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| Sunday, September 29, 2002, Chandigarh, India
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‘Review fee structure of colleges under PTU’ SAS Nagar, September 28 The parents who are residents of the town and Chandigarh, said in a letter to the minister that due to the policies of PTU many bright students could not either get admission to the colleges in Punjab or were compelled to seek admission in other states where the fee was drastically lower. They said many seats in institutions, especially in the newly opened ones, were still unfilled due to the excessively high fees. They said it was degrading to see advertisement in the print media offering seats “on sale”. For fear that seats might be left vacant, various colleges had declared that their seats were in the “free” category and were offering a heavy discount as was done in the sale of clothes and other items to ensure good business. The parents said a situation had now arisen in which students with higher merit ended up with “paid” seats and those with lower merit/ reappear cases had succeeded in getting “free” category seats. If the situation remained as such, one could well imagine what the academic level of the engineering colleges would be. The parents pointed out that the fee structure in other states was much lower than that in Punjab. In Haryana the cost of “free” category seats was only Rs 10,400 per annum against about Rs 50,000 in Punjab. Besides, the managements of colleges in Punjab collected sundry funds under various nondescript heads. They said that in sharp contrast the Haryana Government had warned that if any institution collected funds other than those mentioned in the relevant university prospectus, they could face legal action. The parents said the engineering colleges were fleecing the public in the name of education. Their concern for imparting education was evident from the fact that some of the institutions were still publishing advertisements for the selection of faculty members even though the current academic session began on August, 19. They said such institutions had made a mockery of the education system. The parents urged the minister to intervene in the matter and implement a new fee structure from this academic session. They also sought the laying down of conditions so that the faculty was selected before the beginning of the academic session. |
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‘Green
consumer day’ in Dev Samaj College Chandigarh, September 28 The programme was inaugurated by Dr S.P. Khullar, Chairman, Botany Department, Panjab University. Salad-making, poster-making, paragraph and poem-writing and the ‘best-dressed girl in green’ contests were held on the occasion. Dr Khullar said the only way to conserve environment was to control population. He also advocated for ‘one woman, one child’ policy. The Principal, Ms Satinder Dhillon, said society should focus on practical aspects of saving environment. The results of the various contests were as follows: Decorative salad: Rajdeep (1), Chandna (2); poster-making: Anuradha Sharma (1), Neena Goyal (2); articles/poems: Bhawna (1), Deepali (2); best dressed girl in green: Nisha; salad-making: Meenu (1), Anu (2); shake-making: Vandana (1), Pooja and Shilpa (2).
NSS camp A 10-day NSS camp was inaugurated at MCMDAV College, Sector 36, by the Panjab University Director, NSS, Dr C.L. Narang, here on Saturday. Another camp is being held at Palsora colony. Speaking at the function, Dr Narang asked the students to concentrate on eradicating social evils and promoting communal harmony. He said national integration was the motive behind NSS camps. The Principal, Ms Usha Gupta, lauded the students for having won the Indira Gandhi National Award. She asked the students to develop permanent assets in adopted colony. Later, she announced the setting up of a counselling cell on the college campus to inculcate a spirit of self-discipline among students. A number of programmes would be held as part of the camp during which students would work on issues like population control, adult education, sanitation, environment and drug abuse. The programme officers, Ms Mini Grewal and Ms Jatinder, along with 80 NSS volunteers, pledged to work for social causes. |
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Bronze casting workshop concludes Chandigarh, September 28 The workshop was organised by the Government College of Art, Sector 10, in association with the Lalit Kala
Akademi, Regional Centre, Garhi. The workshop had brought 10 experts to the college, who created bronze figures thus giving an opportunity to the students to learn about this ancient form of art for the first time in the college history. The artists who participated in the camp included Paramjit Singh Rana from Punjab, Chander Parkash and Bishamber Mehta from Jammu and Kashmir, Shubhika Lal and Partap Chander Sena from Haryana, Amitava
Bhowmick, K.P. Soman and Ajay Kumar Rana from Delhi and Gurpreet Kaur and Manmadha Rao from Chandigarh. Gurpreet created a landscape with two human figures cut intricately in thin bronze strips, while Ajay Kumar Rana went down his memory lane depicting “Innocent phase of his mind” through four hands holding four playthings symbolising the period when one can derive happiness from even simple
things. Amitava Bhowmick’s sculpture on an human-faced insect and an insect-faced human body was an apology to the sins he had committed towards the nature in his childhood. Paramjit Singh Rana’s ‘Journey of the subconscious mind’ in the form of human figure depicted a man’s wish to take a flight of fancy while his body remained firmly rooted to the ground. Other works that featured in the camp included M. Manmadha Rao’s “Sun in the pond”, Biswanath Mehta’ “The growth” and Shubhika Lal’s “To weave a better world”. Ms Neeru Nanda, Adviser to the UT Administrator, gave away momentoes to the participating artists. |
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Chandhok
appointed
visiting professor Chandigarh, September 28 He was also conferred with the status of ‘Professor Emeritus’ by the Chief Minister of Kelantan state, Malaysia, during the convocation held on the occasion of the 6th International Conference on Homoeopathy and Complementary Medicine — ICHC 2002, which was held at Malaysia in the second week of September 2002. Dr Chandhok presented a paper on ‘Acceptability of Homoeopathy as Sports Medicine,’ which was adjusted as the best presentation among the 33 papers in the conference. He was also given the ‘Star of Excellence’ award for this presentation. He was the only government doctor from India to attend the conference. Doctors from Pakistan, Ukraine, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia and Malaysia also attended the conference. |
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O’Brien
quizzes teachers Chandigarh, September 28 The session elicited a tremendous response from teachers, excited at the prospect of learning from the BQC man who had perfected the art of organising quizzes. Urging them to put forth their views on the subject, O’Brien improved upon these and gave them tips on preparation to holding successful quizzes. A self-exercise, the workshop for teachers saw O’ Brien speak to them about collecting information, making good questions, how to frame questions keeping in view the event and making good quizmasters themselves. For the purpose of convenience, the teachers were divided into groups, their suggestions and ideas recorded and, later, improved upon. He said that the valuable suggestions given by the teachers would help him make improvements in his style as well. Appreciative of the inputs from teachers, he said that it was a learning experience for him as well. The other programmes on the agenda of O’Brien’s visit are a convocation at St John’s scheduled for tomorrow and a Discovery quiz at the same school on September 30.
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CONSUMER COURTS Chandigarh, September 28 Finding deficiency in its services, the court also directed PUDA to pay Rs 3000 as the cost of litigation to the complainant. The commission comprising Mr Justice K.K Srivastava and members, Ms Devinderjit Dhatt and Maj-Gen S.P Kapoor(retd), directed PUDA to remove the deficiencies and provide pavements at the site as shown in the PUDA site with in six months after getting the copy of the order. The court further added that “ the complainant shall get interest at the rate of 18 per cent per annum on the amount of deposit from the date of deposits till the possession of the allotted plot is offered to her. This interest at the rate of 18 per annum will take care of the escalation in the costs of building material required for construction of the SCO and no separate compensation is to be awarded in this account”. The complainant, Ms Mandeep Kang, had filed a complaint against PUDA, through its Chief Administrator, Sector-17, and the Estate Officer of PUDA in Jalandhar. The complainant said that following an advertisement issued by PUDA, she participated in an action for the sale of freehold commercial sites situated at Crystal Plaza, Chotti Baradari, Jalandhar, on August 28, 2001. She deposited Rs 2, 11, 205, 10 per cent of the sale price , as bid money at the time of auction and Rs 3, 16, 810, 15 per cent of the sale price, bringing the total deposit to 25 per cent of the total price of the SCO. She claimed that PUDA had stated that the area around that site was being developed and would be completed soon. The complainant alleged that she deposited the balance 75 per cent of the sale price with the condition that she would not suffer due to any delay on inconvenience caused by PUDA. She alleged that the area around the allotment was completely undeveloped. Basic amenities, including provision of road, water- supply, electricity-supply, toilets and sewerage, were completely lacking which is why she had not take the possession of the site. She had prayed that directions be issued to PUDA to give the possession of the SCO after providing basic amenities. |
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Judicial custody Chandigarh, September 28 |
FILM REVIEW Ram Gopal Verma has to his credit identification with a wholly new “school of production” with slickness, pace and sharp editing as its hallmarks. The story idea this time, however, has strong imprints of “Mad Max”, a Mel Gibson-starrer Hollywood flick which hit the screens to packed houses a couple of decades ago. Verma has introduced Rajat Mukherjee as director. Antara Mali — Verma’s latest obsession after Urmila Matondkar — is a big crowd puller. She, however, still has to learn acting skills. Manoj Bajpai in the role of a psychopath has done a terrific job. Vivek Oberoi and Antara run away from their hometown Delhi because her father is opposed to their love. On the road to a town in Rajasthan, Oberoi takes Manoj Bajpai along, who had been stranded. Here the real story starts to unfold. Bajpai falls for Antara and dumps Oberoi twice but the latter tracks down the villain. The pace of the plot in Verma’s narratives affects the understanding of the dialogue. The loud music is mixed too much with the actors’ voice that it becomes difficult for the audience to comprehend. Music by Sudesh Shandilya suits the pace. However, the melodies are not lasting. Shandilya, better known for his handling the traditional tunes, has experimented with western rock and jazz. Probably the best part in the presentation is the choice of track for the journey. Shot in the heartland of the desert, “Road”, has shown fresh areas. Short but smartly packaged roles of the supporting actors deserve a special mention. Rajnish Thakur has written the story and the camera work has been handled by Sudip Chatterji. The low-budget film has high standards of quality. |
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WESTERN FILM REVIEW CHANDIGARH: “They are extremely intelligent. Highly evolved. And they do not like sharing the planet”, read the blurbs of “Reign of Fire” (Kiran). How true ! It is unimaginable for rampaging reptiles to coexist in their world of fire and brimstone with a species called human beings. Just as it is difficult for the lesser mortals to tenant a premises which is under constant threat of death and destruction. But what has led to the conflict ? It all begins when a 12-year-old boy, Quinn (Christian Bale), inadvertently awakens a fire-spewing dragon from its century-old slumber. All hell breaks loose. Quinn pays a heavy price for his “misdemeanour” with his mother becoming the first victim of the monster. Innocent intrusion has invited disastrous consequences. Growing up with the ferocity of the beast and its offspring which has engulfed several parts of Europe, Quinn has now become the fire chief of a ramshackle town and has been entrusted with the task of protecting those living in the abandoned castle outside London from the blood-thirsty dragons. He and his understudy, Adrik Vas (Gerard Butler), have only one mission: to fight fire with fire. In the midst of the reptilian mayhem and Quinn’s efforts to ward off its consequences comes the US cavalry headed by hotshot Van Zan ( Matthew McConaughey) who, along with a bunch of daredevils, has devised a way to get rid of the fire-breathing animals. Quinn, however, thinks it may be mission impossible. Little wonder, therefore, that the two will have to first fight it out among themselves before embarking upon a joint crusade to banish the beasts. The only way to enjoy the film is to run with it. The fast and furious pace of the maiden cinematic offering of director Rob Bowman (of “The X-Files” fame) cannot be savoured in any other way. Shorn of bravura, McConaughey’s menace-oozing portrayal of a dragon-buster is a highlight of the movie. A scene in which “Mr Bulging Biceps” takes head-on on the gigantic rogue is a visual delight. The creature feature also gains in no small measure from the restrained performances of Christian Bale and Izabella Scorupco and the pyrotechnics which have now become the staple of all futuristic ventures. |
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Playback
singer from the hills Zirakpur, September 28 For this son of soil, it took more than 12 years to establish his identity in Bollywood. His first music album “Non Stop pahari Natian” was released in 1991 by T-series. At the age of three, Arvinder started learning music at Gurdwara Bhani Sahib in Ludhiana district from his guru, Jagjit Singh. He received training in primary, classical music from Pandit Devki Nandan in Mandi. For higher education in the subject, he became a student of Ustad Harbhajan Singh and Pandit Pam Narayan (Sarangi Vadak). Arvinder, (along with his younger brother Surinder Singh, a tabla player, has performed at various stage shows in different countries. While talking to this correspondent, Arvinder said he was inspired to become a playback singer by the songs and gazals of Ghulam Ali Khan, Mohammad Rafi and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Arvinder has sung for Z-music in four albums — Tip-Tip Tara, Bula Lay, Rest Day and Wala re Wala. He has also composed music and songs for tele-serials like Sanjha Chulha, Rishta, Hindustani and Jai Mata Di. He has also sung songs in Bollywood films — Maan Tujhe Salam, Mela and Dada. Arvinder Singh has recorded 15 albums of his songs so far. Reminiscising a memorable moment in his life, he said. ‘It was a great award for me when Lata ji appreciated me for a song which I had sung at a function”. Himachal ki mitti ki sugandh hamesha mere dil me rehti hai aur mujhe garav hai ke mein Himachali hoon,” he claimed. “Through the latest release “Paani Sharab mei”, I want to spread the message of non-alcoholism” he said. |
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Theatre
regaining popularity: Bajaj Chandigarh, September 28 Professor Bajaj will be here to direct one of his most popular plays “Dimag -e- Hasti Dil Ki Basti Hai Kahan Hai Kahan”, and also to act in “Ghasiram Kotwal”, a play directed by Rajender Nath in which he will be playing the role of Nana Phadnavis. “I had played the role of Ghasiram in 1973 and it will be nice playing Nana this time,” says Professor Bajaj while talking to Chandigarh Tribune. Professor Bajaj is happy to visit Punjab once again. “Punjab is one place which gave me recognition in my earlier days,” says Professor Bajaj. “When I was here I was just 33-year-old struggling to make my mark in this world and now I am 63-year-old, coming back to play and direct.” Professor Bajaj worked as a Reader in the Department of Indian Threater, Panjab University, and also headed the Threatre Department, Punjabi University, Patiala, between 1979-80. Professor Bajaj, after retiring from the National School of Drama as its director last year, has been chairing the prestigious Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan Chair in the Central University, Hyderabad. Professor Bajaj is the third person to head this chair after noted vocalist Dr S. Murulikrishnan and writer Mr U.R. Ananatamurti and the first theatre person from the NSD. Talking about the change in theatre scenario, Professor Bajaj says those were the days when an artiste had no option but to join some amateur groups, unlike now when there are ample scope for him. So after passing out from the NSD, he along with others formed a group called “Dishantar” in 1967 — a group no longer in existence. While the common people tend to feel that TV has been the main cause for theatre’s downfall, Professor Bajaj makes a contradictory statement. “It is because of TV, theatre has been gaining popularity once again,” he says. “After enjoying TV for decades, people are once again ready for live interaction with artistes. Even children are getting interested in theatre which was not there earlier,” he adds. Professor Bajaj, who feels strongly about taking theatre to the common man says “it is the responsibility of panchayats and municipal bodies to stage plays in every nook and corner as an educative measure”, because by involving people in theatre would not only help in personality development but also curb the criminal rate as theatre is a good medium to let out pent-up feelings, he adds. This Darbhanga-born theatre artiste is not only a name to reckon when it comes to stage plays, but also has made his mark in the silverscreen with films like “Mirch Masala” and “Mein Azad Hun”. His performances in “Suno Janmejya”, “Hayavadan”, “Begum ka takiya”, “Ghasiram Kotwal”, “Andha Yug”, “Tughlaq” and “King Lear” were highly acclaimed. Among his directed plays, “Aashad ka Ek Din”, “Surya ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pahli Kiran Tak”, “Andh Yug”, Maxim Gorky’s “Lower Depths” and Leo Tolstoy’s “The Power of Darkness” will remain a source of inspiration for the coming generations. He has also directed about 50 plays for children when he served as a drama teacher at Modern School, New Delhi, in the early half of his career. |
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Play attacks
system ignoring elderly Chandigarh, September 28 After exploring relationships in the context of today’s consumerism and ruthless competition in many layers and shades of conflicts and emotional upheavals through the main characters
Kalidas, Ruchi, Alok, Anurag, Neelima and Kaushalya, the message that comes through the play is loud and clear — the life expectancy has increased over the years but only to widen the void in people’s life after they reach a certain stage. And the social system is totally uncaring about the feeling of worthlessness and meaninglessness, the elder generation experiences in its last few years of their life. The play remains faithful to the simplicity of the original story written by Mahendra Bhalla even while exploring the deepest human emotions. Sets and costumes designed by Robin Das complement the mood of the play. The cast included Jagat Singh Rawat as
Kalidas, Kavita Verma as Ruchi, Teekam Joshi as Alok, Nirmal Kant as Anurag, Dakshina Sharma as Neelima and Baljinder Kaur Sharma as
Kaushalya.
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Musical
evening captures audience Chandigarh, September 28 The programme began with an item by Dr Manorama Tripathi and Dr Sashi Tiwari, a Saraswati vandana based on raag kalyan whose appeal was enhanced by the dhrupad. As the evening progressed, sisters Megha and Subhra Talegaonkar sang a Brij bhajan “Aja more Shyam” captivating the audience. The sisters rendered another piece “Jhum jhum aaye badariya”, a composition by Pt. Keshav Talegaonkar in raag miyan malhar. The second part of the programme featured Pratibha, a classical singer, sang a song “Sham suhani thandi hawayen” in her supple and sensuous voice. She also sang a ghazal of Shakeel Badauni, “Mohabbat ta kiti maine” and a composition of Ibne Insha whose opening line was “Raat khawab sunaye kisko.” Another artiste who performed today was Ajay Saraswat, a renowned and versatile singer, who rendered soul searching melodies like Kateel Shifai’s ‘Pyas vo dil ke’ followed by Asgar Akbarabadi’s kalam “Jakhmon ko dil ke pyar ki sougat” in his soothing and husky voice that captured audience’s attention. The final item ‘Anandanibhuti’ a fusion piece of Western and Indian classical vocal was the most colourful item of the evening. Megha, Subha, Pratibha and Keshab blended their voices in accordance with the fusion music that came out of synthesizer, tabla, pakhawaj and other traditional instruments making the experience a joyous one, something to remember. Manish Prabhakar kept a lively rhythm on tabla.
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“Road” (Jagat) is a novel story idea of adventure on road which comes as a whiff of fresh air in the Bollywood which seems full of ideas pertaining to love, revenge and family affairs.