#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the Annual Day Celebration of Sainik School, Nagrota, today.

The Lt Governor congratulated the Administration, students and teachers of the institution on the occasion.

Sainik School Nagrota has always lived up to its motto of “Gyan, Veerta aur Anushasan” – Knowledge, Bravery and Discipline and its alumni are rendering distinguished service to the nation in various other sectors, he added.

“Education nurture future leaders. They are symbol of ambitious India, determined to create a knowledge society and advance India’s economic prowess in the world,” the Lt Governor said.

He called upon the educational institutions, teaching community to reinforce the ideals of nation building and transform the youth into the ambassadors of a progressive India.

We have to ensure that our education system strengthen the culture and ethos and empowered to create a strong, prosperous and Viksit Bharat, he said.

The Lt Governor advised the students to focus on life skills, find their inner voice, learn through own experiences and collaborations.

Discipline, strong character and self-confidence to overcome challenges will guide you towards a glorious future, he said.

The Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration to provide necessary support to the Sainik School.

He also extended his felicitations to the Cadets of Sainik School Nagrota who excelled in the prestigious NDA examination.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor handed over the 32 seater school bus costing Rs 21.38 lakh, sponsored by the UT Administration, to the officials of the Sainik School.

Earlier, the Lt Governor received the ceremonial Guard of Honor from the students and presented the academic awards to meritorious cadets.

He also inaugurated Arts and Science Exhibition and visited the School’s IT Computer Lab and Atal Tinkering Lab.

Students presented captivating performances on the theme of national integration and highlighting social issues.

#JAMMU: In a vibrant display of national pride and commitment to development, the Viksit Bharat Yatra today reached the ‘Zero Line Border Panchayat’ of Suchetgarh. The event, graced by Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma as the Chief Guest, witnessed enthusiastic participation of locals and other eminent persons.

The Viksit Bharat Yatra van, adorned with messages of progress and transformation, received a grand welcome, setting the tone for a day filled with information, interaction and inspiration. A video message from the Prime Minister kick-started the program, urging all present to take a solemn pledge towards building a self-reliant India by 2047.

The MP, along with other dignitaries, inspected 17 stalls showcasing various initiatives undertaken by frontline departments. This interactive session provided insights into the diverse efforts being made to improve lives across sectors.

In his address, Jugal Kishore Sharma expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the local population for their enthusiastic participation. He reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision for the Viksit Bharat Yatra program, emphasising its role in raising awareness and urging active public engagement. He encouraged everyone to take selfies with the Yatra van, further amplifying the program’s message.

The program came alive with captivating cultural performances by students from local schools. National-level sports persons were also honoured during the event, recognizing their dedication and outstanding contributions to the nation’s sporting glory.

The Social Welfare Department helped in distribution of Ayushman cards and sanction letters to beneficiaries of the Old Age Pension Scheme. Representatives from other government departments took the stage to inform the audience about the multitude of schemes launched by the Government of India.

A health camp, organised under the supervision of BMO RS Pura Dr. Monika Kotwal, took place concurrently at the Community Hall in Suchetgarh. The camp offered NCD screening, anaemia screening and TB screening, along with counselling and awareness sessions about various health-related schemes. Free medicines were also distributed to those in need.

Sarpanch Suchetgarh, Des Raj besides other PRI representatives participated in the event.

Other dignitaries present at the occasion include ADC Jammu, Sandeep Seointra; SDM RS Pura, Seema Parihar; Tehsildar Suchetgarh, Nirbhay Sharma; BDO Akanksha Gupta besides other officers.

#JAMMU: A pair of Royal Bengal Tiger, the National Animal, aged 9 years, is reaching Jambu Zoo today from Aringar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Pertinently, the tiger pair has been brought here in exchange of a pair of Himalayan Black Bear from Jambu Zoo to Aringar Anna Zoological Park as part of an animal exchange programme.

The Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the largest, fiercest, and most powerful member of Big Cat family. Every tiger has a distinct strip pattern which makes them different from other tigers and makes it easy in counting them during the tiger census. There are around 3,167 tigers in India’s forests, which is more than 75% of the global Tiger population as per the 2023 Tiger Census. .

The Tiger pair will be housed in a naturalistic and enriched enclosure having a space of more than 4500 square meter as per the Central Zoo Authority’s norms with water ponds, machans, heating and ventilation facility for extreme weather condition. The Tigers will will be kept under quarantine for a week’s time and thereafter will be released in the paddock for public display.

Royal Bengal Tiger will be an additional attraction in the family of Jambu Zoo and a great delight for the public especially children, wildlife enthusiasts and other the visitors.

The Press Council of India observes National #PressDay on 16 November every year. This day is celebrated to honour the formation of the Press Council of India in 1966.

#UTTRAKHAND: The portals of #Kedarnath and #Yamunotri temples in the Garhwal Himalayas were closed for the winter season on Wednesday.

The doors of Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were closed at 8:30 am and those of Yamunotri at 11:57 am.

#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with the Para Archers Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar at Raj Bhawan today. He also honored the Para Archers and Coach, Abhilasha Choudhary with Certificate of Excellence. Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, Sh Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB also graced the occasion.

While Interacting with the prodigious Para Archers, the Lt Governor said their outstanding performance at 4th Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China have inspired the youth and the entire Union Territory is proud of them for bringing glory to the nation.

The Lt Governor said the strong winner’s instinct of Sheetal and Rakesh will popularize robust sports culture in J&K.

The Lt Governor also appreciated efforts of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, coaches, support staff of Academy for remarkable contribution to promotion of sports in the Union Territory.

#JAMMU: Army Public School Akhnoor secured a resounding victory in the Northern Command Inter-Army Public School Volleyball Championship 2023-24, an event that brought together champions from Cluster A and B of Army Public Schools within the Northern Command. The intense final match took place on November 3, 2023, at Army Public School Mathura and witnessed a thrilling competition between the two powerhouse teams. In the end, the champions from Akhnoor dominated the game with an impressive two straight-set win against their opponents from Army Public School, Mathura.

Brig Rakesh Pachora, SM, VSM, the Chairman of Army Public School Akhnoor, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the victorious team for their stupendous performance. He urged the students to continue striving for excellence, highlighting the significance of determination, dedication and hard work in all fields.

Geeta Devi, the Principal of Army Public School Akhnoor, credited the team’s outstanding performance to the unwavering dedication of the coaching staff led by Ms Sangita Bhat, PGT PHE and the relentless hard work of the players. She added that their collective efforts and commitment were key to this extraordinary achievement.

The win not only demonstrates the remarkable sportsmanship and prowess of Army Public School Akhnoor but also highlights the school’s commitment to fostering holistic development in its students. This achievement stands as a proud moment for the school, its students, and the entire region.

Karva Chauth / Karwa Chauth, one of many Hindu festivals, is a fasting ritual observed by all married Hindu women who seek the longevity, prosperity and well-being of their husbands. This festival is very popular amongst married Hindu women in the western and northern parts of India, primarily in Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. During the Karwa Chauth festival, married Hindu women dedicate the day to their husbands. Normally, women who observe this festival are called “Saubhagyavati” meaning “joyous and happy status of wifehood.

The festival was emerged also as a day for celebrating autumn. Hindu married women enjoy the company and companionship of relatives and friends. As of recently, the celebration has been given a more religious touch.

Karwa Chauth is glorified and also widely solemnized by Hindus and Sikh living in the northwestern part of India. Karva means clay pot while chauth means fourth. Karwa chauth commemorates the fourth day that follows the full moon in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. This festival is typically celebrated immediately after the autumn harvest. This is the best time to meet friends and relatives and exchange gifts. During this festival parents send various gifts to their married daughters.

Karwa chauth is known for its extraordinary observance rate among married women in certain parts of India. Karwa chauth is celebrated in different ways depending on the region where a person lives. During this festival, jewelry, clothes and gifts are received from both the woman’s mother-in-law and mother. All married women wear wedding day outfits once again and apply mehndi.

There are many similar stories that are associated with karwa chauth from one part of India to another. During this particular day various items such as karwa, which is an earthen pot that has spout are actually collected and worshiped, is offered to the Goddess Parvati and Lord Siva. Usually the festival does not end until the moon is fully seen at night. During this festival an elderly woman is supposed to narrate a karwa chauth story before this fast is over.

Karwa chauth is a very important as well as a difficult fast that all married Hindu women observe. The festival begins just before sunrise and ends after worshiping the moon and doing prayers at night. No water or food can be consumed once the sun rises. The fast is only broken after seeing the moon and after all rituals of that particular day have been performed. When the moon has appeared, women break the fast after they have offered water to the moon.

Women dress in special clothes during this festival. A pink or red sari with a gold woven pattern is worn by many women as part their custom and is worn only in the evening. New brides will wear their wedding costumes. The karwa chauth fast sets a merry tone of frolic and fun, feasting and festivity and is amongst the biggest festivals celebrated by Hindus.

#JAMMU: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly arrived here today on a private visit along with his wife, paid obeisance at the heritage Raghunath Mandir.

At Jammu Airport, Thakur, was warmly received by the senior BJP leaders, including Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament, Rajinder Sharma, Mayor JMC, Baldev Billawaria, Dy Mayor, Dr Devender Manyal, Priya Sethi, Dharamveer Singh Jamwal, Ashok Singh Manhas, Surinder Singh Bunty, S. Sucha Singh, Ajay Gupta, Sanjay Gupta and others.

Thakur drove to the ancient Raghunath Mandir temple and prayed for peace and prosperity in the region and well-being of the people.

Accompanied by the senior leaders, Mr Jai Ram Thakur later visited the most thronged Balaji Tirupati Temple in the city outskirts and offered Puja.