EDUCATION

Spread your wings of imagination: Kalam
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 19
The President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, inspired autistic children to spread their wings as he addressed them here today. Encouraging them to follow their hearts, Dr Kalam expressed hope that science will provide succour to them.

Speaking at the inauguration of School of Hope, a research, training and therapy centre for children with autism and multiple disability, run by noted educationist, Dr Shayama Chona, the President said that with great progress in science and technology it won’t take long for the scientists and researchers to find solution to this.

Dr Kalam pointed out that research is being carried out to see if the right hemisphere of the brain can perform the function in cases where the left hemisphere is damaged. He said efforts are on to implant a biochip in the brain of such children to enable them to live a normal and healthy life. Even Stem Cell Research can make a huge difference in the lives of autistics, he added.

Narrating his personal experience with over 200 special children, two years ago in Thiruvananthapuram, the President said he was moved by the exhilarating cultural performance put together by these children.

He pointed out that the performance inspired him to write a poem in Tamil, which was later set to music by a Malyalam composer. Dr Kalam also read out the poem on the occasion. He ended his speech with a small prayer where he asked God to grant children happiness to fulfil all their dreams and desires.

The President also reviewed the various programmes offered at the research-cum-therapeutic centre and later enjoyed a colourful cultural performance put together by the children.

Kalam mixed freely with children shaking hands, blessing them and mumbling out a word of advice to their teachers at times, apart from making small queries. He praised Tamana, a multiply challenged girl whose birth shook the life of an ordinary mother Shayama Chona and inspired her to set up schools for mentally challenged.

Speaking on the occasion, Chona said that these children need psychological, physiological and neurological help apart from encouragement. She added that in India 10 per cent of the population is mentally challenged, but the Government has taken no initiative to take care of the special needs of these people.

Voicing her concern she said that we have to run from pillar to post for managing funds for our institutes and said that help from the government can make a huge difference in the lives of these people.

CULTURE

GLITZ&GLAMOUR
No more guessing games: Delhi ready for LIFWL
Smriti Kak

For those still nursing the hangover of the Lakme India Fashion Week, its time to buckle up. Wanting to shake off complacency, the Fashion Design Council of India intends to begin the preparations for the next year’s event early. The early decision, according to the organiser, is to allow the designers and the stakeholders to prepare well.

Having vowed never to repeat the mistake of keeping the masses involved in a guessing game, (the venue for the event remained a closely guarded secret till the very end) the organisers have chosen Delhi to play host to the rechristened “mega fashion event”.

The Lakme India Fashion Week with Liberty (quite a mouthful) will be back in the Capital.

Mr Vinod Kaul, Executive Director, Fashion Design Council of India, offers, “the venue for the next years LIFWL is being announced much in advance by the FDCI to enable the designers to prepare for the event in advance. This year saw an increase in buyer turnout to 400, as compared to 200 buyers last year, including the first time participation of buyers from Paris. We hope to continue with this trend in LIFWL 2004. In the meantime, FDCI is working on increased participation from international buyers.”

During LIFWL 2004, the Capital will witness the latest in fashion trends as well as provide a vibrant platform for the business of fashion. This high profile mega-trade event is organised by the Fashion Design Council of India, a non-profit apex body, representing the Indian fashion design industry.

The event, which aims to serve as an effective platform to promote fashion-design and industry professionals to form trade linkages within India and abroad, makes more news for the presence of ‘socialites of the page 3 varieties’ than the fare on the ramp.

While the event in Mumbai left the Delhiites scoffing, this year’s proposal sure will prove to be quite an atonement. Though the dates are yet to be finalised, the fashion frat operating from Delhi will have enough time and succour to churn out their best.

Tips for walking down the aisle

Hotel Taj Palace will resemble a melange of wedding paraphernalia from August 30 to September 1. There will be designer clothes, jewellery designers, wedding planners and even those who could teach you a few things about trousseau wrapping.

Also, “contrary to the general perception of hefty tags attached with such shows, each item at Bride & Groom is highly affordable”. You can also look forward to interactive sessions on beauty, bridal makeup, skin care and Shaina N.C’s famous “17 ways to drape a saree” and coverage of wedding ceremony with “different touch” by a noted studio. Shaiyanne Malik from Pakistan will also be conducting a workshop for the to-be brides. 

The anatomy of a riot

Based on the 1984 riots that left thousands dead and a whole generation scarred, the film ‘Hawaiyen’, is being directed by Amtoj Mann, who made his acting debut in the film Kalinga.

“Nobody wants to make a sad film, but people love to watch stories that can guide them live a better life. My film will help audiences to understand the need to stay united and firm on our beliefs”, said the director.

Having tried his hand at stage productions and music videos, Amtoj decided to make the film after he met a riot victim. “I wanted to show the Indian cinema goers what went wrong and how. Why people of a particular community were targeted and what was the impact of the incident,” says Amtoj. He adds, “I am an eyewitness to the riots, so I could narrate the story better. It is also the reason why I chose to act in the film.”

The story, reveals Amtoj, is about a son of a retired Brigadier who embarks on a mission to trace the killers, who wiped off his family during the riots. The film has seasoned artistes including Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Kamini Kaushal, besides actors Mukul Dev and Raa Vij.

An exquisite show

A model displays the jewellery of designer Anuradha Chhabra during Zak Jewels 2003. — File Photo

Inaugurated by Miss India Universe Nikita Anand, the Capital played host to a jewellery show, ‘Jewels 2003’. The four-day exhibition had an amazing collection of jewellery on display.

The fare had something for just about everyone. There were exquisite pieces for those who prefer dainty to the larger and the massive deigns with prices to match. Visitors could also go diamond hunting. A collection of sparkling stones was a connoisseur’s delight. From a tiny glittering nose stud to the rock-sized extravagances, the fair had it all.

With about 40 manufacturers, exporters, designers and sellers vying for attention, it clearly was a stiff competition with each one trying to highlight their best.

Besides designer shows and lucky draws, a jewellery designing competition was also organised to promote ‘jewellery with character’. On display was jewellery for brides, traditional, antique and casual collection, apart from a collection for men and kids, besides a gift and contemporary collection.

Organised by Zak Trade Fairs and Exhibitions, it was aimed at creating awareness on new qualities in jewellery business, including the 916 KDM, hallmarking and showcasing the latest designs.

Aroma therapy products to rouse senses

Colgate Palmolive has introduced a range of aroma therapy products including shower gels, hand washes and soaps. The products are being offered in two variants, the ‘Anti-Stress’ and ‘Energy’.

The anti-stress range entails essential oils like lavender and Ylang Ylang known for their soothing properties, while the essential range includes oils like mandarin orange, ginger and green tea, which are known to lift spirits and awaken senses.