Food Drive Brings Shower of Smiles

Khaana Leia & Robin Hood Army Organize Food Drive 

Ludhiana: 19th April, 2021: (Kartika Singh//Punjab Screen):: 

Food Drive by Khaanaleia & Robin Hood Army 

When people are dying because of hunger, pandemic and Lockdown. There are some beautiful souls who would came out to share their love, happiness and Food. A small act of kindness matters a lot. 
In a bid to bring smiles on the faces of the less fortunate, Khaanaleia  and Robin Hood Army today organised a Food Drive at the slums on Ludhiana-Delhi Road. Khaanaleia provided the food which comprised of pav bhaaji, cake, cold drinks and chocolates.

Almost 130 children from 45 families were served. Khaanaleia is a fledgling organisation started by two friends Monaa Chadha and Akshi Khanna. The organisation came up during the stressed corona pandemic last year with a goal to make creative and hygienic foods, just like food cooked at home, accessible to their customers at affordable prices. A home delivery concept, Khaanaleia was also set up to give the stressed home maker a break from monotonous cooking. Their menu comprises of all kinds of cuisines ranging from Indian, continental, Thai, Italian, American, Chinese, Japanese, French to jams, sauces, pickles, cakes and other desserts. 

The Robin Hood Army is a zero-funds volunteer organization that works to get surplus food from restaurants and communities to serve the less fortunate. “Robins” are largely students and young working professionals – everyone does this in their free time. The lesser fortunate sections of society they serve include homeless families, orphanages, patients from public hospitals and old age homes.

India to be Self-Reliant in Silk Production by 2020

Posted On: 22 MAR 2018 5:21PM by PIB Delhi
India will be self-reliant in the production of silk by 2020

The Minister of Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani interacting with media today regarding efforts of the Govt. of India to make the country self-reliant in silk production

New Delhi: 22nd March 2018: (PIB//Punjab Screen Bureau)::

India will be self-reliant in the production of silk by 2020, said the Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani in a media interaction today. The Union Cabinet’s decision approving the Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry will help increase the production of Bivoltine silk (high quality) by 62 percent by 2020. The Minister further said the aim of the government is to increase the number of people engaged in the silk sector from 85 lakhs to one crore in the next three years. She said, 50 thousand people will be trained in this sector. Smt. Irani told media that an inter- ministerial committee of related ministries will be set up under the Textiles Ministry to disburse a sum of Rs. 1000 crores for development of Research & Development.

Seed production units will be equipped and strengthened, besides increasing the production capacity to cater to the increased demand for silk in the future. Elaborating further the Minister said that under Digital India, web-based solutions will be provided to farmers engaged in seed production and other allied activities. Farmers and seed producers will get all subsidy by Direct Benefit Transfer.

The minister informed that market development is a very important area and 21 cocoon testing centres are being set up in the main silk producing states of the country. Apart from this, 19 basic silk seed farms, 20 silk worm seed production centres, 131 chawki rearing centres and 500 acres of land is being set aside for improved varieties.

Infrastructure development by individual farmers and silk producers will be financially supported by the Central Government which will bear 50% of the costs.  For beneficiaries belonging to SC or ST category, the Centre will bear 65% of the cost. In case of beneficiaries from North East States, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, the Centre will bear 80% of the cost.  A Helpline will be set up for timely redressal of grievances and all outreach programmes.

Smt. Irani informed that the State Governments have been urged to participate in implementing the Scheme as they have an important role to play in increasing the silk production of the country. The Minister said that out of 26 silk producing and consuming states, only 17 have a separate Department or Directorate of Sericulture.

PHD Chamber- PITEX- Punjab-

Sun, Dec 8, 2013 at 10:58 PM
International Trade- Expo- Amritsar- Valedictory
CM For Further Broadening The Reach To World Level

Amritsar: 8 December 2013:(Gajinder Singh King//Punjab Screen):

Calling upon PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry for further broadening of PHD- Punjab International Trade Expo from regional level to international level, Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab said, “I have myself seen PITEX grow in size and exposure than each previous year. I wish that PITEX is organized at the world level.”
Chief Minister was addressing the visitors during the ValedictoryCeremony of PHD-Punjab International Trade Expo, 2013, PITEX, 2013. He graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Praising PHD Chamber’s efforts, Chief Minister said that PHD Chamber has been playing a great role to align the state and central government policies regarding trade and investment. Further he appreciated the dedicated endeavors of the Chamber to normalize trade and peace between India and Pakistan.
Badal said that PITEX has become phenomenal and both traders and visitors look forward to this expo each year.
Rajiv Bali, Chairman, Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber said PHD Chamber’s focus is on socio-economic development of all the states with the main focus being on education, health, housing and infrastructure. PITEX, he said, is the annual flagship event which aims at making Amritsar a hub of international economic activity.  
Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber said that during the five day mega event, industry associations from Punjab had one to one B2B meetings with the representatives of visiting 7 Chambers of Commerce and Industry from Pakistan. Business communities on both the sides showed keen interest in business opportunities available in respective countries. Trade Counselors from Poland, British Columbia, Bangladesh, Taiwan, and American Business Center, America participated.
Awards were also distributed by the Chief Minister during the valedictory ceremony of PHD-PITEX, 2013. The award for Highest Footfall category went to Chevrolet and International Tractors Ltd. While the award for Best Display went to Kajaria Ceramics, and Interwoods Mobel Pvt. Ltd., Master Group of Industries, Pakistan and Kamal Fabrics was given the award for Best International exhibitor.

Anil Joshi, Industry Minister, Punjab, S K Sandhu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industry, Ravi Bhagat, IAS Deputy Commissioner,  Ishwar Chander, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Er. D P S Kharbanda, IAS Municipal Commissioner and R S Sachdeva, Co-Chairman, Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber among others were also present on the occasion.

PHD Chamber- PITEX- Punjab-International Trade-Expo

Auto LPG Facility Launched at Ludhiana by IOCL

IOCL again  recognizes the need of customers

Sh Sudeb Gupta,Executive Director,Punjab State Office launching of auto LPG facility

Ludhiana : 30 Nov 2013 (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen):  Indian oil launched the 2nd Auto LPG Facility at Ludhiana town at M/s Gill Road Service Station,Gill Road,Ludhiana. Indian oil recognizes the need of customers to get additional facilities at retail outlets so that the customers get all the facilities under one roof at an indian oil retail outlet. Auto LPG is more economical fuel for vehicles and the vehicles on Auto LPG are growing day by day. IOCL has already provided Auto LPG facility at Laxmi Service Station,Ferozpur Road,Ludhiana.

Sh Sudeb Gupta,Executive Director,Punjab State Office launched the Auto LPG facility at M/s Gill Road Service Station in presence of Sh.S.K.Sharma ,GM(LPG),Punjab State Office,Sh. Saumitra Pandey,Dy GM, Punjab State Office,Sh S.K.Jha,Chief Manager-Retail Sales,PSO and Sh Alok Kumar,CDRSM,Chandigarh Divisional Office and large number of customers and retail outlet dealers.

Sh Sudeb Gupta,Executive Director,Punjab State Office informed that with launching of auto LPG facility at second retail outlet in Ludhiana town, nearby customers shall get benefited and the their travel time to take auto LPG for their vehicles shall reduce.He also mentioned that IOCL continuously tries to upgrade facilities at their retail outlets so that customers are benefited. Customers appreciated the efforts of IOCL in launching auto LPG facility at M/s Gill Road Service Station Prop Sh  Ashish Garg said that  the  customers  get additional facilities in Ludhiana and get all the facilities under one roof at an indianoil retail outlet. At last he thanks the honourable  guest, press & customers . 

2 new British Council test centers announced

A special seminar held for the students by Kapri Institute
Ashwin Pandey of British Council taught the key secrets of English speaking

Life is not easy according to our dreams and imagination. In real life we have to rise and work to fulfill our dreams. We can change our life...and the world also but skill of English speaking is an urgent condition for the success. A seminar cum special training held at Ludhiana by the Kapri Institute of English speaking. Mr. Ashwin Pandey market manager, examination service British Council was the key speaker in the seminar.More than 150 students benefited from this special session. 

Mr. Ashwin Pandey announced that two new British Council IELTS test centres are started in Punjab. From 16the May students can also take tests in Moga and Bathinda with the British Council. He also announced scholarships given by the British Council. He told the students about road to IELTS which is free online training session for all IELTS aspirants. he also guided the candidates about all the steps and modules of IELTS. 

Speaking on the occasion, Anjali Chawla, Head of the Department of IELTS at the Kapri Institute said that teachers are trained by British Council. She said that Kapri has also a test registration centre for the British Council and has already trained more than 16,000 students.

Nitin Chawla, director marketing Kapri Institute said kapri held such workshops every year to help students to update skills. He also thanked Mr. Ashwin Pandey and Miss Harjot Kalsi for delivering the wonderful presentation to the students. 

The passing away of Baroness Thatcher

09-April-2013 20:50 IST
PM expressed sincerest condolences

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has condoled the passing way of former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Baroness Margaret Thatcher. The Prime Minister in his condolence letter described Baroness Thatcher as a transformative figure of global standing and said that we in India also remember her for her notable contributions to strengthening India –UK relations. 
The text of the Prime Minister's message is as follows: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Baroness Thatcher. On behalf of her countless admirers in India as well as the Government of India and on my own behalf, I write to convey to you our sincerest condolences. 

Baroness Thatcher was a transformative figure of global standing. Her skill, character and resolve, which she brought to her job as Prime Minister, have left an indelible impression in many areas of British public life. While the United Kingdom registered important progress under her leadership, we in India also remember her for her notable contributions to strengthening India-UK relations. Our thoughts and prayers in this difficult moment are with you and the family of Baroness Thatcher. We pray for peace for the departed soul." ****
SH

52nd Anniversary Celebrations of UNI

21-March-2013 18:05 IST
Need for more wire News Agencies in Media Sector 
-I&B Minister Tewari Participates in the celebrations

Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari has said that taking into account the potential of the growing media sector and the flow of information in the news segment, there existed a case for more wire news agencies being established across the media landscape in the country. The potential was tremendous as these agencies facilitated information flow at the sub regional, regional and national level. The increase in number of news agencies would not only enable local based news being highlighted at the national level, it would also enable such agencies to balance news dissemination at the national and local level. Taking into account the diversity of information dissemination, such mechanisms would enable local issues being highlighted as prominently as those at the national level. The Minister stated this while speaking at the 52nd Anniversary Celebrations of United News of India, here today. 

Elaborating further, Shri Tewari said that there was an urgent need to outline sustainable revenue models. Quoting the instance of the digitization process the Minister said it was an attempt to bring about transparency and a long term sustainable process in the broadcasting sector which would help all stakeholders. The revenue models would also have to take into account the parameters that were addressing different audiences with the emergence of new media platforms and instant communication mechanisms.   
52nd Anniversary Celebrations of UNI
CP/ST

We will not continue to tolerate sexual violence

Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 12:43 PM
We have a long fight ahead. But we will win

Photo courtesy Facebook

Dear Rector,
Yesterday was a sad day as we woke up to the heartbreaking news of the death of the 23-year-old medical student who was subject to a brutal gang rape, beaten and then dumped on the road on the night of December 16. 
Today, we share the same feelings of sorrow, hopelessness, anger and frustration. Yet, I believe that while this is a time for grief, this is also a time for action. This is a time to say: enough. 
Our petition has gathered over 88,000 signatures. It is important to make every voice count and to send a strong message that we will not continue to tolerate sexual violence against women. 
Tomorrow, at 10 am, I am going to the office of Justice J.S. Verma who is the head of a three-person committee that will submit its findings and recommendations on issues of safety of women. I will be submitting our petition with all the signatures (yes, all 2,700+ pages!). 

It is important to keep this campaign going. I am writing to you once again to request you to sign this petition and forward this email to your friends and family.

The Justice Verma Commission is accepting submissions until January 5. We don't have a lot of time. If you would like to make additional suggestions, please leave a comment as 'reasons for signing this petition'. I will be collecting all the comments and submitting them to the committee.

We have a long fight ahead. But we will win. 

With warm regards,

Namita Bhandare via Change.org
A letter from Namita Bhandare 
PS:  Help us reach out to more people by forwarding this email to your friends or share it on Twitter and Facebook.

At the cremation

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Union Home Minister, Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde and the Chairperson, National Advisory Council, Smt. Sonia Gandhi at the cremation of the former Prime Minister, Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on December 01, 2012. (PIB photo)

Text of Speech of President of India

27-November-2012 18:53 IST
Speech:President of India Delivered at the PAU
Following is the text of the speech of the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the inauguration of the International Conference on “Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Livelihood Security” delivered at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, today (27.11.2012.) 

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressing the International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture for Food & Livelihood Security, at the Golden Jubilee of Punjab Agriculture University, at Ludhiana on November 27, 2012. The Governor of Punjab, Shri Shivraj Patil and the Chief Minister, Punjab, Shri Parkash Singh Badal are also seen.(PIB)27-November-2012

“It is indeed a privilege for me to be present here to extend to the faculty and students of the Punjab Agriculture University, my felicitations and best wishes on the 50th Anniversary of this great institution.

This is my first visit to Punjab in my present capacity. I had indeed looked forward to being here - amongst the distinguished scientists and experts present today. This Institution is synonymous with the Green Revolution which transformed Indian agriculture, making our country self reliant in feeding its population. Today, we produce enough to spare for export and assistance to other developing countries. It is the Punjab Agricultural University that pioneered agricultural research and technology dissemination in our country - at a time in the ‘60s when this was a crucial need. Its scientists engaged with a sense of urgency in research, innovation and foreign collaborations. They have since developed hundreds of new strains, high yielding and robust varieties of crops and studied the management of environmental, weather and soil conditions. I congratulate the Punjab Agriculture University for its splendid contribution in the service of our nation. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, the agriculture sector in India continues to be the lifeline of our people and a key factor in our economy’s overall productivity. It has rightly been accorded due priority in every budget and Plan for achieving India’s developmental goals. Government of India has, over the decades, introduced a variety of schemes and measures to give support to the entire agriculture sector from small farmers to large investors. Institutions and banks have been created to focus on supporting agriculture development, fixing remunerative prices and improve agricultural marketing. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices and the Food Corporation of India have been set up to recommend Minimum Support Prices and procure grains for public stocks respectively, the NABARD and Regional Rural Banks to ensure easy and adequate credit availability, and programmes such as the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, National Food Security Mission and National Horticulture Mission have taken the Government’s outreach to the farthest and remotest regions. 

Promoting inclusive growth, sustaining food security and boosting rural incomes in the country is intrinsically linked to growth in the Agriculture sector. As the Finance Minister, I had outlined a four-pronged strategy as part of the Union Budget for 2010-11 to drive growth in the Agriculture sector. The first component of the strategy was to extend the green revolution to the Eastern region of the country comprising Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa. The second component of the strategy was to reduce the significant wastage in storage as well as in the operations of the existing food supply chains in the country. The third component was to improve credit availability to the farmers, while the fourth component was to aim at providing a further impetus to the development of the food processing sector by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and substantial fiscal incentives. 

The initiative of bringing green revolution to Eastern India has resulted in a significant increase in production of paddy, as States in Eastern India reported additional paddy production of 7 million tonnes in Kharif 2011. The total paddy production in the country increased from 95.98 million metric tonnes in 2010-11 to 104.32 million metric tonnes in 2011-12. Mr. Robert S. Zeigler, Director General of the International Rice Research Institute in Manila lauded our achievement when he mentioned that “the most heartening aspect of India crossing the 100 million tonne rice production mark is that a major contribution has been from Eastern India”. The total food grains production in the country increased from 244.78 million metric tonnes in 2010-11 to 257.44 million metric tonnes in 2011-12. To reduce wastage in storage, concrete steps have been taken by the Government to create additional food grain storage capacity in the country. Two million tonnes of storage capacity in the form of modern silos have already been approved for creation. Further, nearly 15 million tonnes of storage capacity is being created through private entrepreneurs and warehousing corporations. To enable the timely availability of affordable agriculture credit to the farmers, the target for flow of agriculture credit has been enhanced in the Union Budgets from time to time, from Rs.3,75,000 crore in 2010-11 to Rs.5,75,000 crore in 2012-13. The Mega Food Park scheme, which was introduced in the Eleventh Plan, aims at developing farm proximate state of the art infrastructure with strong backward and forward linkage in a demand driven manner. 30 Mega Food Parks are being planned for creation in this financial year. 

At the present juncture, we have come a long way. The growth rate of GDP in Agriculture and allied activities in 2011-12 is 2.8 per cent which is, of course, lower than the growth rate of 7 per cent in 2010-11 but higher than the growth rates of 0.4 per cent in 2008-09 and 1.7 per cent in 2009-10. 

There is however, a reality that cannot be ignored – and I take this opportunity to call upon all present here today to reflect on why, despite all these successes and efforts and despite India’s overall improved economic performance, the economic viability of this sector is still a challenge. There are, even today, so many regions in our country where subsistence farmers and small farmers remain susceptible to failure, risk and desperation. Despite various programmes and schemes of Government- complemented by the efforts of the scientific and corporate community, why is it that prosperity has eluded a large part of this sector? It is ironical that although India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world, value addition to this produce is just 7 per cent and processing only around 3 per cent of production. There is hardly any value addition at the farm level - and 98 per cent of farm produce is sold as it is harvested. Due to our tropical / subtropical conditions, more than 25% of production is lost during harvest and post harvest operations. We import a large amount of the pulses we consume. In the agriculturally advanced regions, there are problems of over-exploiting ground water resources and vulnerability to pests and crop diseases; over-mining of nutrient reserves has led to multi-nutrient deficiencies. Excessive use of fertilizers is taking its toll on the productivity of soil. 

I recall a comment of Mahatma Gandhi which made a profound impression on me : He said, and I quote, “A farmer cannot work without applying his mind. He must be able to test the nature of his soil, must watch changes of weather, must know how to manipulate his plough skillfully and be generally familiar with the movements of the stars, the sun and the moon…….” 

This is a compelling reason for the Indian farmer to be provided the wherewithal that he urgently needs - the financial, technological, infrastructural, transportation and other requirements for a sustainable approach for the increased productivity that we seek. 

In this context, I take this opportunity to share a few thoughts on the challenges that we must address. We need to do a re-think on agriculture in India. And we need to do this urgently to ensure food security in India. We must have in place a coherent and comprehensive policy that has synergy among its various elements. Government initiatives are of little use without efficient systems for their implementation. Equally important is the necessity for collaboration between the state and central governments on the monitoring and appraisal of various schemes. A co-ordinated and integrated approach should start at the grassroots, taking into account all the factors. 

Many policies are susceptible to failure because of inaccurate feedback. Collation of information and policy integration is essential. As I am among academia and experts, I would like to suggest that we identify the priorities and act swiftly. I would put training and entrepreneurship development high in my list of items requiring urgent attention. To this I would add the task of developing and reaching appropriate technology to farmers, agriculture marketing reforms, studying the present yield gaps and methods to harvest wastelands, address wastage and overuse of fertilizers and develop simple IT tools for farmers - that are user friendly and can provide relevant and timely information relating to weather forecasts. Enhanced productivity would reduce per unit cost, enhancing the global competitiveness of our produce. 

Farm mechanization, linking farms with markets and adding value at each stage will help in employment generation, entrepreneurship development, increased profits to farmers and safe and healthy food to consumers. Investments in food processing sector have multiplying benefits for all, and hence a major boost needs to be given to the processing sector. Fiscal incentives and land leasing policies of State Governments should be such that agro-processing, especially in the rural areas, becomes a lucrative option both for the farmers and the private sector. 

A useful part of the re-assessment would be a mapping and indexing of crops and livestock to anticipate market demands, plan resource allocation and ensure its optimal utilisation to ensure maximum output. This would give an edge in the global market. Similarly, the agro-industry, in partnership with research institutions can plan relevant and standardised crop production and efficient agricultural supply chains, which are vertically integrated. Improved connectivity between agricultural universities and the farmers could be very beneficial for both. 

Most importantly, innovation—of new varieties, technologies and methods for post harvest processes--should move up on our priority list. The percentage of GDP from Agriculture and allied activities spent on research and development must be increased from the current level of 0.6 per cent to 1.0 per cent in the Twelfth Five Year Plan. 

I believe that a multi-pronged strategy involving technology development, new marketing methods, precision in farm operations and innovative policy instruments is required to ensure agricultural sustainability and food and livelihood security and I would stress the importance of due attention to modernising food storage and its distribution. 

This Conference on Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Livelihood Security is, therefore, an important opportunity for stakeholders to review the current overall approach and, develop an updated, comprehensive strategy to accelerate agricultural growth and further strengthen national food and livelihood security in India 

I also take this opportunity to convey my best wishes to the students and faculty for success in all their endeavours in years to come. 

With these words, I have the pleasure to formally inaugurate this conference.”    (PIB)
***
Text of Speech of President of India

JOBS4ALL INITIATIVE

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 at 7:04 PM
Jagminder Singh
On the 337th Martyrdom Day of 9th Sikh Guru – Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, a special JOBS4ALL Initiative organised at Gurudwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, New Delhi by SikhiSidak and Dharam Prachar Committee (Youth & Education Wing), DSGMC on 25-11-2012.

During this Camp, various services such as Resume building, Job Counselling, Information on current openings in Private /Government Sectors were provided to the job seekers. Nearly 300+ candidates registered as a job seeker. Few job recruiters/consultants also visited and interacted with job-seekers.

SikhiSidak is a non-profit and non-political organisation for the service of humanity.

Job seekers and recruiters can visit www.ssjobs.in for latest information. Our jobs team can be reached at jobs@sikhisidak.com.
------------------

“Various Grooming Workshops”

Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 11:11 PM

“The Youth can Revolute The Wings Of Time”

Jagminder Singh

SikhiSidak have decided to organize “Various Grooming Workshops” which ignition a spark in our youth who are unemployed due to various reasons. These classes will cover areas like communication skills, presentation skills, personality development, interview techniques etc. exciting session such as “Interview Skill Sharing Session” for college/engineering graduates/undergraduates by industry experts S. Parvinder Singh (Senior Consultant) & Sdn. Samneet Kaur(Manager) in MNC on 21st October 2012. The session will take place at Singh Study Circle, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi (near Tagore Garden metro station) from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. with support from other organization wiz. Gyan Sewa Trust, Bibek Trust, Better Sikh School and Young Sikh Leaders

“The Youth can Revolute The Wings Of Time” is very much believed by every volunteer. Keeping this in mind SikhiSidak started Spark in year 2011. The motive is only to make the youth successful on professional grounds.

This session is for open for all. One can register FREE on www.sikhisidak.com.

SikhiSidak, a Sikhism based organization, which started the journey in the year 2005 from cob-webbed city, Delhi. It is headquartered in New Delhi with more than 250 volunteers covering every bit of Delhi, NCR and even few parts of Punjab and Haryana.

Contact at Mobile Number:+91-9212408777

Com GurudasDas Gupta Calls upon the workers

Lead the fight against anti people & pro-corporate policies of the govts:AITUC Meet
Fri, Oct 5, 2012 at 3:25 PM

The UPA-II Govt. is increasingly working in the interest of big corporate business houses of India and the international cartels undermining the national interest. Latest decisions of the Govt. are enough indicators of the rightist shift in the policies detrimental to Indian growth and progress based on justice and equality. These are against the basic spirit of the Indian constitution which speaks of justice and equality as its mainstay.  The Govt. is more inclined to respond to the demands of the international finance capital and the MNCs while hitting the common man hard, even denying them basic amenities like food, shelter, health and education.  Therefore there is an urgent need for the working people to unite in strength to lead the struggle against these policies so as to meet the goal of sustainable development in the interest of all the people of the country. This was stated by Com. Gurudas Dass Gupta, Member Parliament and General Secretary All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) while addressing a largely attended convention of the workers organized by the AITUC at Punjabi Bhawan here at Ludhiana today. on that score, the job insecurity and the job losses on the one hand and increased trends of contractorization and outsourcing,  contractualisation and casualisation of labour is norm of the day. There is attack on unionization itself and pressure on existing unions to suppress and intimidate them to contain their activities. Bringing in FDI  in retail trade will be big blow to more than 4 crore small traders, shopkeepers, marginal and poor farmers, other small producers of goods in home based and small scale industries etc. The government has been responsible for unprecedented rise in corruption at higher places with loss to national revenue and denial of rightful share of common people in the wealth being produced in the country. He further deplored that accumulation of wealth in the hands of few, whereas the vast majority is suffering under acute poverty and unemployment. The latest reports have indicated that 100 top rich families own assets to the tune of 16 lakh crores of rupees whereas 70% Indians are forced to live on meager spending of Rs.16.60 paise per day. With the policies being pursued will further hasten these gaps.  
He said, the govt. continues to act in ruthless manner against the common people and the response to people’s agitations by the Prime minister and some of his ministers are arrogant to the core.  
In this background he said, the trade unions have come out with their strategies to fight the attacks of government on working people. National convention of workers organized by 11 central trade unions and other independent federations and associations representing several sectors of economy held on 4th September at New Delhi noted with grave concern on the government’s non-responsive attitude to the plight of the working people and their agitations. They have decided to intensify their joint agitations on the charter of demands which includes seeking check on price rise of essential commodities, end to labour law violations, for social security and pension to all workers, abolition of any ceiling on Provident Fund, gratuity and bonus, abolition of contract labour, steady regularization of them and equal pay for equal work, no disinvestment of public sector/ govt. sector enterprises and resources, national minimum wage to be raised to not less that Rs. 10,000, universal entitlement of maternity benefit to working women etc. 
It is decided in the convention that 18th – 19th December 2012 would be observed as All India Law Violation Day and on 20th December there would be march to Parliament which will be carried forward later on through intensive campaign for organizing  two days national general strike on 20-21 February 2013. 
Addressing the gathering Com Nirmal Dhaliwal, President and Com Bant Singh Brar, General Secretary of Punjab unit of AITUC said that the state govt. of Punjab is not following a different course as regards the economic policies in general are concerned. Rather it has been taking anti labour and anti farmer measures. They informed that several more conventions will be held in the state on these issues, where Com Gurudas Dass Gupta MP, General Secretary AITUC will address. 

Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Vice President Punjab Kisan Sabha criticized the present Akali BJP State government as it tolerates and permits communal activities of several groups reminding the dark days of terrorism which people of Punjab would never want to be revived in this land of peace and harmony amongst common masses. The people of the state while fighting against retrograde, anti people economic policies of the central and state govt. would have also to be continuously vigilant and brave fighters against divisive forces.

Today’s convention was attended by representatives of various organisations of workers and employees from Construction, Hosiery, Roadways, PRTC, Banks, Power sector, FCI Palledar, University, PSSF, Govt. Class 4 employees, Corporation, BSNL, ASHA workers  and unorganized sector. 

Com O P Mehta General Secretary AITUC Ludhiana and Com D P Maur, General Secretary Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana assured that they will participate in large number in the march to parliament at Delhi on 20th December and the general strike on 20-21 February 2013.

Comrade O P Mehta                                                       Comrade D P MAUR 
Gen. Secy: AITUC Ludhiana                 Gen. Secy:Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana 

AITUC: Ludhiana convention on 5th October

Com. Gurudas Gupta will address Convention

                                                                                                                                                                   File photo

Meeting of the Joint Council of Trade Union was held to discuss the issues concerning the workers of organized as well as unorganized sectors. Expressing concern at the recent hike in prices of Diesel and reduction of subsidy on LPG, the meeting felt that this will hit the working class the most as they are already low paid. Contractualisation has further added to their woes. It is ironical that even the public sector units are not paying minimum wages. The meeting which was attended by All Indian Bank Employees Association, PAU Employees Union, PSSF, Punjab Roadways Workers Union, PRTC Employees Union, Construction Workers Union, Hosiery Workers Union, Municipal Corporation Workers, AITUC, Asha Workers and Punjab Govt. Class IV Employees Union also condemned the Lathi Charge and registration of FIR against the agitating teachers demanding jobs at Ludhiana.
The meeting demanded the review of new pension scheme effective from 01.01.2004 on all govt. and public sector employees, Increased minimum wage of Rs. 10,000-00 per month, Enrollment of  employees in various departments/sectors on regular basis instead on contract & daily wages, Effective implementation of already existing labour laws, Immediate implementation of security of service laws for the workers of un organized sector, Anganwadi and Asha workers be given regular employment with grade equivalent to class 3 and 4 employees, Pension for all, creation of social security fund for unorgnaised sector workers.
Com D P Maur – General Secretary Joint council of Trade Unions Ludhiana informed that a convention of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) will be held at Punjabi Bhawan, Ludhiana on 5th October to finalise the upcoming programme of the central trade unions i.e March to the Parliament by the Trade Unions at Delhi on 20th December 2012 and then nationwide general strike of the workers and employees on 21 and 22 February 2013. This convention will be addressed by Com Gurudas Das Gupta – M.P, General Secretary AITUC.   AITUC: Ludhiana convention on 5th October
D P Maur
General Secretary Joint council of Trade Unions Ludhiana
Mobile: 94176 02333                                            Date: 27.09.2012

9th Ophthalmic Quiz Organized at CMC

1st prize winner-Pushkar and Samson

Ludhiana, 15th September, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) The Department of Ophthalmology, Christian Medical College and Hospital successfully organized the 9th Ophthalmic Quiz for undergraduate medical students in the hospital auditorium. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Dr.A.G.Thomas, Director, CMC & Hospital. He encouraged the participating teams and appreciated the efforts of the department in making this academic venture a much awaited annual feature of the institution.
Among the 30 Undergraduate teams, 4 teams had qualified for the quiz following the preliminary round. Dr.Nitin Batra and Dr.Gurvinder conducted the final.   1st prize winner- PUSHKAR DHIR, SAMSON CHARAN &   2nd prize winner- JIBI JOHN, ANKITA RAISINGHANI (Batch of 2007 and 2009) won the champions trophy.

Dr.S.M. Bhatti, Principal CMC, was the guest of honor and presented a special Award for 100% attendance to George Koshy (Batch of 2009). Rohit Theodore (Batch of 2009) presented an interesting talk titled ‘Hall of Fame’, which gave a brief history of legendary Ophthalmologists.

Devki Devi Jain Memorial College for Women

MP Manish Tiwari inaugurated the Computer Lab

On September 14, 2012, Mr. Manish Tiwari, Member Parliament inaugurated the Computer Lab constructed in Devki Devi Jain Memorial College for Women, Ludhiana with the contribution of Rs.5,00,000/- sanctioned by Sh. Tiwari. He was accompanied by Sh. Pawan Deewan, District President of Congress, Mrs. Pinky Bansal, Councilor, Sh. Sham Sunder Malhotra & Sh. Jasbir Chadda, Ex-Councilors. Mrs. Punam Sareen, Officiating Principal welcomed the honourable guests and gave a brief account of the achievements of the institution. Samaj Rattan Sh. Hira Lal Jain expressed his gratitude to Mr. Tiwari for taking keen interest in the empowerment of women through the medium of education. Sh. Manish Tiwari in his address asked the young students to join the work force of the country after the completion of their studies to speed up the economic growth of the nation. He also assured that there will be no dearth of funds in providing the infrastructure to improve the quality of education. 
Sh. Kedar Nath, President of college Managing Committee, Sh. Raj Kumar Jain & Sh. Shanti Saroop Jain, Sr. Vice Presidents, Sh. Sheetal Kumar Jain, Vice President, Sh. Bipin Jain Secretary, Sh. Surinder Kumar Jain, Manager, Sh. Arvind Kumar Jain, Joint Secretary, Sh. Shiv Desh Bandhu Gupta, Sh. Amrit Lal Jain, Sh. Prem Kumar Jain & Sh. Rajiv Jain thanked Mr. Tiwari and reiterated that they have high hopes from young and charismatic leader like Mr. Tiwari who can lead the country to great heights. 

IDPD on Koodankulam Nuclear Plant

We demand immediate withdrawal

The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has condemned police repression on the peaceful people agitating against the nuclear power plant in Koodankulam (Tamil Nadu). In our democratic country every citizen/ group has the right to express views openly. According to Dr L S Chawla President and Dr Arun Mitra General Secretary Peaceful agitators are raising their voice against the nuclear plant. The Fukushima experience has proved that these plants can be a potential threat to the human health only but all the flora and fauna around. We demand immediate cessation of loading of the plant with uranium and withdrawal of police forces from the area.                        

Punarjot organizes State Level function//Subhash Malik*

Mass Thanks Ceremony of 299  Eye Donors of 2012 

Punarjot Eye Bank Society organizes a State level special mass thanks ceremony of Eye Donors of 2012 at Merry Land Resort for giving gift of sight to corneal blinds.

Mr. Subhash Malik, Hon. Secretary of the society welcomed the chief guest Bhagat Chunni Lal, Hon.  Cabinet Minister, Medical Education & Research, Pb. and other guests came from different parts of Punjab. Mr. Malik give the details of work done by the society and thank the eye donor families to restore the vision of needy on selfless basis. He also told that our society is no.1 in collection and transplantation of cornea in Northern India.

At the occasion the chief guest, Bhagat Chunni Lal, Hon. Cabinet Minister, Medical Education & Research, Pb inaugurated the event by lightning Punarjot lamp and all candles were ignited from Punarjot lamp in sweet memory of all eye donors from almost whole of Punjab in 2012. Hon. Minister appreciated the work done by the society by giving the facility of free corneal transplantation and announced a grant of Rs. 2 lacs to the society for this noble cause of eye donation.

Dr. Ramesh, Medical Director of the society while thanking the chief guest told that Para-medical staff can play a vital role to spread the message of eye donation at the time grief to the family as most of the family forgets the eyes even the diseased have pledged during lifetime. Dr. Ramesh thanked the electronic and print media for their support in this noble cause. Dr. Ramesh thanked the eye donation families, motivators and different by different associates working in the eye donation movement in different parts of Punjab.

At this occasion students of college of Nursing DMCH & CMCH, Guru Teg Bahadur college of Nursing, Dr. Mohan Kaur institute of Nursing, Arvindoo College of commerce and Management and All Saints college of medical sciences participated in the Declamation, Skit and Rangoli competition on the theme of Eye Donation under the dynamic guidance of Dr. Ranbir Singh Sekhon. Dr. S.M. Bhatti, Principal, CMCH and Dr. G. S. Bajwa, HOD (Eye), DMC Ludhiana selected the winners of the competition.

The function was attended by Sh. R.K. Verma, commissioner and Sh. P.S. Bhullar, Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Sh. Parveen Bansal, President BJP, Distt. Ludhiana, S. Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, counselor, S. Inderjit Singh Gill, owner of the resort, Dr. Subash Bansal, President, Optical association Punjab, Mohd. Sadique and Hakam Bakhtariwala renown singers.

*Mr. Subhash Malik is contributing his services to the humanity as the Hon. Secretary of The

Punarjot Eye Bank Society. His Contact Number is: 93575-06505

...And his 20 year old son got a new life

CMC Heart surgeons breathe life into hopeless case 

In a happy mood Ramandeep with Dr Harinder Singh Bedi and faculty of CTVS department of CMC & H

Ludhiana, 11th August, 2012: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):
Mr Ramandeep Singh - the 20 year old son of Mr Sohan Singh of Ludhiana   - had a massive accident while driving a scooter. A large piece of bamboo fence went through into his body from his left neck into his right chest. He was transferred to the Christian Medical College and Hospital from a local hospital. Here he was seen by Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery. Mr Ramandeep was in shock and very unstable. He had lost about 3 litres of blood in his right chest and was not able to breathe. He was taken for emergency surgery. The bleeding was found to be a torrential one which could not be adequately controlled because the right lung was solidified due to the injury and was interfering with the exposure. So a rapid decision was made to stop the lungs by putting the patient on a special heart lung machine. Dr Bedi explained that in this rarest of rare cases the only option was to stop the lungs and the only way to do this was to use a sophisticated heart lung machine which takes over the function of the lungs (the machine has a special area through which oxygen is pumped in and purifies the blood just as a normal lung would). The massive bleeder was identified as a complete transection of the origin of the subclavian artery. The torrential blood coming out of this tear was pumped back into the patient. The tear was now controlled and an imported graft used to restore continuity so that the right hand of   would be saved.
Even after the surgery the right lung continued to be non functional due to the massive trauma. So a special method of ventilation called independent lung ventilation was carried out. Here the left and right lungs were separately ventilated with 2 machines, made a slow but complete recovery.
The intricate respiratory care was done under the supervision of the cardiac anesthetists Dr S Garg and Dr Melchi. The other members of the team are Dr A Joseph, Dr Anish Verghese, Dr Pratap, Dr Meenu, Dr Ashwin, and Dr Nina. The heart lung machine was handled by Mr Jairus Wilson and Mr William Prem Sagar aided by Mr Mathew.
Dr AG Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that it was the quick thinking on the part of the surgical team which was instrumental in saving Ramandeep   . He reiterated the commitment of the CMC & H to serve the people of the community with the highest level of care and expertise.

CMC organized another event for patient

A Free Medical & Dental Health Check-up Camp
Ludhiana, 8th July, 2012: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) 

A  Comprehensive Free Medical Health Check-up Camp was organized at Sirish Hospital/CMC City Center,(B-XX 1140, Krishna Nagar, Ghumar Mandi), Ludhiana on Sunday, 08th July.  

Specialist Doctors from Christian Medical College and Hospital examined medical and surgical patients; for Skin, Pediatrics (Child Specialist), Ob/Gyn (Problems of ladies), Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist), Dentist (Problems of Teeth), Ear, Nose and Throat, Orthopedics (Bones and Joints),etc.
The team of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff examined about 300 patients in the camp. This is the first time CMC Hospital has organized a free camp at Sirish Hospital.
Mr Gurprit Bassi (Gogi), Municipal Councilor, Chief Guest for the occasion, inaugurated the camp by cutting the ribbon. He lauded the efforts of CMC and Sirish Hospital for extending free medical check-up service to the community. He wished success for the camp and opined that such medical camps should be held more frequently. The camp was dedicated with a prayer by Rev Rogers.

Dr Sirish Chandra and Dr Baljinder Kaur expressed their gratitude to CMC Doctors for conducting this camp and for providing expert consultation for the patients.

Dr.A.G.Thomas, Director CMC, mentioned this camp is part of the commitment of CMC to serve the community by providing expert health care.

Also present on the occasion were: Dr Kim Mammen, Dr S C Khosla, Dr Vijay Obed, Mr Ashley Isaih.