Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 18:The elite poets, writers, scholars of Dogri and other languages assembled at the K L Saigal Hall, here today, to meet and interact with Padma Sachdev, the well-known poetess and flag bearer and ambassador of her mother tongue in the national capital as well as in foreign countries.
Organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the highlight of literary program held in the honour of Padma Sachdev, who has been the face of Dogri outside the State, was the recital of her latest poems by of the poetess.
An author of 16 books-eight anthologies of Dogri poetry and eight books in Hindi, Padama Sachdev who celebrated her 72nd birthday in the winter capital yesterday, has been honoured by Varda University, Gujarat, where a table has been marked on her name.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Lalit Magotra said that the foundation of Dogri cultural Renaissance was laid in 1944 by Ram Nath Shashtri, B P Sathe, D C Prashant, Pandit Sansar Chand Baru, Dinu Bhai Pant and others but it was due to the poetic genius and diehard lovers of the language like Padama Sachdev that a strong edifice of modern Dogri was established.
Padamshree Nilamber Dev Sharma, in his address said like at one time India was known by two eminent women such as Indira Gandhi and Lata Mangeshkar, the Dogri language also became synonymous with Padma Sachdev’s poetry for the people outside the State.
Padamshree Jatinder Udhampuri, the chief guest of the function, also highlighted her literary contributions.
Others present on the occasion also included eminent personalities like Prof Ved Ghai, Prof Champa Sharma, Om Goswami, Darshan Darshi, Gyaneshwar, Suman K Sharma, Prof Shahsi Pathania, Prof Archan Kesar and Mohan Singh.
Earlier Savita Bakshi, additional secretary, J&K Cultural Academy welcomed the guests. The program was conducted by Brij Mohan.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 18: The daily wagers of Power Development Department (PDD) have impressed upon the State Government to expedite the process of their regularization. The daily wagers alleged that Government has failed to fulfill its commitment of regularization despite the agreement reached out in February this year.
In a statement, a spokesman of the Daily Wagers Union said that an agreement was reached out on February 8 according to which Government had in principle agreed to regularize the services of PDD daily wagers. He said despite the lapse of more than two months no formal order has been issued for their regularization.
The spokesman said that the daily wagers don’t want the retirement age to be enhanced to 60 years, adding that the employee leaders have exploited the emotions of the daily wagers. He said the daily wagers can easily distinguish between a friend and an enemy.

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Apr 18: Appreciating the efforts of the employees of Health Department for making Jammu and Kashmir number one in the primary healthcare in the country, the Minister for Health, Horticulture & Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today exhorted upon the functionaries of the department to put in sincere efforts in achieving the new goals in healthcare.
Addressing the doctors and para-medics at an impressive function organized by the J&K Medical Employees Federation of district Udhampur today, the Minister said that securing the distinguished position was an honour for each employee of the Health Department and it became possible only with their hard work and sincere efforts.
The Minister said Government is committed to solve the genuine demands of the employees serving in the Health Department at all level. He said that adequate reforms have been made in promotion rules so that employees could be benefited as per their seniority. The Minister asked the Department to prepare seniority lists and circulate it at different quarters.
To improve the medicare facilities in the district, the Minister said that the Trauma Hospital would be made functional soon. He said vacant posts under National Rural Health Mission would be filled to extend the best healthcare facilities in the rural areas. For the purpose, he directed Chief Medical Officer Udhampur to initiate the process for the engagement of doctors on priority basis. He also assured for filling up of all other 200 posts which are presently lying vacant in the district for smooth functioning the health institutions.
Expressing concern over the illegal practice of pre-natal sex determination, resulting in the decreasing trend of girl child in the country, the Minister said that legislation alone could not solve the problem. He said what was needed was change of mindset of the general public including the medical community. He exhorted upon the medical fraternity to come forward and create greater awareness among the common masses about the gender equality through advocacy and communication programmes.
District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, P.K. Pole, Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr. Madhu Khullar, Director Family Welfare, Director, Horticulture, Director, Floriculture, Chief Medical Officer, Provisional President J&K Medical Employees Federation(JKMEF), Sushil Sudan, President JKMEF, Udhampur, Sham Lal Prasher, all Block Medical Officers, staff and ASHA Workers of the district were present on the occasion.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 18: BJP State Chief Spokesperson Dr Jitendra Singh has accused Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) of creating an avoidable controversy over the duration of Yatra and giving out the impression that SASB is inclined to disturb peace in the region by raking up a conflict at the behest of National Conference led coalition Government in the State.
Dr Singh pointed out to Contradictions in the report submitted by sub-committee of the SASB regarding duration and schedule of yatra and said that on page no. 18 of the report, while para 40 (ii) recommends 25 June 2012 as the date for commencement of yatra on the plea that it is an auspicious day, the very next paragraph that is para 40 (iii) refers to possibility of beginning the yatra from 17 June 2012 which is also, according to it, an auspicious day.
Dr Jitendra Singh alleged that the tone and tenor of Sub-Committee report gives the impression that its membners are themselves not sure or convinced about what they are recommending and have simply played with words and phrases to accommodate the priorities and viewpoint SASB.
In para 40 (i), the Sub-Committee report itself admits that Shri Amarnath Yatra is to commence on “Jyeshta Purnima” but goes on to add that if this is not feasible due to climatic factors, Pooja is to be held at any other suitable place in the yatra area, pointed out Dr Jitendra Singh and said that better could have been if instead the sub-committee had suggested faster snow-clearing and track clearance for early start of Yatra.
He said that the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), which has been assigned the task of snow clearing, is inadequately equipped for it and asked if the Shrine Board is honest about it, what prevents it from engaging professional services of a specialized agency.
Dr. Jitendra Singh quoted scientific references from Geology books to emphasize the point that May to September is congenial weather enroute Amarnath Shrine and said the yatra could be made operative for longer period with provision of weather forecasts from time to time.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 18: The PHE workers have decided to go on ‘Kaam Chhor Hartal’ for 24 hours on April 20 in Jammu region.
Provincial president PHE Workers Welfare Association, Bakshi Singh and general secretary Subhash Verma, said that the agitation of the PHE employees which was started three months back has now reached the final phase. They said according to the proposed programme, the field/ operational workers of PHE department shall observe 24-hour strike from April 20, 2012. The employees will abandon their work from early morning and the strike will continue till April 21.
Mr Verma alleged that the rigid attitude of the Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Taj Mohiuddin, has forced the employees to intensify the agitation. He said the employees are protesting for the last over three months but it is unfortunate that the authorities concerned have remained unconcerned about the burning issues of the workers. He claimed that strike of the PHE workers would continue till the redressal of their demands. Mr Verma said the team of the Association visited many PHE offices/ pumping stations to mobilize the workers and seek over whelming support for the proposed strike programme.
Senior trade union leader and provincial president of the Association, Bakshi Singh appealed the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene into the matter so that the imminent confrontation between the State Government and the PHE workers is avoided. He also appealed the workers of the department to observe complete strike on April 20. He said sufficient time has been given to the Government but it has totally ignored the concern of the workers.
Meanwhile, PHE Department Drivers, Cleaners Union in a meeting held here today has supported the demands of the PHE workers regarding enhancement of wages and regularization. The Union urged upon the the Minister for PHE, I&FC to consider their genuine and justified demands.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 18: The historic Mubarak Mandi, especially the newly renovated Foreign and Military Office Complex, came alive with an assembly of the tribe of contemporary painters who will be giving shape to their creative works in the background of Dogra Heritage, here, for seven days.
The artists from different parts of the country are participating in the ‘All India Painters’ Heritage Camp’, which has been organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, on the occasion of World Heritage Day.
Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister of State, Tourism and Culture who inaugurated 7 day long All India Heritage Painting camp, in his address listed some of the measures being taken by the tourism department for protection and preservation of Mubarak Mandi and other heritage sites in the State. He said this heritage site is being renovated to bring it to its pristine glory and making it a star attraction for the visiting pilgrims and tourist.
In his welcome address Atal Dulloo, Commissioner/ Secretary, Tourism and Culture, said that the aim of holding such a camp in the heritage site is to create awareness among the people about the importance of heritage sites, its preservation and protection so that the posterity knows the values of the society prevalent that time.
The artists who are participating in the camp are Manoon Nomani, Delhi, Raghu Naware, Maharahtra, Sankari Mitra, Delhi, Amit Harit, Rajasthan, Neraj Bakshi, Delhi, Him Chaterjee, Himchal Pradesh, Subhash Anand, K K Gandhi, Vijay Saraf, Rohit Verma-Jammu, Rajinder Patwari, UP, Rajan Fullari, Goa, Arshad Sualeh, Noushad Gayoor, Mohd Yusuf Bacha and Mohd Yousf Naqishbandi -Kashmir.
Talking to EXCELSIOR, Sankari Mitra from Delhi, said that it was unique experience for her to work in such a heritage environs.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 18: The 106th birth anniversary of Shaivachariya Ishwar Swaroop Swami Lakshman Joo Maharaj, the last doyen of Kashmiri Shaivism, was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety today.
The main function was held at Ishwar Ashram Bhawan, at Mahinder Nagar, Canal Road, here and a large number of devotees drawn from different parts of the State participated in the function.
The function started with flag hoisting in the morning, which was followed by the recitation of Gurustuti, Guru Vandna and presentation of Shrada Suman by the devotees. A CD containing Kashmiri explanation of the Abhinavgupta’s Tantraloka was released on this occasion by Dr Jagir Singh Ji, a well known scholar of Kashmiri Shaivism and Professor of Sanskrit in Jammu University.
Prashad was served to the devotees who had thronged to the Ashram to seek the blessings of Ishwar Swaroop considered to be the reincarnation of the greatest Shiva Scholar Abhinavgupta. Swami Lakshman Joo was instrumental in preaching the Kashmiri Shaivism not only in India but throughout the globe.
The function was also held at Ashram centers at Ishber Nishat, Srinagar Kashmir, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, Navi Mumbai and California (USA).
The function culminated with Bhajan Sandhya in which Ravi Bhan, Rajat and Rajeev participated.
The birth anniversary of Swami Lakshman Joo was also celebrated with traditional fervour at Pushpati Mandir Sarwal here. The function started with recitation of Guru Stuti , Kalika Stotram and Mahimna Satotram. It culminated with chanting of Guru Aarti. A large number of devotees attended the function.
The Prashad was served in the afternoon and in the evening Sandhya Pooja was offered to Swami Ji. The auspicious occasion was marked by the divinity of Swami Ji Maharaj which had the flavour of celestial presence of gods.

Excelsior Correspondent
MUMBAI, Apr 18: The Board of Directors of HDFC Bank Limited approved the annual audited (Indian GAAP) accounts for the year ended March 31, 2012 at their meeting held here today.
The Bank’s total income for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was Rs 8,880.0 crore, an increase of 32.1% over Rs 6,724.3 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. Net revenues (net interest income plus other income) was at Rs 4,880.3 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 as against Rs 4,095.2 crore for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Net interest income (interest earned less interest expended) for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, grew by 19.3% to Rs 3,388.3 crore as against Rs 2,839.5 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. This was driven by loan growth of 22.2% and a core net interest margin for the quarter of 4.2%.
The HDFC handout added that other income (non interest revenue) for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was Rs 1,492.0 crore up by 18.8% over that in the corresponding quarter ended March 31, 2011. The main contributor to other income for the quarter was fees and commissions of Rs 1,237.3 crore, up by 23.7% over Rs 1,000.6 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The other two components of other income were foreign exchange and derivatives revenue of Rs 325.2 crore.
Operating expenses for the quarter wre Rs 1,247.1 crore, an increase of 23.5% over Rs 1,998.4 crore during the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The Bank’s branch distribution network expanded by 558 branches in 403 new cities during the year resulting in a core cost-to-income ratio for the quarter at 49.8% as against 48.9% for the corresponding quarter ended March 31, 2012.
For the year ended March 31, 2012, the Bank earned total income of Rs 32,530 crore. Net revenues for the year were Rs 17540.5 crore, up by 19.2% Rs 14,878.3 crore for the corresponding previous year. Bank’s net profit for the year ended March 31, 2012 was Rs 5,167.1 crore, up by 31.6% over the year ended March 31, 2011. Consolidated net profit for the Bank increased by 31.4% to Rs 5,247 crore for the year ended March 31, 2012.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 18: Kashmiri Hindu Conference (KHC) today warned the Government against its any hidden agenda on return move and said that it can’t hoodwink the community on the issue.
Addressing a meeting here today KHC chief, M L Thusoo, said mere enhancement of compensation for construction of house under PM’s package is not the only issue and the main issue is the political solution to the mass exodus problem.
Mr Thusoo said until and unless the primary issue is dealt with in a scientific approach the secondary issue is meaningless as the lasting stay of the community in the Valley with honour and dignity depends upon some remedial measures, which the Government is overlooking. The Government is diverting the attention from the main issue by liberal monitorial concessions, he added.
Convener, KPC, P L Koul Budgami, said the KPs may not choose to live in a geo-political set up which is woven in a particular theological matrix. Since the majority community of Valley does not prefer to live in co-existence with the minority hence only lip sympathy with the community will not work. The political solution to the KPs problems is the only option to the Pandits return to Valley, he added.
K L Ganjoo, A K Sadhu, M L Daftri and others also spoke on the occasion.