Cultural bonanza for students
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 2
A cultural test, “Expressions — 2002” was organised yesterday at Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, BRS Nagar, Ludhiana.

The Chief Guest Mr S.K. Sharma, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, was welcomed by Rev. Father Davis, Principal Sister Sobel and students dressed as sportstars of India holding thought-provoking banners to make every one conscious of the social evils prevalent in society. Students welcomed the distinguished guests with a colourful dance display and the Head Boy of the school Varun Garg greeted all with warmth.

The day began by invoking the Lord’s blessings and thanking ‘Him’ for spreading the right knowledge. The dance “Espagnole” - by the tiny tots enthralled all. The humorous comedy ‘Ulta Pulta’ gave a glimpse of how smart and savvy women of today have turned the world topsy turvy. This was followed by the “Calendar of events 2001-2002”, where in the achievements of the year were put forward.

The irresistible and deep fascination that the mystique of the Zodiac has over mankind mesmerised the audience in a fashion show ‘Colours of the Zodiac.’ ‘God’s merciful Love’ brought forward the message that we must open our hearts to the lord and have no more walls, chains and closed doors.

The “Spirit of Gujarat” with the young dandiya dancers urged mankind to spread peace and harmony in the land of the Mahatma. The English play ‘The Dear Departed’ stressed on the fact that the need of the hour is to build and strengthen family bonds for a better tomorrow.

What set the evening apart was the sensitive and touching Punjabi ballet ‘Sassi Punnu’. The performers touched the hearts of the audience by their portrayal of a high level of emotional sensitivity. The dancers in ‘Nrityangana’ bewitched all with their grace and beauty. ‘Rhythm of Punjab’ stole the thunder as the vibrant dancers danced in gay abandon to the beat of the drum. In the end, the school Head Girl Jasmine Arora presented the vote of thanks.

Students regale audience
Our Correspondent

Doraha, December 2
The annual day and prize distribution function of Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Doraha, was held here yesterday. Mr Tej Parkash Singh, Minister for Transport, was the chief guest and Ms Narinder Kaur (Controller of Examinations, Punjab School Education Board) presided over the function. School teacher, Ms Paramjit Kaur Sekhon, welcomed the guests and the audience. After lighting the traditional lamp Ms Narinder Kaur released a CD containing eight “shabads” sung by students of the school in classical and light-classical tunes.

The function began with a “shabad”. English stage play ‘Merchant of Venice’ was performed by the students creditably. Other items included Punjabi play, choreography, dandiya, solo songs and English dance by tiny tots, giddha and bhangra . The Principal of the school, Mr Malvinder Singh Grewal, read the annual report. He highlighted the achievements of the students in academics, sports, inter-school competitions and other co-curricular activities. Ms Narinder while lauding the efforts of the school in academic and co-curricular activities advised the parents to give time and attention to their children.

In his speech Mr Tej Parkash Singh appreciated the efforts of the students and the staff for organising the programme. He congratulated the prize winners and asked them to work towards achieving higher goals in life. He commended the efforts of the management and the Principal for running the institution successfully. The Principal thanked the honourable chief guest, parents and all present. Mr Sukhpal Singh, Director, Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, honoured the chief guest. Among others who were present on the occasion were Mr Sudarshan Kumar — President, MC Doraha, Mr Bant Singh (former Chairman, Budhewal Sugar Mill), Dr Ishwar Singh President — Guru Nanak National College, Doraha.

PAU college convocation
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 2
The 10th convocation of the College of Agriculture, PAU, will be held on December 5. Dr J.S. Katyal, Deputy Director-General (Education), ICAR, will be the chief guest. He will also address the convocation.

Dr K.S. Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, will preside over the function.

Dr M.S. Tiwana, Dean, College of Agriculture, said 441 candidates who had completed graduate programme during from 1999 to 2001 would be awarded degrees. These include 383 students in B.Sc. Agri (Hons) and 58 in B.Ed. Besides 14 gold medals, 50 merit certificates and 29 prizes would also be awarded. Atul Puri, Shilpa Sood and Blossom would be awarded with the Role of Honour for 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively.

Exhibition

LUDHIANA: The Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, will organise a Chrysanthemum exhibition-cum-sale on Tuesday in open air theatre of the university. Dr K.S. Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, will inaugurate the exhibition. According to Dr Ramesh Kumar, Head of the department, said about 3, 000 chrysanthemum plants of a large number of varieties with different flower shapes and colours will be displayed in the exhibition. TNS

COURTS

Jaspal Chugh appointed RO for Bar Council poll
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 2
Activities for the annual elections of District Bar Association started today formally with the appointment of Advocate-Jaspal Singh Chugh as Returning Officer for conducting the free and fair elections, scheduled to be held on December 20.

Mr Chugh was unanimously selected as Returning Officer, in the especially convened general house meeting of the DBA. His name was proposed by advocate Kewal Krishan Amritsari.

Mr Chaman Lal Vashisht was appointed as Assistant Returning Officer. His name was proposed by Mr Sanjeev Malhotra. However, Mr Balwinder Goel proposed the name of advocate Virender Khara for the post of ARO. But majority of advocates present in the meeting voted in favour of Mr Vashisht, by raising hands. Consequently, he was appointed as ARO.

Addressing the lawyer fraternity, Mr Chugh and Mr Vashisht thanked them for reposing faith in them and assured that the elections would be free and fair. Rana Surat Singh, vice-president of the District Bar Association, Ludhiana, will assist the RO and ARO on behalf of executive for conducting elections, announced Mr Harish Rai Dhanda, DBA President.

Contest winners to promote Punjabi culture
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 2
The winners of the Ms World Punjaban Contest spoke of their experiences before the media here this afternoon. Ms Ratti Brar, who was crowned Ms World Punjaban yesterday at the final round of the contest, said she felt exhilarated at winning the title. She said,” I had come from Patiala where I am doing masters in computers.

It was tiring but we learnt many things during the contest”. Asked of her future plans, she said she would like to promote Punjabi culture . She would like to take traditional Punjabi dresses to people so that they could appreciate the beauty of Punjabi clothes.

Asked if she would accept roles in films, she said,” Only Punjabi. I would love to act in Punjabi movies and Punjabi serials. I am very excited as phones from Muktsar have not stopped ringing.”

The first runner-up Bhupinder Jit Sidhu said, “My village Bhura near Sangrur is a very laid-back place.

When the news of my being the first runner-up reached the village, the entire village broke out into bhangra. In fact, I have become a celebrity in my village.”

Her father had never allowed her to participate even in giddha. But after he saw the video of the last year’s contest, he was impressed and allowed her to participate. Not only this, he also brought a large number of relatives from the village. She also wants to promote Punjabi culture.

The second runner-up Har Sangeet Pal from Mandi Dabwali said, ”We loved the Doli Round. It showed the beauty of bride in all its finery. We loved the bonhomie in the contest.” Har Sangeet wants to become an Army officer.