EDUCATION

Seminar concludes
Tribune News Service

SAS NAGAR, Aug 27 — On the concluding day of the two-day national seminar on ‘Multimedia for masses’ organised at the local Centre for Electronic Design and Technology of India (CEDTI) here, Mr N.S. Kalsi, Director of Technical Education, Punjab, said an integrated approach in incorporating low cost hardware, media and distribution channels and use of latest multimedia software would be required for low cost content creations.

During today’s session Dr Sanjay Goel from the IGNCA, New Delhi, spoke on ‘Multimedia and heritage’, Dr Ashok Jain from the IIC, Delhi University, South Campus, spoke on ‘Multimedia and agriculture’ and Mr Sanjay P. Sood spoke on ‘Multimedia and health care’.

When the office in charge, Mr Jai Ram, was contacted, he said that wrong photographs, signature erasure, etc were technical problems and a technician had been summoned to rectify them.

READERS WRITE

Pit remains uncovered

This is with reference to the report “Open pit mocks public attitude” (Chandigarh Tribune, July 18). I would like to point out that the pit outside one of the entrances to the Rose Garden in SAS Nagar still remains uncovered even after the publication of the report. Only its condition has become worse. A few days ago I saw a dead crow lying near the pit which was later thrown inside it. However, I appreciate the fact that such problems are highlighted in your paper. Even if the Administration remains indifferent, such reports will one day have some effect.

Leaving the pit uncovered is a clear case of passing the buck, whether it is PUDA, the Public Health Department or the Municipal Council. There must be some coordination among these agencies to tackle such problems, especially when the lives of residents are endangered. The Rose Garden is located at a very central place with Gurdwara Sachkhand Sahib on its eastern side. People of high status like judges, doctors, advocates, businessmen and retired government officers have their residences around it. I still remember that work of installing lights and putting up fountains was taken up on a war-footing before the garden was formally inaugurated by a minister, Mr Balmukund Sharma, on October 10, 1996. As is generally the case, neglect sets in soon after.

I urge the authorities to pay attention to the maintenance and improvement of the garden and its footpaths. As has been pointed out by your reporter, the public is equally to blame for its apathy in reacting to such problems. Now that the Municipal Council elections are round the corner, residents should do their bit and confront the candidates with such problems.

Mohinder Singh
Mohali

CULTURE

‘Aping of western culture not good’
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 27 — “The popularity of pop music in our country is going to be shortlived. It is the habit of Indians that they pay extra attention to their guests. Pop music is like a guest in India’s music world and it will not live longer,” said Sardool Sikandar, a Punjabi singer who was in the town to attend a musical dance competition, organised by Natraj Arts here.

He said he was pained at seeing Indian parents encouraging their children to dance to the tune of pop music. The kind of dresses they encouraged their children to wear were all the more concerning as children at such a young age were not aware of what they were wearing.

He said the emulation of western culture by the country’s youth was not good. He also criticised the stuff shown by the channels on the small screen. “They don't know but they are definitely feeding sweet poison to the next generation.” he said.

He said he himself shifted from Sufi music to pop because this was the need of the hour. “I like classical music the most and all my songs are based on classical ragas. But you cannot always do what you like. There are many artists who started with the classical music but were not acknowledged. When they adopted the different style they were made stars overnight. Still I feel that they were able to prove their mettle once they had carved out a niche for themselves.’’ he said.

He said that he had no desire to switch over to Hindi film music as per the latest trend. “Although I have signed three big budget films, I want to be a playback singer. But the producers want to cash on the popularity of the artiste. So I cannot say anything now. “

He is also going to release a new album in September with songs of many Punjabi singers. The music has been provided by Jaidev. He is also recording a cassette on ghazals. Four ghazals have already been recorded for the same.

Cultural programme organised
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Aug 27 — A cultural programme and get-together was organised by the Panchkula Welfare Association in Sector 8, here today. Students of DAV School and Woodland School, both located in Sector 8, presented entertaining items for the residents assembled in the ground.

The programme started on a religious note with one of the members reciting the gayatri mantra followed by Vande Matram by students of DAV School. Youngsters from Woodland House presented an English song and a colourful dance as part of the programme. The skit by DAV students staging the modern Ramayan and changing values of children was well presented. Besides, two students sang Aye mere watan ke logon.

At the annual function, the association honoured the parents of Major Sandeep Sagar, who laid down his life during the Kargil operation in Rajouri district. He was a resident of Sector 8.

Speaking at the function, the President, Mr R.P. Malhotra, said the welfare association of the sector was functioning like an extended family and had led to a feeling of oneness, brotherhood and fellowship among the residents.

Highlighting his demand, Mr Malhotra said the sector was in dire need of a community centre even though there was no provision for the same in the master plan.

When music weaves magical spell
By Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 27 — Draped in a black, he hit the stage well in time surprising many among the gathering who were expecting that Gurdas Mann, like any other big-time singer, would keep them waiting. But the show took off on a pleasant note, with the singer respecting the time and mood of the audience.

And as the evening rolled on, it went on getting pleasant, wrapped as it was with lyrics and melody that stemmed straight from the land of valour — Punjab. For once, there was more to songs than just the loud, boisterous music, which does not always reflect the feelings of the heart. The music one heard today from the legendary folk singer filled the soul, with its softness on the one hand and power on the other.

The singer came in a traditional Punjabi attire, and just as he came in, he offered prayers to the God. So even much before Gurdas Mann churned out his latest pop hit — Jadugariyan — the crowds were already smitten by his earlier, self-composed, folk numbers which transferred rural Punjab on to the premises of the Chandigarh Club where the function was being held.

Barring the 15-minute break which was devoted to honour the singer at the hands of gathered dignitaries, rest of the spell was little less than magical, with the aawaaz ka jadugar, weaving electrifying webs of lyrics and melody. So as Gurdas Mann sang praises to the God in a somewhat Sufiana andaaz with Mori rakhiyo laaj guru dev, the gathering went along with him and danced to his tunes till the very end. The second song of the show reflected social concerns of dowry, with the singer presenting an apt couplet to suit the occasion— Mat jalao dulhanon ko malo daulat ke liya, varna ik din aapki bhi betiyan jal jayengi. This was followed by the traditional Lai de teliyan tada ve ru mere pekan di.

The 10-member strong troupe which Gurdas Mann was carrying along, also added flavour to the already intoxicating evening with wonderfully powerful music being played in the background. Meanwhile, Mann kept offering more and more songs to suit the moods of the audience. His presentation of Challa, a song rooted in the folklore of Punjab, was especially praiseworthy, apart from the other numbers like Jat risky hai whisky.

While many more songs came by later, the best part of the show was the involvement of the singer himself. On many occasions, his bliss was clearly being reflected, and one knew that he was as much at pleasure as the gathering itself. So while he sang, he also danced giddha, and bhangra and many more delectable steps which endeared him more to the people.

While everything went on with near perfection, with the sound system and the stage management being satisfactory, the organisers and the police did have a hard time stopping the swarming numbers into the enclosure meant exclusively for the press and the VVIPs. The performance went on for well over two hours.

Dhillon ‘distorting facts’
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 27 — A spokesman of the Punjab Government today termed Mangal Dhillon’s utterances relating to the production of documentary film Khalsa as an “outburst of a guilty conscience” and alleged that he was telling lies and was playing havoc with religious sentiments of people of Punjab.

In a press statement, the spokesperson said that Dhillon had in fact betrayed the people by not honouring his commitment to screen Khalsa film during the tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa.

He quoted the reference of a letter written by the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, to Doordarshan authorities to allot slots on April 12 to 15 last year on Doordarshan’s national network at prime time between 8 pm to 10 pm for the telecast.

He also stated that Dhillon was distorting facts and was misleading people by organising press conferences.

Harbhajan to share stage with Whitney Houston!
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 27 — Every time Harbhajan Mann comes to this city, he has a new feather in his cap. Keeping the tradition alive, the ''big brother'' from among the brother duo which is doing rounds of the music world, told Tribune News Service that he was now targeting audience not just in Punjab but also in regions other than Punjab. And what is more is Mann is slowly making inroads into the film world. With his Husno jawani malomaal in the film Papa The Great, he has already proved that he can manage when it comes to the big screen.

Another news which is the most important as far as Mann's achievement goes is that he is the only one from among the galaxy of Punjabi folk singers who has been chosen to perform live with Whitney Houston at the Bollywood awards night scheduled to be held in New York on November 12. That he was chosen clearly reflects on his substance as a versatile singer. And perhaps the sales proceeds of his latest album Lala Lala Lala have added to his popularity. But the latest in the line is Mann's tour to the USA and Canada for which he leaves this Thursday.

After giving two superhit albums, Oye Hoye and Husno Jawani, Mann is now all set to capture more hearts with his latest album which has a young charming threesome dancing on to the Mann tunes. While one girl in his song (Kudi mundayan ch aaye, ho gai lala lala la) is from Pune, the other two are from Mumbai. But what after that hit video by Bobby Khan? "Well, I am doing what no one has ever done before. I am making a video on the Punjabi folk song, Mirza, he said. Mirza's video is being done by a new director by the name of Amitoj Mann and its cinematography is being handled by Manmohan Singh of the Dil To Pagal Hai fame. Further the video will feature a new model, Shama who has featured in a song with Aamir Khan in the musical hit, Mann. "It was a challenge to reproduce about 400-year-old love story on the screen and still maintain its majesty, but we have managed it," said Mann. The video has been shot in Sardulgarh and Patiala.

As for his latest album, Mann is concentrating on the market countrywide. So he has songs to suit every taste — from folk to modern pop. ''The content and production of the album was totally different from my previous albums in the sense that it has a unique blend of traditional Punjabi and modern music with very meaningful lyrics," informed Mann.

The album has eight tracks, which capture all possible human moods. The success is ensured with cinematography by Manmohan Singh and video direction by Bobby Khan. Choreography has been done by Ahmad Khan of the Rangeela and Pardes fame.

Later during the day, Mann performed live at Aerizzona in Sector 9 and he almost set the surroundings on fire with his original hits. The music was so loud and fiery that it was almost impossible to concentrate on anything else except music. He also addressed the media at a hotel in SAS Nagar later in the evening where he informed them about his future agenda.