Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Meaning of Tosha - (तोशा•توشَہ )
Tosha is a Persian Word
1. scantly food, little food
2. provision for a journey, provision supplies, viaticum
provision for a day accompanying the funeral of a deceased person (to support him during his journey to the other world, usually, however, given as alms to the grave-digger, or to some poor person )
3. alms or charity
4. food placed as an offering at the tomb of a saint
Source : https://www.rekhtadictionary.com/
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Tosha Sweet Types Across All Regions
| Region | Key Ingredients | Preparation Method | Cultural Role |
| Punjabi (Pakpattan/Ludhiana/Fazilka) | Refined flour, paneer/khoya, ghee, sugar syrup | Knead dough with dairy, shape into oblongs, deep-fry to golden, dip in 2-3 thread syrup for crystalline coat. | Gifting, souvenirs, symbol of cross-border nostalgia; lasts 4-5 days. |
| Sindhi | All-purpose flour, ghee, curd/milk, baking soda, optional saffron/pepper | Similar to Punjabi: fry oblong rolls, coat in crystallizing syrup; variations with spices. | Prasad in temples, condolence offerings, festivals like Holi. |
| Kashmiri (North Kashmir) | Flour, ghee, sugar, dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins, coconut), poppy seeds | Knead dough, roast on griddle, tear into pieces, remix with hot ghee/sugar/nuts, shape into ovals, roll in poppy seeds. | Sufi nazr for Quran recitals, births, memorials; now commercialized for heritage revival. |
Fazilka Records 12.5°C in October — A Stark Reminder of Climate Change
Fazilka recorded the lowest temperature of 12.5°C last night — the coldest in Punjab and Haryana this October.
Our winters are getting colder, and our summers are becoming hotter —
a clear warning of environmental imbalance: floods, polluted water, and extreme weather.
If we don't act now,
Fazilka will turn into a desert —
and our future generations will never forgive us.
#Fazilka #Punjab #ClimateCrisis #ExtremeWeather #SaveEnvironment #GoGreen #ActNow
Friday, September 26, 2025
72 water bodies across 14 districts recommended for notification under Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
Chandigarh, September 25, 2025: The Punjab State Wetlands Authority, chaired by the Forest Minister, has recommended 72 water bodies across 14 districts for notification under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, following ground‑truthing, digital mapping, and evaluation of 1,143 identified sites by District Wetland Committees.
The Authority reviewed progress made pursuant to the Supreme Court's directions in WP (C) No. 304/2018 (Anand Arya vs Union of India) to complete ground verification and demarcation of all identified wetlands. Based on the completed exercise, sites proposed for notification include Amritsar (2), Barnala (8), Faridkot (2), Fatehgarh Sahib (12), Fazilka (8), Ferozepur (3), Jalandhar (2), Kapurthala (4), Mansa (10), Moga (6), Patiala (3), Sangrur (5), and Sri Muktsar Sahib (7).
The Authority also approved the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the Beas River Conservation Reserve with an outlay of Rs 38.45 crore over five years for habitat improvement, pollution abatement, community participation, and monitoring. The plan will be forwarded to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for funding under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA).
The meeting concluded with a review of the recent floods' impact on Punjab's major wetlands, with the Minister underscoring the need to build climate resilience into wetland management—through stronger catchment treatment, hydrological restoration, robust boundary protection, and early‑warning and community‑led stewardship.
Sunday, September 7, 2025
🚌📚 Mobile Library at Fazilka Relief Camps
Mobile Library: Because Knowledge Is a Relief
Bringing books, calm, and curiosity to Fazilka's flood relief camps
Some kinds of work don't just get things done—they comfort the heart. Our Mobile Library Initiative is one of them. In the middle of loss and uncertainty, a simple book can slow the breath, lift a child's eyes, and remind a family that tomorrow is still worth planning for.
"Because Knowledge is a Relief"
"ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਗਿਆਨ ਵੀ ਇਕ ਰਾਹਤ ਹੈ"
Why a Mobile Library?
Floods take away routine—schools pause, play breaks, and children lose the rhythm that helps them feel safe. A mobile library brings back a piece of that rhythm. It turns a few square feet of floor into a classroom, a story-circle, a world tour—no walls required.
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For children: picture books, stories, coloring sheets, read-aloud circles
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For youth: comics, activity books, basic skill builders
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For elders & parents: magazines, newspapers, light reads
The goal is simple: reduce stress, rebuild focus, and restore hope.
How It Works
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Where: Relief camps across Fazilka, coordinated from Seva Swagat Kendra, Fazilka (Ferozepur Road, Village Jattwali, Fazilka)
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What: Rotating crates of books, read-aloud sessions, quiet corners, and coloring kits
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How: Volunteers set up reading mats, run 20–30 min story circles, and help kids pick age-appropriate books
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Care: Books are labeled, cleaned, and re-circulated; damaged ones are repaired or replaced
From day one, the reading mats have rarely been empty—kids love it, and so do the grown-ups.
Partners & Gratitude
This initiative is a community effort—warm thanks to everyone who made it possible.
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Shri @Harish Jain (Unistar Publication) — for books and encouragement
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Team Anjuma — for constant, cheerful support
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@Jasdeep ji — for tireless on-ground coordination across camps
Your goodwill is the wind behind these pages. 🙏
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Baba Nanak’s Land—Where People Become God for Others || ਬਾਬੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੀ ਧਰਤੀ ‘ਤੇ ਰੱਬ ਵਰਗੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
ਬਾਬੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੀ ਧਰਤੀ 'ਤੇ ਰੱਬ ਵਰਗੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
ਅੱਜ ਤਾਂ ਲੱਗਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਵੇਂ ਰੱਬ ਆਪ ਆ ਕੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ ਬਚਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੋਵੇ। ਹਰ ਕੋਈ ਆਪਣੇ-ਆਪਣੇ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਨਾਲ ਹਾੜ ਵਿੱਚ ਫਸੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਮਦਦ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਪਰ ਮੇਰੇ ਨਾਲ ਇਕ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਅਲੌਕਿਕ ਤਜਰਬਾ ਵਾਪਰਿਆ ਜੋ ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਂਝਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ।
ਅਸੀਂ ਸੋਚਿਆ ਕਿ ਜੋ ਲੋਕ ਸੇਵਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਜੁਟੇ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਲਈ ਵੀ ਕੁਝ ਕਰੀਏ। ਇਸ ਲਈ ਕਰੀਬ 500 ਕੱਪ ਚਾਹ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਅਸੀਂ ਫਾਜ਼ਿਲਕਾ ਦੇ ਬੱਬਰ ਸਵੀਟਸ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਅਸ਼ਵਿਨੀ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਫੋਨ ਕੀਤਾ। ਜਦੋਂ ਚਾਹ ਲੈਣ ਲਈ ਦੁਕਾਨ 'ਤੇ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ ਤਾਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ—
"ਇਹ ਸਾਡੀ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਛੋਟੀ ਜਿਹੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਹੈ, ਪੈਸਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਕੇ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਰਮਿੰਦਾ ਨਾ ਕਰੋ। ਜਿੰਨੀ ਹੋਰ ਚਾਹ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੋਵੇ, ਬੱਸ ਹੁਕਮ ਕਰਨਾ।"
ਦੁਕਾਨ 'ਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਹਾਇਕ ਕੇਤਲੀਆਂ ਗੱਡੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੱਖ ਰਹੇ ਸਨ। ਰੱਖਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ—"ਵੀਰ ਜੀ, ਇਕ ਮਿੰਟ ਰੁਕੋ।" ਥੋੜ੍ਹੀ ਦੇਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਾਪਸ ਆਏ ਤਾਂ ਹੱਥ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਾਫੀ ਸਾਰੇ ਬਿਸਕੁਟਾਂ ਦੇ ਪੈਕੇਟ ਸਨ। ਕਹਿੰਦੇ—
"ਇਹ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਾਡੀ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਵੀ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਤਕ ਪਹੁੰਚਾ ਦੇਣਾ।"
ਬਾਬੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੀ ਧਰਤੀ 'ਤੇ ਅੱਜਕੱਲ੍ਹ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੈਸ਼ਲੈੱਸ ਏਕਾਨੋਮੀ ਬਣੀ ਪਈ ਹੈ। ਜਦੋਂ ਅਸੀਂ ਸੋਚਿਆ ਕਿ ਪੁਰਾਣੀਆਂ ਖਾਦ ਦੀਆਂ ਬੋਰੀਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਛੱਤ ਢੱਕਣ ਲਈ ਤਰਪਾਲ ਬਣਵਾ ਲਈਏ, ਤਾਂ ਨਵੀ ਵੀਰ, ਜੋ ਬਾਰਡਰ ਰੋਡ 'ਤੇ ਇਹ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਕਹਿੰਦਾ—
"ਵੀਰ ਜੀ, ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਪੁਰਾਣੀਆਂ ਬੋਰੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਹੀ ਖਰਚਾ ਦੇਣਾ, ਮੈਂ ਤਾਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਬਿਪਤਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਮਾਈ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰਨੀ।"
ਤੋਲੀਏ ਲੈਣ ਗਏ ਤਾਂ ਜੈਨ ਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਗੌਰਵ ਵੀਰ ਨੇ ਪਾਣੀਪਤ ਦੀ ਫੈਕਟਰੀ 'ਤੇ ਫੋਨ ਕਰ ਲਿਆ। ਉਹ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ—
"ਜਿਸ ਕੀਮਤ 'ਤੇ ਸਾਡੇ ਘਰ ਪੈਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਬੱਸ ਓਹੀ ਦੇਣੀ। ਬਾਕੀ ਸਾਡੇ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਵੀ ਰੱਬ ਦੇ ਨਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਜੋੜ ਲਵੋ।"
ਕਿੱਥੇ ਮਿਲਦੇ ਨੇ ਐਸੇ ਰੱਬ ਵਰਗੇ ਬੰਦੇ? ਹਰ ਕੋਈ ਆਪਣੀ ਹੈਸੀਅਤ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਕਰਕੇ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਜੀਓਂਦੇ ਵੱਸਦੇ ਰਹੋ ਪੰਜਾਬੀਓ।
ਰੱਬ ਆਪਣੇ ਬੰਦਿਆਂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਆਪਣਾ ਰੱਬੀ ਰੂਪ ਦਿਖਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ, ਤੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦਾ ਖਿਆਲ ਰੱਖ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਲੁੱਟਣ ਦੀ ਤਾਂ ਗੱਲ ਛੱਡੋ, ਲੋਕ ਆਪਣਾ ਪੱਲਾ ਕੱਟ ਕੇ ਦੂਜਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਜੋੜ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ।
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਸਭ ਦੀ ਭਲੀ ਕਰੇ।
Baba Nanak's Land—Where People Become God for Others
Today, it feels as if God Himself has come down to protect Punjab. In this time of floods, everyone is helping in their own way. But I experienced something so extraordinary that I want to share it with you.
We thought, why not do something for those who are tirelessly serving others? So, we decided to arrange about 500 cups of tea. I called Ashwini Ji, the owner of Babbar Sweets in Fazilka. When we went to pick up the tea, his words touched my heart:
"This is our small service. Please don't embarrass us by talking about money. If you need more tea, just say the word."
As his assistant was loading the kettles into the vehicle, he paused and said, "Wait a minute, brother." He soon returned with several packets of biscuits and said with a smile:
"Please deliver these too, as our service to those in need."
This is Baba Nanak's land, where even today people live with such a spirit of giving. When we thought of getting tarpaulins made from old grain sacks to cover broken roofs, Navi Veer, who works on the Border Road, said humbly:
"Brother, just pay for the old sacks. I cannot earn from people's suffering in such hard times."
Later, when we went to buy towels, Jain Ji and Gaurav Veer called a factory in Panipat. Their response was equally moving:
"Just pay us what we get at home. For the rest, count it as our share too, in God's name."
Where else can you find people like this—so godlike? Everyone is trying to serve beyond their means. May you live long, Punjabis.
In this difficult time, God is showing His presence through His people, taking care of everyone. Instead of looting, people are cutting from their own share to give to others.
May Waheguru bless all.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
ज़िंदगी सीमा पर… फ़ाज़िल्का के गाँव मोहम्मद पीरा और बाखू शाह की एक सच्ची कहानी - Shimal Agreement, Fazilka
🧭 ज़िंदगी सीमा पर… फ़ाज़िल्का के गाँव मोहम्मद पीरा और बाखू शाह की एक सच्ची कहानी
1971 का भारत-पाक युद्ध सिर्फ फौज की लड़ाई नहीं थी। यह उन आम लोगों की भी लड़ाई थी, जो बिना वर्दी, बिना हथियार, सिर्फ हिम्मत और उम्मीद के सहारे देश के लिए खड़े रहे।
ऐसी ही एक सच्ची और दिल छूने वाली कहानी है फ़ाज़िल्का के गाँव बाखू शाह के मलकीत सिंह और उनकी पत्नी नानकी बाई की।
👉 युद्ध के दौरान मलकीत सिंह को पाकिस्तानी फौज ने बंदी बना लिया।
👉 उनकी पत्नी नानकी बाई, जो उस समय गर्भवती थीं, उन्हें भी बंदी बना लिया गया।
👉 और फिर उन्होंने पाकिस्तान की जेल में अपने बेटे – रावेल सिंह – को जन्म दिया।
📍 ये सिर्फ एक परिवार की बात नहीं थी।
गाँव मोहम्मद पीरा और बाखू शाह के करीब 300 नागरिकों को 1971 में पाकिस्तान ने युद्ध के दौरान बंदी बना लिया था।
📜 फिर आया शिमला समझौता – 2 जुलाई 1972, जब भारत और पाकिस्तान के बीच एक ऐतिहासिक संधि हुई।
उसके बाद मलकीत सिंह, नानकी बाई और रावेल सिंह सहित लगभग 300 लोगों की अपने गाँवों में वापसी हुई — दर्दभरी यादों और मजबूती भरे जज़्बे के साथ।
यह कहानी हमें याद दिलाती है कि
➡️ देशभक्ति सिर्फ हथियार उठाने में नहीं,
➡️ बल्कि एक माँ की कोख,
➡️ एक परिवार की सहनशक्ति,
➡️ और एक नागरिक की उम्मीद में भी होती है।
🙏 मलकीत सिंह, नानकी बाई और रावेल सिंह को शत-शत नमन।
🙏 और पत्रकार दिव्या गोयल को सलाम, जिन्होंने इस भूली हुई कहानी को फिर से दुनिया के सामने लाकर, इतिहास को इंसानियत से जोड़ा।
📌 आज शिमला समझौते की वर्षगांठ पर, आइए हम उन गुमनाम नायकों को याद करें जो किताबों में नहीं, पर हमारी ज़मीन और दिलों में ज़िंदा हैं।
On Simla Agreement's 53rd anniversary, 1971 war survivors remember detention days in Pak, homecoming: 'All hopes to return were lost but..' | Chandigarh News - The Indian Express
#ज़िंदगी_सीमा_पर #MalkeetSingh #नानकी_बाई #RawelSingh #BakhuShah #MohammadPira #Fazilka #DivyaGoyal #IndianExpress #1971War #SimlaAgreement #UnsungHeroes #PakJailBirth #PunjabBorder #CiviliansInWar #Homecoming
Thursday, June 19, 2025
एक बंगला बने न्यारा - Reality Vs. Possibilities ❤
कुछ पेड़ , पैदल चलने और गाडियों की जगह , फिर से लौटा सकते है अपने फाज़िलका की खोई शान
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
The Buck Stops Here: Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai and the Soul of Fazilka
We, me and Late Dr Bhupinder Singh, turned to Vikram, a progressive farmer, seeking his perspective. His response was immediate: "Let's do it." Adding to this momentum, Capt. M.S. Bedi, an ex-army officer and philanthropist from Fazilka, joined in with enthusiasm, declaring, "Yaar, karte hain." With the combined support of these two individuals, the path forward became clearer.
However, organizing an event of this magnitude was no small feat. Handling logistics for over 20,000 attendees required significant mobilization and support. It was at this juncture that the Indian Army's involvement became pivotal.
Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, then the Commanding Officer of his unit stationed in Fazilka, embraced the idea wholeheartedly, recognizing the potential of civil-armed force collaboration. His support was steadfast, and his leadership instrumental in bringing the festival to fruition.
With Lt. Gen. Ghai's guidance, we initiated the festival with a cycle rally to spread awareness, leading into a three-day celebration at the Old Ram Press premises. His commitment extended beyond his official capacity; his family became integral to the event. Mrs. Ghai took charge of the exhibitions and handicrafts, leveraging her role as the head of the Armed Wives Welfare Association. She even arranged for a special chef from Rajasthan to bring authentic Rajasthani cuisine to the festival. This infusion of culture and dedication transformed the festival overnight, setting a precedent for future events. The festival culminated in a resounding success, with all thanks to the Indian Army and the leader Lt. General Rajiv Ghai.
After the festival's conclusion, Vikram and I visited Lt. Gen. Ghai's office to express our gratitude. There, a simple yet profound sign caught our attention: "The Buck Stops Here." This phrase resonated deeply with me, encapsulating a philosophy of accountability and leadership. When I later established my first independent office as a traffic advisor, it was Lt. Gen. Ghai's idea to place the same sign on my door—a constant reminder of responsibility.
Fast forward to April of this year, we celebrated the 17th edition of the Fazilka Heritage Festival. What began as a tentative endeavor has now become an enduring tradition, a testament to the resilience and unity of our community.
Recently, during a conference, Lt. Gen. Ghai referenced a famous cricketing adage: "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. If Lillee don't get you, Thommo must." This metaphor, highlighting a relentless defense, mirrors his approach to leadership. When residents of Fazilka saw him on national television, they recognized the same zeal, leadership, and untiring commitment that had once galvanized our festival. Now serving as the Director General of Military Operations, Lt. Gen. Ghai's influence remains deeply embedded in our city's cultural fabric.
The Indian Army has continued this legacy of support. Last year, Brigadier Maneesh Jain added new dimensions to the festival, reinforcing the army's role as a steadfast pillar of our community. In Fazilka, where political or administrative challenges often arise, the army's consistent support has ensured our collective success.
Reflecting on Lt. Gen. Ghai's statement, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. If Lillee don't get you, Thommo must," it's evident that the network of patriotic civilians he helped cultivate stands as a formidable defense. This community, united and resilient, ensures that any adversary would find themselves ensnared in a web of solid solidarity.
In Fazilka, the buck indeed stops here.
#LtGeneralRajivGhai #IndianArmy #SmartFauji
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Rai Sikhs of Fazilka: Guardians of the Frontier
In the border district of Fazilka, the Rai Sikh community traces its roots to the 1947 Partition. Originally from West Punjab (places like Okara, Pakpattan and Sahiwal), they migrated en masse into India. Settled on lands left by departing families, they transformed this frontier into thriving farms. Today, Rai Sikhs dominate over 200 villages in the Fazilka-Ferozepur belt, making up nearly 40% of the region's population. Their Punjabi dialect retains echoes of Shahmukhi (the script of their old home) even as they write in Gurmukhi, and they carry on rich rural traditions – from weaving charpoy beds to hand-crafting sturdy village furniture – that reflect a proud agrarian heritage.
Living on the frontline, the Rai Sikhs have repeatedly proven their mettle in India's wars. In 1971, Pakistani forces overran 28 border villages, but could not break the spirit of this community. Villagers evacuated their families yet some stayed to watch over the land; when they returned, their fields were sown with landmines, making farming near-impossible. Undaunted, they helped clear the danger and nursed the land back to fertility. Local elders still vividly recall the thunder of 1965 and 1971, the hurried evacuations and nights spent under shellfire. "War leads only to destruction," they say, but also note with quiet pride that Punjabis like them "never fear the battlefield…we stand with the nation". Many from this community have served in the Army and Border Security Force, a tradition carried on by the youth. "Now, children are eager to study. Many of our boys are in the Army… Times are changing," says Veer Singh, a village leader. Even the women and elders pitch in: during conflicts, they form civilian defense groups, care for evacuated livestock, and support the troops. One such resident boldly declared, "We are ready to support our soldiers as the first line of defense", echoing a sentiment that has turned these villagers into an unofficial extension of the armed forces.
The cultural identity of Fazilka's Rai Sikhs is a unique blend of courage and heritage. They pray in gurdwaras that were built with their own hands and celebrate festivals with an exuberance undimmed by hardship. Their language and lore bridge India and Pakistan, and their crafts and customs continue as reminders of a history that spans both sides of the border. Administrators and Army officers alike have acknowledged the Rai Sikhs' contributions – from helping thwart infiltrators to swiftly rebuilding communities after floods. After the 1971 war, it was the villagers of Asafwala who gathered the fallen soldiers and built the Shaheedon ki Samadhi memorial to honor 226 slain heroes, enshrining the mortal remains of 82 "saviours of Fazilka". When a massive flood in 1988 destroyed this monument, the community raised it again brick by brick, a testament to their devotion and resilience.
Legacy: Over the decades, the Rai Sikh community of Fazilka has become a living bulwark on India's western border. Through partition and war, through floods and uncertainty, they have stood steadfast – a Great Wall of Fazilka and Punjab in spirit if not in stone. Their frontline villages, often surrounded by Pakistan on three sides and the Sutlej River on the fourth, are more than just border settlements; they are symbols of indomitable courage. With every generation, new stories are added to the Rai Sikhs' saga – of sons and daughters guarding the nation in uniform, of farmers who refuse to abandon their fields, and of elders who pass on the flame of resilience. This community's history and character have left an indelible mark on Fazilka, where the Rai Sikhs continue to embody a legacy of valour, cultural richness, and unwavering loyalty to their land and country.
