 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Saint Soldier’s School celebrates founder’s day Chandigarh, December 23 Students from the Institute of Blind, Sector 26, Guru Harkrishan Public School, Sector 40, and Guru Gobind Singh Senior Secondary School, Sector 35, participated in the shabad contest along with the team from the host school. The chief guest, Capt Kanwaljit Singh, a former Finance Minister, Punjab, gave away prizes to meritorious students for excelling in academics, sports and co-curricular activities. A community lunch was organised in the afternoon. X-mas celebrated:
Students of Blue Bird School, Sector 16, celebrated Christmas with carols on the premises here today. The school was decorated with stars, candles, bells and bunting and the story of Christmas Father was narrated. Santa Claus distributed chocolates and students danced and made merry. Meanwhile, at Ryan International School, Sector 49, the week-long Christmas celebrations culminated in a special assembly to celebrate the spirit of the festival. The birth of Jesus Christ was staged by students who visited an orphanage and distributed winter clothes and eatables. Christmas carols and a party followed. Students of Montessori School were dressed like angels. Various contests, including card-making, gift-wrapping and bulletin board decoration, were held during the celebrations. At Rai School, Sector 48, Christmas was celebrated with fun and frolic. A dazzling Christmas tree at the school entrance, the building decorated with bows, stars and flowers, musical celebration and a bash that followed added to the fun. Santa Claus distributed goodies and gifts to tiny tots. |
|
Management
students visit Tribune office Chandigarh, December 23 After visiting the departments concerned the students interacted with the senior editorial staff of The Tribune. |
|
AET results declared Chandigarh, December 23 The toppers, three from each class, will be given scholarships. However, all students who have scored 50 per cent and above in the preliminary examination would be eligible to appear for the AET main examination slated for February 15, 2004. Two students from the city have made it to the list of toppers. Pram Vijay Singh of St John’s School has topped in the class VII category while Shimul Sachdeva of Carmel Convent School has topped in the class X category. |
|
Students celebrate Christmas Mohali, December 23 Christmas trees were colourfully decorated with bunting, balloons and
twinkling bells. In order to educate children and to give the festival a more realistic look, the birth, scene of Jesus Christ was enacted. The students also presented a cultural programme and sang carol. A smartly-dressed Santa Claus distributed sweets and gifts. Mrs Gurjeet
Bawa, Principal, exhorted the students to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. |
|
|
Director inspects NSS camp Mohali, December 23 The NSS volunteers cleaned the college campus by removing wild growth and by whitewashing tree trunks and tree guards. Praising the activities of the students, Mr Kant told mediapersons that the slogan for the current year was “Youth for Cleanliness”. |
|
Appeal admitted Chandigarh, December 23 The appellants had submitted that Oswal Agro Furane Limited was wound up. The final bid was confirmed in their favour. It was added that while the physical possession was being handed over, the contesting aspirant — KRBL Limited —filed two review applications. The second review application was decided in their favour. Arguing on behalf of the appellant, Mr Mohan Jain, had asserted that once the sale was confirmed in favour of the firm and the full amount deposited, the court had no jurisdiction to entertain a second review application. The same, he asserted, was barred by law. |
Shiamak’s students weave magic Chandigarh, December 23 Winter funk spectacular, which saw the culmination of the six-week-long dance workshop conducted in the city by SDIPA instructors Dilshad and Shardul, was all about conveying the message which SDIPA has long stood for: "Have feet, will dance; have will, will win; have spirit, will triumph. The philosophy of SDIPA stood translated on stage today, with the vibrant Shiamak Davar himself descending on the performance space to kick off the affair of jiving. Introducing the enthusiastic lot of 200 dancers that ranged from the age of four to 64, Shiamak Davar conducted the whole show, almost driving the otherwise dull City audience into applauding the young performers every now and then. The selections were well made, from Salsa and Hip Hop to Afro-fusion and jazz. Each of the form was reflected at its best by the performers, who spilled magic on stage. Beginning with kids as junior as four to six years of age, the dance went on to feature mothers and wives and fathers in full form. The songs were also picked up from a varied setting. So while kids went crazy gyrating on “Dekha na hai re” and “Ding don...” the elder, more mature lot of performers took on the challenge of dancing on the legendary Michael Jackson number — “Beat it”. As the energised dancers jived away on charged beats, commanding the difficult prop of chairs with elegance and style, the crowd could not but applaud and cheer. The affair of striking presentations went further with the advanced batch presenting a beautiful sequence on a Punjabi number — “Aaj mai naiyo nachna”. The earthy and natural presentation on “Jaana o meri jaana”, was particularly interesting. The highlight of the evening, in every way, was the culmination that marked eight of Shiamak's best instructors making sense out of dance. Professionally choreographed and perfectly packed with the prop of chairs and a staircase, the two dance sequences that came from the master trainers themselves actually had the audience rising to its feet in appreciation. What followed was an elaborate prize distribution show which was meant to encourage the potentially blessed dancers.
|
|||
|
Shiamak’s ‘supernatural’ link Coming from Shiamak, the quintessential actor who went on to evolve dance as an expression of the soul, these confessions sound bizzare. They bare the lesser-known side of the king maker’s otherwise glamorous life which has been all about fame and celebration. He was the winner of the national award for his choreography in “Dil to pagal hai”. However, as director of the Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts (SDIPA) which he founded in Mumbai in 1992, Shiamak manages to balance concerns. He holds special classes for children of commercial sex workers, besides children suffering from AIDS. In his better known role as a dancer, Shiamak is now preparing to choreograph Sanjay Leela Bhansali next flick, “Bajirao Mastan”, which he has been recently offered. But self conscious as he is, the dancer is still contemplating whether or not to take up the project. He would rather devote better part of his energy and talent in making a success of “Evita”, a North American musical, in which he has been offered the lead role opposite Eva Paron, the woman whom he hates from the core of his heart. Having done many musicals with Alyque Padamsee, acting comes easy to Shiamak, who clarifies, “I was always first an actor. I picked up dance along the line. For me, theatre and stage still offer something which is more enriching and exhilarating than films, that are more of an illusion.” That’s perhaps why Shiamak, through SDIPA, is rendering classy dance sequences, which blend the elements of design and craft to create a pleasurable effect. Elegant in conception and execution, Shiamak’s pieces are characterised by class. Little wonder then that he abhors those who undermine the dignity of the arts. “It’s sad to see a plethora of pop albums, that hardly justify rhythm. I am also hurt by the choreographers who don’t know their craft. We must realise that art is something progressive. It is ever changing. I cannot pick up an existing work, alter it a little and call it my own creation. I have recently been asked to do a remix album, but if I ever do it, it will spell creativity and not duplication. It’s time we consigned trash to where it belongs — the bins,” said Shiamak, who is all set to open an SDIPA centre in Chandigarh, in association with the Durga Das Foundation. The Centre will come up along with the Strawberry Field World School in Sector 26.
— TNS |
|||
Win her over with cute gifts this Xmas Love is an island of emotions surrounded by sea of expenses. If you don’t believe it, ask Sameer. After scratching his dandruff-coated poor little head for days together, he has just picked up an impressive Christmas tree with his miser fingers. Had to pull out two thousand bucks from his worn out wallet. But was worth it. His college-going baby is still with him. The reason behind his anxiety was not hard to see. Little miss Zubina had flatly told him to leave her, or establish his affection by buying her a nice gift. Had called him up on his WLL cell from her palatial house in Sector 9. She was obviously more candid than candied. Running her manicured fingers through her rich almond brown highlighted tresses, she had asserted, “Get me a gift for December 25 before taking me out for the afternoon bash. Otherwise....” Apprehensive, Sameer had at once resolved to play Santa in December of 2003. After holding round table conferences with his chums, he zipped up his weather-beaten wind cheater, instead of his time-honoured red cloak, and arrived at a Sector 11 gift and chunk jewellery shop, not on his sleigh, but “100 cc” bike. His anxious eyes, looking for something simmering, shifted from one stuff to another. Yet he could not make up your mind. There was so much to choose from. Guessing what’s hot to gift simply curdled his mind. Finally, he carried home a tree with a heavy heart and light pocket before realising that he had lost his “ho, ho, ho”, along with two thousand rupees. If you too are looking for cute presents, not insignificant gifts of love, for slipping into stockings after sliding down the driveway for filling her heart with ecstasy, go to the arcade, now. Just to make your job easy, we have compiled the juiciest and the smartest guide to all that’s best around. The objects are Chandigarh’s most wanted, the must-haves. But before you go on a shopping spree, remember, you do not have be a prince to act like one. Project yourself as a lavish spender by purchasing four gifts, instead of one, after spending the same amount. Another thing. Wrap presents of affection in imposing paper. Show off sometimes is as essential as the gesture. Also, tie it up with a ribbon. It looks inspiring. Well, here’s the list:
|
|||
|
Indian Ocean to kick off SJOBA fest
The much awaited SJOBA (St John's Old Boys Association) winter fest is all set to roll from Wednesday, with a special presentation by acclaimed fusion band, Indian Ocean on the St John's premises. The annual ritual, which has St Johnians from all over the world converging on Chandigarh for the celebrations, will also feature two more events — the treasure hunt on December 25 and the SJOBA winter ball on December 27. To begin with, SJOBA masterminds have managed to rope in celebrated musicians, who play under the label of Indian Ocean. For the first time, an institution is attempting something different from pop and bhangra in an essentially Punjabi setting. The curtains will thus rise tomorrow with the Indian Ocean charming the city with its “earthy, fluent, free music”. From Delhi, the Indian Ocean band, comprising four equally talented musicians, has gone places, rocking the audience with their new idiom — Jazz rock band with tabla. Having managed rave reviews for their many presentations abroad, the band is famous for adapting the Western musical influences to suit the global tastes. It has been mentioned about them, “The impact that traditional Indian music has had on Western pop music is well-known, from the Beatles and Led Zeppelin to John McLaughlin and Jeff Buckley. But while watching Indian Ocean perform their unique brand of fusion, it becomes clear that Western music has in turn influenced changes in interpretation of traditional Indian music.” Indian Ocean's performances include the millennium celebrations at Khajuraho. The Edinburgh film festival in August, 2001, saw the band playing outside India for the first time. Asheem Chakravarty (tabla,vocals), Amit Kilam (drums), Susmit Sen (guitar) and Rahul Ram (bass) make up this Delhi band, which has the whole world for its stage. The music is characterised by funky, upbeat jazz-tinged rock with traditional Indian roots. As for the music, it is said to be the one that offers insight into the spiritual and political elements that inspired the compositions of the band. Indian hymns, prayer-like vocal mantras and quiet acoustic guitar passages built a platform for intense musical conversations between the band members. Among the band members are Asheem Chakravarty, the man whom Indian Ocean fans refer to as “the man with the golden voice”. Amazingly, Asheem sings while playing, with remarkable clarity and ease, never done by Indian percussionists. In 1984, Susmit met Asheem and their somewhat focused jamming sessions resulted in a few concerts. Asheem loved the sound of this new style that Susmit had evolved. Then came Rahul’s bass playing. His riveting stage presence is an essential part of the magnificent stage shows put up by Indian Ocean. His vocals have a raw power, an uncompromising edge that emphasises the folk roots of the band. As the band’s performance concludes on Wednesday, it will be time for SJOBA treasure hunt on December 25. All participants will be required to report at St John’s at 10 am for a briefing. Clues will be given at 11 am.
— TNS |
|||
|
Fitness Trail The trainer is the guy who tells you how to bend or stretch and how much to bend. But have you have ever wondered what the lean guy with mean muscles — your fitness trainer — does to keep fit? We zeroed in on a few city-based trainers to know the secret behind their fit bodies. Leading the pack is Raman Dhir, alias Sunny. Twenty-four-year-old Sunny has worked as a personal trainer of ministers, bureaucrats and Bollywood star Suniel Shetty.
Fitness trainers’ secrets Sunny was working as fitness trainer at Hotel Mountview’s gym in December 2002, when the ‘‘LOC’’ team arrived in the city for a shoot. Suniel was so impressed with Sunny that he took him away to Mumbai after the shoot ended. Sunny stayed with Suniel for five to six months before coming back to city. Sunny was 16 when he took to bodybuilding. At present he is working as a fitness instructor in the newly opened gym at Hotel KC Crossroads in Panchkula. Fitness Schedule: Sunny works with weights and does strength training at least four times a week for one-and a-half hours. This also includes stretching exercises, push ups and abdominal exercises. The other two days are reserved for cardio-vascular sessions of 20 to 25 minutes, which include exercises like fast running or jogging on the treadmill. Diet: Sunny, like all weight trainers, prefers high-protein diet. But as he is a pure vegetarian he gets his protein quota from soybean, Soya nuggets, milk, paneer, pulses etc. He is a light eater with a preference for fat-free home-cooked food, while his favourite snacks are fruits for those in-between times. Owner of Vertical Fitness, a city-based gym, 35-year-old Maninder Singh is a former power lifter. He started his own gym in 1992 where the likes of Yuvraj Singh have worked out under his guidance in the past. Maninder has not hired any other trainer for his gym, as personal attention to all his clients is his USP. Fitness Schedule: Maninder works out daily for one hour. This includes 15 minutes of cardio-vascular exercises and 45 minutes of weight training with light to medium weights. Diet: Maninder, too, takes a high-protein diet, which he says is, a must for building muscles. Apart from three normal home-cooked meals, Maninder daily takes one-and-a-half litres of milk, paneer, lots of fruits and two to three glasses of fruit juice. Gurjeet Singh at 19 is the youngest of the lot. Gurjeet, a student, is working with Planet Fitness for the past one year. He has been into bodybuilding for the past four years. Gurjeet is studying in BA (II year) in SD College, Chandigarh. Fitness Schedule: As he is a student he has to walk a lot which takes care of a normal or basic fitness requirement. But for serious strength training to keep a fit body, Gurjeet does 15 minutes of cardio-vascular exercises every morning, while evenings are reserved for 45 minutes of weight training with heavy weights. Diet: Gurjeet, too, takes a high-protein diet. Apart from normal home-cooked food and lots of fruits Gurjeet takes 10 eggs and 2 litres of milk daily so as to complete his quota of protein necessary for muscle build-up. |
|||
|
It’s my life From my childhood I had the urge to help the needy. I have donated blood 13 times and even today when I get to know that someone is in need of blood, I try to make
arrangements for it. At times financial help is also provided. To fulfil this urge, I joined the Rotract Club, Chandigarh, and today I am its President. I am also the Zonal Rotract representative of the District Rotract Organisation of Zone II of District 3080. My upbringing has taken place in a disciplined atmosphere as my father is from the Defence. My mother has always been my friend, philosopher and guide. I did my schooling from Kendriya Vidyalayas at Pathankot and Chennai and even at that time I was an active member of Scouts and Guides movement and got Rashtrapati Puraskar in Bharat Scouts from a former President of India, the late Shankar Dayal Sharma. I did my graduation from Guru Nanak College, Chennai, and joined the NCC. At present I am doing MBA from the Gian Jyoti Institute of Management and Technology, Mohali. I have done my summer training from Reliance-IPCL, Nagothene (Maharashtra). As told to
|
| 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 | |
Shiamak Davar seems to be into all things strange. He can dance to charm the world. He claims that he can call the spirits home, can spot the UFOs and can help people connect with the dead. “There are souls and there are spirits. There is actually a life beyond death. In the past 20 years of my relationship with the Bhavnagris, my spiritual guides, I have learnt to make a connection with those who inhabit the unseen world. This may sound unrealistic, but there is a realm that exists, despite logic. In this realm live those who have left the physical world to become a part of a larger, spiritual scheme. Through my knowledge of what we call the technique of automatic writing, I help people communicate with the dead. But I do this quietly lest the world gets into the logistics of faith”, he further claims.
Fitness is the latest mantra to cope up with the modern-day stress-laden life. More and more of couch and executive-chair potatoes are realising the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle and are jumping on to the fitness bandwagon. Jogging, aerobics, pumping iron, yoga you name it and they are at it. But the exercises have to be performed the right way for maximum benefit. This has given rise to the need for a new breed of professionals — the fitness trainers.