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| Wednesday,
November 6, 2002, Chandigarh, India |
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Festival of lights spells darkness for
some Chandigarh, November 5 Most of the victims were unwilling to talk about the incident that changed their life, for worse. However, a few did speak. One such patient, from a village near Chandigarh, revealed on the condition of anonymity, “I was always scared of rockets. But after having four drinks, I somehow gained courage and ignited the wick of a rocket. However, my reflexes did not support me and I could not get away on time and it exploded in my face”. Still unaware of the disastrous consequence of the incident, he mildly uttered, “I think I should have been more careful”. He was not alone. Another victim added, “I have learnt my lesson, but after paying a heavy price”. Every thing was going on smoothly till my friends instigated me to ignite a cracker before throwing it away. The cracker exploded in my hand, causing serious injuries.” A housewife, rushed to a hospital, however, had a different story to narrate. She was sitting on the stairs when her sozzled-up neighbour threw a cracker in her house. “I was admiring crackers exploding in the night sky when I was hit with a splinter,” she cried. Doctors were unwilling to comment, but a senior professor revealed, “Time and again we have been telling people not to mix celebrations with alcohol. But on the occasions like Divali, few listen. Actually, some people feel that you just cannot celebrate without drinks. D alcohol drinking slows you down and makes you a more daring and accidents happen. In such cases, no one except the victims are to be blamed,” he added. Giving details, the doctor added, “Overall, the number of patients admitted with injuries this year are less as compared to the previous years. In Chandigarh and its surrounding areas, lectures were delivered and rallies held on safety measures to be adopted during Divali celebrations. These had a positive effect.” As per the sources, in Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, as many as 56 patients were brought with injuries. In General Hospital, Sector 16, 37 patients were wheeled in the emergency, 20 with burn injuries on their hands. The figure of patients included seven minors and five girls. In the PGI as many as 13 patients were admitted, three with serious eye injuries. Majority of the patients were from the neighbouring areas, the sources added. PANCHKULA The festival of lights was celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm here yesterday. Bright lights seemed to have carved a web around the entire township. Festivity was in the air since morning as people went about distributing gifts and extending Divali greetings. Markets in Sectors 7, 9, 10 , 15 and 11 saw traffic snarls. In spite of demonstrations against burning of crackers, the cracker sale was reportedly at its peak. Atleast 100 cracker stalls had been allowed by the district administration in Sectors 5, 14 and 16. Even as the cracker prices swelled many times over as compared to last year, no one seemed to complain. In fact, open grounds in Sector 14, where about 80 cracker stalls had been set up, a heavy rush was witnessed since 4 p.m. As dusk approached, din of crackers rented the air. Though no new variety of crackers was available, maximum sale, said traders, was of rockets, bombs and ‘anars’. A number of crackers, otherwise banned by the administration, were also available. But Divali was not without its share of troubles. As many as 25 persons were brought to General Hospital, Sector 6, with minor burn injuries. All of them, including a number of children and women, were discharged after being given minor treatment. As many as four fire incidents were also reported in the district yesterday. Incidentally, all fires were caused by wayward rockets. A minor fire broke out in Haripur village when a rocket landed near a flour mill. Minor fire incidents were also reported in Kotli village and Kharag Mangoli village,where rice straw and farm waste were destroyed. A major tragedy was averted near Majri chowk, here, when a cracker fell on a jhuggi near gate
no. 4, Old Panchkula. Atleast four jhuggis were razed to the ground, but timely action by firemen and residents prevented the fire from spreading further. SAS NAGAR: Seven incidents of fire were reported on Divali night in the town and surrounding areas. A fire broke out in an industrial shed in Phase VII, producing synthetic water tanks at about 9.38 p.m. Two fire tenders brought the flames under control in about an hour. The machinery and other material lying in the unit were completely destroyed. The building was also damaged. However, the extent of the damage and the cause of fire could not be known. Incidents of fire at three places took place due to fire works. A fire broke out on the roof of a building near Neighbourhood Park in Phase XI. Another incident was reported from Mauli Baidwan village where paddy husk got burnt. Wild growth near Harpartap Mills, next to Phase XI, also got burnt. Fire incidents at two places took place when pooja was being performed. A cupboard in a house in the municipal quarters in Phase VII industrial area got burnt. In another case, cash got burnt when pooja was being performed in the house. Fire also broke out in a house in Sector 69. Mr Bhupinder Singh Sandhu, Station Fire Officer, said a control room had been set up in Phase X to attend to calls of Phases VIII to XI. He said the fire brigade received two fake calls. However, the phones from where the calls had been made could not be found as the caller identification facility, provided by the department, was not working.
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Divali and gifts go
hand-in-hand Chandigarh, November 5 However, it means different things for different people. For children and the youth, it is the number of crackers they have burst and the wide variety of mithai they have consumed. For most women, it implies an addition to their personal collection of jewellery and something new to the household. For politicians, bureaucrats and others who wield influence in society, it is means the number and the kind of gifts they have received. And, of course, there is a section which says that Divali did not mean anything special for them because “...apna to barah mahine diwala”. However, the fact remains that come the festival of lights and every businessman and corporate worth his cheque book begins sending out gifts to people who matter. Traditionally, gifts should be sent to friends, colleagues and a few important people. However, during the last decade, gifting on Divali has become more of a necessity than a matter of choice. Thus like every year, gifts were delivered at a feverish pace in the 20 days between the festival of Dasehra and Divali. The week before Divali is particularly hectic for Public Relations Officers of most corporate outfits of private and public sectors. Many companies are known to have earmarked substantial budgets to finance purchases of gifts for senior government officials, business clients and others with whom they would like maintain a close
relationship. These include bankers, journalists, police officials, income tax officials and excise officials who are pampered with Divali gifts. Over the years, packaging has become as important as the gift itself item. In many cases, mithai was sent this year in stainless steel boxes, dry fruit in silver boxes or glass
containers. The focus has now changed from the gift to the longevity of the gift. Divali gifts included different types of gold coins, silver coins, electrical gadgets, appliances, expensive crockery, utensils, clothes, Scotch Whisky and assorted gift items like perfumes, chocolates etc, says market sources. According to Mr S.C. Dhall, a banker who is familiar with the new corporate climate, the culture of presenting Divali giftis has now become so widespread that a company that does not indulge in this annual exercise can invite adverse notice from all those who matter. It goes without saying that Divali has not only legitimised acceptance of gifts but has also quietly endorsed giving and taking of bribes. Nobody can deny that a gift does induce a more cordial relationship between the givers and the takers.
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Residents ‘explode’ in Divali
spirit Chandigarh, November 5 The rising prices of fireworks were no dampener as the enthusiastic residents in the southern sectors, even in the parts of the northern ones, came out of their houses as soon as the sun disappeared. Though the dhamaka was a little less in some of the northern sectors, including Sectors 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11, the noise was enough to keep the sleepy residents awake till well past 11 pm. Residents had initially thought that the long lectures and rallies on fire safety, besides a campaign by the Fire Department, would act as a deterrent. The youngsters would not play with fireworks at all, or else would burst the crackers under the supervision of the adults. Nothing of this sort, however, happened at least in the southern sectors. As Divali spirit took hold of the revelers, they shrieked with excitement. Their confident hands showed no signs of apprehension as they inserted rocket after rocket into the glass bottles casually placed in the middle of the road. After launching the missiles, they jumped back to safety as the rockets pierced the heart of darkness before exploding into a hundred stars. Little wonder, by about 8 pm, the entire night sky was illuminated by a thousand falling stars in bright red, fluorescent green, electrifying blue, funky yellow and alluring silver. This was not all. Yellow sparks fell in all directions as aimlessly zipping rockets exploded in mid-air. The shopping for crackers started a little late this year. Till about four days prior to the occasion, hardly any stalls offering fireworks could be seen even in the sectors known for selling `patakas’, including Sectors 15 and 20. Then suddenly on Friday you could see cracker stalls every where you looked even in Sectors 19, 44 and 45. The sale of fireworks, nevertheless, picked up on Sunday. “The shoppers this Divali had enough time to choose, and purchase, crackers,” revealed Jhmuru, a Sector 20 shopkeeper. No wonder, the decorations too were different this year. “Very few houses were illuminated with candles this time,” said electrician Raghu. “The reason for this was not very hard too see. Blinking lights, imported from China, were available for as less as Rs 25. Another thing, this Divali most of the residents took professional help for decorating their residences after paying as much as Rs 20,000”.
* Long lectures and rallies on fire safety and campaign by the fire department had their effect, but mostly in the northern sectors. The little ones did abstain from exploding `dangerous crackers’, also asked the parents to be more cautious resulting in a “low pitch” Divali at least in some of the “posh sectors”. * Till Saturday, there were hardly any takers for fire crackers giving `some real tension’ to the shopkeepers. The sales, however, picked up on Sunday as more and more residents asked for different kinds of rockets. * Dry fruits were back in vogue in Divali of 2002, pushing traditional sweets down on the priority list of gifts. Glassware too was being asked for, along with biscuits and cakes, as against wall clocks last year. * Every thing this year was packed in baskets wrapped in nice cellophane cover tied with red ribbon. Chocolates, cakes and even biscuits, you could buy everything in baskets.
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Deafening sound of ‘few crackers’ If persons like Parveen Togadia had to raise a ruckus over government curbs on bursting of crackers, they surely would argue that the practice was beyond the purview of law. Thank you, Mr Togadia for not making an issue of it. It was music to the ears when my nephews and nieces greeted me this Divali and promised no to crackers. They called up from Bombay, Delhi and Jalandhar. I appreciated their resolve. The evening was full four hours away. I did tell them that their parents and I had burnt enough limbs and nursed many a wound at their age. What I didn’t tell them was that the bursting of crackers was associated with lack of class. This is what my grand-parents and uncles thought. My father was the first in the clan to skip the caste vocation and join the Lakshmi-chasers class. He made money, but not much. He would come home on Divali, and without fail bring crackers. It was he who initiated me and my siblings into playing with fire. And we played on. But here were some young who preferred to dance on ‘‘Ishq Samandar dil de andhar’’ till midnight to the deafening sound of crackers. As my wife and daughter switched on the razzle-dazzle lights and began to light the path leading to the house, the first report of cracker burst blew off the tender flame. We called a halt to the illumination operation. Our good neighbour Sharma ji’s son Atul lit an “anaar”. Its burst shot up, missing the high-tension wire by a few inches. My farsighted wife instead of venting her spleen on Atul, rapped me for bringing the middling candles. As a show of wisdom she took out the big ones from the boxes. Atul was joined by other bravehearts. They competed with one another in adding to noise, smoke and litter of the lane lined up with cars of various makes. The big ones had big wicks. I cut the wicks to size. They burnt quietly. It was puja time, I alarmed my god-fearing wife. We trooped into the puja room. My daughter lit the diya and the incense sticks. The presiding deity of the household Krishna, looked more attractive in fresh garlands of marigold and ashoka leaves. So did the print of Lakshmi and wooden Ganesha. The explanation for the absence of Ram durbar in our house hold is that we value living life more than staking it for any value or truth. Rama did the former? The offering of boxes full of coconut burfi, peras and ladoos were spread out. My wife began Lakshmi aarti in her mellifluous voice. It wasn’t divine, but certainly uplifting. Being a festive occasion, I had the licence to have the high-calorie prasad. Hoping the lord, would surely take care of a small matter — my upwardly mobile cholesterol level, I joined the chorus. The buzzer rang, “Lakshmi has come calling”, said I. The mother and daughter looked me in the eye. I chose to shut those, lest I lose the claim on my share in the prasad. I opened the door. There was a gentleman with a gift pack. I knew of Lakshmi changing into Grahalakshmi and Mahalakshmi, but its assuming masculine form turned out to be delightful only when we opened the pack. The clock struck 10. The reports of cracker bursts began to recede. We were in bed and soon asleep. Many in our friendly neighbourhood did adhere to the ban on bursting of crackers after 10 p.m. The restless me was woken up by the phone bell. It was my nephew from Delhi. “Happy Divali, Uncle!” Same to you. Did you burst crackers? Pause. A few. And I hung up.
14 incidents of fire on Divali Chandigarh, November 5 |
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Prayers mark Vishwakarma Day Chandigarh, November 5 Havans were performed and prayers were offered to Lord Vishwakarma. The motor market in Sector 48 wore a deserted look and commuters had to wander for getting simple jobs done. The Baba Vishwakarma Sabhyacharak Committee organised a cultural function at Daddu
Majra. |
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DEO keeps them waiting for
hours SAS Nagar, November 5 Dr Malti Batra, DEO, Ropar, who had organised a function to launch the Sarab Siksha Abhiyan at Government Primary School, Phase VI, did not turn up for the function and a large number of teachers of government schools, sarpanches of a number of villages and even block samiti members, who had come to attend the function, kept waiting for her for nearby three hours. The cheques could not be distributed to the beneficiaries as she was carrying them. Mr Bir Devinder Singh, Kharar MLA, had been invited as the chief guest who was to distribute cheques to the sarpanches of 13 villages. Each sarpanch was to be given a grant of Rs 35,000 which was to be spent to improve the condition of government primary schools. Ten persons were also to be honoured at the function. When the DEO did not reach for the function, the Block Education Officers started contacting her on her cellphone. It is reported that each time she kept saying that she was on her way. There was no sign of her even when the chief guest arrived. Mr Bir Devinder Singh said when he contracted her she said she was stuck up at the Morinda level crossing and would reach in about 40 minutes. But till 5 p.m.she had not arrived much to the harassment of all those present there. Almost 400 school teachers were present for the function. The MLA said he had told her earlier not to organise the function today as it was a holiday but she was adamant. He said he would bring the matter to the notice of the higher authorities so that the government found out the reason for this strange happening. |
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A POINT OF VIEW Chapter I of Panjab University Calendar, Volume I (1994), incorporates the Panjab University Act VII of 1947 (as amended from time to time), whereas regulations made under that Act are included in Chapters II to XI. Chapter X exclusively provides for the regulations made under Section 31(2)(e) of the Act of 1947 under the title, ‘Panjab University Employees (Pension) 1991’ [hereinafter cited as the Pension Scheme of 1991]. These regulations were duly approved and published in the Government of India Gazette, dated October 2, 1993. The Pension Scheme of 1991 was sought to be repealed and replaced by the new Pension Scheme of 1999 framed by the university Senate at its meeting held on March 26, 2000. This was intended to be done primarily on the plea that the existing scheme of 1991 did not provide for the cut-off date, and this entailed financial burden, which the university was unable to bear in the implementation of that scheme. This stand of the university is articulated by the Registrar in his letter of December 2000, addressed to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, inter alia, stating: “Old Pension Scheme of 1991 and the new Pension Scheme of 1999 are almost similar schemes and there is no substantial difference in the two. The only change in the new scheme is that it provides for a cut-off date whereas the old scheme did not have a cut-off date. It would mean that only those employees who retire after the stipulated cut off date (i.e. 31.3.1998) would be eligible to join the pension Scheme of 1999. The actual payment of Pension would be made only with effect from the date of notification ... and no arrears would be paid up to that date.” The whole thrust of the new scheme of 1999 is that all those employees of the university, who retired prior to March 31, 1998, would ipso facto stand excluded from pension benefits. The new Pension Scheme of 1999, sent to the Central Government for repealing and replacing the existing scheme of 1991, has been recently rejected through a cryptic order by simply saying that the Government of India has not accepted the university’s proposal. Since the university is pursuing for a reversal of the Central Government’s decision as is evident from statements issued on its behalf and also by the continuing Joint Action Committee’s protest dharnas against rejection of the scheme of 1999, it seems only fair to re-examine the issue of pension retrospectively and then see prospectively if something could be done meaningfully to
resolve the impasse. Let us first look into the provisions of the Pension Scheme of 1991 in order to decipher if there was any cut-off date, the moot point on which the new scheme of 1999 is premised. Regulation 1.2 of the Pension Scheme of 1991 provides for the operational scope of the scheme by stating categorically that the provisions of these regulations shall apply to the following category of employees. In the very first instance, it says that the scheme of 1991 “shall apply to employees who join service under the university on or after the date of notification of these regulations.” Since this scheme was published in the Government of India Gazette on October 2, 1993, for one purpose, this date is the ‘cut-off’ date; that is, all employees who formed the university service either on October 2, 1993, or thereafter, shall compulsorily be governed by the Pension Scheme of 1991. They would have no option to be governed by the provisions relating to the contributory provident fund and gratuity contained in the regulations dealing with the ‘Conditions of Service of University Employees’ [PUC, Vol. 1 (1994), Ch. VI, and the rules framed thereunder]. In this respect, the Pension Scheme of 1999 happily admits that October 2, 1993, is a cut-off date in as much as from this date the Pension Scheme of 1991 is mandatory for all those employees who joined the university service on or after this date. The second categories of persons whom the Pension Scheme of 1991 shall apply are “the employees who joined the service of the university before the date of notification of these regulations.” This means that the date of October 2, 1993, is again the cut-off date for another purpose; this time for determining the category of persons who joined the university service before October 2, 1993, because in this case again all such employees (Regulation 1.2 read with relevant provisions of Regulation 1.9) shall be governed by the scheme of 1991 if they elect to be so governed. On this count also, the scheme of 1999 does not deny the existence of the date of October 2, 1993, as the cut-off date. There is yet a third category of persons whom the scheme of 1993 shall apply. It shall apply to all those employees who had retired before October 2, 1993, provided only “if they specifically elect to be governed by these regulations by exercising an option as provided in Regulation 1.9 infra.” This only means that October 2, 1993, is a cut-off date for yet another distinct category of retired persons. However, in the case of employees falling in the second or third category, who elect to be governed by the scheme of 1991, are required to refund or transfer the total contribution of the university to the CP Fund Account as on the date of notification (that is, October 2, 1993) or on the date of retirement, which ever is earlier, along with interest thereon to be adjusted against the pension payments payable with effect from January 1, 1986, for being credited to the University Pension Fund. This implies that for the computation of accounts there is yet another cut-off date, 1 January, 1986, which is the date of coming into force of the Pension Scheme of 1991. Coming finally to the argument of relentless struggle ‘for the adoption and implementation of a pension scheme for almost two decades’, isn’t it an irony first to recommend that the university should go in repeal of the existing Pension Scheme of 1991, and then turn around to say lamentingly: ‘As a measure of social security for their employees all universities in the country have pension schemes except Panjab University’! The truth is that Panjab University does have the fully approved and notified Pension Scheme of 1991 that came into force with effect from January 1, 1986. It only needs to be implemented in an equitable manner. If the University can choose not to implement it at all, surely it also has the power to make it implementable in a manner that would provide the much needed social security cover first to those who are in the most necessitous circumstances. In this respect, shouldn’t it be axiomatic to say that claims of those employees who retire first have precedence over the ones who retire later? Unfortunately, the presenters of the ‘exclusion’ cut-off date of March 31, 1998, in the Pension Scheme of 1999 seem to think otherwise! (The writer is a former Professor and Chairman, Department of Laws; Dean, Faculty of Law; and Fellow, Panjab University.) |
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Theft in judge’s house Chandigarh, November 5 The theft was reportedly discovered this morning. The house was reportedly unoccupied at the time of the theft. As per police sources, when Mr Harvinder Singh, brother of the judge, reached the house at about 10.30 a.m. and found the lock of the house broken. The police was informed and a case has been registered. |
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He continues to excel Chandigarh, November 5 One of the top neurologists of the country, Professor Chopra, now touching 70s , was once in the race for the presidentship of the prestigious World Federation of Neurology. He is currently in Geneva (Switzerland) where he has been invited as Adviser for the World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting on “Development of guidelines for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease”. Only recently, Professor Chopra was conferred with honorary membership of the American Academy of Neurology, an honour which has gone only to 24 neurologists worldwide ever since the academy came into being. He is perhaps the first from India to get this membership on an honorary basis. Considered a pioneer in neurology in this part of the country, most practising neurologists in Punjab Haryana, Chandigarh, and nearby areas have been his students. Professor Chopra had worked as Professor and Head, Department of Neurology at the PGIMER here before he became the founder Director-Principal of Government Medical College, Chandigarh. He had been the first ex-officio Secretary, Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh Administration. He superannuated in the early 90s. After his nomination to the post of the President of the World Federation of Neurology, he agreed to be the Editor-in-Chief of World Neurology, a publication of the WFN. Initially, his term was four years. But the management committee of the WFN at its last meeting recently decided to extend his term as Editor-in-Chief, World Neurology, for four years more. A keen golfer, Professor Chopra has been working as a consultant neurologist for a number of prestigious institutions in the country and is a regular invitee to top professional conferences worldwide. |
Dirty dancing in the name of
culture Panchkula, November 5 The dancers bared their midriffs and legs for hundreds of onlookers, while dancing to the tunes of ‘Aankhiyon Se Goli Mare’, ‘Patna Mein Aag Lag Gaye’, ‘Seeti Te Seeti’, ‘Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast’, ‘Lucky Kabootar’ and many other such double-meaning Bollywood numbers. Step for step, these girls imitated Bollywood stars to the minutest details — from the dripping necklines and rising hemlines to the ‘jhatkas’ of the heroines. The organisers of the show said the programme was strictly to promote culture among labourers. However, no item depicting the culture of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh or Bihar was included in the show. Rather, whenever the dancers went backstage for a changeover or during speeches by the organisers, the crowd booed every speaker off the stage and cheered whenever the dancers returned. To get a better view of the show, many persons were perched atop trees near the venue at the Sector 16 temporary Labour Chowk. Meanwhile, the Labour Nirman Sangh has demanded that the temporary space be made Labour Chowk permanently and renamed Jan Nayak Chaudhary Devi Lal Labour Chowk. The sangh members said they would urge the authorities to shift a wine shop and some lottery stalls at the roundabout to a new location, so that, labourers did not succumb to drinking and gambling. Before the “cultural show”, a Vishwakarma Puja was performed by the president of the union, Mr Jagdish Kashyap, and the other members of the union. The labourers ate food at a common kitchen before the show. The union said more toilets and shelters like Raen Basera be constructed for labourers at Labour Chowk. It said the Deputy Commissioner would be given a memorandum to seek ration cards for its members on the pattern of similar cards for brick-kiln labourers. This would help get them rations at subsidised rates. It also demanded that electricity meters be installed in the houses of labourers to avoid power theft. In Pinjore, the Ramgarhias held celebrations at a national-level convention. Giani Gurcharan Singh, president of the All-India Ramgarhia Central Federation, presided over the function. He said the Ramgarhias had done a lot of good work for the country, like building the Bhakra canal. He prayed to Lord Vishwakarma before devotees ate at a common kitchen. The president of the Sri Vishwakarma Kalyan Sangh, Mr Roop Ram Dhiman, and the general secretary of the body, Mr Shyam Lal Dhiman, also spoke on the occasion. |
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READERS WRITE AS a resident of Dera Bassi, I would like to focus on some of the burning problems of our town. The dhabas situated in Dera Bassi on Dera Bassi-Ambala road, near Adarsh Nagar, remain open till late in the night. Though the dhaba owners do not possess any bar permit or licence, they allow customers to have drinks or arrange cocktail parties, especially during evenings and nights, sometimes in the open area adjacent to the national highway and the residential area of Adarsh Nagar. After having drinks in these dhabas, the people take resort to reckless driving. This is causing a lot of inconvenience to the residents of Dera Bassi, especially ladies. For fear of these people, they have now stopped going for evening walks along the national highway. The roadside dhabas here are becoming traffic hazard to local residents and commuters using the National Highway (Chandigarh-Ambala). Surprisingly, Home Guards volunteers on duty in Adarsh Nagar remain mute spectators. In fact, they visit these dhabas for lunch/ tea/ dinner etc and reportedly do not pay the charges. During late night, these volunteers, along with the help of policemen, lay a temporary naka without any authorised official and indulge in extortion from heavy vehicles like trucks passing through Dera Bassi. These nakas are especially seen opposite Sadashiv Complex, Civil Dispensary and Excise Office. Owing to these nakas, sometimes drivers of heavy vehicles stop and park their vehicles on the highway side assuming that DTO or RTO is checking the permits of vehicles. This is causing traffic jams during night. A. Singh,
Dera Bassi
Poor cable service In SAS Nagar, Phase-I, cable operators have increased the monthly subscription charges but the reception is of very poor quality. Even 10 to 15 channels out of 40-42 channels are mostly out of order. While the operators demand cable service charges quarterly, they are exploiting and fleecing the public through various unfair practices like subscription charges well in advance and non-rectification of complaints for many days. And once the advance for three months is paid to them, they do not attend to complaints of poor reception. About 700 residents of Sector 45-C unanimously decided to surrender their cable connections in protest against the arbitrary hike in cable service charges. This is a welcome and praiseworthy step by the consumers. If everyone thinks that if he does not see the cable for a month or two, it will not be harmful. It will give people more time to attend to their children’s studies. I suggest that there should be a proper authority/ controlling cell which can take care of the rights of the people and advise the cable operators for poor services. Bhupinder
Singh ‘happy’, SAS Nagar
Counselling concept Apropos of Ms Parbina Rashid’s article “Counselling concept yet to catch on in City”, the subject is a matter of concern for the authorities concerned. The issue is of greater concern today not only for schools where some tragedies could have been averted, but institutions of higher education and society as a whole. I have been associated with education for well over 40 years and in medical practice for about 50 years. As a medical man serving the university, I had to face many situations requiring help in the form of counselling and psychotherapy. I feel all psychologists cannot deliver the goods. It is actually a psychotherapist who could be the best choice but not easily or readily available. In schools it is not possible. What is possible is to have psychotherapists to address schools as and when possible or refer cases requiring more help. Any school teacher who is kind, affectionate and has the desire of doing good to others, can be a good counsellor. To be an effective counsellor, he or she will have to be a good listener, receptive and attentive. Most of the time, the person needing counselling requires to let off his/her steam, unfold one’s self and cry on somebody’s shoulders. It acts as a safety valve and most of the time this talking itself does the healing. If need be, the counsellor can certainly advice in between or at the end, or at any time. Sometimes, even one sitting will do. Many tragedies have been averted by one or few more sittings, with no specialised or technical efforts. Once an agitated and violent patient had locked herself in a room. However, I was somehow able to persuade her to open the door. She was given a tranquiliser, and forcibly taken by car from Chandigarh to Rohtak to legendary Dr Vidya Sagar. He gave 1½ to 2 hours sitting in spite of being unwell, talked to her and called her back the next day when she was advised admission. When she refused and said that she would come some other time, as this time she was brought by deceit, she was prescribed some medicine. She did not take it. nor did she return for treatment. But she has been keeping well for the last 25 years or so. Then, there was a student of M.Sc (Chemistry). He was under treatment of a team of specialists. For two years, he was very angry because he did not get any relief even though he was taking 10-12 tablets everyday, as prescribed by the specialists. He was on the verge of leaving his studies out of disgust. I called him to my residence, spoke to him for one and half hours, gave him a few vitamin tablets and asked him to come again. But after that meeting and having taken those tablets, he did not come again for a long time. Suddenly one day, he called on me to inform that he had passed with 76 per cent marks and that he was now leaving for home, all set to enter the world anew as a changed and confident person. There are many such instances. It would be ideal if schools can collectively use the services of some part-time doctors who can visit them on different days and solve the problems of the students. Dr
Harish Khanna, Panchkula |
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EATING OUT It was a hectic week of festivities — whether it was visiting fairs and shopping or catching up with family and friends or eating food, fast seems to have been the buzzword. Thus, in all the hulchul, it was no surprise that those on the go preferred to down the chatpati chaat, tikki, bhelpuri or golgappa to be topped with an ice-cream bar or cup. Residents of the city and its satellite towns, as usual, got into the mood of the game with full gusto. You just had to step out of the house and could not help but get sucked into the spirit festival traditionally associated with get-togethers with family and friends and exchange of gifts since the time Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya to a gala welcome after his 14-year exile and defeat of Ravana. It all begins with grand sales announced by most shopkeepers. The golden jubilee celebrations of the city’s main commercial centres only added lustre to the scene. There was hardly a resident who did not visit the big fairs organised in Sectors 17, 22 and 34 or even the smaller local market ones. And most of them did end up buying something or the other, either for themselves or to be gifted to near and dear ones. As mothers stuffed the mouths of their kids with the quicky Rs 10-per plate of the child’s favourite noodles, with arms loaded with packets of mithai and dry fruits, the local market chaps and phariwalas seemed to have a field day as they deftly conjured up the stuff in a jiffy, not forgetting to ask whether you like chillies or favoured more onions and chutney. At the CII fair in Sector 17, the saag and makki di roti frying on the big tawa filled many a visitor’s tummy. The Verka ice-cream and south Indian food stalls also did good business. And at the Sectors 34 and 22 fetes, fast food was the order of the week. The decked-up hotels and restaurants were for the leisurely-paced or those out on special eating spree or those who could not resist missing the tawa and tandoor special of Hotel Shivalikview or the Rendezvous food by Essex at Parade Ground. But basically, the refrain of Chandigarhians was, “I feel so full after just looking at all the extended counters of sweetmeat shops and loads of decorative packets of dry fuits and chocolates that I just long for the simple home meal or at the most, a spicy plate of bhelpuri.” Ya, the taste buds do get a bit confused and long for some rest after the endless sips of tea, coffee and coke complimented with …yes, the “oh no” piece of the shagunwali mithai (can’t ignore our famous Indian hospitality and culture, you know). Thus, it was almost with a feeling of relief that the pace of life slowed down to a beautiful finale on Divali night with the dhamaka of firecrackers and the soft glow of diyas, candles and electric strings of lights lighting up homes and offices. But for the diehard festivity fans, it’s not the end of celebrations — after Navratras, Dasehra, Karva Chauth, Dhanteras and Divali, there’s Vishvakarma Day, Bhaiya Dooj, Gurpurb, Christmas, New Year…. And, yes, lots of goodies to be savoured on every occasion. |
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Many attend Govardhan
Puja Panchkula, November 5 A large number of devotees first participated in prabhat pheri taken out in different parts of the township. This was followed by mahamantra jap. Later a satsang and pravachan were performed by Swami Aseem Goswami in the temple. A massive langar was held on the temple premises. The devotees themselves prepared the meals and served it to others. CHANDIGARH Devotees in large numbers thronged Hare Krishna Dham in Sector 36 on Goverdhan Puja today. The local Chapter of International Society for Krishna Consciousness organised the puja. The programme started with worship of the cow followed by giriraj, aarti and kirtan. Giriraj (Gobardhan) was made of cow dung and branches of artificial mountains were decorated. Annkut was also organised for the devotees. |
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Jain addresses workers’
rally Chandigarh, November 5 Mr Jain was addressing a rally of labourers this morning at Labour Chowk of Sectors 44 and 45 organised by the Construction Workers Labour Union. Mr Jain presided over the function and Mr Yash Pal Mahajan, President, BJP was the chief guest. Both leaders participated in the worshipping of Lord Vishvakarma. Mr Jain said it was a matter of regret that in spite of the fact that the activities of terrorists were again increasing, the Congress-PDP government in Jammu and Kashmir was going to deal with the terrorists softly. He said on one side, Mrs Sonia Gandhi demanded stern action against terrorism, on the other hand, her own party government in Jammu and Kashmir was taking such decision as appeasing the terrorists. Mr Mahajan said the BJP-led government at the Centre had launched a scheme for providing ration to the labourers on subsidised rates. The benefit of this scheme must go to all poor labourers. He appealed to the labourers that they should get their ration cards prepared immediately. |
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Report hints at former employees’ involvement Chandigarh, November 5 Sources informed that the UT Superintendent of the Model Burail Jail, Mr D.S Rana, has submitted a detail report of the incident to the UT Deputy Commissioner and has sought the inquiry of the case by the UT police. Moreover, the jail authorities also mentioned the name of former employees stating that they might be responsible for supplying of the articles to the accused in the jail. When contacted, Mr Rana confirmed that inquiry report about the incident have been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner. |
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Man commits suicide Chandigarh, November 5 Since no suicide note has been found, the exact cause behind the extreme step taken by him is not yet clear. Nanda and his father own two coal depots in Mani Majra and Panchkula. Last night, after celebrating Divali, Nanda went into a room and in the morning his body was found hanging with a ‘dupatta’ from the ceiling. He is survived by his wife, parents and two children. The body was handed over to the family. |
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3 held; 7 scooters recovered Chandigarh, November 5 The police sources say that a tip-off led the police to lay an ambush at the Sector 17 Inter-state Bus Terminus on October 30. Three persons on an equal number of scooters were stopped on suspicion. The verifications that followed showed that the scooters were stolen. The interrogation of the persons led to the recovery of four more scooters. The police says that it hopes to recover more vehicles from them. Out of the seven scooters, four had been stolen in the jurisdiction of Sector 17 police station. |
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22-year-old electrocuted in
sweetshop Panchkula, November 5 STD booth burgled In another case of burglary, miscreants decamped with jewellery and Rs 2,500 from the residence of Mr Surinder Kumar in Pinjore. A case has been registered at the Pinjore police Station. Liquor seized CHANDIGARH Vehicles stolen Mr Amrao Singh, a resident of Sector 21, reported with the police that his Tata Sumo (CH 01U 4797) was stolen from his residence on the night intervening November 3 and 4. A Bullet motorcycle (CH03 0109) of Mr Dinesh Kumar, a resident of Sector 30, was also allegedly stolen from his residence during the same time when the Tata Sumo was stolen. Theft cases Another theft took place in Sector 33 on November 3 and this time a purse containing an ATM card, a credit card, Rs 1,500 and other documents was stolen from a car. The complainant, a Sector 33 resident, Mr Balraj Bhati, told the police that burglar(s) committed the theft after breaking rear glass of the car. PCS officer injured Held 2 constables injured The constables, Har Kewal Singh and Ramesh Chand, have received injuries on their arms, thighs and face. The Tata Mobile driver escaped from the spot after abandoning the vehicle. The injured were taken to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32. The motorcycle (CH01G 6043) was badly damaged. A case has been registered. DERA BASSI Labourer injured Hailing from Bihar, Sanjay was employed with a multi national company’s godown. His clothes caught fire when he was playing fireworks along with his friends late Monday night. He got 65 per cent burn injuries. He was rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 in Chandigarh. A person was crushed to death by an unidentified vehicle on the Chandigarh-Ambala road in Zirakpur on late Sunday night. According to the police, the deceased was on foot adjacent to a petrol pump when an unknown vehicle mowed him down. The body sent to the PGI and was sent today to the Civil Hospital, Rajpura, for postmortem examinations. A case has been registered with the Lohgarh police post. |
MARKET PULSE Chandigarh, November 5 According to a press note, PLR has been reduced by 50 basis points from 12 per cent to 11.50 per cent with effect from December 1. Further reduction of 50 basis points has been proposed with effect from April 1, 2003. The bank has also brought down its term-deposit rates by 25 basis points for select slabs with effect from November 1. For deposits of 180 days to less than one year duration, the rate is now fixed at six per cent; for a period of one year to less than two years, the rate will be 6.50 per cent; for a period of two years to less than three years, it will be 6.75 per cent; and for three years and above, the rate will be 6.50 per cent. The rates for the lower slabs of domestic term deposits of the bank, however, remain unchanged at 4.75 per cent for 15 days to 45 days, and 5.50 per cent for 46 days to 179 days. The interest rate for maturity period of seven days to 14 days for term deposit of 15 lakh and above also remains unchanged at 4.75 per cent. The bank is also introducing floating rate of interest on domestic term deposits with effect from December 1. For a tenure of one year to less than two years, the effective rate will be seven per cent; for a period of of two years to less than three years, it will be 7.25 per cent; and for three years and above, the rate will be seven per cent. Live ATM The State Bank of India (SBI) put up a financial super market displaying a wide range of its techno-products for the convenience of visitors specially live ATM, which was a big draw in the four-day Chandigarh fair which concluded here on Sunday. The SBI stall remained the main attraction in the Finmart where people were seen lining up to withdraw cash and demonstrating sork of ASTM to their family members. Besides, the bank also provided Internet and phone banking in the stall to its customers to have on-the-spot access to their accounts. UT Administrator Lieut-Gen JFR Jacob (retd) also visited the SBI stall during his visit to the fair. |
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La belle dame with balees Dangling balees — the hanging hoops of charm swinging from cute little ears - are setting the style amidst damsels of the world, modishly. Little wonder, every morning before the silvery clock, hanging on the decked up wall, announces the time for going to college, Zoya tilts her head snobbishly in front of the full-fashioned mirror. Carefully, she slips the balees through the indiscernible holes in her earlobes before clasping the locks. Adjusting the impressive rings, she trots out of her room into a voguish world. In college, the lecture on the history of English literature is ruthlessly ignored as enthusiastic chums lean forward to surround Zoya every other day for admiring her balees in different sizes and hues. Indifferent towards the historical significance of the novel or the age of Hardy, they whisper words of appreciation in Zoya’s ears, warily. In good old days that are no more, Zoya used to wear two rings molded in gold, along with a diamond studded top, in her ears. That was years ago, before she saw hanging rings in the ears of a reed-thin model sashaying down the ramp in a fashion show held somewhere in a foreign land. Since then, the usual rings and tops have been stored in the vanity box tucked in some remote corner of her cupboard. Explaining the trend, socio-psychologist Anita Verma says, “Once, not long back, jewellery was the only effective instrument of showing off among the students. The reason for this was not very hard to analyse. Majority of the students were not permitted to display family status by driving down to college campuses in their own vehicles. This was not all. Branded clothes had to be imported through relatives settled abroad. For the rest, gold and diamond earrings were an indicator of wealth”. She adds: “Things altered drastically in the early 90s. Change in the attitude, brought by the open Indian skies and cable-channel invasion, enabled the students to demand, and to get, their own vehicles - not just two-wheelers, cars also. No wonder ornaments as symbol of wealth were pushed into background, jaunty jalopies and dresses trudged their way up to the number one position on the priority list. Sitting in the driver’s seat, ornaments’ price was no more the deciding factor”. The result is there for all to see. So many dames are now-a-days asking for balees with nice little ghungroos in electrifying blues and tantalising yellows to be worn with attire of matching shades. “You can buy one by pulling out just a few rupees from the handbag,” says owner of Jewels - a gift shop in Sector 11. “The price range begins from Rs 15 and goes up to Rs 350, depending upon the material. Silver balees are available for Rs 100 and above. Otherwise, you can get good stuff just for Rs 75, plus-minus Rs 5”. So gals, if you are still wearing those expensive earrings, go in for balees. They look cool, indeed. Cool make-up for chilly winters Cold winter blast is going to be here again for playing havoc with your surreal complexion. Keeping face moist will be essential, but not enough. No doubt about it. Here are some tips by professionals that will make you look simply gorgeous on the ramp of life. Believe it or not, cheek colour is making a big comeback in the winters of 2002. No, we are not talking about the sculpted look of 80’s, but soft and feminine blush that will make heads turn around in admiration. “Getting hold of flushed cheeks is not difficult,” says make-up artist Ada Sharma. “If you are fair, apply peach powder with a soft brush to the apples of your cheeks, otherwise go in for a bronze powder. Be careful to sweep the colour back towards your temples, then down towards your jaw”. If smoky eyes are what you want, do not worry. Make-up guru Zulekha knows every thing you wish to ask. “After bridging gap of almost two decades, smoky eyes are en vogue again,” she asserts. “The best thing about misty looks is that you do not have to barge into a parlour. Line your eyes with a black or brown pencil. Get as close as possible to the lash lines. Use a soft angled make-up brush to apply a deep brown or a gray eye shadow from lash lines to brow bones before sweeping on black or gray mascara”. As far as the looks are concerned, fresh glowing skin is what every one aims at. Few, however, succeed in achieving shimmery skin. Any way, for that flawless effect, start applying moisturiser or foundation base to freshly cleaned face. “You should always give the stuff some time to absorb. Few minutes are enough,” suggests fashion designer Karan. “After you are satisfied that your skin has soaked up the moisturiser, blend make-up with a sponge, gently. It will give everyone the impression that you are not wearing any thing at all on your visage”. He adds: “Give finishing touches to your new look by applying shimmer or bronzing powder with a light brush. For that electrifying effect, you can always highlight your forehead and cheekbones. Another thing, dab brush on the palm of your hand for removing excess shimmer powder”. Also, go in for dark lips. “Outline lips with a pencil liner before filling in colours with the help of a lip brush", Karan recommends. “For the purpose, choose a slightly creamy lipstick in shades of burgundy or wine. Finally lock colour in place with a long-stay gloss”. That’s it folks, happy
colouring. y
She believes in keeping herself fit. That is why ramp model-cum-finalist in Miss India pageant drives down to the gymnasium for an hour daily except on Sundays. "I sweat out excessive calories day in and day out," Jaishree asserts. "That is why I go to the gym from Mondays to Saturdays without fail. The reason behind my passion for exercise is not very hard to analyse. Toned up body is essential if you want the attire you wear to look good on you, I am of the firm opinion". But what about diet? "Well, I love munching," she whispers. "But at the same time I make sure that the food I consume is nutritious. Little wonder, I avoid eating French fries and other stuff available at the fast food joints. I compensate by savouring a lot of fruits and gulping liters and liters of water. Also I believe in keeping my skin clean". She adds, "I allow my skin to breathe. That essentially means that I do not apply layers and layers of make-up on my visage like so many other models do. Otherwise also, I wash whatever little I use". Listen to her folks for she sure has a "great complexion".
Thumping music’s rhythmic beats drown the deafening din of blaring horns as city youngsters steer their way through the cars casually parked on either sides of the lot in Sector 35. Bumpers kiss each other as they trudge towards destination “unknown to parents” inch by inch. After finding space to leave behind their sedans following long minutes of struggle, they switch off the engines, slam shut the doors and cut their way through the jostling crowd into so many fast food joints crammed together. Yes, you have guessed it right. Youth haunt of 2002 is Sector 35. “Until a few years ago, Sector 35 was recognised only for hotels, or electronic goods. “For casual stroll in the evenings, Sector 35 was out of consideration. It was either Sector 34 market or the terraced garden,” reveals young business executive Chunky. “For savouring sumptuous chicken-in-a-bun or mushroom-onion-cheese-pizza, you were forced to drive down to Sector 17 or one odd joint in Sector 10 or 11 even if you were putting up in the southern sectors.” He adds: “However, it was not really `safe’ in Sector 17 during the day-time. Chances of being discovered by one acquaintance or the other were always there. That’s the reason why the demand for having fast food joints in the southern sectors gained credence. Responding to the requirement, a joint in sector 35 started offering croissants, puffs, muffins and doughnuts, even cheese-garlic buns.” The rates too were reasonable. “Except for grilled sandwiches and pizzas, you could buy anything you wanted by pulling out less than Rs 25 from your leather wallet. Garlic-cheese bun you could, and still can, buy for less than Rs 10,” says Puneeta Kapoor, a student and a regular visitor. “This is not all. Now you have at least two real good coffee shops in the sector, besides other joints and ice-cream parlours. Some shops have even opened outlets in their picture windows and are offering steaming vegetable and chicken soup, besides delicious kebabs, even after the showroom shutters are pulled down in the evenings”. Little wonder, every day dames in short shining tops over boot-cut trousers with sleek mobile sets tightly clutched in fair hands walk into the hang outs for sipping coffee and munch chocolate almond biscuits with guys in cool biceps-revealing T-shirts. So kids, if you wish to have some real nice fun blended with steaming cappuccino coffee, go to Sector 35. Indeed the right choice, baby.
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