Prakash Diwas of Guru Ravidas celebrated in Jammu

635th Prakash Diwas of Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj, was celebrated at Guru Ravidas Temple, Paloura here with religious fervour and gaiety.

On the occasion, Bharat Bhushan, MLA, Raipur-Domana constituency was the chief guest whereas Yash Pal Kundal, MLA, Samba was the guest of honour. Piran Ditta, president, All J&K Guru Ravidas Sabha presided over the function.

Hundreds of devotees thronged the temple and took the blessings of the Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj. Besides this, the dignitaries also paid tributes to Guru Ravidas Ji.

The function was organised by Guru Ravidas Sabha, Paloura under the presidentship of Dr Raj Paul Hans.

Speaking on the occasion, Bharat Bhushan, Yash Pal Kundal and Piran Ditta highlighted the teachings of Guru Ravidas. They stressed upon the people to follow the teachings of Guru Ravidas to achieve success in life.

At the end, langar was also served to the devotees.

Holiday on Kabir Jayanti

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today said Coalition Government is working on the roadmap for all out development of all regions and sub-regions of the State and exemplary steps have been taken for ushering the State into a new era of development and progress.

He described Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA), Sher-e-Kashmir Welfare and Employment Programme for the Youth (SKEWPY) and strengthened Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), as some of the landmark initiatives taken by the Government in the last three years for the welfare of the people.

Mr. Tara Chand was addressing a public rally cum convention at Marh.

Minister of PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohi-ud-Din and Minister of State for Co-operatives, Industries and Commerce Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma also addressed the gathering. Ex-MLA Balwan Singh conducted proceedings of the rally.

Among others the function was attended by Director, ULB, Jammu F.C Bhagat, Commissioner, JMC Kuldip Lal Khajuria, Chief Engineer, PWD, PHE and PDD and other senior sectoral officers of various departments.

Recalling contributions of Mahatma Gandhi in promoting Panchayati Raj, the Deputy Chief Minister said successful Panchayat elections have proven the commitment of the Government for strengthening grass root democracy in the State. He said the Government has gone step further, by devolution of power to the Panchayats and empowering these institutions for required development of respective areas.

On the occasion, a number of demands were projected for sympathetic consideration of the Government, which inter alia include, Kabir Jayanti holiday, special recruitment drive for border area of Marh and de-silting of irrigation canals.

Responding to the vociferous demand of holiday on the Kabir Jayanti, Mr. Tara Chand informed that in Cabinet meeting prior to the budget cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah the long pending demand has been addressed and the cabinet has agreed to declare it as restricted holiday.

"Recognizing the contributions of great Bhakti movement saint Bhagat Kabir, for establishing an egalitarian society, the State Government has accepted demand of the community for holiday on Kabir Jayanti," he added.

Underscoring commitment of the Government for welfare of downtrodden segments of the society, the Deputy Chief Minister said reservation has been given a legal status and special provision has been kept for these sections in inter-district recruitment in the State, adding that reservation in recruitment for the marginalized would be provided all across the state.

267th Jayanti of Swami Mirzakak

267th Jayanti of Swami Mirzakak celebrated with religious fervour

 The 267th Jayanti of Swami Mirzakak was celebrated with full religious fervour and enthusiasm at Swami Ji’s Nagrota Ashram today.

A large number of devotees drawn from different parts of Jammu thronged the Ashram from early morning to participate in the celebrations and pay their obeisance to this mystic saint of medieval period.

On the occasion a Maha Yagya was also solemnized in the Ashram, which culminated with Puranahuti in the afternoon. This was followed by serving of prashad to devotees.

The day long Bhajan Kirtan also continued.

The President of Swami Mirzakak Trust Hangalgund, D N Hangloo and other disciples of the saint threw light on the Vaakhs of Swami Ji and termed them high in spiritual philosophy. They said Swami Ji was a great saint whose prophecy against the tyrant Afghan Governor, who was ruling Kashmir at that time came true as the same was liberated by Mahraja Ranjit Singh of Punjab from the Afghanis within days.

Swami Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsangh Ashram also delivered sermons on the occasion and threw light on Guru Shishia Parampara and its significance in Hindu mythology.