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October 24, 2002, Chandigarh, India |
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French scientists to deliver lectures Chandigarh, October 23 Preparations for French Science Today, a series of documentaries and lectures, jointly organised by the UT Administration and the French Embassy, have already started on the Alliance Francaise campus, Sector 36, from today. Forums are being prepared for encounters between researchers, students and the general public. These encounters are aimed at sharing the specifics of the French research programmes to create awareness about the plethora of relevant topics that touch our daily lives. The lecture in this series will be delivered by eminent speaker Claude Basdevant, who has to his credit a mathematics degree from the Ecole Normale Superieur de Paris. He is a professor of applied arts at the University of Paris-Nord, with his major area of interest lying in the application of mathematics and scientific computing to study meteorological, stratospheric phenomena and geophysical distubances. Mr Basdevant will share his entire study schedule as well as the research project with counterparts in India and will also be available for discussion, if any. The director of aLliance Francaise, Mr Daniel Riou, informed that Mr Basdevant had worked with Indian researchers to study the plumes originating from our subcontinent. He is part of a high-level scientific team which is developing instruments for the Indo-French satellite programme MEGHA_ TROPIQUES. This satellite will study the water cycle and climate energy budget in the tropical zone. Mr Basdevant will deliver the lecture on “what can mathematics bring to meteorology and climate studies.” On this occasion a 25-minute documentary titled “Atmosphere, Atmosphere” will also be screened. |
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Seminar
on geographical information system Chandigarh, October 23 This was stated by Prof Vinod K Gaur, a distinguished academician from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, in his presidential address at the three-day seminar on ‘Geographical Information System: Geo-scientific and Geo-technical Applications’ at Panjab University here today. The seminar is being organised in the university by the Centre of Advanced Study in Geology. Professor Gaur said ‘ in this short period man established himself as a veritable geological agent, unmindful of the natural rhythm of our vigorously convecting planet which causes its metastable state to evolve with time’. Professor Gaur also pointed out that the major issue of our time is rooted in the dilemmatic perspective, of sustainable development resting on the sustained integrity of the earth’s critical ecosystem, and the marshalling of our visionary, intellectual and technological resources to steer the course towards a potentially more benign destination. Padam Shree B.P. Radhakrishna, president of the Geological Society of India,
Bangalore, in his key-note address traced the history of the GSI which was nearly half a century old. Prof K.N. Pathak, the Vice Chancellor, and Prof Ashok Sahni, organising secretary, welcomed the guests. Prof Ramesh K Kakkar, chairman, proposed the vote of thanks. |
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PU YOUTH FESTIVAL Chandigarh, October 23 The students gave intense performances as they acted out roles assigned to them, casting a spell over the audience. Whether it was the harassment women faced on account of demand for dowry or the abuse at the hands of an alcoholic husband, all plays were well staged. Whether it was Gursharan Singh’s ‘Samaj’ or ‘Uru Bhang’ by Bhas, a Sanskrit playwright, the participants did full justice to the characters and the script right through the drama session. The exploitation of a Bihari migrant woman at the hands of her landlord and how she was used and finally left to fend for herself was very touching. While the team from MCM DAV College was declared first, Dev Samaj College for Women, Sector 45 was second. The team from GCG-42 and GHSC-10 were jointly awarded the third prize. In the morning session, teams from all colleges participated in a debate on ‘Disinvestment is a boon for India’, giving arguments, counter arguments and keeping the topic hot. A poetical symposium and quiz was also held. Drawing an enthusiastic response from the students, the rounds in the quiz pertained to general knowledge and current affairs. The results for today’s contests are as follows: Symposium: Khushboo of GCG-11 (1), Jyotika of GGSW-26 and Gitanjali of GCG-11 (2), Punya-GHSC-10 and Megha Dhanuja-MCM DAV-36 (3), Consolation-Sarvdeep Kochar of MCM DAV. Quiz: Yuva Makharia, Tarleen Ahuja, Rajeeka Khullar-MCM DAV (1), Roohi Lakhotra, Nishtha Sharma, Yogja Singh-GCG-11 (2), Baya Aggarwal, Megha Thapar, Meenal Sharma-GHSC-10 (3). Debate: Ruchi Kaushal-MCM DAV (1), Jyotika-GGSW-26 (2), Gauri Bhardwaj-GGSW-26 and Anu Brar-GCG-11
(3). |
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‘Inculcate
scientific temper among masses’ Chandigarh, October 23 The Children Science Congress is a unique field programme for young scientists in the age group of 10 to 17 years. It provides an opportunity to undertake discovery-oriented projects selected in one of the thematic areas. The focal theme for CSC-2002 is food systems towards nutrition for all. In his address, Mr Vivek Atray, Director, Science and Technology, UT Chandigarh, highlighted the need and importance of inculcation of scientific temper among the masses by organising science fairs. While welcoming the chief guest and other guests, Principal, Ravinder Talwar said the importance of such programmes is to encourage development of skills of experimentation, observation and drawing conclusions. In her key note address, Dr Neelam Gulati from the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology gave the guidelines on how to prepare a scientific project and how to participate effectively in the science fair. The innovative ideas and scientific methodology are the basis of a good project, remarked Dr Vikas Kohli, Programme Coordinator, CSC-2002, and general secretary, ICEE. In today’s programme about 70 teachers from different private and government schools of Chandigarh participated. All the participants were given certificates of participation. |
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Computer
centre inaugurated Panchkula, October 23 The Director of the academy, Mr Raminder Jakhu, said this would not only help the academy to type in Urdu, but would also start a course in training people to type in Urdu on computers. He announced that candidates would have to pay Rs 250 per month for one-year course, which will include computer application and desk-top publication. |
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Tiny tots charm
Kharar, October 23 The enthusiastic tiny tots participated in cultural items, including Punjab Di Dharti, Zaffarnama, Rangla Punjab and other patriotic songs. Mr Bir Devinder Singh, local MLA, who was the chief guest on the occasion, appreciated the participants for their performance, informed Ms Ranjit Kaur, school principal. Besides the school students, residents of the nearby villages and parents of the students also attended the function. |
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School sans maths teacher Kharar, October 23 |
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PU results Chandigarh, October 23 |
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DISTRICT COURTS Chandigarh, October 23 Earlier, Sidhu was booked by the UT police under the Excise Act after the recovery of 14 bottles of foreign liquor from his house in Sector 39 and also under the Arms Act after recovery of 250 rounds of .12 bore gun and 225 rounds of Springfield rifle.
Bail plea dismissed
A bail plea moved by one of the suspect in a rape case of the Shimla-based girl was today dismissed by a local court. The bail plea moved by the suspect, Narveer, was dismissed by the UT Additional and Sessions Judge, Mr Balbir Singh. The suspect, Narveer, along with others — Ram Lal, Baldev and Surinder Sharma — in the case had already been remanded in judicial custody in Burail Jail.
Beant Singh assassination trial
The statement of witness, Ranjit Singh, an ASI with the UT police, was recorded in Beant Singh assassination case before the UT District and Sessions Judge, Mr H.S. Bhalla, in a special court room in Model Burail Jail. The witness stated before the judge that on September 1, 1995, a team of official comprising then DSP with the CBI, Mr Surinder Pal, along with the expert, H.K Chadha, had visited the police Station (North) to examine a car used by the suspects. The witness further stated that the a team inspected the car (DBA-9598) and also taken the fingerprints from the various parts of the car. The officials also recovered certain articles , cloth piece and handkerchief, and then they sealed the articles in the presence of other officials.
Lawyers’ strike
Hundreds of members of the District Bar Association(DBA) has decided to abstain from work on October 24 following a call given by the Kharar Bar Association in protest against the amendments in the CPC (Civil Procedure Code), informed the President of the District Bar Association, Mr N.K. Nanda, here today.
Seven granted bail
Seven persons, including the general secretary of the Chandigarh Vikas Manch (CVM), Mr Devinder Singh Babla, arrested by the UT police for agitating against the move of the enforcement staff to confiscate goods lying outside the premises of the shops in Sector 28, were today granted bail by a local court. They were ordered to be released on bail after furnishing bonds of Rs 10,000 each. Mr Babla and six others had been arrested by the police under Sections 147, 148, 332, 353, 392 and 186 of the IPC on October 18. The police had also booked 24 persons as a preventative step as they tried to stop traffic on the road in protest against the municipal corporation action. The municipal corporation had started an anti-encroachment drive in Sector 28 on October 18 and taken action against shopkeepers, including car accessory dealers. Protesting against the drive, a number of traders, along with local politicians, blocked traffic outside the Sector 28 market for more than an hour. When the situation become tense, carporation officials called the police, which booked a total of 31 persons, including local traders and politicians.
Appeal dismissed
An appeal moved by a city resident, Amar Nath, against an order sentencing him to six months rigorous imprisonment for non-payment of dues was today dismissed by the UT Additional District and Sessions Judge. Earlier, the accused was sentenced to six months rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 500.
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Punjab’s phulkari comes alive at Government Museum Chandigarh, October 23 Sourced by the Crafts Museum and the Government Museum, Chandigarh, the show features 55 select pieces of phulkari, displaying representative examples of phulkari from both museums. A largest private collector of phulkari, Mr S.S. Hitkari, has loaned two exquisite phulkaris from his personal collection. On display in the exhibition, which will last till November 22, are bagh, chope, darshandwar, nilak to sainchi, shishedar, thirma and tilpatra. The special phulkari exhibition, which was dotted with live demonstration by eight women artisans from Punjab, was inaugurated by the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Lieut-Gen JFR Jacob (retd), whose speech was full of rich tributes for those who are still preserving the art. Delivering the address in the presence of Charu Smita Gupta from Crafts Museum, Delhi, the Governor said there was a great demand of phulkaris abroad but due to lack of expertise and exploitation of the craftspersons by middlemen, the artisans were not getting a fair deal. “Urgent steps are required to foster this dying art form of Punjab,” he said. Talking about the history of phulkari, General Jacob said that harmony in colour patterns and vibrancy made the phulkari unique. “Its ethos are based upon love, devotion, prestige and the power of transformation of women from maidenhood to marriage,” he said. General Jacob made a reference to Waris Shah’s Heer Ranjha wherein phulkari had been mentioned as an article of presentation to Heer. Elaborating further upon nuances of the art, that originated 200 years ago, General Jacob said the finest type of phulkari was called a bagh (literally meaning garden). Bagh has its surface covered with geometric designs meticulously embroidered in the thread counting technique on the reverse of the fabric. “Even in these expertly made pieces the range of colours used for embroidery is traditionally restricted to one or two, sometimes with an addition of a row of multi-coloured motifs placed to frame the wearer’s face when in use,” informed General Jacob, adding that the variety of phulkari embroidered with depiction of human figures and objects from everyday life came from Eastern Punjab. Today the Governor also unveiled three fibre glass replicas of Mahavira, Gautama Buddha and Devi Bhagwati. The head of Devi Bhagwati was presented to the Governor by the Museum Director Mr V.N. Singh. Interestingly, most phulkari was preserved by Hindus and Sikhs settled in the East Punjab. West Punjab, because of Muslim domination, witnessed contrastingly lesser work in phulkari. Being shown at Government Museum are pieces dating back to mid 20th century, belonging to both East and West Punjab. The forms include orhni, bagh, shishedar, salu, sainchi, chadder darshandwar, nilak, patti bagh and rumal phulkari. The exhibition was earlier organised at the Crafts Museum, Delhi in May this year. Encouraged by the response, the Crafts Museum authorities decided to mount it in the land of phulkari’s origin. As phulkaris are showcased in the museum, women workers would simultaneously give live demonstration of the art form to students. Offering expertise at the Museum today was Mohali-based Dayawanti, who had won a state award in phulkari embroidery. Also workshops and illustrated lectures in the art of phulkari and video films on arts and crafts of India would be shown during the month.
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The
largest collector of phulkari art Chandigarh, October 23 As the sole private collector of the art of phulkari, Mr Hitkari talked to the Tribune about his passion that has blossomed with years. Once he had even sold off his wife’s valuables to collect a phulkari masterpiece made in West Punjab. Referring to the biodegradable nature of textile materials used in the art form, Mr Hitkari said that documenting this 200-year-old craft had always been a big problem “I followed the craft to the place of its origin, often communicating and dealing with the makers of this beautiful art in rural areas of Punjab. I bought age-old specimens of bagh and phulkari preserved in Punjabi homes, giving women money and utility items in return. Then I restored them to their original beauty and also photographed them to develop specimens for those few who still practice the art,” he said. Originally, the phulkari designs were predominantly geometrical but the phulkari now being produced for sale is often a lotus in the centre and stylized animals, birds, worked in harmoniously with flowers. Stitching is usually done with silk thread, though occasionally cotton threads are also used. Mr Hitkari, however, has a rich collection of phulkari, adorned with motifs of horses, human figures and even the sun. These are nowhere to be seen now. For years, he has been supplying a specimen of phulkari from his collection to about 1000 women working towards preservation of the art form in North India. He has authored two books on the emergence of the craft, its nuances and the favourite motifs for embroidery. The first book, titled ‘Phulkari: The Folk Art of Punjab’, was published in 1980. The second in Punjabi, published recently, carries pictorial depiction of 234 rare phulkari designs. Said Mr. Hitkari, “These designs are unique as they don’t exist anymore. The idea of publishing them is to help rural women with designs and encourage them to produce better pieces of needlecraft.” Adding that phulkari was hardly an individual’s manifestation of skills, Mr. Hitkari said “it was a fine example of collective craftsmanship; more a statement of cultural binding than a marvel in needlecraft.” Currently on the board of many organizations including the All-India Fine Arts Society, Mr. Hitkari is still documenting the art for posterity. He, however, holds one grudge, “For some reason, phukari has not been patronized in the land of its belonging as other folk arts have been patronized in theirs’. Chikankari and kantha have many saviours. Phulkari has none.” It is yet to be seen if the beautiful motifs depicting the vibrant Punjabi spirit in orange, red, green, and golden are preserved at levels other than private. |
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When colours bind Chandigarh, October 23 From one canvas to another, her splashes reflect a gradual journey towards self discovery. As the artist herself says, “My paintings are my mind’s diary. The colours , themes and their treatment reflect the state of mind at any given time. These are therapeutic. By expressing my sorrow, happiness and disappointment, they serve as the ideal catharsis. “ Quite truly so. A quiet, charming housewife, who spends her leisure hours weaving the web of womanhood would naturally produce quality. Through her works, Aradhana initiates a true search for herself in the spirit and the ambience of a household setting and sometimes also a societal one. In one frame, she is a proud mother, in another she is a longing lover, in yet another she is a soothing companion. Every mood, emotion and moment that has been trapped in the walls of IndusInd Art Gallery to lend meaning to the exhibition, has its own function and place. Neither cynical nor detached from the real world, Aradhana’s works are a statement of her own reality, her own dreams and her own sorrows. The show can be viewed between 10 am 6 pm. |
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