Friday, December 20, 2002, Chandigarh, India


N C R   S T O R I E S


 
EDUCATION

Special Focus on Rohtak

Hidden Treasure
A scientist out to make a difference to the field of knowledge 
Our Correspondent

Rohtak, December 19
The self-study report of Maharshi Dayanand University submitted to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) makes startling revelation of the hidden treasure in this university. One of the gems of this treasure is Prof Sarva Jit Singh of the Department of Mathematics. With a brilliant academic record, Dr Singh has worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in USA and Wellington Institute of Science in Israel.

In addition, Dr Singh has given a series of lectures at the universities of Cambridge, Liverpool and Leeds in United Kingdom and a number of universities and institutions in Japan, including that of University of Tokyo and University of Hendai. Dr Singh is a fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, the Indian Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences. Presently, he is working as Emeritus Scientist (SCIR) at the Department of Mathematics, Maharshi Dayanand University.

Prof Sarva Jit Singh has made outstanding scientific contributions by modelling earthquake sources, computing static and quasi-static fields of earthquake sources, showing theoretically that earthquakes are insufficient to maintain the Chandler wobble, calculating amplitudes of the earth's normal modes, modelling the cosmic and post-seismic crust formation associated with earthquake faulting.

Prof Singh in-collaboration with Prof Ben-Henahem of the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel), launched a project in the mid-seventies to collect, consolidate and compile the work done in the recent past by seismologists all over the world. The outcome of this research project was the ‘Treatise Science Waves and Sources (Springer Verlag 1981). The uniform representation of earthquake sources and fields, which is the backbone of this ‘Treatise,’ had been developed mostly by the authors themselves. According to a review, "The book would lie on the shelf next to Morse and Feshbach's ‘Methods of Theoretical Physics’ and Abramowitz and Stegun's ‘Handbook of Mathematical Functions,’ it forms, in effect, a seismological extensions of the former". According to Applied Mechanics review, “The 1,108 page book is perhaps the best compilation of theoretical seismology to date".

According to Zentralblatt Fur Mathematik, "The reviewer is of the opinion that `seismic waves and sources' is an impressive and major contribution to the literature on theoretical seismology". He is also an author of the book "Deformation of Elastic Solids" with Prof Ajit K Mal of CLA (Prentice-Hall 1991).
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Camp held to understand students’ psyche
Our Correspondent

Rohtak, December 19
A camp was organised by the ‘Psy-circle’, a students’ organisation of the Department of Psychology, Maharshi Dayanand University, for psychological assessment of students at SRS Public School here today. The camp was inaugurated by Mr B.B.Sharma, director of the school. Dr Nav Rattan Sharma, head of the Department of Psychology, Maharshi Dayanand University, said the camp was intended to reach out to the community and to enhance university-community interaction.

The camp was organised for the students of secondary and senior secondary classes. Given the myriad of courses being offered to the students, he felt that the students of this age group needed career guidance so that they are able to make the right career moves.

He said a battery of psychological tests comprising intelligence test, personality test and interests were selected. Besides, he said, cognitive abilities and various problem-solving abilities of the students were also assessed. Dr Sharma also informed that girl students were found to be underweight to the tune of around 50 per cent. It was also noticed that choice of their vocational courses did not match with their inherent interests, he added.

Stress management workshop

Participants at a workshop on “Stress Management” at the Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) emphasised the point that positive thoughts and emotions can help in overcoming stress.

Discussing the issue, they agreed that the cultural ethos of India, incorporating the spiritual elements in their daily life could help in combating stress.

While conducting the workshop at the Psychology Department of Maharshi Dayanand University, Prof Akbar Hussain of Psychology Department of Aligarh Muslim University discussed the nature, types, causes, levels and symptoms of stress. He also explained various stress-related disorders and suggested certain meditative exercises for stress management.

Scientists visit Hisar

A team of scientists, comprising Dr V K Paliwal, Dr P S Yadav and Dr M A Akbar from the Department of Animal Nutrition, CCS Haryana Agriculture University, visited Hisar to treat animals affected by different diseases. In their interaction with the farmers of the area, they found that there was widespread problem of Anestrus.

They also detected problems of infertility and irregular heat in buffaloes. The team collected samples from the affected animals for diagnosis of these problems. The investigation was assisted by Dr Rajender Singh of Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Dr Rajesh Barak, a veterinary surgeon. The farmers were advised to provide balanced feeding and supplementation of mineral mixture and common salt.

MDU events calendar

The Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University, Maj-Gen Bhim Singh Suhag (retd), would release the calendar of events on December 20. Apart from academic activities, it would also include camps and adventurous activities to be organised by students and Youth Welfare Department in the coming year. 
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Student’s appeal turned down
Our Correspondent

Rohtak, December 19
The Additional District Judge, Mr Shiva Sharma, has on Wednesday dismissed with costs the appeal filed by Mr Manjeet against the orders of Ms Kanchan Nariala, Additional Civil Judge (Sr Division). Appellant Manjeet had applied for admission to B.Ed regular course for the session 2002-03 and appeared for the entrance test conducted by the Maharshi Dayanand University.

According to the appellant, the question booklet supplied to him contained only 60 questions. Later, however, he found that the total number of questions in that booklet was 100.

He said that he made an oral complaint to the centre superintendent, but with no effect. He said that he could not be allowed to suffer on account of the fault of the university. The appellant had sought declaration to the effect that the act of the university, of refusing admission to him in the B.Ed course, was null and void.

The university opposed the suit on law and facts that in view of the instructions in the title page of the booklet supplied to the candidate, it was his duty to check the booklet and the discrepancy should have been brought to the notice of the centre superintendent.

Dismissing the appeal, the Additional District Judge said that the written statement in this case was filed by the university on July 26 and thereafter, the case was adjourned for filing of replication and framing of issues on August 2, 8, 12, 14 and then on August 20. The replication was not filed by the appellant and therefore, the appellant would be deemed to have accepted as correct the plea set up by the university.

The instructions on the booklet, reproduced in the reply of the university, shows that the candidates were required to check the text booklet and discrepancy and was required to be brought to the notice of the centre superintendent immediately. It was also mentioned in the instructions that complaint in this regard will not be entertained after the test.

In view of this, it is firmly found that the appellant had not checked the text booklet at the relevant time and had he done so, he would have discovered the discrepancy.

Had the matter been brought to the notice of the centre superintendent, the appellant would have been issued another text booklet. It is not the case of the appellant that the centre superintendent was indisposed against him and had any enmity with him.

“Though the university was also at fault for not publishing the text booklet correctly, yet on this count alone, the appellant could not be entitled to an admission in B.Ed course”, the order said.
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CULTURE

ARTSCAPE
Exploring the journey of ‘self’
Garima Pant

Paintings on display at ‘...To the Light’ group exhibition

Paintings on display at ‘...To the Light’ group exhibition
Paintings on display at ‘...To the Light’ group exhibition curated by Punam Kalra.

Nature envelops us. Yet, how many times have we stopped in our tracks to experience it - the glory, the unexplained and the constant evolution? Some questions that can not be asked and some answers that cannot be given. The mysticism, divinity and constant evolution is all-encompassing.

‘… To the Light’, is an exhibition, curated by Punam Kalra of ‘I’m’, the Centre for Applied Arts. It showcases the work of five renowned artists – A. S. Chitrak, Satya Sewak Mukherjee, Niren Sengupta, Jiten Hazarika and Rajesh K. Baderia, who enrapture the audience with their sensitive strokes and endeavour to bare their souls for all to see.

Since its inception in 1994, I’m has always stood for ‘self’ and a highly individualistic expression whether in art or in design. In its effort to diminish the deeply etched boundaries between art and design, I’m has very strongly promoted the concept of ‘Art for Everyday Use’. The coexistence allows a larger access to art in its functionality.

The present exhibition explores the journey of the self and transcends the material, moving on to the spiritual. “We have always made art the most relevant platform at I’m through everything. This exhibition is just a part of many events and we will do in future.”

For Niren Sengupta, former principal of the Delhi College of Arts, art is an expression of inner language. His communion with happenings around him evolves and reflects in his works. He finds lasting beauty in the serenity of the total surrender of monks of Ramakrishna Mission, to the mission. A mission that signifies sacrifices and service to mankind. His works are aesthetic expressions of his inner reflections infused with serenity, sacrifice, service and beauty. He has several solo and prestigious group exhibitions to his credit.

Jiten Hazarika has been practising art for several decades now. Enamoured by the flexibility of the oil medium, Jiten works with inter-locking figures and space, making smaller spatial frames within the chosen format. He follows no fixed mode of perception for he is primarily concerned with formal rhythms, vibrant colour harmonies and various spatial configurations that result from a creative imagination. For Hazarika, the subject is rather incidental as he believes in “art for arts sake”. He has various solo and prestigious group exhibitions to his credit.

The paintings of Rajesh K. Baderia are predominant with spiritual-blue or mystic-blue and the colours with radiating lights and divine light, are an expression of the sublime spirituality or mysticism, done in a mystic state of mind with the divine inspiration of the supreme. The cosmos, eternity of universe, mystique of nature, tranquillity of temples, serenity of river Narmada, Hindu philosophy, mythology, occult sciences etc. have deep influences in the psyche of this deeply sensitive artist.

A.S. Chitrak has been known for his paintings based on Hindu mythology and philosophy, which have been executed by him after an extensive research of the scriptures. The study and research of the structures would lead to emergence of a picture in his mind and he would immediately start a work on it. He has managed to paint so beautifully and meaningfully due to his deep knowledge and a burning intensity to do so. His paintings also contain the ‘slokas’, which are appropriate to the subject. He has several solo and prestigious group exhibitions to his credit.

Satya Sewak Mukherjee has been practising art for a very long time after he left teaching art in Calcutta. His works speak of his unmatched skill and command over the medium and knowledge of the subject. His works evoke a feeling beyond the visual aspects of the works! He has held several solo and prestigious group exhibitions.

Tradition in transition

Celebrated piano virtuoso Clara Ponty performing at the Hyatt Regency
Soulful renditions: Celebrated piano virtuoso Clara Ponty performing at the Hyatt Regency in the Capital on Wednesday.

A sweeping look at the magnificence of Indian culture through its varied dance forms, ‘Indian Classical Dance: Tradition in Transition’ is a tour de force through the forms, characteristics, challenges and changes occurring in traditional dance. At one level, it is a compendium of classical dance, an exploration of its moods and majesty, an ode to its sublime aesthetics. At another level, it is a stunning visual and scholarly portrayal of a pluralistic society teeming with cultural vitality. It is also a graphic appreciation of the human body, captured by the camera in moments of sheer grace, structured movements, cultivated expression and divine harmony.

This book explains the glory and the monumental history of all the known classical dances, like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi. This book is an exposition of these seven major dance forms - their history, growth, decay and renewal right from the ‘Devdasi’, temple floor and kingly court to the modern stage. The future of the dance, their struggle for preservation, their need to keep in step with the rhythm of today’s world are themes the book. The author, one of India’s most celebrated dance critics, Leela Venkataraman, explores and tried to resolve these tangles.

Brilliant photographs captured by the lens of Avinash Pasricha, undoubtedly the master of Indian dance photography, make the book as vibrant as the dances it presents. In its range, definitive appraisal and visual power, ‘Indian Classical Dance: Tradition in Transition’ is the best there is in its genre.

Leela Venkataraman’s career as a writer on dance began as the dance critic for the ‘National Herald’ in 1980. Later, she worked for the ‘Patriot’. Subsequently she was selected as the dance critic for ‘The Hindu’, when the paper began its Delhi edition 15 years ago, she has been with the paper ever since. Her ‘Friday Review’ column earns the reputation for being the most incisive commentary on the dance scene in the Capital.

She has participated in seminars and dance events in India and abroad, like the International Seminar on Bharatanatyam in the Diaspora in Chicago, the North American International Dance Seminar in Houston in 2001, the Biennial de la Danse at Lyons in 2000 and the Rukmini Devi festival in Malaysia. Leela Venkataraman has written extensively for journals in India and abroad. She also works in the Delhi Bureau of SRUTI, a monthly journal published from Chennai. She was also a member of the Board of Management of the Kalakshetra Foundation. Among her publications are ‘Bharatanatyam - Step by Step’ and ‘A Dancing Phenomenon - Birju Maharaj’.

Shutterbug Avinash Pasricha, whose photographs add the real charm, comes from a family of photographers. Literally, he grew up in a studio and became a photo-editor of SPAN magazine in New Delhi from 1960 to 1997.

His photographs have been published in ‘Life’ and ‘National Geographic’ as well as in several books on India. He has specialised in photography of the performing arts since 1960. He has co-authored books on ‘Indian Dance: on Odissi, Kathak, and Kuchipudi’ with Dr Sunil Kothari, ‘Rhythm in Joy’ with dancer and writer Leela Samson. He has also written on Pandit Kumar Gandharva with critic Raghava Menon, picture books on Pandit Birju Maharaj, Kumar Gandharva and Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra with Roli Books. Over the last 45 years, he has covered a wide range of subjects, even making audio-visuals on Indian dance forms and on eminent musician like, Ghulam Ali Khan, Begum Akhtar and Kumar Gandharva. He now works as a freelancer.
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MUSIC ZONE
New music albums from T-Series

A new Punjabi album, ‘Do Gallaan’, by Balkar Sidhu from T-Series, has hit the market Kash Aap Hamare Hote with foot tapping music. One of the songs ‘Saheliyaan’ has different variations of music and is likely to be a hit with music buffs. Another song ‘Chandrama’ is an energetic and romantic number.

T-Series has also released the music album of the movie ‘Kash Aap Hamare Hote’. The music has been composed by Aadesh Srivastava and the lyrics given by Sameer.

The title song is rendered by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik and has rich rhythm. ‘Hay Rabba’ by Manmohan Singh, adds charm.
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Jazzy B to be at Surajkund on Dec 22
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, December 19
The organisers of the first Surajkund Tradefest at Surajkund tourist complex here have released the details of the cultural programmes to be held during the mela. Well-known Punjabi pop singer Jazzy B will present his songs on December 22. Indi-popper Shibani Kashyap, Vipin Aneja and Shail will enthral the audience on December 24. The next day Haryanvi folk artist Mahavir Guddu will be there. A fashion show will be held on December 27 while Hasya Kavi Sammelan will be held on December 26. “Mote Ram ka Satyagraha”, a play, will be staged on December 28.

According to the organisers, the visitors will have to buy tickets for some of the shows, including the one by Jazzy B (Rs 300 per person). A ticket of Rs 200 will have to be bought for the programme on December 24 and Rs 200 will be charged for the fashion show.
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