Lalit Gupta

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.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Dr. Pawan Kotwal launched his office’s website www.divcomjammu.gov.in here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kotwal said that the main objective of launching the website is to make available all necessary information regarding functioning of the department to the common man on a click of mouse. It is indeed a step forward towards e-Governance in the office, he added.
Divisional Commissioner said that the website will increase transparency in the functioning of Divisional Administration and also improve public and Government interface by providing ample information on the website, adding that the Website is a one stop interface for almost all web sites of Jammu province, which will make the access of information relatively quicker by Government and general public.
He hoped that the website will serve the purpose for which it has been launched and will keep the citizens posted about latest activities and developments in Jammu Province.
It was informed that links to some important web sites have also been provided on the web site for facilitating the visitors for ease of access of information. Contact information provided on the site will help the visitors to interact with administration easily. Online queries of the public through mail can also be promptly responded and readdressed. Online orders and circulars from Divisional Commissioner Office will also be placed on this web site for the benefit of government and general masses and on day to day basis.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora, exhorted upon concerned authorities to ensure time bound arrangements for smooth conduct of forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Minister was reviewing the status of action taken on the recommendations of high level committee (HLC) on Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2012 at a high level meeting held here today. Minister of State for Tourism and Home, Nasir Aslam Wani was also present in the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the status of process initiated by the concerned departments to take up various works at Chandanwari, Baltal base camps besides en-route to cave for convenience of yatris.
The Minister directed concerned authorities to ensure construction of impregnable gates at Chandanwari and Domel for effective regulation of Yatri movement well before commencing of the yatra. He directed that upgradation and improvement of the existing Rangamorh-Baltal-Domel, Baltal-Holy Cave, Chandanwari- Holy Cave routes should be completed well in time so that visiting yatris don’t face any inconvenience during yatra days.
The meeting also reviewed the status of the sites for establishment of transit camps along national highway from Lakhanpur to Sonamarg and Phalgam, establishment of shelter units at various locations along yatra routes.
The meeting was assured that necessary healthcare arrangements would be made available at all base camps and en-route to the cave for yatris. It was told that besides making provision for ambulances at Baltal, Chandanwari and Phalgam, required diagnostic equipments, oxygen cylinders and medicines would also be made available at all health camps.
It was informed that necessary process has been initiated for strengthening of water supply system at Baltal, Panjtherni, Shashnag besides necessary arrangements of electric supply at camp sites would be fully ensured before commencing of yatra.
The Minister instructed Commissioner Secretary Tourism and Culture to maintain close coordination with concerned authorities for making foolproof arrangements for the visiting yatris. He also directed him to ascertain the progress of various works taken up by the department on the HLC recommendations.
Principal Secretary, R&B, K.B. Aggarwal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary Power Development Department, Sudanshu Pandey, Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Navin Chodhary, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Atal Duloo, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, Abdul Majid Mir, District Development Commissioners, Anantnag and Ganderbal, Director tourism Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah besides Senior officers of Health, PHE, GAD and Tourisms departments attended the meeting.

‘Some oppn parties playing destructive politics’
Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 23: Minister for Rural Development, Panchyats, Parliamentary Affairs and Law, Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that the Omar Abdullah Government is very keen to empower the Panchyats as these institutions are basic sources of implementing the right decisions with regard to development process in the rural areas.
Addressing a large gathering including a number of Sarpanchs and Panchs at Dara-Faqir Gujjri in District Srinagar, Mr Sagar made it clear that 73rd amendment is not applicable to J&K State due to Article 370 of the State constitution. But at the same time, he said that certain good provisions of the 73rd amendment are already under execution and have been incorporated in the Panchayati Raj promulgated by the State. He said the report with regard to 73rd amendment of the Cabinet Sub Committee constituted by Government and other suggestions to make democratic institutions very powerful is under active consideration.
The Minister criticized those forces who during their tenure weakened the pillars of democratic institutions of the State but now advocating for strong democratic institutions. He said panchyat elections was a long dream of the late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as he was very much keen to empower the rural bodies so that development process in rural areas can get fillip and this dream has been fulfilled by Omar Abdullah Government.
Mr. Sagar said that the devolution of powers to Panchs and Sarpanchs was a sincere and conscious decision of the present Government as it really wanted that these grass root democratic institutions to grow and address the peoples grievances to their satisfaction. He said that the Panchs and Sarpanchs can play a major role in weeding out the corruption in the public life.
Referring to various achievements of the present Government, he said to make the administration accountable before the public,the Government has enacted passed a Public Services Guarantee Act under which any officer/official has to deliver within the 15 days, otherwise he has to face music by paying Rs 5000 as fine.
Lasting out at some disgruntled opposition parties, he said that their only one point agenda is character assassination of National Conference and nothing else. He said the same opposition party through a number of conspiracies succeeded in dislodging democratically elected Sheikh Abdullah Government in 1975 . The same opposition party in 1984 dislodged duly elected Farooq Abdullah Government and repeated the same undemocratic process in 1989.
Mr Sagar further said the same opposition party all along played destructive politics rather constructive and never protected the rights of the people of the State.
He said, it was the Omar led Government which employed 4000 Kashmir Pandit migrants, and this shows that how much present Government is conscious about the welfare of all the communities of the society. He said that the present Government is making every efforts to provide basic facilities to the common people especially to the poor, downtrodden and those belonging to SC, ST and weaker sections.
Meanwhile, the Minister impressed upon the Panchs and Sarpanchs to discharge their responsibilities honestly and effectively in accordance with the law and try to come to the expectations of the people.
On this occasion MLA, Mohammad Yaseen Shah, MLC, G.Q Pardasi and other Sarpanchs and panchs also spoke.

Jehangir Rashid
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: Abhinav Gupt cave located in the foothills of Bairam hillocks in Beerwah area of Budgam district is facing threat due to stone quarrying, says Vir Saraf, Convenor, Roots in Kashmir (RIK).
The cave has a great religious significance for Kashmiri Pandits as Abhinav Gupt is regarded as the greatest scholar of Kashmiri Shaivism, an ancient school of thought for which Kashmir is famous world over.
Vir Saraf told Excelsior that the Abhinav Gupt cave is sacred to Kashmiri Pandits. “Till 1947 AD Kashmiri Pandits used to go to the entrance of the cave and perform their religious rituals every year on the 10th day of full moon in the month of June. The cave is of great value of heritage. It is part of the ancient historical civilisation,” he added.
Stone quarrying is taking place with impunity on North-West side of this hill top which is supposedly the tail of the cave as well as on the Eastern side of Bairam too.
However, officials said that the quarry is located some 150 feet away from the cave. They say that the quarrying is going on for past over 60 years and government is getting its royalty.
“It is said that some people have tried to cruise the un-ending cave upto 1 km but returned back when there was no end to the cave. Abhinav Gupt was a philosopher and a Bhairwa (seeker of Lord Shiva),” said Vir.
Talking to Excelsior, M. S Zahid, Deputy Director, Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums said that he would depute a team of the officials to the site.
“As of now I have not received any complaint. But since you have raised this issue it would be ensured that nothing illegal is being done. This is a place of heritage importance and we would leave no stone unturned in preserving this heritage symbol,” said Zahid.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: The police arrested a militant in village Arwani Bijbehara in South Kashmir district of Anantnag last evening while two militants who returned from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) after over two decades surrendered before police in Sopore today.
Police said that during a naka Bijbehara Police apprehended Hafizullah Malik son of Mohammad Yousuf Malik, resident of Arwani, Bijbehara near Arwani.
Malik had infiltrated back recently via Nepal Border on a fake passport after being trained in illegal arms. Police have registered a case in this regard.
Meanwhile police said that two militants, Mohammad Lateef Pir alias Mushtaq Ahmad Latrum son of Ali Mohammad Mir, resident of Tujjar Sharief Sopore and Barkat Rasool alias Shoaib son of Gulam Rasool Mir Logripora who had crossed over to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 1990’s for arms training returned back to Kashmir via Nepal along with Wives and children.
They have surrendered before the police in Police Station Bomai, Sopore. Police have registered a case and are questioning them.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23 : Governor N. N. Vohra inaugurated a multipurpose hall at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Mubarak Mandi here today.
Usha Vohra, First Lady, was present on the occasion.
Speaking after unveiling the inaugural plaque of the newly constructed hall, the Governor observed that if an enabling environment and the required infrastructural support is provided to the educational institutions there would be no reason whatsoever for our children not excelling in their academic and other chosen fields of activity. He added that the boys and girls of J&K are highly talented and, with quality education, they can contribute in a big way for ensuring a bright future for the State.
Referring to the set of Encyclopedia Britannica presented by the Lady Governor to the School on this occasion, the Governor advised Sureshta Dogra, Principal of the School, to keep these volumes at such a place where the students can make best use thereof to gain knowledge in different subjects.
Lauding the high quality of the composite cultural programme comprising Dogri, Kashmiri, Ladakhi and Punjabi folk songs and dances presented by the students on the occasion, the Governor announced an award of Rs. 50,000 for them.
The Governor felicitated the former Principals of the School by presenting them a shawl and a memento each.
The First Lady presented a set of Encyclopedia Britannica to the School comprising 34 volumes. She also gave away certificates to the meritorious students of the School who had got positions in the various Board examinations in the past.
Earlier, on arrival at the School, the Governor and the First Lady were received by Ashok Khajuria, MLA, senior officers of the Education Department, prominent citizens of the locality, Principal, teachers, staff and students.
Ashok Khajuria, speaking on the occasion, announced a grant of Rs. 9,99,999 out of his Constituency Development Fund, as first installment, for construction of another hall in the School. He assured that the entire amount required for the completion of this hall would be provided by him out of his CDF.
In her welcome address, Sureshta Dogra, Principal of the School, dwelt on the achievements of the institution in the academic and extra-curricular arenas. She also threw light on the history and evolution of this School.
Ramesh Singh Slathia, Senior Lecturer, presented a Vote of Thanks.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena (RSS) today announced the formation of its executive body.
In a statement issued here today it said the national president Jai Bhagwan Goel has already nominated Kuldeep Luthra as chairman, Vipin Hindu as president and Ashwani Gupta as working president of the RSS.
These leaders today formed the executive body which besides Kuldeep Luthra, Vipin Hindu and Ashwani Gupta as chairman, included Shiv Kumar Sharma as Deputy Chairman, Vipin Hindu as president, Ashwani Gupta as working president, Vikas Dewan and Rakesh Kak as general secretaries, Ravi Verma as organizer, Rajinder Gupta as senior vice president, Ranjit Singh Bali, Ch. Nathpal, Darshan Devi, Surinder Mahajan, Puran Singh, Ashok Pandey, Pawan Gupta, Ashwani Gandotra, Dushant Basur and Sanjeev Kumar as vice presidents.
Rajan Gupta was nominated as president Yuva Sena, Vikrant Sharma as president Vikrant Sena, Rajesh Kumar Dutta and Sudhir Raina as press secretaries and Shyam Lal Gupta, Nitin Gupta, Rattan Sharma, Varun Gupta and Govind Ram Sharma as secretaries.
The Sena will strive for justice for West Pakistan refugees, fight for justice for the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions, fight against anti national and anti social elements, irrational hike in water and electricity tariff and protection of the temples of the Kashmir Valley by getting passed Shrines Protection Bill.

Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Apr 23: With a view to further strengthen marketing facilities for the farmers, Minister for Horticulture & Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today dedicated fruit and vegetable market to the locals at village Daskal.
The market has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.22 crore by the Horticulture (Planning & Marketing) Department, which is spread over a land of 20 kanals. The project comprises 2 numbers of auction platforms, 1 administrative block, 1 toilet block and other basic facilities for the business community.
MP Madan Lal Sharma, Vice Chairman, OBC Advisory Board, Master Kuldeep Verma, former MLA and senior Congress leader, Th. Shiv Dev Singh, Congress Block President, Ram Saran Bhagat, Director Planning & Marketing, Javed Ahmed Khan, Director Floriculture, K.K.Sharma, Director Horticulture, J.N.Sharma, were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Government was committed to provide marketing facilities to the farmers at their doorsteps. He said horticulture is the mainstay of state’s economy and all out efforts are being made to further boost this industry in the State.
Maintaining that Jammu division has great potential of horticulture and floriculture, he advised the farmers to switch over to cash crops like mangoes, Amla, Alo-vera, guava, lemon, strawberry and flowers instead of traditional crops, adding that these crops have great demand in the market. He said Government also provides attractive incentives for the promotion of horticulture and people should come in a big way to avail these benefits.
The Minister also allotted 38 numbers of shops to the deserving applicant through draw of lot. He said there is still a provision of another 45 shops which will be allotted in the second phase. He asked the traders to start the business activities immediately at the newly set up market.
He also handed over incentive cheques amounting to Rs. 13.32 lakh amongst the 306 progressive floriculture farmers on the occasion.
Madan Lal Sharma said that farmers of the area will be directly benefitted and local produce will be marketed in a systematic way. He asked the farmers to focus on the horticulture and floriculture activities to improve their economic.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: The State Government is contemplating to formulate a policy to ensure social and economic security to senior citizens, besides adoption of the Maintenance of Parents – Elders Act in the state, the Parliament Law in operation in other states of the country.
The proposed Policy would pave way for the protection of rights and dignity of the old aged parents and other senior citizens in the society and within the family, besides ensuring certain concession for them in the delivery of public services, including health, travelling and others. The policy would also enshrine the provision for establishment of Old Age Homes and day care centres on the pattern of centre.
The issues were dealt upon at a meeting of State Level Advisory Council for Senior Citizens (SLACSC) chaired by Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, who is also Vice- Chairperson of the Council and attended by the Council members from across the state, besides Government functionaries representing various departments and representatives of Non- Governmental Organisations and Welfare Associations working for the welfare of the old aged and destitute.
The Council was constituted by the Government some years back, with Chief Minister as its Chairman.
The meeting held threadbare discussions on the problems confronting the senior citizens, while the Council members and other participants gave various suggestions to ensure formulation of a comprehensive policy to meet the aspirations of the senior citizens and the protection of their rights and social security.
Addressing the meeting, the Minister said that the government was sincerely working for formulation of the Senior Citizen Policy, including the adoption of the Maintenance of Parents -Elders Act. She said that the Government has already issued instructions to every department, including, health, transport and other service providing departments to ensure that the senior citizens will get special care with certain concessions. She assured the Council members that the Government was keen to implement the laws for the protection of the dignity and rights of the senior citizens with a focus for their social security.