 |
|
|
|
|
||||
School adopts critical thinking in teaching Chandigarh, November 15 The school is holding a five-week workshop for training its faculty. Conducting the workshop at the school is Dr Roland Case, Professor of Curriculum and Social Studies in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. An author of a number of books on critical thinking and on the Board of Directors of the Critical Thinking Consortium, Dr Roland Case says: “Critical thinking has vast implications in all walks of life. However, in education, it implies the development of methodology within the parameters of the curriculum so as to develop a community of critical thinkers.” Aimed at opening the windows of learning and making teaching more interactive, critical thinking enables the student to be reflective, intuitive and analytic, Dr Case said to his class during the inaugural session at the school here today. Informing his teacher-students on how the technique of critical thinking worked, Dr Case explained that after introducing the background of a subject to the student, it was the duty of the teacher to motivate them to confront doubts. “This is done through framing of questions in a way that discussion may follow, making classroom teaching more interactive. Besides, it encourages the students to probe and go beyond classroom study. Critical thinking also narrows the disparity between students with everybody allowed to express his opinion,” he added during the course of his lecture to the teachers of the school. Stating that critical thinking had benefited over 15,000 teachers in 32 schools across Canada, Dr Case said Vivek High School was the first to introduce the concept at the school-level in India. Scheduled to work with 120 teachers at Vivek High School, Dr Case will focus on 10 to 12 teachers at a time, teaching techniques of critical thinking during his five-week stay. The Principal of the school, Ms P.K. Singh, said: “I have held three workshops during the current academic year. I have attended a similar workshop while I was in Canada”. |
|
PU witnesses series
of thefts Chandigarh, November 15 Students apprehended a suspect, who was beaten up and handed over to the police on Saturday. He was, however, let off on Monday night. This move was decried by students and research scholars. The police officer on duty had a tough time convincing the students. After a heated discussion in the department, the affected party was calmed with a promise to produce the suspect. Ms Sanju Dhawan, a research associate, said she was willing to give some cash to the thief if he returned her computer chip. “The chip had material of my research for which I had been working for the past nearly five years, ” she said. Vandana lost her Kinetic scooter. Shivani said someone picked her handbag which had Rs 700 in cash. Someone also took away the handbag of Swati. Sheetal said she lost her mobile handset. Ashwini Bhatia, a research scholar, said: “Following a spate of thefts last week, we made a list of the outsiders visiting our department. One man was found to be a frequent visitor. The suspect was apprehended on Saturday and on being questioned, he said his name was Ravinder. However, on repeated questioning, he said he was Bahadur. A bunch of keys and a blade, fit to cut locks, were found from his possession. He was handed over to the police.” The police officer on duty said the police could not detain a man indefinitely without a proper case or complaint. The wife of the suspect was under-going treatment at the PGI so he had to be let off. Students, however, threatened to launch an agitation against the authorities if no substantial action was taken. Gurparvez Singh Sandhu, the president of the Panjab University Student Union(Shellay), was at the department since early hours. He said the campus was witness to several other thefts, specifically during the past two weeks. A hostel warden has lost her car. A student’s motorcycle was stolen from the Students Centre on last Wednesday. |
|
|
From the schools Panchkula, November 15 The students of the school showcased their talent by presenting various cultural items. An English play, an English dance, a Hindi play and a qauwalli based on patriotism were presented by the children. A choreography based on environment was appreciated by the audience. The annual report of the school was presented by the Executive Director of the school’s managing committee. Prizes were presented to meritorious students for their academic achievements and participants of cultural items.
Sports day The sports day of the senior section of Bhavan Vidyalaya was held today. The HUDA Administrator, Panchkula, Mr C.R. Rana, was the chief guest. The show was well presented by the senior student who emphasised that in a healthy mind resides a healthy body. The students put a remarkable display of coordination through a march past, which was followed by yogic exercises, aerobics and martial arts. The chief guest gave away prizes to the winners and the function concluded with a foot-tapping Rajasthani folk dance.
Cultural show The teachers of Holy Child School presented a vibrant and cultural programme comprising songs, dance and skits, on the occasion of Children’s Day yesterday. A magic show and fun games were also organised for the children. |
|
10,000 school kids take part in carnival Chandigarh, November 15 They took part in competitions in painting, essay writing, slogan writing, tattoo making, collage-making, face painting, dance, singing and science fair. The results: Painting competition: Junior category — Babli (GMHS-37) 1, Asha (AKSIPS, Mohali) 2; Middle category — Pradeep Kaur (Gem Public School, Mohali) 1, Kiran (Shishu Niketan) 2; Senior category — Harmeet Kaur (Gem Public School)1, Simran Kaur (GMSSS-35) 2. Essay writing:
Middle category — Neha (DAV Public School, Naraingarh)1, Bharat Mittal (Aastha High School, Pkl) 2; Senior category — Vinay (Gyandeep Public School, Pkl) 1, Nandini (DAV Public School, Naraingarh ) 2. Slogan writing: Junior category — Suman (Rastriya Model School, Chd) 1; Middle category — Deepika (Bright Public School, Mohali) 1, Shweta (DAV Public School, Naraingarh) 2; Senior category — Raman Ahuja (DAV School, Naraingarh) 1. Face painting:
Middle category — Aditi (Amravati Public School) 1, Pooja Garg (RS Model School, Kalka) 2; Senior category — Amardeep (AC National Public School) 1. Tattoo-making: Junior category — Tamana (Amravati Public School) 1, Shera Harish (Amravati Public School) 2; Middle category — Ashish (Moti Ram School, Pkl) 1, Amit Sharma (Moti Ram School, Pkl)2; Senior category — Sukhjit Kaur (AC National School)1, Kamaljit Gill (AC National School) 2. Collage making:
Middle category — Rishi Ghai (Moti Ram School, Pkl) 1, Vivek (Swami Ram Terath, Mohali )2; Senior category — Harpreet (Satyam Public School) 1, Jatinder (Bright Public School) 2. Group dance:
Junior category — Gem Public School, Mohali 1, Saraswati Public School, Dhanas 2; Middle category — Sunshine School, Mani Majra 1, Saraswati Public School, Dhanas 2; Senior category — Hindu Girls Sr Secondary School, Jagadhri 1, AC National, Zirakpur 2. Singing:
Junior category — Anita (Govt Sr Sec School, — 38 West) 1; Middle category — Shailab (DAV Public School, Naraingarh) 1, Swami (Ram Terath School, Mohali) 2; Senior category — Renu (Govt Model Sr Sec School, 35) 1, Chandan (AC National School) 2. Science fair:
Middle category — Harjot (Gem Public School, Mohali) 1, Rahena (Moti Ram Arya School -27) 2; Senior category — Mandeep (AC National School) 1, Rahul (Govt Boys School-20 Chd) 2. Solo dance:
Junior category — DAV Model School-15 Chd 1, Manisha (DAV Public School -15, Chd) 2; Middle category — Sonika (AC National School) 1, Kanchan (Saraswati Public School) 2; Senior category — Mona (Moti Ram Arya School - 27, Chd) 1, Divya (Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School-35, Chd) 2. |
|
Students threaten to intensify stir Chandigarh, November 15 Those sitting on fast opposite the Vice-Chancellor's office include Karanveer Singh Kaler of Government College, Sector 11, Aman Dhanoa of GGDSD College, Sector 32, Sandeep Verma of SGGS College, Sector 26 and Dilip Singh Virk of DAV College, Sector 10. Malwinder Singh Kang, the president of the Panjab University Campus Students Council, said it was strange that the neither the UT Administration not the university were responding to the students' demand of rollback in the fee hike and rationalisation of the vast disparities in the fee structure. Meanwhile, Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, MP, and Mr Ashok Goyal, both Fellows of the university Senate, met the Vice-Chancellor, Prof K.N. Pathak, and discussed the issue at length. Harish Attri, a student activist on fast, was taken away by the police in the evening for a medical check-up after he showed signs of weakness. |
|
Dev Samaj
alumni launch ‘Virasat’ Chandigarh, November 15 While they relived their college days, the meet also provided them with an opportunity to catch up with the latest in the lives of their friends. As they talked with their friends, rekindled their friendships and exchanged contact numbers, they also remembered their teachers and alma mater. These were the reminiscences of the alumni at the launch of “Virasat” — the Old Students’ Association of Dev Samaj College for Women, Sector 45. This was the first alumni meet of the college in 22 years, since the college was established in 1981. To mark the beginning of the programme, Dr Rajinder Jeet Hans Gill, DUI, Panjab University, lighted a lamp and launched “Virasat”. A colourful cultural programme comprising an Oriya folk dance, giddha, folk song and ghazals were presented by the students of the college for their seniors. The Principal, Ms Vimal Bhargava, welcomed the guests . Mr Vikas Dev, a senior member of the Dev Samaj Council, released the special value education alumni issue of the college magazine ‘Nibhrant’. The former students also elected the office-bearers of “Virasat”. The following were elected: president — Monita; vice-president — Vandana Vijh; secretary — Priya Gupta; joint secretary — Geeta Goyal; treasurer — Divya Sharma; pro —
Manisha. |
|
|
Expert’s evidence in Beant case completed Chandigarh, November 15 Mr Chadha was today cross-examined by the defence counsel in the court of the UT District and Sessions Judge, Mr Balbir Singh, at the special courtroom in the Model Jail,
Burail. Mr Chadha had examined the four photographs of the fingerprints of the accused captured from the rear view mirror of the car which was used by the accused to commit the crime. |
Wedding bells for Santosh, the face of Amanat TWO more days to go and small screen actress Pooja Madan will fall in the league of married people. Having done all that she ever desired to do — study well, put up solid academic scores, learn the nuances of bharatnatyam and act — Pooja is now getting ready for yet another role, perhaps the greatest and the most difficult of all. Flanked by all members of her family, who have descended on Bristol Resorts near Chandigarh to grace her wedding ceremony, Pooja talked of how well life had greeted her through the years. The lead face of the famous small screen soap — Amanat, which won accolades for its Indian flavour and traditional edge, Pooja Madan loves to live her reel role every moment. “It was nice to play what I am. Don’t go on my snazzy attire. My heart is all Indian, rooted in Indian ideals and morals,” declared the charming bride, who had to get ready for adorning her hands with ‘henna’ this evening. Talking about the role in Amanat, Pooja did not fail mentioning her association with bharatnatyam, a dance form which taught her patience and the courage to succeed. “I trained in classical dance from Chaya Khanvatti and Rati Madan, who still run their dance school in Mumbai. I am a regular at their shows, but now I am planning to present solo recitals. I am also weighing my options with the kind of television serial scripts that are coming my way.” After Amanat wrapped up, Pooja, better known as Santosh, the name which television gave her, took some time to come back from the level of fame which Amanat had brought her to. Her mother said, “Amanat was the zenith of her career. It gave her the much-needed recognition and respect she desire all her life. After Amanat the quality of productions offered to her also improved tremendously. She now has her hands full.” Having acted in a number of Doordarshan serials as a child artiste, Pooja had an easy entry into the television serials later on. She has earlier featured in some of the most successful television serials like ‘Campus’, Shekhar Kapur’s ‘Haqiqat’ and ‘Parchhaiyaan’, a serial that also exploited her talent as a dancer. As of now, Pooja is working in ‘Kise apna kahen’ (on Sahara). Yet another one that is about to be aired is titled, “Mujhse dosti karoge” and “Mangalsutra”. Critical of vulgar sequences that have become an integral part of film scripts these days, Pooja said she had neither the plans nor any inclination to join films. “Films do not get with the kind of background I come from. I am too idealistic to ever be a part of any Hindi film. I would rather concentrate on dance and also think about ways to use my degree as a commerce graduate in my future vocations.”
— TNS |
|||||
|
City can be shopping hub for region’
Q: How did you get the idea of organising shopping festival ? A: After a recent boom in the Indian economy and rise in consumers’ income, we had witnessed a sharp increase in business in the city. So we were looking for some idea to attract consumers to the Sector 17 plaza that offered a wide range of readymade garments, gift items, shoes and other items. After a meeting of like-minded persons, we decided to organise the shopping festival in a big way. Q: What was the response from the public? A: The response was so overwhelming that the cost of offering prizes were met. About 10,000 customers came even to witness the final lucky draw and enjoy the cultural programmes. Q: How did administration help in promoting shopping? A: It was unfortunate that we got little help from the Municipal Corporation and UT Administration. We had to pay a substantial amount even for installing gates for the shopping bonanza. They could have assisted us in making arrangements for parking, cultural programmes and exhibitions to attract more customers. We are hopeful that the authorities will help in promoting the city as the shopping destination for the customers of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and other states.
— TNS |
|||||
|
It’s my life
I am working with Tata Home Finance, a leading financial company, and this is my first job. I am very contended and have learnt certain tricks of the trade which has shown me the value of experience in any kind of a job. Travelling far and wide made me adjustable and adaptable in different environs. My family had been always supporting and encouraging me to take up challenges. These personal experiences are very important in kind of profession I have chosen. When I went in for MBA it was the first time I had stepped out of home to stay in a hostel. It gave me feeling of joy to be free. Mere degrees of freshers without experience do not make a handsome picture while seeking jobs in the market. I, too, spent some time doing rounds of different offices when often I felt disheartened. I knew no dreams could materialise until worked upon. The effort paid in the end and I know it is just the beginning. As told to Sanjeev Singh Bariana |
|||||
|
Sushma Sagar’s book released Chandigarh, November 15 Titled, “The Beggar Woman and Other Poems”, Sushma Sagar's first ever published work, which is an anthology of poems, was released at the Chandigarh Club by the Member of Parliament, Ms Preneet Kaur, who was all praised for the warm and friendly woman that Sushma was. Talking about her work, which spans her jottings through her past and present life, Sushma Sagar, said, “I have essentially been a poet. Comfortably placed in the shell of my thoughts and aspirations, I never quite felt the urge to break free and communicate. It was through the effort of some of my friends who thought I had some level of talent which needed a wider base for blooming, that I agreed to work on my collection of poems.” Not a subjective work by any chance, the collection traces human concerns through various levels on which the society operates. Humanism is the key word and it holds the entire collection together. The poetess says, “Nothing has been analysed from the material sense. Everything is heart-felt and human in approach and implication.” Sushma makes extensive references to her native village from Uttar Pradesh in her work. Through her poems, she traces the moral degradation of society. |
|||||
|
Film review “ALL I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl” Sir Charlie Chaplain once said. All our Hindi film-makers need to make a comedy is double roles, stuttering dialogues and an overdose of emotional chaos. In “Jodi Kya Bania Wah Wah Ram Ji”, two good friends — Gulshan Grover and Tiku Talsania — who are also business partners, decided to commemorate their time-tested bond through matrimonial alliance of their daughter and son respectively. The engagement is announced. But Vishal (Amar Upadhyay of “Saas bhi Kabhi Bahu thi TV serial) and Priyanka (Reema Sen) are poles apart and their aversion for each other forces them to sit together and find out the way to foil the marriage. Then enters the failed suspense thriller writer, Ram Prasad (Paresh Rawal) who is desperately searching for a love story. He uses the mismatched couple as characters to further his story and imagination. His plan to break off the ideal friendship and consequently the marriage is lapped up by Vishal and Priyanka. However, the plot gets out of hand of overenthusiastic writer whose crazy ideas to divide the two families does tickle viewers’ fancy. It is hijacked by the villain who is eyeing the property of the businessman and of course the heroine Priyanka. But the couple do not part ways. Instantaneous love blooms when the heroine gets drenched in rain becomes unconscious and is rescued by the hero. The couple, much to their chagrin, discover that the crazy writer has succeeded in his attempt and the two best friends have become sworn enemies. Then again the drill begins to cement the ties and facilitate the marriage. Paresh Rawal’s acting versatility adds shafts of wit. But when his antics get too much, we have Gulshan Grover (in double role) to tear us away. The music also fails to score much. The song “December ka maheena ho aur saath mein ek hasina ho” accentuates the improvised verses which are in galore. Amar Upadhayay has a long way to go to emerge as a silver screen actor. His lack of self-confidence shows. The real fun of the movie, unexpectedly, lies in watching him enact love scenes as he hardly looks romantic. While Reema Sen is little better on this count. The director’s attempt to make some scenes hilarious actually invite jeers. But still there is no reason to give up hope. One can always wish that our filmmakers understand that the essence of comedy lies not in its overarticulation but its inexpressible presentation and subtle wit of intellect. There are not many persevering viewers left now who can will themselves into laughter with a movie like this. The summing up is “Film kya banai, wah wah Ram
ji”. |
Sanjay’s love for diversity pays off Chandigarh, November 15 In Chandigarh to keep date with the customers at a store in Sector 17 which has stocked the famous W — work wear collection for women, Sanjay explained his obsession for diversity. Taking off from ‘Pinjar’, the latest film which has established him as a sensible actor who knows his mind, Sanjay talked of how proud he was that ‘Pinjar’ became the first ever Bollywood film to open in an international film festival. “The euphoria ‘Pinjar’ generated was amazing. It was nice to be part of a production which pays tributes to human forbearance, reflected in plenty during Partition. Even more encouraging was the fact that the film was directed by a non-Punjabi. The message is thus clear — pain knows no languages.” Sanjay admitted that he accepted “Jhankar Beats” to try his skill at comedy. “I wanted to flow as an actor. Hence ‘Jhankar Beats’. My forthcoming projects include a special appearance in ‘Dhoop’ and a major role in ‘Shaadi Ka Latoo.” Dream roles have not yet come Sanjay’s way, loves looks up to Naseeruddin Shah in ‘Sparsh’ and Manoj Bajpai in ‘Satya’. “Every aspiring actor wants to reach these levels of acting. I am at present concentrating on comedies, but not the slapstick ones.” With the passion of travel photography going strong, Sanjay says he wants to feature in a negative role now. “I am exploiting my negative shades in the film titled, “Fida”. That would mark another transition in my career.” And what about the part of his life where his wife Ambika rules? “Well that’s a sacred bond. Thankfully, my wife has nothing to do with films. She is a psychologist. Believe me, every actor needs one psychologist at home,” suggests a beaming Sanjay, who took out draws in the store late this evening. While some winners won dates with Sanjay Suri, the rest won a free wardrobe at the store. |
|
City girl shines on
Bollywood firmament Panchkula, November 15 Taking a break from her hectic shooting schedule for various Balaji serials, and in city for the national premiere of her first film — ‘Ants’, she seemed relaxed and enjoying the adulation at home. “All my friends and associates have been calling me up and congratulating me for giving a very spontaneous performance as Sonu in ‘Kahani...’ and as Sakshi in ‘Kkusum’, and I am enjoying every bit of it,” she says. In fact, acting just happened by chance for Karishma. Till last year, she was working her way to be a genetic engineer. She had just finished her B.Sc in biophysics, when she casually went in for the audition of ‘Ants’ and was instantly selected. “I could not believe it myself, when I was selected as the female lead of the film. Coming from an orthodox family, it took me a lot of time to convince my father to allow me to act in the film. But since then, there has been no looking back. I got roles in the Balaji Telefilms serials, and thus my destiny changed,” she says. Karishma says that her friends had persuaded her to participate in the Miss Monte Carlo contest three years ago. She won the title as also that of Ms Talented in the contest and life took a different turn. She featured in some music videos and had also attained a reputation as a professional compere in Chandigarh, when ‘Ants’ happened. “But even then my priority was studies and between the shooting of the film, I would be engrossed in my books. In fact, I had gone to Mumbai in August last year, after I had taken admission in M.Sc, for attending my nephew’s first birthday, and somebody suggested that I audition for ‘Kahani...’ Since then, there has been no looking back,” she says. On how she could identify with the characters that she has portrayed so far, she says that the character of Sonu is what is quite like her when she was a teenager. “Most of the utterances of Sonu are not scripted and I do it spontaneously, because that is what I used to do as a teenager,” she says. About her future plans, and she says that a masala Bollywood film and another serial with Balaji Telefilms are on the cards. |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | National Capital | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Mr Darpan Kapoor of Kapson Stores was one of the brains behind introducing the shopping festival in Sector 17 under the banner of Business Promotion Council. It helped the trading community to do business worth crores, besides attracting thousands of customers from the neighbouring states. The festival offered prizes worth over Rs 30 lakh and cultural shows to the consumers during the 40-day sales bonanza.
TRAVELLING has widened my horizons in life and this was possible because my father served as a Colonel in the Army. After graduation, this experience made me easily decide between settling down in a married life or going after a full-fledged career. I chose the latter and did MBA from Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh).