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May 25, 2003, Chandigarh, India
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Time to adopt grading system: Prakash Chandigarh, May 24 He said the system needed to be moulded to allow students to have a choice of combination of subjects in the context of new work scenarios in the global network. The quality of education could be achieved through a combination of excellence in cognitive competence as well as extra cognitive competence. The lecture was organised by Academic Staff College and Prof K.N. Pathak, the Vice-Chancellor, presided. Prof S.P.Singh, Vice-Chancellor Guru Nanak Dev University, and Prof S.D. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University, were present on the occasion. Prof P.S. Verma, director, Academic Staff College, welcomed the guests. Prof Prakash said the Indian Government had the responsibility of educating more than 39 crore students. There were about 12 lakh teachers in pre-primary schools, about 19 lakh teachers in primary schools and about 17 lakh teachers higher secondary schools. At present less than 7 per cent of the eligible population of younger generation is attending the institutions of higher education. The tenth plan intends to increase the number to 10 per cent, Professor Prakash added. |
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NIIFT students up in arms
against show cancellation SAS Nagar, May 24 Alleging that the fashion show, “Anukama”, was an annual affair and part of their curriculum, students pointed out that the institute was fast losing its glory because of the mismanagement of the Director of the institute, Ms Vijay Sharma. The students alleged that the director had earlier announced that the fashion show would take place as scheduled on May 28 but cancelled it at the last minute. ‘‘We have spent thousands of rupees on the dresses for the show. Some of us have also taken personal sponsorship on these dresses,” said some of the students. Ms Vijay Sharma when contacted, however, stated that the show was not possible now due to lack of funds and the students had been told that the show could be held in August. But it was not acceptable to the students who were demanding that the curriculum be followed and the show be held in May. The students who have been protesting outside the institute since last evening were also upset at the fact that the director had shown no regard whatsoever for their condition.‘‘Girl students have been spending nights here in the open and she is not bothered,’’ said a student. |
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STUDENTS' PAGE A school where energy, activity abound
Indradhanush
In the year 1997 St.John's undertook a challenge inspired by the vision of Brother Edmund Rice, to provide quality education and facilities to the children of the most economically backward strata and slums. 39 young lads were chosen to be the 1st students of this new venture and it was aptly named 'Indradhanush': the Rainbow. True to its name, it has brought color sparkle and hope into these young lives. They are materially provided for in the form of highly subsidized uniforms, books, stationary and refreshments. So much so, that Indradhanush has now blossomed and each year a new batch is inducted into the school. In fact, many of these young boys have done so well, that they have joined the mainstream of the school and it is towards this end that the Indradhanush programme strives - that each one of them will be able to find their dreams in the pot of gold that lies at the end of the rainbow.
Clip Striving to make St.John's a place of adventure and creative thinking for the child, the school pioneered the CREATIVE LEARNING INTEGRATED PROGRAM (CLIP). The number of students per section in classes K.G. to 5 is reduced, thus improving dramatically the pupil-teacher ratio. Books in these classes are replaced by Lesson and worksheet booklets. These along with audio-visual aids have formed the basis of learning. Both, teachers and parents, have found this system extremely beneficial for the child.
Horizon All of us regret and curse our fate as to why didn't I have this or that, why didn't I top the class and numerous other things. We may continue to deny but I know that is what we all do think. But has any one of us spared a thought for those who may not be called 'Normal' as us, but instead may be diagnosed to be mentally retarded or autistic. Not treating these children as the odd ones out & instead calling them 'Special', St. Johns opened new section for such cases with special education in the year 1999. It was called 'Horizon'. This special section aims at the overall development of children whose speech & language skills have been delayed or partly hampered. The teacher who has dedicated herself to this noble mission is Mrs. Ritu Chaudhary who has taken all this responsibility for development of these special children.
Oh boy! Are these boys? Well this was the dilemma that everyone was put into when St.John's staged the Musical 'ANNIE' to mark the grand finale of the bicentenary celebrations. As the name suggests the main character itself was to be a girl and being an all boys' institution picking a Johnian for the job was not an easy thing. With weeks of tireless effort the boys put up a show that turned out to be an experience for one to cherish for a lifetime.
Sports Believing in the adage 'A healthy mind in a healthy body' the sports facilities at St.John's have been vastly improved. Grooming in our football academy are 'Ronaldos' and 'Beckams' of the future. All others look dull where 'Cricket' is concerned, so we have a cricket academy that was started in 1998 to tap the talent of young cricketers. The latest sensation is 'Squash', and for those interested in the same the school provides an excellent squash court. "By aiming and achieving we show what St.John's is all about."
—Guest Editor |
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Charming
disciplinarian
We caught up with the St. John’s Principal, Ms Pushpinder Cheema, and requested her to give us a brief interview for this special page of The Tribune. She kindly consented and the following are the excerpts: What problems have you faced in taking over as Principal of St. John's? Well it wasn't very easy to step into the shoes of the Christian Brothers. Moreover people weren't sure of my capability. They were skeptical as I was a lady and a layperson. What have been your guiding factors in administering the school? My acid test has been to try and live up to the expectation of the Christian Brothers and to work for the good of the school. What are your plans for the future of the school? I want to make sure that St.John's remains a progressive school. I'll try to keep adding to the string of successes. My aim is that St.John's should be known by it's Johnians. How different is it to be the Principal of an all-boys' institution? Well, I don't have any experience of administering a girls' school. Moreover, children are children and it doesn't really matter whether they are boys or girls. How do you feel about the transition from coordinator to Principal? My first feeling was of awe. Being a coordinator was easier since I didn't have to make any decisions. It was much more fun. What are your expectations from the students? As the principal of the school, I expect my students to be sensitive towards the needs of the society. What are your views on the new venture "Hamara School" by the Chandigarh Tribune? I think it's a great idea. It helps the Editors (of the school magazine) to move to a bigger platform and learn from those who are more experienced in the field. Thank you Ma'am
— Guest Editors |
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Is corruption an inherent part
of Indian society?
Fifty six years ago more than a million people dreamt a dream of a fabulous new India, one rising above the economic and social despair, out of the vortex of post partition chaos, into the realm of the super power. They wished to make India a land of plenty, where justice be delivered speedily to one and all. They just seem to have forgotten, overlook the one thing which has always influenced history: GREED! Greed gives rise to corruption, directly or indirectly. It is the one thing man can do without. The moment Adam set his eyes upon the first material possession, he couldn't stop his heart, and the hearts of his sons filled with greed and corruption. The sad part is, most of them seem to be residing in India. So, is corruption our birthright? It appears so. Corruption is born out of greed and gives rise to greed. It is born in the womb of materialism, and only furthers it. But corruption is not merely a strong desire for material possessions. The sanskrit word 'Bhrasht' offers a better meaning: 'Fallen, disgraced, decayed, strayed'. Corruption is that part of man which compels him to find the easiest, shortest and simplest form of doing any work. But, why are we so corrupt? Why do we bribe the official next door? Why do we leak are examination paper? Maybe because we are too lazy to prepare or maybe its just our upbringing. So, is all hope lost? Maybe. Maybe not. The average Indian citizen is honest as any other citizen living in any other city of any other country of the world. An Indian living in any other country is a modern citizen. Corruption maybe his heritage but it is not in his genes. All he needs is the right setting, a society which rewards honesty and corruption. Honesty and survival need to be made compatible. It just requires a few small changes, more so in our mind. If we can do that, then maybe, there is hope for us. Many years ago Martin Luther king declared to the world that he had a dream. I have one too — a corruption-free India. |
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TUITIONS The issue whether tuitions help or not is hotly debated today. Tuitions today are the norm and not the exception. Till not very long ago tuitions were regarded upon as an embarrassment and a child taking tuitions or his parents ensured that nobody came to know he took tuitions. It was children who were borderline cases, those who could not follow things easily who needed to be drilled in. But today things are the opposite. It is students who are right at the top who try to get that edge, who take tuitions. The questions before us is whether tuitions help or not and are they in anyway beneficial to the child health wise. Studies today put a lot of stress on students. Then is it fair to them to add on the burden by making them undertake the additional labour of tuitions. We first have to ask ourselves the simple question "What do tuitions do?" Do they make geniuses out of the ordinary? The answer to that is no. A tutor does no more than a teacher does in school. A tutor does not give you the advantage of asking you to sit at home whilst he actually writes the exam for you or a magician who guarantees you good grades. A tutor like a teacher is a guide and ultimately it is the student who has to have the capacity of taking full benefit of the guidance of a teacher and to put it into practice. It ultimately boils down to the students hard labour and perseverance that pulls him ahead. Then why do we have tuitions when the tutor does just what the teacher does. Tuitions are basically an excuse for parents not to fulfill their responsibilities. It is easier to palm of a child to a tutor to do their homework and regular studies while they continue with their normal routine of socialising, kitty parties and watching T.V. serials. So a tutor is basically an excuse for a parent. If that be so then is it not universally accepted that the students are already under great stress and strain with the normal routine of studies and everyday life. Must we join the rat race of putting ourselves at the mercy of teaching shops. If so be it, then we might as well do away with schools after all tuitions a substitute, though a poor comparison, to schools. And finally tuitions are an antithesis of the dedication of a teacher in a regular school where the intention is to teach and not to make money whatever the consequences. Angad Singh - 7C |
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Tuitions
a waste of time, money
We have written here on a wide range of topics. One topic we feel very strongly about is tuitions. We believe that up to Class X tuitions are not necessary unless the child has a learning disorder or has missed out on school for a long period for any reason. This is also the view of our school authorities. Today children are lured into tuitions by promises of ensuring high marks. What they do not understand is that if they study sincerely at home for as much time they can get the same if not better results. They will also save money not to mention the time wasted in moving from one tuition to another. They will also get more time for recreation. Sincerity is the key here. If the student is not sincere then even the best of tuitions can't help him out. So friends unless recommended by teachers or school authorities, stay away from tuitions. We hope you enjoy this section
— Guest Editor |
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Sinking
water table may prove disastrous for Venice
Most people all over the world travel by the road. In a city in Italy however, waterways make up the primary commuting routes. The city of Venice, rich in architectural marvels, is best known for its canals. Unfortunately, this beautiful city of flat-bottomed boats (Gondolas), churches and quaint cobbled streets is sinking and sinking fast. Why is Venice sinking? The existing ground water table and the global climate changes that have raised sea levels by several inches are proving disastrous for the city. As sea-ice melts and water levels rise, floods in Venice are getting from bad to worse. And buildings are already feeling the impact of this phenomenon, with their foundations literally being shaken. Take for example one of the most famous landmarks of Venice, the 900-year-old St. Mark’s Basilica, a famous cathedral that now leans slightly to the left because of its unstable foundation. Experts warn that the city may sink an additional eight-nine inches in the next 50 years. Many scared residents have already started to move to drier regions in Italy’s mainland.
To tackle the flood menace, a group of Venetians, called the New Venice Consortium, has come up with ‘Project Moses’ - a dam project named after the biblical figure, Moses. The idea is to place underwater gates at different points where the Adriatic Sea water enters the lagoon. When the water is low, the gates will remain open and as the water rises, the gates will close, preventing the seawater from flooding Venice. However, there’s a hitch to implementing this idea. Environmentalists point out that the gates would have to remain closed most of the time and seawater will not be able to move in and out of Venice. As a result, the lagoon water will become stagnant, harming the fish and plants that live there.
Until a viable solution is found out, Venice, it seems, would continue to be plagued by floods. Truly, a case of being caught between the devil and the deep sea! |
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Throw the rod and save the child
I strongly oppose this popular English saying which has been passed down from the ages. This saying is now a misnomer. Using this excuse and hitting the child at the first instance leads to physical abuse of the child under the pretext of preventing him from being spoiled. But in today's world the child is exposed to an atmosphere where he has to face situations in which he is responsible for the decisions he makes. The paradise called childhood has become very short lived in the face of various pressures of society like peer group competitions, high expectations from parents and teachers and much more. Parents who play a pivotal role in the child's life also live life at a hectic pace and have little time for kids. All this pushes the child further into the threshold of maturity. In these circumstances the child needs all his confidence, someone to extend a helping hand but instead he is meted out the sting of the rod. This instead of disciplining the child would push him into dangerous situations. He would go into depression and he might see drugs as a way out of his misery. The child craves for love and understanding which would make him putty in your house and you could mould and discipline him. The rod is something that should be banished. Psychologists through research have come to the conclusion that physical abuse has an ever lasting effect on the mentality of the person. There are alternate methods of discipline such as reward and deprivation. True love and care will never take the child to a wrong behavior. Even if the student doesn't obey the teacher or the parent, he or she can be helped to understand his mistake but with love and affection. Gone are the days when the consequences of all mistakes and faults was the rod which creates an adult who is withdrawn, full of hatred, unconfident, aggressive and hesitant. Progressive schools like St. John's and progressive societies understand that this saying needs to be replaced by one like - 'Throw the rod and save the child'. |
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Better
alone than in bad company
Good company is like nectar, while bad company is like poison. It is better to have no company than to have bad company because that poison is infectious while loneliness is not. One should learn to live alone. Those who cannot live alone do not like their own company. They are fed up & bored with themselves. It is a matter of painful surprise; we have become habituated to bad social circles which are both infectious & contagious in their effect. How to live The most important thing to learn in life is how to live. There is nothing that men are so anxious to keep as life & nothing that they take so little pains to keep well. This is no simple matter. "Life is short, art is long, opportunity fleeting, experiment uncertain & judgment difficult." Happiness & success in life do not depend on our circumstances but on us. "More men have been ruined by themselves than have ever been destroyed by others: more houses & cities have perished at the hands of man, than storms and earthquakes have ever destroyed." There are two sorts of ruins; one is the work of time, the other of men. Of all ruins, the ruins of man are the saddest & man's worst enemy is he himself. |
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Poems’ section
The distinct Johnian
What makes a Johnian distinct from the rest, It’s not only the discipline which is the best, Nor is it the topping skill, It is something which is missing still. Fed up of an all boys school, Need something which will make us cool. We need the girls company, we need you now. Several years of boredom till now. No indiscipline, we’ll soar higher still. Raoring on we’ll be ready for the kill. After all our pride is at stake, Who’ll misbehave when nearby is a prized cake. Please O God make this wish come true, We’ll do anything you tell us to do. They say you can move mountains at your call, But these two schools are separated just by a wall, We’ll praying day and night, It’s time you show us your might. -Guest Editor Endless dreams
I dream that though life is mortal beauty isn't I dream that one day I wouldn't say I just couldn't I dream that that if I am lost I shouldn't I dream that if known is unknown it won't I dream that someday I would live it up I dream that somehow I wouldn't give up I dream that someway I wouldn't run from the truth, because I can't run so fast I dream to sometime overcome the past For I know, it is not meant to last I dream to someday stand out from the rest I dream to someday be the best I dream to someday pass every test I hope I would someday stop living in my own quest
I dream to dream what I have never dreamt I dream to mean what I have always meant I dream to see what I know I can never see I seem to dream of what I think I can never grow to be.
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FILM REVIEW The dry-run for a single hit in the Bollywood arena continues unabated as even this week’s releases are unlikely to cause any ripples at the box-office. The three releases for the week —
‘Andaaz’, ‘Pran Jaaye Par Shaan Na Jaaye’ and ‘Kaise Kahoon Ki Pyar
Hai’ — are likely to add their names to the ‘also-ran’ category of releases. ‘Andaaz’
(Batra and KC, Panchkula) features two beauty queens of the world of the fashion ramp, including Lara Dutta (Miss Universe) and Priyanka Chopra (Miss World). Undoubtedly, the promos had the audience expectations garnering a little hope for a film with a difference. The package on screen however fails to sustain interest in the progress of action. Produced by Suneel
Darshan, this presentation is yet another one in the line of love-triangles. Lara Dutta and Akshay Kumar are childhood bosom pals. He joins the Air Force because Lara loved flying. While, Akshay is training, Lara falls in love with Aman Verma and both marry. A dejected Akshay comes across flamboyant Priyanka who goads him to accept her marriage proposal. Just before the wedding bells toll, Akshay discovers Lara who is a widow in the house of Priyanka and is on her death trial committing one suicide attempt after the other. Sameer in his lyrics and Nadeem-Shravan with their music have done a decent job, but, too much of ‘song and dance drama’ does not stand in good stead for the future of the film. The story is fine but the character portrayal lacks conviction due to lesser attention paid to drawing their emotional boundaries which are the life-line for any love-story. ‘Pran Jaaye Par Shaan Na
Jaaye’ (KC) is a film which has suffered the first blow on account of insignificant pre-release promotion. It is an innovative story idea taking a slice out of the life in the shanty townships of Mumbai
(‘Chawl’). Mahesh Manjrekar has a promising role. Nitin Raikwar and Pravin Khanna are the lyricists for the music composed by Daboo Malik and Nitin
Raikwar. The cast includes Aman Verma, Sushmita Mukherjee, Raveena
Tandon, Namrata Shirodkar, Shweta Menon, Rinkie Khanna and Diya Mirza. Sanjay Jha in his first directorial venture has shown sparks for a longer innings. The subject is the simple daily life in the shanty-corners of a metropolitan. The brotherhood on one side contrasted with small yet blown out of proportion differences set the background for the attempt with strong imprints of comedy. ‘Kaise Kahoon Ki Pyar
Hai’ (Jagat) is the launching pad for Amit Hingorani, a film-maker’s son. Dharmendra and Sunny Deol have been roped in for guest performances yet any hope for even an average success would be only hoping against hope. The film also features Sharbani
Mukherjee. |
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Punjabi
treat at Plaza Carnival Chandigarh, May
24 Songs crooned by the singers were “Dil luteya Jamalo ne”, “Mitra nu charh gai daru” and “Bajrey di rakhi”. Punjabi folk song Mirza was appreciated by the audience. Some of the artistes, singing for the first time, were Mandeep, Gita, Manish, Amar, Dilip, Gulzar and Happy. |
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