Fazilka Value Education Lecture Series-Physics by Nitin Setia, Samsung Electronics India Limited

Lecture on Electronics and Physics by Nitin Setia, Samsung Electronics India Limited on 26th December 2009 at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Park Library, Fazilka

Vijay Diwas 16th December- Asafwala War Memorial Fazilka

On the occasion of Vijay Diwas-1971 India Pakistan War
A 1971 Indo-Pak War's Martyrs Memorial

By Ashwini Ahuja (Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka)

Just seven kilometers away from Fazilka town, Aasafwala Shaheedon Ki Samadh- a sacred memorial in the remembrance of the martyrs of 1971 war between Indo-Pak is managed by "War Memorial Committee", Aasafwala (Fazilka) with the co-operation of civil and army administration. It is an historical place to visit if you come to Fazilka. You can pay reverence towards all those martyrs who had sacrificed their lives to defend Fazilka from Pakistan aggression.

Way back in 1971 during Indo-Pak war, several valiant Jat soldiers of 67 Infantry Brigade had sacrificed his precious life while fighting with Pakistan military near Gurmi Khera village. Before the enemies entered the village, the soldiers on India's side geared themselves up to hit back the enemies. They were equipped with high quality guns, tanks & ammunitions etc.

Needless to say the inhabitants of every house in the village and the surrounding areas had attached themselves through secret tunnels strategically to encounter the Pakistan army. Brave soldiers of "67 Infantry Brigade" regularly pray to Lord Hanumana to earn His blessing. They have the immense desire to sacrifice their life for the country particularly to defend the Fazilka city.

December 3rd 1971 was the beginning of doom days coming ahead. In a macabre evening that day, Pakistan Army attacked on Beri Wala Bridge and began to rush towards Fazilka. The skirmishes continued till 17th of December 1971. Our soldiers fought with bravery and succeeded in retaining back the areas which we had lost earlier except Beri Wala. Their strenuous and indefatigable efforts resulted in the protection of Fazilka but unfortunately, they couldn't save their lives.

On 17th December, 1971 exactly at 8 pm, the war stopped until then several brave soldiers had sacrificed their lives in their efforts to save the city. On 18th December 1971, the all dead bodies were collected in the nearby area. Mass funeral was arranged in a 90 feet long huge pyre. It is proudly said that all those who serve the country and bow their heads at Shaheedon ki Samadh are blessed ones. Every year, a function is organized in the memories of martyrs at that place. Dignitaries from different walks of life, politicians, highly government & Army officials, civilians and even students from professional colleges to offer floral tribute to the martyrs.

Regards,
--
Navdeep Asija
http://navdeepasija.blogspot.com
Fazilka - 152123

Picture Courtesy : Mr Pardeep, Unique Studio Fazilka

Gazal Maestro Mehandi Hasan and Fazilka

Mehdi Hassan was born in the village of Luna in Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan, India in 1927 into a Shia Muslim family of traditional musicians. He claims to be the 16th generation of hereditary musicians hailing from the Kalawant.

He received his musical training under his father, Ustad Azeem Khan and his uncle Ustad Ismail Khan who were classical musicians, well-versed in the dhrupad style of singing. They instructed him in classical music and voice production within the framework of classical forms of thumri, dhrupad, khayal and dadra, from the age of eight.

Hassan started to perform at a young age and the first concert of dhrupad and kheyal with his elder brother is reported to have been held in Fazilka Bungla, near present SDM Court (1935) district Ferozepur of Undivided Punjab. After the Partition of India, 20-year-old Hassan and his family migrated to Pakistan and suffered severe financial hardships. To make ends meet, Hassan began working in a bicycle shop and later became a car and diesel tractor mechanic.
The struggle ended when Mehdi Hassan was given the opportunity to sing on Radio Pakistan in 1952, primarily as a thumri singer, which earned him recognition within the musical fraternity. At the time, Ustad Barkat Ali Khan, Begum Akhtar and Mukhtar Begum were considered the stalwarts of ghazal gayaki.

He also had a passion for Urdu poetry and began to experiment by singing ghazals on a part-time basis. He cites radio officers Z.A. Bukhari and Rafiq Anwar as additional influences in his progression as a ghazal singer.

Following a severe illness in the late 80s, Mehdi Hassan stepped down from playback singing. Later due to severity of his illness he completely departed from music. He now lives a secluded life in Karachi which he has made his permanent residence. Nevertheless he often visits Lahore where he spends most of his time with his children and other family members.
While he was singing in the Court of Nepal's King Shah Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, he forgot the lines of his song "Zindagi mein to sabhii pyar kya kerte hain". Shah, then stood from his seat and start singing the next line.

He has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions: the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz granted to him by Gen Ayub Khan; the Pride of Performance bestowed on him by Gen Ziaul Haq; and the Hilal-i-Imtiaz conferred by Gen Pervez Musharraf. Besides the Nigar Film and Graduate Awards from Pakistan, he was presented the Saigal Award in Jalandhar, India, in 1979, whereas the Gorkha Dakshina Bahu Award was given to him in Nepal in 1983. Recently, he travelled to Dubai to receive yet another award.

(Source: Wikipedia)
http://whoiswhoinkarachi.blogspot.com/2009/12/mehdi-hassan.html

Fazilka residents donate for face-lifting of war memorial

Fazilka residents donate for face-lifting of war memorial
SP Sharma
Tribune News Service

Fazilka, December 8
The war memorial set up by residents of this town in the memory of 82 soldiers of the Indian Army, who laid their lives while protecting the area during the India-Pakistan war of 1971, is being renovated these days. It is being done with the donations from residents of the town that has the distinction of having established the country's only war memorial built out of funds raised from public.

Mohan Lal Paruthi, a prominent person of the area, who was among those who collected the mutilated bodies of the 82 soldiers of the 4 JAT and cremated them at the site of the war memorial in village Asafwala, is supervising the renovation work.

The war memorial committee has also set up a high school, a primary school, a dispensary and a community centre on the five-acre complex. A war museum is also under construction. The pillar on which the names of martyrs have been inscribed is also being renovated.

Paruthi recalled that the 82 soldiers laid their lives at Grumikhera while preventing the Pakistani troops from advancing towards the Fazilka town. A couple of residents on December 18 collected the mutilated remains of the soldiers from 7 in the morning till 3 pm and thereafter, performed the last rites on a mass pyre.

The war memorial was initially established on one acre land and was later expanded to five acres. The state government was approached for setting up a school that has now been upgraded to high school.

Paruthi said the war memorial had become an attraction for not only residents of the surrounding towns but also for visitors from outside who visit Fazilka to pay respect to the martyrs. He said portraits of the martyrs and pictures of the war would be displayed in the museum.

Shashi Kant, also involved in the renovation work, has published a booklet on the heroic deeds of the soldiers.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091209/bathinda.htm#2

Abohar Fazilka Area Association honored Ex. CBI Director Joginder Singh

CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh based Abohar fazilka Area Association (AFAA)
recently honored Ex. CBI Director, Retd. IPS  Joginder Singh for his
outstanding social service.

He was honored by giving momentum, Shawl & citation by Prof
.J.C.Nagpal, President; Dr.Anshu Kataria, Covenor; Bhupinder Nagpal,
B. L. Chawla and P. D. Wadhera.

Joginder Singh belongs from a very small town Jalalabad (West), which
is located at the border of Punjab, near Pakistan. Considering his
services to the society, AFAA honored him. Recently AFAA also, honored
Fazilka born Dr. Rajneesh Arora Vice-Chancellor (VC) Punjab Technical
University (PTU), Jalandhar. It is to be mentioned that The Abohar
fazilka Area Association (AFAA) (Regd.), an around 30 year old
association for the residents of Abohar Fazilka area.

It is worth mentioning that Sh. Joginder Singh has already been
awarded with "Panth Rattan", "Delhi Rattan" and "Punjabian DI Shan".
He has also been conferred the Millennium Sikh Gold Award. He has also
been conferred Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sadbhavana Award.

http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/21653/143/

जो बीत गई सो बात गई-Harivansh Rai Bacchan

जीवन में एक सितारा था
माना वह बेहद प्यारा था
वह डूब गया तो डूब गया
अंबर के आंगन को देखो
कितने इसके तारे टूटे
कितने इसके प्यारे छूटे
जो छूट गये फ़िर कहां मिले
पर बोलो टूटे तारों पर
कब अंबर शोक मनाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई

जीवन में वह था एक कुसुम
थे उस पर नित्य निछावर तुम
वह सूख गया तो सूख गया
मधुबन की छाती को देखो
सूखी कितनी इसकी कलियां
मुरझाईं कितनी वल्लरियां
जो मुरझाईं फ़िर कहां खिली
पर बोलो सूखे फ़ूलों पर
कब मधुबन शोर मचाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई

जीवन में मधु का प्याला था
तुमने तन मन दे डाला था
वह टूट गया तो टूट गया
मदिरालय का आंगन देखो
कितने प्याले हिल जाते हैं
गिर मिट्टी में मिल जाते हैं
जो गिरते हैं कब उठते हैं
पर बोलो टूटे प्यालों पर
कब मदिरालय पछताता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई

मृदु मिट्टी के बने हुए हैं
मधु घट फ़ूटा ही करते हैं
लघु जीवन ले कर आए हैं
प्याले टूटा ही करते हैं
फ़िर भी मदिरालय के अन्दर
मधु के घट हैं मधु प्याले हैं
जो मादकता के मारे हैं
वे मधु लूटा ही करते हैं
वह कच्चा पीने वाला है
जिसकी ममता घट प्यालों पर
जो सच्चे मधु से जला हुआ
कब रोता है चिल्लाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई 

लहरों से डर कर नौका पार नहीं होती-Harivansh Rai Bacchan

लहरों से डर कर नौका पार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की हार नहीं होती।

नन्हीं चींटी जब दाना लेकर चलती है,
चढ़ती दीवारों पर, सौ बार फिसलती है।
मन का विश्वास रगों में साहस भरता है,
चढ़कर गिरना, गिरकर चढ़ना न अखरता है।
आख़िर उसकी मेहनत बेकार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की हार नहीं होती।

डुबकियां सिंधु में गोताखोर लगाता है,
जा जा कर खाली हाथ लौटकर आता है।
मिलते नहीं सहज ही मोती गहरे पानी में,
बढ़ता दुगना उत्साह इसी हैरानी में।
मुट्ठी उसकी खाली हर बार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की हार नहीं होती।

असफलता एक चुनौती है, स्वीकार करो,
क्या कमी रह गई, देखो और सुधार करो।
जब तक न सफल हो, नींद चैन को त्यागो तुम,
संघर्ष का मैदान छोड़ मत भागो तुम।
कुछ किये बिना ही जय जय कार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की हार नहीं होती।

Leading Fazilka Writer-Ashwini Ahuja Interview over his New Book- ARTIST IN CONFUSION

Fazilka Map

 

Take Pride in Being an Indian - INFORMATIVE

ARYABHATT (476 CE) MASTER ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN

Born in 476 CE in Kusumpur ( Bihar ), Aryabhatt's intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy. In 499 CE, at the age of 23, he wrote a text on astronomy and an unparallel treatise on mathematics called 'Aryabhatiyam.' He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry. Centuries later, in 825 CE, the Arab mathematician, Mohammed Ibna Musa credited the value of Pi to the Indians, 'This value has been given by the Hindus.' And above all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the field of mathematics.

BHASKARACHARYA II (1114-1183 CE)
GENIUS IN ALGEBRA
Born in the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra, Bhaskaracharya's work in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him to fame and immortality. His renowned mathematical works called 'Lilavati' and 'Bijaganita' are considered to be unparalled and a memorial to his profound intelligence. Its translation in several languages of the world bear testimony to its eminence. In his treatise ' Siddhant Shiromani ' he writes on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, mathematical techniques and astronomical equipment. In the ' Surya Siddhant ' he makes a note on the force of gravity: 'Objects fall on earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore, the earth, planets, constellations, moon, and sun are held in orbit due to this attraction.' Bhaskaracharya was the first to discover gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton . He was the champion among mathematicians of ancient and medieval India . His works fired the imagination of Persian and European scholars, who through research on his works earned fame and popularity.

ACHARYA KANAD (600 BCE)
FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY
As the founder of ' Vaisheshik Darshan '- one of six principal philosophies of India - Acharya Kanad was a genius in philosophy. He is believed to have been born in Prabhas Kshetra near Dwarika in Gujarat . He was the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic theory. He has classified all the objects of creation into nine elements, namely: earth, water, light, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul. He says, 'Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each other to form molecules.' His statement ushered in the Atomic Theory for the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500 years before John Dalton . Kanad has also described the dimension and motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook , has said, 'Compared to the scientists of Europe , Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters of this field.'

NAGARJUNA (100 CE)
WIZARD OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE
He was an extraordinary wizard of science born in the nondescript village of Baluka in Madhya Pradesh . His dedicated research for twelve years produced maiden discoveries and inventions in the faculties of chemistry and metallurgy. Textual masterpieces like ' Ras Ratnakar ,' 'Rashrudaya' and 'Rasendramangal' are his renowned contributions to the science of chemistry. Where the medieval alchemists of England failed, Nagarjuna had discovered the alchemy of transmuting base metals into gold. As the author of medical books like 'Arogyamanjari' and 'Yogasar,' he also made significant contributions to the field of curative medicine. Because of his profound scholarliness and versatile knowledge, he was appointed as Chancellor of the famous University of Nalanda . Nagarjuna's milestone discoveries impress and astonish the scientists of today.

ACHARYA CHARAK (600 BCE)
FATHER OF MEDICINE
Acharya Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work, the ' Charak Samhita ', is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda. His principles, diagoneses, and cures retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused with different theories in Europe , Acharya Charak revealed through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc. In the ' Charak Samhita ' he has described the medicinal qualities and functions of 100,000 herbal plants. He has emphasized the influence of diet and activity on mind and body. He has proved the correlation of spirituality and physical health contributed greatly to diagnostic and curative sciences. He has also prescribed and ethical charter for medical practitioners two centuries prior to the Hippocratic oath. Through his genius and intuition, Acharya Charak made landmark contributions to Ayurvedal. He forever remains etched in the annals of history as one of the greatest and noblest of rishi-scientists.

ACHARYA SUSHRUT (600 BCE)
FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY
A genius who has been glowingly recognized in the annals of medical science. Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first ever surgery procedures in ' Sushrut Samhita ,' a unique encyclopedia of surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe , Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and other challenging operations. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' he prescribes treatment for twelve types of fractures and six types of dislocations. His details on human embryology are simply amazing. Sushrut used 125 types of surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, needles, Cathers and rectal speculums; mostly designed from the jaws of animals and birds. He has also described a number of stitching methods; the use of horse's hair as thread and fibers of bark. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' and fibers of bark. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' he details 300 types of operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the arena of medical science.

VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE)
EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA
renowned astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special decoration and status as one of the nine gems in the court of King Vikramaditya in Avanti ( Ujjain ). Varahamihir's book 'panchsiddhant' holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the ' Bruhad Samhita ' and ' Bruhad Jatak ,' he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting plants and trees. The rishi-scientist survives through his unique contributions to the science of astrology and astronomy.

ACHARYA PATANJALI (200 BCE)
FATHER OF YOGA
The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices. Acharya Patanjali , the founder, hailed from the district of Gonda (Ganara) in Uttar Pradesh . He prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. This subsequently rewards one with good health and inner happiness. Acharya Patanjali 's 84 yogic postures effectively enhance the efficiency of the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems and many other organs of the body. Yoga has eight limbs where Acharya Patanjali shows the attainment of the ultimate bliss of God in samadhi through the disciplines of: yam, niyam, asan, pranayam, pratyahar, dhyan and dharna. The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.

ACHARYA BHARADWAJ (800 BCE)
PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY
Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the ' Yantra Sarvasva ' which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. His designs and descriptions have impressed and amazed aviation engineers of today. His brilliance in aviation technology is further reflected through techniques described by him:
1.) Profound Secret: The technique to make a flying machine invisible through the application of sunlight and wind force.
2.) Living Secret: The technique to make an invisible space machine visible through the application of electrical force.
3.) Secret of Eavesdropping: The technique to listen to a conversation in another plane.
4.) Visual Secrets: The technique to see what's happening inside another plane.
Through his innovative and brilliant discoveries, Acharya Bharadwaj has been recognized as the pioneer of aviation technology.

ACHARYA KAPIL (3000 BCE)
FATHER OF COSMOLOGY
Celebrated as the founder of Sankhya philosophy, Acharya Kapil is believed to have been born in 3000 BCE to the illustrious sage Kardam and Devhuti. He gifted the world with the Sankhya School of Thought. His pioneering work threw light on the nature and principles of the ultimate Soul (Purusha), primal matter (Prakruti) and creation. His concept of transformation of energy and profound commentaries on atma, non-atma and the subtle elements of the cosmos places him in an elite class of master achievers - incomparable to the discoveries of other cosmologists. On his assertion that Prakruti, with the inspiration of Purusha, is the mother of cosmic creation and all energies, he contributed a new chapter in the science of cosmology. Because of his extrasensory observations and revelations on the secrets of creation, he is recognized and saluted as the Father of Cosmology.

Students show way to save environment - The Tribune-Save Badha Lake

Fazilka, October 24
Nearly 350 students of different schools poured water into the dry Badha Lake with their water bottles on the International Day of Climate Action here on Saturday to preserve Badha lake wetland of Fazilka in its original shape and to ensure future life at Fazilka by preserving its natural environment.

A programme for pouring water into Badha Lake was organised here today by the Graduate Welfare Association, Fazilka (GWAF) and international-level Global Campaign against Climate Change Association. MC president Anil Sethi was the chief guest on the occasion.

Online signature campaign was launched by the people of Fazilka. More than 350 on-line grievances by the people were sent to higher authorities to take action to save environment.

"Different organisations in 177 countries have been organising about 4,600 programmes simultaneously today to create awareness amongst the people against the threat of global warming and to preserve the environment," said engineer Navdeep Asija, secretary of Graduate Welfare Association.

It is pertinent to mention here that in year 1980, the natural water of the decades-old, 10 feet deep and spread in 17 acres of land, Badha lake had dried up. No political representative or government functionary bothered to save the lake.

At present, the existence of this lake is almost vanished. The panchayat of village Badha on outskirts of Fazilka had started leasing out the lake land for cultivation to private persons from the day it had dried up.

As per the information, gathered by The Tribune, there were about 150 peacocks, the national bird, in the forest around this lake. However, at present not even a single peacock can be seen in this area.

While giving the details about 350.org, the patron of the GWAF Dr Bhupinder Singh disclosed that the organisation, has been helping people hold rallies, aimed at focusing attention on the number 350 because scientists have insisted in the recent years that 350 parts per million (PPM) is the most carbondioxide we can safely have in the atmosphere.

The present CO2 concentration is 390 PPM, which has been damaging the atmosphere badly, he said.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091025/bathinda.htm#4

BADHA CAMPAIGN-Fazilka Out to Revive Lake-Hindustan Times-

Fazilka: Schoolchildren, members of NGOs and several residents of Fazilka emptied water bottles at the Badha Lake site here on Saturday in a symbolic attempt to revive it, on the eve of the International Day of Climate Action.

The campaign was initiated by Indian Youth Climate Network, 350.org and Graduates Welfare Association.

Earlier, a procession was taken out through Fazilka, amid raising of slogans to save the environment and revive Badha Lake. They also launched a signature campaign to urge the highups to intervene.

Vikram Ahuja, a prominent businessman, said the lake was an integral part of their life but the area had gradually been illegally occupied or used as a dumping ground.

Dr Bhupinder Singh, patron of Graduates Welfare Association, Navdeep Asija and Fazilka MC chief Anil Sethi, besides other members of NGOs joined the campaign.

Badha Lake is in the list of 32 wetlands of the world and also known as `Harash Sho Lake'.

Branching out of Sutlej through Miyani Basti, Badha, Salemshah and Maujam villages to culminate at Sulemanki Head, the lake is spread in an area of 150 acre. It was the main source of potable water from 1844 to 1946.

http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/default.aspx?ed=722

Sant Seechewal joins the campaign to Save Badha Lake at Fazilka

Sant Seechewal joins the campaign to Save Badha Lake at Fazilka - International Day of Climate Action being celebrated at Fazilka

In a another historic decision, Municipal Council Fazilka has banned polythene from 1 November 2009 in Fazilka

Today on the occasion of International Day of Climate Action, Fazilka citizens started their campaign to save the historic Badha Lake. Fazilka was established by British Mr Oliver on the bank of horse shoe lake Badha, which was then spread in the area of about 17 acre. He was impressed with the biodiversity of this area. This area was with the full of peacocks and other migratory birthday. This was amongst the best known 32 wetlands of Punjab as per the record of Punjab state science and technology council. With the diversion of satuluj water and greedy deeds of mankind, made this entire wetland as dry area. Illegal sand mining from the lake bad further worsen the problem.

Today in a historic event organized at the old bank of Badha Lake near SDM office, 350 school children from various schools participated along with leading business houses M/s Zamindara Farmsolutions and M/s Nasa Agro Industries as a part of their business social responsibility. School children were carrying their water bottles to pour water into lake bed. This was symbolic gesture by the school kids just to alert policy makers to care about their future and also to make this Save Badha Lake campaign as huge success as a citizen movement. Participator schools and colleges were Dost Model Middle School, K.D. Model School, Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) and Jyoti B.Ed College Fazilka.

Save Badha lake campaign gathered huge success when leading environmentalist Sant Seechewal in a separate communication also joined the save Badha lake campaign. He informed to the organizers about his visit to Badha Lake after 10th November of next week after his completion of Nagar Keertan. He also appreciated the efforts of Fazilka residents about their concern to save the water and the wetland. He extended his full support for the cause.

Adding a great success to the occasion of International Day of Climate Action, President Municipal Council Fazilka, Mr Anil Sethi in their separate decision at Municipal Council office, approved the Ban of polythene in Fazilka from 1st November 2009.  It is important to note here that being a border town this India's smallest big town has already set many examples to teach rest of the world about Environment Conservation and how citizen participation can suppress the effect of 'global warming'.

A signature campaign was also completed on the same occasion and the same memorandum would be handed to Deputy Commissioner Ferozpur to requested early action to save it. Dr Bhupinder Singh, retired professor from Indian Institute of Technology, presided over the function. He also stressed that if we don't act now we many lost our major environmental asset Badha Lake forever.

The event was jointly organized by Graduates Welfare Association (GWAF) Fazilka along with Indian Youth Climate Network and 350.org

Save Badha Lake-24th October 2009-Pictures

Pictures of K.D. Model School Fazilka, demonstrating symbol of  350 and requesting citizen of Fazilka to Save Badha Lake

Regards

Navdeep

Wake up! call by students to preserve Badha Lake wetland in Punjab

KANWAL PREET KAUR

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

FAZILKA: 350 school children from Punjab will pour water into the dry lake bed with their water bottles to ensure their future life at Fazilka by preserving their natural environment on 24th October 2009. It will be a message by them to all as how and why they are sacrificing today to save their future in Fazilka, since their elders remain silent when damage was being done to the climate of Fazilka.

Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka, in association with Indian Youth Climate Network & 350.org, starts an Effort to preserve Badha Lake wetland in its original shape.

Fazilka city was established on the bank of Badha Lake, which was then spread in huge area. In the year 1844, a Britisher Pat Van Agnew constructed his Bungalow (presently SDM office cum residence) on the bank of Badha Lake. He was impressed with the bio-diversity and environment of this area, later by purchasing land from Mian Fazal Watto, he founder beautiful city Fazilka in the thar desert region. Now because of the criminal negligence of the concerned authorities, greedy deeds of the manhood and some self interest of the political leaders to win over vote bank; we have almost lost our vintage uniqueness Badha Lake, due to which our city came into existence.

Till 1960, the lake was full of water and supported various species of migratory bird and the groundwater was available at the depth of 4 m below the ground. Between 1844-1946, the lake was the source of drinking water for the town. The Indus Water Treaty in 1960 caused the Sutlej river to be truncated at Suleimanki Head Works by the Water Commission of the Central government, leaving it with no source of water.

According to Prof Bhupinder Singh, Professor of IIT, Roorkee, "The stretch of stream from Ferozepur to Fazilka hardly gets any water from Satluj; all the 105-kilometre stretch carries is waste from the leather industry of Kasur in Pakistan. This has affected the ecology badly and has left many such smaller horse-shoe lakes on its banks dry," The lake-bed is now listed as Panchayat land in the local revenue department's documents and has been leased out for cultivation. The groundwater level has gone down to 30 m below the ground. In 2000, the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) submitted a report to the state Environment Department stating that the conservation of this wetland is essential.

http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/19882/38/

Residents pull town out of the pits, set example CITIZENS' INITIATIVE

Fazilka, on the Indo-Pak border now has library, car-free market, rickshaws on call

by Rajni Shaleen Chopra

CHILEANS had a saying: `En Chile no pasa nada (In Chile, nothing happens)'. The same could earlier be said for Fazilka. Not any more.

A citizens' group has taken matter in its own hands and with no tangible help from the state government, turned the town around. Considered one of the most backward areas of the state, the border town has taken giant leaps in the past one decade. A team of citizens -- the Graduate Welfare Association of Fazilka (GWAF) -- has taken a number of initiatives and set an example.

The group consists of a motley group of doctors, lawyers, educationists, businessmen and others who hail from the town. Some are working outside the town, but the desire to see development in Fazilka is the thread that binds them.

Last month, residents of Fazilka came together to celebrate Anand Utsav -- a modern version of the traditional mela, with stalls of eatables and toys, cultural programmes, and rural games. The real motive behind the utsav was to raise awareness levels about environment.
Women took out a jaago -- a festive march taken out at night -- singing songs to spread awareness about the need to plant trees. "About 300 saplings of trees like Kachnar, Gulmohar, Neem, Pipal and Jamun were given to the residents of middle and lower-middle class areas like Nai Abadi, Dhingra Colony and Teachers' Colony," said Navdeep Asija, secretary, GWAF.

GWAF deputed volunteers, who went house to house and helped residents plant the saplings. "We got the saplings planted by a daughter of the house. Female foeticide is a menace in Punjab, and through this move, our effort was to make people realise the importance of daughters," said Laxman Dost, a former municipal councillor and one of members of GWAF.
"Till now, 610 saplings have been planted in various areas of the city as part of the initiative," he added.

GWAF had earlier written to the schools of the township to get saplings planted on campus. With the help of Vikram Ahuja, a leading entrepreneur of the area, a tractor-trolley with saplings and equipment is sent to schools to assist in the job.

The town now has a working library, inaugurated in August, and in September, GWAF celebrated `Green Ramlila'. In the episode played on September 25, when Hanuman brings the Sanjivani booti to help save Laxman, saplings were given as prasad to the audience. The Fazilka Value Education Library has books given by students who have cleared competitive exams in various fields. "Now students preparing for these exams have the best of books, and a quiet environment to study," informed Dr Rajnish Kamra, a member of GWAF. The library was opened in the old municipal library building, which was rarely used. GWAF is organising lectures by experts for local students, through video-conferencing.

The association has also brought back the tradition of a community cooking area. In June this year, it set up tandoors in the streets of Nai Abadi, Teachers' Colony and Dhingra Colony. "Women now look forward to coming to cook at the tandoor each afternoon and evening, instead of hurrying up with the work to watch TV serials," smiles Raj Rani, a resident of Nai Abadi. A tandoor was also provided to a poor woman in the TV Tower Colony, where she is now able to make a living for herself as a cook. The number of such tandoors has now gone up to 10.

The earlier initiatives taken by GWAF are going strong too. A major achievement of the group was making the main commercial area of Fazilka, the Ghanta Ghar Market, a `car-free zone'. From 10 am to 7 pm, no cars are allowed here. The dial-arickshaw programme is also working well, said Asija.

A guiding force behind these various initiatives is Dr Bhupinder Singh, a retired faculty member of IIT Rourkee, and patron of GWAF. Laxman Dost says their efforts were born out of a feeling of frustration over the state of affairs in the township. "We realised that any change for the better could come through initiatives taken by the citizens themselves."

Indian Express, 19th October 2009

Peer Baba Muhammad Ali fair held in Fazilka

FAZILIKA - Sufi saints have been known for centuries to have spread the message of brotherhood, love and peace beyond the religious confines of different communities in India.

People of Punjab recently organized a fair dedicated to Peer Baba Muhammad Ali, and a large number of believers of the mystic converged regardless of caste, creed or gender, to pay obeisance at his mausoleum.

The fair is organised at Baba's mausoleum annually, which is located along the Fazilka-Ferozepur Highway in southwest Punjab. It is being held since 1947 Partition.

It is believed that the mausoleum has been in existence since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

As the owner of the land in which mausoleum is located belongs to a Hindu Seth Munsi Ram, a Hindu family is the caretaker of the mausoleum and organizes the fair.

Be it Hindu, Sikh or a Muslim - they pay obeisance with great faith and devotion.

"Devotees of all faiths come here. Devotees seek the blessing of the Peer Baba with ardent devotion. There is no distinction made among Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. No matter who belongs to which religion and caste, everyone gets an equal treatment in the house of Peer Baba Muhammad Ali," said Kailash Rani, a devotee.

An example of communal harmony in India, this holy place comes alive with activities involving shopping, food, sports and cultural programmes.

On this occasion, various rural sports events are organized during the fair with Kabaddi attracting from nearby villages participate with great enthusiasm.

The idea is to inspire youngsters to take up sports and keep them away from bad habits like drug addiction. It's a unique effort that has succeeded.

"Every year, sports events like kabaddi are organized and artistes are roped in to entertain. Such events inspire people to stay away of all bad habits. Whatever offerings we receive are spent on activities that benefit humanity, which includes sports and health," said Narendra Jeet, a devotee.

"This fair is organised in collaboration with all religious communities. It is an excellent initiative to maintain peace and brotherhood among the people," said Bohar Singh, another devotee.

On this occasion, a rural fair without Sufi and folk music would have remained incomplete. Thus, noted singers like Mohammad Sadaique sang devotional and folk songs. The fair helped in binding the people together. 

By Avtar Gill (ANI)

http://blog.taragana.com/n/peer-baba-muhammad-ali-fair-held-in-fazilika-195677/

Global Warming Control by Local Warming in Fazilka

Sanjha Chulla Coverage in India Today

Regards

Navdeep

मास्टर जी चाहे तो हर स्कूल बन जाए आदर्श स्कूल

फाजिल्का-समुद्र पार करने से कतरा रहे हनुमान जी को जब उनकी शक्तियां याद
करवाई गई तो उन्होंने लंका तक पहुंचने के लिए सैकड़ों मील लंबा पुल पार कर
लिया था। उसी तरह राज्य के सरकारी सीनियर सेकेंडरी स्कूलों के अध्यापकों
को शिक्षा क्षेत्र में योगदान देने संबंधी उनकी शक्तियों का आभास हो जाए
तो मुख्यमंत्री प्रकाश सिंह बादल को राज्य में आदर्श स्कूल खोलने के लिए
अरबों रुपये खर्च न करने पड़े, बल्कि हर सरकारी स्कूल आदर्श स्कूल बन जाए।
गांव दोना नानका के प्राइमरी स्कूल के साथ अब गांव निहालखेड़ा का सरकारी
सेकेंडरी स्कूल इलाके के सभी सरकारी स्कूलों के लिए मिसाल बनकर उभर चुका
है। स्कूल में टाई, बेल्ट कसे, साफ सुथरी वर्दियां पहन, बेहद सुव्यवस्थित
कक्षाओं में बैठ पढ़ रहे बच्चों को देखकर कोई नहीं कह सकता कि यह सरकारी
स्कूल के बच्चे है और न ही इमारत के रखरखाव को देखकर लगता है कि यह स्कूल
सरकारी है। सरकारी स्तर पर बनाई इमारत, अग्नि सुरक्षा के लिए प्रदान
यंत्रों और कंप्यूटर शिक्षा के लिए मिले कंप्यूटरों के जरूरी रखरखाव के
साथ स्कूल के स्टाफ ने प्रिंसिपल जगसीर सिंह के नेतृत्व में अपने
प्रयासों से ही स्कूल की नुहार बदलकर रख दी है। सबसे पहले तो बच्चों को
हर हाल में स्कूल भेजने की प्रेरणा उनके अभिभावकों को दी गई। बिजली कटों
से निपटने के लिए स्टाफ व विद्यार्थियों ने अपने खर्च पर जेनरेटर और उसके
इंधन का प्रबंध कर रखा है। इसके अलावा स्कूल में बेहतर शिक्षा का माहौल
बनाने के लिए माली न होने के बावजूद स्कूल में फूलों व छायादार वृक्षों
से सजे बगीचों के साथ घास युक्त मैदान बच्चों के लिए बनवाए गए है।
प्रिंसिपल जगसीर सिंह ने अपने स्तर पर सांसद से ग्रांट लेकर स्कूल के
प्रार्थना मैदान में इंटरलाक टायल का शानदार फर्श बनवाया है। सुसज्जिात
कंप्यूटर रूम, लैब व लाइब्रेरी भी इस सरकारी स्कूल को निजी स्कूलों जैसी
सुविधाएं प्रदान करने वाले संस्थानों की कतार में खड़ा करती है। बच्चों को
किताबी ज्ञान के साथ नैतिक शिक्षा प्रदान करने के लिए प्रतिदिन सुबह
प्रार्थना सभा में शुभ विचार, समाचार वाचन की रिवायत भी इस स्कूल की
पहचान बन चुकी है। खेलों के मामले में भी निहालखेड़ा स्कूल की विशिष्ट
पहचान बन चुकी है। जोन स्तरीय हाकी मुकाबलों में हमेशा अव्वल रहने वाली
स्कूल की हाकी टीम ने साल 2008-09 में जिले भर में दूसरा स्थान हासिल
किया। प्रिंसिपल जगसीर सिंह के अनुसार डायरेक्टर जनरल आफ स्कूल एजूकेशन
कृष्ण कुमार भी अपने विजिट के दौरान सीमित संसाधनों के बावजूद स्कूल की
उपलब्धियों पर प्रसन्नता जता चुके है। मौजूदा वक्त में स्कूल में पोल
साइंस व हिस्ट्री के लेक्चरारों को छोड़ शेष सभी सब्जेक्टों का स्टाफ पूरा
है।
http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_5828620_1.html

कस्तूरबा गांधी हॉस्टलों ने बदल दी मानसिकता

Sep 29, 2009
फाजिल्का (फिरोजपुर)-'जिस दिन बालड़ी पढ़ जाएगी, देश दी गुड्डी चढ़ जाएगी।' सर्वशिक्षा अभियान के इस स्लोगन को कस्तूरबा गांधी ग‌र्ल्स हॉस्टल योजना ने सही मायनों में पूरा किया है। पंजाब में ट्रायल के तौर पर फाजिल्का व अबोहर के ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में खोले गए हॉस्टल सर्वशिक्षा अभियान के ग‌र्ल्स एजुकेशन स्कीम के आदर्श केंद्र बने हुए है और पैसों के अभाव में बीच में ही पढ़ाई छोड़ने वाली कन्याओं के लिए वरदान साबित हो रहे है। केंद्र सरकार ने कमजोर आर्थिक हालत, लड़कियों को न पढ़ाने की मानसिकता रखने वाले अभिभावकों वाले क्षेत्रों में लड़कों के मुकाबले काफी कम संख्या में शिक्षा ग्रहण करने वाली लड़कियों को शिक्षित करने के उद्देश्य से साल 2003 में कस्तूरबा गांधी ग‌र्ल्स हॉस्टल खोलने की शुरुआत की थी। नींव को मजबूत करने के लिए प्राइमरी स्तर की लड़कियों के लिए देश के विभिन्न राज्यों में हॉस्टल खोले गए। पंजाब में इस योजना के ट्रायल के लिए साल 2006 में फाजिल्का ब्लाक के निहालखेड़ा गांव व अबोहर ब्लाक के धर्मपुरा गांव का चयन किया गया। गरीब परिवारों व लड़कियों को न पढ़ाने की मानसिकता वाले इन इलाकों में यह ट्रायल बेहद सफल रहा। सूत्रों के अनुसार, पहले साल अभिभावकों का विश्वास जीतकर उनकी लड़कियों को हॉस्टल में लाने के लिए चयनित गांवों के सरकारी स्कूलों के स्टाफ को कड़ी मशक्कत करनी पड़ी। अब आलम यह है कि प्राइमरी से एलीमेंट्री में तब्दील हुए स्कूलों की लड़कियों को हॉस्टल में दाखिल कराने के लिए अभिभावकों की लाइन लगी नजर आती है। निहालखेड़ा स्थित एलीमेंट्री स्कूल की छठी से आठवीं कक्षा तक की 49 लड़किया हॉस्टल के आदर्श माहौल में शिक्षा ग्रहण कर रही है। शुरुआत 25 लड़कियों से की गई थी। हॉस्टल में रहने वाली लड़कियों को सुबह नाश्ता, दो समय भोजन, दो समय चाय, सप्ताह में तीन दिन फल, दो दिन दूध व दो दिन स्वीटडिश के रूप में पोषक आहार नि:शुल्क प्रदान किया जाता है। उनके मनोरंजन के लिए खो-खो, बैडमिंटन मुकाबलों के अलावा इनडोर गेम्स में कैरम, रस्सा कूद इत्यादि का प्रशिक्षण दिया जाता है। रहने के लिए साफ सुथरे कमरों में बेड, बिस्तर व एक-एक अलमारी दी गई है। प्रांगण में सजावटी पेड़-पौधों वाला घासयुक्त मैदान भी छात्रावास के माहौल को पढ़ने योग्य बनाता है। साफ-सुथरे आधुनिक शौचालय, स्नानघर, आरओ वाटर के साथ समय-समय पर डाक्टरी निरीक्षण करवाया जाता है। विजिटर रूम में एक बड़ा टीवी मुहैया कराया गया है। स्कूल में कंप्यूटर शिक्षा के साथ-साथ शाम के वक्त प्रैक्टिस के लिए हॉस्टल में दो कंप्यूटर मुहैया कराए गए है। पढ़ाई में कमजोर छात्राओं के लिए हॉस्टल के बजट से ही शाम के वक्त नियमित टयूशन प्रदान की जा रही है। छात्राओं की देखभाल के लिए एक वार्डन, भोजन पकाने के लिए रसोइये, सुरक्षा के लिए चौकीदार का पुख्ता प्रबंध भी है। कुल मिलाकर जो सुविधाएं प्रति छात्रा हजारों रुपया खर्च कर अभिभावकों को नहीं मिल पातीं, वह कस्तूरबा गांधी ग‌र्ल्स हॉस्टल में नि:शुल्क दी जा रही है। और हॉस्टल खोले जाएंगे : को-आर्डिनेटर हॉस्टल योजना की डिप्टी स्टेट को-आर्डिनेटर सुषमा के अनुसार, पंजाब में ट्रायल आधार पर कन्या शिक्षा मामले में लोगों की मानसिकता बदलने में फाजिल्का व अबोहर क्षेत्र में खोले गए हॉस्टल खासे कामयाब हुए है। उसके चलते संगरूर क्षेत्र में एक हॉस्टल खोला जा चुका है। ऐसे और हॉस्टल स्थापित करने के लिए कई जगहों की पहचान की जा चुकी है। बजट मिलने पर इनको खोल दिया जाएगा। इस साल हॉस्टल का बजट 10 लाख से ज्यादा निहालखेड़ा सेकेंडरी स्कूल के प्रिंसिपल एवं हॉस्टल की संचालन कमेटी के अध्यक्ष जगसीर सिंह ने बताया कि साल 2006 में खुले इस हॉस्टल के निर्माण पर साढ़े 14 लाख रुपये से अधिक खर्च आया था। बाद में छात्राओं की संख्या दुगुनी होने पर ऊपरी मंजिल पर 10 लाख रुपये की लागत से नई इमारत बनाई गई है। वैसे हर छात्रा को प्रतिदिन 25 रुपये डाइट देने का प्रावधान है, लेकिन छात्राओं के खाने-पीने, रहन-सहन, वार्डन व कांट्रेक्ट बेस पर रखे गए रसोइये, हेल्पर, सेवादार, चौकीदार, अकाउंटेट, टयूटर व हॉस्टल के रखरखाव के लिए सरकार प्रतिवर्ष 10 लाख से अधिक बजट देती है। इस साल 1064500 रुपये का बजट पास हुआ है।
http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_5826156.html

शहीद की बेटी ने उठाया हरियाली का बीड़ा

फाजिल्का-साल 1992 में बठिंडा की मोड़ मंडी के निकट एक आतंकी मुठभेड़ में शहीद हुए गांव जंडवाला मीरासांगला निवासी पंजाब पुलिस जवान इकबाल सिंह की याद में जहां ग्रामीणों द्वारा यादगारी मेले का आयोजन कर उन्हे श्रद्धांजलि दी जाती है, वहीं शहीद की शहादत के दो महीने बाद जन्मी उसकी बेटी सीमा ने अपने पिता की शहादत पर्यावरण संरक्षण को समर्पित कर दी है। सीमा अब तक अपने गांव व आसपास के गांवों में सैकड़ों दरख्त लगा चुकी है।

इस साल शहीद इकबाल सिंह यादगारी वेलफेयर सोसायटी की ओर से लगाए जा रहे दूसरे सभ्याचारक मेले की शुरुआत भी शहीद की बेटी सीमा द्वारा गांव में पौधे लगाकर की जाएगी। सीमा का कहना है कि उसने अपने पिता को तो नहीं देखा और न ही उनकी उंगली पकड़कर चलना सीखा, क्योंकि देश विरोधी तत्वों के खिलाफ लड़ते-लड़ते शहीद होने पर उसके सिर को पिता का साया नसीब नहीं हो सका। पिता की याद में पिछले सालों में लगाए गए पौधों की छांव अब उसे पिता की कमी महसूस नहीं होने देती। पिता की 21 सितंबर 1992 में मौत के दो महीने बाद जन्मी सीमा के साथ त्रासदी यह रही कि उसके पिता के बाद वंश चलाने वाला परिवार का कोई सदस्य नहीं बचा। इकबाल के पिता व सीमा के दादा उजागर सिंह की मौत इकबाल की शहादत से पहले हो चुकी थी। बाद में दादी भी चल बसी। पति का बिछोड़ा न सहते हुए सीमा की मां कुलवंत कौर की भी 23 दिसंबर 1992 को मौत हो गई। सीमा को पालने पोसने की जिम्मेवारी गांव में ही रहने वाली उसकी बुआ ने उठाई। पिता की मौत के बाद जन्मी सीमा इस शहादत दिवस पर पूरे 18 साल की हो गई, लेकिन उसने अकेलेपन को कभी खुद पर हावी नहीं होने दिया। पढ़ाई लिखाई के साथ अपने पिता की याद को अमर बनाने के लिए अकेले अपने दम पर इलाके में पौधारोपण की शुरुआत करने वाली सीमा का अभियान अब काफिले का रूप धारण कर चुका है। बेशक पिता की शहादत के बाद उसके बिछोड़े में बीमारी की शिकार उसकी मां भी सीमा का साथ छोड़ गई, लेकिन उसने हिम्मत नहीं हारी बल्कि पर्यावरण संरक्षण को अपने जीवन का उद्देश्य बनाकर अपने जीवन को मकसद प्रदान कर चुकी है|
http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_5820602.html

Green Ramleela celebrations in Fazilka

Graduate Welfare Association Fazilka (GWAF) and Balaji Northern Railway Ramleela Samiti Fazilka celebrated Ramleela function in a novel way on Friday night in Nai Abadi locality here. They celebrated Ramleela as Green Ramleela as more than 250 saplings of different varieties were distributed amongst the audience free of cost to spread the message given in the Ramleela at large during the function.

It was a scene when Hanuman uprooted and brought the mountain containing Sanjivani herb to save the life of unconscious Lakshman. As Hanuman reached the stage with the mountain having different saplings on it, the audience welcomed him with applause. The organisers distributed more than 250 saplings of Neem, Arjun, Sukhchain, Alestonia, Gulmohar, Kachnar and others varieties displayed from the mountain.

"The idea is to give practical shape to all teachings and baseline values given in the Ramayana as our duty towards the environment during the Sanjivani herbs episode," said Lakshman Dost the Director of the Ramleela Samiit. "The modern era needs this kind of 'sanjivani' to alert the unconscious civil society towards their moral duties for environment," he added.

"Each tree is sanjivani for the society and this is the most scientific way to protect our environment through faith and religion," said Dr Bhupinder Singh, who initiated the campaign to alert citizens of Fazilka about global warming through the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib last year like "Pawan Guru pani, pita mata dharat mahatu."

— Praful Chander Nagpal

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090928/bathinda.htm

Asia's Biggest Wool Market at Fazilka - गर्त में समाई एशिया की सबसे बड़ी ऊन मंडी

फाजिल्का-भारत के मानचित्र पर फाजिल्का का नाम कभी ऊन की प्रमुख मंडियों शुमार था। फाजिल्का की तुलना इंग्लैंड के मानचेस्टर से की जाती थी जो दुनिया में ऊन का प्रमुख स्थान है। इसी से अंदाजा लगाया जा सकता है कि ऊन का फाजिल्का से क्या रिश्ता है, लेकिन अब यह बात सपना सा हो गया है। ऊन का व्यापार होना तो दूर सरकार द्वारा जारी ऊन की स्थापित मंडियों की सूची से फाजिल्का का नाम ही गायब हो गया है। उल्लेखनीय है कि आजादी से पहले फाजिल्का न केवल देश की बल्कि एशिया की प्रमुख ऊन मंडी हुआ करता था। लुधियाना से लाहौर वाया फाजिल्का रेल ट्रैक जिसे व्यापारिक नजरिये से अंग्रेजों ने गोल्डन ट्रैक का नाम दिया था, के रास्ते फाजिल्का मंडी में बिकने वाली देश भर की ऊन लाहौर के रास्ते अन्य रास्तों से पूरी दुनिया में सप्लाई की जाती थी। तब फाजिल्का में राम प्रैस व ऊन की सफाई कर उसकी गांठे बनाने वाली कई छोटी-मोटी प्रैस फैक्ट्रियां भी अस्तित्व में थीं। आजादी के बाद जैसे ही गोल्डन ट्रैक बंद हुआ, वैसे ही ऊन का व्यापार गर्त में समाने लगा। रही सही कसर पंजाब सरकार की गलत नीतियों ने पूरी कर दी है। आजादी के बाद लुधियाना की हौजरी फैक्ट्रियों, सेना के जवानों की जर्सियों के निर्माण के लिए ऊन उत्पादकों का माल खपता रहा है। सरकार ने ऊन व्यवसाय को कोई तरजीह नहीं दी, बल्कि मंडी में बिक्री टैक्स दो से बढ़ाकर चार प्रतिशत कर दिया जो राजस्थान में आज भी दो प्रतिशत ही है। साथ ही राज्य सरकार ने गांवों में लगाई जाने वाली अस्थाई ऊन खरीद मंडियां भी पिछले 10-12 साल से लगानी बंद कर दी है। सरकार की अनदेखी के चलते कभी ऊन बाजार के नाम से मशहूर बाजार में अब ऊन का नामोनिशान भी नहीं मिलता। गांवों में ऊन उत्पादकों को अपनी भेड़ो के इलाज के लिए पशु डिस्पेंसरियां व डाक्टर तक नसीब नहीं होते। इसके चलते यहां की ऊन की गुणवत्ता भी धीरे-धीरे कम हो गई। इलाके के अधिकांश गड़रियों व अन्य भेड़ पालकों ने भेड़ पालनी बंद कर दी है। वैसे भी एक भेड़ से छह महीने में आधा किलो ऊन ही प्राप्त होती है, जिसकी अधिकतम कीमत 12 से 14 रुपये (1000-1100 रुपये प्रति मन) होती है। उसमें से भी आठ रुपये तो ऊन काटने वाला ले जाता है। शेष चार छह रुपये गड़रियों की जूती घिसाई में निकल जाते है। जो थोड़ी बहुत मांग लुधियाना हौजरी मिलों की थी, वह भी आस्ट्रेलिया की मैरिनो क्वालिटी की ऊन ने समाप्त कर दी है। अब आलम यह है कि कभी सीजन में 25 हजार मन ऊन की आवक होती थी, अब कम होकर साढ़े चार सौ मन तक सिमट गई है। पिछले साल साढ़े चार सौ मन आवक के मुकाबले इस बार उतनी आवक होने की संभावना भी नहीं है। ज्यादा टैक्स के चलते अधिकांश ऊन उत्पादक अपनी ऊन राजस्थान के हनुमानगढ़ व अन्य मंडियों में ले जाकर ऊन बेच रहे है, ताकि हौजरी फैक्ट्रियों से नकारी यहां की ऊन बीकानेर की फैक्ट्रियों में कारपेट बनाने

First Green Ramleela of the Country in Fazilka

Sri Bala Ji Uttar Railway Ramleela Club, Nai Abadi, Fazilka took this initiative

UNESCO considered Ramleela as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity which is celebrated during Durga Sharad Navratras and now UNESCO will have more reason to say the same. Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka (GWAF) along with Sri Bala Ji Northern Railway Ramleela Samiti, Fazilka took up this unique initiate to spread the message given in Ramleela at large. Locally available and grown tree saplings (like Neem, Arjun, Sukhchain, Alestonia, Gulmohar, Kachnar etc) with the help of Forest Department Ferozpur shall be distributed to the audience free of cost. The idea is to give practical shape to all teachings and base line values given in our Veda's/holy book as our duty towards environment during the Sanjeevni herb episode, which Lord Hanuman brought to save the life of Lord Ram's brother Lakshman. "Our present Kalyug needs this kind of Sanjeevni to make alert the unconscious civil society towards their moral duty for environment about which each faith and religion talk about" said in a joint statement given by President Balbir Singh and Laxman 'Dost' director of Sri Bala Ji Uttar Railway Ramleela Club.

In this episode Hanuman was asked to look for the Sanjeevani herb that was reputed to have magical curative properties — it was believed to even bring the dead back to life — to treat Lakshman who lay unconscious on the battlefield. Unable to identify the herb, Hanuman simply uprooted an entire Himalayan mountain and delivered it in time to revive the mortally wounded Lakshman.

Each tree is a Sanjeevni for us and this is the most scientific way that how we can protect our natural environment through faith and religion, said Dr Bhupinder Singh who last year initiated the campaign to alert citizens of Fazilka about Global Warming through the teachings given in Shri Guru Granth Sahib like "Pawan Guru Pani, Pita Mata Dharat Mahatu".

God fearing and hopeful people of Fazilka are welcoming this step. "We have taken this initiative this year and we hope the same initiative shall also be adopted by the other Ramleela as well. The idea of doing this is to alert the present and future generations about the teachings of holy book Ramayana and also to spread awareness about environment, said Navdeep Asija, Secretary GWAF.

This episode shall be played on the night of 25^th September 2009 at Nai Abadi area of Fazilka.

Save Badha Lake-Punjab Kesri

Punjab Kesri-23 September 2009 (Malwa Kesri Page 2)

फ्लाईओवर

निम्नलिखित लेख उस छात्र की कॉपी से लिया गया है, जिसे निबंध लेखन प्रतियोगिता में पहला पुरस्कार मिला है।

फ्लाईओवर का जीवन में बहुत महत्व है, खास तौर पर इंजीनियरों और ठेकेदारों के जीवन में तो घणा ही महत्व है। एक फ्लाईओवर से न जाने कितनीकोठियां निकल आती हैं। पश्चिम जगत के इंजीनियर भले ही इसे न समझें कि भारत में यह कमाल होता है कि पुल से कोठियां निकल आती हैं औरफ्लाईओवर से फार्महाउस।

खैर, फ्लाईओवर से हमें जीवन के कई पाठ मिलते हैं, जैसे बंदा कई बार घुमावदार फ्लाईओवर पर चले, तो पता चलता है कि जहां से शुरुआत की थी, वहींपर पहुंच गए हैं। उदाहरण के लिए ऑल इंडिया इंस्टिट्यूट ऑफ मेडिकल साइंसेज के पास के फ्लाईओवर में बंदा कई बार जहां से शुरू करे, वहीं पहुंच जाताहै। वैसे, यह लाइफ का सत्य है, कई बार बरसों चलते -चलते यह पता चलता है कि कहीं पहुंचे ही नहीं।

फ्लाईओवर जब नए-नए बनते हैं, तो एकाध महीने ट्रैफिक स्मूद रहता है, फिर वही हाल हो लेता है। जैसे आश्रम में अब फ्लाईओवर पर जाम लगता है,यानी अब फ्लाईओवर पर फ्लाईओवर की जरूरत है। फिर उस फ्लाईओवर के फ्लाईओवर के फ्लाईओवर पर भी फ्लाईओवर चाहिए होगा। हो सकता है किकुछ समय बाद फ्लाईओवर अथॉरिटी ऑफ इंडिया ही बन जाए। इसमें कुछ और अफसरों की पोस्टिंग का जुगाड़ हो जाएगा। तब हम कह सकेंगे किफ्लाईओवरों का अफसरों के जीवन में भी घणा महत्व है।

दिल्ली में इन दिनों फ्लाईओवरों की धूम है। इधर से फ्लाईओवर, उधर से फ्लाईओवर। फ्लाईओवर बनने के चक्कर में विकट जाम हो रहे हैं। दिल्लीगाजियाबाद अप्सरा बॉर्डर के जाम में फंसकर धैर्य और संयम जैसे गुणों का विकास हो जाता है, ऑटोमैटिक। व्यग्र और उग्र लोगों का एक ट्रीटमेंट यह है किउन्हें अप्सरा बॉर्डर के जाम में छोड़ दिया जाए।

फ्लाईओवर बनने से पहले जाम फ्लाईओवर के नीचे लगते हैं, फिर फ्लाईओवर बनने के बाद जाम ऊपर लगने शुरू हो जाते हैं। इससे हमें भौतिकी के उसनियम का पता चलता है कि कहीं कुछ नहीं बदलता, फ्लाईओवर का उद्देश्य इतना भर रहता है कि वह जाम को नीचे से ऊपर की ओर ले आता है, ताकिनीचे वाले जाम के लिए रास्ता प्रशस्त किया जा सके।

फ्लाईओवरों का भविष्य उज्जवल है। कुछ समय बाद यह सीन होगा कि जैसे डबल डेकर बस होती है, वैसे डबल डेकर फ्लाईओवर भी होंगे। डबल ही क्यों,ट्रिपल, फाइव डेकर फ्लाईओवर भी हो सकते हैं। दिल्ली वाले तब अपना एड्रेस यूं बताएंगे - आश्रम के पांचवें लेवल के फ्लाईओवर के ठीक सामने जो फ्लैटपड़ता है, वो मेरा है। कभी जाम में फंस जाएं, तो कॉल कर देना, डोरी में टांग कर चाय लटका दूंगा। संवाद कुछ इस तरह के होंगे - अबे कहां रहता हैआजकल रोज अपने फ्लैट से पांचवें लेवल का जाम देखता हूं, तेरी कार नहीं दिखती। सामने वाला बताएगा - आजकल मैं चौथे लेवल के फ्लाईओवर मेंफंसता हूं। अबे पांचवें लेवल के जाम में फंसा कर, वहां हवा अच्छी लगती है। अबे, ले मैं तेरे ऊपर ही था, पांचवें वाले ल

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Navdeep Asija
http://navdeepasija.blogspot.com
Fazilka - 152123