25012021-JTR-01.qxd 1/24/2021 10:38 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar TRIBUNE OPEN HOUSE: ENHANCE BUDGET FOR HEALTHCARE SECTOR PAGE 2 ATHIYA, KL RAHUL SPOTTED AT A DINNER WITH FRIENDS Given that medical infrastructure is crummy, residents highlight the need for sagacious allotment of funds. FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY INBRIEF FREE COACHING FOR BANKING EXAM Jalandhar: Even as the district administration is organising training for 150 girls for the civil services exams (IAS/PCS) in the first phase, it is now going to hold a banking exam coaching camp for about 200 girls in the next phase as well. On the eve of National Girl Child Day, DC Ghanshyam Thori on Sunday said the district administration was making all-out efforts to empower women in the district, especially by enhancing their skills. He said earlier in September, a 90-day camp for the preparation of civil services exams was organised, where as many as 150 girl aspirants took training. Now, the administration will hold a special camp for 200 girls to prepare them for banking exams. He said the tenders have been floated and the camp is expected to launch next month. TNS MINI-MARATHON PROMOTES PEACE Jalandhar: The Vajra Corps held a mini-marathon at the Jalandhar Cantonment to promote national integration, peace and harmony as part of the 73rd Army Day and Republic Day celebrations under the theme ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh 2021’. A large number of serving Army personnel and their families participated. Similar events were also organised at the adjoining military stations of Ferozepur, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Beas. The highlight was the enthusiasm and patriotic fervour displayed by all. The event saw the incorporation of the ‘Green India Initiative’, in which plants were presented to the participants. TNS MAX 17°C | MIN 5°C | YESTERDAY MAX 16°C | MIN 7°C SUNSET MONDAY 5:56 PM Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 24 Having joined the medical services 27 years ago, he was famously referred to as a ‘one-stop-shop’ in the medical profession for his calm approach as a doctor as well as an administrator. When the vaccination drive started in the district, he was the first to be vaccinated because he was thought to be the apt inspiration for others. Having negotiated a fair bit of landmines in his over two decade-long stay in the medical services, Dr Kashmiri Lal retired as SMO at the Civil Hospital, Jalandhar, in December last year, The actor, who is currently seen in Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, will be welcoming his first child in February. SUNRISE TUESDAY 7:23 AM MONDAY | 25 JANUARY 2021 | JALANDHAR NOD FOR TRACTOR MARCH Say decision a step closer to getting 3 controversial farm laws repealed nu ❝Sarkar(Thepermission deni Enthusiasm at its peak as hi paini si. government was Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 24 With the Delhi Police finally granting permission to farmers to hold the ‘tractor march’ in Delhi on Republic Day, elated farmers termed this decision as a step closer to getting the three controversial farm laws repealed. No sooner did the news of permission for the tractor march spread, social media platforms were abuzz with posters and messages of ‘Kisan Gantantra Parade’ i.e. tractor march on social media. From Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram to YouTube, farmers were seen sharing messages about tractor march. Some farmers said it was a big boost for them and a further motivation for many others, who were yet to reach Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders for the tractor parade. Amarjot Singh, the youth president of BKU (Rajewal), Jalandhar, said it’s an immense victory for farmers. He said: “Sarkar nu permission deni hi paini si. (The government was bound to give permission). For us, this is a victory. However, the real victory would be on the day, when these three black laws would be scrapped. Farmers’ protest has become one of the longest, peaceful and non-violent protest not just in the country, but across the world, too! The entire international spotlight is on farmers’ protest and we will lead by example.” He shared that the enthusiasm of farmers was on cloud nine. “Even on Sunday, over 100 tractors left for Delhi bound to give permission). For us, this is a victory. However, the real victory would be on the day, when these three black laws would be scrapped. Farmers’ protest has become one of the longest, peaceful and nonviolent protests not just in the country but across the world too. The entire international spotlight is on farmers’ protest and we will lead by example. Amarjot Singh, ❞ YOUTH PRESIDENT OF BKU (RAJEWAL), JALANDHAR HEALING TOUCH: MEDICINES DONATED TO AGITATING FARMERS Jalandhar: As the farmers’ protest against the three contentious farm laws entered its 60th day, many of them have been supporting the cause in their own unique ways. From setting up the blood bank at the Delhi-Haryana borders to supplying all essential items to farmers, people are doing their bit to contribute towards the historic protest. Members of a city-based social service group ‘Vish Foundation’ have also come out in support of peasants and donated medicines to the farmers at Singhu and Tikri borders. The youth distributed all essential medicines to farmers. “In case of emergency, these medicines can be used by food growers away from their homes for almost from Samrai, Jamsher, Pholariwal, Sarhali, Jandiala and other villages. While small villages were sending around five to six tractors, big villages were sending 15 to 20 tractors each. We have arranged funds for farmers, who cannot afford hefty diesel expenses and buses for women and children, who want to participate in the tractor march,” he said. Another farmer, Gurpreet Singh Atwal, also the spokesperson of Doaba Kisan two months now. While they are camping outside in such cold weather, we have brought some essential medicines that will come to their aid,” said Vish Karam Pal Singh Dhiman (29), the owner of the foundation. The donated medicines include; Vitamin C tablets, nasal drops, anti-rash treatment, Vitamin B12 capsules, crepe bandages, cough syrups, packets of petroleum jelly, vics and cofsils, diclofenac spray and tube, paracetamol tablets, painkillers and others. Dhiman said the medicines were stocked after consulting doctors working at the borders to providing medical aid to farmers. Petroleum jellies, bandages and multivitamins were in demand at the protest sites. TNS farmers proceed to Delhi Jalandhar: The enthusiasm is at are playing a very important role its peak these days not just in this movement and for Republic among farmers, but everyone Day, we are fully prepared.” expressing solidarity with them. Ravinder Singh, a farmer from As scores of farmers leave for Nawanshahr, said preparations Delhi, they are receiving so much started days ago. “We formed love and appreciation on the way. teams, made people aware and Residents salute them and raise asked them to join us. Before we hands in respect. Rakesh Kumar, could convince them, they were an industrialist, Women, youngsters all ready to us. said the moment accompany accompany them We have never he sees tractors with equal gusto seen such a marching, he wants to let them know that response in any other movement everyone is with them. Hundreds before,” he said. Farmers have of tractors moved towards the been saying that the support for Singhu and Tikri borders and 300 them was evident as residents tractors of Kirti Kisan Union alone were with them and supporting marched towards the capital from them. “Some saluted us while we Nawanshahr on Saturday. marched past them, others flashed Youngsters, women joined the a thumbs up sign and raised their procession and expressed their hands in respect. It is a great desire to add more strength to the feeling. This is our win,” a farmer movement. Gurbaksh Kaur, said. Slogans were also raised president of Istri Jagriti Manch, against Prime Minister Narendra said history clearly tells that Modi and farmers relayed the whenever women have become a messages on loudspeakers as they part of any movement, they have proceeded for the big parade on always won. She said: “Women January 26. TNS Sangharsh Committee, said by now, the Modi government has understood that the farmers would not listen. “It is good that the Delhi Police gave permission for the tractor march, as even the government knew that there was no other option. Farmers were already upbeat about the tractor march, but this development has given them a big reason to cheer. After all, we are also the citizens of this country and have every right to so. Farmers were also seen sharing messages of ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of tractor march in Punjabi on social media, where the prime emphasis was laid on peaceful, disciplined and a dedicated march for their cause. Notably, the farmer unions had already announced that no ‘political party flags’ were allowed in the tractor march. Farmers were informed that only Tricolour and farmer union flags were allowed. As all roads leading to Del- 15 test +ve in dist NRI spends lakhs on mineral water Jalandhar, January 24 With as many as 15 new Covid cases, the district tally reached 20,495 on Sunday. No death was reported in the district and the toll remained at 667. There are 192 active cases so far and 19,636 people have been discharged. As many as 109 people are also under home isolation. Meanwhile, Kapurthala saw as many as nine new Covid cases on Sunday. — TNS SARABJIT SINGH Aparna Banerji PAGE 4 Farmers raring to join Kisan Gantantra Parade READY TO GIVE A TOUGH FIGHT: A man readies his pet ahead of the dog show in Jalandhar on Sunday. PHOTO: THE WAY ANIRUDDH DAVE WILL SOON BE WELCOMING HIS FIRST CHILD Not just this, the two often indulge in adorable exchanges by dropping comments on each other’s posts. Showstopper SHOWING PAGE 3 hi were flooded with tractors till late night and even on Sunday morning, farmers from other rural areas such as Phagwara, Adampur, Nakodar, Shahkot, Kapurthala, Sultanpur Lodhi, Begowal were also seen carrying enough supply of ration. “Though, all unions and independent groups have got enough ration, we were informed to bring more of it. Our aim is to participate in the protest and ensure its success,” said Harminder Singh, a farmer’s son heading to Tikri border. Vipan Pal, another young farmer from Adampur, also said the moment he got to know that Delhi Police had granted permission for the tractor march, he decided to leave for Singhu border. “I had already planned to attend the tractor march, but this development boosted my morale. We would be leaving on Sunday night with a group of over 15 people from surrounding vil- Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 24 NRI Satwinder Singh from Bagga village in Jalandhar came to Punjab a year ago. Living in California for the past 20 years, he came back only last year. Little did he know that he would be staying here for longer than he decided. When the farmers’ movement began, he went full throttle to participate in the campaign. For the last two months, Satwinder has gone all out to participate in the movement. He has been organising langar for farmers and those who are going to be a part of the movement. Satwinder said, ‘Until now, we have brought mineral water worth ~10 lakh, along with the support of other volunteers. Right now, we are just 4 km away from Fatehgarh, where we provide water bottles to those who don’t have it,” he said. Satwinder said while towards Singhu border he met a group of people who had ration with them, but not water. “So, I decided to organise a langar of water for the passers-by,” he said. Singh said he was a farmer himself and couldn’t see their pain. “Asi apne bhrava layi khade haan. Jo vi zarurat hai, poori karange (We are there for our brothers, will provide them whatever they need).” A MEDICO WITH NATURAL HEALING POWERS the day the notorious pandemic year 2020 ended. Having served as the overall Covid in-charge and having handled the worst of the pandemic times in Jalandhar, Dr Lal is now looking forward to a private practise from his own home. Having joined the medical profession at the CHC Panchatt in Kapurthala, he pursued MD medicine at the Medical College, Patiala. He had been working at the Civil Hospital, Jalandhar, since November 2006. While he has worked at the hospital in some of the most trying outbreaks – dengue and swine flu – you could say that working during the Covid pan- Dr Calm: First to be vaccinated, this SMO was ‘one-stop-shop’ amid pandemic was called Covid. ❝Iappreciatedthe ‘one-stop-shop’ during thewith theI was by former DC Varinder Singh nickname. But I was just doing my duty. One of the patients asked for fans and cleaner toilets, another asked for a TV. The key was being patient because for everyone it was a new experience. In the beginning there were several hiccups to Covid treatment. But as a joint team we overcame them all. I am happy that I could serve patients. Dr Kashmiri Lal, FORMER SMO, CIVIL HOSPITAL, JALANDHAR ❞ demic was another weighty asset to be noted down in his CV . The go-to doctor for many patients in such trying times, sharing his mantra for popularity, Dr Lal said, “In gov- ernment health services, most patients are from poor backgrounds. They want someone polite to talk to them…someone who listens to them. That is the only c m y b thing I did. And I tried to provide them with their needs. If they get the right treatment and a doctor gives them a patient hearing, things get right.” He has had his fair share of abstruse, awkward moments. He’s had patients intruding into the OPD to click pictures and interrupt work. Moreover, he’s pacified many hotheads, with as cool a disposition as ice, during the busy dengue times, who would ask him ‘why he was the only doctor on duty!’ “Patients have different approaches and some don’t want to listen or understand. But it’s our job to handle all kinds of people,” the 59-year-old underlined. During Covid while serving as in-charge of the ward, he was credited to have patients’ wards, addresses and histories on his tips. He recently also won appreciation form from the district administration for his services. “I was called the ‘one-stopshop’ during the Covid,” he quipped, before swelling, “I was appreciated by former DC Varinder Singh with the nickname. But I was just doing my duty. One of the patients asked for fans and cleaner toilets, another asked for a TV. The key was being patient because for everyone it was a new experience. In the beginning there were several hiccups to Covid treatment. But as a joint team we overcame them all. I am happy that I could serve patients.” lages in cars,” he said. Notably, the farmers’ unions were conducting meetings with the Delhi Police to reach a consensus. On Saturday evening, Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav had informed that the police have given them permission to conduct the tractor parade. The Delhi Police have announced that they would remove the barricades at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders for the tractor march on January 26. Will try to revive Sports College: DC Jalandhar, January 24 Aiming to bring back the glorious days of the first Government Arts and Sports College in Punjab, DC Ghanshyam Thori said the district administration would make efforts on a war footing to restore the prestige of the college in the upcoming months. The DC along with a battery of officials inspected the swimming pool, athletics track, gymnastics, boxing and multipurpose indoor hall. He said he would ensure complete makeover of the facilities, including sports infrastructure, grounds and equipment here, which would encourage budding players from across the state to join this prestigious institute. Thori said he was wellaware about the history of the college, which has remained a nursery of international sportspersons and produced hundreds of players of national and international repute since its inception in 1961. The officials of the Sports and PWD Departments informed him that the works of the college’s main building, hostel block, internal roads, new pavilion block, gymnasium hall have been completed, but some progress was pending in the completion of the multipurpose indoor hall and playground, following which the DC rang up the higher officials and sought immediate release of grant of around ~3.94 crore. —TNS