The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Independence Day celebrations in schools
Asha Ahuja

Students of Guru Nanak International School at a science, art and craft exhibition organised on Independence Day in Ludhiana on Thursday. — A Tribune photograph

Ludhiana, August 16
“Sare jahan se achha, Hindustan hamara” said it all about the deep love for the country in the hearts of students. Various schools yesterday celebrated Independence Day by organising cultural functions on their school premises here.

Kundan Vidya Mandir, Civil Lines, yesterday organised a function in which the school band lead the march-past by the NCC and Iron Eagle contingent on patriotic tunes. A tableau presented by nursery and K.G. students, depicting the heroes of the freedom struggle, was the main attraction of the show.

After the flag-hoisting ceremony, the students of BCM Arya Model School displayed their skills in the dumbbell and tae kwan do show at a function organised to celebrate the Independence Day. Tiny tots stole the show by singing “Hum honge kamyab”. Mr S.K. Sharma, Municipal Commissioner, while speaking on the occasion, said the education system should free itself from the “British raj” hangover.

Bal Bhawan and School for Deaf and Dumb Children, being run by the Red Cross, celebrated the I-Day by singing patriotic songs. A magic show was organised for the children. The Ludhiana Association for Deaf and Dumb also organised a function at Rakh Bagh. The aim was to discuss the problems of the children.

The city Mayor, Mr Nahar Singh Gill, was the chief guest at a function organised by Everest Public School. A colorful programme comprising songs and dances thrilled the dignitaries. Mayor Nahar Singh unfurled the national flag at Darshan Singh Academy. An art and craft, science and social sciences exhibition was also held.

Bhartiya Vidya Mandir, Kitchlu Nagar, too celebrated the Independence Day with great zeal and fervour. Satluj Public School yesterday organised its annual function and children mela here. Mr Rakesh Pandey, Minister of State, was the chief guest. The flag was unfurled by Mr Prem Mittal, Senior Deputy Mayor. A cultural programme was followed by award-giving ceremony for meritorious students.

Tiny tots of Kiddies Paradise celebrated the day with a fancy dress competition. Kids dressed up as historic personalities stole the show. Child Heart Day-boarding School started the day with rendering of a “shabad”. Children presented a play focussing the problem of terrorism besides presenting folk-dances. Guru Nanak Ayurvedic College and Research Institute organised a programme to show their patriotic zeal. The NCC cadets of Master Tara Singh Memorial College also celebrated the day at the college.

At Bhartiya Vidya Mandir, Udham Singh Nagar, over 150 students took part in a cultural programme. A programme was also organised at Basant Public School. A student who had topped BCM Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh Road, was asked to unfurl the flag. Students of SKN Model High School presented a gala cultural programme to mark the Independence Day.

Various NGOs and social organisations also celebrated the Independence Day. Bangiya Samsad yesterday organised a function at Bangiya Bhavan. After unfurling the national flag, an on-the-spot painting competition was held for students of various schools of the city. The Independence Day celebration of Vocational Rehabilitation Training Centre For Blind/Disabled in association with the Rotary Club Central was held on the centre premises. The president of the Rotary Club presided over the function. Nishkam Vidya Mandir, a school with students hailing from economically weaker section of the society, presented patriotic songs. Mr Harnam Dass Johar, MLA and former Speaker Vidhan Sabha, unfurled the flag and addressed the students. The Art of Living Foundation held celebrations at Lions Bhavan.

USPC Jain Public School, Jamalpur, celebrated Independence Day with a function that was presided over by Mr Satparkash, former Mayor. The function started with the hoisting of the national flag followed by a march-past by the students. The students presented a colourful cultural programme highlighting national integration. The school president, Mr T.R. Jain, secretary, Mr Mohinder Pal Jain, and school Principal, Ms Ychana Chawla, spoke on the occasion. Mr M.P. Jain also organised a quiz for the students.

On the campus of GMT Public School, Independence Day was celebrated with tiny tots showing patriotic zeal by holding the Tricolour in their hands.

Shopkeepers celebrate I-Day

The 55th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at Kup Road, Malaud, for the first time by shopkeepers of the area. Mr Subash Kup unfurled the National Flag. While speaking on the occasion, Dr Jaswinder said nation was passing through a tough time and all citizens would have to be vigilant against terrorism.

Children also participated and sung the National Anthem. Mr Krishan Singh, Mr Mohammed Hassan, Mr Gurpreet Singh, Mr Mohammed Hamid, Mr Satish Kumar and Mr Ajmer Singh were present among others.

COURTS

Forum quashes PSEB plea, given relief
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 16
In a significant judgement, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has ruled that the dues on account of energy consumption by the tenants in a premises having separate power connections can not be recovered from the owner of the property.

Accordingly, disposing off a complaint by Mr Paramjit Singh, a commission agent in New Sabzi Mandi here, the forum quashed the demand for Rs 14,150 raised by the Punjab State Electricity Board and further awarded a compensation of Rs 2,000 for disconnection of power supply of the consumer for non-payment of the said amount.

The complainant had submitted before the forum that the PSEB had issued a bill for energy consumption in his shop in New Sabzi Mandi on January 24, 2000 in which an amount of Rs 14,150 was added as sundry charges. On inquiry made with the PSEB, it was found that the amount related to unpaid power bills for three shops, owned by him in Gole Market, Civil Lines which were rented out to Mr Tarlochan Singh and Mr Lekh Raj.

Since the amount did not pertain to him and charges on account of energy consumption by tenants were not recoverable from him, the complainant refused to make payment of the bill and his power supply was disconnected on April 8, 2000. The complainant Mr Paramjit Singh, had pleaded that the PSEB be directed to issue a bill for actual energy consumption in his premises in New Sabzi Mandi and further demanded Rs 25,000 as compensation and Rs 1,000 as cost of the litigation.

The respondent, PSEB through its counsel, Mr A.S. Walia took the stand that the amount added to the bill of the complainant was due on the basis of actual consumption against three power connections in the names of Mr Tarlochan Singh and Mr Lekh Raj, but the premises where these power connections were installed, were owned by Mr Paramjit Singh.

The presiding officer of the forum Mr Hardial Singh, in his order, said that the admission by the PSEB that the charges added to the bill of the complainant, related to some other power connections, working elsewhere though the premises were owned by the complainant, had itself made the demand unlawful. “The amount was added against the rule and can not be recovered from the complainant.” Further, the disconnection of power supply for non-payment of the charges, which were demanded against the rules made it a case of deficient service.

The complainant was represented by Mr S.S. Sarna.