All the club and pub hoppers, the nerds and gadget addicts, the bookworms and living encyclopedias, the efficient, proficient and well-paid managers and those too who belong to the disoriented Wake up Sid league, welcome to the party of youngsters of a different league. The toast is not because of their unusual success in academics or profession or debut in the state cricket team, break in some TV soap or just anything that falls in the usual brackets. They redefined ‘success’ by introducing changes in the lives of people by doing literal groundwork. Don’t assume that the social work is limited to some NGO-run school for the underprivileged or collecting funds. We told you it is different league and we mean it. See the difference…

In the past eight months, all have been achieved what Gurbir Singh Brar had aimed for. Ever since his college days in Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Ludhiana, ever since he began his software business in the US and ever since he brought his business back to India and set up his base in Chandigarh, Gurbir has reached out to thousands of people through his unregistered NGO (which means no funds from external bodies), Sawalakh Foundation. The foundation has its base in Mastuana Sahib in Sangrur district. The organisation has a two point agenda, “To stop Nihangs being treated as outcast, bringing them in the mainstream and by helping the underprivileged children learn Gatka Art.” Once the goal was set, the process to accomplish it began, “I, with a team of Nihangs have visited all the 17 districts of Punjab, which include several villages. Nihangs performed their Gatka art, interacted with localites and stayed at every village for two days. The activity gave people a chance to understand the lifestyle of Nihangs and change their opinion about them.” Besides taking cavalcade of Nihangs around Punjab, Gurbir has also held several exhibitions of photographs of Nihangs and their Gatka art. The number of photographs clicked in the eight-month period is an astounding 8000.

Work for the cause doesn’t end here. The Sawalakh Foundation also has the onus of imparting elementary education to Nihanngs. As Gurbir says, “Basic education is important for anybody today, mere religion knowledge won’t help in dealing with the everyday problems.”

Coming to the second cause, his foundation has encouraged hundreds of destitute people to take to Gatka art. “Majority of the youth in Punjab are falling in the drug trap. Gatka art gives them an aim in life. They get a sense of importance when people appreciate their skills. Also, Gatka art helps them keep physically fit.” He now plans to make a documentary film and compiling a coffee table book, both being the effective medium to reach out to people on the life Nihangs.

Moonstar Doad too is planning a documentary after having clicked some hundreds of pictures of people living in the cancer belt of Bathinda. Hailing from the city, she returned after studying ecology from England. With expertise in relationship between human beings and the environment, she decided to study the harmful effect of insecticides and pesticides on crops and then on human beings. “Though a lot of studies have been conducted on the subject, nothing much has been done so far.” For her research, she has already spent six months in Talwandi Sabo and two villages in the most affected area.

“Next on the cards are four villages in the Bathinda district, including Mahinagar and Saikhpura, the worst hit villages.” Conclusions won’t be drawn after mere observation as she plans for an objective view. “I want to make it public what people of the area want and their problems by making them fill questionnaires and encouraging them speak their mind.” What initiated her into it, was not the known facts that pesticides are being used unmindful of their consequences but “that nobody has an idea of the exact quantity. In the past three decades, the increase in the use of pesticides for any given crop has been 13 folds.”

Aayesha Sandhu from the city is studying psychology from Mother Teresa University, Chennai. It’s there she realised the real essence of women power, which she explains as, “There are a massive three lakh women self-help groups (SHWG) in Andhra Pradesh, one lalk in Tamil Nadu and a mere 6,000 in Punjab. The reason— women don’t have a say here in our state.” Figures were enough to inspire her to try to bring the model in the Punjab. “I, along with the team members, visited a few villages and educated women about the SHWG. But, before bringing the model here, it was important to know what women can take up as employment as in the South, the culture is different,” she says. So, crafts of Punjab like Phulkari will get impetus here. She is also measuring the success rate of the SHWGs in Punjab. “The results have been very positive.” She cites an example, “A woman in a village, who is a member of a SHWG, has been able to buy a cow and is supplying milk to nearby 
villages.” In next six months, she plans to take SHWGs to at least a dozen more villages.”

The prominent commonality among these three youngsters thus is their urban backgrounds and future rural projects. The different being made for sure!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Indian leaders at Copenhagen should remember that future generations were watching them closely, says Bollywood actor Rahul Bose, amongst the many well-known faces who have flown to Copenhagen to push for a fair deal on climate change."The essential issue on the climate change debate is one of morals, ethics and justice. If a group of people are responsible for 90 per cent of the damage to a house, surely when it comes to the cost of repairs they should volunteer to pay 90 per cent of the expenses," said Bose, also the brand ambassador for international NGO Oxfam India."Now is not the time for developing countries to budge from this stance-a stance well articulated in the Kyoto protocol. Indian leaders should remember that future generations are watching them closely," he said in a statement.Besides Bose, celebrities like Danish model Helena Christensen and British actress Helen Baxendale also took part in the protests. — IANS

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma is ready with a sequel to his last horror flick Phoonk and is confident that the latest one will be the scariest film ever made in Bollywood.

When the writer of the original Phoonk Milind Gadagkar narrated the story of the sequel to RGV, the filmmaker entrusted him with the task of directing it as well.

"Phoonk 2 is now in post-production stage. The film's story takes off from where it ended in the first movie," Gadagkar said.

Many actors of the previous film have been repeated in the sequel. Sudip, Amruta Khanvilkar, Ehsaas Chanana, Zakir Hussain, Niru Bajwa, Amit Saad are the cast members.

The film will be released in three languages. The Tamil version will be called Bommai 2 and Telugu one will be called Avaham. — PTI

Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif will spread the message of cleanliness in slums to make the metropolis litter-free.Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) along with an NGO 'United Way of Mumbai' are working jointly for the clean up campaign in the city.Nehru Nagar, a slum community in suburban Vile Parle has been adopted for an in-depth cleanliness campaign, through activities spread over the year.

According to a civic official, the bollywood beauty will launch this project and extend her support to this campaign and encourage people to keep the city clean.

"Over 150 volunteers representing college students, corporate employees, NGOs, municipal officials and others will gather for the launch of the year long project by way of Clean up drive in Nehru Nagar," the official said.The volunteers will interact with all shopkeepers and residents of Nehru Nagar to support a door-to-door campaign for collection of garbage and promotion of a 'Clean Aangan Concept'. — PTI 

After playing a single mother to 67-year-old Amitabh Bachchan in Paa, Vidya Balan is set to scorch the big screen as the scheming seductress in Vishal Bhardwaj's Ishqiya, which the actor believes is the most challenging role of her career.

Vidya will be seen with actors Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi in the film. Directed by debutant Abhishek Chaubhey, Ishqiya is eyeing a January 29 release.

With her character of a scheming seductress igniting quite some heat within the industry circles way before the release, she must indeed be happy that the entire perception about her 'holier than thou' persona goes for a six in Bharadwaj production? "I think I have been fortunate enough to have worked on the kind of films which have quenched my thirst as an actor. 'Ishqiya' too is one such film which has given me new challenges," Vidya said in an interview.

With the an author backed role for her in Ishqiya, Vidya hopes to scale new heights in her acting career.

"Every day is a new day and God has been really kind to me all these years. I really hope that Ishqiya works as well so that I can continue to make good decisions," she says.

Vidya, who is riding high on the success of Paa, says the role has not just challenged her as an actor but also helped her to stick to what she feels is right. —PTI

Dino Morea, who has again been seen often in the company of his long-standing friend Nandita Mahtani, doesn't rule out permanence in his relationship with her. The actor-producer says he needs one special person in his life now.

"This time whoever it is, it will be for keeps. I do look for someone to share my life with now," Dino, who turned 34 on December 9, said.

"We've had our share of ups and downs. But we've always been close, no matter what has happened in our lives. As for the other women, they've their own conscience to deal with," he added.

Dino's parents flew in to Mumbai from Bangalore for his birthday. "It was us three brothers and my parents. Now I need that one special person. That's all one needs to make a complete life, no?"

The entrepreneur side to Dino's personality seems more assertive at the moment than the actor. After opening a bar, the actor-producer is all set to open three more branches here.

"One branch would be in South Mumbai, the other in Lokhandwala-Versova and the third in or near Malad," said Dino, who also runs a production house called Clockworks.

He opened his first bar in Bandra here.

"I want the bar culture in Mumbai to be quieter and more spacious so that people can just come in for a quiet drink and relax. Bars have become strangely synonymous with noisy smoky places. I want to change that," he said.

Dino is also ready to market male designer clothes.

As for movies, Dino would rather wait than do the cameos that have been offered to him lately with the promise of better roles. — IANS

2010 is not really far, and the discussion for the festive destinations is already on. Back home, the city is warming up to small knick-knack celebrations. Western Court, Sector 43 and Panchkula throws open an Ocean Platter-Seafood festival from Tuesday, tossing up unique and authentic choice of seafood. First, the ambience, done to match up with the theme, including the waiters dressed in colourful Goan costumes.

To the Ocean platter procured from authentic sources. Says Rajeev Kakar, group general manager, "There is something for die-hard seafood fans, and we have made sure we can in some way help people develop a taste for seafood."

Spinach bacon and prawn salad, fish salad, crab sweet corn soup, Prawn tom yum and mixed sea food will give you an insight into what's more in store on the Ocean Platter.

The main course in the India section offers lupte dariya (Laobster in Indian curry), Malabar prawn curry, crab masala, tawa jumbo jhinga, while the continental section lays out a good assortment of drunken prawns, pomfret cooked in hot garlic/ black bean and schezwan sauce besides nasi-goring. As for the sweet tooth try snails on the beach, burning and sand balls.

Adds Sandeep Arora, managing director, "Winter is the best time to relish seafood, and we've ensured that we serve the best and the authentic. The chefs have been trained in the same." If the price in front of the dishes makes you think twice, Rajeev makes a comforting proposition- one has to pay a price for anything authentic. "We are also introducing various starters and main course for seafood lovers," adds Rajeev. Ocean food goes down well with both wine and Vodka, and the combination is available with Western Court in both Chandigarh and Panchkula.

With a membership of over a hundred, the club meets monthly to celebrate birthdays, festivals and occasions. "Every time we meet we do something different," says Neepa. "On Karwachauth, we had a small exhibition with candles, oil paintings, envelops made by our members. The idea was to share one's talent with others," she adds.

"A cooking class, sports day, school day are next on the list. All conceived, planned and organised by our members," says Monica.

The club tries to cover all aspect related to women's lives. They had a gynecology camp, a session on body language with emphasis on communication with teenage kids, yoga, financial planning and an update on latest technology.

"We together aspire to reach the sky. We are not only an entertainment forum but like to create awareness in varied fields- social, political and legal fields," say Neeta.

Right now, the ladies are super excited about a theme party to welcome New Year. "We have a party planned on December 22. The theme is Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Our invites are in the shape of bansuri, we are gifting kurtas and rudraksh malas to those present and there is going to a fusion dance 
performance and a dance party afterwards," shares Monica. —Mona

Reebok India, in association with Shiamak Davar, introduces the Shiamak for Reebok Dance Collection for Fall Winter '09. The collection is inspired by the energy and exuberance of dance forms like Jazz and Salsa.

SHIAMAK™ for Reebok is a collection of exclusive dancewear designed by Shiamak Davar himself. Available in fabrics that allow you to move freely and in cutting edge designs that are very hip and funky, the collection fits the body like your skin, giving you confidence to look great and dance your best. The collection includes dance pants, tanks, bra tops, sweat shirts, tees, skirts and track suits for men, women and kids.

Sajid Shamim, executive director -Marketing and Product, Reebok said, "Contemporary India is a young nation with fitness and fun being a necessary stimulant for a young mind and body. The dance collection is inspired by various moods of dance; targets men, women and kids and provides them stylish dancing gear which will help them to pursue and enjoy their favourite dance forms."

"A dancer needs to feel comfortable and needs to feel good about what he is wearing when he dances. The Shiamak for Reebok Fall Winter collection is inspired by the energy and exuberance of dance. It is especially designed to keep the body warm and protected and make the dancers 'feel fabulous'. The collection aims to give dancers confidence and inspire them to enjoy and excel at dance," says Shiamak Davar.

Some kind of gift of gab makes an overnight comedian, a successful stint at a dance or song reality show promises taking you to dizzy heights, a million-dollar smile and a cat-like gait manages to garner accolades from the audience, a chance bump into a 'some' unknown and 'arty' hi-profile director rolls out the world of lights, camera and action. Last but not the least, writing slogans, preparing banners and a hit rally can get a lesser known party worker a good portfolio one day.

Careers are so predictable, and more or less driven by some attributes that you posses-a good smile, height, flexible body, six fingers, and hazel eyes. With professional choices leading to fame, money and showbiz, who is taking care of a profession that leads to none. A profession that grills, disciplines and makes a gentleman out of a dude. Nevertheless, how many youngsters are opting for a career in the Armed Forces or has the lure of moolah taken precedence over patriotism? Has our education got anything to do with it, or the entertainment world has carried the young boys and girls to a whimsical world like the Pied Piper Of Hamilton. We scrape.

Taranvir Singh, a senior under officer with the NCC wing in Post Graduate government college Sector-11 isn't surprised to see less inclination towards Armed Forces amongst the youngsters. "Every second girl or boy would either want to become an actor, model, comedian, politician, sportsperson. I don't come across youngsters who want to join the Armed Forces to serve the nation." Taranvir does not blame the education system for not developing and working on the patriotic feelings of the youngsters. "Patriotism cannot be cultivated, you have to be born with it. However, with the NCC this attribute can be polished and horned. "National Cadet Corps is an important wing with any school or college and its importance should be analysed seriously," shares Taranvir. Munish Kumar, under officer with the NCC seconds Taranvir's take. "For those who wish to join the Armed Forces, it is pertinent to join the NCC. This wing exposes the youngsters to what the real world of armed forces would be like. Drill and PT sessions, camps, sports, eating in the mess, joining national Cadet Corps gives one a peek-a-boo in the tough yet exciting world."

At the same time, the affect of glamour on Z generation cannot be ruled out. And reality shows have redefined dreams. It has shown the party-going generation the staircase to easy success and money, something that is missing with the profession of Armed Forces. They only make a man out of a wanderer. Lt Paramjit Singh, ANO (Associate NCC Officer), Army Wing, is witness to a generation running after easy fame and money. 'Entertainment has made success a commodity that is pretty accessible." At the same he thinks NCC is everything what easy entertainment is not. "It exposes the youngsters, who have a feeling of patriotism to the world of Armed Forces whether it is navy, Air Force or Army. It familiarises them with a sense of responsibility towards the nation, not to forget the positive effect it has on the personality of a student." Adds Lt Paramjit, "We organise various camps and activities of NCC wings that brings the best out of the. Any student associated with NCC in their college life goes ahead to become a perfect human being."

jasmine@tribunemail.com 

Mountains, music and melody-there's a lot more than the first alphabet that connects the three nouns. For example, Atul, the 20-year-old-guy from the mountains, of the music and for the melody. Here're the connecting dots.

"I grew up in Solan, in the laps of Himalayas, and have been into music ever since childhood, would listen to a lot of country music, lot of songs, Indian classical, the kind of music I can connect to, but none of the commercial junk," he lets us know before revealing what is he going to be playing tonight at Black Magic-IT Park. "Oh it's going to be playing country songs, legends from the mountains, western music and the like," adds the Panjab University student.

Of course, there's an album coming, a project in the pipeline and the like but, no reality shows. What? No reality shows? He says, "I don't like reality shows, in my opinion they are a short-cut to fame and nothing else. Shows like America's Got Talent, Britain's Got Talent, are still churning out genuine talent." But no reality, doesn't mean no familiarity.

That's not the end of the stint with music industry. As of now, he's already composed acoustic theme music for a short film A Window in My Room, directed through the NID (National Institute of Design) that reached international film festival, apart from another

Ambitious project Mountain Blues. Another offing promising to give a flavour of country, folk and deep intellectual music.

Isn't album, or Bollywood or playback at the back of every musical mind? He shares, "I have given two of my compositions for an album to be released by the February next year." He adds, "I have written, composed and sung two of these songs. Apart from me, there'll be three more artistes who'll be launched in the album."

What a find! By the way, the tentative name for album too is Khoj. Apt! — TNS

A new research has shown that thrill-seeking teenagers are especially susceptible to fruit-flavoured cigarettes. The research backs recent ban on the sale of flavoured cigarettes by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2009.

According to the FDA, the ban, authorized by the new Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, is part of a national effort by the FDA to reduce smoking.

"We found that those teens who gravitate toward novel experiences were especially drawn to cigarettes described as having an appealing, sweet flavor, such as cherry," said lead author Kenneth Manning with Colorado State University.

Previous studies have shown that high-sensation-seeking youth are more likely to smoke cigarettes than their low-sensation-seeking peers. However until now, no studies have looked at how novel, sweet-tasting cigarettes might impact this group of thrill seekers. The authors proposed that the influence of cigarette flavour descriptors lies in their ability to alter the "arousal potential" of a cigarette brand's marketing communications (such as its packaging).

Arousal potential refers to the degree to which a stimulus (like the description of a cigarette's flavour) is capable of gaining attention and exciting the nervous system.

To test this theory, the researchers conducted a study 253 high school students.

The research has been published in the December issue of the journal Tobacco Control. — ANI