Oxygen for literature in Haryana
The state must ensure that the effort should not fizzle out as in past
Sunit Dhawan

Education has rarely been a priority area for successive governments in the agrarian state of Haryana ever since its formation. Though some individuals as well as organisations had been doing their bit in this regard, but an organised and concerted effort was lacking.

In the wake of the Bhopal gas-leak tragedy in 1984, a number of NGOs and other voluntary organisations launched a nationwide campaign to prevent the recurrence of such mishaps by collectively raising their voice against the misuse of science and technology.

In the meantime, the Department of Science and Technology of the Union Government also established its communication wing called the National Council for Science and Technology Communication.

As part of this countrywide campaign and in an effort to make the people aware about the importance of being educated and to create a scientific disposition in them, a handful of intellectuals formed the Haryana Vigyan Manch in 1987.

Most of the founders of this forum, including scientists, doctors, veterinarians, engineers and social scientists, had earlier been associated with the Haryana Janvadi Sanskritik Manch.

Representatives of various science forums across the country set out in small groups from their districts and converged at Bhopal. The movement gave a clarion call to use science and technology for peace and development in larger interest of humankind.

After the campaign was over, the Haryana Vigyan Manch embarked on a mission to popularise science education among the masses of the state. Thanks to the lack of proper laboratory and other facilities at government schools, science was considered a tough subject.

“A misconceived notion that the science subjects were only for the brilliant and outstanding students prevailed, which distanced many a bright student from the subject,” observes Dr R. S. Dahiya, who was among the founders of the manch and is now its president.

To dispel this misconception, the manch devised various strategies like play-way methods and activity-based teaching of the subject to teach it in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.

By and by, the persons involved in the campaign felt that to give it the form of a mass movement, it would have to be taken in a wider perspective by including education under its ambit. In other words, it could not remain confined to science education alone.

Thus, a few years later, around 1990, the Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti (BGVS) was also formed with a view to creating awareness about literacy. District-level saksharta samitis were also formed under the chairmanship of local Deputy Commissioners.

In the meanwhile, the National Literacy Mission had adopted the Ernakulam model established and successfully implemented by the Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad. This model called for collective efforts by the government, NGOs, educationists and people.

To give impetus to the Total Literacy Campaign, the BGVS organised a rally at Panipat in 1991, which evoked a tremendous response. This literacy rally was even termed the “Fourth Battle of 
Panipat”.

This initiated a virtual churning process among the intellectual as well as bureaucratic circles as all district administrations wanted to take the lead in this regard.

However, despite gaining considerable momentum and getting such a good response within the initial years of its inception, the literacy campaign literally fizzled out a little later. Eventually, the BGVS pulled out of the campaign.

“The reasons behind the failure of the ambitious drive were many, the major ones being the lack of political will and government initiative, apart from the administrative hurdles,” maintains journalist-turned-educationist Satish Kumar, who has been closely associated with the movement right from the beginning.

The Haryana Gyan Vigyan Samiti (HGVS) has been giving inputs to the government agencies running the campaign, besides being actively engaged in creating awareness among the people on various social issues.

The Science Education and Art Resource Centre for Haryana (SEARCH) is also playing a key role in the campaign.

After a long gap, the present Haryana Government has taken some initiative to bring about qualitative changes in the education sector. This has given the much-needed oxygen to the education campaign in the state.

“As of now, post-literacy and continuing education projects are in progress in six districts of the state, including Sonepat, Hisar, Kaithal, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Fatehabad. More such campaigns have been proposed for Sirsa and Bhiwani districts,” says Mr Pramod Gauri, the Director of SEARCH.

While the state government does deserve kudos for focusing on education, it should learn a lesson from the past experiences and be cautious so that the campaign does not meet the same fate as is did earlier.

Online entrance

Manipal: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a Deemed University, is set to achieve a unique mark in medical education by conducting online test for admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses.

The test would be conducted at designated centres for two weeks from April 27, MAHE Vice-Chancellor H. S. Balla told reporters here.

In the second phase, due in May-June, online entrance test would be held for all other postgraduate courses in allied health sciences, nursing, technology and other courses. This new system would help students get the merit list across India just one day after the closure of the test.

Nearly 7,000 candidates have registered for the online test in nine centres (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ernakulum, Manipal and Mangalore). Biometric and hip-teck monitoring systems have been introduced to prevent any impersonation or foul play.

Each computer terminal would be fitted with a web camara using which the image of the candidtate would be taken at intervels of 20 minutes. In addition, all the activities of the test centres would be recorded by network cameras. The university plans to extend the number of examination centres to reach out to more number of students and to introduce this new online test for undergraduate courses. — PTI

Campus Note

GND Varsity, Amritsar
Campus placements

Seven students of M.Sc. of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) were selected by Panacea Biotec, a prestigious multinational pharmaceutical company through campus placements at a salary package of Rs 14,000 per month. Ms Navjot Kaur Bhullar of M.Sc. (Biotechnology) and Mr Vivek Dogra of M.Sc. (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry) were the first among their classes to get jobs through campus placements. Mr Rajeev Kumar, Mr Harjit singh and Ms Kirandeep Kaur, 3 students of M.Sc. (Applied Chemistry) and Ms Neeraj Bala of M.Sc. (Hons in Chemistry) and Mr Anoop Tanwar of M.Sc (Industrial Chemistry) were also selected by Panacea Biotec. A university spokesman claimed that there was a big demand for GNDU students in pharmaceutical sector. Many more companies were expected to visit the campus for placements.

Contributed by Pawan Kumar

ADMISSION DEADLINE

Armed Force

Eligibility: Indian, BDS (55%) / MDS. 1-year rotatory internship, medically fit, Permanent Dental Registration Certificate
Age Limit: 45 years (December 31 ’06).

Selection: Merit in BDS, Medical Exam, SSB Interview.

Application Form: Send in prescribed format with required documents, a self-addressed postcard and a stamped (Rs.6/-) self-addressed envelope (23 cm x 10 cm) to the Director General at the above address.

Application Deadline: 30 April 2006

Art & Design

Apeejay Institute of Design, 54, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, Mehrauli- Badarpur Road, New Delhi-110062 (Affiliated to GNDU, Amritsar)
www.apeejay.edu

1) BDesign (4-year)

2) BFA (4-year)

3) BMultimedia (4-year)

4) PG Diploma in Commercial Art / Interior Design / Dress Design & Tailoring / Textile Design (1-year)

Eligibility: For 1, 2 & 3: 10+2 (45%)
For 4: Bachelor’s degree (50%)

Selection: Test/ Interview: 15 – 22 May 2006 (For 1), 23 – 24 May 2006 (For 2), 25 May 2006 (For 3), 26 May 2006 (For 4)

Application Form: Send Rs. 550/- by DD favouring "Apeejay Institute of Design" payable at New Delhi to the above address.

Application Deadline: For 1: 10 May 2006, For 2: 15 May 2006, For 3 & 4: 2 May 2006

Dual Degree Programmes:
BBA or BCom with (Fashion / Interior / Communication Design)
(GNDU, Amritsar)

Eligibility: 10+2 (50%)

Application Form: At above address: Rs 200/- (In cash). Also available at Apeejay Institute of Design, 54, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, MB Road, New Delhi-110062

Application Deadline: 30 June 2006

Indian Institute of Crafts & Design, J-8, Jhalana Institutional Area, Jaipur 302004 (Raj) (GoI)
www.iicdindia.net

Under Graduate Diploma in Crafts & Design (4-year)

PG Diploma in Crafts & Design (2-year)

Application Form: Send Rs 500/- by DD favouring "Indian Institute of Crafts & Design" payable at Jaipur to the Admission Officer at the above address or download from website.

Application Deadline: 15 May 2006

Engineering

Central Tool Room & Training Centre, B-36, Chandaka Industrial Area, Bhubaneswar 751024 (Ori) (M/o SSI, GoI)
www.cttcbbsr.co.in

Diploma in Tool & Die Making (4-year)

Eligibility: Matriculation with Maths & Science (Physics or Chemistry or both, 50%). Age: 15-18 years (on 1 August 2006)

Selection: Preliminary test: 02 July ‘06 & Final Written Test: 03 July ‘06.

Application Form: Send Rs 345/- by DD favouring "Central Tool Room & Training Centre", Bhubaneshwar with self-addressed envelope (20 cm x 25 cm) to the Administrative Office at above address by 10 June ‘06

Details: Employment News (1 – 7 April 2006)/ Website

Application Deadline: 17 June 2006

Merit International Institute of Technology, 22 Havelock Road, Ooty 643001 (TN)
www.meritworldwide.com

Engineering twinning degree (4-year)
(by American International University of Mgmt & Technology, USA) & Dual degree from Alagappa University (optional)

1) Biotechnology & Genetic Engg

2) Bioinformatics & Environmental Engg

3) Electrical, Electronics & Computer Engg

4) IT, Communication & Software Engg

Eligibility: 10+2

Selection: Academic performance, GD & Interview

Application Form: Send Rs 250/- by DD favouring "Merit International Education foundation ", payable at Ooty at the above address

Faculty of Science & Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram 603203 (TN)
www.srmuniv.ac.in

SRM Engineering Entrance exam 2006
(for admission to BTech / MTech)

Exam: For BTech: 15 April 2006, For MTech: 16 April 2006

Details: Website.

Application Deadline: 11 April 2006

National Institute of Technology (NIT), Mahatma Gandhi Avenue, Durgapur 713209 (WB)
www.nitdgp.ac.in

1) MTech (2-year FT / 3-year PT):
Chemical, Civil (Structural), Electrical (Industrial Electrical Systems), Mechanical (Design & Production), Metallurgical & Materials (Physical / Industrial Metallurgy), Chemistry (Corrosion Science & Technology).
MTech (FT only)
Computer Science & Engg (IT) / Electronics & Communication (Telecommunication)

2) MTech in Operation Research in Industry & Business Mgmt (3-year, evening)

Application Form, Details: Send Rs 300/- by DD favouring "Director, NIT, Durgapur", payable at Durgapur to the Director or Dean (PG & Research) at above address or download from website

PG Diploma Course in:
1) Sugar Technology (2`BD-year)
2) Sugar Instrumentation Technology (1`BD-year)
3) Industrial Fermentation & Alcohol Technology (1`BD-year)
4) Sugar Engg Diploma (1`BD-year)
5) Environmental Science (2-year)
6) Certificate in Sugar Engg / Sugar Manufacture (1-year)
7) Certificate in Sugar Boiling / Juice Supervision (6-month)

Eligibility, Selection & Other Details: Website

Application Form: Downloadable from website

Application Deadline: 23 June 2006

National Institute of Technology, Silchar 788010 (Assam)
www.nits.ac.in

MTech:
Water Resource, Earthquake, Power & Energy System, Thermal Engg
Ph.D Programmes in:
Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics and Tele-com / Computer Science and Engg / Civil Engg / Physics / Chemistry / Humanities & Social Sciences.

Application Form: Request from Dean Academic by sending self-addressed A-4 size stamped envelope (Rs 50/-) / download from website.

Details: Website.

Application Deadline: 25 May 2006

IT

Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information & Communication Technology, Gandhinagar 382007 (Guj)
www.da-iict.org

1) MTech (Information & Communication Technology)

2) MS (IT)

3) MDes (Multimedia Design)

4) PhD

Eligibility: For 1: BE / BTech / MSc (ICT / CS / IT / EE / ECE / I & C)
For 2 & 3: Bachelor’s degree
For 3: 10+2+4 study or higher
For 4: MTech / MPhil / BE / BTech / MSc / MS

Selection: MS (IT) Test: 09 May 2006, MDes / PhD / MTech Tests / Interview: 14-17 June 2006.

Application Form & Details: Website

Application Deadline: 27 April 2006
Last date for getting application form: 20 April 2006

Management

Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Hardwar 249404 (Utt)
www.gvkharidwar.org

1) Master of Business Administration (MBA)
2) Master of Business Economics (MBE)

3) Master of Business Finance (MBF)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (TDC, 50%) Age Limit: 25 years (on 30 September 2006).

Selection: MAT scores in February / May / December 2005 or February / May 2006, GD & Interview

Application Form: Send Rs 150/- by DD drawn at PNB or SBI favouring "Registrar Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar", payable at Haridwar to the Registrar or download from website

Application Deadline: 12 June 2006

All India Management Association, AIMA-CME-Management House, 14, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
www.aima-ind.org

PhD in Business Administration (Distance)
(in collaboration with Aligarh Muslim University)

Eligibility: Master’s Degree (55%) with 50% in Bachelor’s degree OR BE / BTech, Law, CA, CWA or any other professional qualification (55%).
Work Experience: Minimum 5 years at managerial level or 3 years experience as Faculty in a B-school.

Selection: Research Management Aptitude Test (R-MAT): 07 May 2006 & Interview

Application Form: Send Rs. 850/ - by DD favouring "AIMA-CMS," payable at New Delhi to the above address.

Details: Website.

Application Deadline: 20 April 2006

Asian Institute of Management, (Philippines) India Representative Office, 522, Maker Chamber V, 221, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 (Mah)
www.aim.edu

Master in Development Management (11-month)
(Equis accredited)

Eligibility: Development executives and managers of public and civil society organizations, cooperatives and private non-profit firms. Bachelor’s degree & 6-year, Full Time work experience (3-year in Supervisory / Managerial) with knowledge of written & spoken English.

Selection: Passed GMAT or AIMAT

Application Form: Contact the above address.

Details: Website.

Application Deadline: 28 April 2006

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management & Higher Studies (NMIMS), V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400056 (Mah) (Deemed University)
www.nmims.edu

1) MBA (Tech) (5-year)
2) BTech (IT, Computer, Telecom & Electronics) (4-year)
3) MBA (Pharma Tech) (5-year)

Eligibility: For 1 & 2: 10+2 (Science or Science Vocational) (50%).

For 3: 10+2 (Science, 50%)

Selection: NMAT (T) 2006: 14 May 2006.

Application Form: Send Rs. 1300/- by DD favouring "SVKM’s NMIMS" payable at Mumbai with a self-addressed cloth envelope (10" x 13") to the above address.

Details: Website.

For admission to:

1) Bachelor of Mgmt Science / BBA / BBA (International Business / Tourism) (3-year)
2) PG Diploma in Financial Market & Portfolio Mgmt / Travel Mgmt (1-year)
(At Institute of Management Sciences)
3) MBA (Rural Management) (2-year)
(Institute of Rural Development)

4) Bachelor of Public Administration (3-year)
(Department of Public Administration)

5) BBA (3-year)
(Sherwood College of Mgmt, Lko)

Eligibility: For 1, 4, 5: 10+2 (45%); For 2 & 3: Bachelor’s Degree (45%)

Selection: Written Test: 03 June 2006 & Interview.

Application Form: Send Rs.650/- by DD favouring "F.O.LUMAT A/C" payable at Lucknow to the office of Director, LUMAT-2006 to the above address.

Application Deadline: 20 May 2006

Medicine

(For admission to MBBS/BDS courses)

Selection: Entrance Test: 26 May 2006

Application Form: Send Rs 950/- by DD favouring "Finance Officer, H.P. University, Shimla- 5" by 17 April 2006 to the Deputy Registrar (Entrance Tests) at above address.

Eligibility & Details: Prospectus Application Deadline: 28 April.

— Pervin Malhotra
www.careerguidanceindia.com