International Labour Day
The Triumph of Labour statue at the Marina Beach, Chennai, India
(May 1)
2 Punjab Advance August 2016 Editorial
apt Amarinder Singh has come out with flying colours. The state has recorded Cthe highest wheat yield and followed it up with a perfect procurement process. The people’s Chief Minister of Punjab has displayed that he is as committed
to the farmer’s welfare as he is to the jawan’s.
This love for the farmer was amply demonstrated during the month-long wheat pro-
curement process which went along smoothly despite the threat from truck cartels to dis-
rupt the procurement. But the Captain stood like a rock. He issued a warning: “Disrupt
procurement and pay the price, no one will be allowed to obstruct transport movement.”
The warning was loud and clear and the DCs and senior police officers in all the dis-
tricts were at hand to see that the orders were implemented. The Chief Minister also saw
to it that the farmers were paid within 48 hours of the procurement.
The state was ready for the wheat arrivals from April 1, but it was only after the first
week that wheat began arriving in the mandis at a very slow pace. After Baisakhi it was a
virtual wheat downpour at the mandis with the arrivals crossing the 10 lakh metric tonne
mark on April 17, 18 and 19. It was during this glut period that the state agencies may have
slightly waivered, but then they put their best foot forward to to maintain the timeframe
of lifting the wheat stocks within 72 hours of procurement. All said and done the entire
process worked like a well-oiled machine.
On the sports front Heena Sidhu brought laurels for the state. The shooter from Lud-
hiana scored a medal double, shooting a gold and a silver in the pistol shooting event of
the Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast in Australia.
Looking forward to your word on [email protected]
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 3 Contents Punjab Advance www.punjabadvanceonline.com Record wheat yield LMAY - 2018 LVOL-5 L ISSUE-5
C.E.O. N Anindita Mitra (IAS)
Editor N Donald Banerjee
Designer N Kumar Jiv Chumber
Publisher N Information & Public Relations Department, Punjab 08
Contact address N The PUNJAB ADVANCE, Room No. 1, 5th Floor, shooting star Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh-160001 Ph. : 0172-2740668 [email protected]
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the authors in the articles published in PUNJAB ADVANCE are their own. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Punjab Government or the organization they work for. Editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or expand the articles submitted. In case of any dispute, legal 16 jurisdiction will lie in Chandigarh based courts.
Published and Edited by Ms. Anindita Mitra (IAS) on behalf of the Information and Public The Lost Child Relations Department, Punjab at Room No. 1, 5th Floor, Civil Sectt., Chandigarh.
Page-40
4 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Reaping fortunes Giving wings to from flowers kids’ imagination
28
18 Mohali fish farmer shows the way Organic farming and eco tourism
31
The most gifted ----yet, 'misfit' actor 20
Cushioning the knee joints
Page-44 38
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 5 Cover Record wheat yield · Procurement crosses 125 lakh mt · CM stands firm against disruptors · Adequate storing arrangement
BUREAU REPORT
he farmers could not ment agencies and payments With the procurement mark have asked for more: being made within 48 hours. inching towards the 130 lakh aT bumper crop, with the wheat This was the perfect picture at metric tonne mark, the people’s arrivals crossing a record 125 the 1823 Punjab mandis where Chief Minister of Punjab has lakh metric tonnes on May 10, the entire procurement process lived up to his commitment to hassle-free purchase by procure- was carried out smoothly. the farmers about hassle-free
6 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Cover procurement and prompt payment. Ac- cording to the figures available the state government disbursed Rs. 16170.47 crore to the arthias/farmers, which is 93% of the total due amount, Obstruct transport till May 1. Payments to farmer and and pay the price arhtiyas were made online, preferably through the Rupay gateway. According to figures released by the Mandi Board of the wheat arrivals of 123,49,465 tonnes till May 8, the pro- curement agencies and private buyers had purchased 123,39,339 tonnes of wheat, with Pungrain leading with a figure of 28,50,563 tonnes. Markfed (26,95,083), Punsup (23,75,953), Warehousing Corpn (16,70,752), FCI (14,59,167) and Punjab Agro (12,29551) followed in that order. Pri- vate players pitched in with a procure- ment figure of 58,270 metric tones. According to figures released by the Mandi Board of the wheat arrivals of 118,64,151 tonnes till May 2, the pro- curement agencies had purchased unjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder 118,33,660 tonnes of wheat, with Pun- Singh has warned of strict action against grain leading with a figure of P 27,31,384 tonnes. Markfed anyone trying to disrupt the wheat procurement (26,00,419), Punsup (22,92,376), process. Warehousing Corpn (16,16,702), FCI He directed the Deputy Commissioners and (13,67,630) and Punjab Agro senior police officers in all the districts to (11,71,874) followed in that order. strictly enforce the ban on transport cartelisation In his campaign for a smooth and to ensure smooth procurement in the ongoing transparent transport system, Capt Amarinder Singh even took on the Rabi season. “Nobody will be allowed to ob- might of the transport cartel which was struct transport movement during the dictating its own rules and price struc- procurement and lifting operations,” he added. ture. Inititial problems were faced, but “Every single grain of the farmers’ produce as time went by the transparency in the will be procured and the payments will be made new transport system encouraged the in a timely manner”, said the Chief Minister. transporters to follow the line. The CM’s stern warning to anyone trying to disrupt the movement of grains did the trick.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 7 Cover
Procured wheat stocks being loaded on to trucks at a mandi in Punjab
Despite adverse reports in a section of the The problem in lifting may have been noticed media citing certain flaws in the procurement, the during the peak of the arrival season on April 17, state agencies managed to overcome the initial 18 and 19, when the figure touched the 10-lakh problems to deliver a perfect setting for a hassle- tonne mark on all the three days. free procurement and delivery. According to Anandita Mitra, Director, Food The state government had made elaborate and Supplies, the temporary glut in mandis may arrangements at all the mandis to ensure smooth have been on those days when the the arrivals had and hassle-free procurement, so that the farmers peaked. “In each mandi, whatever is the capacity did not face any problems about lifting of their to lift the foodgrains is being maintained. produce and prompt payments. The mandis were We are monitoring arrivals across the state to ready with all the facilities on April 1. But the ensure that the foodgrains procured are lifted wheat arrivals began with a trickle only after the within 72 hours of purchase. Over 80 per cent of first week and picked up after Baisakhi. the foodgrains are being lifted within this time-
8 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Cover frame,” she added. This bumber crop is the result of the right com- “The government has ensured transparency in bination of weather with prolonged cold condi- the transportation tender process attempting to tions, sowing of right varieties of wheat, enhanced make good the loss incurred to the state in trans- farmer awareness and timely control of pest and portation. Besides, wherever the procurement is yellow rust in the Doaba region. being done in a timely manner, payments are Punjab, which had 35 lakh hectares under being ensured within 48 hours. Apart from this, wheat cultivation was expected to produce around gunny bags are also being made available and lift- 180 lakh metric tonnes this time as against 176 ing is also being ensured in a timely manner,” she lakh metric tonnes of the crop produced during added. the rabi season of 2017. The state government has made adequate Though 125 to 130 lakh metric tonnes landed in arrangements for storage of grains. She also added the mandis for sale, the rest of the crop will be used that direct lifting to the Food Corporation of India by farmers and other consumers for domestic con- (FCI) in certain mandis through 'Specials' is also sumption. being undertaken so as to make sure that there is Accoring to farm experts the biggest role in no space constraint in the mandis. the enhanced production of wheat in Punjab was Overall it has been a good year for the farm- played by the timely control of yellow rust and ers. To begin with the state achieved an all-time aphids — the deadly pest, which sucks sap from high average per acre wheat yield of 21.5 quin- leaves and maturing grains. tals, which is way ahead of the highest average The Punjab Agriculture Department had set up per acre yield of 20 quintals in 2011-12. 238 surveillance teams for the control of yellow
400 special trains
he FCI has planned 400 special Ttrains for loading procured wheat from grain markets to other states for the months of April and May 2018. Giving this information Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Bharat Bhushan Ashu said this was the follow- up of the Punjab government’s letter to the Chief Managing Director of the FCI demanding more special trains so that procured wheat could be lifted in time. The procured wheat is being stored at the godowns of state procurement agencies as well as that of Food Corpo- ration of India (FCI). Besides this, arrangements from grain markets to other states so that there is have been made to send procured wheat directly no glut-like situation in Punjab.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 9 Cover rust, which mainly attacks in timely pinpointing yel- wheat crop in districts Factors at play low rust attack, which falling in Shivalik foothills • Optimum, prolonged cold conditions saved costs on spray of like Pathankot, Gurdaspur, • Timely control of yellow rust, aphid fungicides like Propicona- Hoshiarpur, parts of Ja- • Sowing of right kind of wheat zole,” said Dr Jasbir Singh landhar, Ropar, parts of Bains, Director, Agricul- Nawanshahar and Mohali. varieties by farmers ture Department, Punjab. “The awareness of • Increased awareness among farmers Jalandhar-based farm farmers about right kind of about crop diseases and effects of expert Dr Naresh Gulati wheat varieties also con- weather conditions says, “Instead of proving tributed to enhanced to be a dampener, spell of wheat production this year in a big way. Mostly, rains in the end of December and first half of Jan- they preferred to go in for ICAR-recommended uary proved beneficial for wheat crop. It rather wheat varieties like HD-2967, HD-3086 and PAU- nurtured the crop and there was no discolouration 725 for sowing this time and their ability to detect of grains. Unlike in the past, there was virtually the right varieties has paid rich dividends. no effect of yellow rust on the crop this time,” said They also helped the department in a big way Dr Naresh Gulati.
RBI clears CCL of Rs 18124.85 cr he Reserve In the 2017 Rabi TBank of season also it was India (RBI) has the Chief Minis- cleared a sum of ter’s personal inter- Rs.18,124.85 crore vention that led to towards Cash the RBI enhancing Credit Limit (CCL) the CCL for the for Punjab for the state to Rs.20,683 purchase of wheat crore from the pre- in the ongoing rabi viously sanctioned marketing season. amount of Rs. 17,994.21 crore. With this, the bulk of the total CCL of The release of the CCL will help the Rs. 21179.60 crore sought by the state gov- state government to make timely payments ernment for the purchase of 130 lakh tonnes to farmers against the purchases made from of wheat in this season has been released. them in the current season, which began on The RBI clearance followed persistent April 1 and will culminate on May 31. personal efforts of Chief Minister Capt The Central government has fixed the Amarinder Singh, who had been pursuing minimum support price (MSP) of wheat at the matter with the central government for Rs.1,735 per quintal, hiking it by Rs.110 the past several days. from last year’s Rs.1,625 per quintal.
10 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Cover
Rs 835 lakh relief for farm suicide victims roviding relief to families of farmers Pand farm labourers who have committed suicide on the fast track, the peo- ple’s Chief Minister of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh has cleared financial assistance of Rs.835 lakh in 296 cases of sui- cide since taking over the reins of the state. This is the highest amount of relief given to the affected families in such cases since the scheme was launched in 2015. The relief had been sanctioned by the State Level Committee (SLC) set up for the purpose in 68.49 lakh as nine meetings since April last year. fire damage relief The Chief Minister had directed early clearance of the backlog by the State Level he state government has sanctioned a Committee for Rendering Financial Assis- Trelief of 68.44 lakh as compensation tance to the Kin of Farmer & Farm Labour- to farmers whose standing wheat crop on ers affected by Suicides. 793 acres has been damaged due to fire. All the Deputy Commissioners, who are The Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder also the heads of District Level Committees, Singh has directed the Punjab State Power had been directed to scrutinize the cases Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and the Rev- falling under their jurisdiction on a monthly enue Department to immediately assess the basis. They had further been asked to for- damage and disburse the compensation. ward the cases for to the SLC for approval The revenue department has already sanc- by the 10th of every month, said the tioned Rs 3 lakh compensation for such spokesperson. cases in Mansa and Tarn Taran districts fol- Among the cases cleared by the SLC are lowing damage to crops in 220 kanals. 199 that date back to the period between Cases of 15 districts regarding damage to 2013 and 2016. These include 11 cases of 550 acres are under process and involve 2013, 31 of 2014, 29 of 2015, 128 of 2016 sanction of more than Rs 46 lakh. and 80 cases of 2017. Financial Commissioner Revenue Vinni The approved cases include 80 from San- Mahajan said compensation to the tune of Rs grur, 58 from Mansa, 44 from Barnala, 24 8,000 per acre was being provided in case of from Bathinda, 13 from Tarn Taran, 11 from loss to crop due to fire caused by unknown Ludhiana, nine from Amritsar, eight from Sri reasons. Muktsar Sahib, seven each from Faridkot She has also issued instructions to deputy and Fatehgarh Sahib, six from Fazilka, four commissioners to update the assessment of from Ferozepur, three from Rupnagar, two areas where reports of damage to wheat crop from Patiala and one each from Gurdaspur, have been received. Hoshiarpur and SBS Nagar.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 11 Cover Capt inducts 9 ne
BUREAU REPORT
he Chief Minister, hary and Asha Kumari, as well as jails), Gurpreet Singh Kangar Capt Amarinder Singh Punjab Congress president Sunil (power and new and renewable en- hasT inducted nine new faces in his Jakhar. Chief Secretary Karan ergy sources), Sukhbinder Singh Cabinet, besides giving cabinet Avtar Singh conducted the pro- Sarkaria (revenue, rehabilitation rank to Aruna Chaudhary and ceedings of the swearing-in cere- and disaster management, water re- Razia Sultana. mony. sources, mines and geology), Bal- The nine newly inducted Punjab With this, the cabinet has bir Singh Sidhu (animal husbandry, cabinet ministers were adminis- touched the maximum permitted dairy development and labour), tered the oath of office and secrecy limit of 18 ministers (15%) out of Vijay Inder Singla (PWD and in- by Governor V.P. Singh Badnore, the total 117 legislators. formation technology) and Sunder along with the two Ministers of The new ministers include Om Shyam Arora (industries and com- State who have also been elevated Prakash Soni (school education and merce). to the Cabinet rank. The simple freedom fighters department), Existing ministers of state swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bha- Bharat Bhushan Ashu (food and Aruna Chaudhary and Razia Sul- van took place in the presence of civil supplies, and consumer af- tana were administered oath as cab- the Chief Minister and several fairs), Rana Gurmit Sodhi (sports inet ministers. There has been a other dignitaries, including senior and youth affairs), Sukhjinder reshuffle in their portfolios. Congress leaders Harish Chaud- Singh Randhawa(cooperation and Chaudhary has now been given
12 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Cover w faces in Cabinet
The Chief Minister and the Governor with the new Ministers and the two women minister who have been given Cabinet rank
social security, women and child wealth Games in Montreal. have been accommodated. Nearly development and transport depart- 25% of the state cabinet is currently ments. Sultana has now been No unfairness being represented by Dalits. handed over higher education, Denying any 'unfairness' in the The Chief Minister assured that water supply and sanitation (public selection of the new cabinet minis- all the Congress MLAs who had health) departments. As expected, the departments of ters, the Chief Minister Captain not found place in the Council of other old ministers have not been Amarinder Singh said adequate Ministers would be inducted into changed. The chief minister has representation had been given to all the various Boards and Corpora- kept the agriculture department sections and regions, with seniority tions. The state has 7000 jobs, the key criteria. with himself along with other de- ranging from the Market Commit- The focus had been on striking a partments which have not been al- tees to the Planning Boards, that lotted to any minister. regional and caste balance, in order can be given to party workers, he New sports minister Sodhi is to ensure holistic development of five-time national champion in the state. added. trap shooting. He also partici- With four Dalit ministers al- The expansion of the cabinet pated in the 1978 Asian Games ready in the cabinet, another mem- was needed to facilitate better gov- in Bangkok and 1978 Common- ber of the community could not ernance, said the Chief Minister.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 13 Who gets what (The Portfolio, if not allocated to any minister, shall vest with the Chief Minister)
Capt. Amarinder Singh Chief Minister, Punjab
• Administrative Reforms • Excise & Taxation • Legal & Legislative Affairs • Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare • General Administration • Personnel • Horticulture • Home Affairs and Justice • Environment • Conservation of Land and • Hospitality • Vigilance • Water • Investment Promotion • Wildlife • Civil Aviation • Information & Public • NRI Affairs • Defence Services Welfare • Relations • Food Processing
Sh. Brahm Mohindra Sh.Navjot Singh Sidhu • Health & Family Welfare • Local Government
• Medical Education & Research • Tourism and Cultural Affairs • Parliamentary Affairs • Elections • Removal of Grievances
Sh.Manpreet Singh Sh. Om Parkash Soni Badal • School Education • Finance • Freedom Fighters • Planning • Programme Implementation • Governance Reforms
Sh. Sadhu Singh Sh.Tript Rajinder Dharamsot Singh Bajwa • Forests • Rural Development & • Welfare of SCs and BCs Panchayats • Printing & Stationery • Housing & Urban Development
14 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Rana Gurmeet Singh Sh.Charanjit Singh Sodhi Channi • Sports and Youth Affairs • Technical Education & Industrial Training • Employment Generation
Smt. Razia Sultana Smt. Aruna Chaudhary • Higher Education • Social Security • Water Supply & Sanitation • Women & Child (Public Health) Development • Transport
Sh. Sukhjinder Singh Sh. Sukhbinder Singh Randhawa Sarkaria • Cooperation • Revenue, Rehabilitation • Jails and Disaster Management • Water Resources
Sh. Gurpreet Singh Sh. Balbir Singh Sidhu Kangar • Animal Husbandry, Dairy • Power Development • New and Renewable • Labour Energy Sources
Sh. Vijay Inder Singla Sh. Sunder Sham • Public Works Arora • Information Technology • Industries & Commerce
Sh. Bharat Bhushan Ashu The ministers were installed in • Food &Civil Supplies and their offices by the Chief Minister Consumer Affairs on April 24.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 15 Sports The shooting star · Heena Sidhu shoots gold and silver · Overcomes nerves to set new CWG record
Donald Banerjee eena Sidhu, the shoot- pistol event. a tally of five medals---one gold, ing star of Punjab, This is also Heena’s second two silver and two bronze—at the showedH that her nerves are made of Commonwealth gold, the other one CWG 2018. steel, as she overcame tremendous being the gold the shooting team The other medal triumphs for pressure in the qualifying stage to brought home together in the 2010 Punjab were Pardeep Singh (Ja- clinch the gold medal with a edition of the four-yearly contest. landhar) silver in weightlifting (105 record-setting score of 38 in the India's shooting contingent has had kg), Vikas Thakur (Ludhiana) women’s 25 metre pistol (preci- a great run at Australia this year – bronze in weightlifting (94 kg) and son/rapid) event of the Common- having won eight medals in all. Navjeet Kaur Dhillon bronze in wealth Games 2018. The Ludhiana Heena Sidhu’s two-medal haul discus throw. girl made it a medal double by win- was the best performance by the The men’s and women’s hockey ning the silver in the 10-metre air- Punjab squad, which finished with teams finished fourth in their re-
16 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Sports
spective categories. shot too was registered as zero as only Manchester, 2002. As far Heena Sidhu’s CWG the person handling the targets did The 66 medals is also two journey over the years is con- not reset it properly. medals more than Glasgow 2014, cerned, it has been a rollercoaster “As manager of the team, I overall, although it was still a long ride for the Ludhiana-based athlete. protested and aggressively told way off the 101 medals the country While she had won a gold in the them that how can the shooters be won at the 2010 Games, which team 10m air pistol event and a sil- asked to arm their guns for the next were hosted by India. ver in the individual 10m air pistol shot even before the protest on the Out of the total of 16 sports that event in 2010, 2014 saw her walk previous one was resolved. I told India fielded athletes in at Gold away empty-handed, even though them that she will not shoot till a Coast, medals were won in nine of she had qualified for the 10m final. decision is taken”. them. Indian shooters raked in the However, this is not the first They finally realised the mis- most number of medals (16), fol- time Sidhu has set a record. In take and allowed her to shoot. So, lowed by the wrestlers (12), the 2013, the Arjuna awardee became she attempted the last 10 shots of boxers and weightlifters (nine the first Indian pistol shooter to win her qualifying series alone with all each). a gold medal at an ISSF World the competitors and spectators There were also many firsts for Cup, when she won the 10m air watching her. She shot superbly Indians at the Commonwealth pistol event, while in 2014, Sidhu under tremendous pressure and Games. Neeraj Chopra became the created the world record in the 10m qualified in the third position. first javelin thrower from India to air pistol event, for her final score However, Heena not only managed win a gold at the Games, while of 203.8. to qualify for the final but went on Mary Kom also won a medal of the Heena had to shoot under win the gold medal. same colour in her first (and prob- tremendous pressure in the qualify- Though it was a competition of ably last) CWG. Satwiksairaj ing stage as she was hit by an shooting skills, for Heena it turned Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also empty shell from the next station out to be a test of skills and nerves became the first men’s doubles and could not take two shots, being and the Indian came up trumps, badminton pair from India to win a credited zero for that. overcoming the dramatic situa- medal at the Games, while Manika The 25m air pistol event is held tions. The simulation of distur- Batra made the country take notice in two stages - precision and rapid bances during training finally fire rounds to test the shooters abil- helped her maintain steely nerves. of her with four medals, including a ity to the fullest. At one stage of the The fact that Heena managed to gold in women’s singles, in the competiton at the Belmont Shoot- emerge champion despite an injury table tennis event ing Complex, Heena was placed in her trigger finger, speaks vol- The shooters, unsurprisingly, seventh after the precision round, in umes of her determination and were the most successful among all which she was bothered by the makes the victory all the more athletes with a total of 16 medals, windy conditions and also made a creditable. including 7 gold medals. The slight wrong adjustment to her gun. India finished with a total haul biggest success stories were Anish Things got more dramatic in the of 66 medals – 26 gold, 20 silver, Bhanwala, Manu Bhaker and rapid fire stage as Heena was hit on and 20 bronze. The Games that Mehuli Ghosh - three teenagers her arm by an empty shell from a began with a silver for P Gururaja who delivered on their debut at the nearby station and could not take and gold for Mirabai Chanu on the big stage. her shot. The Indian coach lodged a first day ended with a gold for The weightlifters were in won- protest. The officials admitted it Saina Nehwal and silver for derful form, as they kick-started and allowed her to shoot again but Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chi- India’s medal haul. Wrestlers re- before she could take a shot, the rag Shetty in badminton. turned with a 100% strike rate, competition officer announced the This was India’s second most headlined by Sushil Kumar’s CWG next shot and Heena’s previous successful Games overseas, behind hat-trick.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 17 Floriculture Reaping fortunes from flowers · Innovative farmer wins national award · Sohi sets new trends in diversification
Gurwinder Singh Sohi takes a stroll on his gladiolus farm
Donald Banerjee burst of colors -- pink, gladiolus plants, have to be cut be- Since it is grown in September- white, orange, and yel- fore they flower, since florists need October and harvested in January- Alow –catches the eye as one passes ones with a shelf-life of at least two March for flowers and till April for by the 17-acre farmland of Gur- weeks. the bulbs, unlike the two-crop cycle winder Singh Sohi at Nanowal vil- His start-up ‘RTS Flowers’, is of wheat and paddy, the same land lage in Fatehgarh Sahib district. now a flourishing firm which trans- gives him income round the year as The blooming farm of gladiolas ports flowers to dealers in Chandi- two more crops can be grown in the and marigold presents not only a garh, Ludhiana, Punjab and Patiala. remaining time. The sticks sell for colourful landscape but also helps The 39-year-old innovative up to Rs 7 each in the wedding sea- him to reap fortunes from every farmer has carved a niche for him- son, though the average is Rs. 3. acre of his farm. The burst of self in crop diversification. Gur- After gladiolas, be grows pulses colours breaks the monotony of a winder has cultivated on 22 acres -- and then paddy, mainly basmati va- landscape that is otherwise dotted nine of his own and 13 on lease. rieties. Marigold can be grown on with wheat fields. Out of 22 acres he grows gladiolus 3 acres both in summer and winter. Sohi, 39, is preoccupied, though on 12 acres, both for flowers and On the remaining land on lease, he — the ‘Glad’, as he fondly calls his bulbs, and Marigold on five acres. grow wheat, maize, basmati,
18 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Floriculture
moong, maah, sugarcane, rajmaah acres and fetched Rs 2 lakh per their own web portal. A kilogram and cattle fodder. This way he acre and marigold got him Rs 1.25 of organic dal they sell at Rs. 100 earns round the year. lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh per acre. He is sold at selling their produce by He adopted the latest technolo- also ventured into online trade of setting up their stalls in Kisan Man- gies like showing wheat with happy flowers and made good profits by dis of Chandigarh. seeder and sowing of direct seeded selling on social media sites. Gurwinder Singh is now a basmati. He spares one acre of his Gurwinder Sigh received the member of number organizations land for organic farming too, re- national award for innovative farm- like PAU Kisan Club, Sohi Sports warding than wheat and paddy that ing from Union Minister Pur- and Youth Welfare Club Nanowal bring just Rs. 30,000 and Rs. shotam Rupala in New Delhi. He (Regd.), Atma committee 40,000 an acre, respectively: after has been awarded for efforts to di- Khamano etc. He is also president deducting land lease and labour versify from the traditional crops of of Friend’s Farmer’ Welfare Club, and other input cost, we are left wheat and paddy to floriculture. President Akal Farmer’s Producer with just half of this amount as He has also received the Sar- Company (Regd.) and PAU Flower profit,’’ he adds. While pulses grow darni Parkash Kaur Saran Award Grower Association. fast and fetch Rs 22,000 per acre. from the Punjab Governor. Gur- The entire family is supporting His effort of bringing 17 acres winder has cultivated Holland glad- him in his farming activities. S. of land under floriculture and turn- iolas on over 12 acres, while 5 Gurdeep Singh father of Gurwinder ing the same into a 'goldmine', has acres are under marigold cultiva- Singh undertake the alternative en- earned Gurwinder Singh the na- tion. terprises dairy and other agricul- tional award for innovative His innovation has led to the tural related works. farming. creation of a Friend’s Farmers’ wel- With the guidance of Krishi Vi- Gurwinder, who previously fare Club along with his 12 friends gyan Kendra and the financial help sowed wheat and paddy on his nine of the same village. They purchase of NABARD they registered the acres of land, turned a floriculturist common machinery with the col- company with the name of Akal and took additional land on lease lection of money from the mem- Farmer’s Producer and started growing gladiolus and bers of club. Now, they have Company(Regd.) Now they stared marigold flowers and has managed rotavator, power sprayer, seed drill, selling 20 kinds of products like to get Rs 31 lakh a year. ridger etc. and these machineries After completing school, he can only used by the members of rice, Moong, Maah, rajmaah, could not clear the Joint Entrance club. honey, mustard oil, rose sharbat, Test (JET) for engineering but re- Besides gladiolus, to cash in on haldi, mirch, flour, tea etc under the fused to join the family business of the organic food boom, the club name of this company. They started wheat and paddy cultivation. In members are growing organic home delivery of these products in 2008, he learnt about the subsidies turmeric, pulses, maize and bas- the Mohali and Chandigarh. They being given by the Punjab Horti- mati. also to improve his learning expe- culture Department on Holland But since the profits in the or- rience and to adopt other technolo- gladiolas seeds and started growing ganic food industry are pocketed gies Gurwinder Singh is keenly the same on two kanals of his land. by big food stores, the club has interested to visit various places for Having found it profitable, he kept started marketing the produce di- better exposure. In his exposure adding acres under the Holland rectly to customers by creating visit, he visited Dr. Y.S. Parmar gladiolus that started giving him WhatsApp groups! University of Solan HP. IIHR Ban- better results. They started directly selling or- galore, Institute of Horticulture He flourished by exploring new ganic pulses and vegetables to over Technology Great Noida, Pusa markets in Chandigarh, Sanghol, 30 homes in Mohali via Whatsapp. University etc. For this young en- Ludhiana and Patiala. Last season, To take farm-fresh food to many trepreneur who has returned to his he said, he grew gladiolus on 12 more homes, they would soon start fields, sky is now the limit.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 19 Organic farming Hansali village farm shows the way
The covered private patio which overlooks the orchard at a farmhouse in Hunsli
plaque commemorat- PO in Fatehgarh Sahib, about 40 culture pattern. This was the second ing the visit of Prince km from Chandigarh. visit to the district. He had visited ACharles, Prince of Wales, to The Prince chose this farm on Bhatmajra village of this district in Hansali organic farm stands out at his visit to Punjab on October 4, March, 2006. During this visit also the staircase of the organic farm lo- 2010, to get a deeper knowledge the Prince had supported the vision cated at Hansali village of Khera about Indian culture and its agri- of organic farming.
20 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Organic farming
Although a number of farmers backed out of the organic farm projects inaugurated by the Prince backed by huge grants from the government, the Hun- sali farm flourished. Today it calls the shots in diver- sication of organic farming The owner of the organic farm, Mr Sukhchain Singh Gill, takes personal interest in the farm and on any given day can be spotted in the green house doing net house farming through which he has grown seed- less cucumber, tomatoes, coriander, unique variety of banana and many other fruits and vegetables. The farm has extended its arms to promote eco- tourism. “But organic farming remains the main forte,” says Sukhchain Singh Gill. Private patio attached to each of the two moderm farm suites are an ideal covered location to survey the open orchard and get a whiff of the seasonal fruits. The vast sprawling farm spread is also home to Holstein (HF) and Desi (Sahiwal) cows, goats and hen. In fact the tourists wake up to the cry of the cock in the morning and can be seen going around having a feel of village life with hens laying eggs, and farm hands milking cows and goats. A splashpool adds up as a mini swimming pool for kids. Water melons blooming on tender creepers gives the tourists a glimpse of the vast expanse of organic growth. Although the visitors’ suites are a wonderful show- case of the state’s promotion of farm tourism, Mr Gill says he is more interested in expanding his organic farm. Organic wheat is ready for harvesting and next in line is organic basmati. Diversification of organic farming is the new mantra of Hansali farm, the produce is endless, it in- cludes organic pulses, organic vegetables and fruits, organic eggs, organic cow and goat milk and paneer, organic wheat and wheat flour, organic basmati, or- ganic gur, makki atta etc. The visitors’ remarks on the guest register speak volumes about their experience. These remarks stand out: "A piece of heaven on earth"
"In the adobe of mother nature and enjoying Sukhchain Singh Gill in the greenhouse of healthy organic farm fresh food." his organic farm at Hunsali in Fatehgarh Sahib district "An amazing learning experience."
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 21 PUNJAB DIARY
CM for revival of Indo-Pak Games he Chief Minister both sides of the Punjab bor- has called for der. The games had been strengtheningT of trade and launched earlier in 2004 from people-to-people ties with Patiala, with events in a dozen Pakistan in order to defuse disciplines, including hockey, tension and promote better cycling, athletics, gymnastics, relations between the two polo, handball, wrestling, bad- neighbours. minton, volleyball, tug-of- At an informal luncheon war, shooting and kabaddi. meeting with Pakistan’s High The Pak envoy raised the Commissioner to India, So- issue of repatriation of prison- hail Mahmood, Capt ers who had completed their Amarinder Singh expressed terms from both sides and said concern at the declining trade that various clearances re- levels between the two coun- CM with the Pakistan High Commissioner quired from the authorities tries due to escalation in tension along the border in recent should be expedited for the purpose. months.The two agreed that the downslide in trade was It was in their mutual interest to work together, in the detrimental to the interests of both India and Pakistan. They spirit of bonhomie, to fight these challenges, said Captain stressed on the need for concerted efforts on both sides to Amarinder Singh, adding that, with their shared historical ease the tensions through people-centric measures. roots, the people of India and Pakistan could easily relate to The Chief Minister was in favour of reviving the Indo- one another. Pak Punjab Games, which he had introduced during his pre- On the occasion, Captain Amarinder Singh presented to vious tenure as Chief Minister, saying sporting events could his guest a collection of his books, including ‘A Ridge Too play a pivotal role in boosting people-to-people relations on Far – War in the Kargil’.
Capt installs new ministers nfusing fresh wave of floor. dynamism into the govern- Captain Amarinder, flanked by ment,I the new ministers of the senior party functionaries, escorted Punjab cabinet on took charge of Sports Minister Rana Gurmeet their departments in the presence of Singh Sodhi to his chair in his sixth Chief Minister Capt Amarinder floor office, before moving down Singh, who exuded the optimism to the fifth floor to visit PWD & IT that they would perform well, with Minister Vijay Inder Singla, Rev- the “best” having been selected for enue Minister Sukhbinder Singh the jobs. Sarkaria, and Industries & Com- The Chief Minister moved from merce Minister Sunder Sham floor to floor, starting from the 7th, Arora in their offices. to see his new ministerial col- Enthusiastic workers were leagues settle down to their job. On present at every floor to welcome the seventh floor, a paath of Sri the Chief Minister, who completed Sukhmani Sahib ji marked the in- The Chief Minister with the new the installation process in the of- stallation of Animal Husbandry,Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Sodhifices of Education & Environment Dairy Development & Labour Min- Minister O P Soni and Cooperation ister Balbir Singh Sidhu. The Chief Minister was also & Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. He also went greeted enthusiastically in the offices of Power Minister to the office of Higher Education Minister, Razia Sultana, Gurpreet Singh Kangar and Food Civil Supplies & Con- who was elevated to the cabinet minister’s rank in the re- sumer Affairs Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu on the same cent expansion.
22 Punjab Advance May - 2018 PUNJAB DIARY
Phagwara to have Samvidhan Chowk he Chief administration to Minister, seek a second opin- TCapt Amarinder ion on his condi- Singh has agreed tion from doctors at in-principle to re- PGI and then shift name Phagwara’s him, if needed, to Gol Chowk as the best hospital in Samvidhan (Con- Delhi or Chandi- stitution) Chowk. garh. He assured He made this an- Bobby’s family nouncement while members that the meeting a delega- government would tion of the Dalit bear the entire ex- Samaj, including penditure of his families of the vic- treatment. tims of the April The Chief Min- 13 Phagwara ister also directed clashes. The CM with members of the Dalit Samaj in Phagwara the DGP, Suresh Phagwara Munci- Arora, to assess if pal Corporation had already moved a resolution for renam- stringent provisions of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act ing the chowk. can be invoked against the perpetrators of April 13 violence. “There is nothing wrong in naming the roundabout as When some delegation members pointed at the “biased” role Samvidhan Chowk, as our Constitution does not belong to of certain police personnel during the violence, Captain any particular caste or creed and we all Indians are proud Amarinder Singh directed the DGP to inquire into the same of it”, he said while directing the local administration to fol- and take necessary action. low the proper procedure for renaming the chowk. The affected families, under the banner of Dalit Broth- Responding to the request of the family members of erhood Action Committee, also submitted a memorandum Yashwant Bobby, who sustained serious bullet injuries, the of their demands to the Chief Minister and assured of their Chief Minister said it was the duty of his government to en- continued support in restoring normalcy and calmness in sure best possible treatment for him. He directed the district Phagwara.
Special award for Jaswant Singh Puri
he Global Economic by the World Health Organisation. Progress and Research Asso- The award was conferred on Patiala- ciationT ,Tamil Nadu, has conferred the based Journalist for excellence in his re- ’’Bharat Ratna Dr Abdul Kalam Gold Medal Award”, on Patiala-based spective field on the occasion of the 52nd Jaswant Singh Puri, Media Consultant National Unity Conference on ,''Individ- ,Global Mass Awareness Programme on ual Achievement & National Economic common but fatal disease prevention. Growth" held on April 7 in Bangalore The role of the Research Association, which is running in more than 36 coun- The award includes Award Certificate, tries of the world, has been appreciated Shield and Gold Medal.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 23 PUNJABIS OVERSEAS Punjabi lass on Greenpeace mission
British Indian amongst the usual activists who are woman of Punjabi younger, taller and perhaps more ro- Aorigin has returned from the bust, especially for a mission as Antarctic where she spent the challenging as voyaging into the last three months as part of the freezing Antarctic. However, the Greenpeace Mission to estab- need to bear witness to how close lish an Ocean sanctuary. Meena the Antarctic is to being destroyed, Rajput was on the Greenpeace and taking with its iconic creatures, ship ‘Artic Sunrise’ in the ca- impelled her to board the ship and pacity of an activist for conser- assist in any manner she could, from vation of wildlife in the raising awareness to confronting a Weddell Sea of the Antartic Ukrainian krill fishing vessel that Ocean. happened to be there at the same The aim of the expedition time. was to strengthen the case for A first generation immigrant to the Weddell Sea to be declared the UK from Dadyal, Hoshiarpur, an ocean sanctuary by the via Africa, Meena’s father lived to Antarctic Ocean Commission, provide for his family. His death or the Commission for the Con- two years ago brought into sharp re- servation of Antarctic Marine lief her own mortality, but also how Living Resources at its October meeting. much he sacrificed his own dreams to ensure his family’s “Greenpeace is all about getting environmental justices, security. standing up to corporations and people who are acting out “Now that my dad is gone, I feel like I owe it to him to of greed,” says Meena. make the most of my life,” says Meena. And, she is doing The 37-year-old, standing 5 ft 2 in, is an anomaly that by pledging herself to the planet.
UK MP wants Jallianwala Bagh memorial in London
ritish member of Parliament Virendra Sharma has Theresa May during Question Time: “This year, April 13 sought a formal commemoration of the Jallian- represents the 99th anniversary of what happened at the Jal- walaB Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919, that marked the be- lianwala Bagh in Amritsar, India, known as the Jallianwala ginning of the end of British rule in India. Bagh massacre, in which more than 1,000 peaceful protest- Addressing an event here to mark the 99th anniversary ers were murdered by soldiers under the command of Gen- of the massacre, the Labour Party member, with roots in Ja- eral Dyer.” landhar, called for a formal memorial in London to the “Will the Prime Minister join me in commemorating the heinous act. He said the massacre should also be included in the curriculum. massacre and meet me and others who are campaigning for Sharma, who represents Ealing Southall, echoed the de- this shameful episode to be remembered across the UK?” mand of local community leaders who have been mounting May had replied: “The honourable gentleman has raised pressure on the government for a permanent memorial. a very specific issue and a very specific point. I will be In March, Sharma had raised the issue in the House of happy to look at the question he has raised and respond to Commons. Sharma had asked British Prime Minister him in writing.”
24 Punjab Advance May - 2018 PUNJABIS OVERSEAS Turban Day at Times Square
h o u - ness that people with sands of turban on their heads turbansT were on the are Sikhs,” said heads of people Gagandeep Singh, from different races, one of the event’s or- religions and nation- ganisers from Sikhs alities in the city’s of New York. Times Square as Turban Day Sikhs launched the events were being annual series of Tur- held as civil rights ban Day events to organisation, the promote understand- Sikh Coalition, re- ing of their faith and ports a spike in hate dispel stereotypes crimes against mem- about the piece of attire. bers of the faith. Volunteers from Sikhs of New York organisation tied tur- American media has created a stereotype of turban-wear- bans on the heads of visitors while explaining its signifi- ing terrorists, which has come to haunt the Sikh community. cance for Sikhs and telling them about their religion, which Rajwant Singh, a founder of the National Sikh Coalition, said is probably the most misunderstood faith in the US. that the polls conducted by his organisation “found out that “The reason we are having this event is to spread aware- turban causes anxiety among many Americans”.
Alberta allows Sikh bikers to wear turbans
anada’s Alberta up to the discretion of province will the officer. If the officer allowC turban-wearing doesn’t believe the rider, Sikhs to drive motorcy- a ticket may still be is- cles without a helmet sued. The rider would from April 12. British then have to challenge it Columbia and Manitoba in court. already allow Sikhs to As per the 2011 cen- drive motorcycles with- sus, there are 52,335 out helmets. Sikhs in Alberta. Alberta’s transporta- Baltej Singh Dhillon, tion minister Brian who became the first Mason said on Thursday Royal Canadian that the exemption was Mounted Police granted at the request of (RCMP) officer with a the Sikh community as recognition of their civil rights and turban, welcomed Alberta’s decision. religious expression. The exemption applies to drivers and In a statement, he said: “The decision by the government passengers over the age of 18 who are Sikhs. of Alberta to allow Sikhs to be able to ride their motorcycles According to an Alberta government spokesperson, a without having to remove their turbans, which is an integral rider wearing a turban, but not a helmet, will have to self- part of the Sikh identity, demonstrates a deep respect for the identify to be considered a Sikh. At that point, it would be traditions and customs of the Sikh community.”
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 25
Beating the heat A couple of tigers play in the water feature at Chhat Bir Zoo Education Giving wings to kids’ imagination Hi-tech boards for smart classes Bathinda village school shows the way
Megha Mann he com- all the lessons they puter-en- would teach. abledT smart boards She said the are all set to give school had got a wings to the imagi- grant of Rs 50000 nation of the children from the govern- studying in govern- ment. In consultation ment schools. Yes, with the school com- the Government Sen- mittee, it was de- ior Secondary cided that the amount School in Gobind- should be spent on pura village has be- raising a smart class. come the first The instrument government school bought included a of Bathinda district touch pad enabled to get a smart class. screen and projector. Under this "As per the edu- scheme, students cationists, children from Class I to Class learn better when XII will not only they see the matter in study but also learn one form or another. their lessons on hi- dents to grasp things easily but will In the smart class all tech smart boards using animation and also help them have access to online subjects are being tailored in such a films. The teachers too have got busy learning material in days to come. way that it would be easier for the stu- preparing lectures tailored to the needs School principal Amandeep Kaur dents to remember. Students will get of a smart class. says that from this academic session maximum help in learning mathemat- Deputy Commissioner Diprava 555 students of the school will study ics and science," she said. Lakra said the state government's ini- mathematics, science and social sci- Mrs Amandeep Kaur added that the tiative of introducing smart boards in ences in the smart class. Other subjects learning content that education depart- government schools is a step towards will be added to the smart class module ment is providing through Edusat, will giving learning opportunities to school gradually. She added that the teachers be made available as offline lectures in students equal to their counterparts too are being trained to teach lessons the smart class. studying in private institutes. The on the smart board. Under this, teach- --The writer is Assistant Public smart board will not only enable stu- ers are preparing brief capsules of of Relations Officer, Bathinda
28 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Education Education reforms fetching results
BUREAU REPORT
teps taken to improve the ed- increments and promotions, the state’s ening school education in Punjab as ucation standard in the state education standards which had taken a the process would provide teachers in Slast year has started showing positive nosedive in the past, were on the up- schools where posts are lying vacant. results with government schools en- ward trend. bound to improve. Besides, Besides, launching of mobile-app rolling around 1.60 lakh new children the performance-based transfer policy for granting various kinds of leave in primary schools. and incentive of 15 marks for teachers would also help in streamlining the Giving this information an elated who would enrol their wards in gov- system. Education Minister Aruna Chaudhary ernment schools for study would fur- While wishing a bright future to the further said “Around 2.50 lakh more ther help in improving the education pass-outs, the Minister lauded the con- students are expected to be enrolled in standards of government-run schools. tribution of the Sikh Education Soci- government schools during the new The other steps taken to improve ety, running the college, in the field of session.” school education, included scrapping The minister was in Banga (SBS and change of 19 old rules which had education.College Principal Dr Kul- Nagar) to confer degrees on the pass- been governing state education depart- want Singh Randhawa revealed that as outs at the convocation of Sikh Na- ment for decades and which had lost many as 14 students of the college had tional College. their relevance in the present times. secured merit positions in the exams in With the formation of a separate Further, the rationalisation of post of 2016-17. 21 others had secured place cadre of teachers for the border dis- teachers to be taken in near future in exceptionally talented category, he tricts, along with special incentives of would also go a long way in strength- said.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 29 Skills Honing the soft skills of youth
Mrs. Bhawna Garg, Secretary, Technical Education & Industrial Training-cum-Mission Direc- tor, Punjab Skill Development Mission, distributing welcome kits to the candidates after inau- gurating soft skill development centre at ITI (Boys), Nabha Road, Patiala.
BUREAU REPORT
special course content of flexible timings for this course. rated at ITI (Boys), Nabha Road, Pa- 120 hours has been devel- Giving details, a spokesman for the tiala by Mrs. Bhawna Garg, Secretary, Aoped by professionally qualified teach- project said: “There will be two levels Technical Education & Industrial ers to hone the soft skills of youth to of course. Level 1 is a basic course for Training cum Mission Director, Pun- prepare them for the competition in the the candidates having education level jab Skill Development Mission, to job market. of class 10th. mark the launch of an exclusive course This project is the brainchild of the Level 2 is the Advanced Course for on soft skills which many jobseekers Punjab Skill Development Mission in the Candidates having diploma after including those professionally quali- collaboration with District Bureaus of class 10th or graduation. The main mo- Employment and Enterprises (DBEE) tive of the course is to improve the fied are in dire need of. & Regional Institute of English (RIE). communication skills, presentation Interested candidates can enrol on- This unique project has been im- skills & other professional skills re- line on http://psdm.gov.in or ap- plemented in all the 22 districts of the quired to begin a successful career.” proach the district bureau to enrol in state and admissions are open with One such center has been inaugu- this course.
30 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Farm Initiative Mohali fish farmer shows the way
A view of the hatchery established by fish farmer Raj Kapoor at Sekhan Majra village.
BUREAU REPORT
aj Kapoor has come a long provided him a subsidy of Rs 4,47,500 He said the possibility of income-gen- way. This progressive under the KVY scheme. eration is more in fish farming as com- farmerR from Sekhan Majra village in According to Senior Fishery Offi- pared to traditional farming. Fish SAS Nagar has carved a niche for him- cer of SAS Nagar, fish farming covers farming is also relevant to other types self in fish farming. In three years he an area of 1350 acres in SAS Nagar of farming like piggery, poultry, horti- has set up his own fish hatchery of district. These areas in the foothills of culture & agriculture. The department common carp in an area of 2.4 the Shivalik Hills cover the villages of of fisheries also provides subsidy on hectares. The returns from the fish Mirjapur, Siswan, Jayanti and Parach loans for making ponds, preservation farm has inspired him to go in for more Dam. This land has been given on of fish and also marketing. work. His earnings from fish farming lease for 5 years by the fisheries de- Gill said Panchayats should en- touch Rs 3,12,000 per hectare annu- partment, which provides a revenue of courage fish farming through the ally. He has become an inspiration for Rs. 56,90,000 to the state government. other villagers who have opted for fish To encourage fish farming, a five-day MGNREGA scheme under which ex- farming. camp is held every month for provid- cavation of fish pond and its mainte- His interest in fishery was gener- ing free training along with technical nance etc. could be done, it will also ated after he attended a five-day train- guidance to the farmers. add to the income of the panchayat and ing programme in 2014. He was so Gill said after the training session also create more employment opportu- impressed by the positive notes of the a loan of Rs 4 lakh per hectare is pro- nities. As such, complete guidance for training that he started a fishery on 2.4 vided to farmers, upon which a sub- the same will be provided by the Fish- hectares. The department of Fishery sidy of 50 per cent is also provided. eries department.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 31 Tribute Career n Competition Armed forces beckon you
BUREAU REPORT career in the Armed Forces is always seen as ondary students to join the armed forces. The CBSE cur- one of dignity, bravado, selflessness and re- rently offers a compulsory subject called ‘General Founda- spect.A That is why a lot of students appear for the National tion Course’ for all students in Classes 11 and 12. The Defence Academy entrance exam after completing their course aims at improving students’ mastery over current af- class 12 or SSB exams after graduation. It is a career that is fairs and general knowledge. Two periods in a week have full of adventure, travel, job security and of course, a lot of been earmarked for students to hold discussions on career responsibility. options open to them. The Board has directed the schools As an officer in the forces, you will learn to get the best to use these classes to focus on the benefits and challenges out of yourself and out of others. This is so because being of a career in the armed forces, in order to be able to attract an officer is about being a leader. young students to take up this profession. There are many career paths that officers can choose to Besides creating a human resource of organised, trained follow. The defence is a large and a complex organisation and motivated youth, the course would provide a suitable that offers an extensive range of opportunities and experi- environment to motivate the youth to take up a career in the ences that one would rarely encounter in any civilian em- ployment. armed forces and help students be informed about the Officers in the forces enjoy lots of benefits like high- process of selection carried out by the armed forces for re- quality training, adventure sports, attractive remuneration cruitment and prepare accordingly. To further concretise its packages, ongoing job security, travel, opportunity and sat- move, CBSE also recommends a supplementary book by isfaction for career advancement etc. NCERT titled ‘The Indian Army - A Glorious Heritage’ for The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has use by teachers to attract young students towards career op- directed all its affiliated schools to motivate senior-sec- tions available in the Armed Forces.
32 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Career n Competition Tribute
sonality Test, but for the Air Force Wing the candidates must Joining the Armed Forces attend a Pilot Aptitude Test. In the interview the candidates will be put to intelligence A career in the Armed forces is definitely not for the tests to assess their intelligence, they will also have group faint-hearted. Here are some personal attributes that could discussions, group planning, outdoor group tasks, and asked work in your favour. to give brief lectures on specified subjects. • Love for one’s country • Commitment STAGE 4 — Medical Assessment The final stage of the recruitment process will require • Dedication the candidate to complete a fitness assessment. Recom- • An alert mind mended candidates appear before the medical board for car- • Integrity rying out their medical examination. • Willingness to obey orders STAGE 5 — Appointment • Discipline Permanent Commission: Which means a career in the Let us now look at the selection procedure for the Armed forces till you retire. For a cadet to be on permanent com- Forces after Class XII. mission, he has to join the NDA ( National Defence Acad- emy) or the IMA ( Indian Military academy) STAGE 1 — Eligibility Short Service Commission: For a short service the cadet NDA Examination :The NDA entry is open twice a year. has the option to serve the Army for 10 years which is ex- The requirements for entry into NDA is as follows: tendible till 14 years. Qualifying for a short service requires Age -16 plus to 19 years (at the day the course is ex- written examination and medical. pected to begin) Short service for an engineering or a law graduate in- Qualification -12th Class of 10+2 for Army and with cludes SSB interview and medical. At the end the officer Physics and Maths for Air Force/Navy has the option to opt out or convert to permanent commis- Written Examination & SSB Interview sion. Duration of Training -3 Years at NDA and then 1 Years Official websites are indianarmy.nic.in, careerair- at IMA, Dehradun. force.nic.in and nausena-bharti.nic.in provide valuable in- formation on these careers. STAGE 2 — Written Test In order to join the NDA, a student has to clear the UPSC exam and SSB interview. There are two batches every year. One starts in January and the other in July. The UPSC exam is a two- and-a-half hour affair consisting of 900 marks exam in two different papers, 300 marks for Maths and 600 for Physics, Chemistry, English, History, Geogra- phy, GK, IQ .
STAGE 3 — Assessment Day Qualified candidates in the written examination will be called for a final interview conducted by SSB (Services se- lection board). For Army, Navy Wings & 10 +2 Entry Scheme candidates need to undergo Intelligence Test & Per-
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 33 Career n Competition
NATIONALCurren Dadasaheb Phalke Award posed demeanour.Some of his famous Awards. for Vinod Khanna films are Mere Apne, Insaaf and Amar, ISRO launches navigation satellite Late veteran actor and politician Akbar, Anthony. He was last seen in The Indian Space Research Organi- Vinod Khanna was posthumously hon- 2015 in Shah Rukh Khan’s Dilwale. sation (ISRO) has successfully launched oured with the Sri Devi wins best actress award IRNSS-1I navigation satellite from Sri- prestigious The 65th National film awards have harikota in Andhra Pradesh. The satellite D a d a s a h e b been announced with Bollywood film was launched on board of PSLV-C41 Phalke Award ‘Newton’ emerging as the Best Hindi (height of 44.4 meters and weight of 321 2017. He is the Film and music maestro AR Rahman tonnes) after the normal lift-off and was 49th recipient emerging as the biggest winner. Film- successfully placed in the designated of the award, maker Shekhar Kapur headed the jury of orbit. It was overall 20th flight of PSLV- considered as the film awards which recognises talents XL version and 41st successful mission the highest ho- across cinema in all languages. Late ac- of total 43 of PSLV. The IRNSS-1I is nour in Indian tress Sridevi was conferred with the Best overall eighth satellite to join ISRO’s cinema given Actress Award posthumously for her last NavIC navigation satellite constellation. by the Union Ministry of Information film ‘Mom’. Riddi Sen won the Best It replaced IRNSS-1A, the first of seven and Broadcasting. Born on October 6, actor award for his film ‘Nagarkirtan’. navigation satellites of IRNSS series that 1946, Vinod Khanna has featured in as AR Rahman won the National Award for was rendered ineffective after its three many as 146 films in his film career Best Music Direction for ‘Kaatru rubidium atomic clocks failed. IRNSS- spanning over four decades. He made his Veliyidai’ and for the Background Music 1I was made by Bengaluru-based Alpha debut in 1968 with Mann Ka Meet. He for the film ‘Mom’. This makes him the Design Technologies in collaboration was known for his suave style and com- only composer to win six National with ISRO.
PUNJAB Heena Sidhu wins 2 medals This is Heena's first CWG individual Kangar, Balbir Singh Sidhu, Vijay Inder Punjab’s Heena Sidhu has won two gold medal - and second overall, after a Singla, Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Sun- team gold in 2010 - and second of the der Sham Arora. Gold Coast Games, after she claimed sil- Puja Joshi tops in ver in the 10m air pistol event. Class XII board exams Capt expands Cabinet Punjab Chief Minister Capt Puja Joshi, a student of Teja Singh Amarinder Singh expanded his govern- Swatantar Memorial School in Ludhi- ment by inducting nine new ministers, ana, has topped the Punjab PSEB Class They were administered the oath of of- 12 exams from the non-sport category, fice and secrecy by Governor VP Singh with 98 percent marks. Prachi Gaur Badnore at a simple ceremony at Raj (from Ludhiana) who opted for sports Bhawan. Two women ministers - Aruna scored 100 percent marks in the PSEB Chaudhary and Razia Sultana - who Class 12 board exams. Vivek Rajput shooting medals—a gold and a silver --in were in the rank of ministers of state from Teja Swantantra Senior Secondary the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She were also promoted as cabinet ministers. won the gold in the 25 metre pistol (pre- The nine newly inducted ministers School has secured the second rank with cision/rapid) at the Belmont Shooting are OP Soni, Rana Gurmeet Singh 97.55 percent, while Jasnoor Kaur from Centre, three days after she had shot the Sodhi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Dashmesh Public School for girls, Muk- silver in the 10-metre air pistol event. Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Gurpreet tsar has secured the third position.
34 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Career n Competition
EventsINTERNATIONAL US curbs on Pak dispomats fices without permission. According to including one of the Hollywood’s most The US government has placed restric- this notification, diplomats would need influential producers Harvey Weinstein. tions on the movement of Pakistani to apply for permission at least five days Their revelations inspired the global diplomats in the country in a tit for tat re- ahead of an intended travel outside the ‘MeToo’ movement that led to talks striction enforced by the country. Ac- imposed 4 0km radius. Officials from about gender and power dynamics in the both the countries, the US and Pakistan, workplace. however, have made it clear that the no- Contact lens which darkens in sun tice had nothing to do with the case of an The US Food and Drug Administration American military attache at the US em- (FDA) has approved use of Acuvue bassy in Islamabad, who is charged with Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions causing the death of a Pakistani national Light Intelligent Technology, world’s and injuring another in a road accident first contact lens that automatically dark- 2018 Pulitzer Prize winners ens when exposed to bright light. It is The winners of the 2018 Pulitzer Prizes first of its kind contact lens to incorpo- were announced on April 16, 2018 at Co- rate same technology that is used in eye- lumbia University in New York City. glasses that automatically darken in the This year, the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in the sun. These contact lens are soft contact cording to earlier media reports, the Public Service was shared by ‘The New lenses indicated for daily use to correct Trump administration had notified Pak- York Times’ for reporting led by Jodi vision of people with non-diseased eyes istan recently that from May 1, diplomats Kantor and Megan Twohey; and ‘The who are nearsighted (myopic) or far- at their embassy in Washington and at New Yorker’ for reporting by Ronan Far- sighted (hyperopic). They can be used by consulates in other cities would not be row. Both the newspapers exposed the people with certain degrees of astigma- able to travel beyond 40 km of their of- powerful and wealthy sexual predators, tism, an abnormal curvature of the eye.
SPORTS India third in CWG medal tally 45 silver and 46 bronze. best rank that any Indian has achieved in The 21st Commonwealth Games The final day of the event was action- the ATP singles chart since Somdev Dev- concluded on April 15, 2018 at Gold packed for India, with two of India’s star varman touched a career-high of 62 in shuttlers P V Sindhu and Saina Nehal July 2011. battling it out in the women’s singles Bhambri’s sudden jump in rankings final and recently crowned world no.1 follows his title win at the Santaizi ATP Kidambi Srikanth fighting for the top Challenger that was held recently in spot in the men’s singles. While Saina Taipei City, Taiwan. If the 25-year-old came out strong in the high pressure maintains his top-100 rank then, it will match, beating Sindhu in straight sets of allow him direct entry into the Grand 21-18, 23-21, Srikanth let slip his strong Slams and the ATP 1000 series Masters start to lose three games to Malaysia’s event. Lee Chong Wei. Overall, Indian won 7 Australia win Azlan Shah Cup Coast, Australia. Legendary boxer Mary medals on the final day including one World champions Australia won the Kom was the flagbearer for the Indian gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze. 27th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah delegation at the closing ceremony. India Yuki Bhambri in ATP top-100 cup 2018 for a record 10th time. In the with a final haul of 66 medals including Indian tennis star Yuki Bhambri on final match held in Ipoh, Malaysia, Aus- 26 gold, 20 silver and 20 bronze finished April 16, 2018 broke back into the top- tralia defeated defending champion Eng- at the third place. Australia stood first 100 of ATP men’s singles ranking for the land by a narrow 2-1 goal margin. with 198 medals including 80 gold, 59 first time since February 2016. As per the Earlier, in the classification match for silver and 59 bronze followed by Eng- latest ranking, he jumped 22 places to his third place, Argentina defeated the hosts land with 136 medals including 45 gold, career-best rank of 83. This is also the Malaysia 3-2.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 35 Luminaries
Remembering Shiv Kumar Batalvi Poetic pathos
Donald Banerjee hiv Kumar Batalvi, the very tles on the international scene, nearer young age of 35 years, left behind a name evokes poetic pathos home in Punjab it was the time of the poetic treasure of love and yorn. ofS the times. As Punjabi lovers pay superstar of poetry: the young Shiv Come May and it is time again to tribute on his 45th death anniversary Kumar Batalvi (July 23, 1936-May 6, remember this phenomenon, the (May 6), it would just be going back to 1973) youngest to win the Sahitya Akademi the times when the phenomenal poet A lover and rebel rolled into one. Award in 1967 and enjoy immense entwined love and pain so poetically. This young poet blazed on to the Pun- popularity during his lifetime. He was While the 1960s was the time of jabi horizon like a meteor and in his good-looking and had a melodious Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and the Bea- short span of life that ended at the voice. His fame multiplied after his
36 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Luminaries
death. His poetry was rooted in the soil chantingly lyrical poetic expressions. strong emotions among the listeners and inspired by folk songs and tragic He attained the charisma of a modern and readers of his poetry. ‘quissas’ it went straight to the hearts day saint as well as a fallen hero in the Already acknowledged as the liv- of the listeners. eyes of many of his admirers. ing legend of Punjabi poetry, Shiv The man who changed the tenor of The real wonder of Shiv Kumar Kumar became the youngest recipient Punjabi poetry was born on October 8, Batalvi’s poetry is not that he mas- of the Sahitya Akademi Award for his 1937, at Bara Pind Lohtian, Shakkar- tered the new and innovative ways to magnum opus ‘Loona’ in 1965. garh tehsil of Sialkot district (Pak- express modern poetical sensibilities Soon after his marriage in 1968, he istan). The family shifted to Batala better than most of his contemporaries, moved to Chandigarh where he joined (Gurdaspur district) after the Partition. but that he did it by masterfully and ar- the State Bank of India as a PRO. But A wanderer by nature, the young Shiv tistically combining and fusing them bad health plagued him though he con- used to vanish for the entire day wan- with the spirit of Punjab’s culture and tinued to write prolifically. dering in the nearby areas. with the age-old charm of classical In the early 70s Shiv came to Bom- After passing his matriculation in Punjabi poetry and folk songs. He bay for a literary conference. Part of 1953, Shiv joined the Baring Christian evoked, and still continues to do so, the conference involved readings in College in Batala for his F.Sc. Shanmukananda Hall. After a After that it was S.N. College, few people had read their work Qadian, where he began to sing Biopic on Batalvi (one of whom was Meena Ku- ghazals and songs for his class- mari), Shiv Kumar got on the mates. Director Mudassar Aziz plans to direct a stage and said: “Almost every- Then followed his first love biopic on late legendary poet Shiv Kumar one today has begun to con- story. She was Maina, whom Batalvi. Known as the Mirza Ghalib of Pun- sider himself a poet, and every he met at a fair in Baijnath. But person off the street is writing when he went back to look for jab, the Punjabi poet became the youngest re- ghazals.” By the time he fin- her in her hometown she had cipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in ished with his diatribe, there died. This and many other love 1967, given by Sahitya Akademi. He died at was not a sound in the hall. and partings followed giving the age of 36 due to health issues. This is when he began to read: him fodder for poetry. Perhaps Several of his poems have been adapted “Ek kuri jeeda naam mohabbat the most celebrated of such hai, gum hai, gum episodes was his fascination for movies. ‘Ajj Din Chhadeya Tere Rang hai…..”There wasn’t a sound for Gurbasksh Singh Preetlari’s Varga’, penned by him was adapted in Saif when he finished either. daughter. But cast differences Ali Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer ‘Love Legendary and world came in the way of the love Aaj Kal’ and it became an instant hit. ‘Ek renowned singers chose his story. He turned to alcohol for Kudi’, another poem by Batalvi, was recently poem to sing and in that way solace and wrote one of his paid their tribute to the name best love poems standing in used in Udta Punjab. synonym of love, Shiv Kumar front of a country liquor vend: “It’s an incredible story and I have been Batalvi. The list includes Asa “Ajj Din Chhadeya Tere Rang working on the story for two years now. We Singh Mastana, Surinder Kaur, Varga….” are almost ready. Creating the life of a legend K. Deep, Mahender Kapoor, After his lady love moved like Batalvi on screen is not easy. We have Bhupinder-Mitalee, Jagjit to the US, got married and gave Singh and Ustad Nusrat Fateh birth to a child, Shiv wrote: taken some creative liberties while working Ali Khan. “Main ek Shikra Yaar Ba- on this film,” Mudassar told PTI. The casting Great creative personalities naya…”. He remained unlucky for the film is yet to be finalised, he said. often burn themselves to illu- in love and this bereavement of He was one of the most romantic poets and minate the world. Shiv Kumar loss reflected intensely in his what can be a bigger tribute than a film on his Batalvi is reported to have said: poetry. “We don’t do Ph D, other peo- Shiv appeared on the scene own love story that ended tragically?" Direc- ple will do Ph. D. on us.” of Punjabi poetry in the 1960s tor Imtiaz Ali, who is a huge fan of Batalvi Excessive drinking had fi- when he was barely in his 20s. and even used a line from his poem 'Aaj din nally taken it toll. It was a sad He lived a brief and intense life chadeya ' in a song in Love Aaj Kal, is very end to a poet who, according to that was devoted to writing excited to hear the news. Amrita Pritam, was the darling profound, passionate and en- poet of Punjab.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 37 Luminaries
Balraj Sahni's 105th birth anniversary on May 1 The most gifted ----yet, 'misfit' actor
BUREAU REPORT
t is the early (Hindi), and post gradua- fifties, the fast- tion in Masters of Arts movingI pavements of old (English Literature), both Calcutta come to a sudden from Punjab University. He halt. The crowd is awe- got married to Dayamanti struck as they see a fast- and the two moved to Ben- moving hand-driven gal to join Rabindra Nath rickshaw chasing a horse- Tagore's Visva Bharati Uni- driven open carriage carry- versity in Shantiniketan as ing a beautiful damsel. The English and Hindi teacher. rickshaw puller pushes him- In 1938, Sahni went to self to the limit. The balding work with Mahatma occupant of the rickshaw Gandhi for a year and the offers him more money to very next year went to Eng- pull faster so that he can land to join the British catch up with his estranged Broadcasting Corporation’s lady-love. The temptation Hindi service as a radio an- works, the high wooden nouncer. In 1943, he re- wheels move faster. It is the turned to India. ultimate endurance test for However, it was "Do the rickshaw puller, but the Bigha Zameen" that estab- wealthy customer is not lished his strengths as an niversary falls on May 1, was a well worried about his plight. actor. It also won the international educated person, a teacher and a writer. This scene is a straight lift from prize at the Cannes Film Festival. In But it was his stint as an actor that Bimal Roy’s highly acclaimed movie the years that followed, he played made him the name he is today. Many ‘Do Bigha Zameen’ (1953). The rick- many leading roles in commercial present-day personalities from the film shaw-puller is not a double, but Balraj films opposite actresses like Nargis, world consider him to be the greatest Sahni himself. His talents as an actor Meena Kumari, Vyjayanthimala, and actor ever in the Hindi Film Industry. cannot be forgotten by those who have Nutan in films "Lajwanti" (1958), Born as Yudhishthir Sahni in seen him act. Such were his skills that "Ghar Sansar" (1958), "Satta Bazar" Rawalpindi (now Pakistan) on May 1, he used to get into the skin of the char- (1959), "Kathputli" (1957), and "Sone 1913 to a Punjabi family, he completed acter. Ki Chidiya" (1958) respectively. These his graduation in Bachelor of Arts Balraj Sahni, whose 105th birth an- films further established his position as
38 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Luminaries a versatile actor. drama was, I felt, a unique combina- His millions of fans, however, In 1961, film "Kabuliwala", written tion. You can well imagine then the know him by the name Johnny by Tagore, went on to become another high hopes I must have entertained, Walker!” of his classics. To prepare for the role. when I went to see that film. Excerpt 3 : His character roles in films like But, Shantaram let me down badly, “I shall always look upon my role "Haqeeqat" (1964), "Waqt" (1965), very badly indeed! At one stroke he in “Do Bigha Zamin” with a sense of "Do Raaste" (1969), "Ek Phool Do shattered all the confidence and faith I pride. Indeed, I shall cherish the mem- Mali" (1969), and "Mere Humsafar" had come to place in him, the supreme ory of that role till I breathe my last. (1970) further left an indelible mark in artiste! Shakuntala jarred on my nerves After having made this confession, the film fraternity and fans alike. The so very thoroughly that my soul cried I become entitled to air my views on a legendary song "Ae Meri Zohra out in anguish!” few points of a technical nature. The Jabeen" from the film "Waqt", pictur- Excerpt 2 : film was based on Rabindranath ized on Balraj Sahni and Achala “Finally, I hit upon a novel idea Tagore’s well-known poem of the Sachdev is still etched deep in peoples' which I explained carefully to Badru. same name, and yet nowhere has memories and is loved by the current The next day, as we – Chetan Anand, Bimal Roy expressed his gratitude to generation as well. Along with suc- Dev Anand, Guru Dutt and I--- sat in the poet. I feel that in the name of jus- cessfully proving his acting prowess, Chetan’s cabin, discussing “the script tice and fairplay, such an acknowl- he also displayed exceptional directing of Baazi, there was a commotion in the edgement was called for. skills through the film Lal Batti (1957), outer office. “’Do Bigha Zamin’ gave me too a where passengers are forced to spend Apparently, a drunkard had good deal of fame and publicity. All of a night together at the railway platform forcibly entered the office and was a sudden people woke up to the fact at the time of India's independence. bothering the clerks. Presently, the in- that I had been a professor at Shanti- Balraj co-directed this movie along truder appeared at the door of the niketan and an announcer on the with Krishan Chopra. His performance cabin. Walking right in, he went B.B.C. A few wise men even went to in the film "Garm Hava" (1973) is con- straight to Dev Anand and started talk- the extent of decking me in revolution- sidered to be the best, till date. Sadly, ing nonsense to him. All of us there ary plumage. They put about that I was this was his last film before his death. found the way the man was making a out to lead the Indian Cinema on a rev- Balraj Sahni is the most gifted, yet fool of himself excruciatingly funny olutionary path! They hailed me as an misfit personalities of Hindi Cinema. and we burst out laughing For well actor, who chose to work only in those The term ‘Most Gifted’ doesn’t over half an hour he entertained us and films which championed the cause of need any explanation to anyone who is the rest of the office staff with his the toiling masses. even vaguely familiar with the Golden pranks. ‘Look,’ they said, ‘here is a mil- Era of Hindi films. And ‘Yet A Misfit’ At last, Chetan decided that enough lionaire’s son, who has taken to acting, is added, because that’s what the maes- was enough. He ordered that the man not for making money but out of sym- tro reveals in his autobiography "Meri be thrown out bodily! At that point, I pathy for the poor.’ Interestingly Filmi Atmakatha" which was pub- asked Badru to offer a ‘salaam’ to his enough, I began modeling myself on lished by Hind Pocket Books in the ‘audience’! this image of mine, built up by the 70s. And lo! The Sharabi sobered down press! His personal experiences in the instantly! The change in the man was The truth is, as in the case of the field, as written by himself, unveil the so sudden that my colleagues could earlier ‘Hum Log’, ‘Do Bigha Zamin’ many new facets of Hindi Cinema hardly believe their eyes! It is a meas- too did not exactly improve my finan- which are both ‘dark’ as well as ure of Badru’s acting talent that he cial position. I remained as ‘broke’ as ‘bright’, ‘open’ as well as ‘hidden’, keeps the bottle, which is such an in- ever. without any holding back or hesitation separable companion of his on the I was jobless for the following six of any sort. The following are some in- screen, miles away from him in private months.” teresting excerpts from the book: life! I found Chetan looking askance at The above excerpts are just the tip Excerpt 1 : me! When I told him that Badru’s per- of the ice-berg (a really hot ice-berg in- “This meeting of four years ago formance was a ‘make-believe’ and deed) as the book contains many more with the versatile V. Shantaram was that the whole thing was ‘stage-man- ‘at-the-face’ truths not only about the very much in my thoughts when I went aged’ by me, he gave the role to Badru film-world but also about the pre and to see ‘Shakuntala’. That a man of without the slightest hesitation. That post independence era of India, the Shantaram’s calibre should be direct- was the beginning of Badru’s glorious changing social structure of the coun- ing a film based on Kalidas’s classic screen career. try before the 60s and much more.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 39 Literature The Lost Child
Mulk Raj Anand
t was the festival of spring. From the wintry shadesI of narrow lanes and al- leys emerged a gaily clad hu- manity. Some walked, some rode on horses, others sat, being car- ried in bamboo and bullock carts. One little boy ran between his father’s legs, brimming over with life and laughter. “Come, child, come,” called his parents, as he lagged behind, fascinated by the toys in the shops that lined the way. He hurried towards his par- ents, his feet obedient to their call, his eyes still lingering on the receding toys. As he came to where they had stopped to wait for him, he could not suppress the desire of his heart, even
40 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Literature though he well knew the old, cold dove! The dove!” The raining A man stood holding a pole stare of refusal in their eyes. “I petals dropped from his forgotten with yellow, red, green and purple want that toy,” he pleaded. His fa- hands. balloons flying from it. The child ther looked at him red-eyed, in his “Come, child, come!” they was simply carried away by the familiar tyrant’s way. His mother, called to the child, who had now rainbow glory of their silken melted by the free spirit of the day, gone running in wild capers round colours and he was filled with an was tender and, giving him her fin- the banyan tree, and gathering him overwhelming desire to possess ger to hold, said: “Look, child, up they took the narrow, winding them all. But he well knew his par- what is before you!” footpath which led to the fair ents would never buy him the bal- It was a flowering mustard- through the mustard fields. As they loons because they would say he field, pale like melting gold as it neared the village the child could was too old to play with such toys. swept across miles and miles of see many other footpaths full of So he walked on farther. even land. A group of dragon-flies throngs, converging to the A snake-charmer stood playing were bustling about on their gaudy whirlpool of the fair, and felt at a flute to a snake which coiled it- purple wings, intercepting the once repelled and fascinated by the self in a basket, its head raised in a flight of a lone black bee or butter- confusion of the world he was en- graceful bend like the neck of a fly in search of sweetness from the tering. swan, while the music stole into its flowers. The child followed them in A sweetmeat seller hawked, invisible ears like the gentle rip- the air with his gaze, till one of “gulab-jaman, rasagulla, burfi, pling of an invisible waterfall. The them would still its wings and rest, jalebi,” at the corner of the entrance child went towards the snake- and he would try to catch it. But it and a crowd pressed round his charmer. But, knowing his parents would go fluttering, flapping, up counter at the foot of an architec- had forbidden him to hear such into the air, when he had almost ture of many coloured sweets, dec- coarse music as the snake- charmer caught it in his hands. Then his orated with leaves of silver and played, he proceeded farther. mother gave a cautionary call: gold. The child stared open-eyed There was a roundabout in full “Come, child, come, come on to and his mouth watered for the burfi swing. Men, women and children, the footpath.” that was his favourite sweet. “I carried away in a whirling motion, He ran towards his parents gaily want that burfi,” he slowly mur- shrieked and cried with dizzy and walked abreast of them for a mured. But he half knew as he laughter. The child watched them while, being, however, soon left be- begged that his plea would not be intently and then he made a bold re- hind, attracted by the little insects heeded because his parents would quest: “I want to go on the round- and worms along the footpath that say he was greedy. So without about, please, Father, Mother.” were teeming out from their hiding waiting for an answer he moved on. There was no reply. He turned to places to enjoy the sunshine. A flower-seller hawked, “A gar- look at his parents. They were not “Come, child, come!” his par- land of gulmohur, a garland of gul- there, ahead of him. He turned to ents called from the shade of a mohur !” The child seemed look on either side. They were not grove where they had seated them- irresistibly drawn. He went towards there. He looked behind. There was selves on the edge of a well. He ran the basket where the flowers lay no sign of them. towards them. A shower of young heaped and half murmured, “I want A full, deep cry rose within his flowers fell upon the child as he en- that garland.” But he well knew his dry throat and with a sudden jerk of tered the grove, and, forgetting his parents would refuse to buy him his body he ran from where he parents, he began to gather the rain- those flowers because they would stood, crying in real fear, “Mother, ing petals in his hands. But lo! he say that they were cheap. So, with- Father.” Tears rolled down from his heard the cooing of doves and ran out waiting for an answer, he eyes, hot and fierce; his flushed towards his parents, shouting, “The moved on. face was convulsed with fear.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 41 Literature
Panic- stricken, he ran to one side than ever now and only cried: “I sweet shop and only sobbed, “I first, then to the other, hither and want my mother, I want my fa- want my mother, I want my fa- thither in all directions, knowing ther!” ther!” not where to go. “Mother, Father,” The man tried to soothe him by A thrilled boy is going to a vil- he wailed. His yellow turban came taking him to the roundabout. “Will lage fair with his parents. The child untied and his clothes became you have a ride on the horse?” he is full of joy and anticipation. In his muddy. gently asked as he approached the exuberance the boy demands all Having run to and fro in a rage ring. The child’s throat tore into a sorts of things from his parents – of running for a while, he stood de- thousand shrill sobs and he only toys, sweets, flowers, balloons, feated, his cries suppressed into shouted: “I want my mother, I want rides – but to his disappointment sobs. At little distances on the my father!” his parents pay no heed to the green grass he could see, through The man headed towards the child’s desires. The boy is quite his filmy eyes, men and women place where the snake- charmer frustrated as he is denied every- talking. He tried to look intently still played on the flute to the sway- thing he wants and after some time among the patches of bright yellow ing cobra. “Listen to that nice he stops asking his parents since he clothes, but there was no sign of his music, child!” he pleaded. But the knows his requests will be refused. father and mother among these child shut his ears with his fingers Suddenly the boy sees a round- people, who seemed to laugh and and shouted his double-pitched about and he so desperately wants a talk just for the sake of laughing strain: “I want my mother, I want ride that he summons up courage to and talking. my father!” The man took him near ask his father and mother and when He ran quickly again, this time the balloons, thinking the bright he gets no reply he turns around to a shrine to which people seemed colours of the balloons would dis- and does not see his parents. He to be crowding. Every little inch of tract the child’s attention and qui- searches but cannot find his parents space here was congested with eten him. “Would you like a and is panic stricken when he real- men, but he ran through people’s rainbow-coloured balloon?” he per- izes that he is lost. A kind man legs, his little sob lingering: suasively asked. The child turned hears the child’s desperate cries for “Mother, Father!” Near the en- his eyes from the flying balloons his parents, takes pity on the child trance to the temple, however, the and just sobbed, “I want my and tries to console and comfort crowd became very thick: men jos- mother, I want my father!” him. The man lifts the child in his tled each other, heavy men, with The man, still trying to make arms and tries to help him search flashing, murderous eyes and hefty the child happy, bore him to the for his parents. As the boy is crying shoulders. The poor child struggled gate where the flower-seller sat. bitterly the man tries to pacify him to thrust a way between their feet “Look! Can you smell those nice by offering the boy all those things but, knocked to and fro by their flowers, child! Would you like a he desired a few moments ago but brutal movements, he might have garland to put round your neck?” his parents had refused to give him, been trampled underfoot, had he The child turned his nose away but all these things lose signifi- not shrieked at the highest pitch of from the basket and reiterated his cance for the child and the child his voice, “Father, Mother!” sob: “I want my mother, I want my constantly goes on crying, ”I want A man in the surging crowd father!” my mother, I want my father.” Till heard his cry and, stooping with Thinking to humour his discon- now the boy had taken his parents great difficulty, lifted him up in his solate charge by a gift of sweets, for granted. It is only when he loses arms. “How did you get here, the man took him to the counter of them that the child realizes the im- child? Whose baby are you?” the the sweet shop. “What sweets portance of his parents in his life man asked as he steered clear of the would you like, child?” he asked. and that they are the most valuable mass. The child wept more bitterly The child turned his face from the thing he has.
42 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Literature Moun Aye Baat Na Rehndi Hai (I must utter what comes to my lips)
Bulleh Shah (Translation by Kartar Singh Duggal)
I must utter what comes to my lips. De inside and see for yourself Speaking the truth creates chaos. Why this wild search afar? Telling a lie saves one scarce. I must utter what comes to my lips. I am afraid of both these. It is a matter of good form Afraid I am both here and there. A norm to which we all conform I must utter what comes to my lips. It’s God in every soul you see He who has this secret known. If he is in me why not in you? He must peep into his own I must utter what comes to my lips. Lives He in the shrine of peace (Says Bulleh) the master is not far from me Where there are no ups and downs Without him there none could be I must utter what comes to my lips. That explains the suffering and pain It is indeed a slippery park. But mine is not the eye to see I take precautions in the dark I must say what comes to my lips.
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 43 Health Cushioning the knee joints
Dr.Ravinder Chadha
steoarthritis of knee is an ex- rendering the joint dry, stiff and painful squatting or kneeling. Initially, the tremely common ailment more In severe cases there is loss of cartilage pain subsides with rest, but as dis- Ocommonly affecting the elderly. The leading to bone to bone contact caus- ease progresses, pain may occur cartilage which protects the ends of the ing severe pain. both at rest and at night. bones starts degenerating. Common symptoms are- • Swelling The damaged cartilage lacks the • Knee pain- that worsens with pro- • Stiffness especially after prolong sit- ability to produce the lubricating fluid longed sitting, climbing stairs, ting, getting up.
44 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Health
• Decreased range of motion. to molecular weight, viscosity, quan- times with each leg. If this can ten • Crackling sounds in the knee. tity of viscosupplement etc.. be done easily, add a weight on the • Instability with buckling or giving ankle. out. Indication for usage- • Quadriceps stretching- while lying • Locking or catching of the knee due • Most of the patients notice improve- down, place a round pillow under to intra-articular loose bodies from ment in pain and stiffness after the the knee. Push the back of the knee degenerative pieces of cartilage injection. downward hold for a count of 10, Useful in prospective candidates for repeat ten times. shed into the joint. • knee replacement in order to Advanced Exercises with Stretch- • Patients may develop Bowleg that • save/delay/ postpone surgery. Band is very safe and improves may lead to a limp. • Individuals intolerant to the side ef- muscle strength and knee mobility. fects of medicines. Weight bearing Exercises like Patients remain on conservative • • For delaying knee replacement sur- Squats, Lunges, Step-up/down treatment for prolonged periods of gery in young patients. helps in strengthening thigh and hip time vis-à-vis analgesics and cartilage • Patients medically unfit to undertake muscles. building drugs (Glucosamine/Diac- eren). Often these patients face predicament while deciding regarding knee replacement surgery. Hyaluronic Acid injections dramatically alleviate the symptoms of pain, stiffness etc. Mechanism of action is by cushioning of the knee joints, by anti-inflamma- tory role and stimulation of production of Hyaluronan. These injections re- place the damaged joint fluid with a substance that has cushioning and lu- bricating abilities similar to normal, healthy joint fluid. Hyaluronic Acid is not a drug in the real sense of the word. It does not en- total knee replacement due to obe- To conclude it would be appropriate to tail the same concerns or risk of certain sity, Diabetes, heart problems etc. say that conservative treatment in other joint injections (e.g. steroids) but Physical therapy like hyaluronic acid form of physical therapy and only individuals experienced in giving is also of immense importance. hyaluronic acid will not only allevi- joint injections should administer Strong muscles provide support ren- ate pain and stiffness in the knee these. The only adverse reaction is dering knee movement easy and joint but also help prevent/delay sur- temporary localized pain or swelling painless. gical intervention. for a day in some cases. Following exercises are ideal for im- These injections are available in proving muscle strength. Dr Ravinder Chadha is a former pre-filled syringes and recommended • Straight leg raise- Sit well back in physio-therapist of the Indian dose is either single injection or one in- the chair. Straighten and raise the cricket team. jection per week for three or five in- leg, hold it for a slow count of ten, Email: [email protected] jections. The variation of dose is due then slowly lower it. Repeat at least (Tel-0172-2702929, 9814088327)
May - 2018 Punjab Advance 45 Children’s world
Hi kids,
o the summer vacations have begun.....the perfect their personality, but they deprive the kids of the most pre- time to laze around— run everywhere with cious thing—time spent with their parents. These courses friends,S topple over each other noisily, break into shrieks of are a refreshing change from the studies, but if overdone, maniacal laughter, chatter, chuckle, and dive into absolute they become a burden. For instance, many parents today are fun. Yes, summer vacation is that magical word t hat holds sending their kids to five or six courses a day, and if Sunday the key to that unmistakable glee on your bubbly face, prom- is included, nothing like it. They want their child to do it all ising a slice of the much-fantasised freedom. Summer hol- in the holidays. But t hey seldom realise how stressful it is idays are a break from overbearing inkpots, strict timetables for the child." and stricter teachers. Supriya Vashisht, coordinator of Kids and Expressions, But, strangely, I feel, summer vacations today are de- Chandigarh, believes in short courses. "And certainly not priving the kids of all this. With a plethora of summer on Saturdays and Sundays," she adds. courses and camps to choose An outdoor camp coordinator from, the undiluted joy of yes- says: "We are holding adventure teryears' vacations is fast fad- camps for kids in Ludhiana, Ja- ing from kids’ lives. And while landhar, Amritsar, Panchkula and parents perceive it as a very Chandigarh, where we teach ex- healthy trend, I would certainly cellent skills like trekking, rafting, back those psychologists who river crossing, pitching tents and so see it as an additional burden on. It’s a great learning experience on kids. for the kids and just lasts for five A generation ago, holidays nights and six days." meant simpler pleasures. Most of the coordinators insist Watching mom sprinkle a dash that they run for a limited time of aromatic spices over the siz- span and refresh and educate the zling curry in the frying pan, child. And to a large extent they are darting up and down the big right. However, the major problem store, helping papa add some lies with the parents who dont goodies to the rashan, rubbing want their 'brats' at home. Any handfuls of ice cubes over friends’ feet or even messing up camp will do. A coordinagtor who holds a summer film- in the mud. A complete goodbye to all pressures. Of course, making camp in Chandigarh says: "I personally believe that opportunities for the kids’ all-round development were parents need to identify their child’s special area of interest lesser as compared to today. But with mommy dear to be and focus on it." watched live while cooking, daddy to be accompanied shop- Well indeed, the changing times have brought a refresh- ping, happy cousins to chat up and, yes, granny to spin those ing whiff of opportunities for the kids. But, if too much is wonderful nani-dadi stories, wasn’t it all a fair treat of life’s crammed into the holiday, it could take away the most beau- lessons? tiful moments from kids—the moments spent with their par- Those were the days kids, but today holidays seem like ents. a fancy package tied with pretty pink ribbons. A quick But then there are some of you who will be going out glance at the newspaper and you come across a torrent of on luxury holidays. The lucky ones will be going to their summer courses. From age-old arts and crafts to recent fads Dadi's or Nani's or Taya's or Chachi's hillside houses to like camping, DJing, filmmaking and radio jockeying, these break the summer heat. Do write to us and share your hol- courses lure by promise to make the child a know-all. iday experiences. All the best and keep smiling. What can the modern working parents do. They are most eager to send their kids to summer camps. I agree these All the best and keep smiling… camps and classes may be helpful for the development of Uncle Don
46 Punjab Advance May - 2018 Children’s world
Amazing facts about Olive Ridley turtles
an you name an animal that re- as to why they do so. baby Olive Ridleys immediately begin turns to the place of its birth, Sea turtles rarely venture out of the moving towards the sea. How do they everyC year, journeying more than 1,000 deep and they never seem to have a do that? km to do so? Well, here is another hint: permanent habitat for they are contin- Researchers and biologists say that this animal is a sea creature that origi- uously on the move. Unlike the male the hatchlings are attracted by the nated on earth more than 200 million Olive Ridleys who prefer the bright horizon or the moonlight years ago- making the species older anonymity (and safety) of the sea, fe- sparkling on the water. Recent studies than the oldest ever dinosaur. male Olive Ridleys brave predators as show that the glow of neon lights and Give up? They are none other than they drag themselves to the shore to lay brightly lit buildings has been mis- marine turtles, more commonly known their eggs. leading the babies, making them lose as sea turtles. Seven existing species of Each year more than one lakh their bearings. sea turtles exist in the world today of Olive Ridley turtles lay about 100 eggs In the last few years, the number of which at least four (the Olive Ridley, each in the sands of Gahirmatha beach. turtles nesting at Gahirmatha (and the Green Hawksbill, Leatherback and The mama turtle lays her eggs in pits smaller adjoining beaches) has re- Flatback) are fairly common in the wa- and covers them with sand using her duced. Environmentalists point out that ters of the Indian Ocean. flippers. However the slightest distur- the indiscriminate fishing by local vil- Each year, from December to bance can result in mama turtle return- lagers results in turtles getting entan- April, the Gahirmatha beach on the ing to the sea without laying eggs. Her gled in the huge nets and few fisherfolk Orissa coast plays host to hundreds and task complete, she heads off to the sea, release the animal back safely. Instead, thousands of female Olive Ridley tur- only to return next year to the very they kill it and toss the carcass into the tles. These turtles lay their eggs on the same beach, again during the nesting water. same beach where they were born. Tur- season. Protests by wildlife activists forced tles always return to the same nesting Meanwhile the eggs are easy tar- the government to take action and in site year after year, even if they migrate gets for predators. Stray dogs often the year 1998, Gahirmatha became a thousands of kilometres. This particu- manage to ferret out the catch and gob- protected wildlife sanctuary with the lar phenomenon has baffled scientists ble up the eggs. Those that aren’t eaten coast guard and the forest department for years now and no one has any clue hatch after 50-70 days and the teeny monitoring the coastal waters.
Punjab Advance 47 May - 2018 Forecast
Your stars this month Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma (Astrologer, Palmist, Numerologist & Vastu Consultant) email: [email protected]
Aries: Monetary dispute will only be Leo: You are likely to grasp a situation Sagittarius: Some of you may put in resolved by a face-to-face discussion. on the work front quickly and turn it extra efforts to complete a time-con- An ailment you are suffering from is to your advantage. Some students may suming project or task in time at work showing signs of getting cured. Some feel a bit burdened by the studies. You place. The health innovations will delay is foreseen in submitting a task are likely to win someone’s heart by stimulate you to remain fit all the time. on the work front. A new idea looks your honesty. There may be some con- You may experience love at a place promising, but needs to be given straints regarding money, so remain where you expect it the least. You will shape. Academically, results that you alert. Company of health-conscious experience some progress in your have been awaiting are likely through people will help you to achieve perfect monetary conditions. Someone may your own efforts. health. find you ideal to disclose some facts.
Taurus: A good financial move will Virgo: Stars indicate that you may Capricorn: Career-wise, you know prove profitable. You are likely to floor perform well in the property market. very well where your interest lies and the opposite gender by your charm. Your constant efforts and workouts you will spare no efforts in achieving Fitness mantra of a friend may work will help you achieve a figure which that. Be careful on what you spend, as for you. You may get the best price for you have dreamt of. You remain a ded- you must conserve enough for spend- a house or property. You will be able icated worker at work front. Some of ing on other essentials. You will be to handle a family situation with com- you may start a new business and this able to take good care of your health. petence and sensitivity. Some relative would fetch you good returns. You There are encouraging signs on the ro- from overseas can give you a surprise. will experience a peaceful atmosphere mantic front as the one you like begins A prolonged ailment can flare up, if at home and all the members will live to feel attracted to you. neglected. in unity and happiness.
Gemini: Additional work may come Libra: You need to be courageous to Aquarius: Good news awaits you on to you on the job front, but you will be face all your hurdles at the professional the financial front, as chances of com- able to handle it efficiently. Something front. Your idea of romance will be to ing across big money cannot be ruled started new on the health front is gain the trust of the opposite gender; out. If you are planning to visit an- likely to lead to fitness. Stars indicate this would be your first step in this other city or country, this is a that you may experience strong feel- front. You will be required to take favourable period. You are likely to ing of attraction towards a person in help from outside agency to settle a achieve total physical fitness by sheer your close surrounding. There is a cer- property issue. The self-discipline self-control. Putting across your point tain chance of grand celebration owing practiced by you would help you in most effectively at work will help you to a positive feedback on a deal from a maintaining perfect physical health. gain respect and recognition. client.
Cancer: You will be able to tide over Scorpio: This month will bring lots of Pisces: There is a very thin line be- an adverse situation on the domestic luck financially for people in the field tween true love and infatuation, so front. Some new health options may of engineering, medical and other re- don’t get swayed at the slightest hint help you attain a sound physical con- lated fields. There will be a small du- of romance. Resuming your daily dition. Misunderstandings floating on ration of separation from the lover as workouts will be a step in the right di- the social front regarding someone are he or she may have to move out of rection and help you in regaining total likely to be cleared through your ini- town. Some people may strike an op- tiative. Some more hustle-bustle portunity to travel abroad. People who fitness. On the professional or aca- conversations can crop up regarding are facing health problems from long demic front, you will need to remain a an ongoing property issue. will now recover and find permanent step ahead of others, if you expect to remedy to their health issues. achieve your goal.
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May - 2018 Punjab Advance 49 Last Word When caning was in vogue !
Donald Banerjee
belong to an tine matter for him. era when the But for me it was a adageI was “Spare the ghastly site. Swing- rod and spoil the ing the cane twice in child”. quick succession he Yes, caning or finally landed a sting- "benders" was a rou- ing shot on his back- tine in the school I side. There was studied in at Luc- hardly a whimper know. I remember I from the senior. was in the third stan- “Take off your dard when I received pants,” shouted the the first dose of "ben- tall tormentor. The ders" for not having orders were immedi- done my homework. ately followed. Folded sheets of newspapers neatly The Headmaster of the prestigious St Francis piled under the pant came crashing down. Soon the School, Father Anthony, was one of the strictest disci- senior student was standing in his underpants. plinarians I must have met in my life. Standing 6 ft 4 With all the shock-absorbers discarded, the caning in and broad-shouldered, he appeared a Greek God as punishment was resumed. He screamed as he got he walked down the verandah every morning swinging seven stinging benders. I got away with two benders. his oil-soaked cane. Having got away with a mild punishment, I swore to Not having done my homework, the teacher, Miss do my homework every day. Roberts, told me to stand outside. After 2 minutes an- The caning and benders may have brought about other classmate joined me. fear among a number of students, but then there were This was the routine mode of punishment. It others in whom it inbibed a rebellious streak. seemed like eternity as we waited for the "Yamdoot" to Two days after a caning punishment, two students make his appearance. After a 15-minute ordeal we saw of the fourth standard bunked class, ran across the the tall figure swinging his cane. He walked ahead like sports maidan with Father Anthony in hot chase. They the Pied Piper with six students in tow. We joined the climbed the boundary wall and jumped into “freedom” “execution trail” with the senior students ahead. Two outside the campus. more students joined us as we entered the Head Mas- The two returned undetected and got into the bus ter’s office. when the Principal Father Alfred was screening the Father Anthony swung his cane twice and asked the students in another bus to zero in on the absconders. senior-most student to bend. It must have been a rou- The bunking duo got away without punishment.
50 Punjab Advance May - 2018 People’s participation for effective governance The Government of Punjab is now on Social media
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May - 2018 RNI No. No. RNI A Monthly Magazine
Mangoes CHAENG/2013/53324
in full bloom MBU Chd.