NEW DELHI, Apr 20:
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Gautam Gambhir today said he is ever ready to move to the No 3 position in the batting order if the situation demanded.
Gambhir, who did not open in the first two matches, went in to open the innings with Kiwi keeper-batsman Brendon McCullum in their win against Kings XI Punjab.
“KKR is not just my team it is all about 23 players. What I think is best eleven and is the best batting order on the day I implemented that,” Gambhir said on the sidelines of a promotional event here today.
“In the first two matches I thought I needed to go and bat at number three and after that there was a need to open the innings. I will again go back to number three if needed,” he added.
The former India vice-captain also defended flamboyant all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, who failed to click in any of the matches so far.
“Its just six matches by now, ten are left, I think Yusuf only needs one match to turn things around, I have full faith in him and all the 23 players,” he said.
“Yusuf is a hard-working batsman and he is working hard on the nets to get his flaws corrected,” he added.
Responding to a question on the packed schedule of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL), the southpaw downplayed it as the part and parcel of any profession.
“I am not alone who has this hectic schedule, in fact most professions people have hectic schedules. I indulge in massages given by team masseurs to relax and keep fit,” he said.
“We are professional cricketers and used to such packed schedules. Ya sometimes there are a bit of niggles and injury issues but that’s part of the sport,” he added. (UNI)
Ready to bat at No 3: Gambhir
Hamilton fastest in first Bahrain practice
MANAMA, Apr 20:
McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton set the pace in the first free practice session held at the Bahrain Formula One circuit for more than two years today.
Last year’s race at Sakhir was cancelled after a bloody crackdown on an anti-government uprising and human rights activists have called on the glamour sport to cancel the event again this year.
With tight security beyond the metal fences of the paddock, and few spectators in the stands, drivers got down to business on a circuit whose layout has been shortened since 2010 when fans witnessed a boring race with little overtaking.
Hamilton, the 2008 champion who is leading the standings after three successive third places, lapped with a best time of one minute 33.572 seconds.
Red Bull’s world champion Sebastian Vettel was second on the timing screens, 0.305 slower, with Force India’s British driver Paul Di Resta third.
Neither Hamilton, who started the first two races on pole position, nor Vettel have won a race yet this season with three different winners in the opening rounds.
Germany’s Nico Rosberg, who took his first win at the 111th attempt in China last weekend, was fourth fastest for his Mercedes team with McLaren’s Jenson Button fifth.
The Ferraris of Spaniard Fernando Alonso and Brazilian Felipe Massa were 13th and 15th respectively. (Agencies)
CM inaugurates new facilities in Jammu Club, hails management
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called for expansion of sports and social activities across the State for good health of the people in the present fast life. He said indoor game facilities coupled with library provided opportunity to people and reading and sports activities.
Speaking after inaugurating conference hall, library, party halls, billiard room and multi cuisine restaurant `The Olive’ at Jammu Club, which had been constructed at a cost of Rs 2.1 crore, Omar appreciated efforts of the Managing Committee and hoped it would continue endeavour for further development of the Club.
“No doubt Jammu Club was facing space crunch but the Managing Committee should make best and judicious use of current space available to them”, he asserted at a well- attended function of the Club.
The Chief Minister said the Government would extend support to the Club in future also if the Managing Committee continued its endeavour for development of the Club. He noted that the Jammu Club now has best infrastructure across the country.
He appreciated the efforts made by the managing committee in completing the construction projects in record time.
Highlighting importance of the Library, Omar said it was the best way to pull out the children from Television and Video games and “we should provide other options to them to enhance their sporting viz education skills”.
Referring to condition of the hall, he said the Managing Committee of the Club and the members associated with it should take steps for its face lifting.
Sudhanshu Pandey, Principal Secretary, PDD and vice president, Jammu Club, in his speech said for the past quite few years, Jammu Club was scaling new heights.
He hoped that the Management Committee and the members associated with the Club would continue with their endeavour and work for its further development to make it number one Club across the globe.
Earlier, Raman Samotra, Secretary, Jammu Club, presented the welcome address and mentioned that the month of April has been auspicious in the history of Jammu Club.
He said that Jammu Club building was inaugurated by former J&K Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on April 13 in the year 1978.
“The Squash Court, Swimming Pool and the Health Club complexes were inaugurated two years back by Omar Abdullah in the month of April and the project of Library, Conference Hall, Billiards Hall, Party Hall and the cuisine restaurant “The Olive”, have been dedicated to the members of the Club by Omar in the same month of April”, Mr Samotra added.
He further said that the total project has been completed at an approximate cost of Rs 2.10 crores against a projected and approved cost of Rs 2.07 crores in a total period of 18 months.
“For these projects, the Government has released an amount of Rs 50 lakh, with which this project was made possible”, Mr Samotra said, adding, an amount of Rs 1.27 crores has been collected from the members as development fund and the balance amount of Rs 33 lakh has been funded out of the fixed deposits available in the bank.
“With the addition of the new facilities and the demolition of the old library, which was obstructing the view of the rear lawn and always gave a very narrow look to the Club as a whole, the rear and the front lawns have been merged, which has given a beautiful and more spacious look to the club”, he added.
Mr Samotra said that now the members from different affiliated clubs in the country would visit the Club and surely feel proud after viewing the infrastructure and the facilities available in the Jammu Club, which were comparable with the best Clubs in the country.
He assured the Chief Minister that they will create world class facilities for the members in times to come and also expressed gratitude to the members of the club for their support in this project.
Sagar inspects functioning of panchayats
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: To assess implementation of empowerment of the Panchayati Raj representatives at the ground level, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohd Sagar today took stock of functioning of various panchayats of Jammu district.
The Minister was accompanied by Director Rural development Jammu, Shafiq Raina, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma, ADDC Jammu, Rehana Batool, Assistant Commissioner Development Jammu, K. Siddha, Executive Engineer RDD, Parvaiz Malik and other senior officers of various departments like PHE, PDD, Irrigation, PWD.
While interacting with panchayat representatives at Bhour camp and Makwal, the Minister directed the officers to ensure that the orders of empowering the Panchayat representatives are implemented in letter and spirit and action initiated against any officer showing any deviation from the same.
“Empowerment of Sarpanchs and Panchs will surely add to progress and prosperity of the state besides ensuring effective implementation of development programmes”, he added. He said that the present Government has ensured effective decentralization of powers to the ground level.
“We do not believe in rhetoric and selling false ideas and misleading the people but in sustained action coupled with effective implementation of development programmes. It is after decades that this revolutionary measure has been initiated whereby the people at grass root level have been involved in policy formulation and implementation”, Minister maintained
Mr Sagar directed the officers to involve Panches and Sarpanchs in implementation of various schemes and work in close coordination with them so that proper and area specific development is ensured.
The Minister also inspected the status of works undertaken under different schmes like MGNREGA,TSC etc and directed the officers to ensure the funds earmarked under these are utilized to the maximum and benefit percolates to the targeted populace.
The Minister, earlier, inspected the pace of work on the Panchayat Bhawan being constructed with an estimated cost of Rs. 1.48 cr with facilities like conference rooms, meeting halls as well as committee rooms.
Governor, CM for quality research initiatives
KU, JU to get Rs. 50 lakh each
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Governor N. N. Vohra and Omar Abdullah today decided to provide a seed capital of Rs. 50 lakh each to the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu for the promotion of research activities in both these institutions of higher learning.
The Governor and the Chief Minister announced this while addressing the University Council meeting of the Kashmir University at Raj Bhavan here today.
The Governor laid emphasis on high end research projects, particularly those having a bearing on the economic development of the State. He added that this would also enhance the employability of highly trained human resource which can also contribute in a big way towards securing the goal of making J&K a frontline developed State in the near future.
The Governor, who is Chancellor of the University, also laid emphasis on engendering greater linkages between the Universities and the colleges and schools so that the issue of deficiency of well qualified faculty in various subjects at the college and University levels could be progressively addressed by encouraging the brighter students to pursue higher studies and research, particularly in respect of those subjects in which there is a shortage of teachers.
The Governor observed that there is urgent need for enlarging the outreach of various skill upgradation and placement programmes like UDAAN so that maximum number of youth of the State could be benefited.
The Governor impressed upon the University authorities that a comprehensive Master Plan be got formulated for the infrastructure development of the University so that every new building and other facilities harmonize with the settings of the varsity.
The Chief Minister, while referring to the augmentation of hostel and other facilities for the students in the University, stressed for preparing projects for funding by various sources, including the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs to avail maximum benefits of the schemes available with them. He said that adequate provisions be ensured for water harvesting and use of solar energy in the upcoming hostels and other buildings in the University.
The Chief Minister said that employability aspects must be kept in view while introducing any new course. He added that high priority needs to be accorded to those courses which have higher employment potential in the existing and emerging job market scenario.
Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, in his comprehensive power point presentation, dwelt on the status of various ongoing research projects and those in the pipeline, achievements of the University in varied fields since the last meeting of the Council, status of the establishment of new satellite Campuses, etc.
Among other members of the University Council, the meeting was attended by Prof. M. P. S. Ishar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; R. P. Aggarwal, formerly Secretary, Union Ministry of Human Resource Development; Prof. Jayati Ghosh from JNU; M. I. Khandey, Principal Secretary, Finance; Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Tanveer Jehan, Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education and Prof. Syed Fayyaz Ahmad, Registrar, University of Kashmir.
Petroleum dealers to go on strike on Apr 23
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: All J&K Petroleum Dealers Association has decided to go on one-day token strike against the Central Government’s policy for not raising the commissions and not doing anything to stop randomly opening of filling stations across the State.
This was disclosed by Anan Sharma, president of the association during a press conference here this afternoon.
He said that the All India Petroleum Federation had constituted a committee and submitted their demands to the Central government, which have not yet been implemented in toto.
He said the demands submitted to the Centre included raise in the commissions besides resentment for not doing anything to stop opening of filling stations without following the norms mentioned in the rule book.
“We will observe one-day strike on April 23 to press Government to consider their demands but if by or before the date their demands will not be addressed then from April 30 the petroleum dealers would go on indefinite strike and for the un-convenience to the people, the government will be responsible”, he added.
Among others present were Sanjay Mahajan, Rahul Gupta, Vijay Saraf, Roshan Lal, Narinder Gupta, BN Dhar and Mohan Singh, executive members of the association.
Meanwhile, Kashmir Valley Petroleum Dealers Association (KVPDA) has extended its support to the one day strike called by the Federation of All India Petroleum Traders on April 23 against the revision of dealers commission.
In a joint statement, the office bearers of KVPDA said that the issues taken up by the federation such as revision of marketing discipline guidelines and mushrooming of retail outlets are burning and need to be solved at the earliest
Taj reviews Nagrota water supply schemes
Rana provides 2 tankers from CDF
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-Din today reviewed the availability of drinking water and status of water supply schemes in Nagrota constituency in a meeting which was attended by Political Advisor to Chief Minister and MLC, Devender Singh Rana.
Describing Nagrota constituency as a water scarcity zone, the Minister Taj Mohi-ud-Din said Government has put special focus on kandi areas in providing drinking water to people. He directed putting to use DTH rig for boring in kandi areas for well digging, adding two such rigs are being procured by the PHE Department for the purpose soon.
The Minister directed the engineers to put Chibba, Patta, Bhagani Ghorda, Pathi Prade, Ranjan, Pud, Tung, Rabta, Dhanu, Showa, Sarote, BadsooKorga, Marh-Drabi, Bamyal- Gondla, Khetrian-Bantlab, Chapad-Sandrote, Panjgrian, Bain-Bajalta, Shdira Phase I and Kangrail Phase I schemes on fast track so that people get the benefits by their early completion.
The meeting also decided to take up execution of water supply schemes at Sanoo, Manwal, Aithem, Nadore, Chadali, Ringer Pathwar, Jib, Meghan Kullian, Panwali and improvement to existing system of Kana Chadgal scheme on priority. It also decided to explore the possibilities of dug wells/tube wells at Sandhi, Chibba, Tada, Ratti Sarote, Simble Khad and Dhanu, Tanda, Sanarkha, Kameeni, Ghambeer ST Basti and other SC/ST villages of Surinsar and adjoining areas of the constituency.
The Minister directed the engineers to undertake cleaning and augmentation of existing dug wells to regulate the water flow.
The Minister also sanctioned construction of ten water tanks at Khanpur, Sandoori, Mela, Jagti, Sarah Gujjar Basti Pargalta, Jari- Jagti, Busstand Khrota and Majheen and procurement of 100 water tanks of 5000 to 50000 liters capacity for the area.
Mr. Rana requested the Minister to pay special attention to the problems of his area. He volunteered to donate two water supply tankers out of his Constituency Development Fund for the benefit of the people of Nagrota. He asked the Chief Engineer, PHE, Jammu to immediately complete the formalities in this regard.
We continue to be in BJP, says Gupta
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: The seven rebel BJP MLAs who were disqualified by the Party High Command for cross voting episode last year said they continue in the Party and Prof Chaman Lal Gupta was still the leader of Legislative Party. However this was turned down by the party which held its Core Group meeting here today.
Talking to reporters here today the rebel BJP MLAs headed by former Union MoS. Prof Chaman Lal Gupta alleged that the cross voting episode was part of a design to weaken the nationalist voice of this State, more so, that of Jammu. But maintained that there is no change in their ideology and approach.
“As for as our status is concerned, the verdict of the Speaker is very clear that we continue to be the part and parcel ofthe BJP” and I am the leader of the Party in Assembly”, said Prof Gupta.
He said they firmly strand to the verdict of the electorates and would continue to strive for solution of the problems and removal of sufferings of the poorpeople as also those who are being discriminated against for various reasons by the Government.
“It is our firm belief that to bring to an end to the so-called Kashmir problem, all the barriers between this State and the rest of India should be demolished and there should be free flow of the Indian Constitution like other part of the country” said Prof Gupta.
He said the steps should be taken to bring the regional disparities to an end, which are the outcome of communal and regional bias of the men in power over the years. In this regard our stand had always been that there should be Regional Councils with statutory powers.
To remove the regional imbalances the first and the foremost step requires the proper delimitation of the Assembly Constituencies which have been denied by putting an embargo that there would be no delimitation till 2026, although there is no such bar in other parts of the country, said Prof Gupta. This embargo is also depriving the due political reservation to the Scheduled Tribes of the State, he added.
Alleging discrepancies in electoral rolls, he said they are not only faulty but also full of howlers and contradictions. Even the Photo Identity Cards issued by the Election Commission of India are loaded with mistakes and contradictions. The names of electorates written in English do not tally with those written in Urdu. All these needed a probe to identify the hands behind all this wrong.
There are numerous other problems, which need rectification and measures for their solutions. These also include those of the unemployed youth, refugees from West Pakistan, migrant from POK and displaced persons from within the State as also many other sections of the society.
However BJP national leader R P Singh who was here to attend the Party’s Core Group meeting said that BJP’s stand regarding the seven MLAs is clear and there is no shift in that. He denied that these MLAs are part of BJP saying had they been in Party they would have never said that “we continue to be in BJP”.
Others present in the press conference included Master Lal Chand, Jagdish Raj Sapolia, Durga Dass, Prof Garu Ram, Baldev Raj Sharma and Bharat Bhushan.
Jammu Varsity organises Placement Preparation Workshop
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: One day Placement Preparation Workshop was organised by Office of Dean Students Placement and The Business School (TBS) in association with Randstad India Limited, Chennai for the MBA and MBA-IB students.
The workshop was conducted and facilitated by Nelson Victor Jacob an ‘Integrated Trainer’ with over 20 years of training experience to his credit. He runs Management Development Programmes for the corporate working at different management levels.
He specializes in American and British history, culture and communication. He is an Integrated Trainer handling English grammar, written and spoken English, Voice and Accent training, customer relations, soft skills, corporate communication.
The workshop was jointly During the workshop training was imparted in areas on: self development, resume writing, industry orientation, communication skills, with special focus on personal introduction and interview skills and group discussions.
Later, Nelson conducted mock interviews and also engaged students in self development activities to brush up their self-confidence and infuse assertiveness and develop a positive attitude.
Through the sessions, Nelson emphasised upon seeking effective communication through Voice and Accent training ,voice modulation, Grammar, and Spoken English. He trained students on resume writing and discussed various components of resume like objectives, paper presentations, additional qualification etc.
He highlighted the importance of team- building, professional strengths, competence and contributions, work- life balance activities, spirituality, which make people competent, compatible, responsible and accountable. In his closing session, he engaged students in open group discussion seeking extensive self introspection and feedback for holistic analysis.
Earlier, Dr Sameer Gupta Coordinator Placements at the Business school presented the welcome address whereas the concluding remarks were presented by Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Students Placement and Director, The Business School.
She expressed satisfaction over the placement and summer training initiatives undertaken at The Business School. Prof Rohmetra informed that majority of the MBA students at the Business school and a good number at the campuses have been placed with companies like HDFC Bank, ITC Limited, Waterhealth, Yes Bank, HDFC Life, ARCHELONS Consulting, Human Biosciences, Doetsehe Bank, J&K Bank, ICICI etc.
Jollywood gets boost; Music CD of latest Dogri film ‘Reet’ released
Declare film making as industry
Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Apr 20: The regional cinema can only take roots in the State when filmmaking is declared as industry in J&K, and the State Government gives incentives to local film makers on the lines of policies followed by other states of the country, said Shabir Mujahid, Director Doordarshan Jammu.
He was speaking in the function held to launch the music CD of forthcoming Dogri film ‘Reet’, here today.
The gala function was presided over by Surjit Singh Slathia, Minister for Industries who praised the efforts of the entire team in making a film in Dogri. He said Dogri films can go a long way in re-connecting the younger generations with their roots and culture. He promised to talk to the Finance Minster for extending tax exemptions to the film.
Produced and directed by well-known actor and media personality Pankaj Khjauria, under the banner of Navrudra Productions, ‘Reet’ is totally an indigenously made film in which all the actors and technical crew hails from Jammu.
Speaking to Excelsior, Pankaj Khajuria, who is also the main lead of the film, said that ‘Reet’ is the story of love that is betrayed by customs.
He said that the Dogri film, which is getting final touches, would be released in June 2012, in Jammu. He hoped that the film packed with human emotions and by lilting music will be liked and appreciated by the audience and encourage him and others to making films in mother tongue Dogri.
The film ‘Reet’ which comes on the heels of films like Maa Ni Mildi’, ‘Lakeer’ and ‘Kuggi Maar Duari’, is being seen as a boost for the regional cinema and the miniscule local film industry popular by called as Jollywood.
The highlight of today’s function was showing of the promo of the film and live recital of the songs of ‘Reet’ by film’s playback singers like Suresh Chowhan and Surpal. On the occasion, film’s music director Arvind recited the song, which has been originally sung by Kamaal Hassan—of Bollywood fame for ‘Ishaq Mera Sufiana’.
The film ‘Reet’ has been written by Rajneesh Gupta, while other members of the team include cameraman, Rajesh Khajuria, editor (-) Taranjit Singh Saini, lyrics—Bishan Singh Dardi, Pankaj Khajuria, Rajneesh Gupta and Arvind, singers—Kamaal Khan, Lovely Chandra, Suresh Chowhan and Surpal, make-up Meenu Komal, art director Amarjeet Singh and production designer Akhil Gupta.
The members of the cast present on the occasion included female actor in lead role Riddhima Singh, R S Bali, Madan Rangeela, Janak Khajuria, J R Sagar, Santosh Sangra, Kusum Tikku, Shammi Malhotra, R K Bhat, Subhash Jamwal, Opinder Upadhyay, Harbans, Khabri Lal and Mohan Singh,
Other than the cast, and technical crew of the film, number of filmmakers, actors, media personalities and members of the civil society were also present in the function.