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FRIDAY 04 July | 2014 | 05 Ramadhan, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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Speed up macadamization of roads: Sagar
Srinagar, July 3: One person died and three others were injured in different road accidents across the valley. An unknown vehicle hit a scooter bearing registration number JK02/4790 at Samboora, Awantipora, resulting in injuries to the scooterist Mohammad Iqbal Lone resident of Damhal and his son. The duo was shifted to Hospital where Mohammad Iqbal Lone succumbed to his injuries. Police has registered a case in this regard. A motorcycle bearing registration number JK05A-6373 driven by Abdul Majid Najar resident of Sariwarpora hit a cyclist Mushtaq Ahmad Dar resident of Ghat Palhalan at Sariwaripora, in the jurisdiction of Police station Pattan, resulting in injuries to both the riders. Both the injured were shifted to SKIMS Soura for treatment. Pattan police has registered a case in this regard. Meanwhile, a Sumo bearing registration number JK04C-0851 hit and injured a pedestrian Abdul Ahad Wagay resident of Kanidajan at Kanidajan, in the jurisdiction of Police station Chari-eSharief. The injured was shifted to Sub District Hospital, Chari-eSharef for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard. In another accident, a Swift car bearing registration number JK02AP-6078 skidded off the road at Gundipora bridge, in the jurisdiction of police station Qazigund, Kulgam resulting See Mishaps On PG 11..
South Kashmir villages suffer as power grid station develops technical snag Srinagar, July: The residents of various villages in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have complained that they are facing immense difficulties due to a technical snag in a power grid station from last five days. They told GNS over phone that Power Grid Station located at Hariparigam in Awantipora has been hit by a technical snag since last 05 days and due to which they are not only without electricity but they are also facing water shortage. “The PHE water plant functions on electricity and as there is no electricity, the water supply has been also hit,” they said. The villages which are reeling under darkness and are facing acute water shortage include Hariparigam, Buchoo, Badipora, Soimuh, Lariyar and Awantipora. The residents demanded Power Development Department (PDD) officials to immediately restore the electricity. (GNS)
Edit Page PM’s maiden visit—Hopes and aspirations The maiden visit of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to J&K is appreciable and lot of importance is attached to it due to the recent change of guard at Centre. During elections, a hue and cry was made that BJP govt. at the centre would be detrimental to the interests of Kashmiri people because of several reasons. It was said that as soon as BJP will form govt., Article 370 of the Constitution of India will be first target and BJP will abrogate it in the first instance. However, the change of govt. perhaps is better suited
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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS: Light Rain would occur at a few places over the state.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR: Possibility of thunderstorm inthe afternoon. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 31°C & 18°C respectively.
C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K
SUNSET ON(FRIDAY) SUNRISE ON (SATURDAY)
22.90C 17.6 0C 07:47 PM 05:23 AM
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
527 School projects completed through Community Participation in Reasi
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01 dies, 06 inured in road mishaps
VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 184 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
Gurezi reviews functioning of ASH deptts
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PM arriving today Security beefed up around city, heavy contingents of security forces deployed Srinagar, July 3: A day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, heavy security measures are in place to thwart any untoward incident. According to the KNS correspondent, heavy deployment of police and other security agencies was made in various areas of Srinagar with the frisking and checking being done in various areas here. Talking to KNS, DGP K Rajindera who is in Jammu, said: “All necessary security arrangement have been taken and a foolproof security grid is in place.” Reports reaching KNS said that the senior police officials were themselves monitoring the situation with the vehicles at check points being thoroughly monitored before being allowed to proceed. A senior police official while pleading anonymity stated that the clear directions have been given to them for the arrangement of the adequate security measures ahead of the scheduled visit of prime minister. Also the reports maintained that police has been directed to check vehicles in such a
Srinagar, July 03: A fierce gunfight started between militants and army at Mendhar area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday morning. A senior defence official told GNS that army troopers of 1 Mahar deployed along Line of Control (LoC) at Roshni Post near Balnoi in Mendhar saw a suspicious movement of about 5 militants who tried to sneak into this side at around 1:30 a.m (during intervening night of July 02/03). “The same group earlier on night of July 01 tried to sneak into this See Sector On PG 11..
Srinagar, July 3 (KNS): A day before Prime Minister Narendera Modi’s visit to Kashmir, authorities on Thursday placed some senior separatist leaders under house arrest. Those who have been confined to their residences include Hurriyat Conference Jammu and Kashmir (HCJK) leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, Hurriyat (M) leader Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Hurriyat Conference (G) leader Mohammad Ashraf Sehraie, Hurriyat (G) leader Ayaz Akbar and Hurriyat (G) leader Altaf Shah. Pertinently, See Separatists On PG 11..
way that commoners don’t feel inconvenience. Security has also been beefed in view of the strike call extended by almost all major separatist outfits calling for a general strike on the occasion of the Prime Minister's visit. On July 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a one-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir- his first after assuming office of the prime minister. The prime minister will arrive in Jammu and then proceed to nearby Katra town to inaugurate the Katra-Udhampur train that would cover a 25-km distance between the two places, sources said. Katra is the base town of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine that is visited by millions of devotees every year. After the com-
missioning of the Katra railway station, pilgrims would be able to reach the town directly without having to engage other modes of transport as they now do. Railways Minister Sadananda Gowda and Minister of State in the PMO Jitendera Singh will accompany Mr Modi during his visit. The prime minister will then leave for Srinagar where he will chair a security review meeting at the Badami Bagh headquarters of the army's 15 Corps. The meeting will be attended by Governor N.N. Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, general officer commanding-in-chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command, Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda See PM On PG 11..
Separate colonies for Pandits
Omar terms separatists stand a double speak
Omar threatens to quit politics if BJP gets majority in JK Assembly elections
hi a few weeks ago and discussed issues regarding the State then,” said Omar during an interview with a national newspaper. According to the KNS reports, the criticism about that project from the Hurriyat over bringing Pandits back to live in segregated colonies, Omar stated that this is the double speak from the separatist leadership here. “We are encouraging Kashmiri Pandits to return. We are saying you are See Pandits On PG 11..
Administration collapses again Traffic signals go off in Srinagar Roads turned into cesspools, streets inundated by a day’s rain Srinagar, July 3: With the incessant rains lasing valley since Thursday Morning, the roads of the summer capital turned into cesspools with the heavy traffic jam in Lal Chowk giving tough time people at large. According to the KNS correspondent, the roads of the city centre turned into flood channels with huge chunk of rain water floating on the streets. People from the various areas of Srinagar Thursday stated that the drainage system of their respective completely fail once rains occur in the city. “It is a hell out there. Our children are not even able to move out of their homes. The lanes here have changed into streams with no effort to take remedial measures,” said Muneer Akhtar, a Lal Bazar resident. He maintained further that they several times approached
their concerned MLA Peer Afaq Ahmad but he never pays any heed to the requests of the people of his area. “He knows that he will lose. He just managed these years with our roads in deteriorated condition,” said a delegation from Bota Shah Mohalla of Lal Bazar area.
Some more populist decisions expected in near future Srinagar, July 3 : After taking
slew of measures in last one month, the state government is mulling to trim down electricity tariff besides increasing the monthly ration quota in coming weeks. Top sources in the government told KNS that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is keen to reduce the electricity tariff and a decision will be taken in this regard in next cabinet meeting. Sources informed that the chief minister has expressed explicit desire to see that people friendly measures enshrined in the food security bill are implemented in the state. In an effort to bounce back in the upcoming assembly elections and in view of a humiliating defeat in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, the government had taken some major decisions recently. These major decisions include enhancement in retirement age by two years in favor of government employees, transfer and inclusion of five years of service in favour of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReTs), increase
in retirement age of employees working medical education, lifting of ban on SMS services and pensionary benefits to SKICC employees. The government also scrapped controversial new employment policy wherein the youth were being recruited on stipendiary mode. After holding series of introspective meetings with the party office bearers, the chief minister threw open all channels of communication with the estranged people. Omar offered his e-mail account to people for their feedback. He also directed that gates of his office and even those of his Gupkar residence be made open to people to give vent to their grievances. In his introspective meetings Omar had made a candid confession that besides execution of Afzal Guru, the civilian killings of 2010 had influenced the polling in recently held Lok Sabah elections wherein the National Conference lost all three seats of the Valley to its arch rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a recently held cabinet meeting, the chief minister decided to revive the Commission of Inquiry into the killing of nearly 125 civilians by police and paramilitary forces in the Valley in 2010. (KNS)
Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama addresses religious gathering Leh,03, July : As a prelude to main Kalachakra ceremony, Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama Thursday gave an introductory teaching following an elaborate ritualistic prayer by monks before a mammoth gathering of over 1,00,000 devotees from different parts of Ladakh, India and rest of the world at Jivetsal, Choglamsar. The Dalai Lama stressed on developing ‘compassion’ as the core and essence of Buddhist teaching without which even Kalachakra is meaningless. One of the supreme instructions of Mahayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism Kalachakra ceremony is being held in Ladakh for the second time after 1976 organized by Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA).
Meanwhile reports also maintained that massive traffic jams Thursday erupted in several of Lal Chowk and erstwhile including Dalgate, Batamalo, Hari Singh High Street, MA road besides others. With traffic signals off, the See Rain On PG 11..
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Govt. set to reduce electricity tariff, increase ration quota
Kalachakra ceremony
Srinagar, July 3 : A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kashmir, chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday challenged that he will quit politics if BJP gets majority in the state elections. He stated further that the party in no way is able to get the majority in future.According to the reports received See Omar On PG 11..
Srinagar, July 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday stated that he is not a part of security meeting being held during Prime Minister Modi’s JK visit and that he has no scheduled meeting with the PM in the state. “I have no idea, because I am not a part of that meeting. I have no scheduled meeting with the PM during this visit. I met him in Del-
Separatists placed under house arrest
Infiltration attempt foiled in Mendhar sector
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Harbouring kindness and respect in your heart for others naturally brings forth good speech and action effortlessly and thereby gaining others’ respect too, The Dalai Lama said. In the beginning he explained that the aim of all religions is to gain happiness and be free from suffering, and
in order to achieve so it is important to remove the cause which lies within us in the form of ‘I’. Unless this ‘I’ is reduced it is difficult to have clear heart and mind to develop compassion and patience as basic things needed to gain true happiness. The Dalai Lama See Ceremony On PG 11
Indian nurses in Iraq safe, 'forcibly' moved to another location: Govt NEW DELHI: All Indian nurses, who were trapped in their hospital basement in Tikrit for last several days, are being moved out to a new location and are safe, the government confirmed on Thursday even as it hinted that the nurses may be in ISIS captivity. "Nurses in Tikrit have been moved to another location. MEA is in touch with interlocutors on the ground. They are safe, MEA spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told reporters. However, the nurses are not moving out of their own free will, t he government said, while refusing to divulge who has rescued them from the hospital. "They (nurses) did not go of their own free will but
they are unharmed. Our mission advised them to proceed where they are proceeding," he said. "In zones of conflict there is no free will," the MEA spokesperson said when asked if the nurses have been taken hostage. There are reports that the nurses have been moved out by militant group ISIS. However, the MEA spokesman refused to comment on these reports. "We have partners across Iraq and we are working in coordination with them," the MEA spokesman said, adding the Iraqi government was not in control of the situation. MEA also confirmed minor injuries to some nurses."My understanding is that there was See Govt On PG 11..
Two more Amarnath Yatris die Srinagar, July 03: Police on Thursday said two Amarnath Yatra Piligrims died on their way to Holy Cave due to cardiac arrest. A police official told GNS that two piligrims identified as 59 year old Sadhu Marathi Giri son of Gusu Prem Giri resident of Tamil Nadu and 42 year old Balwant Singh son of Jaga Ram resident of Gurgaon fell unconscious enroute to holy cave via Baltal route. “Both fell down and were rushed to hospital where doctors declared them brought dead,” the official said, adding the duo died due to cardiac arrest. Pertinently, on June 28 and 29, three pilgrims lost their lives enroute to the Holy Cave. The 31-year-old man identified as Sunil Dharmani died due to cardiac arrest on his way to holy cave on Saturday afternoon while Suresh Yadav son of Kharpallu Yadav from Bedi See Two On PG 11..
Man arrested with charas in Mattan
Srinagar, July 03: Anantnag Police arrested a drug peddler and recovered 450 grams of Charas that was being transported by him in a Sumo at Mattan last evening. On a tip off, Mattan Police laid a naka checking at Paibugh, K.P Road. The police party intercepted a Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK03D-041. Upon its search police recovered 450 grams charas from the possession of the driver of the vehicle Mohammad Afroz Bhat son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat resident of Kheribal Mattan. Mattan Police has registered a case in this regard. (GNS)
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Srinagar, Friday 04 July 2014
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
PM and the three corps commanders of the 14th, 15th and the 16th Corps. The governor will later host lunch for the prime minister at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar. Mr Modi is also scheduled to visit Uri town in Baramulla district to inaugurate the 240 MW Uri-II hydroelectric power projects. (KNS)
Sector side from upper belt of Roshni post; however, the troops foil their attempt”. The army men at Roshni Post followed the movement of the suspected men and finally the forces challenged their move at around 04:15 a.m, the official said, adding that the militants opened heavy fire upon the army guarding the fence. The fire was retaliated ensuing a fierce encounter which lasted for an hour, the official said. “The army along with extra contingent of forces conducted a day long searches in the whole area but no militant body has been found”, the official said, adding that probably the group of militants returned back. (GNS)
Separatists Syed Ali Geelani, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) is already under house detention for the last over two months. The DGP K Rajindera Kumar told KNS that the decision has been taken by the local administration after assessment of the situation. “These decisions are taken by the local administration after thorough assessment of the situation on ground,” he added. (KNS)
Pandits welcome to consider group housing. 4-5-6 of you get together and get a plot of land. Why should we have a problem with a group housing project that blends in with the community in the place you choose to live in? I see no problem with that. The idea is not to put Pandits into ghettos. The idea is to get them to assimilate back into the community they left at one point of time.” Commenting over Modi’s visit to the state, Omar stated that the same is significant, given that it is so early in Modi’s tenure. “Also the fact that he is combining visits to Jammu with the Kashmir is also to be noted because in the past we have had either or visits. It is an opportunity created for him by the previous government, because both the projects he is inaugurating were actually ready for the previous government, but for reasons best known to them and in spite of our concerted efforts we couldn’t get anyone from the previous government to inaugurate these projects.” (KNS)
Omar by KNS, Omar while talking to reporters stated that he doesn’t want to see that day when the BJP gets majority of the seats in JK and forms the government. “I will retire from the politics and go in hibernation,” Omar said while replying to the question posed to him by the newsmen over the claims of BJP of getting majority in the forthcoming polls in JK. On the meeting between Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Srinagar, Omar said, “Ask this question to Azad or Mufti. But my take is that if there is meeting to be held, why to go for secret meeting? Just go and hold an open meeting.” “The day I will have to hold meeting with Mufti I will go and meet him in his residence publicly. Secret meeting does not give a good signal within the coalition government,” he said. Omar also expressed his anger over the reports that Congress is holding meetings in the areas controlled by NC MLAs at present. Omar while commenting over the pre-poll alliance with the state Congress for the assembly electionsscheduled to be held by the end of this year- stated that the party has not taken any decision over the issue and that the final all into the matter shall be taken in the near future. However, the chief minister maintained that the workers and activists of both the Congress and of the national conference raise voices that both the parties must contest polls separately. “In my party, there are most of the people who do not want that elections should be fought in alliance with Congress. But the final decision would be taken by Dr Farooq Abdullah. But I do not feel that he will be able to reject the demand of the party workers,” he said. (KNS)
Ceremony urged upon his devotees to make special effort to cleanse their hearts and minds towards transforming themselves into becoming good and warm hearted humans, during the coming two days, as groundwork before receiving the Kalachakra to make it truly meaningful that would help grasp the concept of Emptiness taught by Buddhism. He gave special verses to recite during the coming two days for this process of transforming ones heart. The unprecedented arrangement of the 12-day event in short span of time by the LAHDC, Leh and district administration with thousands of volunteers led by LBA working day and night have visible impacts in terms of smooth regulations of the affairs in all respect. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were high spiritual Lamas, Nawang Rigzin Jora, J&K Minister for Urban Development and Local Bodies, LAHDC, Chairman, Rigzin Spalbar, MP Ladakh, Thupstan Chhewang, Executive Councilors, MLA Nubra, Tsetan Namgyal, chief Tibetan sponsors and special foreign guests.
Two Borhagaon, Varanasi, and Dara Singh son of Gian Singh from Bhatinda, were crushed to death when two large boulders rolled down the snow mountain near the Holy Cave. (GNS)
Rain checkpoints created at various points created further chaos on the city roads with the vehicles making long queues to get passed. (KNS)
Zabarwan Times
Govt no bomb blast, but some glasses were broken, nurses had minor injuries," the MEA spokesman said. Earlier, Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy had claimed that all Indian nurses holed up in Tikrit in Iraq had been moved out. Chandy did not tell the media here how he had learnt about the movement of the nurses but added that the nurses were in touch with the Indian embassy in Baghdad. One nurse told a news channel that they were being moved by the insurgents to Mosul. Meanwhile, the government confirmed that 900 Indians have already been provided tickets to fly out of Iraq.
Mishaps in injuries to two passengers, Pushkar Nath Dhar and Sanjay Bhat residents of Vessu. Both the injured have been shifted to Bone and Joint Hospital, Srinagar for treatment. Qazigund police has registered a case in this regard. (KNS)
Israel, Gaza militants trade fire after teen killings JERUSALEM: Israeli warplanes pounded Gaza on Thursday and militants hit back with 15 rockets, further hiking tension after a day of violence triggered by the suspected revenge killing of a Palestinian teenager. But there was no immediate sign of a return to the clashes that had engulfed east Jerusalem on Wednesday, following the kidnap and murder of 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khder in what many believed was a copycat killing following the abduction and murder of three Israeli teens last month. Israel police have so far insisted the motive for the Abu Khder killing was unclear, refusing to say whether it was nationalist or criminal, and have not said how the Palestinian youngster died. But the lawyer's family told AFP the body had been burnt "beyond recognition" with a joint Israeli-Palestinian autopsy taking place on Thursday. It was not immediately clear when he would be buried. The murder triggered an outpouring of rage in Shuafat, where Abu Khder's family lives. Clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli riot police raged from dawn on Wednesday until the early hours on Thursday, spreading to many other areas in east Jerusalem. The violence injured 232 people, 178 of them in Shuafat alone, said Dr Amin Abu Ghazali, head of field operations for the Red Crescent in east Jerusalem. Of that number 187 were wounded by rubber bullets and six by live bullets, he told AFP. The killing was roundly denounced on all sides, both at home and abroad. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced it as "despicable" and urged both sides "not to take the law into their own hands". And one of the families of the three murdered Israeli teens described it as a "horrendous act". Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas demanded Netanyahu take decisive against revenge attacks and called for the killers to be caught and punished. But the Islamist Hamas movement, whom Israel has blamed for the kidnap and murder of the three teenagers in June, said it held Netanyahu's government directly responsible. "You will pay the price for your crimes," it said. There was no let-up in the violence in and around Gaza, where Hamas has its stronghold, with militants firing 20 rockets at southern Israel on Wednesday, one of which hit a house in Sderot, the army said. No-one was injured. The army said another 16 rockets had hit the Israeli south since midnight, one of which struck a second house in Sderot.
Overnight, the Israeli air force staged 15 strikes on "Hamas targets," among them concealed rocket launchers, weapons storage facilities and militant activity sites, a statement said. Palestinian medics said 11 people had been wounded, one of them seriously. The army said on Thursday it had sent a small number of reinforcements towards the border with Gaza. "We are moving and we have moved forces in order to serve defence activities and forward preparation, but we have no interest in escalation," army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner told journalists. The reinforcements were reserve officers at "headquarter level, not in the field," Lerner said, and were purely a defensive measure. In Jerusalem, police threw up a security cordon around Shuafat, fearing another outburst of violence after the results of Abu Khder's autopsy, expected later in the day. Muhannad Jbara, lawyer for the Abu Khder family, said the police had been in touch late on Wednesday to formally confirm the body found in a west Jerusalem forest was that of their son. "The body was so badly burned that it was beyond recognition," he said. Witnesses told AFP the youngster was forced into a black Honda Civic by "two Israelis" with a third sitting in the driving seat, which drove off at high speed, evading two cars which tried to follow it. In Jerusalem, police threw up a security cordon around Shuafat, fearing another outburst of violence after the results of Abu Khder’s autopsy, expected later in the day. Muhannad Jbara, lawyer for the Abu Khder family, said the police had been in touch late on Wednesday to formally confirm the body found in a west Jerusalem forest was that of their son. “The body was so badly burned that it was beyond recognition,” he said. Witnesses told AFP the youngster was forced into a black Honda Civic by “two Israelis” with a third sitting in the driving seat, which drove off at high speed, evading two cars which tried to follow it. The killing drew condemnation from around the world, including from the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which said the abduction and murder of civilians "must stop now". Tensions have soared across the region since June 12 when three Israeli teenagers disappeared in the West Bank, triggering a vast search and arrest operation across the territory. Their bodies were found on Monday, but the hunt for their killers continues, with troops arresting another 13 Palestinians overnight, the army said.
China, S. Korea reiterate denuclearization of Korean Peninsula SEOUL, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Thursday all parties concerned to refrain from creating more stirs on the Korean Peninsula as many uncertainties are still existing. "All parties concerned should jointly and properly manage and control the situation, avoid causing tension, prevent the situation from losing control, and creating no more stirs," he said during talks with South Korean President Park Geun-hye. Xi told Park that China upholds an objective and impartial position on the Korean Peninsula issue, and is firmly committed to pushing for a nuclear-free Peninsula, maintaining the peace and stability on the Peninsula, and resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation. "We hold that the concerns of all sides should be treated in a balanced way, and a synchronized and equivalent method should be sought to bring the nuclear issue on Korean peninsula into a sustainable, irreversible and effective settlement process," said Xi. China positively evaluates the proposal of a "Korean Peninsula trust-building process" raised by Park and supports the improvement of relations between the
north and the south to realize reconciliation and cooperation and ultimately achieve independent peaceful reunification, Xi said. Park said South Korea hopes to build south-north mutual trust through the "Korean Peninsula trust-building process," push for reconciliation between the two sides and safeguard peace on the Peninsula. South Korea spoke highly of China's efforts to promoting peace and talks, and is willing to enhance cooperation with China to achieve the goal of denuclearization on the Peninsula and boosting peace, stability and prosperity in Northeast Asia, she said. Meanwhile, in a joint statement issued here Thursday, the two countries agreed that denuclearizing and maintaining peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula are in the common interests of all countries involved in the six-party talks. The two countries called on all relevant parties to solve the major issue through dialogue and negotiation, the statement said. The statement also urged all relevant parties to unremittingly promote the process of the six-party talks. To achieve that end, all par-
Five dead in Cairo on anniversary of Mursi ouster CAIRO - Five men died in Cairo in separate incidents involving a bomb blast and protester clashes with security forces on Thursday, the first anniversary of the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi, security sources said. Thousands of Egyptians opposed to the army's ouster of Mursi last year joined rare protests in cities and towns around the country, witnesses said. Previous protests had much lower turnout after a new law required official approval. Security was tight in Cairo as armoured personnel carriers blocked off the city's central Tahrir Square to head off any possible protests there. Since Mursi's ouster, his Muslim Brotherhood group was labelled a terrorist organisation and thousands of Islamists have been jailed on accusations of terrorism and violence while militant Islamists have stepped up attacks on security forces. "On July 3, Egyptians will revolt, marking the beginning of the end of the coup, marching from all towns and cities across Egypt to liberty squares in all provinces," an alliance of Mursi's supporters said in a statement late on Wednesday. Three of Thursday's victims died in clashes that broke out in Cairo between protesters and security forces, security sources said. Unrest was reported both from the upscale district of Mohandiseen and poor areas such as Haram and Materiya
earlier in the day, two men were killed in a bomb blast in a flat in Kerdasa, a western district of the capital where around 10 policemen were killed in an Islamist mob attack last summer. Security sources said they believed one of the victims was involved in that police killing. SERIES OF BOMBS Another explosive device detonated on Thursday in a car in the northeastern district of Abbassiya and three home-made bombs went off near police cars in the central district of Imbaba without causing injuries, the sources added. There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the blasts. Cairo has been hit by a spate of small explosions in recent days and two police officers were killed on Monday trying to defuse bombs planted near the presidential palace. Last week, a series of makeshift bombs exploded at Cairo metro stations, the first in the capital since Sisi was sworn in as president. Following Mursi's overthrow last July, security services launched a crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood politicians, activists and street protesters, jailing thousands and killing hundreds in clashes and raids. Since then, some radical Islamist groups have repeatedly targeted police and soldiers in the capital and elsewhere, mostly by planting makeshift bombs. The Muslim Brotherhood, which Egypt has declared a terrorist organisation, denies any link to the violence.
ties should respect one another, strengthen communication and coordination on both bilateral and multilateral levels, and address the concerns of all parties involved, it added. The six-party talks, involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, have been suspended since late 2008. Seoul said in the statement that it wants to build mutual trust with the DPRK through the "Korean Peninsula trust-building process", so as to boost the development of South Korea-DPRK relations and safeguard peace of the peninsula. China spoke positively of South Korea's efforts to improve relations with the DPRK, according to the statement. China supports South Korea and the DPRK to improve ties, and carry out reconciliation and cooperation via dialogue. It respects the will of the Korean people to realize peaceful reunification on the Korean Peninsula. The Chinese president arrived here Thursday for a two-day state visit to South Korea, his first trip to the Asian neighbor since he took office last year.
UN, aid agencies help 470,000 displaced people in Pakistan Islamabad: The UN and other aid agencies are helping 470,000 people who have been displaced from Pakistan’s North Waziristan region due to the ongoing military operations, according to reports released on Thursday. “The displacement of these people, three-quarters of whom are women and children, was triggered by the Pakistani military’s operations against armed insurgents,” Xinhua quoted UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric as saying. “Nearly 100,000 people have also fled to Afghanistan’s Khost province to seek shelter,” Dujarric said. The UN Office for the Coor-
dination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that food, medicine and sanitation services are being provided to the displaced. The World Food Programme (WFP) said that it is distributing food from six locations to reach all the families, with two-week rations.Meanwhile, the government too is rigorously making efforts to help the internally displaced people (IDPs).According to Federally Administered Tribal Area Disaster Management Authority, initially, 16,000 IDPs have been provided mobile SIMs so that they can get financial assistance without any hassles.
Correction in DOB It is hereby stated that my daughter's Date of Birth in school records is wrongly entered as 2/3/1999, but her correct Date of Birth 2/3/2003. Now I want it to be corrected. If any person has any objection/objections in this regard may please submit the same with Headmaster Govt. Middle School, Chadoora within seven days of publication of this notice. No objection will be entertained after the due date. Firdous Ahmad Ganie F/O Nasreena Firdous BNA R/O Chadoora THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR
STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
OFFICE JAMMU: GOVT. POLYTECHNIC CAMPUS, BIKRAM CHOWK, JAMMU-1800004 (NOV. TO APR.) OFFICE SRINAGAR: A-BLOCK, OLD SECRETARIAT, SRINAGAR-190001 (MAY TO OCT.)
NOTICE
It is notified for the information of all the concerned that all the theory examinations of three years Polytechnic diploma courses of J&K state which were postponed due to unavoidable circumstances are now reschedulted w.e.f.15/07/2014. The revised detailed date sheet of all the semesters i.e. form 1st to 6th semester will be issued shortly DIPK: 2960
Sd/- secretary J&K SBOTE SRINAGAR
Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik Legal Advisor: Syed Riyaz Hussain RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt. Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844
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SRINAGAR | FRIDAY, JULY | 04 | 2014
Speed up macadamization of roads: Sagar
Conducts extensive tour of city, reviews development works
SRINAGAR, JULY 03: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has directed the officers to speed up the macadamization of city roads, so that the people of the city do not face any inconvenience and also asked for speedsenior officers of various depart- nience of the public. He said that ing up developmental works unments like R&B, SMC, PHE, Health, the special care should be taken dertaken by the government. CA&PD and district administra- on macadamizing the roads leadThe Minister wasLone interacting News Agency Kangan Khan ing News Agencytourist Ganderbal tion.Mr. Sagar asked the officers to various and pilgrim with officers during his extensive Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahidspots.The Book Depot Chadoora to speed up the macadamization Minister also asked for tour of the Srinagar city today to Tariq News Agency Bashirmacadamizing News Agency of Nowhatta of theHawal city roads and complete Syed Mirakhoversee the status of various deshah and Agency KZP road the same within shortest Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari BazarposBudshah News Lalprojects Chowk as velopmental works undertaken theyNews are pivotal in ensuring better timeLal in view of the on-going Abdullah Newssible Agency Chowk Sikendar Agency Lal Chowk by the Government. tourist season and general convemanagement Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Rainatraffic Newsmobility Agency and Gund Kangan He was accompanied by the
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Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora SRINAGAR, JULY 03: Secretary CPI and Pulwama former MLC AbAltaf News Agency dul Rahman Tukroo called on Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khandey here. Jeelani News Agency Baramulla Newswith Agency Mr Tukroo in hisShah meeting the Kupwara Chief Secretary Younis NewsinAgency Langate sought Government’s attention the early completion of the under construction HospitalIslamabad building ShopReshiDistrict News Agency ian besides deployment of adequate staff toTral the Hospital’s Turray News Agency AYUSH Unit.Reiterating the State Governments’ Rahi News Agency Kulgamcommitment to better Health care, Chief Secretary said that it will News Agency Byepass be ensured that the Rah concerned department and district
Tukroo calls on Chief Secretary
administration expedites the work of the Hospital building and completes it at the earliest.
2 day Hawan at Sheelputri Asthapan, Baramulla
BARAMULLA, July 3: The Hindu brethren of the town are organising a two day Hawan at Mata Sheelputri Asthapan, Khanpora, Baramulla on July 05, 2014. The Purnahuti of the Hawan would be offered at 12 noon on Sunday, July 06, 2014 after which a mass langar would be arranged. People from all walks of life have been invited.
Rashid News Agency Dalgate Hilal News Agency Budgam Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan Reyaz News Agency Pampore Javaid News Agency Qazigund G.M News Agency Sopore Sultan NewsJULY Agency SRINAGAR, 03:Handwara National Commission for Agency Scheduled Tribes Sheikh News Islamabad (NCST) Chairman Mr.Tral Ravi ThreeVice Way News Agency Thakur a meeting with Badrutoday Newsheld Agency Bijbehara heads of various departments of Malik News Agency Arwani the State Government to review Shaheen Agency Kargil of status andNews implementation
in the city. He also asked the officers to speed up the leftover work on these projects as soon as possible for the general convenience of the public.Mr. Sagar also asked the SMC to speed up the pace of work on the Mukhdoom Mandaw Shrine at Kailashpora and also pay adequate compensation
to the shopkeepers whose properties are being acquired. He further directed for pacing the work on the Mukhdoom Sahib Community Hall being constructed at Mukhdoom Sahib, so that it can be dedicated to the public who can celebrate their social and other related functions there. The Minister also inaugurated the Ration Ghat at Suratang Rainawari. While interacting with the people, the Minister maintained that the Government is committed to provide quality services to the people and in this regard several schemes have been undertaken in vital sectors of PHE, R&B, Health, Education, PDD, Housing etc. He asked them to actively involve themselves in the implementation of these programmes and giver a befitting reply to the forces trying to negate the achievements registered by the Government.
VC NCST reviews status of dev programmes for ST community Appreciates State Govt. for community initiatives
developmental programme, recruitment policy and safeguards concerning Scheduled Tribe community of Jammu and Kashmir. Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Director Horticulture, Director Tribal Affairs, representatives from Health Services, Kashmir, School Education Kashmir, Director Animal Husbandry, Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir State Tribal Advisory Board besides other officers were present in the meeting.Mr. Ravi appreciated the initiatives taken
by the State Government towards development of socio-economic status of down-trodden class like Scheduled Tribes (ST), while expressing satisfaction with overall development measures for their welfare. He said socio-economic gaps should be reduced and the tribals should get all basic amenities which make them self-reliant in earning their livelihood and also get adequate representation in employment and other developmental works. Mr. Ravi asked the concerned departments to prepare a detailed report on present status of all welfare programmes under execution in the state and forward the same to the Commission by the end of this month. He also desired to identify the tribal population living along the border area so that BADP
funds could be enhanced for them. Secretary, Social Welfare, Mr. Mohammad Shafi Rather gave a detailed report on status of scheduled tribe in the State, special funds allocation for their development and welfare programmes taken for the community.Earlier, a delegation led by State President J&K Youth Gujjar and Bakerwal Wing met Mr. Ravi Thakur and apprised him about the suffering of the ST community and also submitted a memorandum pertaining to the welfare of Gujjar community in J&K. The various demands put-forth by the delegation include allotment of land for landless–nomads, opening of mobile schools and dispensaries in hilly and far-flung areas, timely and regular distribution of scholarships, and enhancement in funds.
Gurezi reviews functioning of ASH deptts Directs for early completion of ESVDH buildings SRINAGAR, JULY 3: Minister of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi has directed the authorities of Animal and Sheep Husbandry (ASH) departments to work with dedication and speed up the pace of work and complete all Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD) within a stipulated time frame. He also asked them to construct such hospital at Sonamarg in Ganderbal district area also.These directions were given by the Minister while chairing a meeting of the officers of Animal and Sheep Husbandry departments here today convened to review the status of the progress of the works taken up by the these department.Threadbare discussion was held on various issues including utilization of funds released under Centrally
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Allow your eager and restless nature to express itself in ways other than through the spoken word, Aries. Show someone that you care through your gentle touch or a big bear hug. Hold on a little bit more tightly than you might normally. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes when you communicate through nothing but pure silence. Work on developing this kind of connection with those closest to you.
Taurus April 20-May 20
This is a terrific day for you, Taurus. You should find that your relationships, especially with men, go exceptionally well. Your tender and extremely sensitive nature is finally being recognized as the treasure chest it is. There are many times in which this type of personality is seen as weak, yet today is one of those times in which you’re given the full credit you deserve.
Gemini May 21-June 21
A selfish attitude on your part won’t be tolerated today, regardless of the circumstances, Gemini. Don’t make it worse for yourself by pretending that you don’t notice others’ hurt feelings. People are likely to be extra sensitive today, so be careful about trying to impose your will on someone who really wants nothing more than an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You could find the hardest person to face is you, Cancer. You tend toward introspection, and you may find yourself shrinking into self-recrimination. You could analyze the important people in your life and yet fail to address the one you really need to look at – you. As you continually strive for perfection, give yourself proper credit. Do something nice for yourself today.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Take advantage of the creative energy in the air today, Leo. Keep your hands moving and your imagination flowing toward something fun and artistic. If you begin to doubt your work, you may fall down a spiral of creative blockage. Don’t get into the habit of constantly judging the quality or outcome of your work. Give yourself free rein to open up and explore whatever comes to mind.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Your sixth sense is right on target, Virgo, so trust your instincts today. You’re likely to connect with someone in a wonderful partnership that will help you foster the very plan you want to develop now. Stay close to those things that resonate strongly with your morals. The answer is in front of you; you don’t have to search too far afield in order to find it.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Take a break from your routine, Libra. You might feel like you’re leading an army into battle as you strive for new adventures and conquer new realms. Make sure you take a bit of time out today to stop and let your troops rest. You deserve a little rest yourself. Use this moment of stillness to form your plan of attack so you’re sure about how to proceed.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 The key for you is to minimize your daily drama as much as possible, Scorpio. You may not realize how much you cripple yourself by the way you exaggerate every aspect of your life. Try not to give so much of your attention to things that really don’t matter much. Petty jealousy and gossip about other people’s lives are especially irrelevant in your world.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Sponsored Schemes.The meeting was informed that Rs. 8.39 crore stands released by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, Dairy and Fisheries for construction
of ESVDH buildings. The meeting was told 48 buildings have already been completed up to March, 2014 out of 135 buildings taken for construction in the state.
Bhaderwah citizens’ meeting: DC listens to public issues BHADERWAH, JULY 3: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda Mr. Mubarak Singh today chaired a Public Grievance redressal camp-cum-Citizen meeting to listen to grievances of the people living in Bhaderwah and its adjoining areas. Sub Divisional Magistrate Bhaderwah Mr. Bhupinder Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Bhaderwah Development Authority Mr. Angrez Singh Rana, Additional Superintendent of Police Bhaderwah Mr. Sanjay Sharma besides Assistant Commissioner Development Doda, Chief Planning Officer Doda, Tehsildar Bhaderwah, Representatives of various political parties, representatives of social organizations, eminent citizens, farmers, representatives of PRIs among others attended the meeting. During the meeting, the DC was apprised about the demands of people related to Forest Department, R&B, CA&PD, RDD, Education Department, Health Department, GREF, PHE etc. Issue of non-availability of fire wood and timber, besides illegal cutting of trees was highlighted by the participants. The DC instructed the concerned authorities to ensure supply of timber and fire wood as per the norms of the Department concerned, while Police was directed to intensify patrolling in the areas known for illegal activities. Regarding the complaint about the overcharging by the traders, especially mutton sellers in the month of holy Ramzan, the DDC instructed Tehsildar Bhaderwah to conduct regular inspections of market to keep a check on quality of food and prices of essential commodities. The CA&PD Department was directed to ensure regular supply of ration and K-Oil during the holy month. The DC appealed to the people not to accept sub-standard ration and complain with the concerned authorities in case of rotten ration supply.
Stressing for judicious use of funds besides utilization of standard material, the Minister directed the concerned to complete all buildings early.Earlier, Directors
of Animal & Sheep Husbandry’s of Kashmir and Jammu briefed the Minister about the progress and achievements registered by their respective departments.
527 School projects completed through Community Participation in Reasi REASI, JULY 03: By adopting an innovative strategy designed to address a serious challenge faced by education sector, Reasi district administration has constructed 527 abandoned school projects through community participation and convergence of schemes of various departments.Ever since 2006-07, these schools could not be constructed due to involvement of high cost, nonagreement of Village Education Committees (VECs), cost escalation, difficult terrain and prevailing situation in higher reaches.Out of these, 338 school buildings were not taken up for construction due to high cost involved compared to funds allocated under Sarva Shiksha Abhyan (SSA) and remaining due to difficult conditions. Likewise 283 girls toilets were also taken up for construction and completed.Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal along with Assistant Commissioner Development Joginder Singh Rai, successive Chief Education
Officers Tarsem Lal and Ashok Kumar Sanyal, Tehsildars and Zonal Education Officers took this challenge as an opportunity and completed construction of record 527 schools in one year which were awaiting construction since 2006-07.An allocation of Rs 6.87 lakh was made under SSA for construction of each school unit, while cost of construction estimated in this hilly region ranged from Rs 9.25 to Rs 10.15 lakh because of cost escalation, head load to be carried upto 1030Km to site of construction and lack of availability of material locally. Owing to this the VECs did not take up construction of units allotted for the district in last 7 years which remained abandoned till June 2013 when the Deputy Commissioner worked out the shortfall of funds for each school unit and decided to construct these schools in convergence with MGNREGA and pooling community resources through labour donation and provision of local material.
Be careful of advertising yourself as someone who is so strong and mentally competent that you’re capable of handling everything, Sagittarius. Take note that the strongest mule on the trail usually ends up carrying the most weight. Your emotions are more sensitive than you may think, and certainly more than you demonstrate to others. Be honest about the way you feel and not just the way you think.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Things should flow well for you today with very little effort on your part, Capricorn. Take note that if any quarrel arises, it’s an indication that the person you’re arguing with isn’t necessarily the right person to deal with or confide in. Emotional issues are likely to be the hardest ones to overcome, but this shouldn’t be a problem for you. You have the ability to work through these like a pro.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
This is meant to be a nice, relaxing day, so treat it as such, Aquarius. There’s no need for you to plan any great strategy at this time. Try to take it easy and not indulge in any unnecessary stress. This is your time to enjoy the moment. Don’t tax your mind by overanalyzing everything that comes your way. Go with the flow and have a great time regardless of what you end up doing.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Your sensual nature is heightened, Pisces, and you’ll find yourself engaged in tender moments and languid peacefulness in the company of others. Soothe your soul by letting yourself slip into situations that give you the emotional freedom to do or say whatever comes to mind. Life should be like a love poem written by a great master. Accept the good energy that comes your way.
OPINION EDITORIAL// OPINION Qoute of the day Make science All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. people oriented
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Ralph Waldo Emerson
cience day was observed all over the world yesterday. The day is celebrated to commemorate the inventions and the historic changes which have totally revolutionized the life style of the humanity towards better. Science has given everything to humans and has the lifevisit easier,of he made maiden comfortable, cherishable and what Prime Minister Mr. not. It has Narendra made the whole worldto Modi J&K and is brought appreciable a global village the lotthat of importance universe soand closer within secis attached to it due to corner the reonds a man living in one cent of guard at Centre. of thechange world can be connected to During elections, a hue and cry a man living in other corner of the was made BJP govt. the world. It hasthat conquered theatnacentre would be detrimental ture in reality, it is ruling the earthto the the interests peoand skies, it of hasKashmiri given its best ple because of several reasons. to the humanity and has created It was said that as soon as BJP awill revolution in everyArticle phase of370 life.of form govt., Be education, communication, theit Constitution of India will information technology, space be first target and BJP will abresearch, health care, road conrogate it in the first instance. nectivity, science is visibleofeveryHowever, the change govt. where and anywhere. No doubt perhaps is better suited itto has many dangers the thecreated aspirations of the for people life invention of most leof also. this The state who want peace, thal weaponryand , atom bomb, hyprosperity development. The hollow slogans of UPA drogen bomb and what not has only verbose and in put theproved human life to the severest reality nothing was on risks. However, overall thedone science the ground level for the peohas made the life of a human very ple and of this state particularly easy comfortable. We are livthe youth who are confronted ing in 21st century and claiming with unemployment andread sevourselves to be the most well eral other issues. It is really and knowledgeable people. But it that despite repeatissurprising unfortunate that the benefits of ed assurances, no concrete science and technology have resteps were taken to address mained confined task mostlyoftoprovidsome the daunting advanced and developed countries ing employment to the highly who are never ready to share these qualified and skilled youths benefits with state poor and underdefrom the particularly veloped nations. This monopoly from valley. Similarily, the deof developed countries has convelopmental field remained alfined the benefits of the advancemost same and no remarkable ment of modern scienceinto implesome progress was made people and the to some areas mostly menting sanctioned Central projects. Mr. Modi’s visit though the poor and underdewill certainly boost overall veloped have also beenthe benefited development as he they seems to be but no to the extent should a wellmeaning person and have been. If they are getting some a good task Hethrough has albenefits, theymaster. have to pay ready indicated that resources J&K and their nose and all their North Eastern states will to be are drained to get these benefits a priority and made his intheir areas. In fact, the economy of tentions clear as he preferred the world itself is tilted towards the to visit J&K ahead of all othdeveloped in such a way er states.countries The Prime Minister that poor, review underdeveloped will the certainly law and and developing countries are beorder and developmental sceing continuously deprived of their niario and will open his cards due share.connection. Not only thisThe whatevin this only er is leftwhich with these countries in thing Mr. Modi should the ofhe economy is also seename is that should that strengthen being exploited bysystem the developed the monitoring so that countries for their people. In red-tapeism,bureaucraticfact, hurdles andhas political interference the world not so far been able will not eat the to economy of the to deliver justice under privistateones. as itScience has been it in leged has eating performed the past. miracles butThe thesePrime-Minister miracles should should ensure that providing be extended to every human living employment to over eight lac in this world irrespective of his sounemployed youthsorisreligious his first cial, political, regional preference which will make status or affinity and only then we him a real architect of shaping can say that science day is relevant county’s interests in a right dito everybody. rection.
PM’s maiden visit—Hopes and aspirations
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Daily Daily
Zabarwan Zabarwan Times Times
Srinagar, March Srinagar, Saturday Friday 0401 July 2014 2014
Walking Through the Heart of India: An Exercise in National Integration
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magine walking from Rameswaram on the Bay of Bengal coast to Kashi (Benares) in the heart of the Indian plateau – a distance of about 2500 kms! A group of people have been repeating this every seven years starting from 1983. During the Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign at Devakottai (which falls in the neighbouring Sivagangai district) we were able to meet with the leader of the group that went on the walking pilgrimage during the latest trip – in 2011. He described his experiences as an enthralling lesson in national integration and communal harmony. Shri Dakshinamoorthy, who belongs to Devakottai, had retired after active service in a nationalized bank. He was overwhelmed by a desire to do something different to emphasize the fact that India is primarily a multi hued, multi fragrant garland united by the thread of the feeling of being a single, united nation. In Shri Dakshinamoorthy’s word, he was reminded of the old saying “ordinary people read books; hard working people live in books!” It was at this point that Shri Dakshinamoorthy had a meeting with one of the most prominent poets – he has been described as “golden tongued” because of the sweetness of his poetry – of Tamilnadu,
Shri Somasundaran. Shri Somasundaram gave the responsibility of leading the 2011 walkathon from Rameswaram to Kashi to Shri Dakshinamoorthy. Shri Dakshinamoorthy remembers the journey as a refreshing experience. He says that he cannot forget the kindness and affection that common people gave the team in distant places. There were many instances where ordinary shop keepers refused to accept money from the walkers for tea or coffee! The journey from Rameswaram to Benares passed through six states – Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. They were able to bath in as many as 40 rivers including the Ganges, Narmada, Kaveri and Godavari. The crossing of the Vindhya Satpura ranges was also a memorable experience according to Shri Dakshinamoorthy. There were 19 members in the group. They started their trip on 14.2.2011 and reached their destination on the 118th day of their journey – June 13, 2011.They took sand from the Bay of Bengal coast and water from the various holy wells around the Rameswaram temple to pour into the mighty Gan-
ges at Benares as a part of a symbolic gesture signifying the basic oneness and unity of our variegated and multi coloured country. The walkers on this historic journey were accompanied by helpers who used to cook for them and arrange for their stay in schools, institutions or other public buildings. Every day they used to get up early by 4.00 am. Then they used to cover as much distance as possible before the sun gets really hot. The hot day times were usually spent in some villages where the members of the team used to interact with locals, describe their experiences to them and collect feedback from them on various issues. Evenings were also spent in walking till they reach a place for staying by around 10.00 pm. Group singing, cultural programmes etc were also staged by the group members at the various villages they visited. When asked what the biggest lesson that he had learned from the journey was, Shri Dakshinamoorthy was very emotional when he replied “I learned that all humanity is one. I experienced that the only way for a meaningful existence was dependent upon co–existence: people understanding and helping each other!”
Fostering Scientific Temper is Fundamental to Innovation and Progress
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ational Science Day is celebrated in India on 28 February each year to mark the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman on 28 February 1928. Sir C. V. Raman worked at Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata during 1907 to 1933 on various topics of Physics while making the famous discovery of the effect on scattering of light in 1928, which bears his name and got him the Nobel Prize in 1930. In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) had advised Government of India to designate 28 February as National Science Day. The event is now celebrated all over the country in schools, colleges, universities and other academic, scientific, technical, medical and research institutions. The theme of the year 2014 would be “Fostering Scientific Temper”. "Energy conservation" is also the theme of celebrating science Day in year 2014 Scientific temper is a way of thinking and acting which uses a method. It may include observing physical reality, questioning, testing, hypothesizing, analysing, and communicating. Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the first persons to use the term scientific temper and advocate the promotion of scientific temper: "What is needed is the scientific approach, the adventurous and yet critical temper of science, the search for truth and new knowledge, the refusal to accept anything without testing and trial, the capacity to change previous conclusions in the face of new evidence, the reliance on observed fact and not on pre-conceived theory, the hard discipline of the mind—all this is necessary, not merely for the application of science but for life itself and the solution of its many problems", stated Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his book, The Discovery of India. The genesis and development of the idea of scientific temper is connected to ideas expressed earlier by Darwin when he said, "freedom of thought will best be promoted by that gradual enlightenment of human understanding which follows the progress of science. Scientific temper describes an attitude which
involves the application of logic. Discussion, argument and analysis are vital parts of scientific temper. Elements of fairness, equality and democracy are built into it. India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy. In the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the S&T system, it is necessary for us to embark on some major science projects which have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow's technology. The Department of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the country. The department has wide ranging activities ranging from promoting high end basic research and development of cutting edge technologies on one hand to service the technological requirements of the common man through development of appropriate skills and technologies on the other. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) have emerged as the major drivers of development. As India aspires for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth, the Indian STI system, with the advantages of a large talent pool, can play a defining role in achieving these national goals. "To develop scientific temper" is one of the fundamental duties of Indian citizens, according to the Constitution of India. India’s Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) of 1958 had resolved to foster, promote and sustain the cultivation of science and scientific research in all its aspects. The Science and Technology Policy (STP) of 2003 called for integrating programmes of socio-economic sectors with the national R&D system to address national problems as well as creating a national innovation system. Scientific research utilizes money to generate knowledge and, by providing solutions, innovation converts knowledge into wealth and / or value. Innovation thus im-
plies S&T based solutions that are successfully deployed in the economy or the society. It has assumed centre stage in the developmental goals of nations. India has declared 2010-20 as the “Decade of Innovation”. The Government has stressed the need to enunciate a policy to synergize science, technology and innovation and has also established the National Innovation Council. The STI Policy 2013 in furtherance of these pronouncements, aims to bring fresh perspectives to bear on innovation in the Indian context. India’s global competitiveness will be determined by the extent to which the STI enterprise contributes social good and /or economic wealth. New structural mechanisms and models are needed to address the pressing challenges of energy and environment, food and nutrition, water and sanitation, habitat, affordable health care and skill building and unemployment. Innovation for inclusive growth implies ensuring access, availability and affordability of solutions to as large a population as possible. The STI policy will drive both investment in science and investment of science-led technology and innovation in select areas of socio-economic importance. Emphasis will be to bridge the gaps between the STI system and the socio-economic sectors by developing a symbiotic relationship with economic and other policies.
The key elements of the STI policy are: · Promoting the spread of scientific temper amongst all sections of society. · Enhancing skill for applications of science among the young from all social strata. · Making careers in science, research and
innovation attractive enough for talented and bright minds. · Establishing world class infrastructure for R&D for gaining global leadership in some select frontier areas of science. · Creating an environment for enhanced private Section Participation in R&D. · Creating a robust national innovation system, etc.
With the promotion of the scientific temper amongst all sections of society comes the need to create the right ambiance, structures to encourage research and innovation. India’s R&D investment is under 1% of the GDP. Increasing Gross Expenditure in Research and Development (GERD) to 2% of the GDP has been a national goal for some time. Achieving this in the next five years is realizable if the private sector raises its R&D investment. The gross budgetary support for the science and technology sector has significantly increased during the last decade. Public understanding of science is an important dimension of introducing and reaching the benefits of modern science and technology to the people. Scientific temper needs to be promoted across all sections of the society systematically. Effective science communication methods, by using tools such as the National Knowledge Network, needs to be initiated. Public and political understanding of science should be based on evidence and debate with open mind. People and decision makers must be made aware of the implications of emerging technologies, including their ethical, social and economic dimensions.
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