EDUCATION

‘Evaluation system needs re-examination’
By Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — The evaluation system of Panjab University continues to suffer due to several loopholes. There is dissatisfaction over the procedure but nothing seems to have been done in this regard.

Maj D.P. Singh, Principal of Government College, Sector 46, opines that principals should be included in the examination and evaluation process with their responsibilities fixed. This assures a timely return of answersheets. This is vital in the light of non-uniformity in following any schedule. The comment assumes significance in the wake of the intention of the branch concerned to announce dates for declaration of results along with the datesheet.

Major D.P. Singh says, “Return of papers within a fixed time should be made compulsory. There are cases of evaluation of answersheets in a bundle of 20s within an hour. This is injustice to the candidates whose each answer needs to be carefully studied before final evaluation.”

A senior student points out that cases with significant increase of marks in the re-evaluation should be brought to the notice of the authorities and a careful study should be done. If the two teachers have variance of more than 25 per cent marks, the candidate needs to be sure that the checking hands are secure, he contends.

Spot evaluation should be changed and teachers should be given separate bundles of sheets with specific instructions, it is felt. A major chunk of teachers listed among those who check answers do not turn up for duty and the remaining do the additional duty.

A Syndicate meeting during the tenure of the last Vice-Chancellor had recommended open evaluation. The circular of the UGC said students be allowed to come to their evaluators to see their performance.

Prof Charanjit Chawla, a senior Fellow, says scripts of candidates need to be separated before being sent for evaluation. A couple of years ago, a teacher evaluating answersheets in Punjabi medium, on questioning, accepted that he did not know the script.

The university Syndicate passed the proposal of having two paper setters setting two papers each for each paper. A recent letter to a teacher has again asked him to set three papers, which means that the proposal of the House is unlikely to be implemented, at least in the forthcoming annual examination.

There is also need to fix greater responsibility regarding evaluators submitting answersheets on time. During the tenure of Dr Sodhi Ram as the Controller of Examinations, the university could not declare results of a class because of non-availability of answersheets of a particular class despite the evaluator being given plenty of time. It was discovered that the teacher concerned had left for the USA, with the answersheets left in his room.

Ms Vijaylakshmi, Principal of Government College for Girls, Sector 11, says principals often do not know how many teachers from the college are on evaluation duty. The DPI needs to be involved in cases like teachers on duty not reporting for work, she says.

AIFUCTO council meeting on Jan 29, 30
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — The National Executive Council meeting of the All-India Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisation (AIFUCTO) will be held at Hyderabad on January 29 and 30 to chalk out the action plan for the implementation of the agreement made by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

In a press statement Mr V.K. Tewari, National Secretary of AIFUCTO, said that the government had failed to honour the commitments made in 1998 which were later reiterated in Parliament in response to various questions by the MPs and also the meeting held with the AIFUCTO. Subsequently, the apex body of four lakh university and college teachers would consider various steps like boycotting of university examinations and nation-wide indefinite strikes.

He further said that the Central Government’s apathy had compelled the federation to take the drastic steps even though AIFUCTO had not raised any fresh demand. The issues already accepted in principle by ministry included Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) from January 1996, complete parity for DPE’s and librarians. A representation has been given to Mr R.S. Mann, Chief Secretary to Government of Punjab, to implement the UGC notification on counting of past service. The AIFUCTO also demanded that the Punjab Government should notify all the clauses of the UGC notification and claim the balance amount of Rs 32 crore from Central Government for the payment of arrears.

Workshop on road safety measures
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — The Centre for Adult, Continuing Education and Extension, Panjab University, organised a one-day workshop on “Road safety measures-drive safely” here today. More than 60 drivers working with the local schools attended the workshop.

Dr Ajaib Singh, director of the centre, highlighted the objectives of the workshop. He said that the main objective was an attitudinal change in the mind-set of drivers towards safety measures.

Mr S.S.Randhawa, DSP Traffic, said that the rapidly growing number of vehicles on road and mental tensions of drivers were the main cause of accidents. Driving in the proper lane, correct speed limit and proper parking were some of the issues needing attention.

Prof Jatinder Mohan from the Department of Psychology highlighted psychological aspects related to the issue. Periodical check-up of vehicles, effective selection and training of drivers and safety belts besides discipline were some of the aspects needing careful attention.

Mr Mohan Bindal, Deputy Secretary, Principal Karamjit Kaur from Guru Harkrishan Public School and Dr G.S. Gill from the centre were the main speakers. 

Swami Vivekananda birth anniversary
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — Under its Sanskrit varsh celebrations, the Bharat Vikas Parishad Charitable Trust, Chandigarh, celebrated the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda here today.

Swami Pitambram, Secretary of the local unit of the Rama Krishna Mission, emphasised on the need to follow the life and teachings of the swami. He said that in today's materialistic world it was very important to stick to the basic roots and culture. He said that one might adopt either Eastern or Western culture but with constraints and in the rightful way.

In his presidential address, Mr K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, lauded the role of the parishad for its various social works. Justice J.V. Gupta, former Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, defined the concept of believer and non-believer in God. Earlier, tributes were paid to Swami Vivekanada.

COURTS

Court order on parishad chief election
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Jan 14 — While the court, upholding the plea of Ms Upinder Kaur, has directed the state government to hold election to the post of chairperson of the Zila Parishad for Panchkula district, it has given detailed directions on the conduct of elections.

The move came following allegations of flouting of norms laid down for the purpose of conducting elections by the district administration. Leaving no scope for violation, the court, in its detailed 19-page order, gave comments on every aspect of violation in the said elections.

In the past, two meetings, one on May 16 and another on May 25, were scheduled to be held. On one occasion, the meeting could not be held since only one member was present while the candidates alleged that the ADC stated that he was unwell and adjourned the meeting second time. Both the times no announcement about the next date and time was made.

To this the court said that the first meeting would be held within four weeks from the date on which the names of the elected members are published. It was stated that in the absence of a quorum for the first meeting, the presiding authority would adjourn the meeting to such time on the following day or such further day as he may decided.

It was alleged that subsequently, when the meeting was held on May 25, the elected members were served notice at 8 p.m. on May 24 by the ADC which was another violation of specified norms. The court said that a seven-day notice to members about the date and time of the meeting was a must.

Also, voting was held at the meeting for electing the President and Vice-President by show of hands even as the Congress-led members protested that the voting should be by secret ballot.

Quoting Rule 39, the order categorically states that at every election where a poll is taken, votes shall be given by ballot in the manner here in after provided and no votes shall be received by proxy.

Judicial remand for three in murder case
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr Ved Pal Gupta, here today sent three persons arrested in connection with the murder of Swaminath Jaiswal, a resident of Maheshpur village of Sector 21, to judicial remand.

Ved Prakash, Gurjinder Singh and Harish Malik were arrested by the police last evening and a case under Sections 302 and 120 B of the IPC was registered against them.

The police is on the lookout for the main accused, Ajaib Singh, who hit the victim on face with a brick, resulting in his death.

CULTURE

Talent hunt dance show
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — A talent hunt dance show was held at Tagore Theatre yesterday. As many as 28 participants took part in it.

Titled as CEN Dance Mania-2001, it was organised by the Citi Entertainment Network and the Western Star Group. The contestants were divided into four categories based on age group of 5 to 10, 11 to 15, 16 to 22 years and group dance. More than 70 entries were received and the participants were selected on the basis of their dance steps and music.

The performance by Anu Gupta on a popular song Mera piya ghar aya and dance by Sushil on Ae mere dil tu gaye ja were highly lauded by the audience. The function was inaugurated by the chief guest, Mr Gian Chand.

The first prize in the A category (5 to 10 years) was won by Jaswinder Kaur. Anchal Saini and Honey were declared second and third, respectively.

Sahiba Madan, Aditi Chawla and Mohani Dey stood first, second and third in the B category (11 to 15 years). Kirti Sharma, Sushil Jindal and Sunil Soda stood first, second and third, respectively, in the C category (16 to 22 years).

In the group dance competition the Azad Challenge group won the first prize, the Bangar group from Ropar second and the Apna Punjab group from Muktsar the third prize.

Jassi’s music album released
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — Singer Jasbir Jassi of Dil le gayi kudi Gujarat di fame was at the Chandigarh Press Club here today to talk about his latest music album, Nishani pyar di.

For this singer from Dalia Mirjanpur village in Gurdaspur, the new album is a dream come true. “This does not mean the earlier two ventures are not close to my heart. I identify much more with the present album, in which I use the lyrics of great Punjabi writers in their virgin form,” he says.

The present collection has eight numbers, in which lyrics of Baba Bulle Shah and Shiv Kumar Batalvi have been set to music by Jaidev. There are the two legendary songs — Bulle Shah’s Ao ni saiyyon and Batalvi’s Piran da paranda.

Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Jassi said, “I think altering the songs written by great masters on the subject is nothing less than a sin. We see commercialisation of lyrics in the Hindi cinema. But we have tried to secure the spirit of the songs which are expressive in their own right. Our music only adds to this expressive quality. It does not mar the same.”

The release of the album this morning was also marked by a listing of the tracks for the gathering. The video of the title song was also shown. Said the singer, “The lyrics by Babu Singh Mann are amazing. I wish the video director had done a better job.”

Jassi also talked about how he got down to making this album. “I have been quite sensitive. I picked up this trait as a member of the theatre troupe of Harpal Tiwana. Then we were used to original songs by Punjabi writers like Batalvi and other Sufi poets. I am just trying to recreate the magic of original lyrics through this album,” he added.

Paying tribute to Punjab’s folk heritage was Jassi’s long cherished dream. He had quit engineering to study classical music from Puran Shah Koti. Said Jassi, “My music has been greatly influenced by Shaukat Ali Khan’s. I have also had a long association with Puran Chand Wadali, the famous singer of Sufiana qalaams from Punjab.”

Stars, Chandigarhians impress each other
By Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — Come and trip it as yea go, on the light fantastic toe. It was Milton’s this quote doing the rounds all the way, as the day saw a galaxy of stars descend on the city. The launch function of Planet M in Sector 17, the largest music store of the country was expected to be happening, but not so much as it finally turned out to be. The show not only witnessed performance from singers of repute, but also saw the celebrities of Chandigarh jive away to these melodies which the stars doled out.

So on one hand, stood Harmohan Dhawan in praise of the singing prowess of some stars, on the other was Dolly Guleria sharing moments of joy with her younger counterparts. The best part of the evening was the melodious web weaved by singers like Richa Sharma (who sung the famous Taal number Ni mai samaj gayi), actress Rajeshwari Sachdeva who appeared to be in a great form in her singing avataar with her song Hulle Hulare, the musical trio of ‘Silk Route’ which sprinkled softness on the loud surrounding with its number Dooba Dooba Rahta Hoon, actress Kunika who sung superbly much to the surprise of the gathering, and many more singers familiar to Punjab like brothers Harbhajan and Gursewak Mann, Ashok Masti, Jazzy Bains, Bhupi, and last but not the least the very-Mumbai (sh) group comprising ‘Abbey’, MTV VJs Nikhil and Cyrus Junior, model-actors Rahul Dev and Shibani Kashyap.

The Tribune stole some moments to talk to the singer-celebrities who have cast ripples in the world of music with their powerful and melodious performances in films as also in albums:

Richa Sharma, whose voice gave sense to the songs of Subhash Ghai film ‘Taal’, came across as very unassuming. She appeared quite impressed with the spirit of the city. “Well, I did not know the people of this region could be as involved as those in Mumbai. I am very g;ad to be performing on this beautiful stage of Planet M. I think very few music stores in the country have such an ambience.” Richa, who sung the hit Taal song — Ni mai samaj gayi, is now singing in two films — Rahul by Subhash Ghai and Soch which has music by Jatin Lalit.

Singer-actress Rajeshwari Sachdeva who has been appreciated for her performance as 14-year-old daughter of Shabana Azmi in the film Hari Bhari, said that she wished to go around Chandigarh. “I had heard this city is great and so are its people. I wish to stay longer.” Rajeshwari sang from her album Hulle Hulare, which was well-received by the audience.

The ‘Silk Route’ trio was as down to earth as expected. Mohit Chauhan, Kem Trivedi and Kenny Puri discussed their latest album Pehchaan with the Tribune, and said that they were happy to be performing in Punjab which is so famous for its musical heritage. The group sang from its earlier album and another song from the latest album. Kem Trivedi, who played the recorder (a 16th century Egyptian instrument) was highly appreciated by the celebrity gathering. The lyrics of their songs touched the heart, and reflected what music actually meant to the singers. As they admitted, “For us music is a way of life. We don’t make music for the market. We make it for the heart.”

When we entered into the enclosure of Kunika, a famous actress of the Sony serial Sparsh, we knew of the strong city connections she had. “About 18 years ago, I studied in a school in Chandimandir, and then later I was married to a man in Panchkula,” said Kunika who had cut an album titled Lakhon mein ek in 1996. She has already a second album to her credit which is due for release. After establishing herself as an actress and acquiring a strong image for herself, Kunika now wishes to spend time on her singing, which, she says, “was always the first love. I have learnt from Suresh Wadekar’s school and I want to hone this talent.” Kunika made the crowd sway to her tune on the Mission Kashmir number Bhumbro.

Among others with whom the Tribune managed to speak for few minutes was model turned actor Rahul Dev who is playing the villian in Champion, which has Sunny Deol in the lead role. Rahul said he was quite happy with the new found role. “It gets challenging after a while, and I love meeting challenges. There are many other roles coming up.”

VJs Nikhil and Cyrus looked as cool as they do on the screen. Dressed in blood red, Nikhil attracted the crowd anyway. “That is what we are meant to do, but I must say the city has great people,” he said.

Also present on the occasion were tycoons, industrialists of the city, enterpreneurs, socialites, and businessmen. Not to miss the politicians. As Mr Ajay Mehra, CEO, Times Retail, summed it up,”We want to enter the homes of everybody and make our presence felt. That is what Planet M is here for. Our kind of music will pleas everyone. This is the way we would pay our tributes to the rich cultural ethos of Punjab.”

Ballet group enchants city audience
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — Dance lovers witnessed a visual treat at the Chandigarh Club in a performance by the Hollywood ballet group at a show here tonight.

Egyptian, Amazonian and Western dances were woven in a non-stop performance by the acclaimed group.

Shefali Talwar, a leading ramp model, compered the show. The troupe exhibited sheer energy moulded in a classic synchronisation. The form was not classical but the modern element had imprints of the old forms.

The show began with the dance troupe dancing to a number which had crackers burst each time the music said ‘fire’. The timings were a perfect match. Two solo dances by a girl were exhibits of grace and energy. She danced alone with a puppet. The puppet turned her face continuously towards her for a kiss.

Eleen in rendering the ‘Titanic’ number proved her quality of her sound in variance of pitches.

Another sequence showed ‘gangsters’. This was followed by the Egyptian part.

Magic shows on dances were added attractions. Cards flew in the air but surprisingly adding more to the number in hands. An Egyptian priest ‘ pierced’ his own body with a sword. Only at small places the dance looked monotonous ,but, the overall quality was worth of the visit.

A promising dancer
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Jan 14 — Devanshi Mishra, a student of Saupins School, Sector 32, put on her dancing shoes at the tender age of 8. She has flexibility and complete control over her body movements.

Devanshi is not only good in Kathak but in other folk dances as well. She has performed at various stage shows with Dolly Guleria, Sardool Sikandar and other eminent artistes.

Her mother Ranjana said, “When we found out the ability of dance in her, we groomed her in that fashion”.

Devanshi says, whenever she hears foot-tapping music, she can’t resist from dancing. The encouragement from my teachers has gone a long way in my grooming as a dancer.

Her father, Mr Santosh Kumar, said it is not only that she is good in dance but she gives proper attention towards her studies and other co-curricular activities. She is a all-rounder and a topper in her class.

She performed Kathak at Tagore Theatre here on Sunday. She gave a performance of vandana, uthan, chakradhar paran, kavit and footwork. She also gave a nice performance of 108 chakra and chakra.