Sri Guru Granth Sahib Parkash Utsav (August 22)

2 Advance August 2016 Editorial

apt Amarinder Singh has set a target of attracting an investment of Rs 5 lakh crore in five years. By no means an easy target, but the people's Chief Minis- Cter is going about it in a systematic manner. He has spelt out the seven strate- gic pillars of growth which include infrastructure, power, start-ups and entreneurship, skill development, ease of doing business and investment promotion with fiscal incentives. His directive to government officials is "Stop treating business partners with suspicion. This will be the first step to enhance the ease of doing business. But to achieve this a change of mindset is required towards industrial and business houses: Treat them as part- ners" Identifying the services sector as a key priority in the new industrial policy, he said it should focus on revival of industry, with preference to existing industries. All possible help should be extended to help industries and business to develop and expand, underly- ing his 'business first' philosophy. Environment-friendly electric vehicles on Punjab roads is the next item on the CM's agenda to propagate green energy and generate employment in the state. The Chief Minister did not let his personal moment of grief, the loss of his mother, come in the way of a public interest initiative when he gave the go ahead to the launch of his 'Apni Gaddi, Apna Rozgar' programme to Finance Minister Manpreet Badal, who flagged of 100 Uber bike taxis. Rajmata Mohinder Kaur, who was the last Maharani of the Kingdom and the mother of Capt Amarinder Singh, passed away on July 24, she would have turned 95 on September 14. A sea of humanity gave her a tearful farewell. We pay a homage to her on pages 6 and 7.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 3 Contents Punjab Advance www.diprpunjab.gov.in Jobs for Youth LAUGUST - 2017 LVOL-4 L ISSUE-5

C.E.O. N Gurkirat Kirpal Singh (IAS)

Editor N Donald Banerjee

Designer N Kumar Jiv Chumber

Publisher N Information & Public Relations Department, Punjab 08

Contact address N Green energy PUNJAB ADVANCE, Room No. 1, 5th Floor, on roads Punjab Civil Secretariat, -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 Gurkirat Kirpal Singh (IAS) on behalf of the Information and Four-seater Public Relations Department, Punjab. flying car soon Printed by Controller printing and stationery Deptt., Punjab from MP Printers, B-220, In- dustrial Area, Phase-II, NOIDA-201305(UP) and published at Room No. 1, 5th Floor, Civil Page-42 Sectt., Chandigarh. 4 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Change of mindset key to growth:CM The grand dame of Punjabi literature

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14 Career and skill The new poster girl must match of cricket

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When Sikhs fought as Australian soldiers 18

Leg cramps causes and prevention 40 Page-44

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 5 Homage Tearful adieu to last Queen

sea of humanity site where Sikh and Hindu priests with moist eyes recited hymns. Aconverged on the royal city of Among those who paid their last respects to the Rajmata were Pun- Patiala to bid a tearful adieu jab Governor VP Singh Badnore, to the ‘Rajmata’ Mohinder former Haryana Chief Minister Kaur, mother of Punjab Chief Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Vidhan Minister Capt Amarinder Sabha Speaker Rana KP Singh, Singh, who breathed her last Deputy Speaker Ajaib Singh Bhatti, Cabinet ministers Brahm Mohindra, on July 24 at the age of 95. Navjot Singh , Manpreet The mortal remains were con- Singh Badal, Rana Gurjit Singh, signed to the flames as Capt Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, MP San- Amarinder Singh lit the pyre at the tokh Chaudhary, former Chief Min- Shahi Samadhan, the royal family’s ister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and ancestral cremation ground. The vast Rajmata Mohinder Kaur PPCC president Sunil Jakhar. gathering included royals, politicians, Delhi’s Sarna brothers also paid bureaucrats, Army personnel, police homage, along with top civil and officers and the who’s who of the state and the country. police officials of Punjab, including DGP Suresh . Capt Amarinder Singh was joined by younger brother Later, former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal and SAD Malwinder Singh and son Raninder Singh in lighting the chief Sukhbir Singh Badal offered condolences to the CM at pyre amid tight security. Moti Bagh. Besides the immediate family, the Chief Minister’s Wife of Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, the Rajmata was brothers-in-law, former Union Minister Kanwar Natwar the last designated queen of the Patiala kingdom. Singh and Major Kanwaljit Singh Dhillon, were also pres- The erstwhile Patiala royal remained active in politics ent along with their sons. in 1960s and 1970s as a Congress leader. She headed the Capt Amarinder’s grandsons — Nirvan Singh, Angad district Congress committee in Patiala and was involved in Singh and Yaduinder Singh — also joined in performing the a number of social and welfare activities. last rites. The Rajmata was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1967 from Political, religious and administrative leaders rubbed Patiala seat. She was also a member of the Rajya Sabha.. shoulders with ordinary citizens from all walks of life for Captain Amarinder’s authorised biography ‘The Peo- the cremation. ple’s Maharaja’ by Khuswant Singh, quotes the Late Raj- People had started gathering at Moti Bagh palace in the mata as saying: “It was the Maharaja’s and my desire that morning itself for a last glimpse (antim darshan) of their our children obtain the best possible education.” She further beloved ‘Rajmata’. says, referring to Captain Amarinder Singh, “I felt it was The mortal remains were taken to the cremation ground important for the yuvraj to go to a boarding school at the in a specially designed vehicle that passed through various earliest. With his sisters already in the boarding, he would parts of the city, with people jostling for a vantage place to have felt lonely at home. In fact, my younger son Malvinder pay their respects to the departed soul. went at a younger age than Amarinder. He couldn’t adjust at Capt Amarinder, joined by his brother and other family home once all the children had left.” members and relatives, shouldered the bier to the cremation With her philanthropic bent of mind, Rajmata was in-

6 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Homage

Capt Amarinder Singh lights the pyre of the Rajmata at the Shahi Samadhan in Patiala and (below) a sea of humanity bids farewell to Patiala's last Maharani

volved in several social works. Soon after independence she The family shifted to the Netherlands in 1971 when her worked for PEPSU – an organisation that offered food and husband was appointed India’s ambassador in that country. medical help to refugees following the partition of the coun- She returned to Patiala after her husband’s death and was try. She entered politics in 1964 and got elected to Parlia- since living at their New Moti Bagh Palace residence. She ment for the first time in 1967. later dedicated her life to social causes.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 7 Cover Jobs for Youth

The Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh with Uber's South Asia Policy Director Shweta Rajpal Kohli · CM opening windows of opportunity · Focus on skill development & entrepreneurship BUREAU REPORT unjab took the first ployed youth when Chief Min- programme was formally major stride at gener- ister Amarinder Singh’s brain- launched by Finance Minister Pating jobs for the state’s unem- child ‘Apni Gaddi, Apna Rozgar Manpreet Badal as he flagged of

8 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Cover

100 Uber bike taxis which will Asia Head Shweta Rajpal Kohli. taxi drivers, I can only say — ply in , Kharar, With the job market high on isn't it better than making them and Zirakpur. the agenda, the Punjab Chief drug addicts and criminals? In Soon, bike taxis of Ola may Minister is aware of the any case, some of the most suc- also be seen zooming on State’s dilemma that many youth in cessful youth in the world today roads. Punjab, in fact across the coun- are not those in white-collared Interestingly, two women try, are facing. And he is deter- jobs but those who have taken bikers have also opted under the mined to resolve their problems the entrepreneurial route. What scheme aimed at generating jobs and dilemmas. we are doing through these

for the State’s unemployed Sharing in brief some of the schemes is to promote self-em- youth - one each in Mohali and ways in which the government is ployment, which I am sure will Zirakpur. trying to create windows of op- go a long way in helping the un- Capt Amarinder Singh could portunity for the unemployed, employed youth.” not make it to the launch cere- the captain said: The entrepre- While flagging of the bikes mony because of his mother Ra- neurial schemes we have on behalf of the CM, Manpreet jmata Mohinder Kaur’s demise. launched — Apni Gaddi Apna Badal said: “Bike-sharing serv- But he did not let his personal Rozgar, Hara Tractor, Yaari En- ices like uberMOTO will not moment of grief come in the terprises etc--- are excellent re- only contribute greatly to im- way of a public interest initia- sources to make our youth proving last-mile connectivity in tive. gainfully employed. And to my Punjab and cutting congestion, The Chief Minister had colleagues in the opposition but also be instrumental in cre- clinched the deal in May after who have accused me of trying ating thousands of entrepreneur- talks with Uber India and South to convert the state's youth into ship and economic opportunities

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 9 Cover for the youth in the state.” Madhu is already a part-time four-wheeler taxis. Under the UberMOTO is already avail- accountant and an LIC agent, policy, currently in the process able in Faridabad, Gurgaon, while her husband is in a private of finalisation by the transport Noida, Ghaziabad, Hyderabad, job. “It’s a mistaken belief that department, existing and new Jaipur and Ahmedabad, said women are only meant to do do- motorcycle owners will be able Shweta Rajpal Kohli. mestic work. I think women are to get commercial permits and Uber’s Delhi NCR and North no way less than men,” she licences to run two-wheelers as India’s general manager Prabh- added. pillion taxis. jeet Singh said: “We aim to gen- Struggling all her life after Requiring minimal invest- erate another 10,000 losing her husband in her youth, ment, the scheme is expected to entrepreneurial opportunities in Paramjeet believed that working create a major avenue for the un- Punjab in the next one year and as bike taxi driver would sup- employed youth to start their a total of 45,000 opportunities in plement the family income. own business, the spokesperson the next five years.” explained. As an Under the pol- additional advan- icy, currently in the tage, the scheme, process of finalisa- which is running tion by the Punjab successfully in Transport Depart- other states as Ra- ment, existing and jasthan, Gujarat, new motorcycle Karnataka, West owners will be able Bengal, and to get commercial Haryana, will also permits and li- help reduce traffic cences to run two-wheelers as Uber was also considering on roads, besides controlling pillion taxis. starting seven-seater vans in pollution. The Apni Gaddi, Apna Roz- Punjab. Uber has been present in The government proposes to gar scheme envisages one lakh the state for the past three years tie up with major taxi operators, taxis, commercial LCVs and and has already created 10,000 such as Ola and Uber, to ensure other vehicles to be provided to jobs, Kohli said, adding that its the success of the scheme, under unemployed youth every year at new bike sharing product— which the youth will be ex- subsidised rates, without collat- UberMoto—was in line with the pected to repay their loan in five eral and with the government company’s commitment to pro- years. Some of the other standing guarantee vide affordable mobility options schemes which the government Shweta Kohli said two for riders and low entry barrier is working on include Yaari En- women driver partners have micro entrepreneurship opportu- terprises and Harra Tractor. signed up in Punjab so far and nities for drivers. Under the Hara Tractor scheme, can operate at the hours they Besides job creation, the ini- at least 25,000 tractors and other want. One is 52-year-old grand- tiative will encourage youth to agricultural implements will be mother Paramjeet Kaur from engage in entrepreneurial busi- given to unemployed youth at Mohali’s Phase XI, and the other ness, while facilitating last-mile subsidised rates to enable them is the mother of an 11-year-old, connectivity for commuters in start their own agriculture serv- Madhu Bala from Zirakpur. areas not accessible by regular ice ventures.

10 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Cover

Uber bike taxi drivers all set to ply on Punjab roads

Yaari Enterprises will be fited at least to the extent of the All members of the group aimed at promoting small enter- proportion of their strength in should have attained an age of prises started by two or more en- the city/town population of the 18 years at the time of applying trepreneurs, through subsidy of poor. for bank loan. 30 per cent up to a maximum in- Community organisers (COs) The maximum unit project vestment of R 5 lakh. The and professionals from the cost for a group enterprise is Rs scheme envisages setting up of urban local body (ULB) will 10 lakh. one lakh such enterprises every identify the prospective benefi- The Captain’s focus on skill year from 2017 to 2022, the ciaries among the urban poor. development in the education spokesperson said. The beneficiaries can also di- system, which is being re- The underemployed and un- rectly approach the ULB or its vamped in order to make it more employed urban poor will be representatives for assistance. goal-oriented, is in line with our able to set up small enterprises Even the banks can identify thrust on stimulating the job related to manufacturing, servic- prospective beneficiaries at their market, which had become to- ing and business for which there end and send such cases to the tally stagnant over the past is considerable local demand. ULB. decade. The results of this re- The government will also The eligibility criteria for the vamp will start becoming visible support self help groups (SHG) beneficiaries are — the group of on the ground soon, helping of urban poor to access easy enterprise should have mini- lakhs of youngsters become job- credit from bank and avail inter- mum five members with a mini- ready and fully prepared to take est subsidy on loans. mum of 70 per cent members on the new opportunities that are SCs and STs will be bene- from urban poor families. opening up for skilled profes-

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 11 Cover sionals not just in India but Refinery and power projects in 5,000 more likely to be added by across the world. the state. Industrial development IT and other companies seeking While skill development and to boost employment generation to enter the Mohali Quark City entrepreneurship are the core is, in fact, a key solution we are at Mohali. areas of the state government's pursuing aggressively to address Finally, a small word of ad- focus, we are, at the same time, the problem of large-scale unem- vice for those who belong to the cognizant of the need to create ployment. The next few months so-called General class of soci- regular job openings for those will see a host of big and small in- ety. It is no more a curse than who are not skillfully empowered dustries setting up business in the belonging to some special class in any way. We will soon notify state, thus opening up new job is. It is all a matter of finding the vacancies in PCS to fill adminis- prospects for the job-seeking right opportunity at the right trative posts in the government. youth. time and the right place. And I Horticulture, health, education The private sector is coming can promise that my govern- and agriculture are some of the out aggressively to support our ment is committed to give you other areas in which we are look- initiatives. Only yesterday, such opportunities, now and for ing to create more job opportuni- Quark City Infrastructure as- the next five years, irrespective ties, in addition to industrial sured me that their company of the so-called class, creed or establishments such as will generate 500 new jobs, with religion you belong to. Cabinet okays 3 % cut in stamp duty o give a Cabinet discussed at Tboost to the length the sluggish real estate sector, the sale/purchase of resi- Punjab Cabinet gave dential and commercial its nod to rationalis- property, which is af- ing collector rates fecting revenue collec- and reducing stamp tions. duty on registration The cut in stamp of property from 9 duty is expected to per cent to 6 per cent push up sale and pur- till March 31, 2018. chase. The government, in its Budget last month, The Council of Ministers also decided to put had announced a cut in the stamp duty. Finance off the proposed 10 per cent increase in Change Minister Manpreet Badal called it an important of Land Use (CLU) charges, External Develop- step to revive the realty sector. ment Charges (EDC) and licence fee (LF) till For a property worth Rs 2 crore, a 3 per cent cut March 31, 2020, for all real estate projects. in stamp duty would mean a saving of Rs 6 lakh. A new policy for granting approval to unau- Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh di- thorised marriage palaces and for building new rected the Revenue Department to place a for- ones was approved too, replacing the one framed mal proposal on reducing the circle/collectorate by the earlier dispensation, regularising all such rates before the Cabinet when it meets next. The palaces raised before November 16, 2012.

12 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Cover

Granny opts for bike taxi

52-year-old grandmother from Mohali’s ated with Uber. “Some time ago, I got a message APhase 11 is among the 100 bike taxi rid- flashed on my mobile about the company’s new ers who started operating in Mohali, Kharar and bike taxi service in Punjab. A little hesitant ini- Zirakpur as part of the Punjab government’s tially, I accepted the offer later.” ‘Apni Gaddi, Apna Rozgar’ programme. Asked if she has any apprehensions about her Paramjeet Kaur, who rides a scooter, is all new role as she will have to deal with all kind of smiles as she tells you about the rousing re- clients, Paramjeet says life is always full of chal- sponse she is getting from her clients. lenges. “I am quite sure that people will be nice She is mother of three children. His elder son to me and appreciate my hard work.” has a three-year-old daughter. Her daughter, Regarding her driving skills, she says she has married in Shimla, is also expecting a baby soon. been riding scooter for the past 10 years and the Her youngest son is studying. company experts trained her thoroughly before Life hasn’t been a bed of roses for Paramjeet, she hit the road as bike taxi driver. who lost her husband in her youth. But she al- Paramjeet, who will be paid on hourly basis, ways remained a fighter even as she had a tough says she is happy with the terms and conditions of time raising her children. the company. “They have given me a target of six Asked how she got to know about the bike rides a day. But in case, my target is not met till taxi service, she says her car is already associ- late night, it can be transferred to another driver.”

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 13 Cover Change of mindset key to growth:CM · Treat traders as partners · Focus on 1000 start-ups

BUREAU REPORT

ase of doing business in Pun- towards trade and industry as he spelt The Chief Minister underlined the jab is what every industrial out his priorities on the new industrial importance of revival of existing in- Ehouse looks forward to. This is what policy. dustries in the new industrial policy, the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder “The government must treat indus- which should focus on promoting a Singh had in mind when he asked gov- try and business houses as partners and `business first’ philosophy. ernment officials for a mindset change not subject them to suspicion,” he added. The state should extend all possible

14 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Cover

help to industries and businesses, es- that the thrust should be on facilitating tile and Apparel, Cycle and Cycle pecially to MSMEs, to develop and ex- the development of 1000 start-ups to Parts, Automobiles and Auto compo- pand. enable economic growth and employ- nents, Light Engineering, Leather and The discussion on the new policy ment generation in the state. It is pro- Sports Goods, Petro-Chemicals, Sec- also centred on the need for infrastruc- posed to set up 50 entrepreneurship ondary Steel, NRSE Equipment, Agri ture development to facilitate business skill development centres in colleges to and Food Processing, Electronics, and it was proposed to set up a Punjab encourage and motivate youth to go in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, State Industrial Infrastructure Corpo- for self-employment. Aerospace and Defence. In the serv- ration for this purpose, according to a According to the spokesperson, es- ices sector, the focus will be on IT and spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s tablishment of common facility centres ITES, Life Sciences, Logistics, Office (CMO). and seamless online services, backed Tourism and Hospitality, Entertain- Besides upgradation of the power by re-engineering of processes, were ment and Film Industry, Healthcare, sector, the policy would look at the de- discussed in detail at the meeting. In Education Services, Retail and Reality. velopment of four indus- The meeting was at- trial parks and 10 Promotion of entrepreneurial business tended, among others, by industrial estates as part of would be a key focus area of the policy, Cabinet Ministers Brahm the policy, which will be Mohindra, Manpreet said the Chief Minister, adding that the focused on enhancing ease Badal, Rana Gurjit Singh of doing business in Pun- thrust should be on facilitating the and Charanjit Singh jab. development of 1000 start-ups to enable Channi, besides Media Identifying the serv- economic growth and employment gener- Advisor to CM, Raveen ices sector as a key prior- ation in the state. It is proposed to set up Thukral, Chief Principal ity in the proposed policy, 50 entrepreneurship skill development Secretary to CM Suresh the Chief Minister said his Kumar, Chief Secretary centres in colleges to encourage and government was targeting Karan Avtar Singh, Prin- a total investment of Rs 5 motivate youth to go in for self- cipal Secretary to CM lakh crore in five years employment. Tejveer Singh, Principal around the seven core Secretary Finance strategic pillars of growth. response to a query from the Chief Anirudh Tewari, Principal Secretary These pillars have been identified Minister regarding seamless integra- Housing and Urban Development as Infrastructure, Power, MSME, tion of the core services required to fa- Vinni Mahajan, Financial Commis- Startup and Entrepreneurship, Skill cilitate business, officials suggested sioner Taxation Anurag Aggarwal, Fi- Development, Ease Of Doing Business that a single technology platform be nancial Commissioner Development and Investment Promotion, and Fiscal developed for listing of the require- MP Singh, Principal Secretary Power Incentive. The policy, being prepared ments of all the departments, which A Venu Prasad, Principal Secretary to synergise with the central govern- should have a common look and feel. It Technical Education G Vajralingam, ment industrial policy, would envisage was pointed out that with two lakh Principal Secretary Local Government one anchor unit for all the priority sec- services capable of being handled on Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary tors. one portal, the integration of the serv- Labour Sanjay Kumar, Secretary In- Promotion of entrepreneurial busi- ices could be easily achieved. dustries and Commerce Rakesh Verma ness would be a key focus area of the As per the discussion, the state is and Director Industries DPS Khar- policy, said the Chief Minister, adding keen to focus on manufacturing in Tex- banda.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 15 Cover Green energy on roads Mahindra keen to invest in electric vehicles

Pawan Goenka with Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh

BUREAU REPORT

unjab plans to shift to the meeting here on Monday with Mahin- taxis to propagate green energy and environment-friendly dra & Mahindra Managing Director generate employment in the state. Pelectric vehicles in a big way, with the Pawan Goenka. The Chief Minister pointed out that new industrial policy to be signifi- Goenka said his company was Chinese energy major Yinlong also re- cantly focused on the same. keenly interested in investing in pro- cently discussed with him the possibil- This was disclosed by Chief Min- moting electric vehicles in Punjab. He ity of launching electric cars & buses ister Captain Amarinder Singh at a suggested a scheme to bring in electric in state. The government was also in

16 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Cover

talks with Ola for electric taxis, he ing. The app would enable owners to help to Tech Mahindra in setting up a added. His government, said Captain rent out their tractors, said the BPO in Mohali after Goenka said there Amarinder, was keen to explore elec- spokesperson. The chief minister re- was huge potential in the IT sector for tric vehicles as a replacement for the sponded favourably to Goenka’s re- job creation. Terming employment traditional, more polluting petrol and quest for expansion of their tractor generation as the state’s biggest chal- diesel run vehicles in the state. units in Punjab and asked the company lenge, the chief minister urged Goenka An official spokesperson said after to submit a proposal. to ensure that the company has an ef- the meeting that a proposal to launch Urging the company to support the fective presence in the upcoming job an Uber-like app for tractors, called state’s efforts to provide employment fair in Mohali. Tringo, was also discussed at the meet- to youth, the chief minister offered Mahindra & Mahindra was also in-

terested in potato seed development for the company’s proposal to develop the ment of a new one or tying up with the exports, according to Goenka. The Ranjit Sagar dam resort. existing state ITIs. The company’s chief minister reiterated his stand on Taking forward from their Mumbai plans to set up Mahindra world univer- promoting crop diversification in Pun- talks, the two sides also discussed an sity in Ludhiana also came up for dis- jab through horticulture and floricul- Uttar Pradesh-like Dial 100 emergency cussion. ture, stressing the need to change the response system for Punjab to provide crop patterns to save the distressed prompt integrated emergency services Earlier, Goenka thanked the chief farmers from their cycle of debt. to ensure public safety for all, includ- minister for enabling the company to The chief minister also reminded ing those with special needs. The chief set up business in the state during his Goenka of his suggestion, made to minister said the Home and Police de- previous tenure as chief minister. The Anand Mahindra in Mumbai, for set- partments were studying the proposal. company, which employs about 6000 ting up a defence project in Abhor. The company is further interested people directly and another 30000 in- Goenka said the company was explor- in setting up training institutes for in- ing the same. The chief minister said dustrial workers, to which the chief directly in Punjab, currently earns Rs. the government was also considering minister suggested either establish- 6000 crore in revenue from the state.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 17 Cover

Harmanpreet Kaur - From Moga to Lord’s The new poster girl of cricket

Donald Banerjee

he bats like Virender Sehwag, but shows the aggression of Virat Kohli. ThisS is how Harmanpreet Kaur’s sister sums up the new poster girl of Indian cricket. Harmanpreet scored a blitzkrieg 171 runs from just 115 balls to record the second highest knock by an Indian woman in a World Cup match. She was instrumental in the elimination of the de- fending champions, Australia, from the World Cup, and earned a place for India in the final clash with England at Lord’s, considered the Mecca of cricket. She set the pace in the final also hitting a half century. But the young Indian team members, in their teens and early 20s, failed to control their nerves before the attack of the much experienced and bigger built English girls and lost the World Cup final by a slender margin. Harmanpreet’s knock in the semi-finals could well be termed as the best ever played by an In- dian woman in the limited overs cricket. This is also the second highest individual score in ODIs

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for India behind Deepti Sharma's 188 not out CM offers DSP post against South Africa earlier this year. The Moga girl has made the world sit up and take no- tice of her match-winning record innings. The Twitter erupted with joy as wishes poured in from all quarters. Cricket superstars Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Ravi Shastri, Harbhajan Singh, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina Harmanpreet Kaur receives the DSP appointment letter from Capt Amarinder Singh and many others hailed auding Moga girl Harmanpreet Kaur for her scintillating per- Harmanpreet’s knock and formance in ICC Women World Cup tournament, wished more luck to the L Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has offered the women in blue. job of a DSP in the to Moga girl Harmanpreet Kur for Ace commentator Har- her scintillating performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup in sha Bhogle compared Har- England. manpreet’s knock to that The young girl had done Punjab proud with her superb perform- played by Kapil Dev against ance that had steered Team India to a semi-final victory and given a Zimbabwe in the 1983 tight fight to England in the final match to emerge a close second. World Cup Captain Amarinder Singh said the young girl had done Punjab Harmanpreet showcased proud with her superb performance and deserved all the adulation her incredible talent to the and recognition that was coming her way. fullest. Walking out to bat at Taking cognizance of media reports that Harmanpreet had had a time when India were wanted to join the Punjab Police some years ago, the chief minister looking shaky against the said his government was keen to correct the wrong perpetrated on the Australians, against whom young cricketer by the Badal government, which had refused to ac- they had suffered a seven- commodate the national player in Punjab Police. wicket thrashing in the The chief minister earlier promised to review the state’s sports group stage, Harmanpreet policy to provide government jobs to young sportspersons like Har- opted for a steady approach manpreet, and also announced a Rs 5 lakh cash award for the crick- at first. eting marvel. With India going past the The Chief Minister called up Harmanpreet’s father Harmandar halfway mark in their in- Singh to convey his greetings and said his government would initi- nings with the run-rate still ate steps to change the sports policy to accommodate budding hovering around the four- sportspersons in government jobs, which the erstwhile Badal gov- per-over mark, Harman- ernment had denied to the young lady. preet decided to boost the

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 19 Cover

Struggle, rejection and triumph Now that Harmanpreet is a shining star in we (family) didn’t even know its scope for girls, Indian cricket, it is time to dig into the struggle but her passion towards the game took her to sacrifice, despair and rejection she went the international level,” said Harmanpreet’s through to achieve triumph. younger sister Hemjeet Kaur. Growing up in the dusty bylanes of Moga, Hemjeet added that as a child her only de- in a typical lower-middle class family, Har- mands were related to cricket. She would often manpreet Kaur always wanted to play cricket. ask her father Harmander Singh Bhullar for bat And in spite of her parents, father Harmander and balls. Singh Bhullar and mother Satvinder Singh “As there were no girls to play cricket with Bhullar, putting in everything for their daugh- her, she used to play with the boys in the street ter, it still fell short and adjoining ground, where our father often Harmanpreet Kaur, who hails from Duneke took us to play. Scoring fifties and centuries village in Moga, started playing cricket in the was normal for Harman. My father, who him- streets, and that too with boys. self is a sportsperson, never discouraged Har- “Harman had started playing cricket when man from playing cricket,” she said. scoring rate, and in the process ripped apart the game. She received a shot in her arm shortly after Australian attack. The innings saw her lose her that knock when she was named captain in the ab- cool at non-striker Deepti Sharma, who nearly sence of regular leader, Mithali Raj, for the team's caused a run-out when her partner was coming limited-overs fixtures against Bangladesh. It was back for a second run to bring up her century. in 2014 during the tour of England when she While she patched up with Deepti later, she didn't made her Test debut, five years after making her at any stage spare the Australian attack, smashing first limited-overs international appearance. 20 fours and seven sixes to remain unbeaten on 171 off 115 balls at the end the rain-curtailed in- nings, with the Indians posting a competitive 281/4. Following her scintillating innings against Aus- tralia, let us take a quick look at Harmanpreet's cricketing journey. Born in Moga, Punjab on 8 March, 1989, Har- manpreet made her entry into international cricket in the 2009 edition of the Women's World Cup. It was against Australia later in that tournament that she first caught the attention of the cricket frater- nity with an unbeaten 19 off eight balls.

It was in the 2013 World Cup that Harmanpreet channeled her talent into mincing the opposition attacks, smashing a hundred against England to earn herself respect from the leading names of the Harmanpreet Kaur with cricket captain Virat Kohli

20 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Cover

The Big Bash stint While wishes have poured endary gloveman Adam from all corners of the world to Gilchrist stunned. congratulate the 28-year-old In her very first BBL Harmanpreet Kaur, many pun- match, back in December dits reckon that probably the ex- 2016, Kaur had struck a 28- perience that Kaur earned from ball 47 for her side Sydney playing in the Women's Big Thunder against Melbourne Bash League (WBBL) in Aus- Stars at the North Sydney Oval tralia, worked in favour of her. ground. Although, her knock In fact, Harmanpreet became wasn't quite enough as the de- a game-changer of sorts when fending champions lost their she became the first Indian opening game by mere six cricketer to play in a foreign runs, but few of her boundaries league. The moment came left the spectators, along with about when she signed up for the commentators, speechless. Women's Big Bash League, One such hit was witnessed with Indian opener Smriti in the 19th over of the game. Mandhana following her footsteps shortly after. Harmanpreet had struck a delightful lofted cover In the six weeks that she spent Down Under, drive that had left the bowler Gemma Triscari she accumulated nearly 300 runs playing for Syd- laughing in absolute astonishment. ney Thunder. It was her experience in those con- Indian skipper Mithali Raj while addressing ditions that helped elevate her game to another the post-match press conference, pointed to level, and one might even assume her latest knock Harmanpreet's knowledge of Australia's bowlers, to be a product of that experience ! courtesy her stint at the Women's Big Bash She sure did make the nation proud with few League (WBBL), which ultimately helped the ravishing innings, one of which even left leg- Women in Blue plan for the semi-final.

“Sorry”, she is not Bhajji ! Harmanpreet Kaur may be the toast of the nation us that she isn't a Harbhajan Singh that we will give her today with awards and rewards pouring in for this Moga a DSP post. She wasn't even granted the post of an in- girl, but imagine her plight in 2010-11, when she was in spector. We even met the chief minister, but to no avail," dire need of a job. The Punjab government snubbed her said her coach Yadwinder Sodhi. application for a job in the Punjab Police. She had already After this she got a job in the Western Railway four played for two years for the national team by that time. years ago on the recommendation of Sachin Tendulkar. "We had approached the Punjab Police and requested One of the members of Supreme Court-appointed them to employ her. She had already represented India and was a regular member of the national team. We were Committee of Administrators (CoA), Diana Eduljee had told that there is no provision for employment in Punjab advocated Harmanpreet's cause to Tendulkar. Police for female cricketers. Sachin, who is a member of Parliament, had written to "That time a senior official in Punjab Police had told the then Railway Minister endorsing Harmanpreet's case.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 21 PUNJAB DIARY

Jalandhar is first e-challan city

n a major mile- har Commissionerate Po- stone, lice had put in extra efforts hasI become the first city in to make the e-challan proj- the country to launch ‘e- ect a success. “Today, Ja- challan’ machine, where landhar has become the the traffic police would first city in the country to now issue challan to the vi- launch this project”, he olators through online con- added. nected system on the spot. Sinha said that after The launch of the e-challan providing e-challan ma- machine system would fi- chines, the employees of all nally do away with the old the police stations would be practice of issuing manual given training regarding the challan to the traffic viola- usage this machine. “We tors, hence saving time and making the process transparent. would provide e-challan machines to all the police stations Initially, the a selected group of traffic police staff have in the coming days”, he said. It is pertinent to mention here been imparted training in issuing challan and five E-Challan that the e-challan machine was connected to software con- machines have been given to them. Later, the number of ma- trolled by NIC. The machine includes data base, violator chines would be increased. ADGP (Law and Order) Rohit history and on the spot issuance of challan mechanism. Ear- Chaudhary accompanied by Police Commissioner Parveen lier State NIC Officer cum Senior Technical Director NIC Kumar Sinha launched the ‘E-Challan’ machine during a Punjab Satinder Kumar gave a presentation on the software function held at KMV Sanskriti School, Jalandhar. through which the e-challan machine would function and ADGP Chaudhary said the e-challan system would en- its usage by the traffic police. sure fair and transparent issuance of challan to the traffic vi- Under the e-challan system, transactions will be cash- olators. “Around one month ago, the NIC, which was less and violators will receive challan notification on their handling this project has held video conferencing to inform mobiles. The challan will be recovered on the spot. The about e-challan to 29 cities of different states of the coun- major component of the system is that no documents will try”, he said. The ADGP said that during video conferenc- be impounded from the violators. The traffic police will ing, two cities from Punjab namely Jalandhar and Ludhiana, maintain its own database of fines imposed.The database had taken part. Police Commissioner Sinha said the Jaland- will also help the traffic authorities to cancel driving license

Jobs for canal patwaris

he State government has decided to give em- result of a departmental inquiry, found to be suffering from ployment letters to 857 canal department pat- serious irregularities. It had been decided, therefore, to scrap warisT purely on merit, just as it had recently revoked the those, said the spokesperson. appointments of several anganwadi workers for lacking in The Chief Minister had directed the Department of So- transparency. cial Security and Child & Women Development to thor- Both decisions are part of the review process undertaken oughly examine the dubious appointments and take suitable by the Captain Amarinder Singh government on all ap- action accordingly, he added. Captain Amarinder had asked pointments/decisions taken by the erstwhile Badal govern- the department to ensure that total transparency is main- ment in the last few months of its misrule. tained in the fresh recruitment process. The spokesperson ridiculed the Akali leadership for seek- The Captain Amarinder government, said the spokesper- ing to give a nonsensical interpretation to the government’s son, was committed to ensuring jobs in the state, which was decision to give the long-pending letters to the patwaris. suffering from a huge unemployment problem and would While prima facie, the appointments of the patwaris not take away jobs from the deserving candidates unless were found to be in order, those of many of the anganwadi their appointments were found to be violating the law or workers appointed by the previous government were, as a against public probity

22 Punjab Advance August - 2017 PUNJAB DIARY

Lord Diljit keen on Centre of Excellence

K-based Indian Lord Diljit also origin business- stressed the need to pre- Uman Lord Diljit Rana has serve the heritage sites shown keen interest in in- across the state, to which vesting in various sectors, the Chief Minister said his particularly education and government had already sports, in Punjab, with initiated a massive restora- focus on setting up a Cen- tion plan to preserve such tre of Excellence for Edu- sites, especially the Qilla cation and Sports in his Mubarak in Patiala and the native village of Sanghol, Gobindgarh Fort at Amrit- Fatehgarh Sahib, for the sar, besides the Punjab benefit of rural children. State War Heroes Memo- A leading property de- CM with Lord Diljit Rana rial and Museum, which veloper and hotelier, Lord had already been dedi- Diljit proposed the Centre of Excellence in Sports and Ed- cated to nation at the holy city. ucation to enable the holistic personality development of The Chief Minister told the visiting delegate that his youth in the state. government planned to restore all old forts across the state Lord Diljit, who called on Chief Minister Capt and convert these into destination properties and heritage Amarinder Singh, apprised him about the football academy hotels in collaboration with the private sector. Heritage of international standards set up in collaboration with tourism would be promoted in a big way by his government, Southall Football Club at Sanghol, to groom the budding said Captain Amarinder. players for national as well as international football cham- Lord Diljit proposed the establishment of a university in pionships. International coaches would be drawn from other the state. He also raised the issue of unpaid SC student countries for training of local coaches, and the youth would scholarships pending for the last two years under the previ- be provided international exposure through matches with ous regime, which the Chief Minister assured would be ex- foreign teams, he said. peditiously released by his government.

Solar power to run tubewell motors

fter gaining power surplus status, Punjab Gov- partment. ernment is focusing on adopting innovative Stressing on the fact that even a 1 per cent fall in power Atechnologies to ensure cheapest power tariffs for its differ- losses and theft in the state will save Rs 1800 crore, the Min- ent categories of power consumers. ister has asked the department to adopt innovative ideas in Power Minister Rana Gurjeet Singh has coined an idea the work style also. He asked Mr. A. Venu Prasad, Chair- of converting every farmer from power consumer to power man-cum-Managing Director PSPCL to fix responsibilities producer. According to his innovative plan, each farmer's and powers of all the employees of the department to in- tubewell motor will be replaced with a power saving five- crease their accountability. “We can bring a drastic cut in star motor powered with a solar power unit. Farmers will the power losses and thefts by ensuring regular monitoring, not only use solar power to run the tubewell but he will also sell this power during idle period. using quality products and brining transparency and effi- The Power Minister has asked PSPCL and PSTCL to ciency in all financial transactions including billing study the feasibility of this project. process”, said Rana Gurjeet. “This project will not only provide an additional source The Power and Irrigation Minister has also sought in- of income to every son of soil but government would also novative ideas and suggestions from the engineers and offi- save Rs 7000 crores it used to pay on power subsidy”, said cials of the department to realize the commitment of Chief Rana Gurjeet Singh while discussing this innovative idea Minister Captain Amarinder Singh that his government will with the engineers and financial professionals of the de- provide quality power at the cheapest tariffs.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 23 OVERSEAS Britons pay tribute to Gurmukh Singh

urmukh Singh Sohal, who mi- when they first set up with extended grated to Britain as a teenager in credit facilities and additional support G 1966 and went on to establish a wherever he could offer to help get these major Indian foods company in Derby in businesses off the ground.” the East Midlands, has died aged 65. Many recalled his mission from 2008 Known in the region as a humble and to improve conditions in his village, San- hardworking businessman, tributes have gal Sohal in , by creat- been paid to his many achievements and ing a fund to modernise the drainage and contributions, including to activities re- sewerage system in the village, install lated to Sikhism. He leaves behind his street lighting, construct roads, create a wife, Debo Kaur Sohal, 63, mother park area and plant trees. Chanan Kaur, 100, two sons and a daughter. Reports from Derby said he donated Son Bhupinder Sohal told the Derby Gurmukh Singh Sohal his lorries to transport the elderly for the Telegraph that his father was a “hard- annual Sikh parade every yea. working, generous, selfless, loyal and humble person with He also supported the Derby Caribbean Carnival by sup- a simple outlook on life”. plying stock and lending them a lorry each year. He said: “Over the years he helped many communities A funeral service for Sohal was held on July 19 at the of Derby. From working with the Sikh temple as their treas- Guru Arjun Dev Gurdwara in Derby and the Marketon Cre- urer, to supporting many local restaurants and takeaways matorium.

Bhangra on ‘Shape of You’

anada's Mar- ple online are loving itime the unique fundraising GroupC recently posted a idea. "Thanks for your video on their Facebook support," writes page and YouTube Donelle Potyondi-El- channel that the Internet liott. "It's great to see absolutely adores. It you have come features two incredibly through. Multiple scle- enthusiastic bhangra rosis needs more expo- dancers, dancing to a sure so that we can find remixed version of Ed a cure for this horrible Sheeran's massively disease from a MS popular number "Shape Warrior!" of You." Multiple Sclerosis The video features (often abbreviated to two black tracksuit and MS) causes the body's trainers clad members own immune system to of the Maritime attack the lining of Bhangra Group, sporting bright yellow turbans. If the group nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The cause for the debil- seems familiar, it's because one of their videos went viral in itating disease is unknown and there is no cure for it. December last year. That video featured the men taking a "Donation made," writes Sara Pellerin on Facebook. "It's break from shoveling mounds of snow to do a little bhangra. the least I can do for all the joy your videos have brought There is plenty of snow in this video as well, but just in the me. Great fundraising idea." background. "Somebody send this to Ed Sheeran," writes Alice Rob- The 1 minute 15 second video ends with a request for a bins. "He will love it as much as we all do! Thanks for an- donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Peo- other big smile to end my day...

24 Punjab Advance August - 2017 PUNJABIS OVERSEAS

Honest Sikh cabbie returns cash

axi driver Atambeer Singh and voice mails left on Daniel’s Face- aka ‘Ruby Kalra’ has been book, finally Singh received a call from showeredT with praise as he returned a Daniel. lost bag containing important docu- When Singh finally met with Daniel ments, $6,000 and an iPad to return his bag, Daniel explained that On Thursday the 8th of June 2017, the money wasn’t important and that the Singh noticed that the driver of a black iPad and bank documents had more Range Rover had left a bag on top of his car. value to him and his business. .He tried to follow the Range Rover “Daniel was very happy after re- but lost it amongst the busy city traffic. ceiving his bag. He tried to give me “The bag contained an Apple iPad, cash reward, but I refused as I was just a folder filled with bank statements and doing my duty,” Singh told SBS Pun- documents and an envelope containing jabi. a bundle of $50 notes, totalling $6,000,” Singh had his daughter by his side says Mr Singh. and Daniel grabbed some cash and Atambeer Singh The bank documents and statements handed it to her. all had the same name on them, “Daniel”. “This is a reward for your dad because of the good thing Singh used this name, phone numbers and email ad- he did for me. Give it to him when you get home,” he said. dresses on the bank documents to try and track down Daniel, When Singh and his daughter arrived home, they were but all his correspondence received no response. surprised to learn that Daniel had given a $3,000 reward. He even went to the address on the documents, only to While crediting his effort to Sikh principles, Mr Singh find that Daniel had recently moved out. mentioned that it was his duty that he "fulfilled with Guru’s Facebook was his last resort, and after a few messages grace."

Punjab pavilion in Canada fest

separate Punjab pavilion was launched at the pavilions, but this year I have been told that there has Carabram --Canada's oldest cultural festival in been unwarranted interference in the decisions of the ABrampton --for the first time, despite opposition from cer- Carabram Board that I find concerning." tain quarters. The pavilion also included the traditions of Prithpal Singh Chaggar, chair of Punjab pavilion, while East and West Punjab. speaking to media persons, said they used to get a very small The Punjab pavilion showcased different shades of cul- space in the Indian festival. So, when discussions on having ture, having stalls named after different cities of East and a Punjab pavilion began, he advocated transcending geo- West Punjab. The three-day festival, in which 12 countries graphical boundaries and showcasing the entire Punjab as participated, ended on July 16. well as its culture. "Punjab can't be complete without show- The pavilion had triggered a controversy when some In- casing the land of five rivers. Moreover, the festival is or- dian officials in Canada and a few organizers of the Indian ganized to show different cultures and there is nothing pavilion, objected to a separate pavilion on Punjab. They wrong in displaying in a separate pavilion," wanted it to be a part of Indian pavilion like before. Sanjeev , who heads UPICA (Uttar Pradeshis In Canada), he said. Bhavesh Kothari and Harveena Sandhu were of the view He said ,"Two top Indian consulate officials met me on that more space could be set aside for Punjab. different occasions and argued that there should be no sep- However, Brampton May or Linda Jaf fery and arate Punjab pavilion ...but I told them we are Indians, but Carabram Board president Angela Johnson did not agree. our identity is Punjabi, and it's a cultural festival." Chaggar Jeffrey in a Facebook post said, "Suggestions that the Pun- is related to Bardish Chaggar, minister of small business and jab pavilion "is in bad taste", I think, crosses the line. I want tourism in Canada's federal government. to make it known that I wholeheartedly welcome the Punjab Referring to the participation of Punjabis of Pakistani pavilion and support the Carabram Board's decision." origin, he said, "Punjab pavilion has rather added to this cel- Jeffrey also said, "Every year there is lively debate about ebration and brought people together."

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 25

Independence( Aug 15) Day Luminaries

The grand dame of Punjabi literature Remembering Amrita Pritam on her 98th birth anniversary

BUREAU REPORT

mrita Pritam, the pioneer of The poem was addressed to the trendsetter for poets who wrote quality modern Punjabi poetry and 18th century Punjabi Sufi Poet Waris lyrics for Punjabi films produced in Aliterature, had once confided in a sen- Shah, author of the tragic saga of Heer- Pakistan in the earlier days. They in- ior journalist that old age was un- Ranjha. The following is the English clude Baba Siah Alam Posh, Hazeen doubtedly the best period,” because life translation of two opening verses of the Quadri and Tufail Hoshiarpuri. These was like having tea, with the last sips poem: (a) Today, I call Waris Shah, poets also shared the same culture and usually being the sweetest.” “Speak from inside your grave”, and surroundings with Amrita. Amrita, whose 98th birthday falls turn today, the book of love’s next af- Born at Gujranwala in 1919, Am- on August 31 this year, shot to fame in fectionate page, (b) Once, one daugh- rita Kaur was the only child of school- 1947 when she wrote the poignant ter of Punjab cried; you wrote a teacher Kartar Singh Hitkari, who was poem ‘ Ajj Aakhan Waris Shah Nuu’, wailing saga, today, a million daugh- a poet and scholar of Brij Bhasha and in which she expressed her anguish on ters cry to you, Waris Shah”. also edited a literary journal. Amrita’s the massacre of lakhs of people in Pun- Equally loved on both sides of the mother died when she was 11 and soon jab during the Partition. Pakistan-India border, Amrita was the thereafter she and her father moved to

28 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Luminaries

Lahore, where she lived till her migra- duced to Amrita’s work through this She started writing poetry in her tion to India in 1947. novel which was made into a film teens under the influence of her father Besieged by loneliness following sometime back. It is the story of a Kartar Singh Hitkari and became the her mother’s death, she began to write Hindu girl, Pooro, abducted by a Mus- proud author of a collection of poems at an early age. Her first anthology of lim boy Rashid. Her parents refuse to Amrit Lehran in 1936. Such was the poems, Amrit Lehran (Immortal recover a ‘defiled’ woman. Unable to grip of the muse in her soul that she Waves) was published in 1936, at the resist the circumstances she was churned out half a dozen collections of age 16. She married Pritam Singh, an thrown into, Pooro settles down as a poems in as many years between 1936 editor to whom she was engaged in bride and bears Rashid a son. In 1947, and 1943. The tone of her poetry was early childhood, and changed her name nostalgia for the life missed by Pooro ethical, didactic and romantic, clouded to Amrita Pritam. makes the couple save Hindu and Sikh in platonic overtones, with a degree of In a career spanning about six women from their Muslim abductors elasticity in form and diction. decades, Amrita authored over 100 and send them to the security of evac- It did not take her long to jump on books of poetry, fiction, biographies, uee camps meant to take them to their to the band-wagon of the Progressive essays, a collection of Punjabi folk kith and kin. Movement and her very next collection songs and autobiography. These were Born in a traditional Sikh family of titled Lok Peed and published in 1944 translated into several Indian and for- undivided Punjab in 1919, in Gujran- spoke of the war-torn economy born eign languages. wala and brought up in Lahore, Amrita out of Great Famine of Bengal of 1943 As a novelist, her most noted work was the product of the other side of which threw out millions yearning for Pinjar (The Skeleton) came out in loaves and love. 1950, in which she created her memo- Punjabi novelist This was the time that she took to rable character Puro, an epitome of vi- Gulzar Singh Sandhu attack the old social fabric questioning olence against women, loss of the morality of traditional love and humanity and ultimate surrender to ex- wrote in The Tribune: even that of conjugal rights and duties. istential fate. “She put Punjabi liter- She did not hesitate to term the hus- The novel was made into an award- ature on the world band as a mere bread-winner who winning film ‘Pinjar’ in 2003. wanted nothing but physical pleasure. Amrita died on October 31, 2005. map. No other writer is Amrita Pritam was at her best in Known as the most important voice for as synonymous with Sunehe(Messages) published in 1955 the women in Punjabi literature, the In- Punjabi literature as in which she mixes the romantic and dian government bestowed upon her the sentimental within with the pro- several high-ranking awards during her Amrita Pritam (1919- gressive callings outside. It was also lifetime. M.S. Sathyu, a renowned the- 2005) the time when she was moving away atre person and director of the movie from conjugal bindings. This collec- on partition, ‘Garam Hawa’, paid a the- Punjab and she religiously remained so tion won her the Sahitya Akademi atrical tribute to Amrita in ‘Ek Thee till her end. It was from there that she Award, followed by invitations from a Amrita’. had been drawing her strength and host of literary societies. She was also In a tribute to Amrita Pritam sea- symbols with all the sublimity embod- awarded honorary doctorates from soned journalist and Punjabi novelist ied in the works of great Sufi poets and more than one university. Her national Gulzar Singh Sandhu wrote in The saints. It is no wonder she was known and international acclamation soared to Tribune: “She put Punjabi literature on in the present-day Pakistan much more the skies. At this point, her prose writ- the world map. No other writer is as than her contemporaries i.e. Mohan ings, especially fiction, got the better Singh and Shiv Kumar Batalavi. synonymous with Punjabi literature as of her mainly because of the instant Her attitude to worn out social Amrita Pritam (1919-2005), a familiar popularity of this genre amongst the norms and traditions was so candid name even for those not acquainted Hindi-reading public. that she earned the wrath of many an with Punjabi. She cocked a snook at With her seasoned craft of weaving established institution but never fal- convention and defied social norms. a plot and creating motivated charac- tered from the path she chose. She rose There was no split between life and lit- ters, her acceptance as a novelist was to be the voice of the entire Indian erature for Amrita because literature all-pervasive among the women. The womanhood and sowed the seeds of re- was her life.” lustre of her poetic expression in prose bellion in the minds of her readers The novelist in Amrita Pritam was was a boost to her receptivity amongst against values that were wrong and un- at her best in Pinjar (The Skeleton). readers of all ages, irrespective of the just, according to her. The younger generation was intro- caste and creed they belonged to.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 29 Luminaries

Amrita Pritam during her stint with Lahore Radio Station

In her very first novelette, Jai Shri, problem of Indian womanhood both profusely illustrated by Imroz, her she made the heroine of the same name in her poetry and fiction. artist friend and companion in the reject all young men offering her con- She has been in the forefront when second half of her life. The magazine ventional proposals of marriage to pick it came to defying all that was out- made her accessible to the newest of up a bridgegroom of her choice in worn and obsolete in society. One Punjabi writers who flocked to her Suresh who turns out to be a sincere may not agree with her solutions but residence in Hauz Khas in New Delhi, and true lover. one has to accept that her writings did with or without their spouses carrying Good people becoming the vic- set the ball rolling in so far as suitable gifts and souvenirs to be tims of violence and misery is the challenging wrongs in society was presented to her. She was quick in in- theme of Alhna (The Nest) and other concerned. troducing ever-fresh themes as new works of fiction by her. Amrita was a Amrita brought out a monthly columns on such varied subjects as sensitive writer who highlighted the literary magazine Nagmani that was readings from palmistry and star talk.

30 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Luminaries

and small. different places, Amrita was fond of Pinjar in English Amrita was a person of many parts. cooking at home. Hundreds of visitors Of the 100-odd books penned by She was an extremely good conversa- from other parts of the country and Amrita, more than a dozen are avail- tionalist and could hold audiences of abroad would remember the lime tea able in English today. She has been all shades. Whether she acquired this served by her. Those interested in artis- lucky in her translations as well. art from the stint she had with the All tic calligraphy may continue to visit Khushwant Singh had picked up her India Radio or she was picked up by her Hauz Khas residence which is full novelette Pinjar for translation while them because of this talent in her is a of her writings calligraphed by Imroz he was to travel to London by sea for a matter of debate. on all possible corners. change. Amrita felt more at home with the Four decades of her companionship He was interested in a shorter work mazars of Mian Meer Waris Shah and with Imroz has enabled him to master that could be translated in the three Bulleh Shah which were as dear to her the art of tea-making and one can be weeks that he was aboard the ship. I as the Taj and Roza of Ajmer Sharif. sure of Amrita’s legacy being carried had suggested one out of Doctor Dev This did not apply to the places of wor- on by him. and Pinjar and he had chosen the lat- ship of other religions in her case. Amrita Pritam did not confine her- ter. This was her first introduction to With all her honours and acclaim, the self to the limits and boundaries of this English readers when not many of heights she reached in her lifetime, includ- Punjab. She did not belong to either side them were aware that she wrote fiction ing the membership of the Rajya Sabha, of the Wagah border or even both sides too. The Indian film industry and Do- she carved out a niche for herself amongst put together. She was the voice of Pun- ordarshan did not lag behind in pre- the immortals of Punjabi literature. jabis all over the world and hence the senting her works on the screen, big Shy of meeting people and visiting voice of humanity.

Maein Tainu Phir Milaangi Ajj Akhan Waris Shah Nu By Amrita Pritam (Punjabi poem by Amrita Pritam I will meet you yet again, How and where I know not with English translation) Perhaps I will become a Figment of your imagination Ajj akhan Waris Shah nu And maybe spreading myself In a mysterious line Kitte kabran vichon bol On your canvas, I will keep gazing at you. Te ajj kitab-e-ishq da Koi agla varka phol Perhaps I will become a ray, Of sunshine to be Ik royi si dhi Punjab di Embraced by your colours, I will paint myself on your Tu likh-likh mare ven canvas Ajj lakhan dhian rondiyan I know not how and where – But I will meet you for sure. Tainu Waris Shah nu kehan Maybe I will turn into a spring And rub foaming, Drops of water on your body And rest my coolness on Your (I call out to Waris Shah today burning chest To speak out from the grave And open another leaf I know nothing, But that this life Will walk along with From the book of love me. When one daughter of When the body perishes, All perishes Punjab had wept You wrote a million dirges But the threads of memory, Are woven of enduring atoms Today a million daughters I will pick these particles, Weave the threads And I will are weeping meet you yet again. And they are looking up to you, Waris (English translation by Nirupama Dutt) Shah, for solace)

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 31 Career n Competition Career and skill must match

BUREAU REPORT

ach of us inherently posses cer- know if a career falls in sync with one's skills? tain skill sets which should be aptitude(s). Here are five easy ways to • How good are you at using these Ematched to the career we choose. do that. skills? Here's how we can do this: For example, a career in engineer- For long, intelligence has been con- Career and skill sets ing would go best with a person who is fused for aptitude, and has been con- good with numbers, and possesses an The first step is to do your own re- sidered an apt parameter for making analytical mindset. You will know if search to gain some perspective into career decisions. However, aptitude you are suited to a career in engineer- and intelligence differ in nature. the kind of activities a professional ing if you ask yourself the above two Though intelligence and aptitude are does in his/her career. Find out which questions. The trick is to identify both important for success in a partic- skill sets are used in which professions. which skills go hand-in-hand with ular career, it's aptitude that takes Information like this is freely available which careers and understanding if you precedence, due to its inherent nature. on the web, or you may speak to dif- yourself possess the required skills. In recent times, people have started ferent people about it. Once you have realizing the need to find the perfect identified some key skills that relate aptitude-career fitment, which in- with a career, ask yourself two ques- Past performances creases your chances for professional tions-- Past performance is the best judge success. The question now, is how to • How much do you like suing these of future potential. Go through your re-

32 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Career n Competition

port cards and scores and consider if ule, and identify those similarities. imperative for professional success there is any subject that you have con- Once you do, repeat point one. today, and an on-spot aptitude assess- sistently fared better in. Look at your Internships hold the key ment is a helpful element not to be ig- co-curricular and extra-curricular ac- Nothing gives a more realistic ex- nored. While dire interest may push tivities - is there a trend? Maybe you've perience of a career than engaging in you to pursue a certain career, purely always been into debates and MUNs, one. Students today, often engage in based on how much you're fascinated you are an avid reader, or you're never short-duration internships that provide by it, it's your aptitude that will sustain afraid to take a stand and voice your great insights into the careers they're you there and keep your progression opinion in the strongest manner possi- looking at. By interning, you will soaring. ble. A profile like this indicates a good know what key activities are carried aptitude for a career in law, or media out in a particular career, and what and communication, or journalism. skills are required in doing so. After Aptitude mapping Those consistent 90 per cent marks in your short stint, you will be sure, In today's era, it is also imperative English surely imply a certain skill of whether or not your aptitude matches to understand that aptitude mapping is yours. the required standard in a particular ca- now becoming an essential factor reer. when it comes to choosing a career Study pattern and path. The emerging trend of multi-di- Career assessment mensional mapping encompasses ele- ments such as emotional intelligence, general routine With the advent of technology, Do you find yourself always doing there has been nothing short of a revo- social quotient, motivators, work artsy things at school, and picking up lution in the space of career-planning values, career trends, preferences, and your drawing copy the moment you get and psychometrics. Assessing a perfect unique personality traits among others. back home? That's your inherent apti- aptitude-career fit is now possible The coming generation will have to tude pointing out towards a possible through a smart assessment. Career as- look towards acquiring skills in line career. People may point out that such sessments not only judge a student's with what they wish to become, rather skills are just a hobby, but in actuality, many aptitudes in the real-time sce- than finding careers that fit their skills that's your innate aptitude encouraging nario, but also map them according to perfectly! Thus, a more holistic multi- you to get better at it. Some children, the required industry standards, to give dimensional aptitude mapping is the as young as eight years of age, are pas- you your report. The insights you get need of the hour, which can map a sionate about literature, technology, through such an assessment will come student's aptitude and skill sets and music, or art. Identify the patterns here, in handy when making a career deci- match them to careers that can be a retrospect on your life and daily sched- sion. Getting a career-decision right is suitable fit.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 33 Career n Competition

NATIONALCurren Kovind takes oath as 14th President desks by the gathering, including Vice RBI amends order President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minis- amended its earlier order asking banks to ter Narendra Modi, outgoing President initiate bankruptcy proceedings against Pranab Mukherjee and former president 12 companies which have outstanding Pratibha Patil. loans amounting to over Rs 5,000 crore Joti is new CEC as on March 2016.The amendment Achal Kumar Joti who took charge as comes after the Gujarat High Court the 21st Chief Election Commissioner asked the RBI to remove the stipulation said the poll panel will vigorously pur- on its order last month that the 12 non- Ram Nath Kovind was sworn in as sue its commitment to hold free, fair, in- performing assets (NPAs), or bad loans, India's 14th President, the first BJP clusive and credible elections. He also would be granted priority at the National leader and the second Dalit in Rashtrap- said that the mission of ‘no voter is left Company Law Tribunal. “The third line ati Bhavan.Kovind was administered the behind’ will continue to be his priority oath of office to "preserve, protect and even as focus area will be to actively pro- of paragraph No. 5 of the press release defend the constitution and law" by mote e-governance for holding state and on June 13, 2017, titled RBI identifies Chief Justice of India JS Khehar at an Lok Sabha elections. The 64-year-old Accounts for Reference by Banks under impressive ceremony in the Central Hall Joti, who was the Chief Secretary of Gu- the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of Parliament. He won the presidential jarat when Prime Minister Narendra (IBC), which reads as follows: ‘5. election by defeating the opposition can- Modi was the Chief Minister, took over …Such cases will be accorded priority didate Meira Kumari by 1086 votes as the head of the Election Commission by the National Company Law Tribunal The 71-year-old took oath in Hindi to after Nasim Zaidi demitted office on July (NCLT)…. stands deleted,” an RBI re- thunderous applause and thumping of 6. lease said.

PUNJAB Moga girl sets world record Rs 806 cr for health centres as community health officers and Twenty-eight-year-old Harmanpreet The Government of India has ap- a budget of Rs. 12.65 crore have been ap- Kaur from Moga hit 171 runs off 115 de- proved the Nation Health Mission Pun- proved for this task. liveries to record the highest score by an jab’s state programme in implementation GPF interest rate Indian girl in the Women's World Cup. plan for 2017-18 amounting to Rs. Interest rates for the General Provi- 806.28 crores. This was disclosed by Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare dent Fund (GPF), Contributory Provi- Minister Brahm Mohindra. Among the dent Fund and other such funds for the new initiatives approved by GoI, the second quarter of 2017-18 (July 1 to major initiatives included the setting up September 30, 2017) will be 7.8 percent. of Health and Wellness centres. Under Giving this information, a spokesman of this initiative 200 sub-centres of the state the Finance Department, Punjab said that will be strengthened as health and well- the amount deposited by government ness centres, where promotive, preven- employees under General Provident tive and primary curative health and Fund (GPF), Contributory Provident She fell four runs short of Kapil Dev's health care services will be provided to 175 runs scored in the 1983 World Cup. the citizens. Special courses for staff Fund and other such funds, the interest She hit 20 fours and seven sixes as India nurses in order to train them for primary rate would be 7.8 percent for the second defeated the defending champions, Aus- health care have also been approved. quarter of 2017-18 i.e. July 1 to Septem- tralia in the semi-final match at Derby. These staff nurses will be posted at sub ber 30, 2017.

34 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Career n Competition

EventsINTERNATIONAL First Laser Weapons System 50,000 times faster than an incoming in- President has made an inspired choice. The United States Navy has success- tercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).• Since first working on my staff many fully tested the world’s first-ever active It operates in an invisible part of the elec- years ago, Director Rao has proven her- Laser Weapons System (LaWS), which tromagnetic spectrum so the beam is not self to be a sharp and principled public is now deployed, all ready for any sort of visible.• The weapon is also completely servant,” said Senator Orrin Hatch, sen- silent and remarkably precise, which ior member and former Chairman of the could help limit collateral damage during Senate Judiciary Committee. “She pos- wartime.• The total cost of building the sesses a keen sense for our duty in Wash- weapon is about $40 million.• All it re- ington to help small businesses grow and quires to operate is a supply of electricity, make lives of Americans easier,” he said. which is derived from its own small gen- 1st power plant in West Bank erator and a three-member crew. Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Indian to head White House panel Hamdallah and Israeli Energy Minister attack on the Persian Gulf.The LaWS The US Senate has voted to confirm Yuval Steinitz launched the first power has been deployed aboard the USS Indian American lawyer Neomi Rao as plant in the West Bank that transforms Ponce amphibious transport ship. In the the head of Office of Information and high to medium voltage in Jenin, north test, the system was able to destroy a Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at the Office of the West Bank.The official ceremony, drone in flight and moving targets in the of Management and Budget (OMB).The attended by senior Palestinian and Israeli Persian Gulf. With its addition, USS 44-year-old Rao was confirmed by a vote officials, included signing a commercial Ponce becomes the first ship in the world of 54-41 and she would lead the White agreement between Israeli Electric Cor- to be deployed with such an advanced House office overseeing regulation, ac- poration (IEC) and the Palestinian Na- weapons system. The weapon is capable cording to Senate’s official website.“In tional Authority (PNA) to increase power of moving at the speed of light, around selecting Professor Neomi Rao… the supply through operating a new substa-

SPORTS Shastri is chief cricket coach consultant for specific overseas tours. Federer wins 8th Wimbledon title The BCCI on 11 July 2017 named Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team has Roger Federer won a record eighth Ravi Shastri as the new chief coach of been without a head coach after Anil Wimbledon title with a straight-sets vic- the Indian cricket team. He will be with Kumble resigned from the post after the tory over Marin Cilic. With this win, 36- ICC Champions Trophy 2017. year old Federer also became the England win ICC Women’s World Cup tournament’s oldest champion. In the fi- England on 23 July 2017 defeated nals played in Wimbledon, London, Fed- India by nine runs to clinch the 2017 ICC erer defeated Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-1, Women's World Cup. The final match 6-4.Federer is Wimbledon's oldest men's was played at Lord's Cricket Ground in winner of the modern era, succeeding London. The win is England’s 4th Arthur Ashe, who was almost 32 when title.The 2017 Women's Cricket World he won in 1976.This was his 19th Grand the team as its head coach till ICC World Cup was the eleventh edition of the Slam title. Cup 2019.Ravi Shastri to be head coach Women's Cricket World Cup, and the Besides, the women’s singles title of the of Indian cricket team=In addition to it, third to be held in England after the 1973 Wimbledon went to Garbine Muguruza. To former fast bowler Zaheer Khan was also and 1993 tournaments. England’s win the title, Muguruza defeated Venus appointed as bowling coach for a period Tammy Beaumont was awarded the Williams 7-5 6-0 in the finals, ending her of two years.Former Indian Captain Player of the Series title. She also made hopes of becoming the oldest women’s Rahul Dravid has appointed as batting most runs (410) in the tournament. Wimbledon champion in the open era.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 35 Literature Sundari, the untold story

Ramesh K. Srivastava

henever Sundari came to machine-washed clothes to Sundari were in Rewa, our washerman al- our house to give well- and then collecting the ironed ones most never delivered our ironed Wironed clothes, my wife Mona and I came to Mona’s share, but whenever clothes in time, whereas you are al- often commented that she was un- she was in the neighbourhood or in ways punctual. Ever since we have doubtedly a beautiful girl and her the temple, I performed the job. Sun- come jto Gwalior, you have eased out parents must have given this name dari was so meticulous in her work tension in this respect. Your have also appropriately after seeing her pretty that no error ever occurred in it. been arranging maid-servants for us. face. Normally listing and giving the “Sundari,” I said to her, “when we We are so thankful to you. Once you

36 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Literature get married, we might have problems “Sahib,” Sundari said, pulling her our old age secure. Even now my having our clothes delivered so well- slipping saree over her head, “I am a polio-affected leg occasionally starts pressed and in time.” lame woman. It is the generosity of giving pin. Only God knows what “Sahib that’s never going to hap- my father-in-law that he has accepted will happen in my old age.” pen,” Sundari laughingly replied. me. God has blessed me with a son. Promising to come again before “You mean you will no longer de- Why should I blame anyone when returning to Gwalior, Sundari left our liver clothes punctually?” fate has been so good to me.” place. Meanwhile Mona found out “I did not mean that. I meant that “Isn’t your father-in-law happy from our washerwoman that Sun- no one is going to marry me.” that you are so beautiful ?” dari’s husband was a boozer and a “Why do you say so? you are so She laughed again, flashing her gambler, who thrashed her and even beautiful.” shining teeth and said: “You know tortured her with lighted cigarette “I have a limp in my polio-af- very well—and I need not tell you— buts. Many times the people of the fected leg, no one wants to area came to her rescue. marry a lame girl,” she con- As Sundari came to say cluded. goodbye to us, I did notice I had not noticed till some marks of burns on her then that she had a limp in “One thing is there,” I said to forehead and wrists which her leg. When she went Sundari, “you look as cheerful she tried to conceal. Were back, I found the limp so now in your married life as you she to hint at her husband’s minor that unless one no- brutal acts, I could not have ticed carefully, it was not used to be in your father’s place done much, beyond uttering easily visible to the com- and that is very reassuring.” a few words of sympathy, mon eye. “Sahib,” Sundari said, pulling but she kept mum. After some years, I was “How is your husband, transferred from Gwalior her slipping saree over her head, “I Sundari ?” I asked. to Ganj Basoda in Madhya am a lame woman. It is the gen- “He is fine,” said said, Pradesh. In a couple of erosity of my father-in-law that he and added “I collect the years, we forgot about Sun- washed clothes and he irons dari altogether. Mona has accepted me. God has blessed them which I give back to arranged a new washer- me with a son. Why should I blame the customers and take woman to get our clothes anyone when fate has been so good money. It is because of the ironed. Although the new hard work of both of us that hand was not very reliable, to me.” the family is moving for- we were by and large satis- ward.” fied. To extract some infor- Ten years passed by. mation from her about her One day Mona announced the arrival that in the in-laws house, it is not the husband’s cruelties, I prodded her of Sundari from Gwalior. I said Sun- moon’s beauty, but its dark spots again: “Usually in your community, dari how did she happen to come to which strike the eyes of the beholder. male members have the bad habit of this small city. But I don’t mind what people say. drinking, I hope your husband It was Mona who responded: What is there to mind, something dosen’t drink.” “Udai, she is married and has an that is there and cannot change.” She smiled and coolly said: eight-year-old son. Our washer- After a little pause she continued: “When a man works so hard, he woman here is related and has “My father-in-law died two years needs some moments of his own di- brought her here. Sundari has come ago. Now we are only three members version from work. Hence I do not for a marriage.” in the family, including my husband. consider anything wrong as long as “One thing is there,” I said to I have projected my clear aim before it is taken moderately.” Sundari, “you look as cheerful now him, Sahib, I will do anything, suffer Sundari was still tactfully con- in your married life as you used to any humiliation, any pain to make cealing her miseries. Even though be in your father’s place and that is my son something worthwhile in life. her devotion to the husband was ex- very reassuring.” Besides, through him, I want to make emplary, to me her excessive toler-

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 37 Literature

ance bordered on weakness which liquor that killed him.” of hers. I would rather shed my blood encouraged the exploiter. I did not like the uncharitable than allow her tears to flow. This Not to be defeated so easily, I comment of the young man, disput- much I can assure you. “ made one last effort: “I agree Sundari ing Sundari’s reason about her hus- After their departure we talked about your point on moderation. But band’s death, but quiet. about Sundari’s sense of devotion to- when it becomes excessive, it could Mona asked Sundari who the wards her son, and that too with all lead to physical violence.” young man was. Her reply was: “He her cheerfulness. We heard from var- “Sahib, a family is a pair of oxen, is my son Jaya Pal, and I have come ious sources that after her husband’s yoked together and it is in the inter- to invite you for his wedding. He is death she struggled hard washing est of both that they move together. now a doctor and has been posted in and ironing clothes, scrubbing uten- In some cases minor irritations can- the Government Medical College, sils and many times going hungry in not altogether be ruled out,” was her here in Gwalior itself.” order to materialize her dream of giv- answer. “Congratulations, Sundari,” I ing education to her son. All this was How great her head and heart are, said, “you have done a great sacrifice done when her polio-affected leg oc- I thought. I sometimes blame God but God has paid you well. Your en- casionally caused pain because of the how the cursed limpness has been tire life should be a model for others. hard work. We felt happy that she imposed on such a beautiful and in- would have all the happiness now I herently good human being ! May be It happed 10 years her old age. it is to keep the human beings mod- ago, when you were in After a few years I retired from erately balanced in their biological Ganj Basoda. There was government service and shifted to endowments. Mona too praised Sun- Rewa. It was here that my govern- dari’s equanimity and commended an accident which was ment job had begun. Now Mona and how the latter was sacrificing every- fatal. I led nearly a lonely life, depending thing for the sake of her son. “It was not an acci- largely on the cooperation of the After spending a little over 25 neighbours. We always wanted to years in Ganj Basoda, I was trans- dent,” the young man have good servants and maids who ferred back to Gwalior. The city had disputed, “it was the could take care of our utensils, our changed a great deal and so had we. liquor that killed him.” clothes and occasionally our cook- We were in our fifties now. ing. Some maids performed these One day a young man came with By leading a very hard life, you have chores well. But before a couple of an elderly lady in a white saree. done for your son with all your limi- months were over one of them had Mona asked them what they wanted. tations what none else could have made us poorer by borrowing 500 ru- The woman flashed a smile and done Now you will have happiness, pees and stealing a mobile phone be- asked: “Don’t you recognize me?” at least in your last stage of life.” fore disappearing for good. Then our “No, but your face looks famil- Turning to the son, I said: “Jaya neighbour recommended Neelima iar,” Mona said. Pal, you are like a son to us, you who had a relatively better reputa- “Bhabhiji, I am Sundari, your old know you are what you are because tion. We remembered Sundari who in washerwoman,” said the elderly of your mother. In the absence of Gwalior used to arrange good maid woman. your father, you are all she has now. servants for us. Now she must be Meanwhile, I too came out of my You have achieved a position which leading a happy life with her son and study. Sundari looked slightly old, many rich men’s children aspire for daughter-in-law—both physicians. but beauty was still intact. Obviously, and attempt in vain. Your mother is a Since our sons with their families her husband must have died. I did not living goddess. If I were you, I’d were living abroad, we felt envious have the heart to ask her about his wash her feet and worship her every of Sundari, who now in her old age death, but Mona did ask her tactfully: day. She must not suffer hardships must be leading a happier life than “What happened to him ?” now.” us. It happed 10 years ago, when you Mona looked at me in surprise We called Neelima who said: “I were in Ganj Basoda. There was an over my spontaneous panegyric on heard you people are quite nice, but I accident which was fatal. Sundari, but said nothing. Jaya Pal cannot handle more work than I al- “It was not an accident,” the said: “Sir, who knows better than I? I ready have. If you want I have a young man disputed, “it was the will attend to every sneeze and cough friend of mine who is new to the ciy.”

38 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Literature

Looking at me, Mona said to her: “How does it matter whether some- one is old or new. We are concerned with getting our work done.” “But she has one strange condi- tion before she agrees to join. She does not want any one pestering her about her past as most people do. If any one does so, she is very touchy and might leave the job.” We hesitated in saying anything. It was a strange condition. The maid servants are kept after checking their antecedents. We had fears that she might be a thief, a murderer or even an absconder from jail and we did not want any such person who in our old age would make us run to the po- lice station, lawyers and courts. Mona and I looked at each other and were about to shake our heads in the negative. But probably guessing our suspension, Neelima reassured us with the words: “Have no fear, sir, on any count of deception and cheat- ing. If you ever find anything other- wise, you can send both of us to jail.” Meanwhile on a hint from Neel- ima, the woman with a bent head came inside. After she was told about our consent to her condition, the question of monthly charges arose. The woman went on gazing at the floor with a bent head, saying that we could pay her what we thought proper. When we insisted on an exact minding us of our commitment of their ill-behaviour, their taunts or amount, she said: “You people are not asking anything about her past. their downright expulsion of her our old well wishers.” After Sundari had gone, we dis- which made Sundari leave the house, We were surprised and asked her: cussed what could have been the un- the city and even her entire past and “Do you know us? e have returned to told story of hers after our last then to begin a new life in a new city. Rewa after 25 years.” meeting at the wedding of her son. It Thinking of her old age—and even “Your did not recognize me is possible that maintaining the spirit ours—we felt how heartless are our sahib,” as she raised her head. “I am of sacrifice, Sundari might have qui- youth. your old Sundari.” etly withdrawn herself to let the son “Sundari !” Mona and I ex- live happily with his wife. Since both ---The author is a former Pro- claimed simultaneously. “But you her son and daughter-in-law were fessor of English of Guru Nanak were living in Gwalior with your physicians, maybe she did not want Dev University, , and is at son,” I added. to remain among them as an odd fish. present working as Professor of Before we could say anything, But keeping in mind the modern English at the S.R. Group of Insti- Sundari put a finger on her lips, re- times, we thought, it could also have tutions, Ambabai, Jhansi (UP)

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 39 War Heroes When Sikhs fought as Australian soldiers ANZAC honours World War I heroes

ikhs always had a dispro- portionately huge role to playS in the Indian army, the British In- dian army and in the Allied Forces du- ritng both the World Wars. But who would have thought that there were Sikhs in the Australian army way back in the early 1900's and that some of them actually fought in the First World War as Australian soldiers! According to the National War Memorial in Australia's capital, Can- berra, seven Sikhs were part of the Australian armed forces during the First World War. Their names and the battalions they were part of, are as follows: Davy Singh (33rd Battalion), Desanda Singh (3rd Light Horse), Ganessa Singh (10th Battalion), Gurbachan Singh (54th Battalion), Hazara Singh (13th Battalion), Sarn Singh (43rd Battalion) and Sirdar Singh (3rd Light Horse). Six of these soldiers returned safely after the War ended in 1918, but one of them (Sarn Singh) died in action. A Sikh contingent takes part in the ANZAC Day march in Perth, Australia

40 Punjab Advance August - 2017 War Heroes

But this is just the proverbial tip of of those who fell in Gallipoli and other in the contingent. the iceberg. According to one estimate, campaigns. Other band members included "In the last two world wars, 83,005 Says Kuljit Kaur Jassal, an ex- young Amarvir Singh (whose great- turban-wearing Sikh soldiers were Royal Australian Air Force officer, grandfather fought in Mesopotamia, killed and 109,045 were wounded for who is one of the organisers of the Sikh and grandfather was in the Indian the freedom of Britain and the world complement: " We also want the Aus- army), and the only female member of during shell fire, with no other protec- tralian public to know that our grand- the band, Husveena Kaur, (whose ma- tion but the turban, the symbol of their fathers fought alongside their ternal grandfather was in the faith." grandfathers in Gallipoli. Not just that, Malaysian Army Reserves and pater- According to another source, "In more than 80,000 Sikhs died in the two nal great-grandfather fought in 1914, there were 35,000 Sikhs fighting World Wars as part of the Allied forces. Mesopotamia). in the War. By the end of the War, These brave young men fought for our The band members practiced dili- 100,000 volunteers had joined the var- freedom, and we must honour their gently with trainers and stole the show ious sections of the British Armed memory." at the Perth march, looking resplendent Forces. It is 'estimated that in their white kurtas and the contribution of the Sikh saffron dastaars, complete Community in men and with kalgis. material was ten times that In another first, there of any community of India. was a Sikh contingent in Of the 22 Military Crosses the Sydney Anzac Day pa- awarded for conspicuous rade this year as well. gallantry to Indians, the Apart from that, there were Sikhs won 14.' " special commemorations at So, it is really hearten- some RSL (Returned Serv- ing to see Sikhs in Aus- ices League) Clubs in sub- tralia waking up to these urban Sydney too. facts and partaking in spe- Nineteen-year-old Jas- cial services that honour meen Kaur Malhotra gave war veterans. a speech on behalf of the One such occasion is Sikh community in Anzac Day, celebrated Revesby and outlined the throughout the country on April 25, In previous years, a Malaysian Pipe proud history of Sikhs in the World marking the landing of Australia and and Drum troupe called the "Dasmesh Wars. The most heartening thing about New Zealand Armed Corps (ANZAC) Band" led the Sikh contingent in the both the Perth and the Sydney services at Gallipoli (Turkey) in 1915. Every march. This year, however, for the first was the inclusion of youth and children year, there are ceremonial marches and time, there was a Western Australian - the youngsters led from the front, parades in most Australian cities to Sikh Band leading them. which is a promising thing for any mark the sacrifice of those who lost The Drum Band was comprised of community. their lives in the line of duty. ten members, seven of them aged be- Let's hope that that others around The Sikh community of Western tween 10 and 15 years. The Drum the world continue to find the time to Australia has proudly joined in this tra- Major in the WA Sikh Band was Dr participate in memorials and marches dition of paying homage to their fore- Tejinderpal Singh whose great- grand- like these. It has been eloquently said fathers too, because they fought father, Nanak Singh, fought in Gal- that those who forget their history are alongside the Australians during both lipoli. Nanak Singh's son Shiv Singh condemned to repeat it. So let's all the World Wars. also fought in World War II. make an extra effort in each of our re- Since 2005, there has been a Sikh Dr. Singh wore his great-grandfa- spective communities to honour the contingent in the Anzac Day march in ther's medals when he marched on memory of those on whose proverbial Perth, comprised of direct descendants Anzac Day 2007, as did many others shoulders we stand today.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 41 Nextgen Four-seater flying car soon

Vertical take-off and landing US, German firms conduct test flights Stuck in traffic jam? Use your car's flying button. Seriously!

BUREAU REPORT S scientists have designed a ate. and eventual touch-down at the chosen gen-next flying car capable The Terrafugia TF-X flying car can destination will be handled automati- ofU taking off vertically and flying com- take off vertically and has a flying cally by the Terrafugia. pletely on its own - and it could be on range of 805 km. Once airborne, the The manufacturers claim the TF-X the roads within a decade. two propellers fold back and propul- is a plug-in hybrid. Electric motors An ambitious US engineering com- sion is handled by an engine mounted handle road driving, and assist during pany has released images of the flying behind the cockpit, 'New York Daily takeoff and landing. car, the four-passenger TF-X, and it News' reported. Terrafugia claims its road-legal and won't require a pilot's license to oper- Everything from take-off, to flying, highly automated flying car could be

42 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Nextgen

on the road (and in the air) within 8-12 years. The TF-X's vast array of sensors and GPS monitors make flying to a destina- tion as simple as punching in an address in current satellite- navigation devices. The TF-X calculates the total distance, and determines whether there is suitable fuel range. Factors such as current weather conditions, to restricted air- space and a suitable first-alternate landing location are calcu- lated into the trip, the report said. Terrafugia, based outside the US city of Boston and founded 11 years ago by MIT graduates, estimates it takes just five hours of practise to learn to drive and fly a TF-X. The Transi- tion flying car has already undergone a number of test flights. According to The Guardian a German company has com- pleted successful test flights of a “flying taxi”. Munich-based Lilium, backed by investors who include Skype co-founder Niklas Zennström, said the planned five- seater jet, which will be capable of vertical take-off and land- ing, could be used for urban air-taxi and ride-sharing services. In flight tests, a two-seat prototype executed manoeuvres that included a mid-air transition from hover mode – like a drone – to wing-borne flight - like a conventional aircraft, Lil- ium said. Potential competitors to Lilium Jet include much bigger players such as Airbus, the maker of commercial airliners and helicopters that aims to test a prototype self-piloted, single-seat “flying car” later in 2017. The Slovakian firm AeroMobil said at a car show in Monaco on Thursday it would start taking orders for a hybrid flying car that can drive on roads. It said it planned production from 2020. But makers of “flying cars” still face hurdles, including con- vincing regulators and the public that their products can be used safely. Governments are still grappling with regulations for drones and driverless cars. Lilium said its jet, with a range of 190 miles and cruising speed of 186mph, is the only electric aircraft capable of both vertical take-off and jet-powered flight. The jet, whose power consumption is comparable to an electric car, could offer passenger flights at prices comparable to normal taxis but with speeds five times faster, Lilium said. Other potential rivals include the crowd-funded e-volo, a firm based near Mannheim that has said it expects to receive special regulatory approval for its two-seat “multicopter” with 18 rotors to be used as flying taxis in pilot projects by 2018. Another US-Israeli firm Joby Aviation has said it is work- ing on a four-seater drone. Google, Tesla and Uber have also reportedly shown interest in the new technology.

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 43 Health

Leg cramps causes and prevention

Dr.Ravinder Chadha

uscle cramps are ex- varies from a few seconds to 10 Exercising in intense heat, de- tremely common and minutes, or even longer. Com- hydration and depletion of salt and almostM everyone experiences them, monly the effected muscles are minerals. Muscle exhaustion de- especially after crossing the age of calf, hamstring (back of thigh) and pletes a muscle’s oxygen supply 60 years. Muscle cramps are muscles of feet, hands etc. leading to accumulation of waste caused due to sudden uncontrolled The exact cause of muscle products and spasm’ contraction of a muscle. The con- cramps is not known, but it is be- Leg cramps can be due to Lum- tracted muscle does not relax, lieved that muscle fatigue due to bar Nerve root involvement, meta- thereby leading to symptoms vary- dehydradion, poor circulation due bolic disturbances as is Diabetes ing from mild discomfort to ago- to certain diseases leads to abnor- Mellitus thyroid disease etc. nizing pain. Typically an individual malities in the mechanism that con- Certain medicines too can cause suffers from a sudden sensation in trols muscle contraction. The muscle cramps like Salbutamol the leg while sleeping, which awak- following are other factors leading used for asthma, Statins used for ens him. The duration of the cramp to muscle cramps: lowering blood cholesterol and Di-

44 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Health uretics (Lasix) used for downward while sleeping. vigorous removal of body Persistent and severe fluid. Patients on dialysis cramps can be treated with often complain of leg quinine sulfate, vitamin E cramps due to depletion of muscle relaxants, sodium electrolytes. chloride, calcium and mag- Poor circulation to mus- nesium supplements. cles due to peripheral ar- Massage of the muscles tery disease can also cause is very useful in treating cramps, especially in calf cramps as it increases the muscles. Poor circulation circulation to the muscles, results in decreased oxygen which helps in its relax- supply to the muscles lead- ation. ing to severe pain. The following exercises Leg cramps are com- can prevent muscle mon during pregnancy, es- cramps: pecially after the second Calf muscle stretch: trimester. The likely reason Stand about two to two and leg muscles being fatigued a half feet away from the from carrying extra weight wall. Lean with the fore- of pregnancy. Cramps can arms against the wall with also occur due to circula- one leg behind the other tion problems in the legs leg. Bend the front knee when enlarged uterus puts without raising heel of the pressure on the blood ves- back foot,. Hold the sels that return blood from stretched position for a legs to heart. count of 15,. Repeat three Try the following times. when cramping occurs: Hamstring muscle Apply ice pack to the stretch: Lie with one leg cramped muscle Cramps associated with dehy- folded and the other Take a hot shower bath dration due to vigorous physical ac- straight out. Hold from the back of The most important aspect of tivities, especially in summers, can knee and raise the leg till a stretch dealing with the muscle cramp be treated with fluid and electrolyte is felt at the back of the thigh. Hold disorder is prevention. The fol- the stretch for a count of 20. Repeat replacement. Therefore drinking lowing are the important preven- three times. water before, during and after ac- tive measures: Most of the cramps are benign Persons undertaking vigorous tivities is very important. in nature with no serious complica- physical activities must do ade- Doing calf stretching two to tions. Cramps which are severe, quate warm-up, stretching be- three times just before going to bed frequent and not responding to the fore the event; can prevent night cramps. Also usual modes of treatment must be Cramps are very common in stretch calf muscles regularly investigated properly. people who suddenly increase their throughout the day. exercise. Therefore one should in- Sleeping with toes pointing Dr Ravinder Chadha is a crease the training intensity gradu- downwards shortens the calf mus- former physio-therapist of ally. The best way to increase cle leading to cramp. Therefore the Indian cricket team exercise is by 10 per cent of the place blanket loose at the food-end E-mail: [email protected] previous week’s regimen. to prevent toes and feet pointing (Tel—0172 2702929)

August - 2017 Punjab Advance 45 Children’s world

Hi kids,

s we come close to celebrating 70 years of In- of the greatest speeches. You may want to mention this as dependence on August 15, many of you must be part of the your speech as you recall that magical moment Apart of your school exercise for the Independence Day func- when India finally won its freedom from British Rule. tion being held in your district or the much-bigger state- Mahatma Gandhi: Be the change that you want to see level celebrations. This is a routine exercise held every year. in the world. The preparations for the big parade and other performances This quote can be used by you when you are speaking of are in full swing in the schools. Every child wants to put his current times and what we need to learn from Mahatma’s or her best foot forward. This tiring spell of rehearsals drains wise words. out a lot of energy. The selected children go through the Subhash Chandra Bose: daily grind. Soon after the I-Day function the chief guest Tum Mujhe Khoon do, mein usually declares a holiday the following day as a reward for tumhe aazadi doonga (Give me your blood and I will get the pain-staking rehearsals you have gone through for the you your freedom) This was part of his famous speech when big-day function. he called upon people to join the INA. Some schools organize painting competitions highlight- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhya: Vande Maataram ing the Independence Day heroes. But a few days back I was (hail to the motherland)This was the inspirational call for introduced to a new type of exposure that the children are all freedom fighters and made famous in his famous literary being given on celebrating the big day. work – Anandamath. This is our national song, which is dif- The other day we were at a family friend’s place. ferent from our national anthem – Jana Gana Mana. Twelve-year-old Rajeev was pestering his maternal uncle to Bhagat Singh: Inquilab Zindabad (long live the revolu- help him write a short speech on Independence Day which tion) First written by Hasrat Mohani, it was made famous by he had promised to deliver in school. But he was laying revolutionary and martyr, Bhagat Singh. stress on the point that the speech should stand out from the Madan Mohan Malaviya: Satyameva Jayate (truth usual and make an impact as it would be heard by the Prin- alone will prevail) cipal and other teachers The maternal uncle said you can write a great speech in Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Swaraj Mera Janmasiddha Ad- your own words that will be rich in content and will remain hikar hai, aur main ise la kar rahoonga (Swaraj is my focused on the topic. birthright and I shall have it) Remember, this is a speech celebrating India’s Inde- Famous quotes by International leaders pendence Day and the audience is your school principal, JF Kennedy, former President of the United States of teachers and fellow students. Therefore, while preparing the America draft you need to broadly define your content flow within “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what the time you set for yourself. you can do for your country…” Once you have prepared the sub-headlines, you need to These famous words were part of his stirring speech start writing the content under each sub-heading based on when he called upon young Americans to join in making the time you plan to allocate on each. America great. But Rajeev was very particular about the quotes of the Abraham Lincoln, former President of the United great personalities who were an inspiration. What followed States of America was a list of quotes by the uncle which was lapped up by the nephew. “As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. I give below those quotes which I found an inspiration This expresses my idea of democracy” and worth sharing with you kids: This famous quote is very relevant today as it echoes the values of ‘equality’ and ‘democracy’ that we in India, so Quotes that inspired people: cherish. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: His ‘Tryst with Destiny’ Do let us know how you celebrated Independence Day. speech was made at midnight of August 14-15 in 1947. This All the best and keep smiling… famous speech was been recorded in Indian history as one Uncle Don

46 Punjab Advance August - 2017 Children’s world The honest girl Punjabi story by Ram Thaper and Kamleish Ram

mother and a father had a mean ‘I am being attacked!’ And so cused the honest girl of daydreaming daughter who grew from a you might understand why all of the and causing trouble and not thinking babyA into a beautiful girl. The mother villagers began to run towards the before she spoke. and father were But then a very proud of wise man ap- their daughter, peared from be- and one day the hind the house father said, ‘It is and explained to time you were the assembled married, my crowd how he had beautiful daugh- seen a group of ter.’ thieves running And so it was from the house, agreed that the and how the vil- mother and father lagers had scared would travel to them away and the next village to saved the honest make arrange- girl from a terrible ments with the family of the boy whom house. fate. she would marry. But even stranger, at that very mo- He said, ‘Mulak and Jahaan are the When her parents were away, the ment there was indeed a group of names we give to our people. Dhesh is honest girl began to daydream about thieves who were trying to sneak into the name we give to our land. And what her life was going to be like with the house where the honest girl lived. when this honest girl called out to the her new husband. She decided that she But when the thieves noticed that all of people of her land, you all came. When would have four children: three boys the people from the village were ap- she called out “Lutdi” you were all and one girl. She would call them proaching the house, they got scared here to help her in her time of need. Mulak, Jahaan, Dhesh, and Lutdi. and ran away into the surrounding Does this not prove that you are all She imagined what it would be like woods never to be seen again. good people?’ to call out to her children when it was As the villagers arrived at the The villagers had to agree with the time for them to come in for dinner. house, they called up to the honest girl. wise man, and they were all very proud The girl was so absorbed in her beau- ‘What is wrong, my child, who is at- that they had saved the honest girl from tiful daydream that she climbed up tacking you?’ the thieves. onto the roof of her parents’ house and And the honest girl replied, ‘There Soon after, the mother and father called out... ‘Mulak, Jahaan, Dhesh, is nobody attacking me. I was just call- returned to the village and the honest Lutdi!’ And as the honest girl called ing out to my children.’ girl was married to her handsome hus- out these names, the people of the vil- ‘But you are not yet married!’ said band. lage all stopped what they were doing one villager. The years passed, and the girl did and ran towards the house where the ‘And you do not yet have children!’ indeed become the mother of four honest girl because they thought that protested another. beautiful children. She never forgot the girl was in trouble. The girl had great difficulty ex- about what the wise man had said to You see, in Punjabi, the names plaining to the villagers that she was her on that day, and she often reminded Mulak and Jahaan also mean ‘people’. simply dreaming about what her life her children that is was a good thing And the name Dhesh means ‘land’. was going to be like after she was mar- for a young person to dream from time And, although Lutdi is a name one ried and had children. The villagers to time because amazing things come might give to a daughter, it can also were not impressed at all. They ac- from dreams.

Punjab Advance 47 August - 2017 Forecast

Your stars this month Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma email: [email protected]

Aries: Personal relations with some- Leo: An opportunity to clear the back- Sagittarius: You are likely to work on one on the social front may blossom log at work may come to you this that facet of your relationship that into romance. A lucrative deal appears month. Enhancement in monetary gives you a sense of immense fulfill- to come your way. Regular workouts powers may be expected by some. A ment. Misunderstandings floating on will help you in keeping fit. You are change in lifestyle promises to bring the social front regarding someone are likely to get a lucky break on the job you back on the road to perfect health. likely to be cleared through your ini- front. Those in a professional field are Things are happening fast around you, tiative. This is a good month to com- likely to make some celebrity clients. so get into the stride. You will need to plete everything that is pending. You Good earning and previous invest- be tactful in handling lover. Some may keep up the pace at work. A ments promise to keep your bank bal- guests may arrive and brighten up the promised increment may materialize ance brimming over! home front. for some.

Taurus: This turns out to be a Virgo: You get the opportunity to set Capricorn: Tying loose ends both at favourable month for you. Whatever your plan in motion on the profes- work and home may be your priority is happening around you will keep you sional front. Positive approach will en- this month. A competition may loom in a happy state of mind. Love life able you to achieve business targets. on the horizon on the academic front, promises immense fulfillment. You Your mental and physical state will be but you will be able to give your all. may enjoy a good rapport with a new improved by following some spiritual Chances of friendship taking the shape senior at work. You can expect a good and philosophical lectures. Monetary of romance are high. This is the best bargain price on a property that you position improves as all pending pay- month for you to enjoy social gather- are interested in. You will be able to ments get cleared. Avoid making false ings. A word of praise is the only thing keep in touch with almost everyone promises that would come in way of that someone may need from you, so on the social front. establishing cordial relations. do not disappoint.

Gemini: : You are likely to excel in Libra: : Excellent prospects in a new Aquarius: A friend or relative can your current endeavours. Support of business venture are foreseen. Your take you out for shopping. An out- someone close will keep your mood strong personality finds it easier to at- standing amount is likely to be re- buoyant. Many ups and downs are tract the attention of opposite sex. In- ceived. Much enjoyment is foreseen likely to be encountered by those play- vested money may start giving on the social front, as you get to meet ing the stocks. Your desires are likely handsome returns. Worries regarding all your near and dear ones. Sharing to get fulfilled on the romantic front. someone in the family are likely to dis- thoughts with lover will prove thera- Those worried about their health can appear soon. You are likely to turn peutic. Delay in delivering something lay their fears to rest as they will re- your attention to your health. Travel may cause you unnecessary tension at main perfectly fit. plans if any might get postponed due work, but everything will turn out to changes in schedule. right at the end.

Cancer: This is the best month to in- Scorpio: Earning remains steady and Pisces: Those in government service vest in property. Romantic prospects will help build up adequate savings. A can expect a promotion. A tough com- have never looked brighter, so go forth business proposal presented by some- petition is likely to be cleared by those and pair up as soon as you can! A va- one may seem exciting. On the aca- pursuing academics. Good showing by cation is on the cards and promises demic front, you will be able to handle a family youngster may make you much excitement. Those in the service the competition well. Health will gen- proud. You will be able to raise a loan sector will find the month productive. erally remain normal. Positive devel- for something important. Nothing can You may be made responsible for opments in acquiring property are stop you from expressing your love for something additional at work that may indicated for some. Someone may try someone you have a soft corner for. So work in your favour. to dominate you on the home front, go for it without hesitating! but you will be able to tackle it easily.

48 Punjab Advance August - 2017 You can send the subscription amount by money order or by crossed cheque, DD, payable at Chandigarh, to CEO, PUNMEDIA , Room No. 10, 5th Floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh-160001

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August - 2017 Punjab Advance 49 Last Word

On the trail of a man-eater Donald Banerjee t was the summer of 1988 when The Tribune villagers who were living under the fear of the big cat at- Photo Editor Yog Joy (now no more in our midst) tacking their cattle. andI I set out from Chandigarh on the trail of a man-eating “The ‘tendua’ killed a dog two days back. But now it has leopard, who had killed a young cyclist in Morni Hills. started killing humans. The cyclist was the second victim We made the uphill drive to this Haryana hill resort, of the leopard, which the villagers said had now tasted making our way through the narrow and dusty winding human blood, and would not spare anyone. road. A not-so-happy Haryana Chief Conservator of Forests Taking quotes from the villagers and with Yogji adding warned us about the non-motorable 2 km trek through the more pictures of the cremation to his snaps of the slipper forests to reach the spot where the spotted big cat had made and the cycle lying in the khud, we took leave of the vil- its kill. lagers. I was reluctant as my senior colleague had suspected “Don’t go. It is too late. You can go tomorrow,” sug- angina problem. But who could stop that great cameraman, gested a couple of village elders, who warned us about the whatever the odds. Before I could say Jack Robinson, Yogji dangerous trek back through leopard territory. As we talked, had already marched 10 steps ahead. A forest guard offered a patch of cloud blocked the sunrays. A couple of ‘bhotia’ to give a lift on his motor-cycle. With Yogji occupying the dogs started barking with intermittent growls. The children pillion seat, we began our journey. After a bumpy 10-minute ride, with me doing some brisk walking and jogging, we were told to go indoors. barely covered 500 metres. I did not show it, but the talk of the beast having tasted Another 10 minutes and we came across a slope. In the human blood was enough to stir my imagination about the bushes we spotted one of the slippers of the boy. The cycle dangers lurking on the return trek through leopard territory. could be seen a little ahead in the khud. We were in the man- But then, a couple of youngsters from the Morni side of the eater’s territory. I could feel goose pimples all over imagin- village agreed to accompany us. We grabbed the opportunity ing the big cat sizing me up as the next meal. and began our return trek. As we walked back, three more The forest guard broke my nightmarish imagination with joined us on the way. They clapped their hands and made the words: “The villagers have taken the half-eaten body to loud noises with cymbals. Seeing the young men marching the village for cremation.” He then pointed towards the with confidence, the fear of the man-eater evaporated. Yes, smoke billowing out from a cluster of houses in the valley I had read that even after becoming a man-eater a leopard ahead, indicating our destination another 1 km ahead (as the does not lose fear of humans, unlike the tiger, who becomes crow flies). bolder. We passed the khud where the boys had been at- It seemed to be an endless journey as we made our way tacked and were back at the Morni rest house before sunset. towards the village. The receding sunrays were a clear in- Mission accomplished, we drove back, forgetting those dication that it was well past afternoon. moments when I imagined the big cat sizing me up as its We finally trudged into the village and were greeted by next meal.

50 Punjab Advance August - 2017 People’s participation for effective governance The Government of Punjab is now on Social media

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