Slowdown keeping NRIs away from elections

Jalandhar, December 29
Economic slowdown all around the world is keeping NRIs away from swarming Punjab in large numbers on the poll eve to extend their support and monetary contributions to their choicest political parties and candidates.
Though the Central government had accepted the NRIs’ demand of giving them voting rights, they have hardly displayed any interest to take part in the electoral process as only 165 NRIs have got themselves registered as voters in Punjab so far.
Punjab elections have always remained a centre of attraction for politically aware and sensitive Punjabi NRIs who have been flocking to their home state in hordes in the past to vote and support their favourite candidates and parties.
It is for the first time that NRIs have decided to stay away from the poll process, thanks to near-recession in the West, particularly in Canada, the US, the UK, euro zone countries, besides Australia and New Zealand.
Just one delegation of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), led by its chairman Dalwinder Dhoot and president Satnam Chahal, has landed in Punjab so far.
“Many NRIs have decided to contribute to political funds in the range of $2000 to $3000 by staying back in North America instead of spending double the amount on air-tickets for visiting the state along with their families,” said Dhoot and Chahal.
Meanwhile, the annual NRI convention to be held in Jalandhar in January may be postponed due to elections.
Money wise
n Only 165 NRIs get themselves registered as voters so far
n Most NRIs have preferred to cling to their jobs/businesses in the wake of economic slowdown world over
n Instead of flying to Punjab, NRIs are preferring to donate money to political parties/candidates

Shaheedi Jor Mela concludes with religious ceremonies

Devotees take part in the Palki procession at the Shaheedi Jor Mela
 in Fatehgarh Sahib.

Fatehgarh Sahib, Dec. 28

The three-day annual Shaheedi Jor Mela, which is organised in memory of younger Sahibjadas of Guru Gobind Singh, who were bricked alive by Mughals for not embracing Islam, concluded here today with religious ceremonies.

A scene from ‘Mein Tera Banda’ at the Shaheedi Jor Mela in Fatehgarh Sahib. Tribune photo

To mark the concluding ceremony, a Nagar Kirtan was taken out from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib after performing the "ardas" by Tarlochan Singh, head priest, Gurdwara Keshgarh Sahib.

Lakhs of devotees accompanied the Nagar Kirtan led by Panj Piaras. School bands, Gatka teams, Nihangs, Kirtani Jathas, Sukhmani Sahib Sewa Societies and various other social, religious and political leaders accompanied the Nagar Kirtan. The main attraction during the Nagar Kirtan was martial arts displaced by Nihangs and Gatka teams.

The palanquin carrying Guru Granth Sahib was placed on a well decorated four-wheeler. Akal Takhat Jathedar Gurbachan Singh performed the duty of "Chor Sahib", whereas Tarlochan Singh, Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jathedar Damdama Sahib, Jaswinder Singh, head priest, Darbar Sahib and Harnam Singh Dhuma, head, Damdami Taksal accompanied the Guru Granth Sahib.

The palanquin was escorted by Avtar Singh Makkar, president, SGPC, Prem Singh Chandumajra general secretary, SAD, Dr Harbans Lal, former minister, MLA Didar Singh Bhatti and other political leaders.

'Mein Tera Banda' staged

The main attraction during the mela was the "Mein Tera Banda", a light and sound programme, organised by the district administration and the SGPC. The programme, which was based on the life Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, was directed by Harpal Tiwana.