Chandigarh, February 6, 2013: Eight more candidates have filed their Nominations on last day for the Moga by-election, which was scheduled to be held on February 23.

A spokesperson of the CEO, Punjab today said that Navtej Singh of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Birinderpal Singh of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Gurbachan Singh of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Jaswant Singh Bedi of Indian Karantikari Lehar, Gurmit Singh Rangreta of Punjab Labour Party, Hardev Singh, Jasvir Singh and Shinder Singh has filed their Nominations as Independent Candidate. He said that, now total 16 candidates has filed their Nominations for Moga by poll. 

He further said that 8 Candidates had already filed their Nominations, namely Joginderpal Jain of SAD-BJP, Akshit Jain SAD-BJP covering candidate, Sathi Vijay Kumar of Congress, Parveen Sood congress covering candidate, Ravinder Singh Dhaliwal of Peoples Party of Punjab, Gurmail singh Peoples Party of Punjab covering candidate and Ram Denwyal and Rajinder Singh as independent candidates.

Ludhiana, February 6, 2013:Axis Bank today announced the deployment of 500 Cash Deposit Machine Machines in various branches in over 300 cities across the country.

The Cash Deposit Machines network which is the largest for any Bank in India, enables customers unmatched convenience of depositing cash in real-time, with funds credited instantly to their accounts for all successful transactions without the hassles of filling lengthy deposit slips and waiting in the queue at the teller. The machine segregates the notes denomination wise, counts and displays it for the customer’s confirmation before crediting the account. A receipt is issued after each deposit effected, confirming the transaction. Further this facility is available 24 x 7, 365 days in select branches, bringing, for the first time in India, the ability to deposit cash after banking hours and on Sundays and holidays. In addition to convenience, the machine brings speed to the cash deposit process. As against an average of 30 minutes to deposit cash at the teller counters, this machine allows the customer to deposit cash in less than a minute.

According to R. K. Bammi, ED, Retail Banking, Axis Bank, “With the deployment of Cash Deposit Machines, manual cash deposit transactions at the branch will be diverted to the automated environment, thereby offering the customers benefits of ease of operations, time saving and error free transactions.”

Faridabad/ Jalandhar, February 6, 2013: A costume based thematic fashion show choreographed by noted fashion designer Prasad Bidapa will take place on February 9, in the ongoing 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Surajkund in Faridabad (Haryana) to showcase the varied dressing styles of the people of the Karnataka.

The 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2013 is almost all about Karnataka. True to the punch line for the mela, Karnataka is 'wow'ing every one visiting the Mela.

When 8 architecture-rich gates, 14 monument-replicas, three stages styled to themes of Hampi, Pattadakal and Belur, more than 300 artistes (including 50 national and state awardees) combine together with the help of hard work by more than 170 designers, artistes, masons, painters, and art directors, this is only bound to happen. Daily programmes of art and folklore are a part of the 15-day programme.

Karnataka Additional Chief Secretary, Arvind Jadhav said that "Our main objective this year is to portray the Many Worlds of Karnataka that many people don't know about. We have tried to promote the various types of destinations under this banner - 'One State Many Worlds'. We also tried to promote festivals, cuisines, art forms and the like.

Jadhav said that the past, the present, and through use of technology like live web casting and the like, the future too is being showcased at the Surajkund Mela this year.

Haryana’s  Principal Secretary, Tourism, Vijai Vardhan said that keeping in view the magnificent show of Karnataka in the 27thSurajkund International Crafts Mela,  it will be a big challenge to the next Theme State of the Mela.

Karnataka Tourism Director, G Sathyavathi said that we are thankful to Haryana Government and Surajkund Mela Authority to give big opportunities to us and also give the full cooperation and all facilities to theme ‘State Karnataka’ for showcasing its rich and ancient culture. We are influenced by the opportunity to showcase the rich handicrafts of the  Karnataka State. Some of them, little known like Kinnal woodwork and Bidriware and Lambaani. Others like Channapatna, Wood inlay and Mysore's Ganjifa paintings  quite well known but still adds colour to the colour and showcase of artistic traditions of Karnataka.

The 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2013 is a very attractive, charming and colourful and has become a big attraction for the visitors from India and foreign countries this year.

Jalandhar, February 6, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Rakesh Jain Income Tax Officer, Ward No. 3(2), Chandigarh, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.50,000 from the complainant.

The complainant, a local businessman has alleged in his complaint that the Income Tax Officer sent him income-tax notices and then called him to fix a meeting.  During the meeting, the ITO initially demanded a bribe of Rs.3.50 lakh from him to settle his matter of income-tax. Later-on, the demand of bribe amount was reduced to Rs.2.50 lakh and the first instalment of Rs.50,000 was to be paid on February 5, 2013. A case was registered under Prevention of Corruption Act. CBI laid a trap and the accused officer was caught while demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs.50,000 from the complainant.

Search conducted at his residence led to recovery of Rs.23 lakhs in cash; 2 bricks of gold (1 kg. Each); 16 bank accounts in his name and in the names of his family members and documents relating to huge investment in shares and insurance policies. 

The accused was produced today before the Court of Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chandigarh and was remanded to five days police custody. 

Further investigation is continuing.

Dharamsala, February  6, 2013: Due to the raise of the diesel rate the state government run bus service Himachal Road transport has hiked fares for the long route buses for the night travellers.

The fares have been increased by Rs 20 per passenger. It affects only those passengers travelling over a distance of more than 50 km in the night buses.

“The newly introduced night travelling charges would be applicable with immediate effect from late 8 p.m to 6 a.m in the morning,” said an HRTC official in Dharamsala on Wednesday.

“The hiked percentage of night fare would be spent on extra-allowance provided to the drivers and conductors deputed in the night services by the transport department,’ he added.

HRTC have already hiked the minimum ticket price from rupee two to three. The list of revised night travelling charges has been already forwarded to all the HRTC depots of the state.

Some experts are of the opinion that the latest decision of hike in  night travelling charges in Himachal run buses  could unprofitable for the state, as passengers could now go to  avail the services of buses from the neighbouring states (with unchanged fares) to save  night travelling charges.

Dharamsala, February 6, 2013: The Central Tibetan Administration of the Tibetan government in exile offered long life prayers (Tenshug) to His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the head of Kamtsang Kagyu school of Kagyu tradition, at Sidhwri near Dharamsala on Wednesday.

The Tibetan government official said that, this ceremony was started in the morning hours on February 4 at Gyuto Monastery in Dharamsala.

Tibetan Minister of the Department of Religion and Culture , Pema Chhinjor, in the presence of over 300 monks and delegates, presented Gyalwang Karmapa with auspicious offerings for his long life. 

The official said that the other dignitaries present at the ceremony include two members of parliament from Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.

As a part of its initiative to offer Tenshug to all the heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Department of Religion and Culture has so far presented long life prayers to H. E. Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, H.E. Menri Trizin Rinpoche, H.E. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, H.E. Drigung Chetsang Rinpoche and H.E. Gaden Tripa Rinpoche.

Faridabad/Jalandhar, February 7, 2013: The 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of India by showcasing its various cultural and other symbolic elements. Be it rain or sun, the entire festive spirit is laced with non-stop and soul-stirring performances, which are the locus of tourist attraction. The traditional and indigenous performances by hundreds of day performers from across the globe make the entire experience a splendid one.

Cultural performances at Chaupal and Natyashala have been integral to the popularity of the Mela. Thousands of visitors gather in large numbers in and around Chaupal and Natyashala everyday to witness scintillating performances. The Mela has always strived to ensure that every year it bridges boundaries, connects cultures and breaks the barriers, which hamper national integration, and a wide variety of these performances attribute significantly in this mission.

Both national and international performers clad in their colourful traditional attires belt out some of the breathtaking performances. The cultural groups of zonal cultural centres are giving crowd pulling showings. The 13 cultural troupes of Karnataka state are showcasing distinctive dance forms like Dollu Kunita, a powerful drum dance accompanied by acrobatic movements, synchronised group formations and the occasional screams. Somana Kunita is a religious, ritualistic dance performed by two or three artistes with elaborate masks.

The folk dance troupes from Tunisia, Namibia and Turkmenistan have been in action on Chaupal. To watch Tajikistan dancers coordinate their hand and body movements to perfection and Kyrgyzstan dancers perform kathak has been a visual treat for one and all. Farida and Nisoh, the members of the Kyrgyzstan troupe, say, “We are trained in Indian classical dancing and can also play tabla and sitar.”

The other enthralling dance forms that bring visitors up close to their heritage and tradition include Mewasi and Siddi Goma from Gujarat, Raaslila from UP, Bhangra from Punjab, Lambadi from Andhra Pradesh, Saila and Gudum Baza from Madhya Pradesh, Lavani from Maharashtra, Gaur Maria and Panthi tribal dance from Chhattisgarh, Kalbelia from Rajasthan,Bihu from Assam, Purlia Chhaw from West Bengal, Ruff and Dhamali from Jammu & Kashmir and Haryanvi dance performances.

The photography competition held at the Mela in the morning saw good participation and it was adjudged by fashion photographer Munish Khanna. The winners of the competitions are Subhash Sharma in professional category and Rajesh Tuteja in the amateur category.

In the evening on Wednesday at Natyashala, the foreign cultural troupes sponsored by Ministry of External Affairs and ICCR put up an exhilarating show and the audience applauded every moment of the performance.

Today, there will be a kite flying competition and in the evening at Natyashala, qawwali by Chand Nizami and group, who will enthrall the visitors with their mesmerising jugalbandi.

Jalandhar, February 7, 2013: As the 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela moves into the second week at Surajkund in Faridabad in Haryana, more and more visitors are showing keen interest in buying the home decor items. The sunny Thursday morning saw visitors flock the Mela in huge numbers and check out stalls selling wooden toys and decor items.

“These lacquerware toys hold everyone’s attention and are not only for kids to play but sharpen one’s reflexes too,” explains Syed Yakoob Miyan from Channapatna, Karnataka.

Another craftsperson Girish, also from Karnataka, has interesting wall hangings and durries made of khus khus and ear of rice.

The stalls of leather puppetry from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are another must visit. Lamp shades and life-size cut outs of royal men, made on leather and painted with vegetable colours, is a noteworthy art. S. Hanumanthu, a national awardee in this art, shares, “The Surajkund Mela has been a good platform to promote our craft.”

The terracotta clay has been shaped into interesting masks, figurines and statues of Gods, birds and animals and garden pots in hues of greens, reds and oranges. This eye-catching collection from Rajasthan and Haryana has been spread out in good number at many places at the Mela Ground.

From Odisha comes traditional pattachitra, tasser painting, palm leaf carving and papier-mâché. Ganesh Sahoo has a stall with interesting wall hangings, vases and decor items made using these artistic methods.

Not to miss, there are amazing chimes and innovatively designed hangings made from dried gourd (tuma) and bamboo crafts by Jagat Ram Dewangan, from Chhattisgarh. Also stall from Siliguri, Assam has a uniquely crafted collection of bamboo and cane trays, vases, baskets, pen and newspaper stands to adorn every corner of the homes.

State awardee Sunita Rani, from Delhi, has carved paintings to showcase, made in white metal, copper and brass and framed to perfection.

Many dignitaries who visited the Mela on Thursday including HE Alexander Cece Loua, ambassador of Republic of Guinea to India; Justice I.P. Vashist, Dhanpat Singh, Principal Secretary; Sarban Singh, Principal Secretary, Haryana and Dr Saket Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Mahendergarh.

A kite flying competition for school students was also organised on Thursday. Around 70 students took part in it with a soaring competitive spirit. In the high flying event, among boys, Neeraj and Ankit of Gita Bal Niketan Sr Sec School, Faridabad; Ankit and Anil of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sr. Secondary School, Faridabad and Parul and Sachin of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sr. Secondary School, Faridabad won first, second and third positions respectively. In the same event, among girls, Vinita and Parveen of Govt. Girls Sr Sec School, Faridabad; Tanya and Taruna of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sr. Sec School, Faridabad and Neha Bano and Neha Rani of Govt. Sr Sec. School, Faridabad stood first, second and third respectively.

In the kite cutting event, among boys, Vishal and Prince of Gita Bal Niketan, Faridabad; Neeraj and Ankit of Gita Bal Niketan Sr. Sec. School, Faridabad and Neeraj and Laxman of Govt. Boys Sr. Sec School, Faridabad came first, second and third respectively. In the same event, the girls too showed equal interest. Neha Bano and Neha Rani of Govt. Sr Sec. School, Faridabad; Anita and Sonam of Govt. Sr Sec. School, Faridabad and Reshma and Tanya Wadhwa of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sr. Secondary School, Faridabad took away the first, second and third prizes respectively.

A rangoli competition is on the cards for school students tomorrow.

The qawwali evening on Thursday was a well attended function with Chand Nizami and group enthralling the audience with their mesmerising jugalbandi. A Hasya Kavi Sammelan by Dinesh Raghuvanshi will be organised at the Natyashala tomorrow.

Jalandhar, February 7,2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an absconding accused (a Proprietor of Delhi-based private firm and resident of Keshav Puram, Lawrence Road, New Delhi) in a case relating to cheating the Indian Bank Shalimar Bagh Branch, New Delhi and causing loss of about Rs.1.25 crore.

A case was registered on September 11, 2009 on the basis of a complaint received from the General Manager & Circle Head, Indian Bank, New Delhi.  It was alleged that the accused persons entered into criminal conspiracy with each other along with officials of Indian Bank, Shalimar Bagh Branch, New Delhi and cheated Indian Bank Shalimar Bagh Branch, New Delhi to the tune of Rs.1.25 crore by obtaining OCC limit during 2009.

After investigation, a charge sheet was filed against 08 accused persons in the Court of Special Judge, CBI, Rohini Courts, Delhi on October 30, 2010. The said accused was absconding after commission of the crime and did not join the prosecution even after issuance of arrest warrants & process of proclamation U/s 82 and 83 of Code of Criminal Procedure by the Court of Special Judge.  He was declared Proclaimed Offender by the Court on January 30, 2012.  With persistent efforts, the CBI could reach to his whereabouts and ultimately the absconding accused was arrested.

Jalandhar, February 7, 2013 : The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an Executive Engineer of Central Public works, Department, Thrissur Central Division, Thrissur ,Kerala for demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.15,000  from the complainant.                                              

A case was registered U/s 7 of PC Act, 1988 against  an Executive Engineer, Central Public Works Department, Thrissur Central Division, Thrissur  on the complaint of a Contractor of CPWD based at Thrissur. The complainant alleged that the accused had given him a contract for putting the tiles to an Institute at Trichur as per the agreement dated February 18, 2012. When the complainant submitted the first bill, the accused had demanded an amount of Rs.15,000 as bribe and also told him that after getting the bribe amount only, he would pass the bill for payment. 

Accordingly, CBI, laid a trap and the accused was caught red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.15,000 from the Complainant. Searches were conducted at the premises of accused. Further investigation is continuing.

Jalandhar, February 8 2013: The victim of gang rape, a teen age girl resident of village Mandala Channa was referred to Guru Nanak Dev Government Medical Hospital, Amritsar for expertise treatment.

The victim, who was gang-raped by three persons of village Mandala Channa, was admitted to Civil Hospital on Thursday, in a bad condition. The attending doctors keeping in mind about the deteriorating conditions of the rape victim due to excessive bleeding and acute  stomach pains, in the interest of the patient referred to Government Medical College Hospital Amritsar.

Parents of the gang-rape victim could only came to know about the incident when the 14 year old girl complained of an acute stomach pain on Wednesday. Immediately she was rushed to the Civil Hospital  at Village Lohian for emergency treatment.

However on persuasion by the parents, the victim girl related the whole story of sufferings during the last ten days.

Revealing the horrifying the victim alleged that three youth pounced upon outside of her house when going to answer the call of nature. On resisting the trio gave her severe beating and took her to the fields of the village forcibly and all of the three parsons  turn by turn raped her repeatedly, threatening to kill her in the event of disclosing the offender's identity to any one which included her parents or informing about the incident to the police.

The Nakodar police have registered a case against the accused.

Faridabad, February 8, 2013:  The 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela offers some of the most delectable cuisines to be savoured by its visitors.  It is an epicurean delight with an extensive use of herbs, spices and fragrance, which could tempt the senses of any passerby. The Food Court spread in the sprawling area of the Mela has a fantastic range of cuisines with a regional uniqueness.

In tune with the health and hygiene of the visitors, the Surajkund Crafts Mela Authority frequently conducts surveys so as to ensure that better quality of food is maintained throughout the fortnight.  It is also ensured that cleanliness is maintained and there is a provision of several garbage bins in the Mela premises. Drinking water has also been made available at various places for the convenience of the visitors.

Each food stall in the Mela churns out an indigenous recipe, which is worth a mention. From Mumbai’s bhelpuri to Jaipur’s Dal Bhatti Churma and theme state Karnataka’s Sukka Chicken, Masala Dosa and filter coffee and Bihar’s Lithi Chokha, the Mela has different state cuisines to be relished. `Aloo tikki’, `Golgappe’, `Chaat’, flavoured milk and `Pav Bhaji’, are the much sought after street food of the Mela. `Bhelpuri’ and `Kulfi’ are to be seen in almost every visitor’s hands.

The cuisine of Karnataka offers a wide variety of food items, which include Bijapur Mirchi, Chakkali, Khadak Rotti, Shavige Bath, Uppittu, Chicken Sukka, Akki Rotti, Kyatsandra Ttiol, Gokak Karadantu and Dharwad Pedha. K. Seenappa, Assistant General Manager, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, says “People are very happy to eat authentic South Indian delicacies at out stall. They take keen interest in knowing about our recipes.”

`Nariyal Pani’ was also available which works as a perfect thirst quencher. Traditional foods of North India like `Rajma Chawal’ and ` Chole Bature’ are readily available, besides the mouth-watering egg rolls, Hyderabadi biryanis, saag makki ki roti and Gohana’s kesariya jaleba being the must-haves for any visitor in the Mela. 

Combining the traditions with modernity, a special stall of Dominos Pizza has also been set up in the food court. Special food stalls of South Indian dishes, Madras Café and Chinese food are also quite popular with the visitors. Hot and cold beverages like tea, cold drinks and shakes are made accessible at different places. The fast food vending points have also been made available at various strategic places in the Mela for the convenience of the visitors.

Hot ‘Gulab Jamuns’, ‘Gajar Ka Halwa’ teamed up with ice cold ‘Chuskis’ are ideal desserts for everybody. The famous Banarasi ‘paans’ literally melt in the mouth. Cultural performances in the Food Court add to the wholesome entertainment to the visitors and one could see the Food Court packed to its capacity most of the time. 

Not to miss, Institute of Hotel Management of Faridabad and Panipat have also set up stalls that are rustling up Frontier cuisines. The students of the institutes are getting hands-on training while maintaining high standard of hygiene and quality.  

Also the wines of Karnataka are also being displayed at the Mela purely for promotional purposes. Praveen Deshpande at the Karnataka wine counter, says, “The concept of manufacturing wines is relatively new in India, so we are aggressively marketing our wines in the Northern region, as people here are fond of wine and even the climate is well suited for wine consumption.” He further informs that an array of wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Martot and Cabernet Franc are being produced in their state from French varieties of grapes spread over an area of 2,000 acres.

The rangoli competition held in the morning was a hit, as over 117 students from 30 schools took part in it. Gita Bal Niketan Senior Secondary School, Sector 21, Faridabad; Government Secondary School, Baghola (Palwal) and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Old Faridabad, bagged first, second and third positions respectively.  

Hasya Kavi Sammelan by Dinesh Raghuvanshi at Natyashala on Friday was a well-attended function. The audience enjoyed the comic capers to the core and almost split their sides with laughter.

Also check out the one-act play to be staged at Natyashala tomorrow evening (6.30 pm).

Gurgaon / Jalandhar, February 8, 2013: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has said that other towns of Haryana will also be developed like Gurgaon and for this, basic amenities are being provided in different towns.

He said that Delhi Metro has reached Gurgaon and soon it will reach Faridabad. Also, foundation stone for extension of Delhi Metro up to Bahadurgarh has also been laid. Rewari- Rohtak Rail line has been commissioned and Sonipat- Gohana- Jind rail line is under construction. There is a plan to run RRTS between Delhi and Panipat and work of KMP Express way is in progress.

Hooda was speaking at a panel discussion on the subject- “Uncovering Growth Story of Haryana- Gains, Gaps and Goals” in Gurgaon today.

Those participated in the panel discussion included former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi, Chairperson of Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations Dr Isher Judge Ahluwalia, Vice Chairman of DLF Rajiv Singh, Chairman and MD of Medanta- The Medicity Dr Naresh Trehan and a retired IAS officer Dhanender Kumar.

The Resident Editor of Hindustan Times Ramesh Vinayak was the panel moderator.

Hooda said that at the time of formation of Haryana, it was apprehended that Haryana will hardly survive, as it was considered to be the most backward area of united Punjab. But today, Haryana is one of the progressive states of the country, as a result of right policies of the government and hard work of the people. In the matter of per capita investment, Haryana is number one and in per capita income, it is ahead of other states except Goa. Haryana is number one in wheat productivity, Mustard productivity and paddy. Per capita milk availability in Haryana is 708 gms which is highest in the country. The Plan  Budget of the state was about Rs 2300 crore in 2005 which has gone up to Rs 26,000 crores in 2012.

He said that the state government is paying full attention to development of agriculture, because it is providing livelihood to maximum number of people. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt new scientific techniques of farming.

Hooda said that in Industrial sector, Haryana is progressing fast. Every second car on road is manufactured in Haryana. A number of IMTs, Industrial estates and Industrial parks are being developed in the state.

The Chief Minister said that Haryana government has established four new power plants in the state, as a result of which, power generation capacity has gone up from 1587 MW to over 5500 MW now. Referring to urbanisation, Hooda said that with the increase of population, attention is being paid to maintaining of basic amenities like water supply and solid waste disposal. For development of rural areas, a separate Haryana Rural Development Authority (HRDA) has been constituted. He announced that for the needy families four lakh houses will be constructed- two lakh in rural and two lakh in urban areas.

Hooda said that he has a vision of Haryana, where there is health for all, education for all, employment for all and roof for every head. Haryana, he said, is number one and will remain number one.

Other panelists also referred to the unprecedented progress of Haryana, but at the same time cautioned that with the increasing demands of the people, there will be need to frame proper schemes and also maintain the level of essential services.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Chhatar Singh, Additional Principal Secretary Dr K K Khandelwal, Principal OSD to Chief Minister M S Chopra, Media Advisor to Chief Minister Shiv Bhatia, Additional Media Advisor Sunil Pratee, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Department Sudhir Rajpal, other senior IAS officers and MLAs were also present.

Jalandhar, February 8, 2013: A 14 year old girl of village Mandala Channa, who was gang raped by three persons of the same village, 10 days before, was admitted to Civil Hospital Jalandhar with excessive bleeding was rushed to Guru Nanak Dave Government Medical Hospital, Amritsar.

The victim  of brutal gang-rape was operated upon at Amritsar Government Hospital for four hours. She is still stated to be critical and battling for life, said the attending doctors.

Doctors said that her uterus had been removed to prevent her from any sort of infection. The intestines were also damaged .The girl was still unstable and kept under the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

(photo-caption: A magnificent view of Doladhar hills covered with snow after bright sunshine in Dharamsala (HP) on Friday. City Air News photo: Arvind Sharma)

Faridabad / Jalandhar, February 9, 2013: The sound of laughter reverberated in the 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Natyashala, the open air theatre, on Friday evening, which was packed to a capacity audience for the Hasya Kavi Sammelan. Stand up comedians -- Pratap Singh Faujdar, Yousuf Bhardwaj, Deepak Saini, Sambhu Shikhar, Abdul Ayub Gauri and Mahendra Ajnabi teamed up with Dinesh Raghuvanshi to create some of the ‘laugh till you drop’ moments. Their witty, intelligent and satirical wisecracks were highly applauded by the audience.

The bustling weekend at the Mela brought smiles on the faces of the craftspersons, who are enthusiastically displaying their art and crafts and the visitors are more than happy to buy their unique crafts. On Chaupal, new performances are being staged by foreign troupes from Guinea, Tunisia and Sri Lanka, who have just joined in and are presenting colourful performances.

Saturday also marked the Karnataka day, which witnessed cultural programmes of the theme state at Chaupal. The major highlight of the day was the fashion show staged in the evening opposite Hotel Rajhans by Prasad Bidappa, an ace choreographer-cum-fashion designer of Karnataka. The scintillating show featured the splendour of the Karnataka silk and handlooms.

Lot of curious onlookers were seen at the state’s Apna Ghar, which showcases the lifestyle, household items and décor of a Kodava home. Kodavas inhabit the Kodagu region in southern Karnataka. Also the history of the state has been encapsulated in the photography exhibition and a replica of the coach of Golden Chariot, a luxury tourist train that connects the important tourist spots in the Indian states of Karnataka and Goa. It is named after the Stone Chariot in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi. A stall has been dedicated to display the fruits and vegetables grown in different regions of Karnataka.

The dignitaries who visited the Mela on Saturday, included Justice P. Sathasivam, judge of Supreme Court; Chief Justice A.K. Sikri, Punjab and Haryana High Court; Justice S.K. Mittal, Punjab and Haryana High Court; Shri Chattar Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister; Shri Yudhbir Singh Malik, Principal Secretary, Haryana and Prof. Virender Singh, Political Advisor to Haryana Chief Minister, among others.

The visitors seemed to enjoy shaking a leg with the day performers and taking rides in the battery operated carts. The footfall on Saturday was over 50,000 and the overall number is expected to reach well above the last year’s number. All the parking lots were full of vehicles and every inch in the Mela ground was flooded with the visitors.

Many foreigners are making to the Mela till date and a large number are anticipated in the coming days. Photographer Adriana from Brazil stated that this was her first visit to India and Surajkund Mela has brought her face-to-face with the potpourri of cultures and flamboyant colours of India.

(photo-caption: Hsya Kavi Sammelan)

Ludhiana, February 9, 2013: Punjab-based Advocate, Harpreet Sandhu’s book “German Indian Law – A Comparative Study”, first edition of the book in Maharashtra was released at Bombay High Court by Rajiv Patil, Senior Advocate and President of Advocates Association of Western India at Bombay High Court Fort in the presence of prominent Senior Lawyers of Bombay High Court namely Adhik Shirodkar, Senior Advocate, on February 7.

The book was also presented to Darisu J. Khambata, Advocate General of Maharashtra in the presence of Secretary of Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa at Bombay High Court.

Pravin Y. Ranpise, Secretary of Bar Council of Maharashtra mentioned that Harpreet Sandhu, Advocate has indeed contributed a great study work to the legal fraternity of India by doing a comparative study on German Laws.

(Photo-caption: Scanned copy of certificate issued by Bar Council of Maharashtra.)

Jalandhar, February 10, 2013: Border Security Force personnel have successfully seized FICN Rs.13,88,000 on Punjab border on Sunday at Border Out Post Mahwa of Amritsar Sector. 

Keeping in view the vulnerability of Border from smuggling point of view, Aditya Mishra, Inspector General BSF has issued operational guidelines to further strengthen border domination so as to effectively check the menace of narcotics smuggling on Punjab border with Pakistan. Consequently BSF Field Units are maintaining enhanced vigil on border.

Today at about 0745 hrs, alert BSF troops during patrolling in the AOR of BOP Mahwa,  Amritsar Sector found 5 packets in agricultural field near home side of Border Security Fencing in the alignment of BP No. 106/M.  These packets were further checked in which FICN in the denomination of Rs. 1,000 and Rs.500 of the value of Rs. 13,88,000 (Rs.1000x890 and Rs. 500x996) were recovered.

The enhanced vigil of BSF troops has once again thwarted the attempt of smugglers/ANEs to smuggle narcotics/FICN into India.

In continuing with its drive against heightened activities of smugglers, BSF has made the following seizures and apprehensions on Punjab Border during the year 2013:

Faridabad (Haryana), February 10, 2013: The scintillating fashion show staged opposite Hotel Rajhans on Saturday evening as a part of the celebration in the 27^th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, showcased the rich traditions of textiles and styles of Karnataka.

The audience witnessed some of the hidden treasures of exciting and exuberant crafts and designs originated from the state.

More than a dozen known models were among those who sashayed down the ramp flaunting the collections of leading names from the fashion world.

Blending folk elements with the traditions, the fashion show used entire material that exclusively comes from Karnataka. The fashion and manufacturing houses like Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation’s (KHDC) Priyadarshani, Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) and Royal House of Mysore showcased saris with traditional embroidery ‘Kasuti’ and saris of varied kinds like ‘Ilkal’, ‘Molkalmure’ and ‘Kancheepuram’ besides others.

For those interesting in draping these saris can lap up some from the Mela, as KHDC and KSIC have set up their stalls.

It was not just sarees but the ultimate silk fabric that could be crafted for designing salwar kameez, lehnga choli, men’s shirts, achkans and other Indo-western outfits, which were presented in the fashion show. The supermodels like Lakshmi Rana, Carol Gracious and Diana along with actor-model Shahwar Ali, Asian Games and Commonwealth boxing champ Jai Bhagwanand Mr India 2012 Arry Dabas (a Haryana boy based in Bangalore) clad in extravagantly designed clothes with unique patterns and brilliantly coloured fabrics elegantly walked down the ramp.

The show was choreographed by Prasad Bidappa, an ace choreographer, who also anchored the show. Designers Shoba Nickham, Manish Saksena and Anjali Sharma presented an exquisite trousseau range of sarees, lehnga cholis and outfits that reflected a blend of traditional and contemporary silhouettes.

The fashion rounds were interspersed with the folk dance sequences, which were full of energy and passion.

While the spectators were enthralled by the fashion show during the evening, the huge turnout at the stalls on Sunday morning also gave full value for money to visitors, as there were some new exhibitors from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The hand-woven carpets from Kabul made from sheep wool dyed vegetable colours, without any chemical treatment, were the main attraction at the stall from Afghanistan. While the food stall from Karachi serving ‘biryanis’, kormas and ‘tikkas’ is definitely a hit with the foodies of this region. 

Being the last Sunday of the Mela, droves of people, numbering over a lakh, came to bag best of handicrafts and handlooms on a good rate and watched the vibrant cultural performances on the Chaupal. One could see visitors clicking pictures with street performers and around specially created ambience of ‘sun and peacock’ all over the Mela.

Justice F.M.I. Kalifulla, Supreme Court; Lov Verma, Secretary, NACO, Ministry of Health; Vikram Aggarwal, District and Session Judge, Gurgaon; S.K. Goyal, Director General, ICCR and Mohd. Akil, IG, Law and Order, Haryana Police, were among the dignitaries who visited the Mela on Sunday.

Later in the evening, the families gathered at the Natyashala to enjoy the magic show of Samrat Raj Kumar. They were left amazed by the magician’s tricks. Bhojpuri singer Malini Awasthi would be enthralling audience to some folk and rustic melodies tomorrow at Natyashala at 6.30 p.m.

Photo-caption: Actor-model Shawar Ali (left) sashays down the ramp at Surajkund, Faridabad.

Photo-caption: Boxer Jai Bhagwan poses for the shutterbugs.

Photo-caption: Fashion show on Karnataka day at Surajkund, Faridabad.

Photo-caption: Dance sequence performed during the fashion show.

Photo-caption: Sunday saw huge turnout for Surajkund Mela.

Jalandhar, February 11, 2013: Common entrance examination for Soldiers General Duty category conducted by Punjab Regimental Centre Ramgarh Cantt (Jharkhand) on January 27, 2013 has been cancelled due to some unavoidable circumstances.  

This was held under the aegis of HQ Recruiting Zone Bihar and Jharkhand.

Now the new date for Common entrance examination for Soldiers General Duty category is rescheduled on February 24, 2013 at 1000 hr in Punjab Regimental Centre,  Ramgarh.

All Candidates from Roll Number 001 to 278 (except Roll Number 082) are further required to report at Punjab Regimental  Centre by February 23, 2013.