EDUCATION

HAMARA SCHOOL
CHD BAPTIST SCHOOL SECTOR 45-D
Bridging the gap between the haves and have nots
Parbina Rashid

Chandigarh Baptist School is one of the rare institutions that defies the boundaries imposed by people upon themselves. This is a school where children from rich class mingle with poorest of the poor at equal footing. A look at the humble neat building in Sector 45 D, the greenery all around, the preaching of Lord Jesus and other great personalities on the walls and it is easier to understand the aim of the school which is- to develop the inherent ability of each child to best advantage both for himself and for society. The school accepts each child as an individual and respect his person.

Established by North West India Baptist Association, a Chandigarh based charitable non profit society in 1986 has come a long way from its Pre Nursery status to class X with affiliation with CBSE. The school provides all the facilities required for imparting formal education in a smooth manner - bright airy rooms, playground, all equipped labs and computer section and a library with 4000 books covering every field. Though the main emphasis is on developing skills in the area of language and communication, developing hobbies and an interest for sports and other co-curricular activities occupy an important place in the school agenda.

But what makes the school unparallel is the importance it gives on imbibing moral values and true ideals of life. One of the teachings includes bridging the gap between the 'haves and have nots' which is being implemented by the school practically by sponsoring 200 poor and needy children from the neighbouring colonies. The school also has tied up with two American Schools and developed the "Pen Pal" scheme through which students of the two countries exchange ideas and also education materials.

Chandigarh Baptist School is following an exemplary system of teaching too. The preparatory classes are grouped in separate families and beside class room activities, a varied programme for the children with a view to develop the spirit of inquiry through playing aids, frequent visits to Zoo, gardens and other places of interest are being organised to imbibe a love for outdoors among the students. The school makes continuos assessment of each child based on 'one on one' interactive sessions and also during intimate situations by the class teacher for each step of educational development.

“Education system needs to be job oriented”

Ms S N Masih is a lady with an aura around her which speaks of her subtle strength and dedication towards her work. With her experience as a teacher and as an administrator, Ms. Masih has turned the school environment into a source for moral values and inspiration. It is her zeal lift the barrier between the poor and the rich, which has made the school accessible to all stratas of the society. She believes in imparting value based education, for education is not just equipping oneself for earning the bread for family but to learn to be a complete human being too.

8 On the future plan of the school — The school plans to upgrade itself upto Plus two level in all the three streams - science, arts and commerce. The society also plans to establish a college in the near future. PR

My school

Chandigarh Baptist School is committed to promote academic excellence along with personal, social and physical development of each students. As a result our students have positive self image, communicate effectively, think critically and appreciate diversity in an environment that promote a sense of belonging.

Our school is committed to develop life long learners, who value themselves, contribute to their community and succeed in a changing world. It is one of the best schools in Chandigarh and has ideal setting in the heart of the city. We have plush green lawns and multi colored flower beds. These provide attractive and congenial atmosphere for study and learning.

As the school motto says "Walk as children of light", our school believes in making a student a complete human being. Students are taught leadership skills such as planning, delegating and decision making.

— Sugandhika, class IX A

Poems by students

My Shadow

CAMPUS NOTES
Transfer of posts to reduce recruitment
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service

To tide over the current problem of recruiting staff in the newly opened Panjab University Institute of Engineering and Technology, the university has resorted to transfer of vacant posts from other departments because there are no chances of allowing fresh recruitment either to the institute or to these departments from the University Grants Commission or the funding governments.

Transfer of 31 posts from different departments has helped the university to ‘solve’ the problem of teachers for the beginning of any institution, however, the move came in for criticism from various university teachers. The university, on its part, defended its decision in interest of the new institute going by the fact that there were very little chances of the vacant posts being filled in the departments concerned in the near future.

It was assured that the arrangement was being made on a temporary basis and whenever there was dire need or possibility of recruiting faculty in any of the departments, the arrangement could be reversed. Prof P.P.Arya and Dr Keshav Malhotra, both Fellows of the university Senate, criticised the university move saying that chances of reversal of the university order to transfer posts was very little once it was implemented and new recruitments made. The university justified its move to transfer posts saying it was better to use some existing facility, if possible, for another existing alternative than to let it lie vacant. The university authorities, despite opposition, said it was a temporary move.

The university had transferred 15 lecturers; 10 readers; and six professors. The departments, which have lost their teaching posts in the transfer procedure, include chemistry, physics, mathematics, economics, hindi, punjabi lexicography, sociology and statistics, besides others.

Transfer of posts was seen as yet another danger signal towards the depleting faculty strength. The teacher taught ratio was being affected going by the UGC standards. The class strength was increasing. With the Ministry for Human Resource Development rejecting the university proposal of enhancing the retirement age up to 62 years, the university would be witnessing a greater “emptiness” in academics. The routine academic exercises apart, quality research guidance would be losing great assets and any other alternatives were not in sight.

Professor Arya said that the engineering institute had a great relevance in current times, however, an institute started independently should have been independently managed. Self-financing courses were largely expected to also be ‘self managed’ also.

IAS Coaching Centre: During these changed times with students facing a rigorous competition while getting jobs and tougher entrance examination in all walks of life, Panjab University is seriously working to provide quality coaching for various examinations. Among these are the highly sought-after Indian Administrative Services which are always a top dream for any youngster, particularly those fresh.

The IAS Coaching Centre on the campus has received commendation for its work from the committee constituted by the University Grants Commission for the Tenth Plan. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the purpose of “providing coaching facilities to candidates belonging to weaker sections” has sanctioned Rs 4,12,500.

Admission to the IAS coaching center will be open to candidates of all categories but candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will get coaching, free of cost.

Library repair: That books always hold a special place in life of a student but the deteriorating condition of existing libraries in matters pertaining to maintenance of old stock and purchase of new books, causes concern.

In a noble gesture, Lala Lajpat Rai, a Member of Parliament and a Fellow of the university Senate, has allocated Rs 4,43,700 for repair of the Extension Library at the Ludhiana centre of university. The university will also spend a portion of the expenditure on repair of the attached auditorium.

The donation has been made out of the MP Local Area Development Fund. A Fellow pointed out that besides repairs, the university library was also in need of more books and good journals from different streams.

In a separate decision the university has decided to open a separate account with the State Bank of India known as the ‘library development fund’ for the amount charged from students towards library development fees. “Expenditure from this fund will be incurred towards journals, new books and, infrastructure for modernisation of library ”, a university note says.

Indian Science Congress: With an aim to provide impetus to a recent spurt in hosting conferences of national standings, Panjab University is hosting the prestigious Indian Science Congress in 2004. The university has been already communicated a decision to this regard.

The university had last hosted the congress in 1976. Now after a gap of 26 years, the event is scheduled for January 2004. The university also hosted the congress in 1966. The congress is the most prestigious ensemble of scientists from the country and even foreign countries representing different streams of the science group and presenting the latest research work in various science subjects.

Experts discuss magnetic materials
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 29
Thesis presentations marked the fourth day of the ongoing seminar on ‘Solid state physics’ being organised by the Department of Atomic Energy at the Panjab University here. Twelve presentations were made by scholars who had submitted their work for award of a Ph.D degree during the past year.

The works will be judged by an expert committee and result for best thesis award will be announced tomorrow. Majority of the thesis presented were experimental research works.

Three eminent scientists were also invited to give a talk on various topics of current scientific interest. Prof A K Sood from the Indian Institute of Science (IIS), Bangalore, talked about charge-ordering in magnetic materials and presented the results of recent experiments undertaken on the Raman scattering.

In his presentation on ‘A new theory for some magnetic materials, Profr H R Krishnamurthy from IIS showed that his theoretical results captured a surprisingly large number of experimentally observed features.

Dr G P Das from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, talked about spintronics, which is the latest revolution in semiconductors. He said that the ability to exploit the electron’s spin gave a new dimension to micro-electronic devices. 

Personality development camp 
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 29
A six-day personality development camp organised by the Bharat-Tibet Sahayog Manch for the children of the Himalayan belt, concluded with a spectacular show at DAV Public School in Sector 15, here today.

About 115 children, between the age group of 10 and 16, from Tibet, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kinnaur, Lahul and Spiti, Siliguri and Leh demonstrated a host of games and martial arts. Girls in separate groups showed the defensive moves of Karate and other forms of the martial art.

“This camp was organised with an aim to bring children from the isolated Himalayan region to the mainstream and unite them,” said Dr Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, all-India convener of the manch. “Through this camp we also wanted to spread the message that the problem of Tibet is not an isolated but closely linked with the socio- political scenario of our nation,” he added.

During the camp, besides inculcating a sense of patriotism through fun-filled games and cultural programmes, discussions on political scenario of Tibet, Buddhism and Indian culture were also held. Resource persons for the camp included five exiled Tibetan parliamentary members, besides lecturers and professors from Panjab University. This is the fourth such camp organised by the manch for the cause of Indo-Tibetan relationship.

At the concluding function, Maj-Gen Himmat Singh Gill (retd), chairperson of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, was the chief guest. The function was presided over by Mr P.C. Dogra, former DGP, Punjab. The chief patron, Mr Indresh Kumar, and the chief coordinator of the camp, Mr Dawa Siring, were also present on the occasion.

Seminar on securitisation Act
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 29
The Chandigarh-Panchkula chapter of the Institute of Costs and Works Accountants of India organised a seminar on ‘Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets Act- 2002’ here today.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr Balwinder Singh, secretary of the local chapter, said that the latest Act may lead to reduction in NPAs of the banks, that had surpassed Rs 1,10,000 crore. The release of the blocked funds would help the revival of the industrial sector, which was passing through recession.

In his keynote address, Mr J.S. Ahluwalia, advocate, Punjab and Haryana High Court, said,‘‘ Under the provisions of the Act, the banks can reschedule payments of debt or continue to carry on the existing legal proceedings against the defaulters. The banks are also empowered to take over the management of defaulting companies or demand payments from the guarantors.’’

In his presentation, Mr M.K. Mittal, Chief Accounts Officer, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), pointed out that any aggrieved party against the wrongful implementation of the Act by bank, could approach the Debt Recovery Tribunal or even Appellate Tribunal. Among others, Mr S.S. Mann, former chairman of the local chapter, Mr C L Bansal and Mr Pavan Aggarwal, vice-chairman and joint secretary of the local chapter, respectively also participated in the discussions. 

Naveen to represent city at Republic Day parade
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 29
An NSS volunteer from the Government College for Boys, Sector 11, Naveen Sangwan, has been selected to represent the city at the NSS Republic Day contingent in New Delhi, while Vivek Kumar, also from the same college, who represented the city last year, has been selected to represent the city at the National Youth Festival scheduled to be held in Kerela next month.

This was disclosed during the conclusion of a 10-day NSS camp organised by the college unit here today. A cultural programme and a prize distribution function marked the occasion. Several activities were undertaken during the camp, which included a door-to-door campaign in Sector 15 to spread awareness about cleanliness and proper garbage disposal. Volunteers undertook an adult literacy as well as child and female education programmes at Khuda Lahora, besides motivating the youth for blood donation. Four different projects were undertaken in the college for cleanliness, road construction and vermiculture.

NSS volunteers from the Government College of Girls, Sector 11, visited Khuda Jassu to spread awareness about child care and infant mortality among the villagers. NSS volunteers of Government College, Sector 46, organised a rally on AIDS awareness at Ram Darbar in which about 200 volunteers took part. A poster making and slogan-raising competition on AIDS awareness was also held, in which Puneet Verma, Vineet and Archana were declared as the first three winners.

CULTURE

M.S. Randhawa Sabhyacharak Mela
Tribune News Service

SAS Nagar, December 29
The Punjabi Cultural and Welfare Society organised the eleventh M.S. Randhawa memorial cultural mela here today. The mela, however, ended up becoming a long and tiring wait for the various chief guests to arrive at the venue.

The mela, which according to the invitation card was to begin at 12 noon, was formally inaugurated at 5 p.m. by the OSD to the CM, Mr Rana Gurmit Sodhi. In any case, the organiser, Mr Phool Raj Singh, had made it clear to the media yesterday that politicians were never expected to come on time and the inauguration of the mela was a mere formality.

The Cabinet Minister, Choudhry Jagjit Singh, however, did better by arriving just a few hours late. He presided over a part of the show and announced that the mela be dedicated to Lance Naik Gurmeet Singh, who had laid down his life for the country in the Kargil war.

The mela was also dedicated to Maj J.D.S Dhaliwal, who had also laid down his life for the country during the Kargil War. Family member of both martyrs were honoured on the occasion by the minister. Lyricist Jind Sabara and Arjun awardee B.S.Gill were also honoured on the occasion. The mela was a success with singers like Jazzy B, Faqir Patanga keeping the audience entertained. 

Halwarvi’s homecoming a warm affair
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 29
Punjabi poet, writer and journalist Harbhajan Singh Halwarvi, who has been honoured by the Bharatiya Sahitya Akademi in New Delhi for his poetry collection ‘Pola Ton Paar’, was given a warm reception by the Chandigarh Writers Club. The function marked his homecoming after receiving the award last week.

The Editor of Punjabi Tribune, Mr Halwarvi, began his journey as a poet when he joined the Naxalite movement. Later, his first book, ‘Por Udas Hain’ established him as a poet with a rebellious and philosophical attitude. His next books, ‘Pighle Huin Pal’ and ‘Pankh Behuna’ made him one of the prominent poets in this region.

Regarding his award-winning book, ‘Pola Ton Paar’, Mr Halwarvi said the book represented his feelings gathered from different phases of life, his search and final realisation. “I have never repeated myself in any of my books, but this book is the ultimate summation of my life,” he said.

Mr Hawlarvi has been associated with Punjabi Tribune since 1978, when he joined the establishment as Assistant Editor and, later, became the Editor in 1988. Besides penning four books of poetry, he has also written three travelogues.

At the homecoming function, prominent Punjabi and Hindi writers spoke on the life and works of Mr Halwarvi. Eminent fiction writer Santokh Singh Dhir honoured Mr Halwarvi.

The club also launched a website on Punjabi writers worldwide here today. The website (www.punjabiwriters.com) gives details of the works of prominent Punjabi writers, their addresses, history of Punjabi literature and a list of publishing houses patronising Punjabi literature.