The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

Hamara School
Doing their bit for weak students
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16
The Government Model High School, Sector 39, is a picture of liveliness tucked away in one corner of the city, attempting to make a place for itself in the field of education despite its meagre facilities.

Ganga, 10th-B

Sky Alieh, 8th-C

Graduating from a primary school to a model high school, the institution has gradually worked its way up the ladder and, at present, has nearly 1,500 students.

Aysha, 7th-C

Gaurav Kumar, 10th-B

Running from a building meant for a primary school, the school imparts education to the junior and senior wings in two shifts. While computer education is yet to reach students, efforts are on to hasten the construction of a building to accommodate all students and run the school in a single shift.

Sandeep Bhatt, 8th-B

With a staff strength of 42, the school has a regular schedule for inter-class co-curricular events of singing, dancing and art and craft though studies are given priority. The school also holds an annual exhibition of items prepared by its students, showcasing their talent and encouraging them to do better.

In the absence of a room earmarked as a library, students are given books in their classes and reading is encouraged. In the field, too, the students are urged to take their pick in sports and the sports teachers back them with all the support they need to hone their skill.

For weak students, the school holds extra classes on the school campus free of cost.

Paramjit Kaur, Principal, GMHS-39

Having taught Punjabi in a government school for 32 years and in touch with students, Ms Paramjit Kaur, promoted as Principal three months ago, says her experience as a teacher will stand her in good stead as the administrator at the school.

On the essence of education: For me, over the years, education has come to mean emotional, mental and social development of the child. Education moulds the personality of children and the foundation laid in school forms the basis of the personality which means that the school has a greater responsibility towards the child.

On her approach to students: I want to be seen as accessible to the students and want to involve them in every activity of the school. I hold weekly meetings with the school prefects while I meet class monitors once a month to identify the problems they are facing and work out a solution in consultation with them.

On the tuition menace: I disapprove of children taking tuitions and hold parents responsible for this growing trend. With more and more working parents, the children are practically on their own and tend to follow whatever is "in vogue". While classroom teaching of the present times certainly does not suffice for competitive examinations, teachers too are taking it easy because they know students have tuitions to fall back on. If the students have faith in their teachers, the teachers, too, will deliver.

On her agenda: Firstly, I want to introduce computer education to make sure my students are not left behind. Another demand I plan to make to the authorities is that of getting a new building ready as fast as possible so that the students can have a better study environment.

Manav Mangal students enthral at annual function
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16
A cultural extravaganza by students of Manav Mangal High School, Sector 21 here, on the first day of the annual function was a visual treat for the audience. Most items presented by the students were theme-based, conveying a social message or dealing with a social problem.

Beginning in a traditional style with a prayer song “Teri hai zameen”, followed by a welcome song, the fashion show was an item with a difference. Stressing on “unity in diversity”, the performance was a fusion of the cultures of various Indian states with students sashaying down the stage in traditional attires to depict a unified India despite the differences.

Aliens from outer space descended on the stage with a message of peace and danced to Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World” while the next item highlighted the difference in the status of teaching and teachers, tracing the changes from the times of the gurukuls to the modern-day schools.

After these items, students of Classes I and II dressed up as women who have made a mark in society. From Florence Nightingale to Indira Gandhi and Kalpana Chawla, the students, after giving a brief introduction of whoever they represented, said in unison that despite all the progress made by women in society, female foeticide was responsible for the declining sex ratio.

Over 60 meritorious students were given awards for excellence in academics, sports and co-curricular activities by the chief guest, Prof K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University. While teachers with 100 per cent results of Classes VIII and X were honoured, Ms P. Chauhan and Ms Madhu Anand were also given prizes for cent per cent attendance.

Later, the Principal of the school, Mr Sanjay Sardana, read out the annual report of the school highlighting the achievements of the students in academics and sports events. The annual function of the school is a three-day event which would culminate with the declaration of the “best student” of the school on November 18.

Fun-filled day for Ajit Karam Singh kids
Our Correspondent

SAS Nagar, November 16
It was a day of vibrant colour, lively music and enjoyment for children at the cultural fun fair, the Pied Piper, held at Ajit Karam Singh International Public School in Phase V here today.

The light rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the students and parents as the park near the school premises came alive with a hut and a mini bridge.

The programme opened with the appearance of the Pied Piper with his bandwagon of children in colourful attire.

Parents and other guests applauded as small children dressed in black and red later danced to the tune of “Chappa, chappa charkha chale.”

This was followed by girls from classes II and III, dressed in bright colours and wearing ornaments of Rajasthan, presenting ghumar.

In the item a girl asks her parents not to marry her off to someone living in a far-off place but to a Rathore.

The parents, too, were not overlooked in the fun-filled schedule with 20 games for couples in store for them.

The item brought much mirth and amusement to the children with the winners collecting prizes.

In another item the audience was taken on a trip to Las Vegas with pupils of KG and class I dancing to the foot-tapping Ketchup song.

The Middle East, too, came into focus with a dance presentation connected with the story of Ali Baba.

With the wide range of entertainment on the menu, the culture of Punjab, of course, could not be left out, and the little ones did justice to it with a lively presentation of bhangra to the tune of “Mode te dang rakh ke.”

A lucky draw was also on the schedule with attractive prizes for the winners ranging from a colour TV set and microwave oven to a mixer and blower.

The chief guest was well-known Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Pargat Singh, who was welcomed by the school Director-Principal, Mrs Jasmine Kalra. He exhorted the students to shun fast food to maintain good health.

A memento was presented to him by the Chairman of the National Education Development Trust, Dr B.N.S. Walia.

LIFE STYLE

Of vacillations between past and present
Neelam Mansingh prepares a new production
Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service

NO matter how full of accomplishments our days are, the nights always return to challenge our identities. That is one reason why in the dark spells of nights, one is so often urged to search for the real self behind the facade and also trace the most trusted roads that go back home.

These musings form body and soul of Neelam Mansingh’s latest indulgence “Siboo in Super-market” which is gradually taking the shape of a production. In search of lost moorings, Siboo, the protagonist, passes through life as if it were some haze. The play of emotions in the space of a supermarket grips the viewer absolutely, ensuring that spoken words don’t just sound like mechanical sections of a well-structured script, but enter the very souls of those who hear.

Inspired by a short story of a South African writer, who words the pain of a lost homeland, the play is being written by eminent litterateur Surjit Pattar. During the rehearsal of the play at her studio in Sector 4 today, Neelam talked with passion on how the sense of loss has been overwhelming her over the past. “Readymade scripts were out for me. While looking for a theme, I was driven to various directions. There was a pressing urge to portray dehumanisation of society, as symbolised in Gujarat. There were other urges as well. That was when I got the BBC assignment wherein I, along with other theatre persons, was asked to explore the brief titled ‘Packet of seeds’. Around this time I read this story by a South African writer, who uses the space of a supermarket to vent his emotions. ‘Siboo in supermarket’ took off from there,” she said.

Watching Neelam’s favourite actress Ramanjit play Siboo was like watching a love-starved soul yearning to get back home. The play progresses simultaneously in two time zones — the present, symbolised by Siboo caught in the glare of supermarket stocks and the past that nostalgically reminds her of the days when everything about the world was so real. Looking at eggs, she recalls the whole process of procreation, as she had heard of. The sight of bottles reminds her of the relatives, who look so artificial in their acts.

Neelam added: “Super-market was chosen as a space because it has no memory, no history. Throughout the play, we do not localise the setting. It is left ambiguous. A supermarket cuts across locales to maintain its identity, which underlines globalisation, and other phenomenal developments of the modern world. In this space the protagonist struggles to hold on to her lost identity. Jarring images in the supermarket take her back to the past which is so full of haunting memories of terrorism, rape, bloodshed and loss.” Woven into the story is the obsession with plastic that has virtually inundated lives.

Structured in soliloquys, the play moves on to bare the eternal conflict of belonging which every displaced person undergoes. In Siboo, who has chosen to abandon her home in Punjab in an attempt to put the grim past behind her, we see some part of our own self, caught in the mire of life. Joining Ramanjit in the emotional saga are Honey and Rocky, fresh passouts from the Indian Theatre Department, Panjab University.

Significantly, the play makes no suggestions. Throughout, the protagonist vacillates between past and present, trying to make sense of both the worlds, because both are significant in the scheme of her progression. The end remains ambiguous, inspiring people to find their own balancing points in life.

Sports complement studies, says Kriti

AT 16 years of age, Kriti Puri, has done her parents, Prof G.D. Puri of the PGI and Mrs Sunita Puri, an Indian Revenue Services Officer, proud. She is a gifted and talented allrounder and has spectacular achievements in various fields. She is a meritorious student, an international-level skater and budding Bharatnatyam dancer who has won a scholarship from the Union Ministry of HRD.

Now, Kriti, has gone a step further and written a book, "Kian", on a child’s adventures. She has not stopped there and gone on to write one more book which will be printed soon. Kriti completed her high school from the Carmel Convent School and is at present studying in Class XI at Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27.

Q : After sports, studies and dance what made you write the book?

A. It all started when my 13-year-old brother, Anant Vidur, challenged me if I could write a book. He said it was not all that easy. That spurred me and "Kian", the story of a child in school, was planned.

Q Is writing a new-found love?

A. No, I was fond of writing and had been a regular contributor to the school magazine and various other local dailies. I had also won prizes in various poetry and essay-writing competitions. This book is my first attempt of fiction and was written not with a high literary goal in mind. Madhubaan Publishers liked it and printed it . Now it is available in book stores.

Q: Who is Kian and what is his role?

A: Kian Sotheby, a 12-year-old, is a typical "bright" student with a penchant for history, but not an iota of interest in any game of any sort. Despite this, his parents send him, against his will, to a sports training academy. Barely does he reach school when he is challenged to a duel in ice hockey by the immensely talented but rather egotistical Ammann.

Q : What is the main plot of the book?

A: An eavesdropping Kian learns about a mysterious murder being planned. But the targeted victim escapes. What ensues is a thrilling, fast-paced chase which culminates in capture and some stunning revelations. An unexpected arrest, two wonderful victories, telepathic conversations and an incredible discovery make Kian’s debut at ESTA a record-shattering one.

Q : What happens to Kian?

A : The book is the first in the series, hence it ends on a curious note compelling the readers to wait eagerly for the sequel.

Q : What about your future in writing and does your own success in sports match that of Kian?

A: I am writing one more book. It is ready. And yes, sports and studies can go hand in hand. TNS

Coffee culture on the rampage

Chandigarh has come a long way from the nomenclature of ‘Chityaan chityaan dharian, hariaan hariaan jharian.’ With the entry of almost every major player in the branded coffee market, coffee culture has picked up amongst city youngsters.
— Tribune photo Malkiat Singh

WITH With the changing profile of the city population and increase in income levels of the youngsters, the culture of coffee drinking is picking up. Almost all the major brands in the organised sector, including Cafe Coffee Day, Barista, Mr Beans and Bru, have opened their outlets, and others are planning to enter to tap the growing market.

Senior citizens admit that unlike Kolkata or Delhi, the coffee culture had never gained popularity in the city though the Indian Coffee House had opened its three outlets — one in the university campus and two in Sector 17 plaza — decades ago. Perhaps lack of Leftist movement among the campus students was one of the reason.

Says Mr Manmohan Singh, owner of Aroma Hotel: “During the past few years, the culture of the city has changed very fast. With the increase in income levels, thanks to growing jobs in the call centres, marketing and trading sector, they want a place where they can sit in a relaxed mood over a cup of coffee. Our other coffee shops are doing brisk business. That is why we have associated with the Cafe Coffee Day to open another outlet.”

While Barista is targeting the premium segment, Cafe Coffee Day is targeting the middle level income groups and promoting itself as an ‘eating and drinking place’ for the families. The menu ranges from hot and cold coffees to several exotic international coffees, food items, deserts and pastries. In addition, merchandise such as caps, T-shirts, mugs and badges are available here. Priced between Rs 16 and Rs 65, the outlets are attracting good response.

Says Meeta Vashist, an executive working at a marketing store, “I love the place, for it offers a cosy environment with first class service. The variety hot and cold coffee is so vast that one does not want to visit any other place.” She adds people would not mind to pay a ‘little extra’ for the quality coffee and comfort offered there.

The attendants at a leading coffee shop revealed that with the opening of new coffee outlets, a section of the youth was shifting from alcoholic and soft drinks to coffee. “Further, we provide them total freedom to enjoy each other’s company over a cup of coffee. Our slogan is a lot can happen over coffee,” added another attendant.

Adds Manmohan Singh: “The coffee lovers of the city would now have one more outlet in Sector 11, opened by the Cafe Coffee Day to enjoy world class coffee experience. There is a plan to introduce pastries and a bookshop in the near future.” TNS

Performer with a difference

Yash Srivastava is the new face in the music scene. Suave, sophisticated, soft spoken, stylish are some of the adjectives which describe him. He has his own style with an unusual mix of sound, technique and instrumental combinations. He is touted as a shining star in the galaxy of music. The budding singer claims that he can make a difference to the music scene.

Gifted with a melodious voice, Yash Srivastava is a performer with a difference. His latest album “Deadly Dance Mix”, which reflects different moods and arrangements, is likely to stir the world of music. An electronic engineer by profession, Yash Srivastava is a poet and singer at heart. Music has always been a passion for this General Manager in DoT with BSNL at Agra.

While pursuing his B.Tech degree, Yash nourished his dream of becoming a singer at Bhath Khande Sangeet Maha Vidyalaya in vocal and violin under late Pandit Radhe Vallabh. Besides having qualified the Indian Engineering Services, he has shared the stage with leading artists in more than 100 shows in all major cities of the country.Yash Srivastava’s debut album “An artist with a golden mandolin” released by Tips, has 11 melodious tracks on mandolin in his original name Pradeep Kumar Srivastava. His latest album “Deadly Dance Mix” is all set to add glamour and trend to the much popular remix music culture. Mumbai-based music company “Sagarika Music” has released this album. It contains nine high-voltage foot-tapping remix tracks in which Yash has created a new wave without losing the warmth and soul of the original songs. — DP

It’s my life
I plan my own brand

DONNING the garment of success — that is precisely what I have been dreaming ever since I joined knitwear designing and technology course at SAS Nagar-based Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT). In fact, I and my course mates plan to launch our own label in the market. Soon, very soon.

As of now we have been handling different projects, including the decoration of showroom picture windows. It is a part of visual merchandising and enables us to learn the art of attracting customers by simply displaying the apparels in an immaculate manner.

But I have no plans of just decorating the picture windows for luring crowds of casual customers. I hope to make it big with our own collection. Yes, I know it is not going to be easy. But then nothing is easy in life.

You see one has to struggle real hard to triumph, and I am just not scared of cutting clothes in the middle of the night to achieve my target. It is just a matter of time before my name figures, along with other dress designers .

I am sure I will be able to cut an edge over others with my collection despite the presence of so many brand names already in the market. It is quality that matters, nothing else.

Maintaining beauty in winters

A BEAUTY saloon organised a special demonstration session on Sunday to give away some exclusive tips on how to maintain beauty during the winter season. To combat winter dryness, the saloon is planning to launch organic facial in addition to the already existing ones. Organic facial, a demonstration of which was held on Sunday, is an oxygenating and ecological four-phase facial that also helps to counter the harsh effects of city life and boost the skin’s energy levels tremendously.

The facial is customised to suit needs of various skin types. The products used are made out of fruits, vegetable extracts and herbs. Apart from demonstrating organic facial, beauty experts also gave away some interesting tips for winters. Diet charts along with dietary tips for glowing skin in winters were also shared.

BEAUTY TIPS FOR WINTERS

Avoid using hot water to wash the face.

Apply moisturiser after washing the face and hydrate the skin.

Apply sunscreen to avoid tanning.

Before retiring to bed, give your eyes a soothing massage with eye gels. *After bathing massage your body with aroma oils to avoid dryness.

Soak feet in hot water at night and then massage with Lanolin enriched cream.

Oil your hair once a week. Also take steam.

Drink lots of water, eat fruits and green vegetables.

Use cream-based make-up. TNS