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| Thursday,
October
9, 2003,
Chandigarh, India
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GGSC-26 implements new fee structure without Senate nod Chandigarh, October 8 Right after the Senate meeting held in July, the college started charging the new fee structure, three times the existing one. Ironically, the fee hike had not found favour with the members and a committee was constituted to weigh the pros and cons before giving its verdict in the matter. The secretary of the Sikh Education Society running the college, Mr Bharpoor Singh, said there was contradiction in the recommendations of the Administration, the DPI and the university on the issue. “We will go by the decision of the university or the government, whoever gives the final decision. We are also willing to adjust the fee or refund it in case a rollback gets the nod,” he stated. However, the Principal, Mr P.S. Sangha, said since there was no rollback of fee hike, as in the case of Punjab, the college had gone ahead and implemented the hike. “I have the consent of my management to charge the new fee structure and it has had no effect on the admissions. The number of students would have gone up further had we not hiked the fee,” he added. Other principals have adopted a wait and watch policy though the committee seems unlikely to arrive at a consensus before the next Senate meeting slated for October 12. “We are opposed to the fee hike because the government cannot impose its decision on us. The university has to be the deciding authority though the governments can forward their recommendations. The decision of the university would be final,” claims Dr A.C. Vaid, Principal of GGDSD College, Sector 32. Earlier, the first meeting of the committee chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof K.N. Pathak, was held in September, just before the election to the students’ councils were held. It proved to be inconclusive and postponed a decision to avoid trouble during elections. No date was set for the next meeting. Interestingly, the fee hike was proposed after the Punjab Government had recommended a hike and linked it to release of grants which was, later, rolled back. “However, Panjab University, having formed a committee to consider this, is still pondering on whether a hike is needed or not, little realising that the very basis on which the process was initiated does not exist any longer, leaving no scope for a hike or deliberations of any kind,’ says a Senator. Meanwhile, when contacted, the Vice-Chancellor, said the members had not arrived at a consensus and it had nothing to do with elections. “We can’t bring it before this Senate though we will try to finalise the matter before its meeting in December,” he informed. He asserted that the university had no jurisdiction as far as charging of fee by private colleges was concerned. “As of now, we have issued no instructions to colleges. If a college is charging the hiked fee without it being adopted by the Senate or the university, we will look into it. There are some provisions in the university calender and the government rule book to deal with it,” he explained.  |
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Students
forced to leave
school readmitted
Chandigarh, October 8 Angry parents, protesting outside the school premises, said that their children, all students of class VIII, were forced to submit an application in the name of the in charge, stating that they wanted a school leaving certificate as they were leaving town. Claiming that they were rebuked for poor academic performance in the class, the parents said that the school, instead of working harder and giving more attention to these students, had taken the easy way out of the situation by showing them the door. Alleging that the school wanted to get rid of these students, the parents said that the school had shunted out the students with an eye on the class VIII results. Students of class VIII of government schools also appear for board examinations conducted by the department. “The school authorities were clever enough to realise that the students could still join any other school and they would be spared of having to bear the brunt of a poor result in class VIII. Instead of improving teaching standards, the schools have resorted to this unsavory way of showing good results,” a parent rued. After these parents protested against the treatment meted out to them, the District Education Officer, Ms Rajesh Chaudhary, arrived at the school to settle the matter. The five students were readmitted to their class in accordance with the wishes of the parents. The in-charge of the school, Ms Manjit Kaur, was not available for comment. The UT Education Department, in an effort to make principals and teachers accountable for poor results, has been asking them for detailed explanations and chargesheeting heads after declaration of results to bring about improvement. |
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A rare honour for Vivek High School Chandigarh, October 8 Kurt Hahn in Germany set up the organisation. Terry Guest in Ontario is the chief executive. Their patrons include eminent personalities like Sonia Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and the reigning King of Greece. Every year the conference — international, regional and junior — is held in various schools hosted by the member- schools across the globe. Here students and faculty members form groups of 12 students hailing from different schools. They interact and learn to work together to propagate a common faith. The icing on the cake proved to be when the school was adjudged the best in the collage-making contest. The collage depicted a portrait of girls enjoying a folk dance of Punjab (Kiklee). The Principal, Mrs P.K. Singh, throws light on Round Square in saying that the organisation has five ideals — International democracy, environment, adventure, leadership and service. She says: ‘‘Vivek High and the Round Square ideals are the same. We have a faculty and students from abroad in school. The students undertake to plant trees all over the city every year. We recycle waste and make cards and coasters for Citco from it. Vivek is polythene-free and has vermiculture pits. Students are taken for treks and tours each year. The humanitarian spirit in Vivek has made us adopt Pustak, a school from slum children. We extend services to the Paediatrics Department in the PGI.’’ Disha Singh shares her experience: ‘‘I felt a little reserved in the beginning of the conference, but after interacting in the group with other people, I got to know myself more. I am a confident and friendly person now. I found Australians very happy-go- lucky and carefree people.’’ Manavpreet Singh and Anisha Bali echoed her thoughts, found the conference an eyeopener and gained a lot of knowledge about other countries. As Anisha rightly puts across: ‘‘I felt I was an ambassador of the country and Vivek.’’ Manav says: ‘‘The conference was a good exposure and will help me in the long run.’’ |
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CBSE mathematical Olympiad on Dec 7 Chandigarh, October 8 A statement issued here today by the Regional Office of the CBSE stated that the examination was an effort of the Chairman, Mr Ashok Ganguly, to improve the overall quality of school education as well as to provide every possible opportunity to the students to excel in their respective fields of talent. The last date for applying for the test is November 10 while the contest is open for students of Class IX to XII. |
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Teaching
resources in PU dwindling FACTFILE Chandigarh, October 8 The university is faced with the resignation of five teachers, vacation of two posts, relieving of two, termination of one and retirement of one faculty member. The picture could be more grim following retirement of teachers serving in the list of above 60 years of age if the court gave an adverse order in their case. The university takes up the resignation letters of Dr Salabh from department of Statistics, Dr Inderjit from Botany, Dr Banibrata Mahanta, Regional Centre, Muktsar, Dr (Mrs) Pippa mary Ann Deodhar from Department of Geography and Dr H.S. Banyal, Department of Zoology. The services of Dr J.S. Rathore are being terminated. One of the major reasons cited for teachers leaving the campus was placement in outside universities where they would have better job security. “ A pension scheme and better rate of interest on the Provident Fund were major factors for teachers seeking opportunities outside the campus”, a Fellow of the university Senate said. The university claims to be filling up more vacancies “ but look at the quality of loss compared to the replacements”, a senior teacher said. Leave apart the teachers clearing the university now, the picture is not so rosy even otherwise. The department of Chemical Engineering has a strength of 27 against the sanctioned 42, Geography has eight against 12, Geology will have only 9 left against the total 24 now. The status of teachers in departments of Hindi, Sanskrit, Punjabi and English is also not so rosy. Prof P.P. Arya, a former president of the Panjab University Teachers Union, said the university had transferred at least 30 posts to the University Institute of Engineering and Technology, four to the Centre of Genome Studies. Also on the agenda are a five-year law degree course and a dental college which will require new teachers. Teaching in the basic subjects of arts, languages and even science was already in shambles and the proposed new courses on basis of the existing strength of staff was not a good idea in case the university was bothered about the academic standards. He pointed out that one of the major reasons for the resignation of teachers was lack of social security on the campus in the absence of a viable pension scheme. Indications for a decrease of interest on the Provident Fund was another shock. It is strange that the staff in one of the best universities in the country was facing such hardships. “Looks like no one is interested,” he added. Dr Harjinder Singh Laltu, president of PUTA, said there had been a constant demand for filling up vacancies but there has been no action which will have several repercussions in the coming times. He said the Departments of Indian Theatre and Hindi were extremely low on the staff strength. “ Imagine, the Department of Fine Arts at a reputed university has just one teacher”, he added. Prof K.N. Pathak, the Vice Chancellor, said the picture was not as grim as its appeared. The posts of teachers who have resigned have already been filled. The university might not be getting new posts but a number of vacant ones were being filled up.
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Amritsar
naval unit adjudged best Chandigarh, October 8 The training involved spending strenuous hours learning boat-handling techniques and carrying out rowing and sailing activities in the Sukhna Lake. They also carried out arms training, drill and firing. Out of the participating cadets, 29 boys and 10 girls have been selected for participation in the All-India camp scheduled to be held at Vishakhapatnam from October 29. The Amritsar Naval unit was adjudged as the best unit in the entire directorate comprising the aforementioned states. The camp was conducted under the supervision of Commander M.J. Singh, Commanding Officer of the Chandigarh Naval NCC Unit. |
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Parents’ workshop Chandigarh, October 8 Problems related to sexuality, vocational rehabilitation, guardianship, social discrimination and stigma, besides training of mentally challenged for basic help skills, were discussed. |
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Inspector deposes in Beant Singh case Chandigarh, October 8 While deposing before the UT Additional District and Sessions Judge, Mr Balbir Singh, Mr Gambhir said he had visited Kolkata in 1996 in order to verify the records of three persons who had been allegedly involved in the Beant Singh assassination case. He added that these suspects had stayed there in hotels. Mr Gambhir added that during his stay there, he had recorded the statement of eight witnesses who had identified the photographs of three persons and also checked the hotel’s register. Employees of the hotel had identified the accused when the photographs were shown to them. The hotel employees also informed him that three of the accused had stayed in the hotel between September 24 and October 13 in 1995. However, Mr Gambhir failed to produce the evidence that he had gone to Kolkata and accompanied by other officials also for the purpose. |
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Uzbek folk dancers enthral Chandigarh, October 8 Before the colourful show began this evening at an auditorium in Sector 30, the group members talked about their ensemble which has made cultural presentations in over 50 countries of the world. While presenting folk dances of Uzbekistan, the group has also added to its repertoire different forms and dance traditions of other countries as well. The ensemble has been presenting all forms of Uzbek traditional folk dance and songs. The leader of the group is Hasan Azimov, who is also a distinguished artiste of Uzbekistan. After making the introduction, the troupe began the evening with a beautiful song titled “Motherland Uzbekistan”, which spoke of the love for the motherland. The song was played in the background, while the ensemble performed traditional Uzbek dance. Then came an item called “Dilkhiroj” in which a male dancer Sunnatilla Karimov performed to instrumental music played in the background. This presentation gave way to another piece called “Namangam Tanovari,” presented by dancers Gulnora Khahhorova, Saeeda Mansurkhajaeva, Dilafruz Khodirova. Dil Taronasi’ literally meaning songs from the heart, was the next solo item presented by Mokhtaram Abdumuminova. Dance of the young people from the Ferghana valley, accompanied by an instrument called the doira which looks like an Indian dafli, was performed by Saeeda, Mokhtaram, Sunnatilla and Arslon Akhbarov. Then came another interesting item called “Dance of the Pamir”, followed by Solo male dance of ferghana valley, which is one of the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan. This valley is equated in beauty to Kashmir. The dance item presented on the rhythms of the Doira was especially interesting as it told of the weaving of famous Uzbek silk, starting from the stage of cocoon to the formation of ready material. Dance Urgursk, performed by dancers, portrayed how a traditional Uzbek dish is prepared and presented. Rakkosa was another solo presentation made by Dilafruz, a female dancer, with the accompaniment of Doira. Norin Norin followed, portraying the rich traditions of the Khoresm valley. Spoon dance from the Sukhandarya valley, titled “Loshki” was enthralling, so was Guldasta, a dance from the Bukhara valley. Keeping the audience addicted, the ensemble, presented Dashnotvot, a solo Tajik male dance, performed by Arslon Akhbarov. As he danced, Hasan Azimov accompanied him on the rhythm with Doira. The finale was grand indeed and was called Doira finale, which saw all dancers coming together to weave a beautiful spell of rhythm and melody. |
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A play with message of socialism and equality Chandigarh, October 8 The first section of the theatre festival, organised at Tagore Theatre today in collaboration with the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, featured two presentations, that sent across a common message — that of socialism and equality. To set a base for Krishna Baldev Vaid’s story “Bhookh aag hai”, director of the productions Harish Bhatia first presented “Kabar bijoo”, a monologue, which wove pain into the script. The theme was hunger, as fanned by the capitalists, who hoard wealth and resources alike. By putting things into perspective, Harish Bhatia went on to present another production of the day, which was “Bhookh aag hai”. More than the elements of theatrical presentation, it was the poignancy of Krishna Baldev Vaid’s expression which held the audience. The play was not about story telling or narration. It was about depiction of life, red in tooth and claw. In the focus was not just hunger, but the entire process that goes into engendering the malady called hunger. The timeless tale of stark divisions between the poverty ridden and the materialistically blessed was told through three members of a high-class family, rooted in capitalism and immune to the pain of hunger. The child of the family has to write an essay on pain. And as the plot flourishes, it takes into fold all maladies that mar our social and political system — from poverty to flawed property control system to unequal distribution of wealth and final extinction of the poor at the altar of hunger. As the child struggles with the concept of hunger, her parents (played by Jainendra Singh and Tania Tandon) stand in the capitalist mould, mocking at the very idea of beggary and terming the poor, famishing lot as “buggers”. Interwoven into the script was the pain of loss and helplessness. Finally the attention was caught not in what was being enacted on stage or whether the enactment was professional, but in what the underlying message of Krishna Baldev Vaid’s story on the teeming destitutes was. For once, the heart went out to those who choose to live by begging around with bowls. The question that still remained to be answered was, “If they don’t beg, how do they eat and live?” The play also featured Swati Sinha (as the child), Kamal Arora, Seema Verma, Prerna Puri, Anju Vashishta and Rajesh as beggars. The earlier presentation, “Kabar Bijoo” featured Ankita Khanna, Nisha, Tanya Singh as hungry kids, besides Harish Bhatia in the monologue. The production will be repeated at Tagore Theatre tomorrow. |
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Ramlila
contest results Chandigarh, October 8 The second prize was bagged by the Sita Haran Navyug Ramlila and Dasehra Committee of Sector 7 for “Sita Haran”. Lakshman Parshuram Samvad of Badrish Ramlila Kala Niketan, Sector 30, got the third prize. |
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YOUTH LIFE
& STYLE If you think marriage and Karva Chauth are tied in a knot, you are mistaken. In fact, you cannot be more divorced from reality. The ceremony, once the signature of the married ones, is now celebrated by maidens too. Having doubts? Just drive down to the Sector 15 residence of Tanya. You will find her arguing with her dad and mom to buy her a nice dress for the occasion. For her the moon does not matter. Rather, the 19-year-old undergraduate is least bothered about clouds forcing the fasting wives to go without food and water on the big night. She is just worried about stars — the ones twinkling on a nice short top. After donning it on Karva Chauth over boot-cut trousers with slits on either sides, she plans to zip up and down the hearts of city guys in her jaunty jalopy. Yes, you have guessed it right. The bonds of matrimony have nothing to do with a heart’s desire. She is simply hunting for “something glittery dyed in the hues of matrimony” along with so many blushing brides putting up in the
neighbourhood. She has her own reasons. “Just because I do not want knots in my life there is no reason for me to whimper with overflowing eyes and not to let off the steam on Karva Chauth night,” she asserts with determination punctuating her voice. Tanya is not the only one. Her best friend Zubina too is prowling after a cheerful crimson suit. She had seen it in some Bollywood blockbuster a few weeks back. Since then she has been barging into one showroom after another. “It’s final. I want the stuff for Karva Chauth at any cost, she asserts. “Operation search is on. I will locate it before the big day. Am sure of the fact.” The two have left nothing to chance. Rather, they have withdrawn crisp currency notes from ATMs for the purpose after saving it for months together. The reason behind their enthusiasm is not very hard to analyse. “In good old days that will, perhaps, never come back, Karva Chauth was for wedded wives, religiously,” says young psychologist Simran Singh. “For charmers putting up in spinster quarters, the occasion had little to offer. Yes, some were adorning their hands with henna-traced pattern, but that was all they were going in for.” Rubbing her hands enthusiastically, Simran adds, “Things have now changed for good or worse that is another question. Nowadays, you have maidens munching chicken-onion-cheese pizza after dressing up like good wives on Karva Chauth.” Explaining the trend, the psychologist utters: “In today’s world of ostentation, Karva Chauth, like Halloween, Valentine's Day and Christmas, is just another occasion for beauties adorned to celebrate after showing off their charms in alluring outfits. Little wonder, in 2003 you do not have to be married for capturing the trophies of love after dressing up like stunning brides.” No wonder, catering to their demands are so many outlets in the city. “An exclusive range of attires for spouseless dames — that’s what we have for Karva Chauth this year,” reveals Babi, running a garment shop in the Sector 8 market. “We are offering short tops with antique work, besides shiny stuff embellished with sequence and cut danas in front and around the neck.” So gals, if you haven’t done your shopping yet, rush to the arcade now. But do not forget to pick up suits in vibrant colours. Also, think beyond red. The ones in lemony lemon, alluring orange and die-hard rust are in vogue. “The stuff is not very expensive either,” asserts Babi. “You can buy a simple suit for Rs 1,500. The ones with “work” are dearer. You will have to pull out something like Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000 for taking it home.” Cheer up girls. Do not look so sullen. You still can save that much money. Or you can ask dad to lend you some pocket money in advance. After all, the occasion will come only after a year.
Get ready to buy bangles Hey girls, Karva Chauth is almost here and you still have haven’t purchased bangles. Now, what is this? Why don’t you simply push aside the blanket of lethargy and drive down the meandering road leading you to the market for picking up some real nice bangles? But before you actually pick up the car keys, tarry a little. Just stop and read. Our experts have something to tell you. In fact, they have compiled a list of do’s and don’ts for you. First of all remember you do not essentially have to buy glass bangles specially if you are a maiden. The ones moulded out of glass look elegant, but the stuff is not mandatory on Karva Chauth. Also, never forget to carry the dress you wish to wear on the occasion. Our experts are of the view that it is always better to pick up bangles in complimentary hues. “You can buy bangles in bold red, somber maroon and striking pink, depending upon the shade of your
attire, "asserts young fashion designer Waida Khanna. On-the-spot comparison also helps you in choosing the right shade. Also, compare the bangles and the attire in natural, rather than synthetic light thrown by high-wattage bulbs. You can take the ornaments out of the shop before deciding upon the tinge. If the shopkeeper objects, move on to another store. You have your options. You should always keep in mind that you are buying the stuff and have the right to be satisfied. So what if the product is not expensive, you can still examine it minutely. “After deciding upon the colour, go in for cheerful shining bangles on display at so many shops spread through out the length and breadth of Chandigarh,” says Zulekha, a beauty-parlour owner. “Believe me, they do not look cheap and go with the occasion.” This is not all. You can also buy bangles with nice little ghungroos. “Make sure that bangles do not get entangles with your clothes,” Zulekha asserts. “Ghungroos are usually attached with the help of copper wires. If entwined, threads can be pulled out spoiling the suit.” If you are going in for the ones in glass, make sure that you do not forcibly slip on the bangles. They might break in the process and result in cuts. “Best thing is to go for a slightly bigger size,” recommends beautician Dhruv Sharma. “Otherwise, slip two at a time.” Another thing. Get rid of the loathsome tan around your arms before you wear bangles. “This can be done with professional help or through home-made recipes,” says Waida. “I believe in preventing the process of tanning by wearing long white gloves while driving. I also recommend scrubbing of arms with besin and other desi cures". So folks, buy bangles but not without making preparations. After all, it is Kaurva Chauth - time for you to have some fun.
Get that flawless look The big night of Kaurva Chauth, is almost here. So what if you are a maiden. You can still dress up like a blushing bride just for yourself. Here is how to find your dream look: Get that flawless matte look oh-so-hot these days. Choose a shade of oil-control makeup that is shine free. Make sure that it matches with your skin tone. Dark for dark, light for light. Use a wet sponge to blend evenly around your temples and jawbone for a barely-there look. For cheeks, go get that tangy glow by dusting peach hue on your cheeks and jawbone. Blend evenly with dexterous fingers. For those lucky lips that will make the on-lookers slobber, line your pouters with cocoa colour, then fill in with matte lipstick in berry red hue. But what about eyes? Make-up artist Anu Bhalla has a suggestion. She says, "Draw a fine line close to your upper lashes using a lining pen in black. Extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye. Next curl your lashes and sweep mascara in black to get that doe-eyed look". This is not all. Here are some trendy tips for all you damsels eager to get your nail paint right: If you have short nails, please ditch dark hues. They make the nails look even shorter. Opt for light and shimmery tints like shiny purple or alluring browns. Says Bhalla, "Remember to match the colour of your pouters with complementing nail enamel. You can pair lip hues like plump and chocolate with nail shades like copper or plump tint". Also get rid of the dark circles. They do not match your complexion. "You can perk up tired eyes by placing two slices of cucumber over them," says another make-up artist Rahul Verma. "If you do not wish to sit in your living room with your eyes hidden under cucumber, you can apply a cream that contains natural extracts. After cleansing, dab a small amount around the area with your fingertip. Blend in without rubbing too hard". If dull skin is what you are suffering from, listen to what Rahul has to say, "When washing up after a night out, use a moisturising body wash or a soap to breathe life into dull skin. Gently slough off the flakes". So folks, follow our simple fundas to look simply great. |
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