Tuesday, December 29, 2009

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

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

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

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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

Sunday, December 13, 2009

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.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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/

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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।

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

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.

Monday, October 26, 2009

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

Sunday, October 25, 2009

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

Saturday, October 24, 2009

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

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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/