Sher-e-Punjab

East, West Punjabs to forge cultural ties
Kuldeep Mann
Wagah, October 28
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5...2000000094.htm

ADDING A new dimension to the ongoing Indo-Pak peace process, East and West Punjabs have agreed to collaborate in the fields of Punjabi cinema, art and culture to save the centuries old culture unique to the land of the five rivers. PWD Minister Partap Singh Bajwa, who returned after a two-day tour of Pakistan, disclosed this to mediapersons here.

Bajwa said the modalities for the collaboration could be finalised when Chief Ministers of the two Punjabs, Capt Amarinder Singh and Chaudhary Pravez Elahi, meet in Patiala on the occasion of first joint Punjab Sports Meet in December.

“The proposed collaboration in Punjabi cinema, art and culture would expedite the process of bridging gaps and regaining the pristine glory of our culture,” said Bajwa. Accompanied by wife Charanjit Kaur Bajwa, the PWD Minister had gone to Lahore to extend invitations of the Virasat Mela, being organised in Jalandhar on November 19 and 20. He said at least 10 top artistes, writers and thinkers from Lahore had given their consent to attend the Mela.

Bowled over by the feasts which the Minister and his wife received from East Punjab Cultural Affairs Minister and Secretary and certain NGOs, Bajwa said the hosts, who were themselves on Ramzan fast, took pains to serve all sorts of dishes to them.

Bajwa said that the proposed sports meet in Patiala would be first of its kind after Independence. About 350 sportspersons from East Punjab are expected to attend this unique sports extravaganza involving 18 traditional games like kabaddi, wrestling, tug-of-war and equestrian events.

The Punjab paradox

“WHILE PEOPLE in East Punjab were paying a whopping Rs 1,200 per quintal for the wheat they import from Canada and Australia, their counterparts in West Punjab were forced to sell of their produce for as low as Rs 660 per quintal. Free trade can help strengthen both economies,” PWD Minister Partap Singh Bajwa reasoned.

Though Bajwa could not meet a pre-occupied Chaudhary Pravez Elahi, an East Punjab minister and his officials assured that they would pressurise their government to lift the ban on importing wheat and other agriculture products from India. Bajwa said West Punjab, which had attained optimum level of agriculture production, could put its economy back on track only by opening the borders at Wagah and Hussainiwala for free trade with Pakistan.

Hopes of peace have already led to an increase in real estate prices on the Pakistani side of the Wagah border; the response on this side of border was also encouraging, he said.

Sher-e-Punjab

Lahore to host 12th World Punjabi Conference in 2005

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...-6-2004_pg7_19

Staff Report

LAHORE: The World Punjab Congress (WPC) Pakistan chapter will organise the 12th World Punjabi Conference from April 12 to 16 in Lahore and 500 delegates from 25 countries are expected to attend, said WPC Chairman Fakhar Zaman on Sunday.

Talking to reporters, Mr Zaman said the WPC has constituted writers, lawyers, journalists, artists and women’s wings. He said the WPC would arrange exchanges of delegations between Pakistan and India.

Mr Zaman said the Indian Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh chief ministers and former Indian Punjab governor have consented to participate in the 12th conference.

“Member of the Indian Parliament, jurists, journalists, educationists and eminent personalities from other walks of life including film stars Dharmendra, Sunil Dutt, Raj Babbar, Vinod Khanna, Shitrughan Sinha, Govinda and Jaya Pradha are likely to attend the conference,” said Mr Zaman.

He said the 11th World Punjabi Conference would be in Patiala in October. The Haryana chief minister has announced the state will host a peace festival in September with the collaboration of the WPC and has invited one thousand delegates from Pakistan.

Mr Zaman said the WPC intends to hold peace festivals in other Indian provinces like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

“Similar peace festivals would be held in all Pakistani provinces,” he said.

The WPC Indian Chapter recently held the 10th World Punjabi Conference in Chandigarh from May 28 to 30 attended by 400 delegates including 150 from Pakistan.

__________________

World Punjabi Conference in Patiala from Dec 1
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/200...punjab1.htm#10

Hind-Pak Punjabi mela from Nov 29
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041028/punjab1.htm#6

Rs 40 lakh grant to develop Punjabi software
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041029/punjab1.htm#3

Punjabi ekta sammelan held
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/200...haryana.htm#14

Major breakthrough in Punjabi software
http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/07/stor...0708780500.htm

Sher-e-Punjab

WPC to represent Pakistan in India

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...11-2004_pg7_23

* We were called ‘Indian agents’ for demanding cultural exchange: Fakhar Zaman

By Shoaib Ahmed

LAHORE: The World Punjabi Congress is making efforts to strengthen the peace process between India and Pakistan, said World Punjabi Congress Chairman Fakhar Zaman in an exclusive interview with Daily Times on Monday.

He said that the Congress would participate in various events being held across the border in November and December.

Mr Zaman said that the Congress’ efforts for peace between the two countries have been fruitful, as a number of positive developments such as the frequent visits of peace delegations between India and Pakistan have started taking place. Talking about negative projection of Pakistan in Indian films, Mr Zaman said that the Congress has condemned all the Bollywood films and Indian TV Channels, which misrepresent Pakistan. “We have demanded a boycott, by India, of all such films and channels which are undermining the peace process,” he said.

Highlighting the role of the Congress in strengthening the peace process he said that the Congress was established in 1986. In its early period, the Congress members were called “Indian agents” for demanding that both countries exchange peace delegations. He said, “Now, after 18 years, peace delegations are being sent from both sides frequently. Clearly, our stance was right and we believe that we were vindicated.”

Mr Zaman hoped that soon there would be a time when both sides would offer multiple-visa facility. This, he said, would help cultural exchange. Mr Zaman said Pakistani singers and film artists were going to Indian Punjab this month to attend an international festival on culture. In addition to that, he said, Bollywood superstars Sunil Dutt and Dharmindar along with other Punjabi-speaking Bollywood artists and businessmen were organising a mini-World Punjabi Conference (WPC) at Bombay in February 2005.

He said that an Indo-Pak mushaira was also being organised by Anita Singh, the Maharani of Kapurthala, at Amritsar from November 22nd to 23rd. The contingent of poets from Pakistan to attend the mushaira would include Fakhar Zaman, Aizaz Ahmed Azar, Afzaal Shahid, Bushra Ijaz and Mrs Sarwat Muhayyudin. The 11th WPC, he said, would be held at Kuruk Sheter, Hariyana next month. He said that Om Parkash Chautala, the chief minister of Hariyana, announced this while he was visiting Pakistan earlier. He also said that the conference would include two major festivals, one on music and the other on culture, adding that some of the events would be held at Ambala, Karnal and Panipat.

Mr Zaman also said that from 19th to 20th November Panj Panian Di Wirasat, an international cultural festival, would be held at Jallandhar which would also include performances by Pakistani artists. Raja Amrindar Singh, the chief minister of Indian Punjab, would inaugurate the event. Mr Zaman said that from the 1st to the 3rd of December, another mini-WPC on Punjabi Language and Literature would be held at Patiala. This time he said, Munir Niazi, Zafar Iqbal, Begum Tahira Mazhar Ali Khan, AG Josh, Mansha Yad, Khawaja Masood, Nasreen Anjum Bhatti, Parveen Atif, Bushra Ijaz and Qazi Javed would represent Pakistan.

Mr Zaman said that a 250-strong delegation would represent Pakistan in the conference. The delegation would represent all languages of Pakistan as this year the Congress introduced a new trend by inviting people from other provinces of the country. He said Sindh would send 10, NWFP 20 and Balochistan five participants. He said the delegation would consist of writers, poets, artists, journalists, educationists, technocrats and representatives of the minorities. Mr Zaman said that Anita Singh would also arrange a classical music festival at Patiala.

He said the 12th WPC would be held at Lahore in which 400 people from 40 countries would participate. Indian chief ministers of Dehli, Hamachal Pardesh, East Punjab and Hariyana would also participate in the conference. He further added that the title of the conference would be ‘International Conference on Culture and Peace’. He said the Indian participants would represent all languages of India.

Sher-e-Punjab

Sikh worship places to be safeguarded
http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2004/3/index13.php

AMRITSAR (APP) - Guru Nanak Dev University on Thursday honoured East and West Punjab Chief Ministers of India and Pakistan, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Capt. Amarinder Singh with Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) honorary degrees at its Special Convocation here.

These degrees were conferred upon them in recognition of their contribution as ‘true Punjabis’ in the social and political fields and towards strengthening the bonds of Indo-Pak friendship and unflinching commitment to principled politics.

Gen. S.F. Rodrigues (Retd.), Governor of Punjab and Chancellor conferred the degrees while Dr S.P Singh, Vice-Chancellor read out the citations and Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab welcomed Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and his family.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said it was a matter of great honour and a memorable occasion for him that East and West Punjabs were together on one platform.

Earlier, the Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi was given a warm welcome by the top brass of the Indian Punjab Government led by the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh.

According to a Press release issued by Information and Public Relations department Punjab (India), young students greeted Mr Elahi and Capt Amarinder Singh by waving national flags of India and Pakistan. The entire route was decked up with colourful banners and gates.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi accompanied by the Punjab chief minister and a motorcade reached the Golden Temple where a large sangat watched the cordial scenario.

Pakistan to protect Gurdwaras: Addressing a gathering of Sikh Yatris Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said that he was very impressed with his visit to the Golden Temple and it is a memorable visit.

Ch. Pervaiz Elahi said Punjab government will fully safeguard all Gurduwaras and places of worships of Sikhs in Nankana Sahib and other areas of Punjab as well as adjacent property.

He said that Islam ordains its followers to protect the places of worships of all other religions and we strictly abide by these teachings.

He said Punjab government is evolving a comprehensive plan for the development and uplift of Nankana Sahib and in this regard Nankana Sahib has already been declared a model city.

He said the original shape and design of Gurdwaras would be maintained during the process of their repair and renovation.

Ch. Pervaiz Elahi said the demand of Sikh Yatris for starting Lahore-Amritsar Bus Service is justified and Pakistan fully supports the proposal as it would greatly remove the difficulties of Sikh pilgrims. The Chief Minister also thanked Sikh Yatris for giving him a warm welcome at Golden Temple.

At the historic Jallianwala Bagh, Ch. Elahi and Capt Amarinder Singh placed floral wreaths at the ‘Flame of Liberty’ and evinced keen interest at the martyrs memorial. In the visitor’s book, Pervaiz Elahi wrote that the light of freedom kindled by the sacrifices of martyrs brought freedom.

New academic block: Punjab Chief Minister, Ch. Pervaiz Elahi after receiving the degree of doctorate at Guru Nanak University, here today, also laid the foundation stone of a new academic block in the university which has been named after prominent Sufi-saint Hazrat Mian Mir.

A special function was arranged in connection with the foundation stone laying ceremony in which a large number of intellectuals, professors, journalists and senior government officials were present. Talking to newsmen on this occasion, Ch. Pervaiz Elahi said that the wisdom of spiritual personalities of the subcontinent is the collective heritage of followers of all religions. He said he was deeply impressed by the educational facilities available at the university.


CMs of two Punjabs get honorary degree
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041203/punjab1.htm#1

Stage set for Punjab Games
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041203/sports.htm#8

Punjabi conference starts on fond hopes
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041202/punjab1.htm#3

Ray

Wheat
With a production reaching ten times in past five years, India is today the second largest wheat producer in the whole world. Various studies and researches show that wheat and wheat flour play an increasingly important role in the management of India’s food economy.

Wheat production is about 70 million tonnes per year in India and counts for approximately 12 per cent of world production. Being the second largest in population, it is also the second largest in wheat consumption after China, with a huge and growing wheat demand.

http://www.agriculture-industry-indi...ies/wheat.html

India is the SECOND LARGEST WHEAT PRODUCER IN THE WORLD.

Asim Aquil

India has a large requirement of wheat too.

Pakistan and India should go on Atkins diet... No more requirement on wheat and healthy bodies.

I heard 10% of Americans are on Atkins now. I'm trying it out too.

ajaybhutani

asim ,
the foodgrain problem in india is in storage and distribution and not production. We produce nough but it dsnt go to a lot of needy people.

Sher-e-Punjab

Kashmir still a core issue, says Pervaiz Elahi
Prabhjot Singh
Tribune News Service
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041204/main3.htm

Chandigarh, December 3
“Peace is not a choice but a must. It can only be ensured if certain core issues, including Kashmir, are settled at the federal level,” says visiting Chief Minister of West Punjab, Pervaiz Elahi, hoping that a satisfying solution would be found to this problem through continuous dialogue.

Participating in an interaction programme on “Business Opportunities in East and West Punjab” at the northern headquarters of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here this afternoon, Mr Elahi said that all barriers between two countries would go only after their leaders come to a settlement on core issues.

Though Mr Elahi avoided any reference to Kashmir in his speech, he opened up after a question was posed to him on why two nations should not divert their funds earmarked for defence to alleviation of poverty and overall development of basic infrastructure.

“We cannot shut our eyes to reality. Though war is no solution to any problem, yet we must look at its root cause. We feel that wishes of people of Kashmir should also be taken into consideration for finding a solution to the satisfaction of both the nations. We earnestly hope that some solution will be there for lasting peace in the region.

“Exchange of delegates, trade missions are increasing. People to people contact programme is improving. Efforts are being made by the two countries for peace. It never happened before . Unless we find solutions to our problems, we really cannot progress quickly for establishing lasting peace.

“Now the talks between the two neighbours are based on a strong footing,” he said.

Mr Elahi said that both federal and provincial governments were all supportive of relaxing visa restrictions and improving bilateral relations and trade. “Our President has taken some bold steps and we hope that India would also respond positively.”

He said that he foresees no problem in allowing Sikh jathas to visit all gurdwaras. “We have nothing to hide. I have already announced to make Nankana Sahib a modern city. The road from Wagah to Nankana Sahib would be widened. We have no problem for running the bus from Amritsar to Nankana Sahib.

“Both Pakistan and Punjab Governments were open for promoting tourism. We will remove all impediments,” he said in response to a suggestion that both Punjabs should encourage general and medical tourism. He also appreciated the idea for joint trade and industry expos.

“Bilateral trade must improve for a win win situation for both Punjabs,” he said, revealing that at present the bilateral trade was slightly tilted in favour of India. Out of 300 million dollars bilateral trade, Pakistan was exporting goods to India worth about $ 100 million. “There has to be a balance of trade also,” said Mr Elahi, hoping that this bilateral trade could go up to 1000 million dollars.

He said that Pakistan was keen to attract investments in software, telecommunications, information technology, biotechnology, light engineering, foundry, precision instruments and petrochemicals, besides a few others.

While promoting trade, both Pakistan and india have to take measures for safeguarding their industry. “Governments alone cannot solve the problem of unemployment. It is industry which has to step in and generate employment,” said Mr Elahi.

Earlier, the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, said that since the two Punjabs have a common culture, language and background, there was a tremendous potential for improving bilateral trade.

“Why should you look for wheat from Russia when we can meet your requirement both for wheat and rice,” he said. Capt Amarinder Singh also emphasised the need for joint research in the field of agriculture and diversification.

He said Punjab had proposed to the Centre a compensation plan by which farmers would be discouraged from cultivating rice and wheat and instead encouraged to go for diversification by offering them compensation for the transit period.

Industry in Punjab was growing as all efforts were being made to ensure uninterrupted power supply. “We have the infrastructure and expect an investment of R 10000 crore in the sector,” he said

Earlier, Mr Rakesh Bharti, Chairman, Northern Region, CII, in his address of welcome talked about how cordial bilateral relations could usher in an era of growth for industry and trade, besides opening new vistas in culture, sports and education.

World Punjabi Conference ends with promises
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041204/punjab1.htm

Muqabala mohabbat ka hai: Pervaiz Elahi
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041204/punjab1.htm#2

Poets skip session, hold kavi darbar
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041204/punjab1.htm#3

Emulate Pak Punjab to raise water table: expert
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041204/punjab1.htm#5

Bonhomie fine, but let’s not go overboard: Saleem
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/200...punjab1.htm#11

‘Frequent exchange of Punjab delegations to promote peace’
http://jang.com.pk/thenews/dec2004-d...ational/n2.htm

Sher-e-Punjab

Indo-Pak Punjab Games begin in riot of colour
Amardeep Bhattal and Ravi Dhaliwal
Tribune News Service
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041206/main1.htm

- Children of Modern Senior Secondary School paint their faces with the colours of the national flags of India and Pakistan at the opening ceremony of the first Indo-Pak Punjab Games at Yadavindra Public Stadium in Patiala on Sunday. — Photo by Rajesh Sachar

Patiala, December 5
Sport, people and passion are all inextricably interlinked. Take out the passion people bring with them to sporting venues and sport will be rendered as hollow as an empty wine bottle.

This was reflected in abundance at the high profile opening ceremony of the inaugural Indo-Pak Punjab Games which were inaugurated by West Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhury Pervaiz Elahi at the YPS Stadium.

The opening ceremony was slightly delayed but when the West Punjab Chief Minister, accompanied by Capt Amarinder Singh arrived in an open jeep at the venue and waved to the crowd, the large gathering reciprocated his gesture.

Mr Elahi opened new vistas for the games when he announced that the next edition would be held at Lahore next year. Capt Amarinder Singh took it further by announcing that Jalandhar would play host to the games after the Lahore edition. The ceremony started 20 minutes late and once dusk slipped into the night, the newly installed floodlights were switched on bathing the entire stadium in lights which was a sight to behold.

At an imaginatively crafted opening ceremony the predominant mood was of friendship. In fact, Mr Pervaiz Elahi spoke of strengthening of the bonds when he said “ Lok Mohabbat Val Ja Rahe Ne.” The euphoria lasted the full session as thousands of spectators, including Pakistani delegates, sat riveted to their seats watching with awe the cultural extravaganza that unfolded in front of them.

It turned out to be a consciously designed agenda that cocooned the happiness of welcoming the sportspersons and other delegates from both sides of the border. It proved to be a cultural event that stretched beyond the frontiers of race and religion as people from both Punjabs mingled freely.

The two-hour-long programme, assiduously planned and immaculately executed by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), also turned out to be a mirror which reflected the image of friendship and the spirit of ‘Punjab, Punjabi and Panjabiat’ in equal measure.

The organisers did well to rope in the services of ace commentator Jasdev Singh who kept the spectators spellbound with his comments.

By the time Punjabi singer Harbhajan Mann rendered `Aa soniya vi jag jiyundian de mele’ the excitement touched the crescendo.

Earlier, the ceremony commenced with a march past and keeping with tradition, the guests arrived first with their women athletes covering their heads in cream dupattas. The Indian contingent was led by Padam Shree and Director (Sports), Punjab, Kartar Singh, with hockey Olympian Baljit Singh Dhillon acting as the flag bearer. Following Kartar Singh was Arjuna awardee Inder Singh, who captained the Indian football team many years back. All of them wore pink coloured turbans and were neatly attired.

Minutes later the games flag, in which two circles were interwined depicting the two Punjabs, was brought by four Pakistani athletes before it was unfurled even as it was flanked by the flags of India and Pakistan.

The torch was brought into the stadium by Kamaljit Kooner, the first Indian women ever to win a gold in the 1974 Bangkok Asian games. She handed the torch to Arjuna awardee footballer Gurdev Singh who after running a few yards gave the flame to the captain of the Indian team that won the 1975 Kuala Lumpur hockey World Cup, Ajit Pal Singh. The honour of igniting the flame went to hockey Olympian Balbir Singh (Senior), the only living player to have won three gold medals in the Olympics at London (1948), Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956).

Once the torch was lit, tiny tots performing the traditional Punjabi folk dances-giddha and bhangra — came out. This was followed by a tour of the stadium by a tableaux on which Shera-the games mascot — was displayed. The tableaux was brought to a temporary halt before the dais to enable the dignitaries to have a good view of it.

This was followed by Barkat Sidhu and Manpreet Akthar reciting couplets of Sufi saint Sheikh Farid. Renowned sufi singer Hans Raj Hans later stepped in to welcome the guests with his rendition of “Aj koi aaya sade vehre” based on Prof Mohan Singh’s poetry. Dolly Guleria and the nightingale of Punjab, Surinder Kaur, regaled the audience while Sardul Sikandar too added to the ambience of the occasion.

The piece de resistance came from Harbhajan Mann whose famous song ‘Aa sonia jag jiyundian de mele’, was lapped up by the audience.

‘Heer’ by Sardul Sikandar and Gurmit Bawa’s `Jugni’ too were loudly applauded.

For the next six days, when the actual competition kicks off, the games will strive to prove that sport can surmount all political compulsions and sustain itself on its own.

Prominent among those who were present to mark the historic occasion were former CM Mr P.S Badal, Mr S.S.Dhindsa and Raja K.S Sidhu, President and the secretary of the POA respectively, foreign minister K.Natwar Singh, Mr Suresh Kalmadi and Mr Randhir Singh, President and Secretary General of the IOA, respectively and Mr Shahid Sami, President of the Pakistan Punjab POA. A galaxy of former and present Olympians too were present.