23082025-LT-01.qxd 8/23/2025 1:00 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune PROPERTY DEFACEMENT: BOOK VIOLATORS, OFFICIALS TOLD INDIAN FOLK TROUPE SHINES AT SALALAH INT’L FESTIVAL POLLYWOOD ACTORS MOURN LOSS OF COMIC GENIUS DC Himanshu Jain issued stringent directives to address incidents of defacement across the city. P2 The group enthralled audiences with bhangra Giddha and other cultural performances. P3 Jaswinder Bhalla — a name synonymous with his wit, wisdom and unforgettable characters — passed away.P4 » » » FORECAST GENERALLY CLOUDY MAX 31°C | MIN 26°C YESTERDAY MAX 33°C | MIN 27°C SUNSET SATURDAY 6.55 PM SUNRISE SUNDAY 5:55 AM SATURDAY | 23 AUGUST 2025 | LUDHIANA Massive drive launched to tackle dengue spread Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 22 To curb the spread of dengue, the district Health Department carried out a large-scale drive on Friday under the ongoing campaign ‘Har Friday, Dengue Te Vaar’. Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur confirmed that extensive checks were conducted across houses, offices and institutions and action was taken wherever dengue mosquito larvae were detected. Houses, offices inspected; larvae found at LIC office in city, challaned Health Dept officials during an anti-dengue drive in Ludhiana. Houses and offices were inspected, which included LIC office, located opposite Pavilion Mall. A challan was issued to the firm in the presence of Municipal Corporation employees. A total of 420 teams were deployed for the operation, which covered two jails and 505 government offices across the district recently. During the inspections, larvae were found in 21 offices, prompting swift preventive measures. In residential areas, 27,429 houses were inspected. Health teams examined 41,215 containers and water-holding vessels, of which 79 were found positive for dengue larvae. Dr Kaur emphasised that cleanliness remains the most effective weapon against dengue. She urged residents to eliminate stagnant water from rooftops and surroundings, regularly dry coolers and water tanks and dispose of unused tyres, bottles and containers, which could become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. She appealed to the public to cooperate with health teams and take proactive steps to keep their homes and workplaces safe from mosquito infestation. “The fight against dengue can only be won when the government and residents come together with a shared responsibility,” she said. The campaign continues to intensify across Ludhiana as the authorities aim to minimise the risk of dengue outbreaks through community engagement and rigorous field action. Drunk man stabs wife, nabbed Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 22 A married woman was brutally attacked by her husband under the influence of liquor in Shivpuri late on Thursday evening. The man was arrested on Friday evening. The victim, Rinku Devi (in her 30s), a native of Bihar and mother of five children, was returning home after her factory shift when her husband, Sanjeev Dass, allegedly assaulted her with a knife several times before fleeing the scene. She was rushed to Civil Hospital by her father, Ramji Dass, and later referred to a private hospital due to her critical condition. Doctors have now declared her condition stable. Ramji Dass said his daughter was married for 14 years and had faced repeated domestic abuse from her husband, a mason with a drinking habit. Despite attempts at reconciliation, the violence continued, forcing Rinku Devi to live separately in Shivpuri with her children and work in a factory. “Last evening while returning from work, she was attacked by Sanjeev. He remains under the influence of alcohol most of the time,” he said, adding that if he had not taken her to the hospital timely, it would had been fatal. Daresi SHO Gurmit Singh said a case had been registered. The man was arrested on Friday evening. c m y b A professor who made state laugh City pays tribute to comedian Jaswinder Bhalla who passed away at 65 Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 22 Punjabi entertainment industry and academic community are reeling from the sudden demise of legendary comedian and educator Dr Jaswinder Bhalla, who passed away early this morning at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, at the age of 65. Known for his iconic comic roles and sharp satire, Bhalla was also a respected professor at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, where he served as Head of the Department of Extension Education till his retirement in 2020. The city, which nurtured Jaswinder Bhalla’s roots and witnessed his rise from a humble lecturer to a cultural icon, on Friday mourns the loss of its beloved son. Streets that once echoed with his punchlines and parodies, now carry a quiet weight of remembrance. The sound of laughter — his signature gift to Punjab — has fallen silent, leaving behind a void that feels deeply personal to every household that once chuckled at his satire. Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman, State Food Commission, Punjab, his longtime comedy partner, said with a heavy heart: “He created a void that can never be filled. I’ve lost my dear Dr Jaswinder Bhalla with PAU V-C Dr SS Gosal and other colleagues at the university in Ludhiana. FILE friend, my stage companion and the soul of our satire.” The Punjabi Sahit Akademi paid heartfelt tributes to Dr Jaswinder Bhalla, remembering him as a cherished son of the Punjabi language and a master of satire whose passing has left the sound of laughter forever silenced. Akademi president Dr Sarbjit Singh expressed sorrow, calling Bhalla “a beloved torchbearer of Punjabi wit, who has left us bereft of his vibrant humour.” General secretary Dr Gulzar Singh Pandher reflected on days spent with him at the PAU, saying it was an honour to be a contemporary of legends such as Dr Jaswinder Bhalla and Dr Surjit Patar. Prof Gurbhajan Singh Gill, who first met Bhalla in 1976 and considered him like a son, shared with quiet anguish: “He left before I could meet him — before the sun could rise today.” PAU V-C Dr SS Gosal remembered Bhalla as “a worldrenowned actor and a pioneer in education and co-curricular activities. His contribution to the Punjabi literature and culture was immeasurable. The PAU was proud to have nurtured such a multifaceted personality.” Bhalla had once expressed regret that he retired during the pandemic without a proper farewell from his students — a moment, he said, would remain a lifelong sorrow. Today, those students were mourning the loss of a mentor who taught them not only agriculture but also life through laughter and wisdom. A former student, Gurpreet Singh, shared: “He was the only professor who could make you laugh in the corridor and make you think deeply in the classroom. His lectures were refined, his humour never interfered in his teaching. We learned life from him, not just lessons.” Punjab has lost a distinguished academician, an inspiring social reformer, and one of its greatest artistes. His legacy will live on in PAU classrooms, in memories of farmers he guided and in the timeless performances that continue to bring smiles to generations, adds Prof Tejinder Singh Riar, Additional Director of Communication, PAU. Floral tributes were also paid to Dr Bhalla at the PAU today. Dr Bhalla’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to echo in classrooms, on screens and in hearts of those who learned from him, laughed with him and loved him. A personal glimpse In an informal conversation years ago, this correspondent once asked Dr Bhalla if his classroom turned into a comedy show, when he entered. He smiled and replied: “No, when I’m in class, I’m serious. I teach in a refined manner.” Afterwards, he shared a story that continued on page 2