Twitter advantage for Puri
AMRITSAR: The interest of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri in local politics is all set to intensify the credit war between political leaders, which is often witnessed whenever a project related to the city is cleared by the Centre. Earlier, the city had witnessed credit war between state BJP chief and Rajya Sabha MP Shwait Malik and Amritsar MP Gurjit Singh Aujla over works done at railway station and airport. Both are now at disadvantage with Puri entering the scene and the fact that he is active on Twitter. Puri recently announced the commencement of Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto flight much before others learnt about it on the micro-blogging site. It’s advantage Puri.
Sweet gesture by cops
Fatehgarh Sahib: The district police led by SSP Amneet Kondal reached out to the locals by organising a “chhabeel” recently. The SSP and other senior cops were seen distributing sweetened water and halwa to people on a hot day. The officials, most of who were in uniform, collected used utensils and washed these. The residents appreciated the gesture of the police. Many said this would help the police change their image in the minds of the people. The SSP motivated the force to organise such social activities so that the police could shed its negative image. Kondal stresses that she wanted the police to be more people friendly so that residents do not fear from them and instead come forward to help the police in eradicating social evils, particularly the drug menace.
Out of power, still a ‘minister’
Jalandhar: Having remained in the government for five years or so, most politicians take long to accept that they are no longer in power. This at least seems true for former minister Bhagat Chunni Lal, as he has for the past more than two years not removed a signage leading to his office that shows him as Punjab minister. Those passing by are often seen commenting that he should at least get the word “former” written in front of his portfolio. After all, he is not even an MLA now.
Brush with success
Abohar: Ludhiana-born 1985-batch IAS officer Kiran Soni Gupta was recently honoured at the Global Women Achiever Awards in Mumbai. At least 43 other women were also felicitated, including badminton player Saina Nehwal, film maker Guneet Monga, choreographer Saroj Khan and Kathua case lawyer Deepika Rajawat, for their contribution to society and the nation. Kiran got the award for her book “Empower women, Enlighten the World”. Kiran is an artist, writer and photographer. Her paintings were exhibited at Le Louvre museum and Carrousel de Louvre, Paris. She is presently serving as additional secretary and finance adviser in the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs.
Contributed by Manmeet Singh Gill, Surinder Bhardwaj, Deepkamal Kaur and Raj Sadosh
