City page for January 4

WEATHER

Forecast (January 4): Weather will remain dry in the lower, plain and middle hills, while there is a possibility of rain and snow in the higher hills.

Temperatures:

Shimla: 11.4, 1.1 Degrees Celsius Sunrise: 7:20 am, sunset: 5:32 pm

Dharamsala: 9.2, 2.4 Degrees Celsius

Manali: 11.0, – 3.0Degrees Celsius

READERS’ SAY

Temple faces neglect

The Brij Raj Swami Temple of Lord Krishna in the Nurpur Fort has been neglected by the the successive governments notwithstanding its historical importance and attraction for devotees of the region. This temple has the potential to attract tourists, especially those who visit Kangra. It is the only temple in the world, where the idol of Mira is worshipped alongside Lord Krishna. The state government should formulate a master plan to bring this temple on the tourism map in the hill state. The previous Dhumal government had declared Shri Kishnashatmi festival, celebrated here with immense religious fervour, as the district-level fair. Joginder Kumar, Nurpur

Littered Children’s Park

There is no provision to clean the Children’s Park in Sector I, New Shimla, as one can see wrappers of chips, chocolates and other garbage dumped in a pit right at the entrance. It is not just children, but the residents also, who come and sit here in the sun during the day. Rather than keeping the place clean, garbage is littered all around. There is a need to place a dustbin in the park, which should be emptied by the Municipal Corporation staff, who clean the roads daily. Parks should be kept clean as everyone uses these. Chandni Sharma, Shimla

EDUCATION NOTEs

Character building vital: Guv

Governor Bandaru Dattatreya today said character building of students was essential along with providing them qualitative education. He said personality development too was important. Education was incomplete without inculcating moral and ethical values among them. He was speaking at the annual prize distribution function of DAV School, Ambota, in Una district. The Governor said the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar and former President Abdul Kalam, both belonged to poor families, but played a pivotal role in nation building. Dattatreya stressed the need of environment conservation and said use of plastic should be avoided. He released the souvenir of the school and gave away prizes to meritorious students. He also inaugurated newly constructed administrative block of DAV School, Ambota. Principal Namit Sharma read out the annual report of the school. The students presented a colorful cultural programme.

Annual function of DAV School

DAV Public School, Palampur, organised its annual function. Children presented various cultural programmes. Ashish Butail, MLA, Palampur, was the chief guest. Dr NK Kalia and Brig Sunil Upadhyay were the guests of honour. The principal read out the annual report, highlighting the achievements of the school. As many as 400 students entertained the audience with various cultural items like nayti, lavni, contemporary, patriotic semi-classical dances, bhangra and giddha and many more. The chief guest felicitated meritorious students of classes X and XII.

‘Skill development must for students’

Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj has stressed the need for imparting skill development education to students. He was speaking at a function organised at Government Senior Secondary School, Chotta Shimla, on the launch of “Skill on Wheels” programme. He said the students must be imparted knowledge about IT, beautician, plumber and automobile courses so that they could set up their own self-employment ventures. He added that if need be, these courses could be taught on a regular basis in schools.

Cultural fest by students’ body

The Chail-Koti-Shilonbag-Mundaghat-Kufri Students Welfare Association organised a cultural fest “Fittur” at the Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. Kasumpati MLA Anirudh Singh was the chief guest. Students presented various cultural items like natti and folk songs. The MLA exhorted the students to take part in sports, art and dance.

WHAT’S ON

Mini Marathon from Secretariat compound to Police Control Room, Mall, Shimla, January 6, 7 am

Jan Manch, Panchayat Ghar, Thadi, Shoghi, January 5, 10 am onwards

MLA Priorities Meeting with Chief Minister at conference hall of Armsdale, Secretariat, Shimla, 7 and 8 January, 10.30 am

Shivratri fair to be held in Mandi from February 22 to 28