EDUCATION

Panel discussion on environment
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Dec 25 — A panel discussion on ‘Political will towards environment education and protection of environment’ was organised at the Auditorium of the University Business School, Panjab University, here today. The discussion was a part of a 21- day refresher course in environment studies organised by the UGC, according to a press note.

Prof, J S Yadav, Dean, Faculty of Science, Kurukshetra University, defined some specific issues like global warming, frequent drought situation in the country and overproduction in states like Punjab.

Participating in the discussion, Mr Satya Pal Jain, a former MP, said environmental issues took a backseat because of the abuse of resources by individuals who mattered in political decision-making. He said during the last two decades awareness in the middle class has increased.

Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, MP, said the government was sensitive to the issues of environment pollution. He referred to the laws on preventing air and water pollution framed by the government. He stressed that the public awareness should be increased rather than framing new laws.

Earlier, Mr Amar Chandel, Deputy Editor, The Tribune, acting as moderator, initiated the discussion by questioning the tendency among the politicians to have general discussion on largely redundant issues, with environment being a small part of it.

COURTS

Refund money, TV dealer told
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Dec 25 — The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum ordered M/s Bansal Electronics, Sector 11, to refund Rs 22, 500 for supplying a defective television, pay Rs 2,500 for mental agony and Rs 500 as costs of proceedings to Ms Nazakat Jahan, a resident of Sector 11.

In her complaint, Ms Jahan stated that she purchased a television of Akai having the facility of a VCD player from the dealer. It was alleged that after the marriage of her daughter, the mechanic fitted this at her residence. For the first time, the VCD was used in September 1999 and found out of order.

Following a complaint, a mechanic visited the residence four to five times but was unable to carry out the repair. A letter to Baron International was also written but repair work could not be carried out. After this, the set in question was taken to the shop in November but returned without any improvement in the set. A response from Akai said that M/s Bansal was not their authorised dealer.

A notice was issued and they filed an evasive reply but their defence was struck off in September 2000.

The Bench observed that M/s Bansal had not come to the forum to clarify their position and that the evidence led by the complainant went unchallenged. Accepting the complaint, the Bench said that the opposite parties were liable for rendering deficient services by supplying a defective set to the complainant. 

CULTURE

Intricacies of mind captured on canvas
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 25 — The intricacies of human mind captured in different hues by as many as 25 city artists were the highlight of the Millennium All-India Art Exhibition, a state-level show organised by the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy in collaboration with the Government Museum and Art Gallery and the All-India Fine Arts and Craft Society at Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10.

Dream sequences in perfect colour blends greets one at the entrance of the gallery where Prabhinder Lall’s two creations using air brush techniques in water colour are exhibited. His concept of space around a source of light from different angles was an award winner in the show.

The ambitious nature of human beings, depicted by a shadowed figure gazing into the open space was among the award winning paintings being exhibited here. The artist, Madan Lal, who believes that black and white is the best medium to bring clarity, has done a series on the theme of “obstructions of life.”

Subhash Shorey’s series on “mindscape” has effectively captured various states of mind in co-relation with nature. His experiment with etching using horizontal and vertical cuts has enabled him to win an award in the show. The artist is exhibiting three of his paintings “Mindscape III”, mindscape IV and V in the exhibition.

The terror of people and the bright glow of the sky after the storm have been portrayed by Ravinder Sharma in his creations “After the storm” and “He is coming.” Brij’s abstract in mixed media showing East’s perception of the Western culture is another award winner of exhibited at the show.

Other exhibits among the award winning category include Reena’s “Antiquity” in mixed media, Vishal Bhatnagar’s “Harmony” in fibre glass and Kapil Singh Verma’s “Universal Appeal” in terracota were also on display. Besides, Rakesh Kumar Sohota’s “Pain”, Nirmal Parkash’s marine series, Rajesh Kalsi’s “Tantra” series, Vibha Galhotra’s “My Intimate Beauty” and Sadhna Sagar’s landscape series in soothing water colours.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr Vivek Atray, Director of IT and Public Relations, Chandigarh Administration. The awards consisting of Rs 6,000 cash and a certificate were given to the winner by famous city-based artist Mr Shiv Singh. The award winning paintings will be sent to Delhi to be exhibited at the national-level Millennium All-India Art Exhibition.

My voice suits Urmila: Sunidhi
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 25 — The youngest female playback singer in Bollywood Sunidhi Chauhan, was in town today to perform at the Chandigarh carnival. “I am indebted to Sonu Nigam who introduced me to composer Sandeep Chowta and director Ram Gopal Verma. The duo gave me my first big break in the film Mast,” she said. Her father, Mr Dushyant Chauhan, wound up his business in Delhi and settled in Mumbai to facilitate the career of her daughter. He is now her manager.

Sunidhi also sang Ladki diwani dekho ladka diwana in the film shastra and Bumbro bumbro in Mission Kashmir. She is excited about the songs picturised on Urmila Matondkar — the title song of Mast and Do pyar karne wale from Jungle. “My voice seems to be so suitable for Urmila,” she said.

Sunidhi is planning to do some soft numbers. “I do not wish to disclose that. I want you to feel the change,” she said, adding that music was a passion with her. “I do nothing except listening to music when I am free. Now I am also planning to take some training in classical music, she said.

The Delhi-born girl said, “I have learnt myself. Before I won the first prize in Meri Aawaaz suno, I had about 50 stage performances to my credit.” Her sole inspiration is Lata Mangeshkar.

After the interview, she proceeded to perform at the Leisure Valley in the Chandigarh Carnival. She almost rocked the crowds with numbers like Hai aisa champion kahan from Champion.