EDUCATION

Massive ABVP rally for education planned
Sanjog Gupta

New Delhi, October 22
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has decided to undertake the stupendous task of ensuring employment for the youth and bringing a revolutionary change in education by announcing a nationwide rally of one lakh students today.

The rally slated to take place on November 26 at the Ram Lila Maidan in New Delhi will witness the presentation of a charter of demands to the Prime Minister supplemented by almost 20 lakh students’ signatures.

The “Parivartan Yatra” will kick off from Bihar and reach Delhi en route passing through Uttar Pradesh. The rally is expected to be the grand finale of the nationwide campaign launched by the ABVP consisting of rallies, seminars and discussions relating to the theme of “educational change and unemployment” in various states. These rallies will also eventuate into the presentation of the demand charter to the respective governors and lieutenant-governors of the state.

The Delhi state unit of ABVP has planned a rally on similar lines on October 31 at Kranti Chowk on the North Campus of Delhi University. The rally, apart from addressing the underlying theme, would also commemorate the student movement led by Jayprakash Narayan, which began from the same place in 1974.

The process of collecting signatures is already under way with almost 1 lakh signatures having been collected of which 6,000 have been from the Capital. DUSU president Nakul Bharadwaj, expected to play a pivotal role in the rally, said: “The ABVP has conceptualised this rally as a means of mobilising the youth of the country and focussing the attention of the government towards youth related issues.”

The demand charter of the ABVP is an extensive 58-point document, which harbours the interests of the youth. The charter calls for an increased Indianisation of education by imbibing Indian philosophy, history, thought and language into the existing curriculum, and the promotion of research in these areas.

It has further demanded that the government continues the financing of higher education as a result ensuring that the fees payable by students do not increase rapidly. The other demands relate to the systemic evaluation and structural transformation of the higher education system. The demands related to employment primarily deal with an increased focus on labour-intensive industry.

Tie-up with Warwick varsity to offer 
foreign degrees
Sanjog Gupta

Gurgaon, October 22
One of the main deterrents that stand as a disconcerting aspect for students planning to attain an international degree/qualification from esteemed universities is the impeding cost factor. A student in the absence of a scholarship needs to relinquish funds to the amount of Rs 10 lakh per year to pursue higher studies abroad. In the face of this enormous pecuniary requirement, the opportunity stands obviously obliterated for many deserving students. But this constricting element is gradually extirpating as certain educational institutions have started offering foreign certifications while studying in India. The Institute of Technology and Management (ITM) is one such institute, which has recently tied up with one of the leading universities in UK – University of Warwick, to offer courses leading up either to a Bachelors (BEngg) or Masters in Engineering (MEngg)

The course being offered is in the field of Electronic and Communications Engineering, which has key subjects such as design, analysis, information engineering and management with supplementary courses in analogue and digital communications, cellular systems, WAP and multimedia technologies. The course entails one year at ITM and the remaining two years (in case of the Bachelors course) or 3 years (for the Masters) at the University of Warwick. The major feature for students is the cost advantage. Pursuing a degree at Warwick would cost a student up to 12,000 pounds per annum (almost Rs 10 lakh) while at ITM, the fees for the first year is Rs 2.5 lakh. Also, the University of Warwick prescribes the teaching standards and keeps a strict vigil. The selection of faculty, development of curriculum, prescription of lectures and practical classes are aspects undertaken by the university authorities themselves. 

JNU nominations filed
Our Correspondent

New Delhi, October 22
The Election Commission of Jawaharlal Nehru University conducted the first phase of the JNU Student Union poll yesterday. The first phase, entailing the initial scrutiny of nominations for central office-bearers, student representatives on the Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH) and school councillors, witnessed an unprecedented level of activity.

A total of 126 nominations were received for the four posts of office-bearers on the union, , “the highest ever in the recent history of JNUSU elections.” Seven nominations were received for the two student representatives on the GSCASH, while the 26 posts of school councillors received 119 nominations. The main feature is expected to be the Left vs Right battle – the Left being represented by the SFI and the Right by the ABVP. Apart from the usual issues of better library, Internet, hostel and other infrastructure facilities, the JNU election campaigns have never restricted themselves to local issues. The issues expected emerge include the Gujarat Pogrom, saffronisation, liberalisation and terrorism and these will undoubtedly dominate public meetings addressed by the candidates. The Students Federation of India is also likely to bring up the issue of the ABVP-sponsored ‘Guru Dakshina’ ceremony. The ceremony, organised by the ‘shakhas’ of the sangh in the Adminstration Bloc, resulted in a violent clash between supporters of the two parties. While the Left will have the advantage of playing this card, the ABVP is likely to reflect upon the non-achievements of the previous union, which consisted of all SFI members. 

COURTS

Morgues in disrepair: HC notice to govt, AIIMS
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 22
The Delhi High Court today issued a directive to the Union Government, the Delhi government and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences to file their reports on the study by forensic expert Dr R K Sharma on the condition of mortuaries in hospitals of the Capital.

A division bench comprising Justice A D Singh and Justice R S Sodhi, said that Dr Sharma’s report should be studied and objections to it should be filed within three days. In case, the report was accepted without objections, then a status report indicating what steps had been taken for its implementation should be submitted by November 11, the next date of hearing.

The report had said that conditions in the mortuaries in the eight hospitals run by the state government were very poor compared to international standards.

It pointed out that these mortuaries required repair, renovation and cleaning. Apart from this, these mortuaries also lacked proper air-conditioning and power back-up, embalming and photographing facilities and equipment like steel mesh gloves and lacked the capacity to deal with mass disasters, the report added.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by Common Cause counsel Meera Bhatia, seeking directions to keep mortuaries in good condition. On February 19, the Delhi government had admitted that the temperatures in some mortuaries of the Delhi government-run hospitals tends to rise up to 15-16 degrees Celsius causing putrefaction of bodies if kept for long.

The PIL had also asked for court directions to ensure the availability of autopsy report within 24 hours, improved working conditions for the doctors and action against the staff who take bribe for discharging the bodies to the relatives of the deceased.

CULTURE

Painting colours of turmoil, kids from Valley 
dare to dream
Smriti Kak
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 22
Even the letters of the English alphabet have not remained untouched by the turbulence in the valley. The ‘A’ that stood for apple now stands for Army, ‘B’ stands for Bullet and ‘C’ for curfew.

Language experts may endorse using elements of common prevalence for teaching youngsters more effectively, but for the terror-stricken children of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army, the bullets and curfews are a reality they wish away.

“We are very happy, we get to go to school, we have friends, but the only problem is that we are constantly worried”, says Mehwish, a 13-year-old from Doda in Jammu and Kashmir, referring to the common man’s ordeal of being squashed between the security forces and the militants.

“If we help the security forces then the militants kill us and when the Army spots a militant in a house they burn down the whole house regardless of who all are inside”, says Mehwish, who is in the Capital to draw the attention of the people to the pitiable state of these children through their paintings.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with the Sadhbhavna Trust has organised a three-day exhibition of paintings done by children from Jammu and Kashmir. These children have brushed the colours of turmoil on paper, creating impressions that speak of their sorrow and also aspirations.

A painting that shows the deplorable condition of the migrant camps has the words, “we want a hygienic life”, scribbled on it. In between pictures of parrots and lotuses, there are pictures of women wailing at the bloodshed and gun wielding terrorists.

Deprivation and lack of essential amenities have also been faithfully captured. “The best part about the recently concluded assembly elections in the state was that during the days when the candidates came seeking votes there were no power cuts”, points out Vikas Hangloo, a resident of the Nagrota Camp in Jammu.

But for Sunita, a class 12 student, absence of adequate infrastructure is a persistent problem. “ We have just one room and three classes are held there simultaneously. Consequently, none of us can register what is being taught. There are no laboratories, there is no library, computers are a distant dream”.

The proceeds from the sale of these paintings that have been put on display at the Capital’s India Habitat Centre will go towards the education project in the state. “We are looking for funds to help these children get quality education. Our aim is to equip the schools run in camps with the essentials like a library and a computer”, explained Ms Indu Kilam, General Secretary of a NGO, Sabzaar, which is working for providing amenities to those living in camps.

“Apart from education we are also trying to help these children get acquainted with the culture of the state. We have roped in theatre personalities to initiate these children into art and culture”, pointed out Prof B. L. Zutshi, President, Sabzaar. The Sadbhavan Trust, meanwhile, has taken on the responsibility of looking after the children who are victims of violence in the valley.

Waiting for their return to what their parents call ‘home’, these children are trying hard to excel even in adversity, for whatever their fears, they still dare to dream.

GLITZ & GLAMOUR
A ‘garden’ with eclectic collections and styles
Smriti Kak

Lehngas are part of the new line by Bhairavi Jaikishan.

Designer Bhairavi Jaikishan, well-known for her cutting edge western and fusion wear, has launched ‘The Enchanted Garden’, her new collection for the festive season. The new line is traditional and the designer has paid attention to detailing and finish. She has tried to make it contemporary with an eclectic style.

The collection was put up during the Bridal Asia, as part of the fashion show. Describing her creation, she says, “the ‘Bhairavi Jaikishan’ woman is brilliant in her charm and yet languidly sensual. These are styles for sophisticated women who know their mind”.

A sensuous collection of saris and lehngas are part of the new line. The styling is rich, replete with contrasting elements and fabrics that give the wearer a modern and romantic look. A variety of interesting drapes and necklines on blouses are teamed with saris and lehngas, highlighted with colourful embroidered motifs.

Fitted, circle and A-line lehngas embellished with 3D sequins, shaded beads and lace technique further add to the charm and feminine grace of this collection.

Embroidery techniques and motifs used are an eclectic mix, ranging from beaded crochet work and shaded roses to floral motifs, golden thread work and scalloped edges for lehnga and sari hems.

‘The Enchanted Garden’ comes to life with bright, happy hues and cool pastels moving on to deeper shades. Strawberry, marigold, mint, fuchsia, beige, leaf greens, geranium reds, orchid pinks and forget-me-not blues. Adding to the festivity and romance are sheer chiffon, georgette and satin silks.

Festive wearables

Here is a store that is trying hard to live upto its name. ‘Ose’, which means dew, is striving to present wearables that are fresh and striking. For the festive season, designers Ameet Sikka, Akiva and Anusuiya Sikka have created a riot with sparkle and bold colours, fine embroidery and a rich use of embellishments.

For Ameet Sikka, the mood is that of ‘casual chic’. The designer calls it, “an inter face of studied formality with just the right hint of free spiritedness that allows your individuality to stand out along with the sparkle”. Ameet has created two distinct collections, fusion and western.

Short kurtas with fine textural treatments go teeming with capris and pants. Elements of embroideries rise above thread and gold to include a very delicate use of leather appliqué. Capris, silks in shades of blue and pink have been adorned with hand embroidery and there are long kurtas with antique gold embroidery.

Part of the collection is georgette with crochet scarves, silks in dual tones and whole range of separates.

Akiva's collection is more contemporary, chic, sleek and straight, corded fabric with textures .The use of patchwork in silk, rural embroidery set in the modern format, brings the two worlds together giving the whole collection global interpretation.

Silk weaves, textured khadi, silk and gold embroidery in silk and raw silk along with prints are all a part of her collection.

For Anusuiya Sikka, festivity comes in a bright colour palettes with her range of design under the label Myra, saying it with primary shades, intricate embroideries and a look of celebration that comes through her short kurtas, sleek pants and long sheer duppatas.

Her collection is largely traditional with embroidery and intricate beadwork. Anusuiya's use of dupion silk in a fusion mould is interesting and lends to the sense of casualness.

The owner of ‘Ose’, Jyoti Gupta, claims to have put on display a horde of Diwali specials. She adds, “Diwali is the most special festival for Indians and I have specially created a merchandise that the young woman can wear to her Diwali card session and special parties as well”.

Indian fabrics

Union Minister Kanshi Ram Rana and Jaya Jaitley at the inauguration of the ‘India Weaves 2002’.

The weavers have firmly put Indian fabrics on the global map. Indian fabrics, their colours, textures and prints have found their way into shopping malls across the world. Back home, the handloom products continue to remain a favourite.

With the aid of the corporate sector, the largely unorganised handloom sector is in for a makeover and buoyancy. Further, the handloom expositions organised by the government are also doing their bit for this sector.

One such expo, ‘India Weaves 2002’, is on at the Dilli Haat in the Capital these days. The expo is showcasing traditional hand-weaves and prints of about 120 handloom corporations, cooperatives and primary societies. The Union Minister of Textiles, Mr Kanshi Ram Rana, inaugurated the expo, being sponsored by the Government of India.

On display will be an exclusive and exquisite collection of hand woven fabrics, saris, shawls, durries, carpets, bed and bath linen. The expo is on till the 31st of this month.

Milan Couture

A close-up look at Italian fashion.

The patrons of fashion have at least one Italian designer in their closets. And the number of people swearing by an Armani or a Valentino is steadily increasing. How many of them though have the original is another story.

Taking the Indian fashion conscious by surprise, the Italians have decided to showcase their creations in the Capital. Delhiites can now have a closer dekko at what the streets of Milan are being swept with.

Friday night was the opening ceremony of a fashion show that had the Italian designers taking a bow for their creations. The occasion is the 50 years of the fashion industry that has crept into the markets and the wardrobes of the ‘who’s who’ in the rest of the world.

The Capital, meanwhile, can feast their eyes on Versace, Armani and Valentino. In all, 28 of Italy's designers will put on display their lines comprising both prêt and couture. What’s more, some of the designers have also gone on record to claim that India has been a source of inspiration. Curiel, a celebrated fashion designer, is said to have admitted that India has been an inspiration and she has been able to draw spiritual peace from the country.

The exhibition is being held at the cultural centre of the Italian Embassy till November 2. Also on display will be the clothes that made news like Versace’s ‘Jungle Dress’ that Jennifer Lopez chose to wear and the Roberto Cavalli piece, worn by Cindy Crawford.

Here’s a chance to see the stuff that fashion moguls make.