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Dharamshala, Apr 10 :  The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education has decided to go ahead with preparing the results for Class 10 and 12 board examinations in the state though three papers of Class 12 are not yet conducted.

The board's chairman Dr Suresh Kumar Soni on Friday told reporters here that the Class 10 board examinations were already completed before the nationwide lockdown and only three subject papers were left for Class 12 when the clampdown was imposed. He said, "We have not decided about the three leftover papers of Class 12 but have decided to prepare the result of both the classes in the meantime.

He said the government has agreed in principal that provision should be made to get these papers evaluated by the teachers in their homes. We are already on the job and if workable conditions are explored then these results shall be prepared in next 50 days.

The board's head office is located in Dharamshala.

The Education department has already issued instructions to teachers to start teaching the students online. Yoga classes are also being conducted at some centres.

The state government has already decided to promote all students from Classes 1 to 9 and Class 11 to the next academic session without conducting annual exams in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

With schools going ahead with online classes, the Kangra district administration has decided to allow bookstores to be open from Saturday during curfew relaxation for the benefit of students.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Prajapati on Friday said, All bookshops will remain open in Kangra district from 8 am to 11 am from April 11 onwards for the benefit of student community during the relaxation period in the curfew." He urged the shopkeepers and visitors to ensure social distancing.

Till now, only shops selling stationery items were allowed in the district. Grocery outlets, pharmacies and vegetable stalls would continue to operate in accordance with the orders issued earlier, the DC pointed out.

The administration was committed to control the spread of coronavirus and urged people to cooperate by staying at home during the curfew period, he said.

At many places, home delivery has started so that only a minimum number of people come out for shopping, he said. For starting farming activities in the district, a decision would be taken on April 11 to ensure farmers do not face any difficulty, he added.

Dharamshala SDM Harish Rajju said voluntary organisations should not distribute rations on their own as many of them have been reported of breaking the rules of social distance. So everyone is requested to stay in the houses and not venture outside, he said.

He said that a 'hunger line' has been started at 14 places in the district to supply dry rations to the poor and needy people living in slums. If anyone does not have money to buy rations, they can contact the numbers given in the hunger lifeline so that rations can be provided to them, the SDM added.


Dharamshala , July 2  :   The Dalai Lama Tuesday apologised for his comment on women in a recent BBC interview, with his office here saying that the Tibetan spiritual leader has always opposed their objectification.

Responding to a question on whether his reincarnation could be a woman, the Nobel Peace Prize winner had joked that she should be attractive.

His Holiness genuinely meant no offence. He is deeply sorry that people have been hurt by what he said and offers his sincere apologies, a statement issued by the Dalai Lama's office here said.

In the same interview the Dalai Lama's views on the refugee crisis in Europe may have been misinterpreted , his office said.

The Tibetan leader in exile had said that Europe should let only a limited number of refugees to stay, and aim at returning them to their own land.

"But whole Europe eventually become Muslim country? Impossible. Or African country. Also impossible... Keep Europe for Europeans," he said.

The statement said it sometimes happens that off-the-cuff remarks, which might be amusing in one cultural context, lose their humour in translation when brought into another.

It said the Dalai Lama has throughout his life opposed the objectification of women, supported their rights and celebrated the growing international consensus on gender equality.

Under his leadership, Tibetan nuns in exile have earned Geshe-ma degrees, indicating a high level of scholarship previously reserved only for male monks, it said.

On the refugee crisis in Europe, the statement said many who leave their countries may not wish or be able to return.

However, the Dalai Lama also understands the uncertainties and difficulties of those in countries where the migrants make their new homes, it added.

It quoted the spiritual leader's earlier remarks on refugees.

As a refugee myself, I feel a strong empathy for their situation, and when we see their anguish, we should do all we can to help them. I can also understand the fears of people in host countries, who may feel overwhelmed, he wrote in an op-ed piece in Washington Times in 2016.   [Agencies]
Dharamshala, Oct 11 : The minimum and maximum temperatures dropped marginally as heavy rains lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh.

According to the MeT Department here, Keylong recorded the lowest temperature in the state at -0.1 degrees Celsius.

Lahaul-Spiti district of the state received fresh snowfall.

In the past 24 hours, 38 mm of rainfall was recorded at Naina Devi followed by 29 mm in Hamirpur, 25 mm in Dalhousie, 22 mm in Dharamshala, 21 mm in Saloni, 19 mm in Berthin, 16 mm in Chamba, 15 mm in Gohar, 13 mm in Una, 12 mm each in Banjar, Aghar and Bhoranj, 11 mm each in Rohru and Bijahi and 10 mm in Baldwara.    PTI



Dharamshala (HP), Sep 18: A man from Amritsar was arrested for possession of 7 kg of charas at Tunuhatti on Pathankot-Dalhousie highway here Monday, police said.

The arrested was identified as Daleep Kumar, son of Bodh Raj from Amritsar, said SP Chamba Monika Bhutungru. Daleep was caught at about 12.40 pm during routine checks conducted by the State Narcotics Crime Control Unit, the SP added.

The police said Daleep was going to Pathankot from Banikhet.

Bhutungru said, "A case was registered in Chawari police station under section 20 of NDPS Act. The accused was arrested on the spot and his vehicle was impounded." Further investigation is going on.
 (PTI)

Dharamshala, Jul 27: Two men were today arrested with 1 kg charas in Kullu district, police said.

The charas was seized from Khekh Ram (44) and Jeevan Singh (34), Superintendent of police Kangra Santosh Patial said.

Yesterday, police arrested Akhil Sharma (25) and seized 6.10 g of heroin from him.
 (PTI)


McLeod Ganj (Himachal), Nov 6: In an atmosphere where people largely have remained apolitical and sort of indifferent to "Indian politics"; a few Tibetan monks in this historic town McLeod Ganj, a suburb of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, seemed to have turned 'die-hard Narendra Modi fans'.
Not surprisingly this is largely because of - what they say - Prime Minister Modi's "firm and assertive" policy on China.
"We really admire the way Mr Modi had framed his government's China policy. It is remarkable and suits India's emerging global status and also as a strong democracy," a Tibetan monk told UNI here sharing his ideas on the Modi government's performance and its possible impact on the electorate's mind in this "Little Lhasa".
Mr Modi's handling of the crisis in Doklam sector and also about China's stand on One Belt One Road or OBOR has been "well articulated", said another Tibetan monk, who is in India for past 22 years.
The monk also mentions that he is "not being selfish" in lauding Mr Modi vis-a-vis China and due to Tibetan-Chinese complexity. "Mr Modi's policies will help India in the long run and also that India and Japan should take the bilateral cooperation on maritime affairs to the next level. "I think, this is happening and these are positive signs," the monk said on the condition of anonymity.
Over 1000 "Tibetans" have been enrolled to cast votes in Indian elections as they have been given "Indian citizenship and voting rights", says a local official at the 'Tibetan-run Government in exile'. "Some of them are excited as they may get some benefits like they will be eligible for jobs etc. Others still remain indifferent....It is the dream of every Tibetan to attain full freedom in our land," he says.
A local trader and a Kashmiri Mohammed Azad Dar (55) seemed to understand the complexity well.
"Tibetans will not take Indian elections seriously as we do. There are concerns in the community already 
whether getting Indian citizenship for petty benefits like jobs will in the ultimate compromise their struggle against Chinese leaders," Dar told here.
Pema Dhondup, 37 year of age, is also a Buddhist monk for last 16 years studying Buddhist philosophy at the 'Institute of Buddhist Dialectics' at McLeod Ganj.
Dhondup hails from Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh and belongs to "Mopa tribe".
He also understands the complexities of Tibetans participation in Indian elections and says, "Most Tibetans find participation in Indian elections a self defeating move. They all want to go back to their country.
The shift to India over the years was only strategic and not to settle down".
However, to a question, Dhondup also says, "I too am proud of Modi government's China policy. The firmness the central government showed during His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh earlier this year is commendable. Same confidence and clarity was shown during Doklam build too.....Overall, its all good development and China is getting message that the world has moved beyond 1962". 
"If you ask me, if I am a Modi fan....after all that we have seen during Dalai Lama's Tawang visit; I
can say I am a die-hard Modi fan," said Dhondup, whose brother is also a serving Indian army officer.
In fact, a 14-year-old Class IX student of a Tibetan school in McLeod Ganj, Ms Tenzinyang also readily told this reporter that, "If there is full freedom in Tibet tomorrow, first thing she would like to do is to go back to Tibet".
A senior official in the Tibetan-run Information Department, said the matter of seeking "Indian voters' cards" were left to individuals strictly. The development came once, the Government of India and the Supreme Court of India have said that Tibetans can apply for Indian citizenship. UNI

Jwalamukhi/Dharamshala, Nov 4: Notwithstanding a perceived negligence from party high command and even fund crunch, the 'dedicated' Congress footsoldiers are working overtime to give BJP a run for its money. 
In key Assembly segments like Jwalamukhi and Dharamshala, the party campaign managers display quite unusual confidence and say electorate would punish Narendra Modi for note ban and rollout of half-baked GST.
In Jwalamukhi segment - otherwise famous as pilgrim hub - a large number of women supporters swear by Jwaladevi and say the sitting Congress legislator Sanjay Ratan should return once again.
'This constituency remained neglected for long. Sanjay ji is an asset as a MLA as he works tirelessly,' says Vandana Rana, who also runs a beauty parlour. Other women readily endorse her version.
Sudesh Kumari Rana, a housewife and a Congress voter, says the sitting MLA brought in colleges and also improved the government hospital. 
'Our constituency will definitely vote for Sanjay Ratan.....Moreover, BJP candidate Ramesh Chand Dhwala has been a non-performer as MLA for about a decade'.
Similarly in Dharamshala assembly segment too, Congress nominee Sudhir Sharma has made development his major election plank. Addressing small rallies and road side meetings, he says, 'For the first time people of Dharamshala are realising that development can happen on ground and these would not be like BJP's Joomla.'
Giving support to the campaign by footsoldiers, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha deputy leader of opposition Anand Sharma also campaigned for Congress candidate Ashish Butail in prestigious Palampur constituency. 
Mr Butail is pitted against BJP's high profile Indu Goswami. 'People of Palampur and state of Himachal will punish BJP for noteban and ĢST rollout,' said Anand Sharma.
He also takes dig at BJP for wrongly spreading rumour that Indu Goswami will be given a major assignment in case BJP wins, but this has fallen flat after P K Dhumal haa been named as BJP Chief ministerial face. UNI

Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, Nov 3: The first day of the sixth edition of Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) 2017 started on Thursday with an inauguration ceremony and the screening of Shubhashish Bhutiani’s much acclaimed film Mukti Bhawan which was presented by its lead actor Adil Hussain.
The four-day film festival is being held at the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)-- a beautiful, sprawling venue, 15 minutes’ drive from McLeod Ganj from November 2 to 5.
The inaugural ceremony of the festival saw actor Adil Hussain address an enthusiastic audience who had turned up in large numbers on the opening day of the festival.
The opening day saw a talented bunch of children from the Junior class of Tibetian Children’s Village school sing Tibetian songs.
This was followed by the announcement of the winners of the Children's Film Appreciation Competition Course.
The winners from the Junior category were Samdol Lhamao from Peoten School and Kritika from Gamru Village School, Dharamshala.
While the winners from the Senior category were Manthan Karky and Vasundhara Thapa from The Army School, Dharamshala.
This was followed by the screening of Mukti Bhawan and a post screening Q&A in which Adil Hussain enthusiastically answered the varied questions that were posed to him by the audience.
During the course of the Q&A, Adil Hussain also remarked about how he recollected the memories he shared with his father while he was prepping up for his role in Mukti Bhawan.
Also present at the opening day ceremony and screening was Barry John, internationally renowned actor, director, writer and founder of the noted acting institute Barry John Acting Studio.
Incidentally, Adil Hussain is also a protégé of Barry John.
Adil Hussain who was delighted to attend the festival and witness audience’s reaction to Mukti Bhawan said “The Dharamshala International Film Festival is my favourite film festival in India because there are no frills attached to it.
It is purely about watching films and meeting people and due to the lack of frills there are opportunities to make real contact.
This aspect makes it a really special and unique festival.
”Winding up the first day, founder-director Ritu Sarin said, “I am glad to say that we had a full house on the opening day of the festival.
The atmosphere was electric and I am so happy and delighted to see this.
”The well known Barry John who was overwhelmed after watching Mukti Bhawan said “A film like Mukti Bhawan is so moving and one is at a loss for words.
There are so many emotions one experiences that one doesn’t know how to cope with it.
”This year’s line-up includes two award-winning documentaries—Kirsten Johnson’s Cameraperson (USA, 2016), Rahul Jain’s Machines (India, 2016) which screened at 10 international film festivals, and won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Excellence in Cinematography at 2017’s Sundance Film Festival.
There will be a special screening of the critically acclaimed 'A Death in the Gunj', presented in person by director Konkona Sen Sharma.
DIFF 2017 will also feature the Indian premiere of Out of This World (USA), a newly restored version of journalist and writer Lowell Thomas’ fascinating account of his travels to Tibet in 1949 (originally released in 1954).
This year’s feature films include Dain Said’s Interchange (Malaysia, 2016), Yaniv Berman’s Land of the Little People (Israel, 2016), Dechen Roder’s Honeygiver Among the Dogs (Bhutan, 2016), Yoshinori Sato’s Her Mother (Japan), Mano Khalil’s The Swallow (Switzerland), Karma Takapa’s Ralang Road, which premiered at this year’s Karlovy Vary Film Festival (an Indian film to be selected at the fest after 13 years), and Deepak Rauniyar’s Oscar entry from Nepal, White Sun which premiered at 73rd Venice Film Festival and won Interfilm Award and new voices/new visions grand jury prize at the Palm Springs festival.
DIFF continues its tradition of showcasing experimental films by presenting the South Asia premieres of three features by well-known artists and filmmakers: Amar Kanwar’s Such a Morning (India), and Naeem Mohaiemen’s Tripoli Cancelled (Bangladesh), both of which premiered this year at Documenta 14; and Singapore filmmaker Tan Pin Pin’s In Time to Come, which had its world premiere at Visions du Reel and was in competition at Hot Docs and Sheffield Doc Fest.
This year’s shorts selection is curated by filmmaker Umesh Kulkarni, whilst our Children’s Film Programme is curated by children’s media specialist Monica Wahi.
DIFF is presented by White Crane Arts & Media, a trust founded by veteran filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam to promote contemporary cinema, art and independent media practices in the Himalayan regions of India.
This year’s festival is once again supported by its long-term partners, Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, and the Government of Himachal Pradesh through its departments of Tourism, and Language, Arts, and Culture.
The first edition of DIFF was held in 2012.
Since then, it has become established as one of India’s leading independent film festivals.
DIFF’s cutting-edge and eclectic programming, which includes many India premieres, and its policy of inviting as many directors as possible, has made it one of the ‘go-to’ events in any cinephile’s calendar.
At DIFF 2016, hundreds of cinema enthusiasts from across India and the world converged to watch films and discuss the state of modern cinema—whilst some of India’s best-known film critics and journalists were on hand to cover the event. UNI


Dharamshala, Jul 15: Kangra police arrested a persons of Dhaar village of Padhar at Bhatwali bridge and recovered 733 grams of Charas from his possession last evening, police said here today. 
Senior Superintendent of Police Kangra Sanjeev Gandhi today told UNI that police recovered the charas from Bhawan Kumar resident of Dhaar, Thartukot, Tehsil Padhar of Mandi district at Bhatwali Bride (Sehal) last evening. 
He said that he was arrested under section 20 NDPS Act. He said that police was investigating the case to find out the source and destination of this charas consignment. UNI