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| Message from Jassi... |
The first month of 2010 has been incredibly busy for me. I have been able to meet so many visiting NRIs, each meeting leading to greater learning and, always, interesting discussions.
Following my numerous visits overseas and the incredible kindness and hospitality extended to me by Punjabis abroad since I have become and MLA, one thing is abundantly clear: that all of December and January must be set aside to receive and host NRIs in Punjab.
I am also pleased to say that I have made inroads on 4 of the 6 new year’s resolutions I set out last month, especially that of spending time with my family. You will also see, if you visit our website, that I have a button on there announcing my weight. This will be updated each month. I have also, definitely, used my Innova much more than previously and will be commencing light bulb replacement shortly. I also had an article published: in the Indian Express. You will find more information on that further into this newsletter.
Many thanks, as ever, for your support. Do keep the mails and calls coming in. They’re always appreciated.
Jassi |
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| Lohri Mela |
People braved the severe winter chill to attend the 16th Lohri Mela organised by the Malwa Sabhyacharak Manchat Punjabi Bhawan here. Famous Punjabi singers were a treat for those attending and also passed on a strong anti female feticide message, as did a seminar on the same subject. Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg also requested people to celebrate Lohri for female children saying “girls are no less than boys and are ahead in every field,” he said. Manch chairman KK Bawa said female feticide was a crime and anybody found involved in it should be put behind bars.
Gurjatinder Singh Randhawa, visiting editor of Punjab Mail USA and a close personal friend, given the SS Cheema Award, Lambher Hussainpuri was awarded with Jaswant Bhawara Award, Dr Harshinder Kaur was given Dr VN Tiwari Award, Satinder Sartaj was awarded with Shah Hussain Award, Daljit Singh was given VS Parmar Award and Harsimrat Kaur Chahal was awarded with Kalpana Chalwa Award. NRI awards were given to Palwinder Sandhu and Jaswinder Jassi. |
Jassi Khangura honouring Punjabi singer Lambher Hussainpuri on occasion of Lohri Mela. In the picture Mr K K Bawa, Manish Tewari MP Ludhiana, Ex MLA Malkiat Singh Birmi, Ex Mayor Nahar Singh Gill |
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| Media |
January saw a good start for Jassi’s office with the publishing of an article “Your Humble Servant” in the Indian Express about the role of legislators in India, and the problem of endemic corruption. Jassi wrote after reading about the now infamous Ruchika case, which made him wonder just how many other crimes are covered up through abuse of power? To read the article click here
Meanwhile, the climb-down on the power tariff and the radical “mini budget” requiring a Rs4,000 crore sanction, provided much food for thought as to what the Badal government is really doing, and how. To read the press releases on those issues, follow these links:
SAD climb down on power tariff is typical Badal hypocrisy, says Khangura
Subsidy Withdrawal needs Vidhan Sabha Sanction |
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| Vidhan Sabha |
The Budget Session of the Vidhan Sahba is likely to commence during March, though dates have yet to be announced. Jassi is therefore working on submitting questions for that Session, which everyone hopes will be more successful than the last, disrupted, Winter Session.
Jassi is naturally disappointed that S. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, disallowed all of his questions for reasons best known to the Speaker.
Decide for yourself if my questions were reasonable or not by clicking here to read them. |
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| Congress Membership Drive |
| We were delighted to be able to submit some 14,700 membership forms as a result of the recent membership drive! These numbers clearly show the growing dissatisfaction with the current government, and the desire for change for the better. We will continue to work with Congress members, old and new, as well as with the public at large, to make this area a better place to live. |
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| Visiting NRI Legislators |
| We have been fortunate to have many NRIs visiting us over the past weeks. Each visit and meeting gives us a better understanding of NRI objectives, their relationship with India, and how they wish to be engaged in working to assist in the development of their home villages and towns. Jassi has met with many NRIs in villages and in his Ludhiana office. Each dialogue is an important step along the way of promoting justice for NRIs, one of Jassi’s key stated objectives. |
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Jassi Khangura, Jaibir Khangura, Harbans Singh Kanwal, Dev Hayer and Malkiat Singh Dakha at a dinner to welcome Mr Hayer at Majestic Park Plaza on 27 January 2010 |
Malkiat Singh Dakha, Jassi Khangura, Harjinder Thind, Gurbax Malhi and KK Bawa at a dinner at Majestic Park Plaza to welcome S. Gurbax Malhi on 17 January 2010 |
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| NRI Media |
NRI media is a prominent sector. Many NRIs keep in touch with domestic Indian publications and channels, along with those of their home countries. But the NRI media caters specifically to the NRI and therefore is an important part of the Diaspora. We are in touch with many NRI media representatives and are immensely grateful to the support given to us. Both are well known figures and it is always interesting to hear their views.
This month we have had visits from two prominent gentlemen, Satnam Singh Chahal, Editor in Chief of Punjab News and Gurjatinder Singh Randhawa Editor in Chief of Punjab Mail, USA.
Satnam Singh Chahal's focus was to focus on issues and matters in Punjab. He also took part in a conference at Punjabi University Patiala, exploring how the present political culture hampers India's growth, population issues, and the resource crunch India faces. He also discussed the role the media plays in a democracy.
Gurjatinder Singh Randhawa, during his visit, discussed how Punjabi media not only keeps the Diaspora up to date with issues, but can also be a lifeline, especially for older members of the community. He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Punjabi Writers cooperative Society Ltd. |
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Satnam Singh Chahal |
Gurjatinder Randhawa |
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| 26th January Republic Day Celebrations |
Jassi believes that it is important for every Indian to celebrate Republic Day, to recall the historical struggles for independence and the hard work of our founding fathers in the Constituent Parliament of India.
Manish Tewari, Jassi Khangura and supporters visited Mullanpur, Gill and Ludhiana South areas on Republic Day to celebrate and mark the 60th anniversay of the Repubic.
They are all pictured at Dehlon main chowk. |
Manish Tewari, MP, Jassi Khangura and supporters raise the flag to celebrate India’s 60th Republic Day on 26th January 2010 |
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| Macro Dairy Ventures Pvt Ltd (MDVL) |
Our industry changing community infrastructure project gains further momentum. The herd count is now edging towards 2000. Phallewal (our first satellite unit) is now approaching capacity of 450 animals with nearly 90 women from poor households now earning a regular monthly income). This month we will start stocking Khandoor community dairy unit, and add more stock to Phallewal.
MDVL hopes to start retailing liquid milk in March or April this year. This will be the cleanest milk in India. |
Women Entrepreneurs at Phallewal Satellite Unit celebrate Lohri |
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| Support |
| Whilst it is Jassi’s firm commitment not to solicit funds from any of our supporters, we do get many enquiries as to how you can assist in the upliftment of your ancestral villages. We are, slowly, building a clearer developmental picture of villages in our area, and would be pleased to discuss ideas with you for rural upliftment and capacity building activities. Lindsay or Dr Suri will be happy to respond to you in that regard. |
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| Happy Birthday to S. Harbaksh Singh Khangura |
A dinner was hosted on 29 January for S. Harbaksh Singh Khangura. It was his 75th birthday and all family and friends gathered to celebrate with him. We wish him many happy returns of the day!
Jassi's father and S. Harbaksh Singh Khangura migrated to England together in 1963. Their friendship dates from 1954. In spite of the challenges over this long period they remain the best of friends, they live together and work together in the community. |
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| Team Jassi |
| This month we meet Lindsay Singh (formerly Shepherd) who worked with Jassi and his father in 2003-4 and returned to their offices in 2008. Lindsay is Project Director of the Babu Joginder Singh Benevolent Trust and also works in the Halqa office. Lindsay helps Jassi with such things as this newsletter, research, and the MDVL WE scheme. She also corresponds with Jassi’s supporters overseas or those who wish to assist in rural upliftment. Originally from the UK Lindsay moved to India in 2001. On 10th January she married Navneet Singh, from Amritsar, where she is now based, although she escapes to Punjab’s villages as often as she can. |
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| Vipin Saggar |
Mr. Vipin Saggar is an ex-employeee of this company/organisation, his employment having been terminated on 7th January 2010. Please note that this company/organisation does not authorise Mr. Saggar on any issue as a representative of this company/organisation, and thus we bear no liability or responsibility for any matters in which he holds himself out as being an agent and/or employee, and/or represetnative or associate of this company/organisation.
Vipin was terminated following allegations that he may have been involved in a bank fraud and his statements to Jassi in clarification lacked consistency.
Where many other politicians would be endeavouring to protect someone who worked with them in order to retain cover on their own misdeeds, Jassi on receipt of the allegations immediately advised the police (SSP Khanna in this case) to proceed according to the law. |
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| Twitter |
| After resisting all social networking to date, Jassi is now on Twitter and has promised to tweet plenty. Follow Jassi Khangura to keep in touch. He'll also be on Facebook soon too and we'll put links to both sites on the www.qilaraipur.com homepage. We're looking forward to see where this direct and brief medium takes us! |
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| Jassi’s New Year’s Resolutions |
| In accordance with Jassi’s new years resolutions, we have built a page keeping track of his weight loss. He will update this each month to keep motivated. If you want to join Jassi in losing weight and getting fitter and healthier, do let us know! To see the page, click here |
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| Jassi's Travels |
Having remained firmly on Indian soil since 03 December 2009 Jassi will be in the Bay Area, CA, USA, from 12-15 February for the wedding of Sukhjit, daughter of Mr Randher Singh Khangura.
On 15 February Jassi will fly from San Francisco to Vancouver for a few hours stay before flying that evening from Seattle to London, where he will spend 2 nights before returning to India on 19 February. |
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Best regards,
Jassi Khangura MLA
Punjab's Most Responsive MLA
Read my CV Read My Communications Watch My Videos Go To My Website
Office: +91 161 4378030
Mobile: +91 98761 97761
Fax: +91 161 277 1888
www.qilaraipur.org |
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