"No tickets for social workers and public spirit persons"

"Liquor contractors and the like are the top-listed candidates"
Remarked Kushaldeep Dhillon
Chandigarh//December 12, 2011//Bureau report:

People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) Senior Vice President Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon remarked that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) under Sukhbir Singh Badal is extremely keen on awarding tickets to businessmen rather than social workers and public spirit persons.
Scores of businessmen, transporters, property agents, liquor contractors and the like are the top-listed candidates and aspirants for Sukhbir Singh Badal. People who are into social service or work for public good have no space left in the Akali Dal. The reasons for Sukhbir awarding tickets to such businessmen are obvious, since Sukhbir himself is more concerned about his own business prospects. “Prospects of Punjab do not figure in his list at all, and it is regrettable that under Sukhbir’s leadership the ticket goes to the richest, whose services can be utilized to further the business interests of Sukhbir.
This attitude is a far cry from the ideology and thinking of the Shiromani Akali Dal where the interests of Punjab and Punjabis used to be paramount. Traditional Akali leaders like Master Tara Singh and Sant Fateh Singh used to prefer candidates who would devote their lives to the cause of the nation. Compared to traditional Akali leaders, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal preferred to grant tickets on political basis and winnability criterion. The Akali Dal led by Sukhbir, on the other hand focuses only on business prospects of the candidates, and the cash flow that accompanies the candidate.
The decline of the Akali Dal, where businessmen including liquor contracts, transporters and property dealers are running the roost is a sad tale for Punjabis.         *********

Battaglia Joins Thousands for 'Wreaths Across America'

A tribute to their sacrifices
By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service
ARLINGTON, VA, Dec. 11, 2011

A line of headstones at Arlington National Cemetery displays its colorful holiday wreaths designed by "Wreaths Across America" from Maine evergreen foliage and bright red bows, Dec. 11, 2011, Arlington, Va. Now in its 20th year, the program transports many thousands of wreaths each holiday season to national cemeteries around the country. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, became this year's newest wreath-laying volunteer. DOD photo by Terri Moon Cronk

Placing 100,000 holiday wreaths at the graves where veterans "lie in rest and peace on the hallowed grounds" of Arlington National Cemetery is a tribute to their sacrifices for the nation, the Defense Department's top enlisted service member, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, said here yesterday.
"Our veterans deserve nothing but the best," emphasized Battaglia, senior enlisted adviser to Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and to Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta.
Now in its 20th year, "Wreaths Across America" makes sure veterans' graves at national cemeteries are adorned during the holidays with large, evergreen wreaths bearing bright red bows. Thousands of volunteers -- veterans, family members, Boy Scouts and others � place the wreaths on the headstones.

"Isn't it great to to see that?" Battaglia asked. "It's very refreshing as a service member, but also as an American, [to see] our veterans held in such high regard that [people] would volunteer their time to come out here in the cold, as a matter of fact, to perform work in service and honor of our veterans."

Battaglia, accompanied by his wife, Lisa, also laid wreaths at veterans' graves.

"Wreaths Across America not only gives citizens the chance to pay their respects, it allows for the spirit of the holidays for the fallen and their family members," he said.

"To have this privilege and honor in such a dignified way, to spread holiday cheer and spirit," Battaglia said, "shows even though they may have gone before us, our veterans are still a part of our team and family."

This year's largest wreath delivery, at three times its average size, began its six-day journey from Maine to the cemetery in a convoy of more than 20 tractor trailers and other vehicles, also bringing veterans and families. The parade of vehicles made stops at schools, veterans' homes and national cemeteries along its way.

Yesterday began with the wreaths arriving before dawn at the cemetery, amid a parade of backed-up vehicular and foot traffic, creating an early crowd of people vying to attend the ceremonies.

Battaglia said the event spoke for itself.

"You could see by the audience gathered in the amphitheater for the opening ceremony with standing room only," he said, "the number and mixture of folks here, ... who came here on these hallowed grounds to give their respects," he said.

The wreaths covered many sections of the cemetery's grave sites, touching on dignitaries such as President John F. Kennedy, and winding its way from Civil War veterans' grave sites to service members just buried. The day concluded with the wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

"Regardless of conflict, our veterans have given and sacrificed much," he said. "[The least we can do] is what we're doing today."

Battaglia said the family of Morrill and Karen Worcester who began Wreaths Across America made sacrifices, too, to make the annual event possible.

"You really have to admire their motto of 'Remember, Honor and Teach,'" Battaglia said. "Even though a lot of the focus is placed on the children to grow up in the true American spirit, I've learned some very valuable lessons today."
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Biographies: Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia Related Sites: Arlington National Cemetery Wreaths Across America

Birth of Jesus Christ : Celebrations started

Prayerful play  performed by staff and students of CMC
Ludhiana, 11th December, 2011 ( Shalu Arora) 

Christian Medical College and Hospital celebrated Christmas in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ. The message was delivered by Dr Abraham G Thomas (Director) & Dr Kim Mammen (Associate Director).
Dr.A.G. Thomas said “Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide–open–heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart.
The institutional choir comprising of 65 students of CMC, CDC, CON and college of physiotherapy, were led by Mr Joel Stephen. Dr. Arpit Mathew was leading the senior choir which consists of35 the doctors, nurses and staff of the institution. The cultural programme were also includes a Christmas play which was an adaptation of the Novella, "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens and was directed by Dr. Rashmi Ann.
The 2011 institutional Christmas programme was organised by Rev. Stanley Thomas (Chaplain) Fellowship Department was held on 10th December.
Medical Superintendent, Dr.Kanwal Masih, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr.Valsa Abrahim, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr.Nitin Batra, Principal Medical College, Dr.S.M Bhatti, Principal Dental College, Dr.Abi M.Thomas, Principal Nursing College,Principal Physiotheraphy College Dr.Jeevan Parkash and others were present on the occasion.The night ended on a prayerful note.