Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 12: Governor N. N. Vohra, inaugurated a Dormitory Complex at Neha Ghar, Kachi Chawani here this evening. Built at a cost of ` 7 lakh, double-storey Dormitory Complex has a capacity to accommodate 15 beds in each floor. The funds for the purpose had been provided by Dr. Kapila Vatsayayan, M.P. (Rajya Sabha) out of her MPLAD scheme. The Neha Ghar is a short stay – home, being run by the Association for Social Health in India (ASHI), J&K Chapter, for women and children in distress.

Usha Vohra, First Lady, who is the President, ASHI, J&K Chapter, was present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor lauded the functionaries and members of ASHI for their devotion and dedication in serving those who are in distress. Emphasizing the need for effective implementation of the schemes aimed at securing the welfare of the less-privileged sections of the society, he underlined the vital role being played by the NGOs in supplementing the Government initiatives taken in this behalf.

Referring to the need for upgrading the essential facilities at the Neha Ghar, the Governor announced a support of ` 5 lakh and observed that everything possible should be done to provide computers and other requirements of the young students who are inmates of the Neha Ghar.

The Governor said that Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, who was present on the occasion, has agreed to provide suitable support for the Neha Ghar.

The First Lady said that it is the obligation of one and all in the society to help those who are not as fortunate as we are. She complimented the functionaries of ASHI for working with a missionary zeal to bring betterment in the lives of the inmates of the Neha Ghar and engendering a hopeful future for them

Earlier, the Governor and the First Lady lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the commencement of the inaugural function. The Governor inaugurated the Complex by unveiling the plaque.

The Governor and the First Lady went around the Dormitory Complex and interacted with the inmates of the Neha Ghar and Apna Ghar.

The Governor presented Awards to eight inmates of the Neha Ghar and Apna Ghar, and functionaries of ASHI.

Sushma Choudhary, Vice President, ASHI, thanked the Governor and the First Lady for taking keen interest in the functioning of ASHI and its activities aimed at the welfare and rehabilitation of the women and children in distress.

Prof. Kailash Rajput, Secretary, ASHI, speaking on the occasion, gave details of the activities of the Organization and the facilities being provided to the inmates at Neha Ghar.

Seema Khajooria Shekhar, Joint Secretary, ASHI, presented a vote of thanks, while Prof. Indira Rathore, member, ASHI, gave the welcome Address on this occasion.

Nasreen Khan also spoke on the occasion.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 12: Organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the classical dance recital featuring Mumbai based invited Odissi danseuse and local talented Kathak artistes, was held at the Abhinav Theatre, here today. Raman Bhalla, Minster for Revenue and Rehabilitation, was the chief guest of the program, which started with Kathak dance by Virasha and Diksha, the students of local Kathak maestro Pandit Naryan Prashad who is one of the few committed teachers of Kathak in Jammu. His students among other items also presented a composition based Arjuna-Krishna Samvad. The musicians who gave accompaniment included Neeraj Verma on Tabla, Ramesh Parmar on Harmonium and Tarana and Victor Sotra on flute.

The next item was by Priya Dutta, the young Kathak dancer who is also heading the Department of Kathak, Institute of Music and Fine Arts, University of Jammu. She gave an impressive performance of the classical dance in which she presented Vishnu Vandana, Ganesh Stuti, Tatkar, Tore, Paran, Tukde, Gat Bhav, Chhotka Tora in Drut Lai.

Daughter of the soil, Priya Dutta had her initial training under Ram Mohan Mishra and Jaikrishan. Later she did masters in Kathak from Punjab University. A recipient of best dancer award and robe of honour, she also got Government of India scholarship. She was accompanied by Purshotam Kumar on Tabla, Raj Kumar Behrupia on Harmonium and Tarana and Mayank Raina on Sitar.

The third item of the program presented and choreographed by Priya Dutta and her students Titled ‘Samarthan’, based on Sringara Rasa was highly appreciated for the poetic rendering of the emotions and movements. The other dancers participating in the item included Priya Khajuria, Bhavna Sharma, Romila Basant, Vandana Bhagat, Swati Sharma and Shabnam.

The Odissi recital by Raminder Khurana from Mumbai, was the highlight of the program as it brought before the audience one of the ancient dance forms of the country. The classical dance form of Orissa had its origin in temples of east India and was performed by Devdasis.

Raminder Khurana studied B Com and Law and had training from Guru Kalucharan Mohapatra and Natvar Maharana. Her first presentation was based on two ‘rupas’ of Durga, the Saraswati and Mahishasuramardani. Her second item titled Pallavi was based on Raga Hansadhavni.

The program exclusively showcasing the classical dances, the cultural legacy from ancient times, was highly appreciated by the audience, which largely comprised of the students and members of the civil society.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 12: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Mr.Raman Bhalla on Monday laid foundation stone of ` 25 lakh double-storey Multipurpose Community Hall at Bhour Kullian.

Interacting with the people, Mr. Bhalla said the project would be completed by September this year with the facilities of kitchen, toilet and lawn. He said on the completion of Multipurpose Community Hall, the people, particularly poor lot of Bhour Kullian, Bhour Camp, Bhour Pind and Bhour Kothey would be able to arrange religious as well as social functions on nominal fee.

He asked the accompanied RDD Engineers to use quality material, adding that the Government has resolved to develop durable assets across the State.

The Minister asked the officers to cancel the allotment of those contractors who have not completed the works within prescribed time frame and allot fresh one so that the ongoing projects could be dedicated to the people well in time for their use.

He said there would be no comprise on the quality and delay in the completion of projects, adding that Government was committed to provide all infrastructural facilities to the people without any hindrances.

Listing the projects taken up in the locality and its adjoining areas, Mr. Bhalla said ` 4.77 crore have been allocated for construction of two Primary Health Centres (PHCs), one each at Lower Gaddigarh and another at Bhour Camp, adding that the hospitals nearing completion, would be dedicated to the people soon with all latest healthcare facilities at par with Gandhi Nagar hospital.

To ease rush at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital in Shalimar, the Minister said a 6-storey maternity hospital, costing ` 100 crore, is being constructed at the available land near Government Gandhi Nagar hospital, adding that the project would be completed by next year.

Mr. Bhalla said Government has earmarked ` 50 lakh under State Plan for construction of cremation ground at Bhour Kullian, adding that the project is under progress. He said the cremation ground would be completed with the facilities of cremation shed, waiting shed with benches, bathing ghat (Tootian) for ladies and gents, drinking water storage reservoir, approach road besides boundary wall.

Responding to the locals demands, the Minister announced ` 8 lakh for construction of lanes and drains near Kabir temple in Bhour Kullian. He asked the executing agency to complete the project within stipulated time frame.

Regarding construction of left out lanes and drains at Bhour Camp Bhour Kullian, Bhour Camp, Mr. Bhalla said a plan of ` 1.80 crore for upgradation and construction of all the lanes, drains and nallah was already under execution and ` 22 lakh have already been released for early start of upgradation work on seven lanes including drains.