EDUCATION

Inter-school contest begins
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, July 11
The brainchild of five engineering students, the two-day inter-school competition, Jamboore 2001, took off with music playing in the background as youngsters racked their brains to solve the questions in the preliminary round of the quiz held at Government Museum, Sector 10, here today.

Appreciating the efforts of the five students, Commissioner, Higher Education, Haryana, Ms Anuradha Gupta, said though academics were an important aspect of student life, personality development through participation in extra-curricular activities was an essential requirement of growing up.

“These four students have proved that youngsters can come up with innovative ideas and pursue them with zest provided they are willing to try. All of you must follow their example and try your hand at something new,” she added.

Eleven city schools participated in the inter-school competitions. The activities of the day were general quiz, which was won by St Kabir, with Vivek High School, Sector 38, and St Stephen’s School bagging the second and third places respectively.

Dumbcharades was won by Sacred Heart Convent School, while Vivek High School, Sector 38, was second and St Stephen’s School bagged the third place.

Lateralz quiz was the last event of the day. The events were organised by a group of engineering students who had formed an association last year. Two of them, Manoj Gupta and Nikhil Handu, are students of Thapar College. Two others Harsh Taneja and Nishant Garg, are students of Delhi College of Engineering. Nishant Grover is a student of GZSCET.

Students from Class IX to Class XII participated in the events, with no restriction on number of teams from each school. The 11 schools which participated were St Anne’s, Manav Mangal Public School, St Stephen’s School, St Xavier’s School, Panchkula, Sacred Heart Convent School, GMSSS, Sector 16, and GMSSS, Sector 18, SD Public School, Vivek High School, St Kabir School and Stepping Stones School.

Debate and mockers’ conference would be held tomorrow at Government Museum, Sector 10. The valedictory function would also be held tomorrow. The school with maximum prizes would get the best school trophy.

The results of the quiz are as follows: St Kabir School — Harpreet, Shivanant and Akash — first; Vivek High School — Karundeep, Ajit Punia, Rahat Khanna — second; St Stephen’s School — Gaurav, Sumeet, Smarth — third; St Kabir School — Saurabh, Sumant, Megha Shyam — fourth; Vivek High School — Arjun Gill, Simar Singh, Sumeet Campa — fifth.

The results of Dumbcharades are as follows: Sacred Heart Convent — Heena , Guneet, Sanya — first; Vivek High School — Karundeep, Ajit Punia, Arjun Thakur — second; St Stephen’s School — Sahil Thapa, Jaskaran Singh, Karan — third; GMSSS-16 — Parul, Gurkiran, Vinni — fourth; St Xavier’s School — Amit, Aditya, Rajat — fifth.

The results of the Lateralz — 20 questions are as follows: St Xavier’s School, Panchkula — Kalpit, Aditya, Amit — first; St Kabir School — Amreen, Tanushri, Pallavi — second; St Stephen’s School — Jaskaran, Karan , Vishal — third; St Xavier’s , Panchkula — Sunpreet, Rajat, Manu — fourth. 

STATE OF THE HOSTELS
Oldest and most secure
Chitleen K Sethi
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 11
These hostels are the oldest ones in the Panjab University. Mata Gujari Hall and Laxmi Bai hall were built when the university had just shifted started functioning in Chandigarh.

The two hostels share most of the conditions with the other residents but points on which they differ. The most glaring contrast is in the life of the residents of the residents of these hostels as compared with that of girls in the other two hostels in the university.

As compared with Sarojini Hall and Kasturba Hall, the residents here lead a rather simple, almost secluded life. Next to one of the university's boundary wall, the hostels have additional security arrangements. The buildings are more compact and ensure that no resident moves out of the hostel after closing time.

It is this additional security that the residents resent and wish they were living in one of the more liberal hostels of the university. But, there are many others who are happy and feel that these hostels are more secure than the others and it is a reassuring factor.

As far as the hostels go, Mata Gujari Hall seems to have very few problems. The residents are satisfied with most of the arrangements and have little to ask for. The food, they say, is very good as the hostel mess is being run by the residents themselves.

There are two cooperative messes, run by the senior residents who pool money from the residents and do the shopping themselves. They have employed cooks who do the cooking according to their specifications. This also gives the residents an opportunity to include non-vegetarian items in the menu, something which is not possible in other girls hostels.

Though some of the inmates complain that there is a problem of thefts in the hostel, others feel that is only shows that the students in the hostel are not disciplined enough.

At Laxmi Bai Hall, things are different. The residents complain that the quality of food in their hostel is perhaps the worst in the university. They realise that it is economical but they feel that the amount they save by eating this kind of food is not worth it.

The students also state that the toilets remain dirty. They inform that the toilets do not flush and the drains remain blocked. On the other hand, many residents feel that it is the fault of the residents as do not use the toilets properly.

The residents also feel that they could do with another telephone in the hostel. ‘‘All hostels have coin operated telephones which we do not have in our hostel.’’says a resident. ‘‘The only telephone which we have here is being used by all the residents and as a result it remains overcrowded.’’

The water cooler too seems to be a cause of concern for the residents. ‘‘We have no idea when the cooler was cleaned last. So we do not drink water from the cooler. In any case there is only one water cooler for the whole hostel.’’

The problem of numbers also arises when it comes to geysers. The students say that there is only one geyser on each floor and they are forced to use immersion rods in winters.

Although the residents of Mata Gujari Hall emphasise that they have no problems between the junior and senior residents as far as the choice of TV channel is concerned, Laxmi bai residents say that it is the overbearing ones who decide what is to be watched on the common room TV.

Revised admission dates for LL.B, LL.M
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 11
The Panjab University Law Department has announced the revised dates for admissions to the LL.B and LL.M first year courses, Prof B.K. Bansal, Head of the department, said the first list of the selected candidates will be put up on the notice board on July 13.

The interviews will be held on July 16 in the department

The provisional list of those selected will be displayed on July 17 and fees accepted till July 18.

The list of L.LM. candidates will be displayed by 5 P.M. on July 17and admissions will be given to all categories of aspirants on July 18. NRI quota students for both LL.B and LL.M (first year) will be interviewed on July 19.

M.Com (first year) interviews will be held on July 13 for those candidates who could not fill in their forms earlier and admission slips issued the next day.

M.Sc. Biology (honours school) first-year interviews will be held on July 13. Interviews for B.Lib. will be held on July 13.

Science seats available in seven schools
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, July 11
There are only seven schools left with science seats including three girls school, namely GMSSS in Sector 18, GMSSS in Sector 21, GGSSS in Sector 20, as a part of the ongoing centralised admissions in government schools here today. Other four co-education schools are GMSSS in 22, GMSSS in Sector 23, GSSS in Sector 27 and GMSSS in Sector 46 where science seats are still available.

In total 1,949 students have been admitted to different government schools till today.

Out of this 1,511 students were admitted to science stream, 350 students to commerce stream, 67 students in humanities and vocational studies.

Admission to science stream got closed in GMSSS in Sector 10 with cut-off percentage 65.7 per cent , GMSSS in Sector 33 with 66.6 per cent, GMSSS in Sector 40 with 68.6 per cent today.

The commerce seats were also filled up in GMSSS in Sector 16 with 65.6 per cent and GMSSS in Sector 35 with 66.6 per cent marks today.

The cut-off percentage mentioned for different schools is for the general category only . The total number of seats given in the chart include general as well as reserved category seats

Tomorrow nearly 650 students with 60 per cent and above will appear for the interview.

Admissions for B.Com, BCA, BBA begin
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, July 11
The centralised admission to BCom, BBA and BCA first year to the various colleges of the city started at the MCM DAV College here today. The admissions continued according to schedule and by the end of the day a large number of seats in the two course for which admissions started today were filled. Following is the detail of a seats filled today:

Following the recent orders given by the UT administration's Education Department to the various city colleges to follow the 85 per cent reservation policy for students of the city, the admission at MCM College saw many a residents of Panchkula and Mohali return without being able to procure a seat for their wards. Since these candidates had appeared for their class XII examination from schools in either Mohali or Panchkula they were considered as ‘‘outsiders’’ who had only the 15 per cent seats to themselves.

Some seats are still lying vacant in certain reserved categories (both in UT and general pool) for B.Com I and BCA I. All those who are eligible and are in the merit list are required to report in Room Number 1 of MCM DAV College, Sector-36, at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

COURTS

HIGH COURT
CBI probe into man’s disappearance
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 11
Over 10 years after a 29-year-old Ludhiana district resident allegedly disappeared from police custody, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today ordered a CBI probe into the matter.

Pronouncing the orders in the open court on a petition filed by the victim’s father, Mr Harbachan Singh of Badla village, Mr Justice V.M. Jain of the High Court also directed the premier investigation agency to complete the probe within six months.

Seeking a probe by an independent agency, besides the release of his son Chamkaur Singh, Mr Harbachan Singh had earlier stated that the victim was handed over to ASI Dilbagh Singh and Head Constable Harbhajan Singh on April 17, 1991. He was initially informed that his son’s arrest would be shown after 15 days but even after a month nothing was heard, he had added.

His counsel had claimed that several human rights organisations and government officials were approached by the petitioner soon after the disappearance. Inquiries were also conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Samrala and Jagraon, but till date his whereabouts were unknown.

Earlier during the proceedings, Ludhiana’s District and Sessions Judge, in his report submitted on the High Court directions, had recommended a “thorough probe” by an impartial investigating agency into the allegations.

He had stated that the sworn statements of the prosecution witnesses made it clear that Chamkaur Singh was seen in the ASI’s custody during his illegal detention at a police station in Sudhar village. The Judge had added that there was, however, no reliable evidence to establish the victim’s elimination at the hands of the police.

Order to release salaries

On a petition filed by part-time lecturers in state-run colleges, the High Court directed Punjab’s Principal Secretary for Education and another respondent to ensure that the salaries of the petitioners were released within two weeks.

In their petition taken up by Mr Justice R.L. Anand of the High Court, Mr Shaminder Singh and others had earlier stated that the salaries had not been released despite court orders.

ST tribunal orders stayed

A Division Bench of the High Court today issued notice of motion and ordered stay on a petition filed by Delhi-based Haryana Organics against the state of Haryana, besides the Excise and Taxation Department, seeking the quashing of orders passed by the sales tax tribunal and the subsequent recovery proceedings.

In their petition taken up by the Bench, comprising Mr Justice Jawahar Lal Gupta and Mr Justice Ashutosh Mohunta, Haryana Organics had earlier stated that notices for the attachment of bank accounts had been issued by the assessing authority.

Summons to hooch case accused

Admitting an appeal filed by the state of Haryana against the orders of Sirsa’s Additional District and Sessions Judge in the Kalanwali hooch tragedy case, a Division Bench of the High Court today summoned eight accused, acquitted by the trial court, through bailable warrants.

In their appeal filed before the Bench, comprising Mr Justice H.S. Bedi and Mr Justice A.S. Garg, the state asserted that the prosecution had proved its case against the accused on the basis of documentary and oral evidence but the trial court had failed to appreciate it.

The High Court had, on the last date of hearing, directed Haryana’s Advocate- General to file an appeal against the acquittal of the accused by the trial court.

The accused were booked by the Haryana police for murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy under Sections 302, 307 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code in December 1980 after 44 persons had died in Sirsa district and another 68 had lost their vision permanently following the consumption of spurious liquor.

According to the prosecution, the liquor was prepared and marketed by the accused. The prosecution had added that the chemical examiner’s report had confirmed the presence of methanol, a poisonous substance, in the liquor.

The accused, when confronted with the incriminating evidence against them, had denied the allegations. Claiming to be innocent, they had asked for a trial.

After hearing the arguments in the case, Sirsa’s Additional District and Sessions Judge had sentenced two accused to life imprisonment while acquitting the rest.

Special lok adalat on July 28
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, July 11
The District Legal Service Authority will organise a special lok adalat to settle bank cases, summary cases and traffic challans on July 28, Mr H.S. Bhalla, UT District and Sessions Judge said here today.

The Judge said that information to the public in general regarding legal services would be disseminated by putting hoardings at important places like bus stand, courts, police stations and medical college.

The Judge disclosed that most of the cases were of traffic challans which were pending since long as offenders had given wrong names and addresses adding the UT SSP would send a consolidated case to the UT IG, who was competent to withdraw such cases.

He added that information regarding legal services would also be given on the website which would be prepared in due course. He said a slum area would be demarcated, in which a camp would be held for giving information to the inhabitants regarding legal services available to them in Chandigarh. 

CULTURE

Visions in water colours
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 11
Depth and precision best describe the water colour collection which opened for exhibition at the Punjab Kala Bhawan in Sector 16, here today. Put together by Jagdeepak, a promising artist who is an instructor in fine arts, the works beautifully capture the essence of India. From the grandeur of Himalayas in the Ladakh region, to the serene, yet plundered beauty of Kashmir’s Dal Lake, to the haunting attraction of Rajasthan’s deserts and the vigorous face of Punjab — the show encompasses all, and very convincingly at that.

Most of the works are figurative, with an occasional tinge of abstract here and there. The artist has been able to justify the title of the show — Visions of India — by providing a window to the best in this land of unity in diversity. His figures are set in style and precision, and reflect a lot of realism. The prowess of the artist is reflected from his near-perfect portraits, which form a part of the show. There are specific themes being played up in water colour — figures of birds, child labour, faces, landscapes, and some measure of abstract works.

While the works are strong in line and content, some touch the heart with their subtle sensitivity. The works on child labour are especially admirable in the sense of meaning and power they convey. Then there are the waterfalls at Manikaran and the glimpses of Punjabi culture captured for the art lover in framed canvas. The figures of animals and birds also stand out prominently. On some occasions, the canvas comes across as a positive of a picture.

Going by the strength of the show, it is difficult to believe that it is the maiden solo show by Jagdeepak, who is currently teaching Fine Arts in BEd College at Ludhiana. Said the artist, “I have participated in a number of group shows after graduating from the Government College of Art, Sector 10, here, but this is my first solo attempt.”

From here, Jagdeepak is taking his collection to Delhi where he will exhibit a series on still life.

The present exhibition is on till July 15.

Delightful presentations
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 11
The hangover of the melodious web woven by Dubrajyoti Chakraborty at Pracheen Kala Kendra yesterday continued today, with the enthralling vocal recital by Kolkata-based artiste Narayan Bhattacharya.

Exhibiting his powerful music lineage on the occasion of the 54th monthly baithak programme of the kendra, Narayan struck an instant rapport with the gathering at the Bhaskar Rao auditorium. He commenced his recital with khayal gayaki in raaga Behag. The lyrical song “Mero man har leena” reflected the sound grounding of Narayan in the field of music, which he received under the tutelage of gurus like Ustad Sagiruddin Khan and Pandit Dinanath Mishra. This song was based on vilambit ek taal 48 tali. After creating an ambience, Narayan went on to present drut teen taal in the same raaga, singing “Lat uljhi suljha de balam”.

Next in the line of delightful presentations was a thumri in Mishra Tilang, “Piya nahi aaye shaam”. The recital was appreciated by the audience, which kept asking for more of Narayan’s variations. Narayan is especially recognised for the ease with which he can render Nazrul geeti, Bengali raagpradhan and geet.

After offering a taste of thumri, the artiste graduated to a bandish in thumri in raaga Mishra Pilu “Balma mohe chod ke na jaana”. The song was laced with detail and technical prowess. The accompanists included Debashish Bhattacharjee on the tabla and Neeraj Gandhi on the harmonium.

Narayan has gradually risen to become one of the favourites amongst the classical music lovers in Bengal. He hails from a cultural family and is deeply rooted in music. He is also considered a promising performer. He was awarded Sopan title in classical music for the best young singer of the year by a panel of musicians at Kolkata recently. He has also performed in the classical music conferences throughout India, Bangladesh, Europe and the USA.