The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

EDUCATION

Offering cheaper international quality education
A.S.Prashar
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 3
Education is one of the most important investments you will ever make and, as with any investment, you should consider the outcome you wish to achieve very carefully before embarking on a course of action. Your education will have a major impact on your life and professional development and will be your pathway to global career prospects and financial security.

And if you want to get international quality education at nearly half the cost of what you might get in the USA or the UK, then Australia is the place you may be looking for..

“We offer a whole range of educational courses, including the frontline technology courses, in Australia”, says Mr Henry A.S. Ledlie, Director-India, IDP Education, Australia. “And they would cost you 40 to 60 per cent less than what they do in countries like the USA and the UK....Our courses are in no way inferior to any offered in other parts of the world.

“And we have our own Lvy League. We do not brag about it as much as they do in the USA and the UK but we do have it,” he adds.

From India, Australia has been attracting two types of students. The first belongs to the business class who go to Australia to improve their educational qualifications and return home to take up the family business. The second lot consists of job seekers who, after finishing their education, go to Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and other countries. A small percentage stays back in Australia.

One of the attractions of studying in Australia is that students can work up to 20 hours a week during their study period. During long vacations, they can work full time and earn some pocket money.

In 1999, IDP Education enrolled the highest-ever annual number of international students to Australian institutions. As many as 11, 284 student applications were finalised during 1999. This represents a 31 per cent increase on the total number of international students recruited through IDP during 1998.

Australia’s popularity as a quality source of higher education has grown tremendously over the past few years. There has been an average rise of 15 per cent in the number of international students choosing to study at institutions in Australia. Significantly, the number of students from India recorded an increase of 35 per cent during 2000.

One of the reasons for the increasing number of Indian students aspiring to go abroad, especially Australia, for education is the present scenario in India where the highly specialised domestic institutions are not able to cope with the flood of qualified candidates. Entry to these institutions has become more and more difficult as the number of applicants has increased but the number of such institutions has remained constant.

Another reason is the Indian and global labour market which has become more international as a result of globalisation of the Indian economy.

Close on the heels of conventional countries like the USA and the UK, Australia has become an important destination for students aiming for higher studies. Although India has some of the best institutions, IIMs and IITs, the number of seats available are few compared to the large number of applicants, depriving many deserving students of quality education.

IDP Education is Australia’s independent international education organisation. Established in 1969 by Australia’s universities as a not-for-profit company, IDP provides assistance to the education system and overseas students in Australia. Its activities include project management, fellowship administration, student advisory services, application processing, education exhibition and English language teaching and testing.

This explains the big turnout of students at a two-day Australian education exhibition which opened here today. The exhibition began in Delhi on April 1 and moved to Chandigarh today. This is the seventh such exhibition in which around 47 Australian institutions are participating.

The highpoint of the exhibition is that interviews are being organised simultaneously for on-the-spot selection of eligible students to study in Australia. The visiting professors and faculty members of Australian institutions are at hand to provide any counselling and inquiry services required by the students.

55 art students get degrees
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 3
For the 55 students of the Government College of Art, Sector 10, this day was all about homecoming. The annual convocation function of the college held here today was not just a formal routine for the students who passed out in 1999, it was also a time to relive golden moments of the days gone by.

And for obvious reasons, thus, there was breath of nostalgia in the air, and there was a lot of happiness suspended all around. In this hearty atmosphere, the formal function which was addressed by Padamshri Keshav Malik, proceeded through the award distribution sessions.

The programme was well divided and as always, it began with the 55 students being awarded Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in the four streams — painting, graphics, applied arts and sculpture. Following this session, was the special award session. Living by the tradition, the college authorities gave away four special prizes to the most distinguished students. While the S.L. Prasher Award for sculpture went to Bhiwani Shanker of the fourth year (1998-1999 session), the Sushil Sarkar award for applied art was awarded to Deepali Gulati. The Amrita Shergill Award for painting went to Salonika Commar and the MS Randhawa award for graphics was given to Paramjit Singh. The fifth award — Sujan Singh Memorial award — was bagged by Prainy.

Then there was another special category of awards — those awarded to the winners of Plaza carnival contests. Prizes in this section, comprising Rs 500 and a trophy, went to: Sargam Jain for applied art, Harneet Kaur for sculpture, Niyeti Chadha for graphics and Monika Bijlani for painting. The Friends of Punjab — UK Award, comprising Rs 1,000, was given to Shweta Kaur of third year graphics.

The coveted roll of honour for the academic session of 1998-1999 went to Gurdeep Singh (painting), Heeral Rooy (applied art), Parveen Saini (printmaking) and Vishal Bhatnagar (sculpture).

The award ceremony for the winners of annual art exhibition held in the college art gallery a week ago was also held today. The following were declared winners: (in order of merit)

Applied art: Fourth year: Rajni Seth, Sandeep Singh, Deepak Sandhu and Gurpreet; third year: Anshul Dhull, Ruchi Sood, Shabina and Karandeep;

second year: Daizy Garg, Survina, Urvashi and Ruchika Avasthi.

Painting: fourth year: Monika Bijlani, Monika Kapur, Preet Mohinder and Arpan; third year: Kapil Kharbanda, Amandeep Kaur, Aditi and Amitojh; second year: Hemant Kumar, Manjiri Aggarwal, Varinder Kaur and Neha Sharma.

Graphics: fourth year: Taranjit Kaur, Niyeti Chadha, Monita and Reshma; third year: Pankaj, Shelly and Ranjit Sikander; second year: Pritpal Singh, Deepika, Navroop and Vibhuti.

Sculpture: fourth year: Gunjeet, Sakshi, Madan Mohan and Kamalpreet; third year: Vikas, Priya Kapoor, Bhavna Gupta and Natasha; second year: Dharamjit Singh, Anita Sonia Kumar, Avneet and Mukesh Guru.

The first year foundation level section B awards (in order of merit) went to Hardeep Singh, Preeti Sharma, Rita Dhawan and Sahbi Singh and the first year level section C awards: (order of merit): Rajni Ajmera, Parminder, Gurpreet Shiman and Gurdeep Kaur.

The formal ceremony was followed by a convocation address by Padamshri Keshav Malik, who highlighted the role of art in life. He stressed that art was a means of fighting stress. “Let us evolve artistic attitude, for art is above all an approach to the truth of feeling,” he said. “Truth helps us to face the confused scene of life with equanimity,” he said.

Defining art, the eminent art critic said, “Art, of course, does not answer all our needs. But still gives us the distilled imagination. Art is action, but it does not cause action; it only prepares us for thought. Art is not a world, but a knowing of the world; it prepares us. Art is practised by the artist and the sympathetic viewer. It is not to repeat, it is a means to an end.”

As the address shifted to the purpose of real art, he said, “Real art should not represent; it should present. Art is always based on actuality, but it still exists independently.” He added, “I am of the view that the currently popular art works are often a deviation from the more professional individuals’ creations, and not a spontaneous upsurging.”

The convocation concluded with the Principal of the college, Prof Prem Singh, giving a token of appreciation to the chief guest. The gift was a replica of Harmandir Sahib in metal relief, created by Sujan Singh, who was an alumnus of the college when it was in Lahore under the name of Mayo School of Art.

Mentally-challenged overcome
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, April 3
The mentally challenged students at the special cell of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan are not “very different” from the other students of the school. It is just that they are ‘‘slow learners’’ and require extra effort by parents and teachers. And after they succeed in tracing designs on clothes and paper bags with their help, an exhibition of their creations is indeed encouraging.

Today, they stood clapping, shouting gleefully, as Ms Neeru Nanda, Adviser to the Administrator, visited the exhibition and appreciated their works. Ms Madhavi Kataria, Director Social Welfare Department, also visited the exhibition. The workshop, just before the exhibition, was funded by the Social Welfare Department.

Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, the teachers helping the children urged the people to accept them as normal. They also urged the parents who do not send their mentally challenged wards to schools or vocational training centres to come forward and help them join the main stream.

According to Ms Neelu Sareen, a teacher, these kids are at first taught to co-ordinate their hand and eyes. She claimed that most of them could do needle work. Ms Vidya said these students would now be taught the concept of money. However, some of them already knew about it. These children said the vocational course turned out to be very exciting for them and now they could utilise their time in a proper way.

These children need special attention both from parents and teachers. They are taught social manners, art and craft work, needle work and block printing. The students also get chance to sell their products at the school’s tuck shop. Teachers admit that special teaching methods are required for these children, but most important is the aspect of love and care with which a teacher has to deal with them.

Ms Neelu Sarin, Ms Geeta Bajaj, Ms Nisha Sharma, Ms Rina Dua, Ms Kuki Gill and Ms Vidya Kureker, teachers, deserve appreciation for the hard work and care, love and devotion which they are putting in for these children.

PU exams start today
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 3
Approximately 1,32, 600 students of undergraduate classes are appearing for Panjab University’s forthcoming annual examinations.

Adding up candidates for the post-graduate and other courses the number totals up to approximately 1,65,100. English Compulsory ( compartment) examination was scheduled for today. Regular examination for undergraduate classes commence tomorrow.

Mr Ashok Bhandari, the Joint Controller of Examination, while talking to Chandigarh Tribune said the MA I and II examinations will commence from April 17. The total process will take 22 days. The BEd and MEd examinations will commence from April 17 and conclude on May 1.

There are in all 204 examination centres. There are 50 centres for the post-graduate examinations and 16 for BEd examinations. A total of 43 flying squad teams have been constituted to inspect the examination centres.

The university has underlined 20 centres as ‘ sensitive’. Mr Bhandari said private candidates have not been allowed seats in centres where apprehensions of breach of conduct were found. The centres have been divided under nine broad zones.

COURTS

HIGH COURT
Bail for SP, DSPs in kidnapping case
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 3
Granting bail to Punjab’s Superintendent of Police Mohinder Singh Chahal, along with Deputy Superintendents of Police Jagtar Singh and Ramesh Chander, in a kidnapping case, Mr Justice K.S. Garewal of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed the Director-General of Police to “consider the advisability of placing the petitioners under suspension”.

Mr Justice Garewal also directed the DGP to consider the possibility of transferring the SP from Patiala district to some other place. The three were also directed to deposit their passports with the Judicial Magistrate.

In his detailed order, Mr Justice Garewal directed that the petitioners shall be admitted to bail on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh, along with two sureties, furnished to the satisfaction of Patiala’s Special Judicial Magistrate.

They had applied for bail in a first information report registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation under Sections 364, 365, 344 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code on the court’s directions.

In her petition, Kamaljeet Kaur had alleged that her husband Sukhdev Singh, alias Sukha, who belonged to SAS Nagar, was directed to come to Sohana police station before being detained at different places. Kamaljeet Kaur had added that Sukha’s whereabouts were unknown and there was a strong apprehension regarding his elimination.

Two bonded labourers freed

Acting on the directions of the High Court, a warrant officer, earlier appointed by it, released two “bonded labourers” after raiding a brick-kiln at Honder in Karnal district.

In his report submitted to Mr Justice S.S. Nijjar, the officer Hemant Singh Walia, stated that the detainees, present in the kiln, left for their destination on a truck after being released.

The warrant officer was appointed by the court on the petition filed by Pala Ram of Honder. He had alleged that his two brothers — Puran and Rullia — were being kept against their wishes. He had added that guards posted at the kiln were preventing them from leaving. After going through the report, Mr Justice Nijjar disposed of the petition.

CJM directed to probe detention

Directing Moga’s Chief Judicial Magistrate to conduct an inquiry into the alleged illegal detention of a housewife by the CIA staff, Mr Justice S.S. Nijjar today asked him to submit the report within four weeks of receiving a copy of the order.

In a telegram addressed to the High Court’s Chief Justice, Joginder Singh of Raqba village in Ludhiana district had earlier alleged that his wife Baljit Kaur was in illegal custody of the Moga CIA staff. He had also alleged that 10 tolas of gold, along with Rs 70,000, had also been taken away by the officials.

Denying the allegations, Deputy Superintendent of Police Nachhattar Singh had stated that Baljit Kaur was neither arrested nor in their custody. An affidavit by the petitioner, stating that his wife was not in illegal custody, was enclosed along with the reply.

Mr Justice Nijjar observed: “A bare perusal of the affidavit is sufficient to prima facie indicate that the petitioner has been put under pressure to give his affidavit. No reason is spelt out as to why a false telegram was sent by Joginder Singh.”

Mr Justice Nijjar added: “Moga CJM is directed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the episode to find out the truth. He is directed to call Joginder Singh and his wife and record their statements.”

Notice to Punjab on promotion policy

Our Legal Correspondent adds:
A Division high court comprising Mr Justice R.L. Anand and Mr Justice R.C. Kathuria today issued notice of motion to the state of Punjab and others for May 10, on a writ petition filed by Mr Gurdev Singh, a lecturer at Government College, Malerkotla.

The lecturer had challenged the new promotion policy providing benchmarks on the basis of ACR for the last five years for promotion to the posts of principal. The Bench also issued notice regarding stay of the promotions so made.

Counsel for the petitioner contended that the said promotion policy had resulted in amending the statutory rules by executive instructions.

It was also contended that the accrued rights of the petitioner had been taken away abruptly, which was illegal and unjustified.

Witness examined in Madhan case
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 3
The general court martial trying Major V. K. Madhan of 2 Rajputana Rifles for alleged dereliction of duty during Operation Vijay began with the examination of the first prosecution witness, Lt-Col Sandeep Kala, who was the battalion’s second-in-command at the time.

The witness was questioned on the general situation and events taking place in the battalion at the time of the alleged offence of disobeying lawful command.

Earlier, the court disallowed the defence counsel’s submission, seeking permission of the court to object to the charges levelled against the accused.

Conceding that the stage for raising the objection was over, the counsel contended that in the interest of justice and fairness, the court might consider granting permission on grounds of vagueness of charges and defects in the charge sheet.

The prosecution, however, objected to the submission, contending that it had no legal sanctity and that Army Rule 49, on which the defence was basing its submission, was not applicable at this stage.