FROM COLLEGES
Book exhibition in Kalpana’s memory
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
A book exhibition in the honour of Kalpana Chawla and other astronauts who died in the Columbia space shuttle explosion was organised at the Government College, Sector 11, here today.

The college Principal, Mr Balvinder Singh, who inaugurated the exhibition, urged students to imbibe the values of hard work and patience and to develop a scientific temper to surge ahead in life. Two students of MA English, Ramika and Upkaar, read out papers on space research and the role played by Kalpana Chawla. Both students implored the gathering, especially girl students, to emulate the example of Kalpana Chawla.

Foreign students’ function: A colourful cultural programme marked the annual function of the foreign students association at Government College for Girls, Sector 11, here today. A couple of folk dances depicting the culture of their native countries were also presented by students.

Blood donation camp: Around 150 students and staff members donated blood at a camp organised at Government College, Sector 11, by the college’s Blood Bank Society in association with the NSS unit.

COURTS

Status report on female foeticide sought
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
Acting on a petition concerning female infanticide and foeticide, a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday directed the states of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to file a status report.

The Bench also asked the respondents to give details of the steps taken in view of a joint meeting recently held. Taking up the petition, the Court, on the last date of hearing, had observed: "We are informed that a female child of Usha, wife of Pawan Kumar of Patiala district, who is at present in the PGI, is safe and under the best of medical care and treatment. But apprehensions are that she may be coerced by her fathers or others. For the present, we direct the police authorities of UT Chandigarh to produce Pawan Kumar before us on February 10".

It may be recalled that for launching a campaign aimed at educating the masses residing in rural and urban areas against female foeticide and infanticide, a Division Bench had earlier directed that a joint meeting between Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, heading the Departments of Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, besides Social Welfare and Local Government, should be held.

Issuing the directions, the Bench had further directed that Secretary of Punjab’s Department of Women and Child Development should act as a coordinator for arranging the joint meeting and reports “based on the deliberations” should be produced in the Court. 

Police remand for Nigerian
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, February 10
The Nigerian national, Michael John, who was arrested by the police last evening on charges of heroin smuggling, was today remanded in police custody till February 17. He was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr H.S. Dahiya, today and given police remand for seven days. He had been arrested by the police near Zirakpur naka and 900 gram of heroin worth Rs 90 lakh in international market was seized from him. The police said so far it had no knowledge of any other accomplice of the accused. It also said the landlord of the house where he was staying had got the tenant verification done.

Pre-Valentine bash at NIFD
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
Students of National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD), Chandigarh, are all set for a mega pre-Valentine bash at the Gizeh Club on February 12 to select the NIFD Mr & Miss Valentine.

The highpoint of this pre-Valentine bash is an interesting contest to select Mr & Miss Valentine who will be chosen on their confidence, body language and also an innovative ‘proposal’ round wherein the contestants vying for this coveted title will be proposing to their Valentine.

The ambience of Valentine will be created at Gizeh Club right at the entrance with a huge heart and an interesting passage decorated with yards of red and white cloth. The entire place will be adorned with a huge cutout of hearts, fresh flowers in colours of Valentine — pink white and red, tinsel and lots of heart shaped balloons.

The B.Sc degree students at NIFD are very enthusiastic about the pre-Valentine bash as they have just got over from the Ist Semester university examinations and are preparing ardently to let their foot loose.

Gick Grewal in varied roles
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
A local artiste has gone places. A well-known face among the city theatre-lovers, she is now all set to captivate the hearts of millions the country, nae the world, over! She is, of course, the vivacious Gick Grewal whose energy knows no bounds.

She will be seen as a chirpy, gossipy friend of the leading actress of the film, “The Perfect Husband” by Priya Paul Singh. Bilingual, the movie is set for release in April.

This is not all. She has clinched the central role in the serial “Taiyijee” — the title role. The serial to be telecast on Alpha Punjabi is the first in Punjabi to be shot entirely abroad, mainly the USA. Produced by Rakesh Sharma of ‘Apni Mitti’, it is expected to be aired in March.

In yet another serial, “Dooriyan” directed by Imtiaz Punjabi of “Dastaan” and “Churian” fame, she plays mother to the hero, Mayur, more recognised as junior Amitabh. “The role required portrayal of a myriad of emotions. But that was not difficult. Rather, it was challenging. My experience in theatre with Neelam Man Singh proved beneficial. And being a mother of two grown-up children, I took to the role as fish to water”, says Gick. Asked if she had to use a lot of glycerine for the several tear-jerking scenes, “no, not at all”, she emphasises. “The tears I shed are genuine, on and off screen”, she adds with a chuckle.

Brothers bring alive sarangi
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
After a long time, one got to see the freshness of young minds at Pracheen Kala Kendra this evening. The occasion was jugalbandhi of the sarangi by two brothers, who cast a magical spell on the audience by displaying tremendous control over the instrument, which is known for its tunes that most closely resemble human voice.

Accompanying Sandeeep Kumar Mishra and Sangeet Kumar Mishra were Vibhash and Vivek. As four young minds rolled together into the sea of music, what followed was pleasure for the listeners. The nuances of Benaras gharana were presented during the recital, which was made more special with the performers weaving classical tunes with folk tunes to create a soothing tapestry of musical colours.

Disciples of Guru Bhagwan Das Mishra, the boys enthralled the audience with their rich recital which was more likable for its vigour and innovation. They began their recital with raag vachaspati, an evening raaga, set to rupak taal.

Then they moved on to preset drut teen taal. They showed their mastery in playing alaap, jod, jhala followed by a sapat taan. The best part of the recital was the admirable ease with which the young performers presented the show.

This presentation was followed by thumri in raag mishr tailang set to adha taal. The jugalbandhi concluded with the presentation of a Rajasthani folk tune (ghumar) in keharva taal.

Artists prepare for Patiala fest
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
Many city artists have got together under the aegis of Art Folio in Sector 9 to produce art works especially dedicated to the 10-day Patiala heritage festival which will open at Patiala from February 14.

The move was initiated when Navjot Sandhu, one of the artists who is displaying his special collection Sikh art asked Art Folio to team up with him by getting some contemporary works executed for the Patiala heritage festival. What followed was an effort under which seven city artists put their heads together to produce a show that is based on a common theme — Patiala and its rich heritage.

Among the artists whose works will be displayed at Sheesh Mahal are Ravindra Sharma, Anita Gupta, Satwant Singh, Hemant, Parminder Singh, Rajesh Siwach and Disha.

Like always, the works of Ravindra Sharma stand out for their beauty and easiness. The works, some of which belong to Sharma’s older collection, are all about a delightful execution of technique and a beautiful visual effect. Parminder Singh has concentrated on the art and architecture of Patiala, while Anita Gupta has incorporated folk art motifs in her works. Among the younger lot are Rajesh, Hemant and Disha, who have their own artistic contributions to make.