The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

EDUCATION

VC to constitute accounts panel
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — The Panjab University Senate today authorised the Vice-Chancellor, Prof K.N. Pathak, to constitute a public accounts committee. Members will be drawn from the university Senate.

The budget was cleared by the house.This was the fourth meeting since March this year. Mismanagement of funds remained central to the discussion.

The Senate also authorised the VC to look into the cases of alleged misappropriation of funds and wasteful expenditure, particularly during the past few years.. At least 12 members spoke demanding an inquiry into the misuse of funds especially during the past three years.

The VC said he would like to identify the issues first. ‘‘What thing? What kind? What should be the term of reference? are certain areas which need to be studied before any action’’, it was pointed out.

The VC announced that an audit party was currently visiting the campus to assess the records of the XEN branch.

The first quarter of the session pertained to alleged ‘‘wrong recordings of the Senate meetings’’ and a controversial letter of the former VC recommending changes in the Senate composition. Dr Joginder Yadav and Dr R.D. Anand made strong comments about ‘‘wrong recordings’’ of minutes of meetings.

There was a debate on a letter of Prof M.M. Puri, former VC, to the Chancellor recommending changes in the Senate elections and composition. Mr S.S. Virdi and Dr Deepak Manmohan said the entire paper work relating to the matter should be studied before any judgement. Prof P.P. Arya said PUTA had demanded greater representation for faculty members but not at the cost of other seats. PUTA needed Senate seats but not in the way as was misrepresented in the letter, Dr I.M. Joshi said. Dr Anirudh Joshi said the letter be withdrawn

Dr Ram Prakash said the letter was denied power even earlier but the matter was not communicated to the higher authority . ‘‘There is definite information that a draft had already been made at the higher government level . It had reached the funding agency. If delayed, the new draft may come into action. It must be ensured that no notification is done ,’’ he said.

Mr Ashok Goyal said ‘‘we do not associate with the letter. So it must be withdrawn’’. Mr Rajinder Deepa complained about wrong recordings.

Professor Pathak said it would be better to postpone the issue. ‘‘I am committed to look into the issue. I have received a communication in this regard from the government recently. I would like to go through the matter’’, he said.

Referring to today’s issue, Professor Chawla said the budget was being presented for discussion for the fourth time. ‘‘The university should ponder on what action should be taken in the current situation or a similar situation later.’’

The VC said he would like to study the information passed on by the house. Dr Mohammad Khalid said what was the purpose of wasteful expenditure on maintaining the camp offices on the campus when there was enough infrastructure around. Dr Anand referred to ‘‘lost bricks’’ of a recently created Arts block.

There was a near unanimity on the need to reduce expenditure on the campus. Mr Kuljit Nagra proposed that the faculty give up using Air-conditioners as a first step. Mr S.S. Hundal said action taken reports be made available to the members at the earliest on all troubles highlighted.

The PU Chancellor was thanked for the appointment of Professor Pathak as the VC. There was a call by Principal H.R. Gandhar asking for a suitable work culture during the current troubled times.

Professor Pathak said he was looking into matters related to finance, manpower and expenditure. ‘‘I plan to take definite steps. Cutting down expenses is the first step’’, he said.

The VC said the university proposed to have the Research Project Account separately. He said he would have a discussion in favour of increasing the retirement age from 60 to 62.

CULTURE

Photos depict Japanese way of life
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — An exhibition of photographs by eminent Japanese artiste George Hashiguchi is under way at Art Folio, Sector 9, here.

The works of the lensman who chose to title his pieces Works: 1991-1995, have been brought to the city by the Japan Foundation, which aims to foster cultural harmony between India and Japan.

"The exhibition is just one of the many means that the foundation has chosen to reach across to Indians and make them aware of the living conditions of a Japanese. We want to educate Indians about our culture," said the Director of the Japan Foundation, Mr Tadashi Ogawa, who was also the guest of honour on the occasion.

The exhibition features Japanese men and women at their places of work and offers an insight into almost every profession. Along with the picture, be it of a nursery teacher or a charcoal burner, the photographer has profiled the job of the person.

About 36 photographs are on display and each one captures Japan in its own way. While Chandigarh is the first city chosen for the exhibition, another show will be organised in New Delhi in October when the artiste will also present slide shows.

The exhibition will be on till August 31.

Patriotic fervour fills the air
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — In times when Western concepts are hitting the market and pop shows have become common, an evening devoted exclusively to patriotic songs came as a whiff of fresh air.

The spirit of patriotism prevailed all through the show which made the gathering emotional as the participants sang touching numbers which had lyrics inspired by nationalism. The ball was set rolling after a lamp was lighted by the Mayor, Mrs Shanta Abhilashi, the chief guest for the occasion.

The show began with Ritu’s song Vande Mataram. With music arranged by Tarsem, the evening was taken ahead with Tarsem rendering the famous C.S. Singla song Desh di khatir apne lahu da katra katra baha jayenge. The song was given tremendous applause, and later Mr Singla was awarded for his contribution to the fields of songs, folk dance and theatre.

N.S. Vardhan rendered Aye mere pyare vatan, while Amarjit sang Hai preet jahan ki reet sada. Ajay Bakhshi’s Kar chale hum fida jano tan sathiyon and Amarjit-Ritu duet Dil diya hai jaan bhi denge were also appreciated. The hall was full with patriotic fervour when the song Mera rang de basanti chola was presented followed by Yeh desh hai veer jawanon ka... by Amarjit.

During the function, meritorious students of Chandigah Coaching Centre which co-organised the show along with the Payal Musical Club, were also honoured by the Mayor. The programme was dedicated to Independence and the spirit of freedom.

Pop music holds sway over the youth
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — The youth is more inclined towards pop music than classical. Talking to The Tribune, some lecturer and students expressed their views on the matter.

Pamela Singh, Head, Department of Music, GCG: Classical music, the essence of Indian culture, is not easy to understand. Youngsters do not devote time to learn the classical music. They prefer the rather fast rhythm of pop music though Indian classical music gives peace of mind. In times of tension and busy schedule, classical music acts as a healer.

Prem Kumar Bhardwaj, lecturer of music, GCG: To understand classical music, one needs to have a knowledge and interest in the subject. Today's generation mostly runs away from it because to learn it one needs to be disciplined. There is no short cut. It is the result of the vidya of Rishis and Munis. However, pop music holds charm for only a short while. Whereas classical music will stay for ever because there is purity in it.

Kiran Bala, student: The life of classical music is fading out because very few people have an inclination towards it. TV keeps telecasting pop songs most of the time and the children have got used to listening to that type of music. But classical music gives mental as well as spiritual peace. Whenever I play the sitar, I forget my tensions. If you get used to classical music, all other types of music seem boring.

Ritu Sharma, student: The pop music or the fast beat music about which the young generation is mad is just a distraction of the mind. It has an impact for a very short span of time. Whereas, classical music keeps you close to your roots.

Ratan Lal Koundal, tabla instructor, GCM: The youth of today get attracted to pop music because it is easy to pick the beats. On the other hand, classical music has a notation system and swar lipi. People can't understand it easily but those who get used to classical music, it becomes a part of their diet.

Hardev Sanga, student: There is no thrill in classical music as it is too slow. But classical music has a lot of variations and pitch. It is based on nature and moods like nature, rain, sorrow, happiness etc. I basically listen to Ustad Bismillah Khan because it is the last of its kind.

Rajat Suri, student: Listening to classical music becomes monotonous and boring. Very few people are interested tin classical music. Pop music has life in it. It is exciting. We have developed no taste for classical music.