Wednesday, December 25, 2002, Chandigarh, India

C H A N D I G A R H   S T O R I E S


 
LIFE & STYLE

GLITZ & GLAMOUR
Get gorgeous on New Year’s Eve
Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service
Your anxious eyes looking for something hot and simmering to don for setting the New Year night on fire will not lose sight of the burning ambition. No, not any more. Here is a classified catalogue of city’s “most wanted” concepts and stuff compiled just to make you look gorgeous for the evening affair.

First of all, make scent your secret weapon. It is expensive, but worth the dough you pull out of your purse. “Arm yourself with the power of perfume by camouflaging yourself under the shield of a scrumptious scent,” suggests make-up artist Priyam. “Just make sure that your perfume is not strong enough to distract revelers around you. Remember, the scent you wear should create a lingering presence”.

Another thing. “You can enhance the fragrance simply by going for bath and body products with a similar redolence,” Priyam adds. “Apply fragrance to warm parts of your body, pulse points, nape of your neck, behind the ears and inside your wrists”.

Also, store perfume in a cool, dry place with constant temperature. “Never ever expose scent to sun’s direct rays, even strong light,” Priyam concludes. “It is best to store it in its packaging”.

Before leaving the cozy comfort of your dressing room on December 31 also make sure your tresses are as shimmering as your gold lame tank top. “Don’t blow dry your hair, just let the cool winter breeze do the work for you,” asserts fashion designer Neha. “The reason is not hard to see. Not-quite-straight, not-quite-curly, texture simply looks great”.

For securing plush strands, use a hair softening styling cream to make the dried ends feel supple. “Rub a dollop between your palms before applying,” she says. “The process will help it melt into your mane”.

If you feel like restraining your tresses from running in all directions, go in for a beaded elastic band, or a furry one. “Even a stone bun pin looks chic,” Neha asserts. “Buy headbands only if you have a baby face everyone admires. Good ponytail holders, including the mirrored ones, are also on display for you under the dazzling lights in chunk jewelry shops. You can also wear hats and caps. It all depends on you”.

Pay attention to make-up also. Paint your lips a deep burgundy for that hard-to-resist look. You can also try wine-coloured lipstick. “Damsels of the world can also apply a gloss to give lips just a dash of colour,” Neha suggests. “In any case, they should skip the lip liner routine and use fingers to spread colour and gloss all over the mouth for that luscious look”.

Always remember to brush on a shade of eye shadow that matches your eyebrows as a brow definer. “Brighten up your eyes with a thick coat of black mascara,” she adds. “You will be able to keep the look natural this way. Otherwise, try blue mascara. It will make your eyes look vibrant. Also moisturise the face with glycerin and rose water. The story doesn’t end here. Drink at least two liters of water a day for staying hydrated”.

For a flawless-looking complexion, you will need an extremely long lasting foundation. Keep the effect dewy by applying a moisturiser first. “Slap on the moisturising cream when the bathroom is steamy and your skin still damp from shower,” she insists.

So far as colours go, pink is all time favourite. “You can always combine white and pink for that soft, yet stunning look,” Delhi-based fashion designer Ayesha whispers over the phone. “Purple too is a rage, but if somehow you do not appreciate the hue, go in for black. It is the easiest colour. You can pair it with anything”. Have a nice time folks, after all the occasion will come after 365 days.

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Party-hoppers guide

All you guys and dolls planning to hop on and off your wildly honking car, madly rushing towards 2003, for enjoying one bash after the other, here is a complete “Party hopper’s guide” just for you.

Plan your route — that’s the first advise. “If your car’s glove compartment is already filled up with invites for open air dance `n’ dine parties, besides bonfires `n’ barbeques, decide where to go, and where not to,” suggests event manager Isha. “Then chalk out the route. The reason: Well, parties normally pick momentum after nine o’ clock. You just cannot proceed in one direction, go to another, twirl around the dance floor, and come back in less than three hours”.

Instead, use your vote. “Keep in mind the venue you wish to boogie before the new year rises from the ashes of the old,” Isha asserts. “Plan accordingly. Start from one direction and reach the party you wish to enjoy at least an hour before the big moment. Search the recycle bin of your memory and vote for crowded parties, instead of sparsely populated ones”.

Remember to carry all the invites and please do not park your car “bang opposite the venue gate”. “Make sure that you are not stranded at a party you hate to attend for long just because someone else has parked his jalopy behind your car,” she adds. “Walking a few hundred meters to avoid parking jams will not do you any harm”.

Also, stick to one drink. “Don’t have scotch at one party and rum at another. Blending drinks will only give you headache, if nothing more,” says ramp model Zoya. “Beer’s safer. Better still, save drinks for the final bash. Till then, act teetotaler”.

If revelers insist do not deliver a sermon as if you are a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, just call yourself a “designated driver”. “Or pour soft drink in a sparkling cut glass, wrap a paper napkin around it and discuss cross border terrorism or government’s policy regarding payment of support price to sugarcane growers. Everyone will believe you are high,” Zoya recommends. “If the trick fails, nurse one drink forever and ever”. Last thing, stay at a party as long as you like. You are there to celebrate, not for obligation. Have a good time, folks.

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TIP TOP
Bash tips that won't get you banished
Party rules for office goers

Just as beads of perspiration are about to appear on your brow from jiving real hard on the dance floor, you see your boss with his wife staring back. You are tempted to ignore, but don't.

Our experts suggest you should say hello to the upper management wherever you meet them. Simply offer a handshake, inquire about the health of real power behind the boss — his wife— and politely excuse yourself.

Another thing, don't switch on to first names at the party if you use Mr or Ms to address your boss at work. And please don't make negative comments about co-workers it makes you look petty.

Drink, but don’t get sozzled up

Savour your drink, don't gulp it — that's the first rule. "Please, do not let anyone instigate you into `bottoms-up,'" says party pro-cum-businessman Vicky Gautam. "Otherwise, do not drink large amount of alcohol on empty stomach".

This is not all. Go easy on brandy, port and red wine if you want to feel fresh the next morning. Another thing. Remember not to mix drinks. After the party, drink plenty of water before going to bed. Next morning, avoid sugary foods, including pastries. Sipping mint or ginger tea also helps.

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Shake, rattle and roll, it's Christmas 

Some people like to rock. Some people like to roll. If you also want to twirl all around the polished dance floor, illuminated by colourful intelligent lights, to the thumping beat of reverberating music, go to any of the discotheques in the city.

Aerizzona in Sector 9 is organising a special bash for Christmas. You can cut foot loose from 1 pm to 6 pm. If you wish to lose your blues late in the evening, you can visit again at 9 pm.

Las Vegas in Sector 34 has also polished its dance floor. Impressive speakers have also been placed, strategically. Two of you can jive right from 1 pm to 6 pm.

Boondocks too is organising a blast, just for you. In case you wish to hold hands and appreciate rockets illuminate the night sky, go to the Trade Fair in Sector 17 at about 7 pm for witnessing fireworks. This and more. So have a nice time and Happy Christmas, folks. 

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Dental body’s plea to govt
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 24
Demanding government intervention in the alleged irregularities at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, the Punjab Private Ayurvedic and Dental Colleges Association has requested the government to transfer back respective colleges to parent universities to safeguard the interests of students.

The association, which passed a resolution to this effect at its meeting held recently, requested the Principal Secretary, Medical Education and Research, Punjab, to intervene in the matter so that the students did not face inconvenience and unnecessary litigation could be avoided.

They said with Baba Farid University of Health Sciences failing to fill the vacant seats and failure in holding counselling for admission to the MBBS, the BDS, the BAMS and the BHMS, this had resulted in loss of six months to students and spelt ruin for the career of some other students.

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War memorial models displayed
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 24
An exhibition of proposals received from students of Chandigarh College of Architecture for the proposed war memorial at Chandigarh was put up in the college premises today. Besides scale models, technical drawings showing the layout and elevations were also put on display.

Out of a total of 12 proposals received, three have been shortlisted. The basic aim of the exhibition is to get an opinion poll and elicit views of knowledgeable persons before finalisation of the plan.

According to students, the project started off after students of the final year were given an assignment to design a war memorial, to be situated in the lush greens of the Bougainvillaea Garden, Sector 3.

Although there were several designs well-appreciated, the constrains of space, maintenance and the requirement to display the names of 6000 martyrs led to three designs — two of them involving circular ramps leading down to the eternal flame emerged as the frontrunners.

Students say it is possible that the characteristics of two or three models may be merged before arriving at a final design. Some of the designs displayed had a rustic and rough-n-tough touch, while one design tried to incorporate the elements of fire, water and the earth.

The major requirements for the memorial are a forecourt for about 70-80 persons, a 4-metre-wide ceremonial path, display of names of about 6000 martyrs and an eternal flame.

Another challenge to the designers was the Governor’s dictum that the structure should have a spirit of humility and the scale be down-to-earth. It should not overpower the impression and spirit of the Secretariat seen in the backdrop, rather it should be a counterpoint to it.

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FROM SCHOOLS
Enthusiasm adds colour to annual function
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 24
Students of the Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 27 put up an impressive show on the occasion of the school’s annual prize distribution function here today. The UT Home Secretary, Mr R.S. Gujral, was the chief guest on the occasion.

The programme started with lighting of the lamp, followed by “Saraswati vandana”, After the welcome song and dance, the Principal of the school, Ms Sudesh Malik, read out the annual report.

A colourful cultural programme, including songs and folk dances, was also presented to mark the occasion. Students of secondary classes presented a patriotic song, followed by the chief guest’s address to the gathering. He also gave prizes to students.

GMHS, Sec 42: The annual prize distribution function of the Government Model High School, Sector 42 was held here today. The D P I (Schools), Mr D.S. Mangat was the chief guest on the occasion.

A lamp-lighting ceremony was followed by a welcome song. Students also staged a Rajasthani dance and presented a group song. Tiny tots of primary section dressed up as animals and birds presented an action song. A ballet and bhangra performance also formed a part of the programme.

Later, the school report was read out by the Principal, Mr Jagdish Kumar, followed by the chief guest giving away prizes. Several teachers were also honoured on the occasion.

Saint Vivekanand Public School: Christmas was celebrated with great fervour at the Saint Vivekanand Public School, Pabhat, with students singing carols. Santa Claus also arrived on the scene and distributed sweets and gifts to the children.

Scouts and Guides camp: A training camp for Scouts and Guides was organised by the UT Education Department at the Government Model High School, Sector 36. A statement issued here today said about 200 scouts and guides from various schools attended the camp.

The training activities included the history of the movement, flags, woodcraft signs, tying various kinds of knots, first aid, pioneering, map reading and direction finding and safety measures.

SAS Nagar
Tiny tots of Maple Field School, Phase 3B2, here celebrated Christmas by organising a dance party in the school with Santa Claus. The function was presided over by the president of the school Mr Tejinder Singh.

While one of the schoolteachers dressed up as Santa Claus, others talked to the students about Christmas and told them stories from the life of Jesus Christ.

PANCHKULA
Sophia International School:
Christmas was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Sophia International School today. The main highlight of the celebration was a fancy dress show , wherein students of Class IV and V participated. A special sermon on the life of Jesus Christ was held for students and later they sang carols. Sweets and gifts were distributed to the children by Santa Claus.

Manav Mangal School, Sector 11: Little angels of Manav Mangal School celebrated Christmas in true spirit by singing carols , dancing and participating in various competitions on the school premises. Juhi and Vishal won the first prize in fancy dress competition, while Anmol won the first prize in run to colours race.

Dikshant International School: A magic show was organised for tiny tots of Dikshant International School as part of Christmas celebrations today. One of the teachers had dressed up as Santa Claus and distributed sweets and gifts to students. This was followed by a Christmas party , where the parents of children had been invited.

Amravati Public School: Students and staff of Amravati Public School celebrated the festival by organising a fete - Splendour 2002. A large number of game stalls and food stalls were organised here. The art works of students, prepared over the past year, were also displayed in an exhibition here.

Jainendra Public School: Christmas was celebrated with great enthusiasm, with Santa Claus distributing sweets and gifts to students. Principal Sudha Babbar extended her fecilitations and greeted students and urged them to follow a righteous path.

Zirakpur
Tiny tots of Guardian Angles Public School, Zirakpur, had a gala time, celebrating Christmas in the school premises here today.

Masked ‘Santas’ (students of the school) chanted ‘‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’’ and ‘‘Jingle bells, jingle bells’’.

The children enjoyed various events like bursting of balloons, tug of war and musical chairs. The students displayed their craft items prepared especially for this festival.

The students received gifts and sweets from Santa Claus.

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CET on May 18
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 24
The Common Entrance Test (CET), to be conducted by Panjab University, Chandigarh, for admission to first year of bachelor of engineering in food technology, bio-technology, chemical engineering, micro-electronics engineering, software engineering, telecommunication and information technology, MBBS, BAMS, BHMS, B. Pharmacy and B.Sc. (honours school) for the academic year 2003 - 04 is scheduled to be held on May 18, 2003, according to a university statement issued here today.

The statement added that entrance tests “other than CET” for admission in LL.B., LL.M., MCA, MMC, M.Sc, including environmental science and human genomics, would be held from June 7 to 10, 2003.

The detailed information on the exact schedule for the entrance tests and sale of prospectus will be advertised later.

Admit cards sent: The UGC-NET Bureau has despatched admit cards to the candidates appearing for the NET Examination to be held on December 29, 2002. Those candidates who have not received their admit cards for the Chandigarh centre can contact Dr R. K. Gupta, Department of Commerce, Room No 413, Department of Correspondence Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, or at telephone numbers 534998 and 534323.

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Mock test for Class X board exams 
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 24
The Chitkara Institute of Competitions (CIC) has been training students exclusively for the IIT-JEE and other engineering entrances tests for many years. Over the years, the institute has produced toppers in all competitive examinations with superior teaching methodology and highly committed faculty in physics, chemistry and mathematics.

This year again, CIC with media association of The Tribune is providing a platform where you can experience the environment of the CBSE Class X board examinations, at least two months before you actually sit in one.

There will be practice examinations for Class X students in mathematics and science on December 29 at Chandigarh, Ambala and Patiala. Question papers of mathematics and science will be prepared by top experts who have years of experience in the field.

The answer sheets will be checked by examiners who have been regular members of the CBSE paper-checking teams. The scores in percentage in mathematics and science with number of students ahead of anybody along with individual marks will be displayed online on www.onlinecic.com and detailed marksheets will be sent by post.

The exercise will help pinpoint strengths and weaknesses of students and in the end enhance their probability of getting higher percentage in board examinations.

Cash awards of: Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 will be given to students who will get the first, second and the third positions, respectively, in the list. The students getting the next seven positions will get Rs 3,000 each.

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Adventure camp for children
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 24
School is not just about studies. Perhaps, keeping this maxim in mind, Durga Dass Foundation is organising a three-day adventure camp in the Shimla hills from December 28.

Part of the foundation’s “winter school programme”, the camp will offer six to 13-year-old a menu of rock climbing, camping, hiking, acquiring navigation skills, undertaking an informal study of Salim Ali’s Orinthology tips on bird study, understanding the language of flowers and trees, putting up impromptu cultural events over bonfires and open-air bar-be-cues.

In the process, the camp will familiarise children with planning and organisational skills, time and crisis management, developing interactive social skills and at the end of it all, establish a better understanding of the unique person that they are.

Additional details can be had from the foundation’s office at Nehru Bhavan in Sector 24 or by calling up at 713274. Students will be allowed to participate on a first-cum-first basis.

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Santa brings joy to slum kids
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 24
In a touching gesture, students of Manav Mangal School in Sector 21 collected their pocket money and bought sweaters, alongwith shirts, for needy students studying in the evening shift of Government Girls High School in Kumhar Colony in Sector 25 today. They were all dressed up as Santa Claus. CITCO also organised a “special distribution programme” for the slumchildren.

Giving details, the Principal of the school, Mr Sanjay Sardana said, ‘’The intention behind the gesture was to spread the message that one should learn to share and care”. The gesture, he added, “was aimed at making these children feel special”.

Similarly, as many as 150 children from Bapu Dham Colony, Colony No 3, Sector 26 and YTTS were distributed soft drinks, chocolates, ice creams and gifts by Santa Claus at the lake. They were also given boat rides. The programme was organised by CITCO six years in a row.

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Fellowship for biotechnologist
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 24
A biotechnologist from the Institute of Microbial Technology in Sector 39 here, Dr Ashwini Kumar Thakur, has been selected for the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship programme at the Max - Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Germany.

The 12-month programme is scheduled to commence from January 7, 2003, and his research will be focussed on cancer.

An alumnus of PU, he had earlier done a 16-month post doctorate fellowship on protien aggregation problems at the University of Tennessee Medical Centre in the USA. In Germany, he will work under Professor Robert Huber, a Nobel laureate.

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Consumer courts without teeth
Manoj Kumar
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 24
You visit the trade fair in Sector 17 and find a company selling what it claims are herbal shampoos — that will not only blacken grey hair, but also help you grow new ones. At another stall, another retailer offers you packets of spices of unknown brand, saying that these have been packed at the company’s farm in Kerala and are twice as effective as the local brands. However, after using these products, you feel cheated.

Without supplying the monthly bill on time, your telecom operator disconnects you without issuing a warning; or an insurance company declines to make payment in time after you meet with an accident. The employee concerned of the company seeks a share in the claims for making an early payment. What can you do in such situations, besides grumbling.

The UT Administration and the Central Government departments might have felt satisfied today after having completed the formality of organising seminars and workshops on the National Consumer Day. However, most consumers, even literate and well-informed ones, still feel confused, cheated and helpless when manufacturers and dealers behave in such manner. They say that the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 has failed to protect the rights of consumers in most cases.

Mr Randhir Verma, a member of the Telecom Subscribers Committee and a consumer rights activist in the city, says that most companies do not do these things — provide consumers with details of the product, ensure safety and set up effective mechanisms for redressing complaints. He says: “As per the directions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, telecom operators are supposed to organise meetings with consumer organisations every month to redress public grievances. However, most operators have failed to follow these guidelines.”

Consumers say that the consumer rights movement, that began in the early 1990s, has almost fizzled out. The government claims that any person can file a complaint in the consumer court to seek compensation if he finds that a manufacturer or a service provider has violated the sales terms and conditions. However, due to various judgments of the High Court and the Supreme Court, it is now impossible for a common man to argue his case effectively in the consumer court.

Dr Vinay Khanna of Inscol says: “In most cases, the consumer would not even think of approaching the court. As part of the consumer rights movement, companies should be forced and educated to provide consumers with money-back guarantees. This will weed out bad elements from the market and strengthen the consumer rights movement.”

Mr Jaspal Singh, a businessman visiting the trade fair, said: “Law cannot protect the rights of consumers. Small as well as large players are devising new ways of beating the Act. The situation is grim, but who bothers in a country where anything goes.”

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Comedy album released
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 24
A comedy album, “Raja Ji Kamaal Hai”, has been released recently by the Catrack music company. The album features a newcomer, Deepark Raja, and his associate Sudesh Lehri. Addressing a press conference at a local hotel in Sector 35, Mr Gaurav Trehan from Catrack said the album was a success in the region.

On the occasion another music album “No Dance Please” by famous Punjabi pop singer Sukhwinder Panchi was also released. The album contains eight earlier hits of Panchhi in the remix form along with two new numbers. All 10 songs are peppy dance beat-oriented and include “Chhalle Mundian”, Lal Doriya”, “Nikki Jehi Gal Pichhe”.

Mr Trehan informed that Catrack Entertainment Limited was presenting a weekly programme “Chamakde Sitare” on Jalandhar Doordarshan and DD Punjabi on every Tuesday.

He said renowned singers were interviewed in the show. The show is directed by known TV and film personality. Gurkirtan and picturised under the supervision of Mr G.D. Maity, an experienced cinematographer from Mumbai.

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