EDUCATION

Students want Social Science paper to be split
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 4
More than five lakh students of class X took the Social Sciences examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Examinations (CBSE) here today. The exams for these students began on a happy note as the Social Science question paper was not difficult as expected by most. “The paper was easy and we could finish it on time. Most of us felt the paper was easier than we had anticipated”, said Astha of Birla Vidya Niketan.

The board officials maintained no cases of unfair means were reported and there were no untoward incidents reported as well.

While most students were anxious before the exam the mood was in sharp contrast at the conclusion of the exam. “I was so nervous in the morning, the fear being that I might forget everything. We are made to study way too much for the Social Science paper”, said Shruti Sharma of Delhi Public School.

The students complain that studying History, Civics, Geography and Economics in detail is a tedious job. Students are required to study seven chapters of History and nine chapters of Geography, which account for 35 marks each and 12 chapters of Civics and two chapters of Economics account for the rest of the 30 marks.

“There is a need to divide the Social Science paper into two. The students find it both a burden and a bore”, said Ms Sharma, a parent. But with today’s paper having passed off well students are breathing easy.

Ahirwal Sarvakhap to set up varsity in Wazirabad
Tribune News Service

Gurgaon, March 4
The Ahirwal Sarvakhap-360, (a conglomeration of khaps (endogamous groups) in a cluster of 360 villages of the Ahirwal belt of South Haryana, have decided to set up a university in the name of Lord Krishna and his brother Balram in Wazirabad village.

The proposed university, having integrated disciplines, including engineering and medical studies, will be set up with a view to establishing a premier institution in the Ahirwal belt of South Haryana. According to a leader of the Sarvakhap, Mr Khazan Singh, the decision to set up the university was taken at a mahapanchayat of the Sarvakhap-360 held in Wazirabad last Sunday. The panches and Sarpanches of the panchayats of all 360 villages ratified the proposal for the proposed university.

The move for the institute got momentum in the mahapanchayat following a decision of the Gram Sabha of Wazirabad to donate 100 acres of its land for the purpose. The Gram Sabha made it known that it would also donate more land if required.

The Sarvakhap-360 has convened another mahapanchayat of Sarvakhaps from the entire country in Wazirabad on March 16 to discuss more on the project. The move is meant to raise donations for setting up the institute.

The speakers in the mahapanchayat charged that successive governments in the state did not care to set up a university in the Ahirwal belt. Most of them alleged that while the areas of South Haryana were contributing a huge chunk to the state exchequer, the governments had shown only distrust and an instinct for exploitation.

Several leaders alleged the state was allowing industrial units to come up in South Haryana by setting up industrial estates and HUDA sectors by acquiring the lands of the farmers. The farmers were forced to give up their land and farming, their main source of livelihood, for the benefit of industrialisation of the state. But their children were not given jobs by the government or the industrial units.

One speaker alleged that the problem was accentuated by the fact that there was no university or a premier institute of higher education to increase the income capacity of the youths of the area.

GLITZ&GLAMOUR
Now, a groom too can make his 
day truly memorable
Smriti Kak

The designer wear label for men, ‘Study by Janak’, has unveiled the complete range of its wedding collection, christened ‘Lagna collection’, painstakingly crafted to perfection for different occasions in an Indian wedding.

The ‘Lagna collection’, encompassing a melange of styles and cuts, is a successful marriage of the two basics in fashion- comfort and style.

Explaining the genesis of the ‘Lagna Collection’, Mr Manoj Mehra, designer of ‘Study by Janak’, said “Indian wedding focuses primarily on wedding trousseaus for women, with little or no attention being paid to the man of the event.

Hence, with a view to right the balance, we have launched the ‘Lagna Collection’ for the contemporary Indian bridegroom so as to make the most important day of his life truly memorable”.

The collection is an attempt to blend the age-old traditions with the dreams of modernity. Indian wedding trousseaus have evolved, but in essence stayed traditional.

Experimentation, though, is an important part of evolution. Today, one has the option of trying out unusual colours, newer fabrics and interesting silhouettes. The highlight of the collection is an exclusive range of Jamavar sherwanis.

Sherwanis in viscose and crepes, with a soft feel and fall with embroidery and Jamavar Sherwanis, using Aari and Zardozi work, are part of the collection that also offers Jodhpuris. The Jodhpuris are mostly in tone embroideries, with minimal use of crystals. The fabrics have been sourced from Italy in earthy shades.

Dressing for the special day

Diwansons have also come up with their collection for the bridegrooms. There are sherwanis with exclusive embroidery and crystals in fabrics of various hues. The designer house claims that the collection gives bridegrooms a chance to dress up for the special day.

Glittering Stones

Lalsons have launched a special collection for those with a penchant for the glittering stones. The ‘Petal Collection’ is a line inspired by nature, especially flowers. The designers claim that the inspiration is not just limited to the shapes and design but is translated into the vibrant colours that have been used. There is a liberal use of blues, pink, mauves and yellow. The collection is made of gold and zircons. What’s more, the collection has been priced to suit the pocket. The prices are bracketed between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000 with a 100 per cent buy back guarantee.

Making a statement

Mandira Bedi may not have impressed many with her verbal skills but her clothes have created quite an impression. For the World Cup, the actress has been wearing a special collection designed by Ritu Kumar.

Ritu has designed a mix of casual tops in lehriyas, and peasant asymmetrical off shoulders to “complement the landscape of South Africa”. “Multi-coloured hues and a palette of India” is what makes Mandira’s wardrobe glamorous.

Meanwhile, the LABEL from Ritu Kumar has introduced a new line of printed silk blouses in geometric print and in free flowing, flattering styles for the Spring-Summer 2003. The shades have been meticulously combined to present a range from earthy indigos to feisty fuchsias. A common thread with these is the inclusion of a striking hue within each palate.

This collection carries a casual, blue jeans attitude with ‘softness’. There are stylish and fashionable matches for denim collections. Crinkled tops, light lined georgette, cotton voile all represent elements of smoothness, according to the designer, which is the trademark look for this season. Cuts are fashionably breezy and accessible. The collection also includes embroidered and printed T-shirts, sequinned trousers and crinkled skirts.

Design Awards

Durian Imported Furniture collaborated with Society Interiors, the design magazine from the Magna group, for presenting the ‘Durian Society Interiors Design Awards’. The design competition was targeted exclusively towards the budding ‘geniuses’ in this creative arena. The contest is the first of its kind to provide a platform for upcoming talent. The special feature for this year is the institution of awards for the students of interior design and distinguished professionals from the design trade.

In the ‘Residential Category’, the first prize was won by Rachna Sansad’s School of Interior Design, while the girls of SNDT University’s PV Polytechnic walked away with the second prize.

In the ‘Commercial Category’, same people were the winners, but in a different order: SNDT University was first while Rachna Sansad got the second prize. However, no prizes were awarded in the ‘Public Space Category’, as the judges observed that none of the participants explored the potential in the making of a public space.

Architect Shakti Parmar gave away the trophies to the winners in the ‘Residential Category’, while Conrad Gonsalves, president IIID along with architect Khareghat distributed the prizes in the ‘Commercial Category’. The function also featured a gala entertainment programme by Hariharan and Leslie Lewis of Colonial Cousins fame and young pop sensation VIVA.

Women’s Day

Rpm Lazeez Affaire is all geared up to celebrate the Women’s Day on March 8. The place offers a feast of international flavours, laced with a fiesta of galas and gifts, discounts and excitement, to celebrate the true spirit of womanhood.

Priyank Sukheja, director, rpm, simply puts it, “This is our way of treating our women patrons on this special day. Every woman guest will get her first drink on the house. We would also give our customers exciting and fun-loving games for which they can win prizes. Ladies dressed in rpm’s chosen colour can win surprise gifts.”

Colours of Spring

Samagam, a society formed by a body of industrialists and philanthropists to preserve and popularise Indian culture, organised ‘Rang-Colours of Spring’, a classical music show at the Kamani auditorium.

Celebrated singer Shubha Mudgal enthralled the audience as she sang songs with basant and holi as the theme.