11042026-JTR-01.qxd 4/10/2026 11:40 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune FARMERS URGED TO ADOPT MODERN PRACTICES PUNJABI FILM CHAALI DIN EMERGES AS A REFRESHING CHANGE VICTORIA’S LATEST SECRET REVEALED… AND IT’S TRIPTII DIMRI! The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organised a farmers’ training camp at Tajpur village. P2 Based on Dr Gurpreet Dhugga’s novel, the film promises not just entertainment, but also a journey of self-reflection.P3 Triptii Dimri has become first Indian brand ambassador for Victoria’s Secret. She leads brand’s Summer Signature campaign P4 » » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR MAX 27°C | MIN 14°C YESTERDAY MAX 26°C | MIN 13°C SUNSET SATURDAY 6.53 PM SUNRISE SUNDAY 6.03 AM SATURDAY | 11 APRIL 2026 | JALANDHAR Walia assumes charge as Jalandhar DC Jalandhar, April 10 A 2018-batch IAS officer, Varjeet Walia, on Friday morning assumed charge as the new Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Jalandhar at the District Administrative Complex. Interacting with mediapersons on the occasion, the Varjeet Walia, DC said Jalandhar Deputy grievance Commissioner. redressal would remain one of his key priorities, along with further strengthening infrastructure in the district. Recalling his association with Jalandhar, Walia said he had completed one year of field training in Jalandhar district and had also worked closely in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and flood situations. During a preliminary meeting with officials and staff, Walia asked them to perform their duties with dedication so that benefits of various schemes could percolate to every section of society. Before being posted to Jalandhar, Walia served as Deputy Commissioner of Rupnagar, where he got an opportunity to organise significant events related to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. — TNS Rasokhana controversy keeps Defying all odds, women achieve financial freedom Banga MLA uncomfortable Shrine’s functionary, who joined SAD, delivering anti-AAP speeches Aakanksha N Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Nawanshahr, April 10 Developments in the past three months have made the position of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Banga MLA Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi quite uncomfortable. Things were going completely smooth for him even after he quit Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in August 2024 and joined the ruling AAP His . position became awkward after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann indicated on Maghi Mela that 139 of the 328 “missing saroops” of Guru Granth Sahib had been found at Rasokhana Shri Nabh Kanwal Raja Sahib Mazara Nau Abad, a holy shrine falling in Banga. As the controversy raged on for over a week, Dr Sukhi had to repeatedly clarify his stand that he was with the shrine and was against any scrutiny about its functioning. Even the state government had to make a U-turn on the initial statement made by the CM. In the midst of the controversy, Amrik S Ballowal, who became the face of Rasokhana and clarified all Rasokhana Shri Nabh Kanwal Raja Sahib functionary Amrik Singh Ballowal addresses gathering from SAD platform at a recent event. allegations against the shrine, announced to quit AAP Dr Sukhi too had quit as . Chairman of Punjab State Container and Warehousing Corporation while also relinquishing his charge as the Cabinet Minister. Though Dr Sukhi has got his resignations approved from the party, things have not become smooth for him till date. Last month, Ballowal joined the SAD and since then he has been reminding people about the controversy into which Rasokhana had been dragged. He has become the spokesperson of the SAD, which is giving him time to deliver speeches everywhere in Doaba and rake up the same controversy repeatedly while evoking anti-AAP sentiment. Clearly, the SAD is aware that Rasokhana has a huge following not just in Banga, but also Nawanshahr, Phillaur, Chabbewal, Phag- c m y b wara and other areas. “It is not just the Sikhs, but people from all religions who have faith in the shrine. By roping Ballowal, SAD chief Sukhbir Badal has been trying to dent the AAP image significantly. He is delivering anti-AAP speeches reminding Rasokhana followers of the incident each time he takes to dais, thus giving SAD an edge,” a local Akali leader said. Dr Sukhi, however, contradicts saying that he was comfortable in his position. “People know me well. They know how well I am attached with Rasokhana. They know my work. Hence, I have no issues at all,” he said. Amid the controversy, the SAD had last month also made former Banga MLA Chaudhary Mohan Lal re-join the party. He, however, is yet to be made halqa in-charge by the SAD. So far, the Congress trails from the seat as its former MLA Tarlochan Soondh has passed away. The party is yet to give any replacement for him. Quite a few names have been doing rounds including those of wife and daughter of Soondh. Jalandhar, April 10 Breaking barriers, women from financially humble rural backgrounds are steadily carving out identities as entrepreneurs, contributing to their families’ incomes while balancing household responsibilities. At the district-level farmers’ training camp and exhibition — an event largely dominated by male farmers, a small yet determined group of women stood out. Among them were Gurbaksh Kaur and Seema Rani from Karari village, who showcased their organic products with confidence and enthusiasm. Their stall attracted steady attention, with visitors keen to test and purchase items such as wood-pressed mustard oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil and turmeric powder. The journey, however, has not been easy. Both women underwent nearly a year of training before launching their group in 2022. Today, their efforts are beginning to pay off, not just financially, but also in terms of selfreliance and confidence. Gurbaksh Kaur’s husband works in Dubai, taking up menial jobs to support the family. Inspired to con- Gurbaksh Kaur (left) and Seema Rani show their products at farmers’ exhibition in Jalandhar. SARABJIT SINGH tribute, she started thinking of doing something. Similarly, Seema Rani, whose husband works as a labourer, is now earning independently and sharing the financial responsibilities of her household. “Saanu hath nahee failane painde hun. Na apne husband agge, na kisi hor agge,” said Seema Rani, expressing pride in their newfound independence. (We no longer have to extend our hands in need, neither before our husbands nor anyone else.) Despite their progress, challenges remain. The women admit that limited formal education can make it difficult to communicate with customers and expand their work. However, they are actively working to overcome these hurdles by learning and improving their skills. “We manage our homes, take care of our children and still find time to produce and plan our work. We believe that handwork is the only way to achieve something in life,” they said. Their presence at the exhibition not only highlighted their products, but also sent a strong message about the growing role of rural women in work.