality of education to equip youth to compete successfully in the emerging competitive scenario. He also stressed that all the newly coming up buildings must have adequate provision for use of solar energy, harvesting of rain water, fire safety measures and ramps to facilitate physically challenged persons.
The Governor advised the Vice Chancellor to undertake visits to the affiliated Colleges to monitor the facilities and the performance of these institutions, adding that those of the Principals, teachers and the colleges showing outstanding performances could be awarded. Referring to the need for conducting academic audit of educational institutions, he said that such a mechanism can help in harmonious growth of all the institutions of higher learning. He suggested that the various Universities of the State could coordinate in regard to the functioning of their placement cells for the larger benefit of the youth of the State.
Prof MPS Ishar, in his power point presentation, gave details of the academic and extra-curricular achievements of the University. He also dwelt on the efforts being made to improve the existing infrastructure and the initiatives taken in the fields of teaching, and extension activities.
The meeting among others was attended by Prof Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Vinayshil Gautam, Prof R P Tandon, M I Khandey, Principal Secretary, Finance, Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Tanveer Jehan, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education and Prof Naresh Padha, Registrar University of Jammu.

Academy’s Tagore Theatre Festival opens with ‘Khazana’

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April 23, 2012

Lalit Gupta

A scene from ‘Khazana’ staged on Monday.

JAMMU, Apr 23: In continuation to the 150th year birth celebrations of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the Seven-Day Festival of Rabindranath Tagore’s plays, organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, started, here today.
With the Abhinav Theatre closed for repairs, the festival, being held at the Gandhi Nagar Government Women College Auditorium, opened with adaptation of Tagore’s short story ‘Khazana’, in Hindi by Nav Durga Kala Mandir.
The play adapted, dramatized and directed by Shashi Bhushan, was a comment on the materialistic tendencies in the society. That how human beings driven by the insatiable desire for hidden treasures as a panacea for alleviating their material wealth and status, stop thinking about the real treasure: the bounties of life that surrounds them like the nature, environment, land and the family.
The plot of the play revolves around one Ravishankar who finding that the skull-given by his grandfather that contained the map to a hidden treasure-has been stolen leaves his home and wife to search for the same.
After a chain of events, he succeeds in finding the treasure but is unable to get out of the spot. Thirsty and hungry, he realizes that the real treasure is not the wealth but bounties that define one’s life and to be able to live it with fullness is the real treasure.
Despite the lack of desirable facilities like proper lights and sound equipment and other infrastructure in Gandhi Nagar Government Women College Auditorium, today’s presentation-notwithstanding the technical handicap of dim lights, which put great strain upon the spectators-managed to bring home to the audience the message of the play.
Dilshad Shazi in the role of Ravishanker gave a good performance. He was especially effective in the Cave sequence where he goes ecstatic after discovering the treasure. Kamaljeet Singh in the personification of ‘Khazana’ as a snake also performed well.
Other members of the cast included Shashi Bhushan and Shishupal Khajuria as Sadhus, Rakesh Dogra as Grandfather and Pujajri, Komal Parihar as Radhika, Aman Verma as Villager. The members of the chorus included Ishmeet Kaur, Vanshika Kour, Muskan Kour, Jaspreet Kour, Renu, Aishwariya Sumbria, Mehak Sharma, Surbhi Kalsi, and Prabharanjanee.
The music and the ‘chorus’ of young dancers choreographed and designed by Padam Nath Kotwal, an alumni of IMFA, Jammu, proved to be a mainstay in structuring the play design. The locales of forest, temple, and the cave through different groupings of the ‘chorus’ were adequately communicated. The costumes design was by Ramesh Malhotra, make-up by Ritu Manhas and lights by Aditya Bhanu.
Nwang Rigzin Jora, minister for tourism and culture, the chief guest of the function, while appreciating the work of Gurudev, said that by dent of his remarkable literary achievements Tagore had made India proud.
Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner Secretary, tourism and culture and Secretary Academy, Atal Dulloo said that the Tagore theatre festival, which was inaugurated today, would feature 14 plays of Gurudev. Of which seven will be staged at Jammu while an equal number of such plays would be showcased in Kashmir valley in the days ahead.
Among others former secretaries of Academy, Prof. Rita Jitendra and Balwant Thakur were also present on the occasion. The Academy was represented by its additional secretaries, Savita Bakshi, Shamima Akhter and Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn. The programme proceedings were conducted by Academy’s senior drama instructor, Dr. Sudhir Mahajan.