The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

EDUCATION

Politician speakers dominate fest
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 9 — Guest speakers from the Punjab state political arena dominated the proceedings of the third day of the ongoing International Students Festival on the Panjab University campus here today.

Important events today included a declamation contest, classical dance, quiz, classical instrumental; and rangoli. The international cultural evening was a crowd puller.

Dr Ram Chander Gandhi, leading academician and grandson of the Father of the Nation, delivered a lecture on 'Non-violence and world peace'. During the current times, tyranny had come to the world in the name of 'natural justice'. Western colonisers modified political concepts and theories according to their own convenience, he said.

Dr Gandhi said that enslaving had been done in name of civilisation. One also witnessed attacks on religion in the name of freedom. He stressed the need to study the relevance and application of the 'consumerist ' world.

Dr Gandhi added that the medical field also raised several questions of its applications. What was the benefit of achieving longevity of life without human happiness. Austerity and humility were the needs of the day.

Mr Tej Prakash, legislator, underlined the relevance of non-violence in modern times.

Mr Tej Prakash said that the state had witnessed tragic times during the 80s and youth was involved which was a heavy price for their future. The youth had the capability to take the first step for peace and progress.

Mr Maninder Singh Bitta, President of the Anti-Terrorist Front, said that the recent incident of violence in Bihar highlighted the needs of precaution. The cards of religion and caste in the recent times had been used for negative practices. Besides others, it was the political leaders who had to improve their image by progressive working to hold a promise for citizens.

Mr Ajit Inder Singh of the Simranjit Mann Akali Dal party, spoke on 'Stress and development of youth'. He stated various perspectives which needed to be addressed for redress of the coming dangers.

Mr Ajit Inder Singh said that despite working in a political arena he could say that 'Students had to part with Rs 20 lakh often to secure a government job in the state till recent times. The already stressed youth needed to be given confidence of clear administrative machinery at least on the recruitment front," he added.

Mr Satya Pal Jain, former Member of Parliament, was scheduled to be the chief guest at the classical dance programme at the Law Auditorium in the morning session.

Prof Jatinder Awasthy, Department of Psychology, conducted the seminar.

As many as 14 students participated in the contest. Ashwinder Singh from the local GGDSD College bagged the first place. Tshewang Rinzin from Bhutan won the second prize. The third prize was shared by Rajan Vishal from the local GGDSD and Jatin Talwar from the local Punjab Engineering College.

A cultural programme was held last evening. Shabad, classical dances, songs by foreign students and local songs were its highlights.

The foreign guests are largely staying at homes of local students. There were complaints from visiting students of lesser information centres.

Seminar on social transformation
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 9 — A three-day national seminar on Transformation of Indian Society: Post-Independence Era, organised by the Department of Sociology,Panjab University, was inaugurated by Master Mohan Lal, Minister for Higher Education, Punjab, at ICSSR Complex, here today.

While India had many success stories, its social transformation had aggravated problems like poverty and corruption, he said. He stressed upon value-based changes, giving a specific direction to social transformation.

Prof Raj Mohini Sethi, Chairperson of the department, welcomed the delegates. Dr Kiranpreet Kaur, Director of the seminar, introduced the theme.

Prof Yogesh Atal, a sociologist, delivered the keynote address. He discussed the blessings of boundaries between social anthropology and sociology, both having undertaken the study of rural Indian society and change. Indian sociologists, he argued, in the recent past, had contributed significantly to a systematic understanding of rapidly changing Indian society.

Prof KG Iyer proposed the vote of thanks. The first working session was conducted on conceptual dimensions of social transformation. Presentations on this theme were made by Prof Nandu Ram, Dr Rajesh Gill, Prof Vidhu Mohan and Prof S Bhatnagar. This was followed by another session on rural transformation in India. Delegates were addressed by Prof Swaranjit Mehta, Prof M.N. Damini, Prof S.R. Mehta, Dr M.S. Sidhu, Dr M.S. Gill and Dr P.S. Rangi.

Plan to set up ‘friends of PU’
From Vishal Joshi

CHANDIGARH, March 9 — To assist Panjab University, a public charity, ‘friends of Panjab University’, is being set up by an NRE (Non-Resident Emigrate), Mr Nathu Ram. This was revealed by Mr Puri in an exclusive interview with Chandigarh Tribune.

The newly formed charity will be aimed at to raise funds for the financially starved university. Based in Nottingham, UK, it is being registered as a public charity.

Giving details about the charity, Mr Puri, a multi- millionaire businessman, hailing from Mullanpur, a village on the vicinity of Chandigarh, said that the projects to be undertaken would be computer science and life science. “Money would be no constraint for such projects”, he adds.

The charity would be on the lines of the Alumni of Panjab University.

Mr Nathu Ram Puri, an alumnus of Panjab University, said that he was keen to initiate developmental activities. In November last year, he arranged a meeting of 30 distinguished alumni of the university at Harrow, UK, in this regard.

Prof M.M. Puri, Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, in an informal chat with Chandigarh Tribune, felt that such initiations should be welcomed. “Presently, the financial condition of Panjab University is deteriorating, as neither the Punjab Government nor the UT Administration was providing sufficient funds in time for its smooth functioning”, he added.

Presently, projects of life science and computer science are under consideration and they would be put before the meetings of Panjab University Syndicate and Senate for their approval.

A letter to the Chancellor of the university has already been sent stressing the need for financial sustenance from non- governmental sources for the development and growth of the university, said the Vice-Chancellor.

Importance of positive thinking stressed
From A Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, March 9 — Paramanansa Yogananda Public School organised its annual function at Tagore Theatre here today.

The function included chanting and meditation skills of children between the age group of 5 to 10 years. Three monastics of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India — Swami Nirvananada Giri, Swami Shradhananda Giri and Brahmchari Hiteshananda — emphasised the importance of good and positive thought for small children as their ideas long remain with them. They also asked the attendants to give unconditional love and discipline to the children, as this was the only important thing they require.

Around 15 students sat with their eyes closed for an hour. The function also included welcome song, Guruji’s skit, Rajasthani solo dance, drama, puppet show and Haryanvi dance.

COURTS

Complainant ordered to pay HUDA
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, March 9 — The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum dismissed the complaint of Mr Ram Niwas Gupta, a resident of Sector 11, and ordered him to pay Rs 1000 to the Haryana Urban Development Authority towards costs within one month for “unnecessarily dragging it to get undue advantage”. However, the order added that the complainant was at liberty to approach HUDA for seeking refund of the amount deposited by him under the policy.

The complainant had alleged that he was allotted a plot in Bhiwani on a free hold basis in 1991 and paid all costs, dues and instalments. He was offered the possession of the plot, which was subject to development works in the area. However, these have not been carried out till date and that he has even been denied physical possession of the plot.

Later, he got a memo in 1997 regarding extension time for completion of the plot and a letter stating his outstanding dues in February, 1998. Another letter of March, 1998, informed him that he had already been offered possession of the plot in 1994 and interest was charged over the balance instalments from date of possession. The complainant then asked HUDA to refund his amount at 24 per cent interest rate unsuccessfully.

In a written statement by HUDA, it refuted the allegations stating that the area was fully developed and had all the basic amenities. It also added that physical possession of the said plot could not be given as some amount was outstanding against him and that the complainant was not interested in constructing on the plot since he was asking for a refund.

The bench observed that the complainant admitted that he had been offered possession of the plot in 1994 and the complaint was brought before the forum after a lapse of two years which is the prescribed period of limitation under the Act. He has, further, failed to give plausible explanation for the delay.

Also, the possession of the plot was offered in 1994 after completion of development works in the area but the complainant failed to construct the house with in the stipulated two years. It added that “the complainant has utterly failed to bring out any deficiency of service on the part of HUDA which has otherwise acted fairly” and dismissed the complaint.

In another case, the Forum directed MCS Limited and Zonal Manager, Unit Trust Of India, to reimburse Rs 830, pay Rs 500 for loss of interest due to delayed receipt of amount, Rs 1000 for mental agony and Rs 500 towards cost of litigation to Ms Sushila Gupta, a resident of Sector 8.

The complainant has stated that she had purchased 10,000 units of MIP 93 of UTI in 1993 which could be drawn at par at all branches of the designated bank where the application is tendered. However, in respect of application tendered in each state at branch offices of the Trust, income distribution warrant would be drawn and payable at Chandigarh Central Bank of India.

She was sent eight cheques of Rs 25000 payable at SBI (Main), Ambala. Further, she sent these cheques to her bankers for outstation clearance who deducted Rs 830 for commission charges and took 15 days for getting these cleared. Later, she wrote to them asking them to reimburse Rs 830 for which she sent a photocopy of the bank statement but they failed to refund the amount.

Garbage bins suit: notice issued
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 9 — On a civil suit for directions to the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh, besides the executive engineer, for placing garbage bins 100 metres away from the residential areas, UT Civil Judge (Junior Division) Naval Kumar has issued notice for March 22.

Seeking directions to the defendants for regularly collecting garbage from bins, the plaintiffs — Punjab Civil and Consumer Welfare Front along with advocate S.S. Sodhi — had earlier stated that the litter thrown in polybags by the residents was being scattered all over by stray cattle.

Claiming the "creation of a serious health problem", the plaintiff had also stated that besides unbearable smell, the place had "become a breeding place for mosquitoes". He had added that in case the defendants were not directed to do the needful, the life of the plaintiff, his family and other residents would be exposed to danger.

Counsel for the plaintiffs had further added that "due to the presence of garbage and its non-removal daily from outside the house of the plaintiff, his civil rights, as also of the other residents of the locality, had been grossly affected".

Four sentenced for manhandling
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 9 — Four city residents, accused of being involved in the manhandling of a bailiff, were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for one year each, besides being fined Rs 1,000, by UT Judicial Magistrate (First Class), Mr Baljinder Singh.

The accused — Sadhu Ram, Pawan Kumar, Om Parkash and Rajesh Kumar — were earlier booked by the Chandigarh Police for rioting, use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty and criminal intimidation under Sections 147, 149, 353, 506 and 323 of the Indian Penal Code on the complaint of bailiff Ram Lal.

In his complaint to the Senior Sub Judge, he had alleged that the accused, along with 15 others, had manhandled, abused and intimidated him along with decree holder Rattan Pal Jagga and his sons Ajay Jagga and Ashok Jagga, after he went to a shop for executing the warrants of attachment.

According to the prosecution, Ram Lal was not permitted to execute the warrants. Arguing before the court, the public prosecutor stated that the decree holder’s car was also damaged. It was added that the decree holder and his sons had to flee from the spot to save themselves from serious harm.

The accused, when confronted with the incriminating evidence denied the allegations. Claiming to be innocent, they asked for a trial.

The defence counsel stated that the accused were being implicated in a false case. He added that the bailiff had never visited the spot. Mr Rattan Pal Jagga, the counsel further added, had, tried to enter the shop.

Pronouncing the orders in the open court, the Judicial Magistrate observed: “The prosecution has been able to prove its case beyond any reasonable doubt. Accordingly, accused Sadhu Ram, Pawan Kumar, Om Parkash and Rajesh Kumar are convicted for an offence punishable under Section 186, 147, 353 and 506 of the IPC”.

Maintain beauty of court complex: Judge
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 9 — Proceeding ex-parte against advocates Kamaljit Lamba, Malkiat Singh Jandiala and Amarjit Gujral, Civil Judge (Junior Division) Mr. K.K. Goel, today directed them not to spoil the beauty of the district court complex during the elections to the District Bar Association.

In a statement before the Civil Judge, former President of the District Court Bar Association Mr Amar Singh Chahal, stated that he would not spoil the court’s beauty during the elections. Terming the destruction of beauty by pasting of publicity material as illegal, plaintiff Arunjeev Singh Walia had earlier stated that the act was in violation of the UT Advertisement Control order, besides being an infringement of his civil rights.

The plaintiff had added that an irreparable loss would be caused to him and the general public if the defendants were not restrained from destroying the beauty of the court complex. Seeking directions against the pasting of handbills, posters, banners and stickers, he had also asked for directions to the defendants for removing all the posters, banners and handbills pasted in the courts.

CULTURE

A budding young photo artist

IF you are 18 and feel that you have a photo-artistic vision, then adrenalin will be shooting through your veins, and you will quiver with excitement. The magic interplay of light and shadow will transform your world, and the most ordinary objects will look extraordinary. If you have a camera in hand and know the technique, then you can freeze that magic moment and present it to your viewers as your perception of life.

Surkhab Shaukin has that perception and technique. Therefore, he has presented a wide repertoire of subjects and techniques; from the macrocosmic to the microcosmic; from skyscapes to rock hard concrete; in fifty different photographs at his exhibition in Sector-17 Plaza, opposite the Neelam Theatre.

Although nature dominates, he has shown a rare sensitivity in perceiving poetry in nature. He has nonplussed his viewers with some extraordinary takes which makes them see what they normally do not perceive. He has a strong feel for the graphics in composition, which makes him a “natural”. His impish teenage humour also comes out in some of his photographs.

Starting photography as a hobby in class IX, he has indeed come a long way in these four to five short years. He has experimented with light, shade, colour, texture and objects; whether they stay still, fly or crawl. His experimentation is an exploration of his own versatility.

To varying degrees these photographs reflect his magic photoartistic vision. He is undoubtedly a master of composition in light and shade, colour and pallor, texture and technique.

It is surprising that the results he has produced have come from Tokina and Sigma zoom lenses with a range of 18-200 mm capacity on a Nikon FM 2 chassis. Most will agree that he needs better lenses. His present level of achievement makes it clear that he also deserves good professional training in theory and technique. Without this he will not be able to sustain the same pace of development that he has so far shown.

To conclude, here is a “candle” that will find itself on the candlestand soon, with a little bit of timely help from the right quarters.

— Sanjit Sinha

Ghazal singer captivates
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 9 — A decent performance marked a rather sombre mood of ghazal at Pracheen Kala Kendra here today. It only lived upto expectations one would have from Ustad Salim Iqbal, an established artist from Malerkotla.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was the co-partner at the show. The evening began with a recital of a Faiz Ahmed Faiz writing. The recital has seen different forms in different voices and the Ustad today maintained his own.

Aye hain kuch abr kuch sharaab aye was preceded by an Urdu couplet. The crowd showed instant response to few special couplets form ghazals like Dekh kar tujhe sochta hoon yeh mera sher hai ya tera badan. The composition was by Ahmed Faraz.

Ustad Iqbal was given a special award by the K.L. Saigal Memorial Trust in 1992. In 1993, he was honoured by the Punjab Government. He has also been honoured by the Punjabi Akademi and the Urdu Akademi, Delhi.

The ustad is a grandson of an eminent musician, Haji Rehmat Quwwal. Those accompanying him at the show today included Safdar Salim on harmonium; Master Vicky on tabla, Bunty on pad, Purshattam on sitar and Parvez Alam. The artists were introduced by Mr Venod Kumar, Regional Director of the ICCR.

One ghazal which was appreciated by the audience was Ab he ham bicchde to shayad kabhi khwabon mein mile, jis tarah sukhe phool kitabon mein mile. Ustad Salim Iqbal promised a treat of traditional Punjabi. “I am just warming up” , he said, promising a long musical evening.

An impressive display of light and space
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 9 — An exhibition of paintings by Ravindra Verma, both on paper and canvas, was inaugurated at the Sector 8 IndusInd Art Gallery here this evening. In all 30 paintings, including four latest, have been displayed for general public and would remain open to public till March 17.

A postgraduate Diploma in arts from Rajasthan, Ravindra has studied painting under the guidance of Mr Rameshwar Broota at Triveni Kala Sangam.

Ravindra Varma’s works have already been displayed at various places in the country besides a couple of places in Italy where he had undergone a course in ceramics and paintings. Light and “space” are the dominating features of his work.

MG University, Kottayam, Kerala, won the quiz contest while the local PEC bagged the runners-up position.