Punjabi | SilverScorpio.Com

Indo-Pak co-production Virsa receives mixed response

May 8, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Islamabad, May 8 (ANI): Virsa – the first international Punjabi film, which was premiered at CineStar this Thursday – has received mixed responses from audiences.

The story revolves around a rich, spoilt boy who falls in love with a conservative girl. Arya Babbar, an Indian actor, plays the boy while model-actress Mehreen Raheel plays the girl.

While Gulshan Grover’s powerful performance and Jawad’s songs received unanimous thumbs-up, many criticized Babbar’s amateurish acting. But many applauded Mehreen.

“I think she’s really pretty and should do an English movie that would match her persona,” said a youngster, Qadeer. “I came to see the movie only for her and I think she did a good job, although the story was weak,” The Daily Times quoted Qadeer, a movie buff.

“The people have been really generous in showering us with praising comments and I humbly thank all my fans for it,” said Mehreen.

“I respect what the audience have to say about the movie as they are the best critics. So far, the movie has been well-received, but I’ve also received a few critical points from close friends that I have considered,” said Jawad Ahmed.

The film has garnered an enthusiastic response from Australia and has been appreciated by India cinegoers. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: Arya Babbar, audience, audiences, close friends, co-production, Conservative Girl, critical points, enthusiastic response, good job, gulshan grover, India, Indian Actor, indo-, Jawad, Model Actress, Movie Buff, punjabi, Raheel, Virsa, youngster

Parti Punjabi Malaysia elects first woman president

May 3, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Kuala Lumpur, May 3 (ANI): Dr Susheel Kaur has become the first woman to be elected as president of the 24 year-old Parti Punjabui Malaysia (PPM).

She was elected unopposed by more than 50 delegates at the party”s biennial general meeting.

A highly qualified lady, Dr Kaur did her Ph D in population geography from Chandigarh University. She has also majored in social impact studies and hopes to use her academic expertise in her new role as Parti President.

She told the New Strait Times that she did not see herself as a politician but felt responsible for the PPM since her father was its founder.

She succeeds cousin Dr Gurdeep Perkash Singh, he has been the PPM President for ten years.

Dr Kaur admitted that the party did not stand on equal ground when compared to other Malay-Indian parties but hopes to change that.

According to Dr Kaur, the reason behind this disparity is because the PPM has failed to gain entry into the ruling coalition, Barison Nasional.

“We have been trying to do this for over 10 years now. Not fewer than six applications were submitted, but all went unanswered. In fact, our latest application was made on February 2. We are still waiting for an answer,” she said.

She added that it was an open secret that an Indian-based party within the BN coalition had opposed the PPM joining the ruling coalition. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: 10 years, Academic Expertise, cousin, delegates, disparity, february 2, first woman, general meeting, Gurdeep, Impact Studies, Indian Parties, kaur, Kuala Lumpur, new strait times, Parti, politician, Population Geography, punjabi, social impact, woman president

Singapore Airlines sacks staff, closes all operations in Pakistan

March 20, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Lahore, Mar.20 (ANI): Singapore Airlines (SIA) has closed its operations in Pakistan due to the deteriorating security condition in the country.

According to a private television channel, the airlines, which had four flights a week from Pakistan to Singapore, has closed its offices and sacked its entire staff, The Daily Times reports.

Several multi-national companies (MNC’s) have stopped their operations in Pakistan, which has seen a considerable increase in violence and bloodshed over the past two years.

The troubled nation has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of suicide attacks carried out across the country and loss of life during the first 70 days of 2010 compared to the same period last year.

According to the available facts and figures, at least 15 incidents of suicide bombings have taken place so far in the first 70 days of this year (between January 1 and March 12), while 11 assaults were carried out in first 70 days of 2009.

The suicide bombings in 2010 have left 321 people dead and injured over 500, with the daily average killing rate of four and a half people and the weekly killing rate of 10 people.

During the same period in 2009, 105 people were killed. The year had proved to be the bloodiest as at least 1,217 people were killed and 2,305 injured in 80 attacks.

According to the data compiled by the Punjab Home Department, 145 people were killed in five incidents of suicide bombings in January this year; another 101 people lost their lives in seven such attacks in February while 75 people have so far been killed in the first 12 days of March.

Authorities investigating the bombings are of the view that most of the attacks have been carried out by the Punjabi Taliban belonging to four Jihadi groups working in tandem with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: authorities, flights, groups, january 1, Mnc, pakistan lahore, people, private television, punjabi, sacks, Sia, Singapore Airlines, suicide attacks, suicide bombings, Taliban, tandem, television channel, Troubled Nation, unprecedented rise, Violence And Bloodshed

Top Pak Taliban militant killed in US drone attack

March 8, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Taliban confirmed on Tuesday the death of a top militant commander Qari Muhammad Zafar who was targeted by US drone attack on February 24 in North Waziristan.

Qari Zafar, a former commander of Lashqar-i-Jahngvi, was heading five to 600 Punjabi Taliban in Waziristan and was wanted in the deadly March 2, 2006 bombing of the US consulate in Karachi which killed a US diplomat David Foy and several Pakistanis staffers of the consulate.

Besides his alleged involvement in the US consulate attack, Pakistan’s security officials also accused Qari Zafar for carrying out the devastating suicide bombing on Marriot hotel in Islamabad on September
20, 2008, killing 54 people.

Qari Zafar’s death marks the latest success from Washington’s secret CIA-run drone program in Pakistan. Since 2004, more than 11 drone attacks have been carried out in the North and South Waziristan tribal regions, killing several key Taliban and al-Qaeda leaders.

In a statement, faxed to media outlets, Taliban described Zafar as a martyr and vowed to avenge his death. Taliban rarely confirm the killings of their leaders in missile strikes. However, Taliban sources said that Qari Abuzar Khanjri, another militant commander from Punjab, has been appointed as a new leader of Punjabi Taliban.

“The mujahideen will soon take revenge against the Pakistani government for his killing anywhere in the country,” said the statement.

Pakistani officials frequently protest the US drone strikes as violations of the country’s sovereignty but most of the analysts believe that Pakistan has allowed US drone attacks as part of the joint Pakistan-US secret program. Several US officials have said in private that Pakistani government supports the strikes.

Zafar, was heading banned al-Qaida-linked militant groups Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, Harkat al-Jihad-e-Islami and was also part of another hardliner militant organisation Takfiri group.

Pakistan’s intelligence officials said that two missiles fired from drone aircraft targeted a militant training camp called “Badr Abu Mansoor” at Darga Mandi area of North Waziristan last Wednesday which killed 11 insurgents including Qari Zafar. The militants residing at the compound belonged to Punjabi terrorists. The US had announced a $5 million dollar reward for information leading to his capture.

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Ludhiana hosts seminar on Sufism

September 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Ludhiana, Sep 19(ANI): Ludhiana recently played host to a national seminar on Sufism. This time, the theme was the influence of Sufism on modern times.

The Sahitaya Academy of New Delhi and the Punjab Sahitaya Academy organized the seminar.

The seminar also focused on the ‘pain of separation from God’ and intellectuals, poets and Sufi singers.

“Sufism says that God, whom a man looks for all over, is within him. And once he realizes this fact, he will be free of his ego and will find happiness,” said Vaasthe Mohi, a Sindhi poet from Ahmedabad.

While, Gulshan Majith, a poet from Jammu and Kashmir, said: “When God is everything, so what is the importance of religion and caste discrimination, this is the message of Sufism. Shaivaism, Buddhism and Sufism give same message to the world and consider this world as the manifestation of that supreme power and do not make a distinction with the other. There are no boundaries. Everybody in this world is equal for God.”

The participants also put forth the argument that many Punjabi poets make use of themes from popular Punjabi culture. r. Chandraprakash Deval, a poet from Rajasthan, said Sufism is the paramount method to fight terrorism.

“Sufism is the best way to fight terrorism. If the minds of people can be changed, they will start respecting other religions, humanity and the feeling of brotherhood and secularism will increase, terrorism will be finished then. So to fight terrorism it is important to popularize the way shown by Sufism, adopt and follow that way and spread the feeling of brotherhood,” Deval said.

Sufi singer Balbir Kaur, who also teaches singing at Guru Nanak College in Ludhiana, held the audience spellbound and she also highlighted that school students must be made aware of the great cultural heritage, traditional folk art and literature of the Sufi saints, to promote Punjabi language.

Associating Sufism with any one religion is against its very basic tenets. Underlining this basic fact, renowned Sufi singers Idrim Khan and Skakur Khan from Rajasthan sung the verses of Bulle Shah, Guru Nanak, Kabir and Sajjan Shah. By Karan Kapoor (ANI)

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Foreign liquor bullish about prospects in Punjab

September 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Chandigarh, Sep.19 (ANI): With affluent Punjabis developing a liking for imported liquor, foreign liquor companies affected by the global slowdown in the West are bullish about their prospects in the market in Punjab.

Many international brands are keen to explore latent avenues in Punjab.

Be it Johnnie Walker, Green Label, or Teachers… one can access it without effort.

“India is one of the world’s largest markets for alcohol and has huge growth potential,” said Vinod Mittal, proprietor of MG Store.

Today, enjoying foreign liquor has become a status symbol among the affluent Punjabi families. And consumers are delighted with the easy availability of foreign brands here.

“Definitely, it has made a difference. Previously, you know, people had to go abroad. Only from airports you could get higher brands. So the availability of these brands and, beer brands like Carlsberg and Tuborg has really made a difference. I think it’s fantastic. I think if it expands to other markets like the wine industry for example, it would even be better,” said Dushyant Singh, a liquor enthusiast.

In 2008, 170 million cases of beer were sold in India.

Each Indian consumes about five litres of beer, compared with 25 litres per head in China and 160 litres per head in the Czech Republic.

TVB Craft Breweries, a Delhi-based brewer, enjoying strategic technical partnerships with a group of Australian Craft Brewing Companies has rolled out a new brand of beer-Little Devils – in five flavours.

The company is planning to invest 12 million dollars to set up local brewery in India.

“We have launched in eight States and it has been a fantastic response. As you said lager beer is hugely popular and continue to be hugely popular but at the same time throughout the world its has been growing only 3-4 % over the last three years whereas craft beer is growing at an average of 12 percent and that is because I think a lot of people basically want a lot of different selection, a lot of different flavors. So the Indian market is behaving exactly the same as everywhere else. We are bringing in new flavors. Everyone is really interested to taste them and experience the new taste,” said David Home, Chairman, TVB Craft Breweries.

The Famous Grouse, one of Scotland’s best selling whiskey label, is planning to expand its customer base in India.

It is planning to launch its premium single malt whiskey brands – Macallan and Highland Park – priced over USD 70 (Rs 3,500) in India soon.

Several other global brewing giants like Carlsberg, Anheuser-Busch and Inbev have entered the country recently, as India is being touted as the last potentially big beer market in the world.

Offering plenty of scope to expand to foreign brands, India is progressively liberalizing its liquor imports to accommodate the concerns of the European Union. In 2007, it scraped the additional import duty and imported spirits worth 76.3 million dollars on wines worth 11.7 million dollars.

The sale of liquor is rising in India with more liberal attitudes towards alcohol consumption, rising incomes and the tendency to embrace a more international lifestyle among Indians.By Sunil Sharma(ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: australian craft, Beer Brands, Chandigarh, craft beer, craft breweries, craft brewing, Czech Republic, Dushyant, global slowdown, international brands, johnnie walker green label, liquor companies, little devils, proprietor, punjabi, Punjabis, status symbol, technical partnerships, tuborg, tvb, Wine Industry

Padho Punjab-a mission to spread literacy in rural Punjab

September 19, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Amritsar, Sep.18 (ANI): Education in government-run-schools of Punjab has been found to be lacking the kind of quality and standard expected of it.

A survey conducted under ‘Padho Punjab’ programme revealed that most of the primary kids in the State could not read or write. Over 50 per cent of the standard V children cannot read a story in Punjabi, over 25 per cent cannot write Punjabi letters and almost 40 per cent cannot subtract and almost 70 per cent do not know how to divide.

To raise the standard in the government-run schools, especially in rural areas, ‘Padho Punjab’ or, Study Punjab, a joint venture between the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, a literacy drive of the Central Government, and a non-governmental organisation is being carried out. It is hoped to transform the lives of underprivileged children.

Training is being given to teachers and block primary education officers under ‘Padho Punjab’ to improve education standard in government-run primary schools.

Being conducted under ‘Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan’ (education for all) in collaboration with ‘Pratham’, a non-government organization, the project aims to improve teaching abilities of government schoolteachers.

Initially, the trainers are teaching students for two hours a day. Later, they will include this pattern in their routine teaching as well.

‘Padho Punjab’ project has made a huge difference to a number of underprivileged students. The students of primary schools, who are being taught Hindi, English, Punjabi and arithmetic, have shown tremendous progress since its launch on July 7, 2008.

“Besides regular classes, the students have been divided into three groups, on the basis of their abilities. A group consists of children, who are weak in studies and they are given special attention as per ‘Padho Punjab’ scheme. It helps strengthen their abilities and skills. Now, English is also taught to these students,” said Sandeep Seyal, Center Master Trainer.

“We want children to take admission in government-run schools rather than private schools. The children are now being taught to recite poems in English. We are teaching how to greet people and as they change and grow they motivate others as well. People now know that we teach English in government schools. The children have started doing well because of the hard work put in by teachers and an improvement in infrastructure,” said Gurpreet Singh, Block master trainee.

“The children are now showing keen interest in studies. There is a play-way method being used for children who earlier used to consider studies a burden. They are now curious about learning new things. English has played an important role in bringing about this transformation,” said Suman, a teacher at Primary school in Village Kameerpura.

In academic year 2008-09, the Punjab government had spent 40.6 out of 53 million dollars, sanctioned for the implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in the State.

The amount was spent on developing school infrastructure, recruitment of teachers and providing stationary to children.

The ‘Padho Punjab’ project has given a fillip to Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in Punjab, by significantly improving the quality of primary education in the state. By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: arithmetic, Central Government, children training, collaboration, education officers, government organization, Governmental Organisation, joint venture, launch, literacy, Non Governmental Organisation, primary education, Punjab, punjabi, rural areas, Schoolteachers, shiksha, survey, underprivileged children, underprivileged students, Want Ad

Noted Squash coach Satinder Bajwa trains poor children

September 12, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Chandigarh, Sep.11 (ANI): Satinder Bajwa, an expatriate Punjabi, who is a squash coach, has set up an academy for the underprivileged children in Chandigarh to draw them to Squash.

These underprivileged children never thought about playing Squash. But, at the newly founded Squash Academy called ‘Mind, Body and Game – Connection’, they learn how to play it.

Satinder Bajwa, who has been the manager and mentor of eight times World Squash Champion Jansher Khan, has commenced this social business venture to promote the game here.

The Academy will nurture 30 children of ‘Khelshala’, a charitable trust, which serves underprivileged children through sports.

“Everybody wants to help his or her origins or the country that needs help. I am not a wealthy guy but I have something to give to kids in terms of a sport, so I thought how I give back to my country and I do a non-profit programme in the USA called Kids Squash and I thought may be its needed here in India and may be we can help kids through giving them something that they can use to help themselves,” said Satinder Bajwa, Founder of the MBG Ceonnection Academy in Chandigarh.

“You can give somebody money, money runs out but you give them something like this, may be if they are good at I, they can become very good, may be if they are good students, may be I can get them into some international university and few years down the roads, we might see some results which may enable people to help themselves,” said Bajwa.
He says the objective of the Squash Academy is to highlight that through exercise and play one can achieve a healthy body and mind for a fuller life experience.

The Academy will offer members a comprehensive set of world-class facilities including top of the line gym equipment and two squash courts, Bajwa adds.

Bajwa, who immigrated to the USA, is presently the chief coach of Squash at Harvard University. He felt the need to giver back to his homeland something valuable.

Many people in Punjab believe that Squash is a sport that has a future.

“The game is very nice. There is no age limit to play this game. Its very enjoyable and there are no chances of injuries,” said Manjit Singh, a trainee.

“We were little apprehensive in the first couple of days how may kids would be interested but we have had an amazing turnout and its been tones and tones of response from the kids and everyday more and more kids wanna come and play and its wonderful to see excitement and eagerness of all the kids ibn the village to come and play,” said Elizabeth Chaplin, a trainer in Massachusetts, US.

The MBG – Connection and Khelshala are a lifetime dream of Bajwa who also funded ‘kids squash’, a U.S.-based non-profit organization that promotes well-being through sports for children of all backgrounds.

Khelshala will also have an educational component as well as it will aim to leverage sports to help kids attain scholarships to private schools. By Sunil Sharma (ANI)

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Malaysian Indian Congress working committee has two Punjabis candidates

September 7, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Kuala Lumpur, Sep. 7 (ANI): In an unprecedented move, the Malaysian Indian Congress has kept two Punjabi hopefuls on the preferred list of candidates for the party’s central working committee (CWC).

MIC President S. Samy Vellu has endorsed J. Randhir Singh from Johor and G. Jaspal Singh from Selangor among 27 candidates, who will be part of party’s decision making body.

According to a part source, one of the two was being groomed by Samy Vellu to fill the vacancy left by former vice president K.S. Nijhar.

“But it will be an uphill task since both are newcomers and are going for the same allocation. And there are only a few north Indian delegates,” the New Strait Times quoted him, as saying.

“There are many candidates vying for the 23 CWC seats and these two are newcomers. They have so little time and the delegates want to get to know them more. They will have to work hard in whatever little time they have,” said another source.

Though popular in their own states, the two candidates are relatively unknown at the national level.

But Randhir is not letting that hamper his chances. He is leveraging on his father Jasbir Singh’s popularity, who has been the Pontian division chairman for the past 45 years.

“I am using the picture with my father because many people recognise my father for his long service to the party. I want to tell them that I am the second generation who will continue what he has been doing for the community,” Randhir said of an appeal in newspapers which shows him along with his father.

Being a non-Tamil speaking candidate in a predominantly Tamil speaking party is a non-issue, as far as he is concerned.

“My father doesn’t speak Tamil as well and he has been division chairman for 45 years. Language is not a barrier. What is important is your ability and willingness to work for the betterment of the community,” he said.

Being on Samy Vellu’s list of endorsed candidates showed that the president recognises the work of non-governmental organisations, he said. (ANI)

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Malaysian Indian Congress working committee has two Punjabis candidates

September 7, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

MIC President S. Samy Vellu has endorsed J. Randhir Singh from Johor and G. Jaspal Singh from Selangor among 27 candidates, who will be part of party’s decision making body.

According to a part source, one of the two was being groomed by Samy Vellu to fill the vacancy left by former vice president K.S. Nijhar.

“But it will be an uphill task since both are newcomers and are going for the same allocation. And there are only a few north Indian delegates,” the New Strait Times quoted him, as saying.

Though popular in their own states, the two candidates are relatively unknown at the national level.

But Randhir is not letting that hamper his chances. He is leveraging on his father Jasbir Singh’s popularity, who has been the Pontian division chairman for the past 45 years.

Being a non-Tamil speaking candidate in a predominantly Tamil speaking party is a non-issue, as far as he is concerned.

“My father doesn’t speak Tamil as well and he has been division chairman for 45 years.

Language is not a barrier. What is important is your ability and willingness to work for the betterment of the community,” he said.

Being on Samy Vellu’s list of endorsed candidates showed that the president recognises the work of non-governmental organisations, he said. (ANI)

Radio Pakistan unhappy over criticism of Jaswant Singh book on Jinnah

September 3, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Abohar, Sep.3 (ANI): The expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jaswant Singh has got a new fan in Punjabi Durbar programme of Radio Pakistan.

In its latest edition, the Punjabi Durbar programme has described all political parties of India be it Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress or Shiv Sena being anti-Pakistan for voicing objection to Jaswant Singh’s book- “Jinnah-India, Partition, Independence”.

In its recent Punjabi Durbar Programme, Radio Pakistan said that Jaswant Singh has paid a huge price for his biography of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

Many Indian scholars have expressed sympathy with Jaswant Singh, but have taken exception to Pakistan Radio describing all Indian political parties as anti-Pakistan.

Anil Kumar, a historian and a commentator on current affairs has stated that political parties in India have tried their best to cultivate good relations with Pakistan ever since independence.

“India has been maintaining friendly relationship with Pakistan since 1947. India parted with funds held by united India, when Jinnah demanded it. Even after Pakistani aggression in 1965 and 1971, India returned to Pakistan the territory which was in India’s possession in the hope that there would be cordial relations between the two countries,” he said.

“Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh have been continuously trying to maintain good relations with Pakistan, but Pakistan continued terrorist attacks in India,” Anil Kumar added.

“India is a secular country. There are more Muslims in India than the total population of Pakistan. Moslems are happy to be in India. Many feel that they are safer than in Pakistan, which is being subjected to violence by the Taliban,” said Anil kumar, who is, an expert on Indo-Pak affairs.

India is continuing talks at different levels despite incidents like Mumbai terror attacks and Pakistan’s ongoing support to militancy in Kashmir.

It is surprising that broadcasters of Radio Pakistan expect political parties in India to sing praise of Jinnah, who was chiefly responsible for the division of the sub-continent on the basis of religious identities.

They accept Jinnah’s contribution during the freedom struggle against the British Raj, but are critical of his role in dividing the country. (ANI)

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Radio Pakistan harps on Kashmir, again

August 29, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Abohar, Aug.29 (ANI): The Punjabi Durbar programme of Radio Pakistan seems to have run out of ideas. In its latest programme, it has criticised Dr. Manmohan Singh for not including the future of Jammu and Kashmir in the India-Pakistan dialogue.

The Punjabi Durbar programme has criticised Dr. Manmohan Singh for taking a step ‘back’.

Baldev Singh, an expert on political affairs has pointed out that India has always tried to engage Pakistan in constructive dialogue. He said: “The way Pakistan is functioning India has been forced to take its steps back.

If Pakistan concentrates on its internal affairs and gains the confidence of the international community, our government will think of improving its relations with Pakistan.”

India tried to improve relations with Pakistan and the Indian Prime Minister went to Lahore. But soon after Pakistan attacked India and India fought against the Pakistani invaders in Kargil.

Again when relations with Pakistan were showing some improvement, Pakistanis attacked in Mumbai.

Government of India, which was still keen on improving relations with Pakistan, provided Pakistan with detailed dossiers. But Pakistan, instead of proceeding against them, is trying to find an excuse not to proceed with the cases.

Radio Pakistan has dug up Jammu and Kashmir again.

People feel that Radio Pakistan should concentrate on its internal affairs and punish individuals guilty of terror and spreading mayhem not just in Kashmir but in other parts of the India too (ANI)

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Lahoris to have Hollywood, Bollywood film feast for Eid

August 29, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Islamabad, August 29 (ANI): Cinemas across Punjab, Pakistan, are set to screen Indian and American movies on the upcoming occasion of Eid after local films were said to have failed to attract the audience.

Lollywood will reportedly come out with just three films while most of the cinemas in the country would offer three new Bollywood and two Hollywood films.

The cinema-owners and distributors held negligible and poor quality local production responsible for their turn to foreign movies, reports The Nation.

Nadeem Mandviwalla, renowned film promoter and director DHA Cinema, confirmed the DHA Cinema would run ‘G I Joe’, ‘Wanted’ and ‘Dil Bole Haddipa’ on the festive occasion.

But apparently, not all hope was said to be lost with few cinemas looking to present a local Punjabi film ‘Nach K Yaar Manana’ directed by Masood Butt.(ANI)

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Premiere of Bollywood film ‘Kisaan’ held in Mumbai

August 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Mumbai, Aug 27 (ANI): Premiere of Bollywood flick, ‘Kisaan’, a film dedicated to the country’s farmers, took place here last evening.

While speaking to the media, the director of the film Puneet Israar appealed to the media for its support so that the film does well at box office.

“I am hoping that the film does well. It’s a film that needs a platform and I hope that with the support of the media, we get that platform,” said Israar.

‘Kisaan’, a joint effort of Sohail Khan and UTV Spot Boys Productions, set in the Punjab heartland deals with how successive generations of farmers have farmed, toilled, bled and perspired for their precious land and how conflicts between the members of the family split the social fabric.

As a treat for the music lovers, the film also has one of the most popular patriotic songs of Bollywood from the 1967 movie of Manoj Kumar, ‘Upkaar’, ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti’, that has been remixed with a modern day club beat.

Sohail Khan, director and actor of the movie said that he enjoyed making the film.

“The film is primarily a Hindi film, but we have tried our best to come closer to the Punjabi dialect. We chose the actual locations. The costumes were almost similar to what the actual farmers and villagers wear. So I enjoyed making the film,” said Sohail.

The star cast includes Arbaaz Khan, Jackie Shroff, Diya Mirza, Nauheed Cyrus, Dalip Tahil, and Sarfaraz Khan.

Kisaan is slated to hit the theatres tomorrow. (ANI)

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Now, Sikhs accuse BBC’s Asian network of religious bias

August 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Aug.20 (ANI): The BBC’s Asian Network is at the center of a race row after Sikhs accused the digital radio station of being insensitive towards their religion.

The BBC were forced to remove a show from their website after Adil Ray, a popular Muslim presenter, received threats from Sikh listeners who accused him of denigrating one of their religious symbols, The Telegraph reports.

The row centres around a show broadcast earlier this month in which Ray discussed a Punjabi music concert in Canada where police had banned a number of Sikhs who refused to remove their “kirpan” dagger. number of listeners believed that Ray had been disparaging about whether Sikhs really needed to carry their kirpan – a ceremonial symbol that baptised Sikhs are expected to wear at all times – and began making complaints and threats against him.

The Birmingham-based network has strongly denied the accusations or any suggestion that Ray meant to mock Sikhism.

The row has nonetheless raised fresh questions over whether the digital network, which was set up eight years ago after the BBC’s then director general Greg Dyke described the corporation as “hideously white”, is serving its Asian listeners.

Last year, Labour peer Lord Ahmed accused the network of being biased against Muslims in favour of Sikhs and Hindus, although an internal investigation by the BBC later exonerated it.

The Sikh Media Monitoring Group has written to the BBC asking for a full transcript of Adil Ray’s show and accused the station of being insensitive towards Sikh listeners. (ANI)

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PPSC – PPSC Jobs – Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) – PPSC Sub Divisional Engineer vacancy

August 12, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

PPSC | PPSC Jobs | Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) | PPSC Sub Divisional Engineer vacancy

The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) invites Applications from eligible Candidates for recruitment to 50 Posts of Sub Divisional Engineer (Civil/ Mechanical) in the Water Supply and Sanitation Department Punjab :

Sub Divisional Engineer (Civil/Mechanical) (SDE) : 50 posts

Pay Scales : Rs. 15600-39100 +5400/-

Qualification : Should possess a degree in Engineering in Civil or Mechanical from a recognized university or institution. (ii) Punjabi of Matric or its equivalent Standard.

Age : 18-35 years as on 1/1/2009. Age relaxation as per Punjab Govt. rules.

Application Form complete in all respect along with the DD of desired fee should reach the office of Secretary, Punjab Public Service Commission, Patiala latest by 5.00 PM on 31st August 2009.

For More Details Visit Visit - http://ppsc.gov.in/pdf/wssd/ade.pdf

Application Form is available at – http://ppsc.gov.in/pdf/wssd/apf.pdf

For more instructions visit – http://ppsc.gov.in/pdf/wssd/ine.pdf

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Radio Pakistan’s Dalit propaganda exposed

July 14, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Abohar, July 14(ANI): Radio Pakistan, in its recent Punjabi Durbar programme, has said Scheduled Castes (SCs) children are being denied admission in schools in India, but nothing can be further from the truth.

Shyam Lal Arora, the district president of the Recognised and Affiliated Schools Association, Punjab termed the report false and malicious propaganda.

“The Dalits are not being discriminated or ill treated here in India. The Dalit children have been given equal rights and status in every school, college, office and department. Pakistan is making such statements to create tension in this country,” said Arora.

“In villages also, Dalit children are being given admission without any discrimination. Pakistan’s statement that the Dalit community is being stopped from taking water from community taps in the country is completely wrong. Here, people of all religions and Dalits take water from the same tap,” Arora added.

Pakistan is trying to create a divide in this country by asserting that casteism is dominant in India.

Radio Pakistan’s propaganda on casteism in India stands exposed by the fact that since independence, the Indian Government has taken several initiatives to improve the socio-economic and literacy conditions of the less-privileged in the country.

For instance, the strategy of the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP), which was evolved in 1979, is one of the most important interventions through the planning process for social, economic and educational development of Scheduled Castes and for improvement in their working and living conditions.

As far as reservation of seats in educational institutes are concerned, the Central Government has reserved 27 per cent of higher education seats, and individual states have been given freedom to legislate further reservations.

In 2008, the Supreme Court had upheld the law that provides for 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Castes (OBCs) in educational institutions supported by the Central Government, while ruling that the creamy layer among the OBCs should be excluded from the quota.

This shows that the caste system as it existed in the past has been formally abolished.

Radio Pakistan, therefore, needs to study the Indian Constitution before airing baseless allegations about India. (ANI)

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Indian footwear market has large potential

July 14, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Chandigarh, July 13 (ANI): The Indian footwear market has recently seen a demand shift from low-priced footwear to medium and high-priced products. But the huge potential that this development creates is as yet largely untapped.

The growing aspiration to look trendy but comfortable has increased the demand for footwear having international high-fashion brands in Punjab.

And for the brands, it is an opportunity to provide the Punjabi consumer with products that have a classic elegance – tasteful luxury, enduring quality and fine imprint of craftsmanship.

Jimmy Choo, Pavers England, GUCCI, Moschino – just to name a few, the global luxury brands in footwear have already entered the Indian market.

Till a few years ago, buying a foreign footwear brand would require a trip abroad, a gift from overseas friends/family or at the most an online purchase.

But it changed with the permission for 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in single-brand outlet in early 2006 that allowed foreign footwear brands to enter India.

It also strengthened the organized retailing in footwear. The affluent customers in India today have a wider choice in buying stylish and comfortable shoes.

“There is a huge potential I would rather see. People are willing to shell out money for a good product. They need styling. They need comfort and if that comes for a price. Why not! At Show Tree we are selling at somewhat around INR 12,500 a show of Lacoste and it’s selling. There is a very huge potential provided the shoe should be very comfortable and stylish in that matter,” said Hitesh Aneja, Brand Head, Shoe tree.

The 500 million dollars Indian footwear market is growing at 15-20 per cent annually. A majority of global brands are foraying into the Indian market through the franchisee route.

Bullish about the Indian market, Reebok, an International footwear brand, is expanding its reach by joining hands with Franchise India Holdings Limited, an integrated franchise and retail solution provider.

People in the Indian middle class today have more money to spend on quality and designer footwear, and the working class too wants comfortable, durable and trendy shoes that they can wear at workplace.

They are now more brand-conscious then before.

“There would be 2-3 main reasons. First would be definitely the comfort level. You can find out shoes for 1000-1500 rupees but they are not much comfortable and I feel that the leather shoes of these big brands have longer life and longer shine. I am looking for some Italian brand shoes and definitely they give good comfort like sport shoes. In leather shoes, you find comfort in these brands only,” said Bhupender Jeet, an employee with the Multi National Company from Ludhiana.

“We get quality shoes by paying more. So that’s not a concern. The branded sandals are more comfortable. And comfort can’t be compared with the cost. Cheap quality shoes are not durable where as branded footwear is long-lasting,” said Manjula, a local resident of Chandigarh.

Shoes, say lifestyle Pundits, are second only to clothes in terms of importance and the styles are mostly Western.

Presently, the shoes are available at a price range of 50 to 500 dollars USD or more.

No surprise then that be it Moreschi of Italy, Bali and Rosetti of Switzerland or Merrell of the U.S. – all are willing to come to India. By Sunil Sharma (ANI)

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Efforts on to revive tradition of Sanjha Chulahs in Punjab

July 8, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Fazilika (Punjab), July 8 (ANI): Sanjha Chulha or, traditional common oven has been a part of Punjabi tradition for ages, however, it has been losing it popularity for quite some time.

A non-governmental organisation is making efforts to save it from being forgotten.

It’s part of the initiative by the Graduates Welfare Association, an NGO, working to save the environment and strengthen the community.
The NGO has installed six `Sanjha Chulhas’ or common ovens across Fazilka to popularlise it and enable poor housewives to cook their meals twice a day.
In modern times, when prices of LPG cylinders are skyrocketing, it will help poor people cut costs.
A traditional oven like this enables 10-15 families to cook food besides being eco-friendly as well.
“We want to send out a message to the whole world that we care about global warming. The fossil fuels generate carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other poisonous gases, which harm the atmosphere. So we have come up with Sanjha Chulha project, which will reduce the use of fossil fuel at homes.

The natural fuels like wood and coal don’t harm atmosphere like fossil fuels. In this way, we will be able to help in the progress of our country and the differences among people will also be reduced when they cook food together,” said Varun Gagneja, project coordinator, Graduates Welfare Association.
The Sanjha Chulha brings together women from different communities to cook meals at the common oven. And, it strengthens bonds.
In rural Punjab Sanjha Chulha was quite popular and women usually gathered at Chulah to bake bread and discuss day’s happenings.
But, with modernity and busy schedules, the tradition is facing extinction.

However, by reviving the tradition of `Sanjha Chulha’, Fazilka’s Graduates Welfare Association has done a great service to community.
“This oven should be kept in different areas of the villages and the cities. It will help improve relations among people. They can share all their happiness, sorrows and pains with each other,” said one of the residents.

“This type of oven should be kept everywhere. People will meet and it will strengthen social bonds,” said another local resident. eanwhile, people of Fazilka are savoring delicious meals cooked in an earthen oven. Breads baked in such ovens are considered good for health and tastes distinctly.
There is a belief among many local resident that if such initiatives succeed, they will help save fuel, unite people and allow them to relish `tandoori’ delights. By Avtar Singh (ANI)

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Radio Pakistan now comes to the aid of Dalits in India

July 6, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Abohar, July 6 (ANI): Radio Pakistan in its Punjabi Durbar programme has taken up the cause of Dalit community in India.

The Radio Pakistan has said that the Dalits in India do not have even basic rights.

The allegation has been rubbished by Babu Ram Chawla, General Secretary of All India Khatik Samaj and Mangat Ram Chayal, Vice Chairman of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (Schedule Caste department).

“The statements of Pakistan radio about schedule castes in India are illogical. For, people of schedule caste have gained all rights in India from Government and the society. They have been given reservation in jobs, educational institutions, and a number of them are Members of Parliament. So the statements by Pakistan Radio are malicious and we should not believe it,” said Babu Ram Chawla, General Secretary of All India Khatik Samaj.

“Pakistan wants to mislead us. There are special welfare programs in politics, administration for the people of schedule castes. The schedule castes have positioned themselves from Gram Panchayat to the designation of President, the highest position in India,” said Mangatram Chayal, Vice Chairman of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, Supreme Court Department.

Broadcasters of Radio Pakistan will do their listeners a good service by first keeping themselves update about India through newspapers and other news sources.

As they must also remember that only recently all Member of Parliaments unanimously chose Meira Kumar as the head of Lok Sabha, who besides being a highly educated and experienced parliamentarian, comes from a schedule caste community. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati is also one of the most popular personalities which inspires the Dalits across the country.

India has a history of individuals from schedule caste or Dalit community occupying highest positions in all walks of life without prejudice.

In jobs and education, all socially backward or schedule caste people today have reservations to encourage their participation in mainstream.

Moreover, the Right to Equality is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of India. (ANI)

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