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Good response to painting contest Chandigarh, November 27 A total of 174 students from 23 schools participated in the painting contest, divided into three categories on the basis of age. ‘Blood donation’, ‘Festivals of India’ and ‘Chandigarh — a cosmopolitan city’ were the topics. The power-point presentations on ‘Cultural heritage of India’ and ‘dengue fever’ attracted 18 teams. The team of Sameer and Manoj from the branch of the host school in Panchkula came first in the presentation. The team of Swapnil and Medhavi from the host school shared the second spot with Ravikant and Ritu of St Soldier School, Sector 28. As many as 50 students took part in the slogan-writing contest on ‘Impact of media on society’ and ‘Blood donation’. Amanpreet of Manav Mangal School, Sector 21, bagged the first position, Harsimrat of Government School, Sector 38, was second and Abhilash of DAV Public School, Sector 8, came third. Continuing with the celebrations, the school would host a rangoli, dry flower arrangement, collage-making and mehandi contest in addition to dictionary reading and a paint-brush competition in computers. Interaction session: The police held an interactive session with students of St Kabir Public School, Sector 26, to create awareness about the harmful effects of drugs. The Superintendent of Police, Mr Hargobind Singh, said the aim of educating students at the school level was to remove misconceptions in the minds of the public with regard to the police. The students were also provided with emergency numbers. |
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Campus round-up A large number of vehicles on Panjab University campus are
facing parking blues because of non-availability of suitable parking space at a number of places. A girl’s scooter collided with a parked motor cycle near Arts Block I last Friday evening because of poor visibility at night. The motor cycle was parked by the roadside. Teaching departments in the Arts Block I and II have closed the entry of vehicles till their entrance gates. This has led to overflowing of the vehicles in limited parking and they spill right till the roads causing a lot of inconvenience. Amritpal Singh, a student, said the university has attempted to keep the entrances of the departments clean but the parking lots, a little ahead, look crowded and present a very shabby picture of the campus. The university should look for an alternate site or the old parking should be reopened. In front of the arts blocks III and IV, the parking is right on the roads. Vehicular traffic is enormous, particularly towards noon, which leads to loud horn honking. “ Honking should be banned on the campus. The site of cars playing loud music is also not rare. Also in fashion are open jeeps”, a girl student said. Security personnel said the number of vehicles on the campus had multiplied manifold over the past few years. At one time even a scooter was a prized property and not all teachers had it, what to talk of students. Now when a large number of students were in possession of even cars on the campus one can imagine the number of two wheelers. The parking places needed to be regulated right now”. Parking also needed to be more regulated and carefully watched because there have been cases of certain thefts of vehicles in the recent past. A car of a hostel warden was picked (although found later), a boy lost his motor cycle from the library and a girl in the Pharmaceutical Sciences block lost her Kinetic. Book on history: HSA factions rejoin: Vikas Rathi has been named as the president by Chand Singh Madaan, the founder chairman of the HSA. Surender Yadav, who was named as the chairman, has been now replaced by Dharmender Balhara. The Balhara faction in a separate note had announced formation of the HSA (Democratic). The note was shown to be signed by Satinder Dahiya, a former general secretary of the council, Balhara, a former president of the HSA, Jasbir Punia, a former chairman of the HSA and Amit Khatkar, a former general secretary of the HSA, besides others. The claim of signatures to be false turned out to be unmanageable for Balhara and he “decided to bury the hatchet with the other group”. Symposium: Prof K.N. Pathak, Vice Chancellor, stressed on the importance of the subject, particularly in understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of a large number of disease processes such as myocardial infection, stroke, cancer, AIDS and alzeihmer disease, besides others. Professor Pathak stressed on scientific achievements in the Department of Biophysics in the past and urge to take initiative to undertake defined goal-oriented research in potential areas. An alumni meeting of the department was also held on the occasion. Others who spoke on the occasion included Prof N.R. Kalla, Prof Pawan K. Singal, Prof Sushil K. Jain and Prof M.P. Bansal. The symposium concluded on November 22. |
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West on looting spree, says
former teacher Chandigarh, November 27 Professor Sharma, who is also associated with the Azaadi Bachao Andolan, said the Europeans started the looting when the English reached the coasts of America and then spread all over the world. The US was doing the same now. Professor Sharma was of the opinion that the US went along well with Afghanistan till its interests in a proposed oilline were hampered. The recent attacks over Iraq were a part of the same ideology “because Saddam Hussain opposed entry of a oil company that US was interested in promoting”. Prof Kuldip Puri conducted the programme while Prof Jai Narain Sharma, Gandhian Studies, presided. Dr Harjinder Laltu, president of PUTA, proposed the vote of thanks. |
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HUDA directed to
refund money Panchkula, November 27 Mr Jai Bhagwan Singla had applied for a 10 marla residential plot in January 2002 by depositing Rs 35,574 as 10 per cent earnest money. However, he was not successful in the draw of lots and HUDA, instead of refunding full amount sent him a cheque for Rs 23,681. He had alleged that he had made numerous representations to the authorities for refund of money, but to no avail. He said he even got a certificate from the State Bank of India, Kaithal, showing that he had deposited Rs 35, 574, but he was still not issued cheque for full amount deposited with HUDA. Acting on the complaint, the court directed HUDA to refund the money deposited (minus Rs 23, 681) with 10 per cent interest and Rs 1,000 as costs.
Refund ordered HUDA has been directed to refund the compound interest charged as possession interest to Mr Gautam Bathla and Mr Ashok Bathla and pay them Rs 1000 as costs of proceedings. These directions were passed by the District Consumer Forum yesterday. The complainant had alleged that they were realllotted a plot measuring 307. 5 square metres in Shahabad in 1996, but the Estate Officer, Kurukshetra, and HUDA had been charging the possession interest at the rate of 18 per cent on compound basis though they had not even been offered the possession of the plot.
NRI case A non-resident Indian, Mr Jagmohan, who had applied for a 1000-square metre industrial plot in Faridabad, was instead allotted a 440-square metre plot by HUDA and the Estate Officer, Panchkula. The plot was encroached upon by slum-dwellers and the area was not cleared of encroachments while being allotted to Mr Jagmohan. He alleged that he had deposited a sum of Rs 2,56, 512 for the said plot and when he asked the HUDA authorities to clear the encroachment and issue him a regular letter of allotment, the authorities refunded Rs 2,30, 670 , without his applying for refund. Holding HUDA guilty of deficiency in services, the District Consumer Forum ordered that the applicant be paid Rs 1000 as costs of proceedings, handed over the possession of the industrial plot and issued a regular allotment letter.
Settle claim, firm told The District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum has directed United India Insurance Company to pay Rs 17,401 as insurance settlement claim to a poultry farmer and Rs 2000 as cost of proceeding. Mr Sanjeev Kumar of Chauhan Poultry Farm, Mauli, district Panchkula, had alleged that he started his farm in 2001 by securing an insurance cover. for Rs 1 lakh. However, his farm building, feed stock, birds and chicks suffered huge damage due to heavy rain in August 2002. When he sought insurance claim, for Rs 2, 31, 872, the surveyor sent by the insurance company demanded bribe and upon his refusal to grease his palms he settled the claim at Rs 15, 390. Following his complaint, a second surveyor was sent and he assessed the damages at Rs 17, 401, but the insurance company did not release his settlement claim. |
Showcasing myriad cultures through music Chandigarh, Nov 27 Under the lead of Bratko Bibic, the musician who has mastered the art of imposing musical dialogues on the characters of silent films made in Slovenia early in the 20th century, the group was today in full control of instruments like the clarinet, the violin, the bass guitar, the flute, the vigorous drums, virtually highlighting the character of each individual note of music. As for the feel of harmonies — they seemed to emerge from pure folk traditions of Slovenia and merge into various contemporary musical forms like contemporary jazz and chamber music, improvisation and urban rock experience, as Bratko calls it. Earlier during the day, Bratko delineated his style of music by connecting his passion for accordion and his addiction to imagined folk music pieces. Explaining this rather strange and complicated mix of music which he performs along with team members, Bratko said, “I have been making music for 30 years now. My earliest addiction was the accordion which, in Slovenia, was never used outside of traditional pieces. I attempted to take accordion to new realms by using it to combine the musical styles of the Balkans, the Panonian and the Mediterranean regions. Since no musician was doing this, I did not feel trammelled by existing codes. I was free to improvise.” Fusing all styles of music in relation to folk music is the hallmark of The Madleys, which is made rich by Bogo Pecnikar on the clarinet, Matjaz Sekne on the violin, Nino de Gleria on the bass guitar, Ales Rendla on the drums and Vasko Atanasovski on the flute. In their patent style, Bratko and The Madleys presented several compositions in which insistent searching after yet unknown soundscapes take the central place. Music, culture and mentalities from Slovenia, the Alps and the Balkans, as well as from Panonian and the Mediterranean regions, aided by contemporary jazz and chamber music, besides imagined folk music, meet in the open. Rhythmically complex musical language of folklore imaginaire, travellers’ sound track of melodies which flow into one another like colours in Van Gogh’s masterpieces, is complimented by the story telling images, that largely draw on love and war, the themes that dominate Slovenian traditions. Eager to decode inscrutable musical elements, Bratko has always loved analysing and assimilating incompatible styles. His skill lies in magical blending of European classical, Slovenian folk and serious contemporary music. As he admits, “Something that is difficult to overpower fascinates me the most. Emulation is not my character. I consume music, sift the chaff from the essential and move on.” Today’s show at Baba Makhan Shah Lobana auditorium, was a reflection of Bratko’s skills to take the team along. Organised as a prelude to the forthcoming EU-India summit in New Delhi, the show was attended by Mr Tomaz Mencin, Counsellor in the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia at New Delhi. |
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Riding
club inaugurated Chandigarh, November 27 As pipers and drummers of 3/5 Gorkha Rifles belted out martial tunes, 16 riders, including two girls, performed a musical ride for the audience of Army officers and their families. The riders, divided into four teams, namely Lances, Raiders, Chargers and Cavaliers, were led by Master of the Musical Ride, Capt Rajesh Fauzdar. They displayed their skills at balance, rhythm, precision movements and boldness, the cardinal principles of riding. Four youngsters of Punjab Public School, Nabha, were also among the riders. The youngest, Mayank, is just eight years old. The SRPC was recently upgraded to a full-fledged and well-equipped riding club. As a part of Project Olympics 2008, the Army is expanding the scope of equestrian sports by raising equestrian nodes in each Command headquarters to inject fresh talent and broad-based participation. The club is being nominated as the nodal agency for equestrian activities in the entire northern region. From a small riding arena and a stable for 15 horses, the SRPC has today expanded to include several riding arena, dressage arenas, international standard show jumping set and a cross-country trail, besides facilities for tent-pegging, polo and stabling accommodation for 50 horses. |
Fashion Fundas The worn look is popular among the style-conscious guys. So whether it is pullovers or jackets, the washed, sandblasted or enzyme-treated garments are the most sought after. Cut-and-sew and fraying effects are ideal if you want to don that casually casual look. These combined with similar jeans complete the look of a carefree and relaxed youngster. In pullovers the wool blends, acrowool are
available. Cotton cardigans too look cool but give the required warmth. Kurta-style pullovers are there for those still suffering from the summer look hangover. Denim lined acrowool stuff also forms a deadly combo. For those with more sober tastes the traditional cables and diamond designs in Lamb’s wool are
available. Grindle effect and the heathered look make these gel with this season’s look. It is the fit and cut that counts more here, says Rohit Khanna of the Unisex Fashions in Sector 17. Actually it is the style that sells. Short and figure-hugging snug fit pullovers are more popular as these complement the carefully crafted biceps and pectorals, says Rajnish Jain of Meena Bazar. So ribbed designs are perfect if you want to flaunt those muscles. Markets are flooded with jackets of all hues, styles and shapes. These sure jack up the confidence of the young brigade apart from keeping the chill out The light weight pullovers and jackets are in as guys no longer want to be burdened with bulky and baggy things. Jackets crafted from imported fabrics with latest cuts and designs with patches, prints, leather and fur-trimmings entice. Leather and corduroy remain all time favourites in the semi-formal section. However, for that formal do imitation leather or suede finish jacket in black or beige is a must have. Simple V, polo or round necks seem to be gone with the chilly winds as a lot of experimentation is on with the necklines. So you guys have classy stringed mocknecks, round Ts and leather or denim-trimmed boat necks among several other enticing designs to choose from whether your heart is set on a jacket or on a cardigan. For those who get inspired by the branded stuff, major players like Lee Cooper, Louise Phillipe, Monte Carlo, Blackberry’s, Pepe , Tycoon, Allen Solly etc have launched their winter collection. However, for those not ready to spend too much, reasonably priced variety is available in Tibetan market as well as in some shops in Sectors 22 and 19. In the moderate season, sleeveless jackets and sweaters too have sold like hot cakes.
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McDonald’s to open more outlets
McDONALD’s which is currently operating 50 fast food restaurants in different parts of India plans to double the figure within the next three years.
This was disclosed here today by Mr Vikram Bakshi, Joint Venture Partner and Managing Director, McDonald’s (North India), in an interview with TNS. “We have been very careful with regard to our expansion plans. Our first restaurant opened on October 13, 1996, at Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. Since then it has grown to 50 restaurants in India-22 in Delhi, three in Noida, two in Jaipur, two in Mathura, one in Ludhiana (Doraha), two in Gurgaon, 14 in Mumbai, two in Pune, one Vadodara and one in Ahmedabad. “We want to first concentrate on metros and then open branches in other parts of the cities. We want to set up outlets only in those cities where we can ensure the quality of products. McDonald’s has so far invested Rs 500 crore in its operations in India. This figure would be raised to Rs 800 crore by 2005.” Mr Bakshi said McDonald’s had been quite satisfied with the progress the business had made in India so far. Hence, the decision to take the total number of restaurants to 100 by 2006. He said meticulous planning went before opening a restaurant anywhere. “It took us six years to open our first outlet in Delhi because we first carried out a detailed survey, then identified the local source of food and vegetables for use in the restaurants, closely studied the Indian food habits and tastes before taking the plunge.” “As a matter of fact, 60 per cent of the products being sold in McDonald’s restaurants in India have been Indianised. They are being produced in accordance with the Indian tastes and preferences. Some of the products like aloo-tikki burger which have been very popular in India are now being exported to Middle East countries where too they have proven to be a big hit. Products which have evolved at Indian McDonald’s restaurants are being studied closely in western countries as well”. Mr Bakshi said McDonald’s first restaurant at Doraha near Ludhiana on NH 1 proved to be a huge success. “Actually, we never expected such an overwhelming response to a restaurant on the highway. But on any given day, it has been serving up to 2000 customers which is as good as a restaurant in Connaught Place. It now plans to open another restaurant on NH 1 at Karnal followed by one in Shimla. Mr Bakshi said other cities of Punjab McDonalds was looked at were Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar. McDonald’s sourced food products from local companies. Fresh lettuce comes from Pune, Ooty, Delhi, Nainital and Dehra Dun; cheese from Dynamix Dairies, Baramati, Maharashtra, sesame seed buns and sauces from Mrs Bector’s Cremica Industries, Phillaur, Punjab, and pickles from Gobal Green Company, Hyderabad, chicken patties, vegetarian patties and pizza puffs from Vista Foods, Toloja, Maharashtra. Referring to the recent controversy over the use of beef tallow in McDonald’s restaurants in the USA, Mr Bakshi said: “It was the US controversy and had nothing to do with India. As far as India is concerned, McDonald’s had high degree of respect for the local customs and culture. We have developed a menu especially for India with vegetarian selections to suit Indian tastes and preferences.” Chandigarh first McDonald’s family restaurant is opening at the Fun Republic located in Dhillon complex at Mani Majra on the Chandigarh-Kalka road over the weekend. With the opening of this restaurant, the total number of McDonald’s restaurant in North India will rise to 31. McDonald’s plans to open more outlets in the city shortly. “We are hunting for the right location”, said Mr Vikram Bakshi, Joint Venture Partner and Managing Director, McDonald’s (North India), at a press conference held at the restaurant on Thursday. “Chandigarh is definitely a multiple outlet city. We have been looking for the right place in Sector 17 but so far we have been unable to find one. “We want the right location, the right size for a 150 seat restaurant and the right deal which does not involve subletting of the premises by a tenant. In Chandigarh, we find that most of the commercial properties are rented out and many of them are embroiled in tenant-landlord disputes. We don’t want to get involved in any such deal. But we will definitely like to open more restaurants in Chandigarh because the people here are modern, forward looking, many of them have travelled abroad and have tasted McDonald’s product there and are, therefore, familiar with the brand name”. Mr Bakshi said “McDonald’s fits in neatly with the multiplex culture and when the opportunity came in the shape of the Fun Republic at Dhillon complex at Mani Majra, we grabbed it. McDonald’s first outlet in Punjab on the national highway at Doraha near Ludhiana has been a huge success. Therefore, we have no doubts about the success of the second outlet on the Chandigarh-Kalka highway”. Located at the very entrance of the multiplex which also has four cinema houses, the restaurant has a seating capacity of 120 persons. The multiplex has been designed by Arun Loomba and Associates, a leading architectural firm of Chandigarh. According to Mr Loomba, many other multiplexes are also being planed in the city which will bring a total change in the entertainment sector. The architectural firm has already executed many prestigious projects all over the country, including PCA Stadium at Mohali, International Cricket Stadium at Dharamsala and is now designing International Cricket Stadium at Raipur, Chhatisgarh. The distinguishing feature of this restaurant is a large atrium and brightly coloured orange walls that announce the entry. This is highlighted with a dramatic curve in the flooring and is echoed in the custom designed stained glass artwork ceiling. It has been designed to provide a bright and cheerful ambience for the visitors. In keeping with McDonald’s philosophy of providing a pleasurable dining experience for the family, the layout of the restaurant is friendly and safe.
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Verma to open refurbished Dolls Museum
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Justice O. P. Verma (retd), will formally throw open to public a refurbished International Dolls Museum at the Bal Bhavan in Sector 23 tomorrow. Set up in 1985, the Dolls Museum was recently taken over by CITCO and the Tourism Department of the UT Administration, which spent more than Rs 25 lakh to carry out repairs and upgrade it. The museum has a total of 250 dolls from 28 countries from around the world. One section has been devoted to bridges and tribes of India. Tableux have also been put up depicting scenes from the sagas of Ramayana, Alladin and Cindrella, to name only a few. The highlight of the museum is a miniature rail yard complete with a running train. The concept of the International Dolls Museum was originally mooted by a former Rotary International president, Mr Rajendra K.Saboo, who, during 1984-85, started bringing home dolls from various countries. He also spoke to other Rotarians visiting abroad, as well as those living in other countries, to send dolls for setting up an International Dolls Museum in Chandigarh. Mr Saboo was also instrumental in securing a gift of working model of a train from Rotarian friends in Germany and the Rotary Cub of Ebingen. But the shortage of funds and inadequate care and attention by the Bal Bhavan authorities led to the decline and closure of the museum some time ago. The mini train also stopped operating. “One of our first problems was how to recommission the mini train,” said Mr S.P. Singh, Managing Director, CITCO, in a talk with TNS. “I made a lot of enquiries at various places including at the Railway Bhavan, Delhi, which finally guided me to a private firm at Jaipur. The firm sent a team to Chandigarh, which examined the train and carried out repairs for Rs 15 lakh. I am happy to say that the train is now fully functional.” “Another sum of Rs 10 lakh has been spent on relaying the floor, providing proper lighting, setting up an acquarium and air-conditioning the hall housing the museum,” he said. |
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Go on fat, almond diet for
weight loss Adding fuel to the latest debate in the nutrition community, a study published in the International Journal of Obesity (USA) shows that in two groups eating two different diets containing the same number of daily calories over six months, one group lost more weight than the other. In this study, 65 overweight and obese adults — 70 per cent of whom had type 2 diabetes — were put on one of the two diets designed for weight loss. The first group ate a liquid formula-based, low-calorie diet containing moderate fat from almonds (39 per cent total fat, 25 per cent mono-unsaturated fat, 35 per cent carbohydrate as per cent of energy), according to information made available to The Tribune here. The second group ate a liquid formula-based, low-fat, low-calorie diet, including self-selected complex carbohydrates (18 per cent total fat, 5 per cent mono-unsaturated fat, 53 per cent carbohydrates as per cent of energy). The two diets’ calorie count and protein levels were equivalent. After 24 weeks, patients on the moderate-fat diet containing almonds had achieved a greater reduction in weight/BMI (-18 per cent vs. -11 per cent), waist circumference (-14 per cent vs. -9 per cent), fat mass (-30 per cent vs. -20 per cent) and systolic blood pressure (-11 per cent vs. 0 per cent). Both groups experienced lower glucose and insulin levels. But medication requirements for individuals with type 2 diabetes decreased more steadily in the low-calorie almond diet than the low-calorie complex carbohydrate diet. Dr Karen Lapsley, Director, Scientific Affairs, Almond Board of California, said, “Obesity as a disease is on the increase throughout the world. In India, we understand that even schoolchildren are suffering from obesity. In a situation like this, initiation and sustenance of healthy dietary habits is paramount. This research demonstrates that a diet in which includes almonds can be recommended.” |
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NEW RELEASES First-time director Nikhil Advani’s ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ and producer-director Feroz Khan’s ‘Janasheen’ have generated curiosity and the buzz is that the movies can get a bumper opening. The viewers are looking forward to the two films coming during the Id week. ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ has a catchline ‘Story of a lifetime... in a heartbeat’. This is Dharma productions’ ninth film, which opens at Piccadilly and Fun Republic, Mani Majra. After a gap of four years and putting the ‘Prem Aggan’ debacle behind him, Feroz Khan is back in action with ‘Janasheen’. It is a film for the masses. It opens today at KC in Chandigarh and Fun Republic. For the first time, Feroz Khan has faced the camera along with his son Fardeen Khan. Miss India Celina Jaitely makes her screen debut. New Century Films Pvt Ltd ‘Aanch’ also opens today at Jagat, Chandigarh. Vyjayantimala’s son Suchindera Bali makes his debut on the silver screen. Sharbani Mukherjee is his lady love. Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal also star in the film. Rajesh K. Singh is the director. Sanjeev-Darshan have composed the music for this action movie.
— DP |
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With temperatures plummeting the time is ripe to update your winter collection. Cool dudes today are no less than their fair counterparts when it comes to shopping for their wardrobe. Men’s fashion has evolved from sober to snazzy and from bland to vibrant over the years and the wide variety of stuff stocked up in city stores bears testimony to the fact.
The cool, casual and relaxed look is in these days on the city's fashion circuit as far as menswear is concerned. Vibrant colours like college red, rust, brick, olive, tones of yellow etc are more in vogue among teenagers. 
