Saturday, February 15, 2003, Chandigarh, India

 

C H A N D I G A R H   S T O R I E S


 
EDUCATION
 

Law Dept issue referred to Syndicate
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14
Panjab University has referred the ongoing admission controversy at the Law Department to the Syndicate meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
More than 40 students have been denied admission by the department to the next semester despite having appeared in the required previous semester examination. These students were able to appear in the semester examination following a Punjab and Haryana High Court order in this regard.

The case regarding their not having attended the required number of lectures mandatory for appearing in the examination is still pending in the court. The department said it had not received any information with regard to status of admission in the next semester.

Meanwhile, student’s dharna in front of the office of the chairman continued for the second day in the morning session. During this period Dr Anmol Rattan Sidhu, Dean of the Law faculty, was having a meeting with the faculty members. Students raised slogans against the department. They maintained that they were told not to have been allowed entry into the next semester because they did not have the required attendance. The university syndicate had instructed the department to organise special lectures for them.

The Sociology and Political Science departments had also faced a similar problem which was resolved by conducting the required classes. Malwinder Singh Kang, president of the Panjab University Campus Students Council and one of the ‘affected’ students, questioned when the other two departments could conduct the lectures, why did the law faculty fail to do so?

Mr Anmol Rattan Sidhu said that the matter had been deliberated upon at length at all quarters and referred to the university syndicate.

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5,000 electronics pros needed per yr
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14
A two-day Chandigarh Symposium on Micro-electronics (CSME) - 2003, being organised by the Indian Micro-electronics Society, got under way at Panjab University here today. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zarabi, chairman-cum-managing director, Semi Conductors Limited (SCL), emphasised the need to channel the technical manpower available in the country towards building intellectual property blocks or products rather than offering mere design services.

He said the products could bring in substantial revenue, thereby contributing significantly to the economic development of the country. He added that a recent study had projected a requirement of around 5,000 micro-electronics professionals per year at the level of M.Tech.

Stressing the need to establish centre of excellence within universities to work with the industry for exposing students to latest development and the market environment, Dr Zarabi called upon students to come with new design ideas, some of which would be fabricated at the SCL free of cost.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Prof K.N. Pathak, said getting together experts from the industry, research and development establishments and academia was paying rich dividends. He added that initiatives taken by Panjab University in starting BE-level courses in new fields such as bio-technology and micro-electronics along with the presence of institutions like SCL, Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), the region had the potential to become the hub of micro-electronics activity.

The CSIO Director, Dr R.P. Bajpai, in his address called for re-engineering and re-designing existing products. He said science and society had to be synergised to provide opportunities to thousands of engineers who were passing out from various institutions across the country. He also stressed the need for setting up of hi-tech research and development centers focussing on new developments so as to create opportunities in the emerging market paradigm.

Two technical sessions and a poster exhibition on related topics were held during the day. Around 250 technical papers have been received for the symposium. A cultural programme was also organised.

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Scholars discuss security
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14
Discussions on non-military threats to Indian security marked the concluding day of the seminar on “Dynamics of India’s Security in the North Western Region” at Panjab University here today.

In his remarks, the convener of the seminar, Mr Satyavir Singh, said there was an urgent need to develop a “regional security community” in North Western region. He also suggested the setting up of a security studies research group to make indepth analysis of security problems.

Prof Surendra Chopra from Guru Nanak Dev University, in his paper on “Islamic Fundamentalism and Pakistan’s Foreign Policy”, said Pakistan had always used Islam as an ideology to get the support of Islamic world against India. Dr Rajiv Lochan from the History Department, Panjab University, said communalism in India had serious repercussions on India’s national security scenario, while Dr Surender Shukla was of the view that India must develop contacts with Central Asian republics to counter Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

In his paper on “Human Rights, Armed Forces and Terrorism”, Prof G.S. Dhillon from Panjab University advocated the need for developing social harmony and brotherhood for the betterment of the people in the region. He said public support to the armed forces fighting against terrorism was essential in the present security environment. Col Pritam Bhullar, in his paper on “Media, Forces and Security”, stressed the need for having a media policy in the armed forces.

Highlighting the problems of war widows of Ludhiana and Ropar districts in her paper on “Problems of War Widows”, Kanwalpreet Kaur from DAV College, Chandigarh, concluded that the state and Central governments should be more sensitive towards war widows.

Dr Ronki Ram spoke on issues pertaining to human rights and national security, while Dilbagh Singh delved upon water management policies.

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Industrial growth in Punjab discussed
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14
The DAV College today organised a one-day regional seminar sponsored by ICSSR on the topic of "Rethinking Strategy for Industrial Growth in Punjab — lessons from the new economic reforms”.

The Principal of the college, Mr S. Marriya, drew the attention of the audience towards a global upsurge in the process of globalisation, privatisation, and liberalisation under the new economic policy that has been initiated after 1991 in India.

Drawing inference from the South-East Asian countries Principal Marriya lamented the fact that Indian economy in general and Punjab economy in particular had been unable to attract investment in the industrial sector. Punjab, that was once the most prosperous state in India, seems to be lagging behind states like Maharashtra and Gujarat in this regard, he said.

Prof P.P. Arya underlined the fact that there has not been much structural change in terms of the economic policies adopted by the Indian states in general. What has happened in the post-1991 period has been the arrival of the transnationals companies, capital and the slackening of the hold of bureaucracy. The implication for Punjab has been disastrous as only small scale industries had come up and they have also been under pressure from the MNCs.

Prof S.S. Gill observed that strategy for industrial development should be linked with agricultural growth. Punjab should go only for those industries where it has comparative advantages like agro-based industries. He recommended adequate institutional support for revitalising Punjab economy.

Prof B.S. Brar argued that there are four different positions about the new economic policies. The first one is that the economic reforms are inevitable and desirable that is accepted by the middle and upper class. The second position is that the new economic reforms are inevitable but not desirable.

Despite the gains of Green Revolution the surplus generated by the agricultural sector couldn't be utilised because of lack of development of the industrial sector, lamented Prof R.S. Ghuman. He also argued that despite the growth of service sector and new found concern for industrial growth the agricultural sector cannot be ignored in Punjab.

The last speaker was Dr Lakhwinder Singh who said public sectors should be made more efficient and argued that both private and public sectors should go hand in hand in achieving industrial growth.

Mr Rajiv Raghunath, Editor, Financial World, was the chief guest and Mr P.P.S. Gill, Bureau Chief of The Tribune, was the guest of honour.

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FROM COLLEGES
Legal literacy for women stressed
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14
A seminar on legal literacy for women was organised by Panjab University’s Department of Adult and Continuing Education in collaboration with Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26, here today.

The DPI (Colleges), Punjab, Ms Nisha Sharad, was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasised the need for transformative approaches towards modernisation, prosperity and progress. She added that without the active involvement of women in the developmental process, a nation was like a bird flying with one wing.

Earlier, the college Principal, Mr P.S. Sangha, underlined the importance of literacy to enable women to know their rights and fight for them.

Dr Ajaib Singh, Director of the department, said rights for women were an inseparable part of human rights. He was of the view that the full and equal participation of women in all walks of life and eradication of discrimination against women should be the top priority of the society.

Prof V.K. Bansal spoke on legal counselling in matrimonial cases, while Prof R.S. Grewal dwelt on the rights and status of women. Prof B. K. Sharma detailed on the Hindu Marriage Act. The seminar concluded with an interactive session.

SD College team wins: The quiz team of GGDSD College, Sector 32, has won the third position in the All-India Inter-University Youth Festival held at Warangal in Andhra Pradesh. The team comprised Preeti Awasthi, Vikram Ramarajan and Preetpal Singh. Earlier, the team had stood first in the zonal, inter-zonal and north zone categories during inter-university competitions.

GC-11 bags trophy: The team of Government College, Sector 11, comprising Vivek and Karan, won the running trophy for the third consecutive year in the Inter-college Declamation Contest held at Government College for Girls, Patiala.

Meanwhile, Aashim, a student of MA-I at the college, won the third prize along with a cash award at the International Students’ Conference, held at Panjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, while Akhilesh of BA-III won a cash prize in paper-reading contest during the conference.

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FROM SCHOOLS
NCC cadets
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14
Two NCC cadets from St Kabir Public School, Sector 26, Samerdeep Singh and Honey Rajput have bagged the first and second prizes, respectively in the best cadet competition in the Junior Division Army Wing for 2002-03. They have received a cash award of Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000, respectively.

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Camel colour contest awards presented
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, February 14
All-India Camel Colour Contest awards were presented to the winners at a function held in the city today. Manoj Sharma, a student of Sector 29 Kendriya Vidyalaya, won a consolation prize at the national level in Group E of the competition.

The winning entries would be on display tomorrow between 10 am to 5 pm. at Govt. Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10. Over 31 lakh students from 5300 schools across the country had participated in the contest. As many as 1.5 Lakh students from 140 schools were from Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh. As many as 199 winners were selected for national level prizes, 3000 for the regional level and over 1 lakh winners for the school level prizes.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Navin Sharma, G.M. (Sales) of Camlin Limited, said, “We want to encourage students around the country to explore their creativity by providing opportunities through activities like this contest. We are happy to see the growing interest in art among school students and are looking forward to providing more and more such opportunities for people even beyond the school level.”

The awards were presented by the Chief Guest, Brig. Kuldeep Singh Kahlon, Director, Sainik Welfare, Punjab, and Guest of Honour Mr Prem Singh, former Principal, College of Art.

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DISTRICT COURTS
Betting: bail plea of 5 suspects dismissed
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, February 14
A bail plea moved by five persons allegedly involved in betting on the first world cup cricket match was today dismissed by a local court. The bail plea moved by five suspects — Rahul Sofat, Rishi Goyal, Ravi and Rajiv, Gyanesh — was dismissed by the UT Judicial Magistrate(First Class), Ms Sangeeta Rai Sachdev, who also remanded the suspects in judicial custody till February 28.

The suspects has pleaded in the bail that they were falsely implicated in the case by the UT police. They stated that there was no complaint in the case and no one was cheated by them. Therefore, they deserve the concession of the bail.

The UT police had arrested the suspects for betting on cricket matches being played during the World Cup in South Africa on February 9. These persons were allegedly getting inputs from punters and operating through computers, mobile phones and television from a house in Sector 38.

According to the police, the suspects were using two mobile phones to get minute-by-minute details of the match and the information was being relayed through audio speakers.

Another six mobile phones were being used for betting. The clients had betted for Rs 8.50 lakh — Rs 3.25 lakh for South Africa and Rs 5.45 lakh for West Indies.

The police had also seized a television, a cassette recorder, six mobile phones and some electronic gadgetry being used by the suspect in the operation.

Beant assassination case: The statement of an Inspector with the State Transport Authority, Delhi deposed before the UT District and Sessions Judge, Mr H.S Bhalla, in a special court room in Burail Jail in Beant Singh assassination trial here today.

The witness, Mr N.S Rana, made statement that the CBI official, Mr T.N Kaul, had seized the files pertaining to the car number DA 9598(which was allegedly used by accused to assassinate former Chief Minister of Punjab, Beant Singh). 

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HC stays arrest of MC president
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today stayed the arrest of President of Ambala Cantt Municipal Council Shankar Dass Sharma in an alleged corruption case.
Sharma, against whom a case has been registered by the Vigilance Bureau in Ambala faces allegations of having caused loss to the Municipal Council. In his petition, Sharma contended that a false case had been registered against him because of political rivalry. The case will come up for hearing on February 18.

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Colours of India shine in Kala Gram
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14
Over 100 artisans were present today at the inaugural function of the Kala Gram Utsav-2003 which opened today at Kala Gram located along the Kalka-Shimla highway.

Various folk dance teams attired in traditional dresses added colour to the inauguration which was done by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Lieut Gen. J.F.R. Jacob (retd). Except for the fact that many paid stalls had not yet been occupied, all was well with the fair. Filtered water was in place, so was medical help as promised by the organisers — North Zone Cultural Centre.

In fact, the utsav was very strong on the point of crafts on display. Craftspersons from Jaipur, Gujarat and South India have reached and occupied stalls in the ground adjacent to Kala Gram.

As General Jacob cut the traditional ribbon to inaugurate the festival, folk artists from different parts of the country led a possession. General Jacob went from stall-to-stall to have a look at products of artisans who have come to Chandigarh. Besides this, the utsav will provide a unique opportunity to witness authentic tribal/folk art forms like rai/badhai dance (Madhaya Pradesh), kalbelia (Rajashan), bihu/bodi/sataria (Assam), siddhi dhamal/mewasi/dandia (Gujarat), dhali (West Bangal), bhangra/nachars/bazigars/giddha (Punjab), ghoomar ( Haryana), sirmauri natti (Himachal Pradesh), bisu kamsale/mathuri/thapatta kullu (South India), bahrupias.

People were spellbound by choreographed dances and many more items from various regions of the country representing the vast spectrum of the great vibrant Indian culture and expressing richness of our culture, ethnicity and expression of job and celebrations.

This 10-day festival organised by the Department of Cultural, Affairs, Government of India would continue till February 23, 2003. It would provide opportunities of fun and play for children by offering them joy rides on a variety of jhoolas, games, magic shows, child artists as added attraction. A variety of delicious food from Rajasthan, Punjab and South India will also be a special attraction for the visitors.

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Feelings lost and found in colours
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14
Art, like signature, is exclusive to every artist. More often than not it is a virtual extension of bitter or sweet reality that has passed by but has refused to vacate its space in the room of memory.

That is precisely why Anjana Kuthalia's art speaks up for her past. It bares her story in colour — the story of a Miss India and a Miss World contender forced into life of oblivion and also the story of a woman who rediscovers herself after years in two moulds — that of an artist and a writer.

The year 1975 is fresh in her memory, laced as it was with success and fame. "I was the Mafatlal Queen for the whole of the year and then I also stood eight in the Miss World contest. Life was all about smiles and success then." However, Anjana's identity was not to last long. As she admits after years, "I was a woman in love with my man. I married into his home and cared for his people all my life. Sometimes you love a person too much to even realize that you are losing your own identity in the process."

Ask Anjana,(now an artist of international repute with collectors in almost every other celebrity) why it took her so long to beak free from a routine that had depressed her credentials. "I cannot answer that because I was just not aware that i was suppressing myself. It was only in 1991 that I came out with my first show of oil paintings. It was inaugurated by Khushwant Singh and was widely appreciated. Ever since that day, I have never had any problem as far as a market for art is concerned."

Anjana has collectors in Shabana Azmi, Shobha De, Rani Mukherjee, farooq Abdullah and many more. While the list goes on endlessly, it's important to state that Anjana is exhibiting her works in the city. The Inside Outside show has one of the stalls which is housing her works along with the digital prints of her collections.

A quintessential artist, Anjana relates with art at the level of therapy. "As a woman, subjected to a lifestyle she was never meant for, I have had my share of trauma. But I must say that had it not been for art, I could not have sustained my sanity. I never really learnt how to paint. It came naturally to me. My mother tells me that when she wanted me to write alphabets, I would end up drawing faces. There lies my passion for art."

After working in water colours, she decided to shift to oil paintings. "Canvas can be preserved for eternity. that is why I chose oil. Paper has a short life span," said the artist who is now in the process of writing an autobiography. A freelance journalist for many magazines, Anjana has been playing diverse roles and she has never really been able to distinguish one role from another. "I love painting and I love writing. I want both the forms to feel complete as a woman."

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