DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2018 (PAGE 7) Artists during 'Mata ki Kahani' show at Katra on Thursday. All India Devotional Song Competition begins Sushmita, Khushi, Sumit, Mohinder emerge winners in preliminary round Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 11: As a part of Navratra festival, All India Devotional Song Competition was inaugurated today at Yog Ashram Complex Katra. The competi- tion was inaugu- rated by Chairman and CEO J&K Bank Parvez Ahmed in pres- ence of Director J&K Bank DK Pandoh, Chairman Devotional Song Committee and President Hotel Association Katra, Rakesh Wazir, Former Director of J&K Bank and Chairman PHDC- CI Vikrant Kuthiala, Yog Acharya Swami Yoga Nand Ji Maharaj, celebrity singer Diljaan, SDM Katra Ashok Sharma, CRPF Commandant Jitender Gupta, CEO Katra Development Authority Jagdish Mehra, Additional SP Naresh Singh, DySP Katra Vivek Shekher, Shyam Lal Kesar, Virender Kesar and many oth- ers. On the first day of the pre- liminary round of the competi- tion, Sushmita from Jammu took first position, while Khushi Shubh from Chamba Himachal Pradesh got second position and third position was shared by Sumit Bhalla from Jammu and Mohinder Soni from Jammu. Among the 10 auditioned participants, 4 par- ticipants were from outside J&K and 6 participants were from within State and were pro- vided with the cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively by the CEO J&K. CEO additionally announced the cash reward of Rs 11,000 to each participant singer, who qualified today's audition and performed on the stage. The competition was adjudged by the panels of experts in music including Dr Usha Bhagati Ex-HOD Music PG MAM College Jammu, Prof Parveen Sabharwal Professor Music Department in many col- leges, Dr Surinder Sharma Head of the Department GDC Sanjoli Himachal Pradesh and celebrity singer Diljaan. On the occasion, celebrity singer Diljaan enthralled the audience with his melodious songs. The proceeding of competi- tion was conducted by Rakesh Wazir, who is also the Chairman of the said competi- tion. The All India Devotional Song Competition is being organized by SMVD Shrine Board, Department of J&K Tourism, J&K Bank, Shraddha Mh One with active support of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, Surya Milk, Pure Roots Herbal, Nidesh Builders Private Limited Jammu, Divinity, Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM, PHDCCI, Yog Ashram Trust, District Administration and the local host community. Winners of preliminary round of All India Devotional Song Competition and dignitaries posing for group photograph. Farooq expresses dissatisfaction over tardy pace of de-silting * Urges public to avoid raising structures along water bodies Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 11: Secretary PHE, Irrigation, Flood Control & DMRRR, Farooq Ahmad Shah, today reviewed the progress of work on de-silt- ing of Flood Spill Channel (FSC) in Srinagar. The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer PHE, I&FC, Abdul Wahid, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers. Other officers of the allied departments were also present at the meeting. Taking serious note of slow progress of work at some spots of FSC, Shah directed the offi- cers to deploy additional men and machinery to improve the pace of work so that the same is completed within the given deadline. During the meeting, it was observed that fencing along the FSC has been damaged at many places, to which Shah directed the officials to restore the same at the earliest. He also said that all the flood protection related works shall be taken on priority at every place and shall be completed as early as possible. He said the Government is committed to tackle any flood-like situation and is working on measures to prevent such scenarios in the future. The Secretary also called for zero tolerance to any encroach- ment along water bodies and passed strict directions to the officers to ensure that no encroachment takes place in their respective areas. He said the officers concerned will be responsible to any encroach- ment taking place in their respective areas and action will be taken against the officials as per rules. The meeting was informed that de-silting and related flood protection works are going apace at Shariefabad, Naidkhai, Padshahi Bagh, Rambagh and Bemina. The meeting was informed that at Shariefabad stretch, about 8.00 lakh cubic metres have been de-silted out of the total target of 11.50 lakh cubic metres while at Tengpora- Mehjoor Nagar stretch, 2.37 lakh cubic metres have been de- silted out of the target of 2.81 lakh cubic metres. The meeting was assured that the target of desilting at these places will be achieved within one month. With regard to the desilting of Hokersar, the meeting was informed that the desilting work has been started and will be completed within the stipulated time. During the meeting, Executive Engineers and Superintending Engineers apprised the Secretary about the progress of flood protection works in their respective dis- tricts and assured that the work will be completed within the given timeframe. Later, the Secretary visited Mehjoor Nagar and Rambagh to inspect the progress of flood protection work on the spot. He interacted with the locals and the workers to get the feedback about the quality of work and assured the public that the flood protection works will be com- pleted in set time frame. He also directed the officers to beautify the bunds along the FSC for the attraction of the locals. In order to achieve the fixed targets of the department, he stressed upon all the concerned to put in extra efforts and work with proper coordination. Shah appealed the general public to avoid raising structures on the banks of Jhelum and its flood- channel. BJP leaders Yudhvir Sethi & Priya Sethi releasing a VCD at Press Club, Jammu on Thursday. Priya, Yudhvir release VCD of Mata’s Bheints, book Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 11: The VCD of two Bheint Tracks titled "MataTu Machilen Aali" and "Tera Sare Kolan Sohna Darbar Datiye" prepared by H. N. Music Studio and a Book titled "A Rendezvous with Education" penned by Dr. Raj Shree Dhar, Principal, Higher Education Department were released today at Press Club, Jammu. Former Minister and BJP spokesperson, Priya Sethi and Yudhvir Sethi B J P, State gener- al secretary were the chief guests on the occasion. Anjali Sharma. Station Director, Radio Kashmir, Jammu, presided over the func- tion. S. Arvinder Singh Amn- Additional Secretary, JKAACL was the guest of honour, and Dr. Hemla Aggarwal-Principal, Government College for Women, Parade, Jammu was the Special Invitee. Pritpal Singh Betab- retired IAS Officer was the Special Guest. All the dignitaries unveiled and released the VCD of two Bheint Tracks and the Book. The singer was Prof. Jasmeet Kour, music by Sahil (Lucky), song was composed by Suraj Singh, lyrics was given by Sanjay Vidorhi, choreographer was Radhika Manhas and video by Kuldeep Raaj, and it was directed and edited by Sonu. Priya Sethi- congratulated Prof. Jasmeet Kour and Dr. Raj Shree Dhar and entire team for the great achievement and said that may the Goddess Chandi Maa bless all of us and the VCD of Bheint and the Book may be the most popular. She also con- gratulated H. N. Music Studio. Dr. Raj Shree Dhar in her speech said that book "A Rendezvous with Education" has everything under the sun in its ambit. It is a guide book for the layman, so to say. One can rest at ease while reading this book, which has sections on mathemat- ics, and get to know about the universe, Vedic, Maths, educa- tional needs of the country, J&K's education sector, solar energy, astronomy and astrology, recent developments which the reader may not find in other books of similar nature. Yudhvir Sethi in his address sought blessings of the Chandi Mata for one and all. Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn also complimented all the artists of the VCD and the book and said that being an artist he knows the pressure and work load of performing to bring out the final work. Ms. Anjali Sharma prayed to Maa Chandi for success and blessings of one and all. Dr. Hemla Aggarwal also spoke on the occasion while Pritpal Singh Betab read the welcome address.Vijay Attri presented vote of thanks and KusumTickoo compared the programme. Most befitting show ‘Mata ki Kahani’ opens at Katra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 11: The most befitting show and the ultimate attraction of Navratra Festival 'Mata ki Kahani' opened this evening at the open-air theatre, Railway Station Katra. Conceptualized, devised, designed and directed by Padamshree Balwant Thakur, this mega-musical theatre pres- entation of Natrang Jammu mesmerized the jam-packed audiences which largely includ- ed the devotee of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Prasanna Ramaswamy G, Deputy Commissioner Reasi was the chief guest on the occa- sion whereas Nisha Nathyal, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi was the special guest. 'Mata ki Kahani'--a unique theatrical experience for the audience, beautifully showcased the popular legend of Mata Vaishno Devi. Magically it transported the entire audience to a mesmerizing journey unfolding the story of Mata Vaishno Devi which is a classic narrative that echoes every Hindu household and is a part of every grandma's midnight tale. As per the legend, during the period when the Goddess was busy in annihilating the Asuras, Her three main manifestations viz. Mata Maha Kali, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Saraswati got together one day and pooled their collective Tejas or spiritual strength. Today Mata Vaishno Devi is worshiped by millions and trillions of peo- ple across the world. Mata Vaishno Devi has surfaced as an embodiment of will, strength and peace. In the present times, when the atrocities against the mankind is prevailing, the leg- end of Mata Vaishnodevi gives a guiding light to her followers to help her devotees to uphold inner confidence and faith with- in themselves and on the strength of her healing and cos- mic powers. The most striking feature of today's performance was the demonstration of perfection in every creative department be it the stage action, design, light- ing, scenic imagery and visual poetry which left a life-time impact of a highly vibrant pres- entation. Prominent amongst those seventy contributors of creating this historical presentation include Anil Tickoo, Neeraj Kant, Surinder Manhas, Virji Sumbly, Mohammad Yaseen, Shivam Singh, Suraj Ganjoo, Deepali Sharma, Vrinda Sharma, Vanshika Gupta, Gauri Thakur, Manoj Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Adesh Dhar, Akash Bhat, Sheetal Jadhan, Diya Sharma, Zeeshan Haider, Mohammad Umar, Deepika Bala, Rahul Gupta, Kuldeep Angral, Menu Kumari, Eva Mahajan, Shivam Sharma, Sushant Singh, Natasha Jamwal, Aarti Devi, Nisha Mehra, Rakshit Arora, Kanan Preet Kaur, Udit Sagar, Danish Bargotra, Jatin Sharma, Shaista Mir, Preeti Malhotra, Avinash Bhagat, Saanvi Anant, Rohit Sharma, Naresh Kumar, Abhinav Sharma, Ujhwal Bandral, Priya Thakur, Sumit Raina and Sahil Kumar. VC SKUAST-J lays foundation stone of residential quarters Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 11: In order to strengthen the infrastructure facil- ities in SKUAST-Jammu, the Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-J, Dr Pradeep K Sharma today laid the foundation stones of 3 BHK (12 sets) residential quarters for Assistant Professors at Chatha Campus and Dean’s Residence at RS Pura campus. Estates Officer of the University, Iqbal Singh informed that the 3 BHK (12 sets) for Assistant Professors is being con- structed at a cost of Rs 3.59 crore in an area of 6700 sq ft while con- struction of Dean’s residence is being constructed at a cost of Rs 1.11 crore in an area of 2650 sq ft. Both the projects will be complet- ed within 15 and 12 months of time, respectively. The projects have been funded by the State Government under Capex Budget. The Vice-Chancellor asked Dr Deepak Kher, Director Planning & Monitoring cum Chairman, Standing Works Committee, Estates Officer and his team that time and quality of work should be essence of the project. He emphasized that the work be com- pleted within the stipulated time so that facility is provided to the faculty members. He impressed upon the executing agencies and the University engineers to main- tain quality of work. Besides, HoDs of all the three faculties and executive members of teaching and non-teaching associations, Director Education, Dr TAS Ganai, Comptroller cum Registrar, Rajesh Talwar, Dean FVSc & AH RS Pura, Dr MMS Zama, Dean, FoA, Dr DP Abrol, Dean FBSc, Dr S Rizvi were present in both the functions. JKMEF president, Sushil Sudan, addressing a press confer- ence at Jammu. JKMEF to observe half day strike in all health institutions on Oct 17 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 11: Jammu Kashmir Medical Employees Federation (JKMEF), Jammu will observe strike in first half of the day on October 17 to press the Government to fulfill the genuine demands of the female multipurpose health workers. Disclosing this while addressing a press conference at Federation Office, Director Health Services Complex, Jammu, Sushil Sudan, State president of the Federation, said that on October 15, the Federation will dispatch postal cards to J&K Governor SP Malik and Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, urging them to redress the demands of the female multipur- pose health workers who are on strike for last 45 days demanding release of their pending wages. Sudan said following this on October 17, all the medical employees under the banner of JKMEF will observe strike in all the health institutions of the Jammu province in first half of the day. However, the emergency services will be kept out of the purview of the strike, he added. The JKMEF president said if the Government still does not wake up from the slumber and redress the demands of the female multipurpose health workers, all leaders of associa- tion and employee affiliated with JKMEF will proceed towards Kashmir for Secretariat gherao on October 24. Those present in the confer- ence were Ch Jarnail Singh (president JKGPA), RP Singh, Jugal Bakshi, Harpal Singh (president, X-ray Tech Employee Association), Pawan Singh (president, JK Basic Health Employees Association, Mohd Saleem (president, Clerical Employees Association), Sanjay Khajuria (president, Dental Tech Employees Association and Jatinder Singh (president, Driver Cleaner Union SHTO, Jammu). Wheelocity Motors unveils Rapid ONYX Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 11: Wheelocity Motors unveiled the Rapid ONYX here today. In a grand ceremony, the vehi- cle was unveiled by Rohit Mahajan, Branch Manager J&K Bank in presence of the Directors of Wheelocity Motors Atul Abrol, Gurminder Soodan and Mudasir Nabi Sheikh. SKODA Auto India unveiled the Rapid ONYX at an attractive ex-showroom price of Rs 9.75 lakh nationwide taking forward the 'One Nation One Price' philos- ophy. The Rapid ONYX will be available in manual and automat- ic variants with both petrol and diesel options. It will be available in two colours--Lapiz Blue and Candy White at Wheelocity Motors. Adhering to its emotionally appealing design philosophy, the Rapid ONYX comes in a modern crystalline appearance. The dynamic appearance is further accentuated by its black design elements. The black facade of the ŠKODA Signature Grill comes with a chrome surround and it a glossy black 16" Clubber alloy wheels with identical bolt covers, glossy black exterior mirrors, glossy black décor on the B pil- lars, as well as black body side moulding and trunk lip garnish. With such meticulous design the Rapid ONYX is sure to turn many heads while on the road. The interiors of the car are truly captivating. Coming in con- trasting dual-tone Ebony-Sand interiors, the Rapid ONYX fea- tures a premium perforated beige with wood design leatherette upholstery. The SuperSport Flat Bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with black stitching. Reminding you that you're never too far from luxury is the Abundant Chrome decor. As a premium offering from SKODA, the Rapid ONYX also comes with highly advanced tech- nical features that will give your drive the experience that it deserves. The car comes with 'Drive'-the Colour Touchscreen Central Infotainment System that comes equipped with SmartLink technology which will help you control selected apps like navi- gation straight on the infotain- ment screen and ensure seamless connectivity with your smart- phone to keep you connected on the go, while also supporting USB/Aux-in/ /Bluetooth options. The car further comes with the revolutionary Climatronic technology along with adjustable dual rear AC vents, 12 V power socket in front and rear centre console, a black waste bin for the front door pocket, scuff plates with rapid inscription and rear windscreen sunblind, making the car even more compelling. To add to the overall convenience are features like the height and length adjustable multifunction steer- ing wheel, adjustable headrests, foldable armrests, central lock- ing system with remote control, multi-functional display, height adjustable driver and front pas- senger seats and storage pockets on the back of the front seats. Officials of Wheelocity Motors unveiling Rapid ONYX at Jammu on Thursday. Artists, who performed in ‘Dak Ghar’ posing for group pho- tograph. Samooh Theatre performs ‘Dak Ghar’ in 8th Natyam National Theatre Festival Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 11: Samooh Theatre performed Dogri adap- tation of Gurudev Rabindernath Tagore's "Dak Ghar" Directed by Ravinder Sharma in 8th Natyam National Theatre Festival, Bathinda, Punjab. Adaptation of the play is done by Dr. Sudhir Mahajan. The music of play was composed by Brij Mohan and Surinder Manhas. A dying boy namely Amal who is the main character of the play, is confined to his room because of an incurable disease. He looks out his side-room win- dow at milk man from the vil- lage near the hills, a little girl with a basket of flowers, a watchman ringing the bells, the cruel Lamberdar and the post- man who brings letters from the king. He talks and makes friend with them all despite their ages and backgrounds, taking in sto- ries and their perceptions of the world. With the forwarding pace of the play Amal's life ebbs out and he pines for the far-away, 'Amal' awaits a letter from the king which comes at last, at least so he believes, Carried by the king's own messenger, the Royal Physician. He put the boy beyond the touch of all earthly pain. The moment of death of Amal is the moment of his union with the king. The team includes Sandeep Manhas, Ravinder Sharma, Sakshav Raina, Ajay Tamangh, Kushal, Vinay Sharma, Rohit Bains, Yeshvinder Bali, Rajat Gupta, Chetan Charak, Juhi Singh, Kousar Chandpuri, Rohan Singh, Ayushi Bhat, Suraj Ganjoo, Pooja Sharma, Anita Chandpuri, Princy Bhat and Dr. Sudhir Mahajan. VC SKUAST-J, Dr Pradeep K Sharma, laying foundation stone of 3BHK for Assistant Professors at Chatha Campus. * Watch video on www.excelsiornews.com