EDUCATION

Few takers for campus placements
Our Correspondent

Sonepat, April 22
The new industrial and economic policies of the government have gradually started showing adverse impact on the employment opportunities in the region.

This trend is quite evident if we take into account the placement of the students of the local Government Institute of Engineering during the last three years.

The officials of the institute fear that the placement of the students, which used to be hundred per cent two years back, may come down to 50 per cent this year.

The institute imparts four-year training in four vocational courses-Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Instrumentation and Control. More than 120 to 130 students pass out from the institute every year.

According to the principal of the institute, Mr P. R. Dhawan, “there had been cent per cent placement of students during 2000 and 2001”. However, the placements have come down during 2002, mainly due to the recession in the industries, he said.

Other reasons have also been cited by the students for this negative trend. They said that the central as well as the state government had almost put a ban on new recruitment and the vacancies are ‘hardly published’ in the newspapers or in the Employment News. They said the placement during 2002 was around 70 per cent and it might go down further this year.

An officer of the institute disclosed that the industrial units were reluctant to visit the campus for placements and they did not respond despite several requests made to them.

A leading industrial unit, which provided maximum placement to students every year, has flatly declined to accommodate any request this year.

CULTURE

GLITZ & GLAMOUR
Indian models inching ahead to match steps
Smriti Kak

	Some of the most well-known Elite faces: Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista.

The business of fashion is finally emerging with a style that is more corporate. With the designers seeking shelter under the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and models uniting to protect their rights, the fashion frat is awakening to a new world of meaning.

Indian models and designers, inching ahead to match steps with their foreign counterparts, are finding their way onto the ramps in distant shores. Sniffing talent on the eastern soil modelling agencies and design houses have announced their arrival.

Take, for instance, the Elite model management, which has announced the launch of its India operations. The aim is to provide an international platform to promote Indian models, introduce global models and service clients in India through the Elite School of Modelling.

Elite has created a name for itself in the global modelling industry for over 30 years, with a presence in over 40 countries. Hoping to establish itself in India, the agency has opened a school in Delhi.

Ms. Sushma Puri, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Elite Model Management, India, says: “The exponential growth of the Indian modelling industry and the global recognition of Indian modelling talent has attracted Elite International to India. The Indian operations will aspire to create and nurture exceptional modelling talent that bespeaks the excellence Elite has come to be associated with world wide.”

Though the faculty has been drawn from the domestic industry, students are likely to meet big names from the international front through guest lectures. Says Puri, “As of now, our operations will be limited to the school, the model management industry and the Elite look of year contest”.

Staking claim to some of the most celebrated faces, including Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell, the agency is hoping to strike it lucky in India as well. “We will have auditions every fortnight and will offer to sign in those who have the looks, the attitude and the potential,” explains Puri.

The institute in Delhi will equip aspiring models with the skills and confidence that could help transform their ambitions into reality. The metamorphosis of these aspirants, however, will not come cheap. For a 100-hour course, we are told, the fee is a neat sum.

Blending femininity with functionality

Anjjane, a label for women, has launched its Spring-Summer collection 2003. The clothes have been designed to blend femininity with functionality and elegance. The brand claims to provide a palette to brighten the sunny days ahead with an ideal blend of soft and cool colours to make a perfect colourful summer.

The spring summer 2003 collection has looks in ruffles, eyelets, tassels and kurtis in various styles, cuts, fabrics, textures and colours. There are also clothes with the Indo-Western look, including embroideries, beadwork, sequence, Swarovski, lace and stonework.

Unveiling a colourful romance

Pitambari has unveiled its spring-summer collection, a range full of georgette, chiffons, organzas and cottons in vibrant hues. The colour palette is a mix of pinks, greens, yellows, peaches and blues.

Colour seems to be the buzzword, the collection has coloured sequence work, coloured stone work and resham work. Ari and Tara work has been used to enhance the look. 

Fashion collages

Tarun Tahiliani, Rina Dhaka, Raghvendra Rathore and Rock S showcased their summer collections at the ‘Blenders Pride Magical Night’ at the Hyatt Regency.

The green company

VLCC has been certified as the first environment friendly company in the world. The BVQI of France has issued the ISO 14001 to VLCC, which is doing its bit for the environment. They have adopted parks in 51 locations in 29 cities.

Says Vandana Luthra, “VLCC has adopted the triple bottom line approach to business as it strikes an optimal balance of economics, societal and environment factors. The economic surplus finances our social and environmental obligations”.

Vandana Luthra receiving the ISO 14001 certificate.

Earth collection for men

‘Study by Janak’, a designer wear label for men, has unveiled a new range, the Earth collection, comprising linen and cotton. Announcing the launch, the director of ‘Study By Janak’, Mr Manoj Mehra, said, “ith the launch of the first in the series of top of the linen designer ranges of the season, we want the discerning man to make a statement, to reflect a way of thinking, to give an expression to his attitude, to create a unique and never before fusion of the body and mind.”

Also included in the collection are club-wear, formal shirts, trousers, casual and party-wear.