Jamia Millia students threaten strike
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30
Unable to meet the Vice-Chancellor today to seek a settlement of the ongoing stir in Jamia Millia Islamia, the students have threatened to go on a strike. “We were assured that the Vice-Chancellor will meet us today, but when we went to his office we were not let in. The V-C refused to meet us and also gave no reasons for calling off the meeting,” said an agitating student.

The students added, “After we camped outside the Dean of Students Welfare’s office for almost an hour, the authorities told us that a meeting will be arranged in the noon tomorrow.”

Since the students have not been given a written assurance, they have threatened to go on strike unless a schedule for the meeting is drawn in the next 24 hours.

“The students are united on the stand that if the meeting is not decided within the next 24 hours, we will immediately proceed on strike,” said a student activist.

Meanwhile, the students continued to march on the campus carrying black flags. 

Hindu College to honour alumni
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30
From a humble beginning way back in 1899 to its present status, that of a leading educational institution in the country, the Hindu College is celebrating its success as that of its distinguished alumni.

The college that boasts of a discernible role during the freedom movement and considers itself the breeding ground of bureaucrats, lawyers, journalists and performers, will honour its alumni on November 7.

Among the awardees are Mr Bhikhu Ram Jain, for his contribution in social service, Justice BP Singh, former bureaucrat, Mr Raj Gopal, Mr V P Punj for his contribution to industry, Mr Narendra Kumar for his work in the field of education and Mr Manjit Dua for sports.

Award for the Lifetime achievement will be presented to Mr L C Jain. Ms Soni Sangwan, of the Hindustan Times and Mr Ajay Bijli, Entrepreneur will be felicitated as Young Achievers.

The felicitation ceremony will be graced by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr Vinod Khanna, and Supreme Court Judge, Justice Y K Sabharwal.

Announcing the third awards ceremony for the alumni, the Principal of the College, Dr Kavita Sharma said that the endeavor to bring the old students together was more about bonding of hearts.

She said the resources, which can be generated from the alumni are just one part of the exercise, but the event is largely to create bonds between former colleagues.

CULTURE

ARTSCAPE
Remembering the renaissance man
Ravi Bhatia

The Gallery for Indian Art here is organising a five-day nostalgic treat for the art lovers, ‘Damayanti’, in the Capital, by showcasing the select works of the legendary artist, the late P. Khemraj. Widely known as the ‘renaissance man’ of the Indian art, Khemraj had given a new dimension to modern art with his colourful and often mind-boggling depiction of the female form. The exhibition will be on from November 2 to November 7.

Apart from the visual treat, in the memory of the late painter a musical evening, will also be held on November 1. Rakesh Parsanna and Abhik Sarkar, both disciples of the music maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, will perform at the Amphi Theatre. A book on the life and works of the ‘renaissance man’ will also be released on the occasion.

Buddha and Rajasthan

The Indian Centre For Public Affairs and Relations is organising an exhibition of paintings of Nitin Adake, creative director of the Rediffusion DY and R, at the Habi Art Gallery here from November 1 to November 6. Titled, ‘untitled’, the subjects of the paintings are Buddha and Rajasthan. Why “untitled”? Because, explain the organisers, it leaves the viewers to choose their own titled. “The arrogance of giving Buddha or Beauty (read Rajasthan) a name is not the material this exhibition is created with, claim the organisers.

From Russia, with Love

Delhiites are in for a weeklong treat of classical ballet, musical theatre, jazz and circus at Siri Fort Auditorium beginning November 1, during the ‘Days of Russian Culture’, jointly organised by the ministries of culture of India and Russia. Renowned Russian troupes are scheduled to participate in the cultural event.

MUSIC ZONE
Penaz panache
She holds overseas audiences spellbound

Dr A P J Kalam with Ghazal singer Penaz Masani at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Penaz Masani, the lady with a golden voice and a charming personality, is back in India after a very successful trip to South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal. She gave some enthralling moments to these countries with her soulful ghazal singing.

After the return of this cultural delegation, a dinner was organised by the President, Dr A. P .J. Kalam, at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in honour of Mr Abdoulaye Wade, the President of Senegal.

Singer Sukha

India has long been known as the land of music and music lovers, where many famous music artists have taken birth and have done the country proud by captivating the whole world with their music. Most of them have originated from small towns and have a profound knowledge of their folk roots.

Similar is the story of Sukhdev Singh Binning alias Sukhdev Sukha. Born in Punjab in a sleepy village of Bhanoki near Phagwara) in Kapurthala District, he is the youngest of four brothers and one sister.

After graduating from Guru Nanak College Sukhchainana Phagwara, he migrated to Canada in February 1996, and is presently settled in Vancouver (BC). Fascinated with music ever since childhood, music became his mantra in life. So passionate was he that on listening to a melodious voice or tune, he would never take a step further.

Starting his career as a bathroom singer, he would often sing in the fields to the tune of tractor’s roar. He started his music journey when he sang for the first time in a religious function of his village. After drawing an overwhelming response from his peers, he began to pursue his musical career with fervour. Singing came right as a heavenly gift to him, but he never misses to mention Master Mohan Lal’s name, who initiated him about ‘Sur Gyan’.

While in Canada, he contacted Music Waves, a North American music company. And his first album ‘Tu Mast Kallandar’ was released after a hard work spanning over three years. With Miss India Celina Jaitly performing in his first video, Sukhdev Sukha knew he had a hit on his hands. In between, he also took part in Charanjit Ahuja Nite in North America in 1998 and 2000. ‘Tu Mast Kallandar’ was subsequently released in India by HMV in 2001. HMV also organised Sukha’s shows along with Venga Boys in Chandigarh and Lucknow. Later, he also performed in the ‘Food and Craft’ mela at Chandigarh. Special ‘Sukha Nites’ were also arranged at Bathinda, Nakodar and Amritsar. He also accompanied Pal Anjan to perform at various places.

His latest album, ‘Dhola’, has been released by T-Series and Sandesh Shandliaya (Ganga Jal, Rules, K3G fame) and Ravi Bal have composed the music of his album. The album consists of eight songs with lyrics by Rupinder Gill, Jasbir Gunachauriya, Harinder Dhillon, Irshad Kamil and Sandesh Shandliaya. The album replete with bhangra beats suits the taste of the Punjabi audience worldwide. It also has songs for the romantic souls and the music is a rich amalgamation of Latin and Jazz tones.