Wednesday, February 26, 2003, Chandigarh, India

 

C H A N D I G A R H   S T O R I E S


 
EDUCATION
 

Virtual instrumentation lab to start at PU
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25
With funds having been sanctioned by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), North India's first virtual instrumentation laboratory (VIL) will become functional within the next few months at Panjab University here. The laboratory would provide students the facility to simulate the design, application and effectiveness of microelectronics-based instruments and industrial automation processes.

The laboratory is being set up in the University Centre of Instrumentation and Microelectronics (UCIM). According to faculty members, this would be the second laboratory of its kind in the country, the other is at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.

University sources said that the letter from AICTE approving a special grant of Rs 15 lakh for establishing the VIL was received here last week and a reply to the letter has already been despatched. UCIM functionaries estimate that the laboratory would become functional within four months.

The university is getting computer software at highly concessional rates.

Besides the software such as Labview, Ideas, FEM and Pro-engineer, the hard ware for the VIL includes Pentium-4 processors, transducers and sensors for interfacing instruments with industrial processes and machines for monitoring and control purposes, besides work stations and dedicated modules for different applications.

"Exposure to tooling processes is essential to ignite the creativity of students in designing, developing and virtual testing of instruments," a senior faculty member remarked. "It would bring in innovation," he added.

Using the software available, students would be able to simulate designs of mechatronic instruments, control systems, interfaces for the industry and even aircraft cockpits.

The VIL would also increase interaction between the university and the industry as the facilities and expertise available with the laboratory is expected to be used by the industry for monitoring purposes, carrying out scientific measurements and undertaking problem solving exercises.

In the words of a faculty member, we cannot survive without expertise in the field of instrumentation in the era of globalisation. Standardisation and effective monitoring during the manufacturing process as well as in the post-production phase has become imperative, he added.
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A passage to India for UK teachers
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25
As many as 15 teachers from England (10 from Kent and five from the tiny island of Scilly) initiated their Punjab sojourn with conducted visits to select government and private schools in Chandigarh. As part of the Professional Teachers Development Programme they will undertake an extensive thematic study on citizenship and civic education by putting their experiences together after observing teaching methodologies of schools in Patiala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Chandigarh.

According to the group leader Julie Stones, ‘‘Our interest is in Punjab because a lot of our students in Kent hail from this wonderfully vibrant Indian state. We hope to establish a better understanding of Punjab's culture as also take back with us some unique teaching experiments and styles which we can incorporate in our curriculum. Also, we are in the process of creating a linkage between the two countries whereby there can be a free flow of information and sharing which can ultimately lead to not just a sound academic foundation but a better more holistic value-based teaching system.’’

The exchange programme which has been arranged by Prof Rajpal Singh from Patiala will, in the long term, create a sustained model which incorporates learning needs stretching from the formative development phase and going up to the high school level where students turn decisive about their future plans. The visiting group of teachers found Strawberry Fields school well equipped in terms of resources and teaching aids besides being sensitively tuned to children's developmental and artistic needs. Students of Strawberry Fields enthralled them with musical compositions and showed them their latest drawings, crafts, handiwork and toys. The British teachers are hopeful of spreading the net by involving more schools as they go along with the project. Curious and full of questions they took notes and did a comparative analysis of the schools they visited.

‘‘Interestingly, Kent has a population of 2,11,000 and the Isle of Scilly only 250 yet the eagerness to put together a qualitative learning process which could benefit every student is something we can take inspiration from’’, they said.
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FROM PU
Prof Deb to lecture at Bangalore
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25
Prof B.M. Deb of the Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, has been invited to deliver the "A.V. Rama Rao Foundation Lecture in Chemistry for the year 2003", at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore.

A communication in this regard from Prof V. Krishnan, president of the centre, which is a deemed university, has been received here.

An eminent scientist, Professor Deb is a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in Chemical Sciences (CSIR) and the Sir C.V. Raman Award in Physical Sciences (UGC). He has also been a Commonwealth Scholar in mathematics at Oxford University, UK. Besides being a member of scientific advisory boards of national and international conferences, he has also authored a large number of papers published in leading international journals.

National Science Day

National Science Day is being organised at Panjab University from February 26 to 28 on the university campus on "Science for all". The highlight of the programme will be a lecture on "Nutritional Genomics: Challenges to society" by Prof Asis Datta, former Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
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FROM COLLEGES
Awareness programme
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25
A three-day entrepreneurial awareness programme was inaugurated for final-year students of GGDSD College, Sector 32, by the Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship Development on the college premises here today.

The objective of the programme, being conducted for the first time, is to create awareness amongst students on alternative career options and existing entrepreneurial opportunities.

Inaugurating the programme, the Assistant Director, District Industries Centre, highlighted schemes and incentives available for self-employment projects and stressed the importance of adopting self-employment in view of limited job opportunities in the present day scenario.

Representatives from various banks, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission as well as successful entrepreneurs will interact with students during the next two days. Over 100 students from various streams are attending the programme.

Science Day celebrations

Around 70 students took part in various intra-college competitions organised at the Government College of Education, Sector 20, to mark the National Science Day today. Poster making, improvised teaching aid for science subjects, and science quiz were among the competitions held today. The college principal, Ms Surinder Kaur Tangri, stressed that inculcation of scientific temperament among the younger generation was the need of the hour.

The results: Poster making: Anjali; Bhawna; Jyoti. Improvised Teaching aid: Reema; Riti Saini; Deepika Garg; quiz: Chandan, Manish and Jatinder; Kamal Singh, Deepika and Karamjit Singh; Inderjit, Kusum and Renuka.
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FROM SCHOOLS
23 colour contest winners get prizes
Tribune Reporters

Chandigarh, February 25
As many as 23 winners of the Tom and Jerry Colour Contest organised by Balaji Event Organisers on behalf of Britannia Newzeland Foods Pvt Ltd. were given prizes at a colourful function at Mount Carmel School in Sector 47 here today.

The venue was converted into a ‘Disney Land’ as students in Tom and Jerry costumes moved around and enjoyed various rides. More than 300 students from five different schools in the city had taken part in the contest earlier. The participants gave an outlet to their imagination by colouring Tom and Jerry in different colours besides coming out with witty intelligent answers to five questions asked by the organisers.

The first prize "Super Tom" was won by Mohit Kumar from Mount Carmel School, Sector 47, while the second prize "Super Jerry" went to Suhani Bachan of St. Stephen's School, Sector 45. The third prize "Super India Tom" was bagged by Tarun Gulati from Sanjay Public School, Sector 44. An exhibition of the paintings was also organised on the occasion.

Other contestants who were awarded today include— Harkamal Preet, Heena, Inderpreet Singh, Baljinder Singh, Ranbir Singh, Karanjot, Vidhi Aggarwal, Gurpreet Kaur, Damini Saini, Jashan Bir Singh, Bideesha Bedi, Rishav Gupta, Arvinder Sodi, Karan Bedi, Prahleen Kaur, Jaswinder Singh, Sagar Singla, Gurdeep Kaur, Prabhjot Kaur Bharaj and Vijay Bhatt.

Meanwhile, in another function winners of state-level vocational functions during the academic years 2001-02 and 2002-03 were given prizes by the UT Education Department at the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 10.

Mr D.S. Mangat, DPI (Schools), who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the UT Administration was making the latest equipment available for all vocational courses being run in city schools.

The judges had been drawn from the Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology, Sector 26, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Technical Teachers Training Institute, Sector 26, and the Food Craft Institute.
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100 women attend seminar on family
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25
A seminar on “Family life education” was organised by the Public Welfare Association in collaboration with MCM DAV College for Women at Palsora village yesterday. At least 100 women along with social workers, members of the Mahila Mandal, teachers and community leaders participated in the seminar.

In his address, Dr C. L. Narang from Panjab University’s Department of Adult and Continuing Education said the women should contribute to the economic growth of a family. Providing quality life was not the sole responsibility of male family members alone.

The principal of MCM College, Ms Usha Gupta, said taking a cue from women in cities, rural women should also come forward to upgrade their family life.They can help their husbands by preparing different consumer items at home.

The local councillor, Ms Shyama Negi, said the attitude of people had to change so that equal rights were given to women. She also expressed concern over sex determination tests and the declining male -female ratio.
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COURTS
 

HIGH COURT
PGI directed to conduct fresh selection
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25
Allowing a petition filed by Scientific Officer-cum-Chief Dietitian with the Sports Authority of India Shashi Kant Goswami, a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has set aside “the process of selection by which appointment was made to the post of Consultant in Dietetics by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research” here.

Pronouncing the orders on Mr Goswami’s petition for quashing the selection of Ms Sudha Khurana to the post, the Bench ruled that the external expert, Ms Madhu Nanda, “was unsuitable for assisting the board of selection in the process of selection for the post of Consultant in Dietetics”. The Judges further ruled: “We are satisfied that the assistance of Ms Nanda, rendered as external expert, to the board of selection was not acceptable in law”.

The Judges added that since Ms Khurana had “assumed duties against the post of the Consultant in Dietetics, in the interregnum, she may be permitted to continue as such till fresh process of selection was finalised”. The Judges further ruled that the interim arrangement would, however, “cease to be operative after the expiry of six months....”

In their detailed order, the Judges held: “The PGI issued an advertisement on January 14, 1998, inviting applications for various posts.... The petitioner, who fulfilled the qualifications prescribed for appointment to the post of Consultant in Dietetics applied for the same.... Respondent number three, Ms Sudha Khurana, was selected by the board of selection....”

The Judges further held: “The primary contention of counsel for the petitioner is that the process of selection is vitiated on account of the fact that none of the members of the board of selection were suitably qualified to interview candidates for the post of Consultant in Dietetics. It is vehemently contended that Ms Madhu Nanda, external expert, associated with the process of selection was unsuited to assist the selection committee in order to make proper assessment on the skills of the candidates in the field of dietetics.... She possessed qualifications inferior to the qualifications prescribed for the post for which selection was being conducted”.

The Judges concluded: “It is obvious that the board of selection heavily relies on the external expert who specialises in the field for which the process of selection is conducted. In case the assistance of the board of selection in the field of specialisation is improper or inadequate, the board of selection is liable to falter in its assessment of the candidates.... The instant petition is allowed.... Liberty is granted to the PGI to initiate a fresh process of selection in furtherance of the advertisement dated January 14, 1998, for the appointment to the post of Consultant in Dietetics in accordance with law”.

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DISTRICT COURTS
Sidhu case hearing on March 10
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, February 25
Hearing of a bail plea moved by the suspended Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) Chairman, Ravinder Pal Singh Sidhu, under the Arms Act was today adjourned by a local court for March 10.

The case against the accused was registered after the recovery of 14 bottles of foreign liquor, 250 rounds of .12 bore gun and 225 rounds of Springfield rifle were recovered from his house in Sector 39. The accused was arrested by the Vigilance Department, Punjab, on March 26 allegedly while accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh.

Spy case: Alleged Pakistan spy Abdul Wahid, arrested by the UT police today, was produced in a local court in the afternoon and was remanded in police custody. He was produced in the court of UT Judicial Magistrate(First Class), Mr K.K Goyal, who remanded him in police custody till March 6. Other two accused — Aabid Mehmood and Mohammad Arif — have already been remanded in police custody till March 6.

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Unfettered Fardeen plays on
Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25
In these times marked by malice, the face does not always serve as an index of the mind. Very rarely do you come across people who are just what they appear to be. And when such people come from a world singularly defined by glamour, they bring a whiff of fresh air with them.

Actor Fardeen Khan surely belongs to this genre. With an exceptionally underplayed attitude (very unlikely of an Indian actor), Fardeen gave away a great deal of information about his life on his maiden visit to the City Beautiful today. He was here for the promotion of Provogue, the garment line he is representing as an ambassador.

Riding on a crest after his latest release “Khushi”, Fardeen talked of how he has been able to define his priorities while being a part of the highly-demanding and competitive film industry. "I see things as they need to be seen. I cannot speak on the behalf of others, but I have always believed that I am here to entertain people and also that all the actors are competing to entertain masses. I take up challenges, but never with a mind to underplay anyone. I am here to refine my own talent and I am happy doing that."

A lot of optimism that Fardeen reflects is typical of Feroze Khan. And the son does not hesitate to declare, "My father has always thought ahead of his times and has lived life on his terms. All through my formative years, he has been a great influence on both personal and professional levels. In fact, he has strived for me. He has set the highest standards for me, inspiring me to work harder. I admire his roles in “Qurbani” and “Dharmatama” and I think I still have a lot to learn from him."

But the balance in his life flows equally from the quarter of his mother Sundri who, for some reason, is little heard of. "She has been a true homemaker. She is my emotional strength. I could not have asked for more." After having bypassed many rough patches in life (he was in the dock in a drugs case some time back) , Fardeen is now looking at new horizons. Along with commercial projects in hand he is also working with Govind Nihalani in "Dev". An Om Puri, Amitabh Bachchan starrer, Dev looks at the society from close quarters. Explains Fardeen, " I would not call this project serious cinema. It has promising commercial prospects, but the script of Dev is rooted in the reality of life. To that extent, the film is serious."

Fardeen admits that being a good actor is not everybody's cup of tea. An ardent admirer of Amitabh Bachchan as he is, he goes to the extent of saying, "Attempting to ape Amitabhji would amount to sacrilege. What he has earned is exclusive to him. No one can touch the zenith that Amitabhji has crossed time and again." To evolve as an actor himself, Fardeen criticizes his own performances. "I am my own critic. I work on the gaps so that every performance I give is the best at my end. I also like to observe Amir and Shahrukh Khan at work."

About home productions — “Janesheen” and “Shaadi.com” — Fardeen says he sees a lot of hope in both the projects. The first one will see Feroze Khan return to the big screen after 10 years. Directed and produced by Feroze Khan, “Janesheen” is about a boy, estranged from his father. “Shaadi.com” which is still at the scripting stage, looks at problems that surface in a marriage which has two equally successful partners.

Extremely verbose about “Shaadi.com”, Fardeen withdraws into a shell when questioned about marriage. "I have a lot to say on the institution of marriage but that would necessitate parting with a great deal of personal information. I would rather be quiet." Now that's called character! 
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LIFE & STYLE

Glitz & Glamour
Steal the show with stoles 
Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service

Photo Manoj MahajanSTOLES — wrapping pretty damsels of the world up in vogue — are setting the style on college campuses, gorgeously.

Having doubts? Just drive down to any of the institutes in the city in your jaunty jalopy. Everywhere you look, you will see cute little under-grads, in lycra tops over boot-cut trousers, sashaying down the narrow corridors of life with alluring stoles around their fragile shoulders.

The reason behind the stuff's prevalence is not hard too see. Shawls are too warm for February even if it is raining. Scarfs, mufflers…they are so outdated. Stoles — they simply look chic. Can be worn even when the weather turns sultry.

Little wonder, every morning before leaving the cozy comfort of her dressing room, literature learner Zubina positions herself in front of a full-fashioned mirror. Admiring the heavenly reflection staring back at her, she smiles before adjusting the charming stole around her shoulders. Pleased, she kick starts her scooter before zipping down the meandering road to her college.

Her best chum Dharkan also enjoys geri on the same band wagon. She too wears a stole, but with a difference. The management student dons it over formal suits, instead of trousers. Not around her shoulders, but neck. Just like a dupatta.

The two got them cheap from Manimajra. Were going to a friend's house when a banner announcing sale forced them to depress the brake lever. Inside, they were surprised to find glittering stoles at half the price. The duo picked up four. Had to forget all about chicken-in-a-bun for the next couple of days, but it was worth the dough.

So gals, if you still haven't purchased a stole, rush to the arcade. "Acquire a lace stole now," fashion designer Radhu asserts. "Or go in for glittery ones with tassels. Even the checked ones are in vogue. You will not be forced to pay more than Rs 500, if you buy it from the right shop."

Another thing. Along with the weather, your height also matters. "If you are five feet six inches or taller, go in for a shawl," she suggests. "It provides ample fabric to wrap up your frame and is impeccable with everything. Right from a formal evening gown to jeans".

She adds, "But if you not that tall, the stole is a must-have even when the weather turns warm. Almost eight-inch narrower than a shawl, it is perfectly proportioned for small delicate frames. You can wear it to that evening bash as a shawl, or as a muffler".

For that electrifying effect, Radhu recommends wearing a stole round the neck as a loop with long and short ends. So gals, go ahead. Buy one today. What are you waiting for?
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Venus Speaks
Sleep is the secret

Sleep is the secret of her fresh looks. Even in the days of examinations when everyone else is pacing the room alone with books in hand till late at night, the young student makes it a point to snuggle in the bed for at least nine hours.

"Every night, no matter what, I drop off to sleep at 11 pm sharp and do not leave the cozy comfort of my bed till about 8 am," she asserts. "You see, even after spending nine hours in the world of dreams, I am still left with 15 hours. Enough for me to mug up my notes".

Okay, but does she study according to a fixed schedule during the day? "Yes, kind of. I start studying at about 9 am and continue till about 1 pm," she reveals. "After having my grub and resting for about one and a half hours, I go off to work till about 5 pm. Then, I go for a little walk before positioning myself behind the study table once again till about 8 pm". So kids, what do you say about her routine. — SM
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Chocolate wishes just for her

YOU have wished her best of luck for examinations with nice alluring cards sealed in cheerful red envelopes with cute little hearts strewn all over. Expressed concern by presenting her with a lucky horse shoe. Now, it’s time for you to say it all with a pack of chocolates.

Chocolates for wishing luck? Yes, flowers may wilt away in one corner of the room after emitting fragrance for a few days, but chocolates will remain with her till she devours them all at night after mugging up "History of English Literature".

Any doubts? Why don't you simply ask management student Neeraj Sharma? He has just pulled out Rs 200 from his leather wallet to buy white chocolates for his girl studying in Class X.

"Noor simply love them,” Neeraj Sharma asserts after pushing back his sandy hair with dusky fingers. “But that is not the only reason why I have picked up a box of nice imported chocolates".

Positioning dark glasses on his aquiline nose, he whispers, "You see, Noor is in the habit of studying till late at night. After solving theorems and interpreting poems, she feels hungry. That's when she will be able to taste love moulded in chocolates".

This is not all. "I want to tell Noor I am there with her all the time, ready to reward her for hard work. I have promised her two additional boxes of her favourite bitter chocolates if she scores above 70 per cent".

But what about calories? Isn't Noor scared of gaining weight? “No, I am not. Who is bothered about getting fat when it is a question of savouring chocolates? I can always spend an extra hour in the gym for the next few weeks, but nothing can ever stop me from tasting Neeraj’s love in shape of chocolates”.

It's safe also. "Flowers arouse suspicion," asserts gift shop owner Raman. "You see, only close friends and associates order bouquets of good wishes. Chocolates can be smuggled in, conveniently".

So kids, if you still haven't conveyed your best wishes with chocolates, go to any of the card and gift shops, right now. On the glass-shelves, under the dazzling lights, are displayed chocolates, wrapped in cellophane paper tied with attractive red ribbons. This is not all. Gift shops in the city have even wrapped up a cute little teddy, along with the chocolates, for wishing luck. Gorgeous, isn't it? — SM
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RADIO BUZZ
Top 10 weird band names

IF you are to planning start a new band, before naming it stop for a moment because these names are already taken. How whacky people can get while naming their groups, read on to realise. Here are the Top 10 weirdest names ever registered for bands, compiled just for you by Radio Buzz.

  • Zombies Under Stress
  • The Band Formerly Known As Sausage
  • Dead Milkmen
  • Eggs Over Easy
  • Headless Marines
  • Kitchens Of Distinction
  • Not Drowning, Waving
  • Poultry in Motion
  • Reluctant Stereotypes
  • Screaming Headless TorsosBack
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