Ludhiana, July 19
During heavy rains water gets stagnated in orchards, especially in the low-level areas. This was stated by scientists J.S. Bal and J.S. Randhawa, Department of Horticulture, Punjab Agricultural University. They said if the water gets stagnated for a few days it could affects the well-established fruit trees.

The mango tree could not withstand water logging during its early years. Similarly, citrus plants get adversely affected under such conditions. Although pear and guava are better adapted to wet conditions, yet prolonged stagnation can cause problem like foot rot in pear trees

The scientists said the mango tree could not withstand water logging during its early years. Similarly, citrus plants get adversely affected under such conditions. “Although pear and guava are better adapted to wet conditions, yet prolonged stagnation can cause problem like foot rot in pear trees”, they added.

Scientists advocated cultivating the soil and draining away the excess rain water. This improves aeration of the soil and promotes growth of fruit trees. The dried ends of the branches along with 5 to 8 cm of live-wood should be pruned. The cut ends that were thicker than 2 to 3 cm should be coated with Bordeaux paste and the trees should be sprayed with its mixture 2:2:250. Small doses of nitrogenous fertilizer could also be applied.

For caring young fruit plants, they suggested prompt drainage of the excess water, careful removal of stock sprouts every 10 to 15 days, proper staking of plants, and protection against the sun and regular sprays of recommended doses of insecticides. 

Ludhiana, July 19
Students of Devki Devi Jain Memorial College for Women have excelled in MA-I Hindi examination conducted by Panjab University.

Shefali Bansal stood first in the college securing 65.5 per cent marks. She was followed by Priya Bagga with 64.5 per cent marks and Isha Jain with 64 per cent marks.

College president Narinder Kumar Jain, principal Vandana Maini, and Hindi department head Prem Lata Gupta lauded the achievement of the students.

Students of SDP College for Women also performed well in the examination.

Priya Bhasin of the college secured 225 marks out of total 400 to obtain first position in the college.

Deepika Sharma and Anita Goel got 224 and 220 marks, respectively, followed Priya.

The college registered a pass percentage of 92.85 per cent.

President Balraj Bhasin and Principal Dr Geeta Bhandari congratulated the students.

Ludhiana, July 19
Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor M.S.Kang while addressing a gathering of non-teaching staff said agricultural research would help scientists in achieving higher goals. He appreciated the role of the university staff in ushering Green Revolution. Laying emphasis on team work, he said a collective effort was required to achieve excellence in teaching as well as in research.

Representatives of the non-teaching employees hoped that the exposure and experience of having worked in American institutions would certainly be of immense help to Kang. The employees on their behalf assured to cooperate with him.

Ludhiana, July 19
Enthusiasm and confusion prevailed among new entrants to colleges, whose academic session began here recently. Dressed in their best, majority of the students looked cheerful and excited. At the same time, expressions of confusion and fear were seen on the faces of a few students who were not able to find their classrooms and teachers.

Teachers and other employees of colleges were seen guiding the students about the time tables and classrooms.

Principal, Khalsa College for Women, Varinder Kaur Thind, said after finishing their schools, the new entrants felt independent in colleges. “But, this is the time when they have to be properly guided. They should be told to wear simple dresses, attend all their classes and respect their teachers etc. They need affection and monitoring as well”, Thind added.

Mohita Arora, a new entrant to Government College for Women, said she found that the college was well maintained. But, she said, the college atmosphere was altogether different from schools. “It is a nice change but we will definitely stick to our time table”, she added.

Fearful faces were also seen in the colleges. Gurpreet Singh, a B.A. I st year student of SCD Government College said though ragging was banned in all educational institutions but seniors pulled the legs of juniors by getting "small introductions".

One of the parents, who accompanied his daughter to a college, said it was parents’ duty to settle their wards to new environment. “They should be told about the good and bad of college life. Along with teachers, parents need to guide them properly. I have told my daughter to enjoy the college life but never cross her limits”, he stressed.

Ludhiana, July 19
An inter-house English and Hindi poetry recitation contest was held at Kundan Vidya Mandi School here today. Principal S.C. Saxena was welcomed in charge Sonia Verma. About 24 students from six houses recited their poems in English and Hindi.

The results are as follows: Rahat Verma of Subhash House bagged the first prize for “My Mother” whereas the second prize was won by Mrinal Jindal of Tagore House. She recited “My Angels”. Third prize was bagged by Uditi Jain of Raman House for “The West Wind”. Gursimrat Singh of Gandhi House bagged the consolation prize on the topic “My Mother”.

Poojan Chhiba of Nehru House and Nischay Grewal of Patel House bagged the first prize on the topic “Sachhi Badhai” and “Nari ka Astitva”, respectively, whereas the second prize was won by Risahabh of Subhash House for “Pathar aur Sheesha”. Third prize was bagged by Divya of Nehru House. She recited on the topic “Rail Mail”. Gazhal Goel of Tagore House bagged the consolation prize on the topic “Hasya Ras.”

Ludhiana, July 19
“When my name was announced for the auditions, the musicians whispered to each other that they have to play carefully as the boy is from Punjab and his notes will be different,” says Harpreet Deol, the only contestant from Punjab in Zee TV’s “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge-2007”. He was interacting with mediapersons at a city hotel today.

Harpreet, who hails from Ludhiana, is among the 12 finalists in the contest.

He says the audience always does not return the right candidate and regional voting also affects the future of participants.

“But voting should be based on quality and knowledge of singing. Songs are given to us on different themes. The look of the singer is then decided accordingly by the dress designer, hairstylist, etc.

Though he has not yet acclimatised with Mumbai’s climate and food, he strives for excellence in every round.

“For me every round is important, as failure may well lead to elimination.”

As famous singers like Sonu Nigam, and Shriya Ghosal and others have been a product of Sa Rega Ma Pa show, the show remains prestigious for him.

This season features Himesh Reshammiya, Ismail Darbar, Vishal and Shekhar, and Bappi Lahiri on the show.

After having searched for talent, the four have short-listed 12 participants who are being housed in Mumbai and trained by their respective mentors.

He says the show to be aired on Saturday has been shot with Salman Khan.

Harpreet urges Punjabis, especially Ludhianvis, to vote for him all along.