EDUCATION

Course on textile ecology at PAU
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Aug 13 — A course on textile ecology has been introduced in the PhD curriculum in the Department of Clothing and Textiles, Punjab Agricultural University.

It is for the first time that such a course has been introduced in a university or institute of higher learning in India. The course deals with pollution caused by different processes carried out in the textile industry, treatment and disposal of textile effluents, eco-friendly production and processing of textiles and approaches towards eco-friendliness in Indian and foreign textile industries.

According to Dr O.P. Singh, Head of Clothing and Textiles, PAU, man has always exploited nature for his benefits. As a result of advancement of science and technology, there has been environment pollution, along with serious ecological imbalances.

He said the world had become increasingly aware of environment issues like greenhouse effect, ozone layer depletion, water pollution and waste disposal. It is now difficult to eradicate these problems, but these can be checked by having development or production in such a way that it does not interfere with natural ecosystem.

The present trend, he pointed out, besides liberalisation and globalisation of trade, was towards eco-friendliness. It is a newly developed concept. It can be achieved through eco-friendly management of all resources, from the point of initiation till disposal. Due to this concept, there has been a return to traditional or more natural way of life, like biological farming and natural foods, with a belief that all the natural things are good for health.

The textile industry causes two major types of pollution — water pollution and air pollution. The industry has direct effect on the health of people, causing skin irritation, allergy, dermatitis, respiratory ailments and bysinosis.

The major components is research on dyeing and printing with natural dyes, obtained from plants. This project has been allotted to the PAU and eight other state agricultural universities by the ICAR as the Indian textile industry is passing through a crucial phase due to global trade liberalisation and ban on synthetic dyes by Germany and other countries due to their being carcinogenic, toxic, polluting and non-biodegradable.

CULTURE

Rakhis for all tastes
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Aug 13 — With the festival of Raksha Bandhan round the corner, a large number of people are seen flocking the markets for the last minute purchases of rakhis and delicacies prepared by sweet shops.

Rakhis in all vibrant colours and hues are seen beautifully displayed in all major markets. One can take a pick from amongst a large variety of beautifully by crafted rakhis. It may be noted that over the years, rakhis have changed as a work of art. From sandalwood rakhis to cellphone rakhis to the ones with stuffed toys, rakhi designs have undergone a sea change.

Bracelets studded with stones to increase their shelf life can also be seen in the market. For tiny tots, there are musical rakhis, rakhis having clowns, teddy bear and toffees pasted on them. Shops are also decked up for the festival as shopkeepers are offering different packages of rakhis.

Affluent Ludhianvis are going in for silver and gold rakhis. Rakhi cards are also in vogue.

A great rush can be seen in shops selling rakhis and cards. According to Mr Madhur Sood, a shopkeeper, “About 250 customers visit the shop everyday to purchase rakhis.

Priya Aggarwal (18) appears to overflow with sentiments while purchasing rakhi for her brother Amit. Kanika’s heart seems to echo with joy as she buys rakhi for Atul, her brother. She said that rakhi defines the love between a brother and a sister and assures an unending bond between the two.

A festival of dance and swings
From Our Correspondent

SAHNEWAL, Aug 13 — In the month of sawan, when we heave a sigh of relief from the sweltering heat, the festival of Teej arrives and lasts for 15 days. Teej is the festival of women folk, especially new brides, who are given a warm welcome at their parents' village.

Teej is celebrated in a shady grove where swings are hung. Applying mehndi is regarded a favourable shagun. After this, har shingar commences. Putting on bangles is regarded customary vanga. Girls fill their arms with bangles. Different hairstyles are made.

Typical Punjabi dresses are worn. Unmarried girls wear salwar, kameez and malmal dupattas, while married women wear ghagra, kurti and embroidered dupatta. Ornaments like bankan (chains for hands) and pajebs (chains for anklets) are worn.

Women sing and dance. Holding the rims of earthern pitchers in their teeth, they spin around. The entire season is heralded. On the concluding day, a marriage ceremony is performed, with one girl dressing as the bridegroom and the other posing to be her bride. The festival is losing its importance with the passage of time. Only a few villages celebrate the festival in its true spirit.

Ludhiana: Students of Master Tara Singh College celebrated Teej at Government Institute for the Blind, Jamalpur, yesterday. There were contests for best mehndi and giddha performer. In the mehndi contest, Preeti was declared first, Ravinder stood second and Rajni was placed third. Gagandeep was declared best giddha performer and Prabhjeet Kaur was declared Miss Teej.

Raj, Hema declared best singers
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Aug 13 — Tamanna Arts, in association with G.S. Radiators, organised ‘Awaz ke Sitare’, a live singing competition, at Guru Nanak Public School here yesterday.

Auditions were held prior to the competition and 10 male and 10 female singers were screened. All the male singers were from Ludhiana but a few of the female singers hailed from Chandigarh, Panchkula and Barnala as well. There were three rounds for the 20 competitors. The first round was the singers’ choice round, the second was the classical round and the third was the judges’ choice round.

Among the male singers, Raj Srivastav was declared the best singer, followed by Dr Suman Joshi and Mukesh Sharma. Among the female singers, Hema Sharma was declared the best singer. Rimmy Chopra (from Chandigarh) and Namrata, together, bagged the second prize. The prizes were distributed by Mr Ranjodh Singh, executive director, G. S. Radiators.

The judges panel included Mrs Poonam Gupta, principal, Shastri Memorial Public School and permanent artist, Doordarshan, Mr Ravinder Kapoor, retd Prof, Government College for Boys, Mr Manjit Singh, personnel manager, G.S. Radiators and Mr Anil Sharma, tabla teacher, SDP College.

Mr Bhagat Singh, chairman, G.S. Group of Companies, was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Vishal Sonu, chairman, Tamanna Arts, said the competition was organised to choose some talented singers in northern India for the programme ‘Awaz Ke Sitare’ likely to be telecast on Sony channel in the month of November.