‘Abhinandan Granth’ on renowned journalist Anand

Released by the Punjabi Sahit Akademi

Dr Rajnish Bahadur 

LUDHIANA,March 4,2013:(Rector Kathuria):An ‘Abhinandan Granth’ on renowned literateur, journalist, public figure and a thinker, S. Jagjit Singh Anand was released by the Punjabi Sahit Akademi(PSA), Ludhiana today. The first copy of the treatise was presented by the PSA President Gurbhajan Singh Gill and others including the NRI from America S. Roop Singh Roopa, PSA Senior Vice President, Dr Anup Singh Batala, Secretary Dr Gulzar Singh Pandher, Surinder Kailley, Members Er Janmeja Johl, Sukhdev Singh Premi and Manjinder Singh Dhanoa. S. Anand could not reach the PSA function to receive the publication, due to his indisposition. 
Dr Rajnish Bahadur Singh, the editor of the treatise, Mrs Urmila Anand wife of S. Anand, The Trustee of Nawan Zamana paper Jass Mand and S. Sukeerat Anand, son of S. Anand were also present. 

The function was presided over by Dr S.S.Johl, Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, while the Mayor of City of Ludhiana, S. H.S. Gohlwarhia, was the Guest of Honour. S. Roop Singh Roopa, Gurbhajan Gill and Gulzar Pandher were prominent among others who were present on the occasion. 
‘The factual information comprised in the treatise throws light on the multifarious aspects of the personality of S. Anand’, said Gurbhajan Gill, adding that the future generations would derive inspiration from the life and works of S. Anand. He declared that an Award in the name of S. Jagjit Singh Anand will be given every year by the PSA for which S. Roop Singh Roopa has provided sponsorship.Mr.Gohlwarhia and Dr Johl described S. Anand as a Yugpursh who always stood boldly for the righteous cause. Dr Sukhdev Singh Sirsa highlighted the nation-wide stature of S. Anand saying that he impressed people with his straightforwardness and bold voice even in the difficult times. 
S. Rajneesh Bahadur Singh said that he felt honoured in writing the Treatise that he said provided him opportunity to know the great personality, S. Jagjit Singh Anand. (photos by Rector Kathuria)

5 days ultimatum for removal of property tax

Aam Aadmi Party staged a Dharna Rector Kathuria and SK Gogna

The Aam Aadmi party members today  outside the Corporation office and met  Municipal Commissioner Mr. Rakesh Verma to protest against the levying of the new property tax and have submitted an ultimatum of 5 days for removal of the tax in the district. The citizens of Ludhiana gathered in large numbers to support the Aam Aadmi party protest against 

Property tax.    

According to the District Secretary of Aam Aadmi Party Mr. Balbir Aggarwal, “The administration instead of focusing on providing better basic amenities to the people, is focusing on thinking up new means of imposing taxes and newer ways of corruption. Projects like removing encroachments from city roads and providing proper sanitation and good roads should be the priority of the local administration and not the desire to find new ways to burdenthe common man”.

Aam Aadmi members had a long meeting with the officials of the Corporation including the Municipal Commissioner in which they provided proofs of how public money was being pilfered and if the government stopped all that corruption it would have no need to impose new taxes on the Citizens of Ludhiana.

Aam Aadmi party members including District Convenor Mr. Harjot Singh, Mr. Balbir Aggarwal, Mr. Gulshan Kumar, Mr. Suresh Aggarwal, Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Mr. Mohit Mittal, Mr. Raman, Mr. Manjeet Singh, Mr. Ravinder Singh, Mr. Kanav Vats, Mr. Ajay Mittal and Mr. Raghuveer Singh thanked the people of Ludhiana for wholeheartedly supporting the protest against Property tax.

The Party Spokesman Dr. S. S. Butter informed that the party volunteers will be setting up awareness camps in most areas of the city to make people aware about this new tax and also launch an extensive signature campaign against it starting from tomorrow to try and force the District Administration to revoke its decision.

Imposition of Property Tax

An open debate on violence against women at Ldh

Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 11:26 AM
A bill must be passed in parliament at earliest
such crimes are generally committed by the well connected people

LUDHIANA, 21 December 2012:A comprehensive strategy has to be evolved through administrative, socio political and judicial measures to combat the inhuman menace of violence against women. This was the consensus arrived at after open debate on violence against women organized by the All India Working Women Forum (AITUC), Punjab Istri Sabha and Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha Ludhiana today at Shaheed Karnail Singh Isru Bhawan Ludhiana. Dr Narjit Kaur –Convener of the forum said that it was heartbreaking and sobering to read the morning papers and realise how low we have fallen as a society and as human beings. A group of drunk middle aged men raped a young physiotherapist and brutally assaulted her and her boyfriend. Even if the girl survives her physical injuries, the mental scars she bears may not be erased for a lifetime. What sort of wicked and depraved men they must be to so casually and easily rob the joy and health of a harmless young girl at the threshold of womanhood and life and reduce her and her family to utter despair?

Mrs.Gurcharan Kochar – President Punjab Istri Sabha Ludhiana cautioned that it brings us to the urgent question of what needs to be done to prevent more of our daughters being deprived of their happiness, esteem, health and often, their lives. To act strongly and firmly. The female foeticide, honour killings and discrimination against the girl child are a reflection of  gender bias prevailing in the society. This needs to be condemned  and corrected.

Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha said that such crimes are generally committed by the well connected people who feel that they will go scot free after committing the crime. The economic gaps which have increased in the last about two decades have further marginalized the already deprived section of the society who have become more vulnerable to violence.

The meeting proposed following measures to meet the situation.

1.      All concerned men and women holding any position of authority and whose voice can be heard  by many, should publicly express their outrage and concern.

2.      A bill must be passed in parliament at the earliest wherein the outcome of rape cases must be decided within 45 days by a fast track court. Strong punishment must be meted out to the rapist and he must be publicly humiliated.

3.      Police reforms must be undertaken immediately. Political intervention in the police must stop.  If any police station refuses to register a complaint of rape, there must be a strong and well -defined punishment for the concerned officer.

4.      Laws in relation to sexual harassment at workplace should be enacted in consultation with women orgnaisations.


There should be one page devoted in the daily newspapers to women’s safety. This page should exclusively list crimes against women. Detailed identities and addresses of culprits involved, photographs and daily progress on brutal cases (ie who has been apprehended as yet, what punishment has been given etc)

5.      All employers should make their own  workplaces  as safe as possible for women.

6.      There should be several options for safe travel for women including exclusive buses and taxis, train compartments and plenty of well-lit public toilets. These should have female staff manning them as well.

7.      All parents, when rearing  their children, should place a very strong emphasis on not letting them use violence. Gentleness must be inculcated from the start in boys especially.

8.      All schools should make self- defence, especially for girls , a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Others who spoke at the meeting include Maj. Sher Singh Aulukh – President BJVJ, M.S.Bhatia – Organising Secretary BJVJ, Jit Kumar – General Secretary Punjab Istri Sabha Ludhiana, D.P.Maur – General Secretary Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana.  
 An open debate on violence against women at Ldh

Manpreet Singh Badal announces party set-up

*Birdavinder appointed Chief Spokesman
*Bhagwant Mann will be YPP President

 Chandigarh: People’s Party of Punjab president  S. Manpreet Singh Badal has today announced his Party’s set-up. At the State level S.Birdavinder Singh Ex-Deputy Speaker Punjab  has been appointed Chief spokesman , Sh. Bhagwant Maan has been appointed President of the YPP ( Youth People’s Party)  while S. Yadwinder Singh Bhutter and S.Davinderjit Singh Dhose will be Vice-President of YPP.  Ex Senior additional advocate general Sh. S.S.Bhinder will head Legal Wing and Sh. Kuldeedp Singh Dhose will be President of the Kissan Wing.  Mrs. Ranjit Kaur Bhatti will head the Women Wing of the Party. In a press statement issued today by the Party’s Press Secretary S. Arunjot Singh Sodhi, Dr. Navjot Singh Dahiya has been made President of the Medico Wing and S. Nirmaljeet Singh Nimma, Ex-MLA is the head of SC/ST Wing. Sh. Sitar Bhatti will head Minorities’ Wing and Col. Surjeet Singh Firochechi will be President of Ex-Servicemen Wing. S. Amanpreet Singh Chhina will head NRI Wing and Sh. Vibhor Garg will be the President of the Parwassi Mazdoor Wing. Sh. Satpal Adampur, IRS (Retd.) will be the President of Retired Officers &Employees Wing of the Party.  
According to press statement S. Manmohan Singh Gumtala will be District president of Shri Amritsar Sahib , Kulwant Singh Lohgarh Barnala, Sukhdev Singh Chahal Bathinda, Pardeep Singh Sibiya Faridhkot, Jagmeet Singh Sahota ‘Bawa’ Fatehgarh Sahib,Sukhpreet Singh Randhawa Fazilka, Jai Jeet Singh Johal Ferozpur, Hardyal Singh Gajnipur Gurdaspur, Bhupinder Singh Pappu Azrram Hoshiarpur,Dr Navjot Singh Dahiya Jallandhar Urban, Baba Rajinder Singh Johal Jallandhar Rural,Kuldeep Singh Cheema Kapurthala, Er. Jagdeep Singh Jagraon Ludhiana Rural, Munish Gupta Ludhiana Urban, Dr Ranider Singh Bhana Moga,Jagjit Singh Honey Fattanwala Mukatsar, Dr Jaspal Singh Bhinder Pathankot, Avtar Singh Harpalpur Patiala Rural, Joga Singh Chaparr Patiala Urban, Balwant Singh Gill Ropar, Harmanjit Singh Dicky Sangrur and Vijaypal Chaudhary will be district president of Shri Tarn Taran Sahib.District presidents of Mohali , Mansa & SBS Nagar will be announced later. First meeting of all State and District presidents will be on 10th May at Chandigarh said Sodhi.

Early intervention for optimal treatment of squint

Every case of squint can lead to loss of stereo vision
Ludhiana, 2nd May, 2011(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) Generally squint is considered important only from the cosmetic point of view. It is true that deviated eyes do not look good on a person’s face. Added to this is the psychological and emotional distress. However this is not the only deficit caused by squint, says Dr Satish Thomas, pediatric ophthalmologist and squint specialist at Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. It can cause decreased vision because of amblyopia if the squint is in one eye. In addition, every case of squint can lead to loss of stereo vision or 3 dimensional vision.  We can have 3D vision only when both the eyes function simultaneously. Children with squint suppress image from one eye in order to avoid double vision, but in the process lose 3D vision.

Squint is best corrected as early as possible after its onset. This is because 3D vision can only be restored if eyes are realigned within about a year of onset, which is before 2 years of age. Amblyopia or lazy eye can only be treated before 7 or 8 years of age. If squint is to be operated only for cosmetic purposes, then timing of surgery does not matter as much. A surgeon can operate and correct squint at any age, but unless it is done very early in life, the patient cannot obtain any binocular vision and 3D perception ability. This is a very important criterion for many professions and careers like sports, surgery, becoming a pilot etc. It is extremely important even for most simple activities like threading a needle. Unfortunately many patients who come to us late have been advised by many doctors that they have to wait until they get older to have squint operated. Most squints do not improve with time and if we wait in the hope of spontaneous improvement, everything will be lost except a chance of straight eyes.
Dr Satish Thomas says that for the last 7 years, ever since he returned from doing fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and squint from Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, he has been earnestly campaigning for early treatment of squint. It is encouraging that over the last few years more and more patients are coming in earlier for treatment. In the last year Dr. Thomas said that he has seen close to 100 new children with squint in the hospital who have been appropriately treated. Twenty of them have been operated upon and many of them have been corrected with appropriate spectacles and occlusion therapy. However, the number of adults coming in with congenital squints is also on the rise. During the last year about 50 adult patients underwent surgery for squint which they had from childhood. This is a reflection of the society’s understanding of the disease which needs to change. Almost all the varieties of primary squint originate in childhood and need to be operated early in life for maximum benefits. 

Dedication Ceremony of the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery

PM’s Speech: I am happy that our long standing commitment  has finally been fulfilled 
Following is the speech of the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the dedication ceremony of the Guru Gobind Singh refinery in Bathinda today:

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing after dedicating the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery to the Nation, in Bathinda, Punjab on April 28, 2012. (PIB) 28-April-2012

“It gives me immense pleasure to be present here on the occasion of dedication of the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery to the nation. This refinery will fulfill a long cherished dream of the people of Punjab and will make a big contribution towards economic development of the State. Ever since the project was initiated in the year 2004, out government has been monitoring its progress regularly and I am happy that our long standing commitment to the people of Punjab has finally been fulfilled. 

A total amount of Rs.20,000 Crore has been invested in this project. It has a refining capacity of 9 million tonnes per annum. I believe this refinery is an example of what the public and the private sectors can achieve in partnership with each other. 

I compliment Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., a public sector nav ratna company and Mittal Energy Investment Ltd., led by global captain of industry Shri Lakshmi Mittal for coming together for this very important venture.

I understand that this project has been completed in a record time of 42 months. This is a commendable achievement. I congratulate the promoters and the operating team who have worked tirelessly to complete this project on schedule. I hope the benchmark this project has set will serve as an example for such projects in future.

I am also told that this refinery is equipped with the latest technology. Its capability to produce Bharat Stage III and IV fuels reiterates our commitment to safeguarding our environment while pushing ahead with growth. The products from this refinery will especially help in bridging the gap between demand and supply in the northern region of the country.

The refinery sector in the country has shown phenomenal growth and India has emerged as a refining hub. From 62 million metric tonnes per annum in 1998, the country’s refining capacity has grown about three and a half times to 213 MMTPA today. We have sufficient refining capacity to enable us to export petroleum products. 

The challenges we face on the energy front are formidable. We need adequate supplies of energy at affordable prices. Domestic sources of crude oil and gas are inadequate to meet the growing demands of our rapidly expanding economy. With imports accounting for about 80% of our crude supplies, the spiraling prices of crude in the international market have put a severe strain on our import bill. In order to insulate the common man from the impact of rising oil prices, the Government shoulders a sizeable portion of the burden by pricing diesel, Kerosene and domestic LPG below their market prices. 

We need to take steps to conserve our scarce energy resources. There is no room for inefficient and wasteful usage of fuel, be it petrol, diesel, kerosene or gas. We need to adopt better technology and consumers should be made aware of the benefits of fuel conservation. We also need to rationalize prices and at the same time ensure that the poor and needy are shielded from the effects of such a rationalization. 

Refineries act as catalysts for industrial growth and development in the areas in which they operate. I am sure that this refinery will provide the impetus for the setting up of a number of major industries and ancillary units and will lead to sustained growth and development in and around Bathinda. 

Punjab has been the torch bearer of the Green Revolution. This State has contributed greatly to our country's food security. The hard working farmers of Punjab feed the nation. The State has also had a glorious history of industrial growth, especially in the small and medium sectors. Almost every Punjab town and city has been renowned for specific industrial products - Ludhiana for bicycles and hosiery, Batala and Ludhiana for machine tools, Jalandhar for sports goods and so on. Over the last two decades, however, Punjab has lost its leadership role in many areas of industry. The State today needs a new wave of industrialization. Apart from contributing to economic growth of the state, such industrialization would also create new employment opportunities for the youth of Punjab.

We need more skilled people in Punjab so that they can drive the growth of industries. For this we will have to lay far greater emphasis on initiatives for skill development and vocational education in the State. Punjab has not lived up to its potential in areas such as Information Technology and we need to correct this situation. We also need improved infrastructure in Punjab- better roads and transport facilities, reliable power supply and so on. Ever since our government assumed power at the Centre we have kept the interests of Punjab in mind and this refinery is an example of the importance that we give to the progress of this beautiful state. I assure you today that we will continue doing everything possible to ensure that Punjab touches new heights of development. 

Projects such as the one being dedicated to the nation today will help the process of industrialization in Punjab. The Dedicated Freight Corridor project will provide Punjab with rapid connectivity to the Eastern and Western ports. With these and other such projects, Punjab can once again become a hub of industry and can reclaim the traditional role it has played for centuries. 

The average Punjabi is known for his robust health and high productivity. However, of late the incidence of cancer in Punjab has increased. I am aware that a large number of people in this part of Punjab suffer from this disease. Baba Farid University of Health and Sciences, Faridkot had requested permission to set up an advanced cancer diagnostic and research centre at Bhatinda. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has since granted permission for setting up two of the three facilities that were proposed. The third is being processed. We have also included Bathinda, in addition to Hoshiarpur and Mansa, as one of the districts under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetics, Cardio-Vascular Diseases & Strokes and Cancer. 

I once again congratulate the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, HPCL, Shri Lakshmi Mittal and his company and the Chairman and Managing Director of HMEL and their team on the successful completion of this project. I would also like to thank the State Government and the people of Punjab and Bathinda for having helped at every stage of this project.

With these words, I dedicate the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery to the nation.”
(PIB)      28-April-2012 11:59 IST

PM Dedicates Bhatinda Refinery to Nation

PM'S Speach

CPI has decided to contest the MC elections

The city unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI) has decided to contest the municipal corporation elections as a part of the Sanjha Morcha of CPI, CPI (M) and PPP. In a press release after the meeting of the city committee of CPI held under the chairmanship of Com.Gurnam Singh Sidhu, it was decided that the party will strive to cooperate and support the progressive candidates in the MC elections. The meeting expressed grave concern at the deteriorating law and order situation in the city and demanded that the police personnel engaged to provide security of the so called VIPs should be put on duty for the security of the public instead. Meeting further cautioned against the failed water samples from the nearly all the tube wells and warned that this could lead to serious illnesses in the time to come. It was demanded that the high water tanks should be utilized properly and water should be supplied after filling them rather than supplying directly from the motors. This can ease the situation of low pressure in many areas. The damaged water pipes should be replaced. Civil hospital should be upgraded to meet the needs of common man for advanced health care. Traffic situation should be properly managed through traffic education and effective  control. More and more flyovers should be built. Master plan of the city should take care of the interest of the small shopkeepers and small scale industries. Com.Ramesh Rattan – Secretary clarified that Sarabjit Lal who had won the election from Salem Tabri last time on the CPI ticket and has now joined the BJP ceased to be member of the party for over two years for his anti party activities. Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Secretary Distt. Unit, Dr Arun Mtra – Asstt. Secretary and Com Gulzar Goria gave a report of the party congress.
Com Ramesh Rattan
City Secretary CPI
Mobile: 98142 73870

A discussion by Punjab Manch

Punjab Election:Poll % has considerably declined

Chandigarh// March 18, 2012//Bureau Report: 
Recent Punjab assembly polls witnessed highest ever turnover of around 79 per cent voting which could be projected as an evidence that Punjabis have a firm faith in the democratic system based on universal suffrage. But, at the same time poll percentage has considerably declined in the case of both the Akali-BJP combine which returned to power for the second time in a row and its main rival party, Congress- a runner-up in the election fray. As compared to the 2007 assembly elections, the winning alliance secured 3.49 per cent lesser votes and Congress’s share came down by 0.79 per cent. This trend indicates the Punjab voters have not swung in favor of either of the two main contenders. And they wanted a change in the regime which eluded them because of various reasons and factors. As statistics vouchsafe that the winning alliance, at least, could not claim the people have voted in favor of them overwhelmingly and have recorded their appreciation for “ better governance and development works undertaken by the last Akali-BJP regime”.    
    Thus, the election results have surprised and puzzled many about how the vote-arithmetic have worked and what factors played their decisive role in sealing the fate of an overconfident Congress. In their attempt to crack the puzzle; thinkers, academicians, journalists and social activists assembled in Kisan Bhawan here today and deliberated for about three hours on the undercurrents that brought Akalis-BJP back to power.
Participating in the discussion, organized by the Punjab Manch, former Baba Farid Medical University Registrar Dr Piayre Lal Garg said it is interesting that the Akari-BJP comes to power in Punjab even by getting 3.49 per cent less votes as compared to the 2007 election. Dr. Garg said there should be an alternative agenda to rally around recurring dissent among the people against the corporate and neo-liberal policies being pursued by the mainstream parties. There is an urgent need of dismantling a myth being orchestrated by the media that Akal-BJP combine won the election because of the best management by Sukhbir Singh Badal. 
Commenting on defeat of Congress, Senior journalist Hamir Singh said the Congress had failed to project itself as strong opposition to the Badal government, hence it could not cash upon on apparent wide-spread resentment among the people on some anti-people policies of the outgoing regime. As the Akali-BJP regime followed the same model of development in Punjab which was being pursued by Congress led UPA government at the Centre, the Punjab Congress could not gather the moral strength to oppose those policies. Visibly upset over such developments, the people wanted a change in the state’s governance and voted for the PPP getting a sizeable 5.17 per cent votes. Whereas Samajwadi Party swept the polls by gaining the same per cent of votes over its nearest rival BSP in Uttar Pradesh.
Senior columnist-writer Jaspal Singh Sidhu said the Punjab Congress lost election because its Delhi-based high command invariably adopts a patronizing attitude towards its state units and acts as a balancing force for different pressure groups instead of resolving their differences for strengthening them. Such top-down command structure of Congress and other all-India party, BJP are fast ceasing to work in the era of reasserting regionalism that has already forced the ‘national parties’ to form coalition governments with regional political parties.
Senior journalist Jagtar Singh said that the Akalis who were loosing six months before the polls, However managed to refashion their image, through skillful management. Despite the Election Commission’s strict vigilance, candidates freely exercised use of money and drinks through some innovative ways to buy votes.
Prof Manjit Singh from Punjab University said the common man stands nowhere in the electoral system which has virtually been hijacked and seized by those who have a hold on political, money and muscle power. And the democracy is no longer a participatory exercise for the people to choose their own representatives rather it has been turned out to be a ‘convenient tool’ in the hands of a political class to usurp power. 
Another columnist Karmajit Singh said the panthic agenda from religious point of view was totally ignored in the election but cultural strains too become a casualty perhaps because of globalization and corporate dominance has succeeded in spreading the Western culture and English language.
Another journalist Yadwinder said the politics has been corporatized leaving a shrunk space for alternate people’s agenda. 
But Malwinder Singh Mali said that people’s search for 3rd alternative could be seen as they refrained from voting the two mainstream parties resulting in decline in their vote share.
CPI(ML-Liberation) activist Kanwaljit Singh said the masses has to be motivated and politicized to make them vote for the alternative agenda of change as the masses in placid situation tend to be driven by their vested interests and short-sightedness. 
Former Punjab Mandi Board chairman Jugraj Singh Gill said congress lost elections because of wrong allocation of tickets.
Karnail Singh Jakhepal and several others participated in the discussion. 

Annual Convocation of DD Jain Memorial College

385 Graduates were awarded the degrees

Annual Convocation of Devki Devi Jain Memorial College was held on March 10, 2012. Dr. C.S. Meena hon’ble Joint Secretary, UGC was the chief guest of the function. 375 Graduates of Arts, Commerce, Computer Applications, M.A.(History and Hindi), M.Sc.(IT) & PGDCA were awarded the degrees. 18 students made the institution proud by registering their names in the book of Roll of honour for their excellent performance in various fields. Mrs. Surinder Dua, officiating principal of the college in her annual report highlighted the achievements of the students in different fields during the session 2010-11 and appreciated the role of teachers and management in the success of the college.
Dr. C.S. Meena, in his convocation address congratulated the pass outs and wished them a bright future. He emphasized the role of education in women empowerment and advised the graduates to feel proud of whatever role they choose to play in life whether it is that of a professional or a home maker.
He further said that UGC sanctions many grants and has introduced various schemes for the benefit of women who are interested in pursuing higher studies. Dr. Amarjit singh Dua, Former Dean College Development Council GNDU, Dr. S.P. Singh Former Vice Chancellor GNDU, Ms. Param Saini, a renowned Clinical psychologist were the guests of honour. Samaj Rattan Sh. Hira Lal Jain, Chairman, Sh. Kedar Nath Jain, President, Sh. Raj Kumar Jain & Sh. Shanti Saroop Jain, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Sheetal Kumar Jain, Vice President, Sh. Bipin Jain, Secretary, Sh. Arvind Kumar Jain, Joint Secretary, Sh. Shiv Desh Bandhu Gupta, Manager (Jain Girls Sr. Sec. School), Sh. Surinder Kumar Jain, Manager (D.D. Jain Memorial College for Women), Sh. Yogesh Kumar Jain, Manager (Atam Devki Niketan), Sh. Amrit Lal Jain, Member Advisory Board, Sh. Yogeshwar Jain, Sh. Naresh Kumar Jain, Sh. Prem Kumar, Sh. Ajit Kumar Jain, Sh. Sachin Jain, Sh. Satinder Jain and other worthy members of managing committee graced the occasion with their benign presence. (Report:Rector Kathuria// Photos:Sanjay Sood)

Annual Convocation of CMC & Hospital

Convocation of 4 CMC Colleges held on with traditional grandeur

Ludhiana, 10th March, 2012 ( Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)
 Annual Convocation of Christian Medical College, Christian Dental College, College of Nursing and College of Physiotherapy, Ludhiana was held on 10th March 2012 with traditional grandeur today in the College Campus,       Prof. (Dr.) S.S. Gill, Vice Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot was the Chief Guest. He said, “At the outset, let me thank the Institute for inviting me here to participate in this memorable occasion and to distribute the Convocation credentials to merit holders. Your profession is prestigious, with ample scope for growth. You are part of the educated class that society looks up to, for guidance and awareness. On this convocation day, I wish all the young Doctors & Nurses the very best in life and a wonderful future with achievements and I wish they should also treat the poor people.
It is always a pleasure to visit CMC & Hospital and I am delighted to be here with the younger generation of doctors and nurses today. Christian Medical College has a long tradition of pursuing excellence in teaching and research in science. He also appreciated the Christian Medical College & Hospital for its exceptional services in the field of Medical.

Dr. Abraham G. Thomas, Director CMC & Hospital welcomed the gathering, Dr. S. M. Bhatti, Principal administered the Hippocratic Oath to the Graduates and Postgraduates. Fifty five Medical Graduates 25 Postgraduates were awarded the degrees.  Students excelling in various academic activities were awarded Prizes and Medals by the Chairman, Governing Board, CMC Ludhiana.   Geetika Gera, Sebastian Marker, Asha Thomas, Devki Verma, Cynthia Sarah Mathews,  Shrutika Gupta,  Jenni Mariam George, Jibi John , Jincy Mariya Paul were the prominent prize winners.  Dr. Midhila Baby won the gold medal for best intern while Dr. Shubdha Garg was awarded Dr. Jaswant Kaur Gill Memorial award for best outgoing medical resident and Dr. Supriya Sen was awarded Dr. Abraham G.Thomas award for the best outgoing resident in Surgery.  Overview of faculty achievements was presented by Principal, Dr. S.M..Bhatti. The Association of Medical Alumni awarded Life Time Achievement award to Dr. Patience Williams. Dr. V. K. Satija Award for best Clinical Teacher went to Dr. Nitin Batra while batch of 1976 Excellence in Teaching Award went to Dr. Bobby John. Rejul K Raj was awarded Alumni Prize for best all-round graduate.
58 B.Sc. Nursing graduates and 23 M.Sc. Nursing post-graduates awarded the degree on 36th Annual Convocation. Gurwinder Kaur B.Sc. Nursing 1st year, Damanpreet kaur B.Sc. Nursing 2nd year, Navpreet Kaur B.Sc. Nursing 3rd year, Shefali Singla B.Sc. Nursing 4th year secured 1st position in the college.  Gigi M.George secured first position in B.Sc. Nursing Aggregate. Amrinder Kaur M.Sc.Nursing 1st year and Sukhbir Kaur M.Sc.Nursing 2nd year stood first in the College.  Sukhbir Kaur ranked first in M.Sc. Nursing Aggregate. Special prizes were awarded to Shefali Singla for Best Community Health Nurse, Twinkle Mary Paul & Gigi M.George for Best Bed Side nurse and Achsah T.Thampi was awarded for the All Round Best Student Nurse. Pro.Mrs. Ponnamma R.Singh, Principal, College of Nursing congrats all the students.

Dr. Abi M. Thomas, Principal, Christian Dental College presented the college report.  There were 40 BDS and 4 MDS graduates to receive their degrees.  5 students received gold medals.  In the report he highlighted the achievements of the faculty and students in the last year.  Ms. Ashima Razdan was topper in the final Professional BDS examination.    The overall pass percentage in the University examinations for the third and final year BDS was 100%.As part of the goal oriented education, all our students are committed to serve an area of need after their graduation.   At present 35 graduates of Christian Dental College are working in different parts of the country and one at Liberia, West Africa.  The dental students council actively supported the administration in coordinating different programmes.    The Principal highlighted that there were 22 scientific paper presentations, 13 poster presentations, and 22 scientific publications in national and international journals were done by our students and faculty in the last year. 

Dr. Kim Mammen, Associate Director, CMC proposed the vote of thanks.

The call for the nationwide strike on 28th February 2012

All trade unions have united on one platform
An urgent meeting under the chairmanship of Com D P Maur

To plan the strategy for implementing  a call given by the Central Trade Unions to organize a nationwide strike by the trade unions on 28th February 2012 the local units of AITUC, INTUC, CITU, BMS, and CTU held a meeting under the chairmanship of Com D P Maur.  
The call for the nationwide strike has been given to demand revision of minimum wages for the workers as Rs. 10,000-00 per month, filling up of all vacant posts on regular basis and not on contract basis, provident fund and bonus to all workers without any pre conditions, increase in gratuity rates, pension to all workers/employees, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days of filing registration papers, implementations of labour laws as per ILO convention 87 and 98.
The meeting was attended by Shri  Swaran Singh, Shj. Jagpal , Shri Deen Bahadur from  INTUC, Comrades Jatinder Pal, Subeg Singh and Jagdish Rai from CITU, Comrades O P Mehta, Subhash Chander and Kewal Krishan of AITUC, Mr Nageshwar, Bhagirath Paliwal and JiaLal Gautam of BMS, Com Paramjit Singh, Ram Lal and Raja Ram of CTU. Meeting took a serious note of the fact that despite raising these demands by the workers for a long time, the government under the pressure of corporate sector is ignoring the demands of the workers which has led to flouting of labour laws with impunity not only by the private but also by the public sector. There is no provision for social security to the unorganized workers. Govt. has failed to curb the rising prices and solve the problem of unemployment causing serious effect on the lives of toiling masses.   Meeting expressed satisfaction that it is for the first time that all trade unions have united on one platform on these demands. Meeting   decided to hold meetings at various places to create awareness among workers about these demands and their rights and to oraganise them for the upcoming strike.

First newborn with permanent pacemaker in Punjab

Ludhiana// 31st Jan, 2012//Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria: 

Baby with parents and Dr Gurmeet Kaur and Dr Harinder Singh Bedi in CMC

A young innocent baby boy was born to Mrs Monica and S Amit Singh   of Jammu. Unfortunately before birth they were told that the baby had a complete heart block. In this condition the electrical system of the heart is underdeveloped - so that the baby’s heart was beating at 40 beats per minute instead of the normal of 130 / min. The baby was born in Iqbal Nursing home.  Dr Iqbal S Ahuja realized that time was of essence as the condition could be fatal if untreated. He immediately referred the baby to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery at the prestigious Christian Medical College & Hospital in Ludhiana.  Detailed examination by the Head of Paediatrics –Prof Gurmeet Kaur - confirmed the diagnosis and therapy was immediately instituted. An immediate permanent pacemaker was inserted in the tiny baby via a minimally invasive approach.
Dr Bedi explained that pacemakers are routinely put in adult patients by the venous route – but in a newborn the veins are too small and so a direct approach to the heart is made by a small incision and the pacemaker is attached to the delicate heart by a screw-in mechanism. The pacemaker was kept below the skin in a pouch specially created in the abdominal wall. The baby immediately improved. The other members of the surgical and anesthesia team were Dr A Joseph, Dr Paul, Dr S Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Udeyana, Dr Marina and Dr Vaishu.

However because of the initial low heart rate the rest of the body was still damaged and took time to recover. The baby was kept in a special ICU called a Paediatric ICU where under the guidance of Dr Gurmeet Kaur highly trained ICU nurses and doctors slowly healed the baby and got her over the crisis. Dr Gurmeet Kaur said that such newborns need a very specialized environment and trained personnel. CMC is one of the few Institutes in India to have this service.  The other members of the Paediatric team are G Dhar, Dr A Mathew, Dr K Abraham, Dr K Sharma, Dr Tejmeet , and Dr Jaskaran.
The baby is now well and is a bouncy joy to the parents and doctors. Dr Bedi told that the pacemaker is a special one which will respond to the metabolic needs of the baby as he grows. A long length of the wire has been left so that it does not pull out with growth. The battery should last 10 – 12 years. The company has a lifelong free battery replacement warranty. Dr Bedi also said that the battery can be easily changed without disturbing the heart. Dr Gurmeet Kaur explained that the baby can develop to a normal potential in life and need not be limited in any profession he chooses to follow. According to the makers of the pacemaker (St Jude - an International company based in USA) this is the first such implantation in a neonate – a newborn baby – in Punjab    .

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC& H - reiterated the commitment of CMC & H to deliver the best services for the betterment of people of this region.

Names of 159 voters deleted illegally

Conspirators remained active to kill the democracy

Sh. Dharam Pal Maur who represent non teaching employees of PAU for six consecutive terms, for a total period of twelve years, have a considerable vote bank in the campus of PAU was shocked to see that the BLO Mehal Singh Sidhu, who affiliated to a particular political party, committed a corrupt practice and by ignoring all the directions of the election commission illegally deleted the names of 159 voters. The total numbers of the voters which were caste the votes pooling station no.26 was 724. Large number of voters whose names were deleted came present to caste their votes. Out of them some were renewed agricultural scientists. They were having valid election voter identity cards with them. The strongly protested against the corrupt practice of the BLO. 
Dharam Pal Maur also felt shocked and expressed grief that for narrow purposes of Sh.Mehal Singh Sidhu interfered in the pious act of exercise of franchise. This illegal act of the BLO has caused irrepairable loss to his win ability. He has requested the Chief Election Commission of India, Chief Election Officer Punjab and Returning officer to cancel the pooling in pooling station no.26 and to order to re-pole after correcting the voters list.

Another story from  a free lance journalist Manmeet Kaur conveys the same complaint.She and her mother were not allowed to cast their votes. she reports,"I left home to vote at 9:30 and got home at noon--in 24 years of voting, I've never seen this. I had to park way down the road from my polling place, which had 4 long lines that filled the building when I arrived and stretched outside by the time I left. The polls were well staffed and running smoothly. . Several neighbors waved from other lines, and a couple of them came up to chat. I could've voted absentee, but how many opportunities are there to participate publicly in our  democracy? And due to the government apathy i missed my right to vote but then I came to know that I was not only me who could not cast her vote. There were some 150 more voters in Kitchlu Nagar B block who could not cast their respective votes. Dr. Balwinder B O who was there in the sraff informed this,"when our employee go for the survey then there was lock or  some thing else so we delete the voter from the list. Frustrated voters were not satisfied with this cover up reply. 

Sanjha Morcha is to establish rule of law

Defeat Congress and oust the ruling alliance-Amarjeet Kaur
Ludhiana//January 16, 2012//Manmeet Kaur and Rector Kathuria

Undeterred by the rain, the CPI candidate of the SANJHA MORCHA of PPP,CPI, CPI(M) and Akali Dal (Longowal) from Ludhiana West constituency Dharam Pal Maur, continued his door to door campaign and public meetings. He addressed a group meeting in Raj Guru Nagar. Public meeting was also organized during the rain yesterday at Haibowal which was addressed by Mrs Amarjeet Kaur National Secretary CPI said that the agenda in this election to defeat Congress and to oust the present ruling Akali-BJP alliance who have successively ruined the state and lowered its position in the country. She said that the agenda of the Sanjha Morcha is to establish rule of law and to take Punjab out of the serious debt of Rs. 138000 crore as a result of wrong policies of the alternate Congress and Akali-BJP governments. The people this time have a choice in the form of Sanjha Morcha. We have witnessed the infamous City Centre scam in our city itself under the former Congress govt. 2G scam, Common Wealth games scam and Adarsh society scam have fully exposed the hollowness of the congress.  It is time that the people vote for the SANJHA MORCHA of PPP, CPI, CPI(M). Akali Dal Longowal to establish a corruption free government and for economic development of the start.
Others who addressed the meetings include SH.Rajesh Gandhi of PPP, Dr Arun Mitra and Randhir Singh of CPI.

Undeterred by rain, D P Maur on election spree

Call to defeat Congress and oust the present Akali-BJP alliance

Undeterred by the rain, the CPI candidate of the SANJHA MORCHA of PPP,CPI, CPI(M) and Akali Dal (Longowal) from Ludhiana West constituency Dharam Pal Maur, continued his door to door campaign and public meetings today in the Rishi Nagar, Chand Colony, Sukhmani Enclave, Shant Park, Rajguru nagar. Adressing a public rally in his support at Chand Colony Mrs Amarjeet Kaur National Secretasry CPI said that the agenda in this election to defeat Congress and to oust the present ruling Akali-BJP alliance who have successively ruined the state and lowered its position in the country. said that the agenda of the Sanjha Morcha is to establish rule of law and to take Punjab out of the serious debt of Rs. 138000 crore as a result of wrong policies of the alternate Congress and Akali-BJP governments. The people this time have a choice in the form of Sanjha Morcha. There is no rule of law. The alliance partners have gained control of the economy of the state for their benefit. Police is at the service of few VIPs. Corruption is rampant. We have witnessed the infamous City Centre scam in our city itself under the former Congress govt. 2G scam, Common Wealth games scam and Adarsh society scam have fully exposed the hollowness of the congress.  It is time that the people vote for the SANJHA MORCHA of PPP, CPI, CPI(M). Akali Dal Longowal to establish a corruption free government and for economic development of the start. That is why she appealed to the people to vote for Dhram Pal Maur and press the button of Sickle and Ears of Corn on the 30th January. .
On this occasion Mr. Maur while addressing the voters at different places Mr. Maur stated that he will meet the aspirations of the people as he has done as the president of the PAU employees Union for 12 years. As per the  Manifesto,  the Morcha promises to fill all the vacant posts in government / semi government departments on regular basis and not on contract basis. Unemployment allowance of Rs. 2000/- per month will be paid to the unemployed. More and more government schools and colleges would be opened to provide education as per the times so that common people can get quality education. Health care would be made affordable by upgrading the government hospitals and also providing due facilities to the private health providers in the small scale sector. Small scale industry will be given preferential treatment for its development. Special attention through budgetary will be given for development of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Sciences University (GADVASU) for solving their financial crunch. In addition pension benefits will be ensured to the non-government college teachers. Undeterred by rain, D P Maur on election spree

Ludhiana:D.P.Maur launches door to door campaign

Noveliest Mitter Sen Meet and Dr. Mitra also joined

Mr Dharam Pal Maur SANJHA MORCHA Candidate from Ludhiana West launched door to door campaign today. He went door to door in E & F Block of Kitchlu Nagar and appealed to the people to vote, support and elect him as the SANJHA MORCHA is committed for rule of law, corruption free government, industrial development, regular employment, security of women and education & health for all. He was accompanied by Dr Arun Mitra–Former President IMA Ludhiana, Sh.Ramesh Rattan–Chairman Small Scale Industries and Traders Association, Sh.Rajesh Gandhi-Member State Committee PPP, Sh.Surinder Singh, Sh.Sumit Sareen, Sh.Vipan Dawar, Sh.Sudesh Kumar–Chairman Punjab Bank Employees Federation, Sh.Mitter Sen Meet–Noveliest and several other prominent citizens of the area.

Comrade Amarjeet Kaur called upon the CPI cadre

Devote full time and energy in support of D P Maur

City unit of the Communist Party of India held a cadre meeting in support of Com Dharam Pal Maur who is contesting as a SANJHA MORCHA candidate of CPI from Ludhiana West. Mrs Amarjeet Kaur National Secretary CPI called upon the CPI cadre to devote full time and energy in support of Dharam Pal Maur.
Today there are three main contending parties to form government in our state. Please do remember the state assembly is the august body which frames policies for all walks of life and decides about revenue collection, budgeting and allocations to social sector as well as other fields.
On the one hand side, she said, is the Congress party during whose regime the infamous City Centre scam in the city of Ludhiana and the scams like 2G Spectrum, Common Wealth Games, Adarsh Housing society etc. happened at the national level. Prices of essential commodities rose to sky high and recently we witnessed how they scuttled the passing of Lok Pal Bill in Rajya Sabha.
The other contender Akali-BJP alliance has ruined the law and order situation in the state, brought the state to the verge economic indebtedness to the tune of Rs.1,38,000 crores, the alliance partners were busy capturing transport and TV channels through all corrupt means for their own benefits, the government adopted the methods of oppression and beating towards agitating unemployed girls and boys. Corruption has risen to unprecedented levels in the state.
She reiterated that for the first time there is a ray of hope for the people of Punjab as an alternative in the form of SANJHA MORCHA of People’s Party of Punjab (PPP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI M), Akali Dal Longowal to both these contenders who have been ruling the state of Punjab all these years turn by turn. The Sanjha Morcha is committed for development, for maintaining rule of law, to defend the interests of workers and employees, for defence of home based, small and medium industries, defending the small traders and shop keepers, for expansion of quality education and health care  in the state sector and extending help to the small scale sector in these fields. This Morcha can fulfill the dreams of developing Punjab as a prosperous state with its people having sense of justice and involvement.
Sh.Rajesh Gandhi – Member State Committee PPP in his address assured of active support of PPP cadre.
Others who addressed the meeting include Comrades Kartar Singh Bowani – Distt. Secretary CPI, Ramesh Rattan – City Secretary, Dr Arun Mitra – Asstt. Secretary, O.P.Mehta, Gulzar Goria and Gurnam Gill.
Earlier in the day Mr.Maur addressed several meetings and he went door to door in Agar Nagar where he got rousing welcome from the residents and full support.    

Capt Amarinder Singh will relax from Day One: PPP

Former royal is known for relaxing and enjoying-PPP

Chandigarh : People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) today dismissed the comments of Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh where he stated that “we would move decisively from day one” stating that the former royal is known for relaxing and enjoying rather than working. How can Capt Amarinder Singh claim that he would move decisively from Day One, when the policies and programs of the Punjab Congress and its manifesto are still not decided?
In a statement issued here today, PPP chief Manpreet Singh Badal said that the question of moving decisively arises only when a party knows what decisions to take. In the case of the Congress, even the party manifesto has not been spelt out though elections are a mere three weeks away. How can they move decisively when they have no idea of what decisions to take, Manpreet asked.

The Capt is busy in ensuring dynastic politics and tackling rebellion, and has no time to think about Punjab, Manpreet said. He is busy ensuring tickets to his son and relatives, while ignoring issues concerning Punjab.

Moreover prior experience with Capt Amarinder Singh in 2002 tells us that he never moved an inch, leave alone move decisively. The only movement of Capt Amarinder Singh was on the helicopter during his days in power, while in recent days it has been trips to Dubai and Thailand. Capt. Amarinder Singh was never known for any decisions, policy issues or programs. Can Capt Amarinder Singh spell out even one program that he initiated in Punjab during his tenure, Manpreet asked?

He regretted that the Congress party has already announced its party candidates without announcing its manifesto. “This shows that they are power hungry interested only in grabbing power, rather than announcing the programs and policies,” Manpreet said. He added that the interview of Capt. Amarinder Singh where he remarked about moving decisively was only a reaction to the 100 days policy, plans and decisions already announced by the People’s Party of Punjab (PPP). Realising that people are excited about the policies of PPP, Capt. Amarinder Singh is now resorting to empty slogans to justify the lack of policy and programs of the Congress party.                     *********

DP Maur has a glorious record of serving the people

Sanjha Morcha wants to establish rule of law-Dr.  Dyal

SANJHA MORCHA candidate of Communist Party of India (CPI) Com Dharam Pal Maur filed his nomination papers today for the Ludhiana West constituency.He was accompanied by S.Jagjit Singh Ghungrana – General Secretary PPP, Com Naval Chhiber– Advocate, Former President  Bar Association Ludhiana, Sh.Rajesh Gandhi–Member PPP State General Council, Dr Pawan Garg, S.Manjit Mehram. On the occasion a rally was organized which was addressed by Dr.Joginder Dyal – Member Central Executive Committee CPI, Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Distt. Secretary CPI, Com Sukhminder Sekhon–Distt. Secretary CPI(M), Dr Arun Mitra–Former President IMA Ludhiana and Com Ramesh Rattan – City Secretary CPI.

Dharam Pal Maur has a glorious record of serving the people of the area. He remained President of the PAU Employees Union continuously for 12 years by winning 6 bi-annual elections in a row from 1995 to 2007. He is presently General Secretary of the Joint Council of Trade Unions which comprises of 17 unions/associations of Ludhiana including bank employees, hospitals, construction workers, government employees, PAU, school teachers, Class IV employees, roadways and railways employees. Besides he is also involved in various social activities like promotion of healthy environment, traffic management, uplift of the lower economic strata through basic education.

Dr Dyal in his address said that the agenda of the Sanjha Morcha including of PPP, CPI, CPI (M) and Akali Dal Longowal is to establish rule of law and to take Punjab out of the serious debt of Rs.138000 crore as a result of wrong policies of the alternate congress and Akali-BJP governments. The people this time have a choice in the form of SANJHA MORCHA. The Morcha started its election campaign from the Jallianwala Bagh with a promise to meet the aspirations of the people.

The Morcha will fill all the vacant posts in government/semi government departments on regular basis and not on contract basis. Unemployment allowance of Rs.2000/- per month will be paid to the unemployed. Quality Education and health care to all will be  the priority. Small scale industry will be given preferential treatment for its development. Taxes on the raw material from other states will be reduced to the benefit of small scale industry. Tax collection system will be made easy and taxes will be reduced. Special schemes will be made for small shopkeepers and vendors. Special attention through budgetary will be given for development of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Sciences University (GADVASU) for solving their financial crunch. The policemen engaged in serving the VIPs to be taken off to serve the common people. To ensure safe working conditions for women in form of working women hostel, crèches and stringent laws against those indulging in nefarious activities against the women. Morcha will pay special attention to the promotion of healthy environment in the state. Special schemes will be made to care for the elderly and widows & widowers. To promote healthy cultural values. Effective steps to be taken to promote tourism in Punjab.

Dharam Pal Maur in his addressed assured the electorate of his service at all the times. His priorities for the area would be to sort out traffic problem in Ludhiana with special attention to the needs of pedestrians, cycle & rickshaw riders. Housing would be made affordable and special housing colonies will be developed for the low income group. Proper remuneration to the workers in various sectors. Proper facilities to be provided to the Safai  Karamcharis and sewer men.