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FLASHBACK ‘03
Chandigarh, December 24 The university has managed to tide over a serious financial crisis dogging the university for some years now. It has managed to keep up the pace of timely declaration of results to the aid of nearly two lakh students of the campus and over 120 affiliated colleges. The university, however, also had a number of scams and a corresponding number of inquiries. The university income has increased from Rs 22 crore to Rs 36 crore. The projected income of the university for 2004-2005 is more than Rs 45 crore. This could be attained by curtailing wasteful expenditure, detection of financial irregularities, getting its share out of “locked” funds from the Ministry of Human Resource Development and increase in fee and funds from students. The university followed up the case of serious financial irregularities in its finance wing, attributed to Mr M.G.Sharma, Finance and Development Officer, who has retired. An eight-member panel under Mr Swaraj Kaushal held him guilty on certain accounts. A number of charges were upheld in another report of Mr R.S.Verma and the late Justice D.V.Seghal. The FDO was, however, let-off following a note of displeasure. Interestingly, a move to honour the FDO for his services lies pending with the university because of difference of opinion on the issue. A major financial scam in the Sports Department also lies pending. The Deputy Director, along with a non-teaching member, have been accused of financial misappropriation, including unaccounted purchases from a particular store and unaccounted bills on tea. However, a final report is still awaited. The fee-hike issue, which led to a statewide agitation following an announcement by the Punjab Government in May, rocked the city towards the end of October. The campus was witness to an indefinite hunger strike by college students. Campus students did not lend support to the agitation. The university move to give weightage to attendance in the examination has not been approved by the university Senate. The issue figured strongly at various university forums. The elections to the Panjab University Campus Students Council continued to be one of the most awaited events of the year. Like previous years, the campus was witness to inter-group clashes. The biggest clash was the one in which Malwinder Singh Kang, president of the council, was attacked in the market in September. He had to be to be taken to the PGI. He won the council elections. The university attempted to give representation to the students in the university Senate. The move, however, has not got approval of a majority of the Senate members. The university is considering a resolution to delegate certain powers of the Senate to the Syndicate( university +cabinet) to avoid wastage of time. The university has managed commendable time management in the declaration of results. However, a large number of cases of discrepancies in the actual declaration of results, particular at the individual level, were reported The issue of lecture shortage and denial of roll numbers continued unabated in the Law Department. The list included names of presidents of prominent student organizations, including the president of the campus council. This led to an agitation and the university allowed them a chance. The latest situation is that a number of student leaders, including the president, have once again been denied roll numbers on the same account. Prof K.N.Pathak, Vice-Chancellor, got an
extension. The move of the Union Territory seeking land for setting up an information technology park lies pending. The university has decided to set up a dental college. The university Syndicate elections in December witnessed interesting development with regard to group politics in the Senate. Mr Gopal Krishan Chatrath was one of the heavyweights of the campus. His group lost miserably by winning only two out of the declared 13 results. Two results in the law faculty are pending. The biggest surprise was Mr Ashok Goyal, one of the voices that had been opposing Mr Chatrath from the past more than a decade, this time shifting allegiance to his group and losing the contest.
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From Schools Mohali, December 24 Students of Shivalik Public School, Mohali, celebrated Christmas at a function organised on the school premises. A variety of items were presented in the programme. The programme started with carol-singing. Santa Claus distributed sweets among children. A skit, depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, was presented. Damini, Surbhi, Natasha and Guryog gave a beautiful dance performance. Tiny tots of the school staged another skit with the message of being helpful to the poor and needy. Teachers, too, sang carol for the students and showered their blessings on them. The function ended with Ms Matharu, Headmistress, wishing all a Happy New Year and Merry
Christmas. Students of Le Corbusier Convent High School, Mohali, celebrated Christmas here today. Children decorated the school hall and a Christmas tree was also put up. Students gathered around the tree and sang carols. They also cut a Christmas cake. Students of Sri Hemkunt Public School, Phase VII, here celebrated Christmas today. Children presented a cultural show. Students of primary classes also talked about the significance of the festival. The children were distributed sweets by Santa. Students of Spring Valley Public School, Phase VII, here celebrated Christmas today. Children came dressed for a fancy show and the whole school was decorated with stars bells and balloons. The children were distributed sweets by Santa. Students of Spring Valley Public School, Mohali, celebrate Christmas on Wednesday. Students of Anee’s School, Sector 69, here celebrated Christmas today with gaiety and fervour. The school was decked up with stars, bells and balloons. Children were distributed sweets by Santa and they also sang Christmas carol with gusto. Christmas was celebrated by students of Swami Ram Tirath Public High School here today. Teachers and students gathered in the school hall and had a big party. Tiny tots had come dressed in fancy clothes and everyone wished each other Merry Christmas. The function ended with a choir singing Jingle bells and Merry Christmas song. Christmas was celebrated by students of Tiny Tots Foundation School here. Teachers and students gathered in the newly built school hall, which was decorated for a special party. Children were given sweets and gifts by a teacher dressed as Santa Claus. The function ended with the school singing Jingle Bells and Christmas carol. |
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From Schools Chandigarh, December 24 A solo dance competition saw students of Class I and II and races for students of primary classes. These included the book race, obstacle race, spoon-n-marble race, hopping with balls, threading the needle and balloon fight. The mock face contest and mad ads by students of Class VII and IX generated a lot of excitement among the children where students presented themselves as A.B. Vajpayee, Sonia Gandhi, Rabri Devi. They were made to answer the questions put to them by the audience. These personalities came up with witty answers and had the audience in peels of laughter. The students enacted catchy advertisements from television. The most popular were those of Asian paints, Coke, Surf and Britannia. The teachers and students pledged to do something for the underprivileged this Christmas. The results of the fancy dress contest are as follows: Class nursery: Paras (1), Reetika (2), Gaurav (3); KG: Jashan (1), Fiza (2), Sahil (3); Shivani (1), Himani Malik (2), Ashutosh (3); Simer S Sohal (1), Tushar (2), Anustha (3). In Delhi Public School, Sector 40: The Christmas celebration began with Psalms, candle lighting and singing of hymns. The significance of the various symbols of Christmas was brought out in a talk which was followed by the Nativity play. The school reverberated with the strains of the school orchestra and the singing of Christmas carols. The local Member of Parliament, Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, was the chief guest at the function. In Aanchal International School, Sector 35: Tiny tots dressed as Santas and fairies danced to celebrate Christmas at the school premises. Students sang carols and participated in a fancy
dress contest. A workshop on art and craft was also organised to teach students the art of candle-making, greeting cards, teddy bears and Xmas trees. Christmas carols and jingles were sung in classrooms decorated with balloons, buntings and bells at St Patrick’s School, Sector 34. Students of the nursery section decorated the Christmas tree, the manger where Mother Mary sat with Jesus Christ while Santa Claus distributed candies and sweets. A feast in classrooms marked the Christmas celebrations at Stepping Stones School, Sector 38. Students sang carols and Father Christmas distributed sweets. In AKSIPS, Sector 41: Tiny tots dressed as Santa Claus sang carols around the Christmas tree and distributed sweets to fellow students. Fun games were organised for students and staff. Students of Class I presented “All things bright and beautiful”. |
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Christmas cheer for special students Chandigarh, December 24 Warm Roshni greetings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year were wished to thousands of students of North India, who lit lamps of compassion to brighten the life of the neglected ones by buying greeting cards made by them. The Tribune, through its time-to-time coverage, was helpful in motivating people to buy these cards made by special children. |
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14 nursing students graduate Chandigarh, December 24 The hospital Commandant, Major-Gen B. Sadananda, was the chief guest at the function. Addressing a gathering, he asked students to maintain the high standard of the noble profession. He said that nursing required a great deal of maturity, empathy, dedication and commitment. He also gave away prizes to meritorious students. The Principal Matron, Col Usha Arora, lighted the lamp, while Col Ratna Dey and Major K.S. Suma passed the light to the new entrants. The Principal Tutor, Lieut-Col K.K. Sharma, presented the school report and the Deputy Principal Matron, Lieut-Col Gurcharan Kaur proposed a vote of thanks. |
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Vocational students receive diplomas Chandigarh, December 24 The programme began with the lighting of lamp followed by Saraswati Vandana and the release of the institute's souvenir. Madhu Bala was honoured for standing first in UT while Seema Gulati was declared best performer. The Principal, Dr (Ms) Neelam Satsangi, presented the annual report of the institute and informed the audience that the institute was the first in the region to have the ISO
certification. The Director of the Institute, Mr Lakhwinder Singh, welcomed the chief guest. The former Education Minister of Punjab, Mr Avtar Singh, was also present on the occasion. |
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Inter-school singing contest Chandigarh, December 24 Students from over 18 government and private schools of Chandigarh participated. Of the five winners, four were girls. Ravneet Kaur of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 46, bagged the first prize while Manpreet Singh of Government Model High School, Sector 29-A, stood second. Jaspreet Kaur of the host school got the third prize. Gurjaspreet Kaur, a student of St Anne’s Convent School, and Manjit Kaur of Sharda Sarv Hitkari Model School, Sector 40, won consolation prizes. The Editor of Punjabi Tribune, Mr Shangara Singh Bhullar, addressed the students. Mr Sham Singh and Mr Shamsher Sandhu were also present. |
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Hearing in graft case adjourned Chandigarh, December 24 CBI counsel, while appearing in the court of the UT CBI Special Judge, Mr R.S. Baswana, said the CBI needed more time to seek permission from the Punjab and Haryana High Court before producing important documents in the case involving the suspended Sessions Judge, Jalandhar, Mr R.M Gupta, and UT Judicial Magistrate, Mr S.S Bhardwaj.
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A jazz treat from Indian Ocean Chandigarh, December 24 Blending the two powerful elements of music into a single harmonious spell, Asheem Chakravarty, Amit Kilam, Sushmit Sen and Rahul Ram, offered the kick that was much needed to give the St John Old Boys Association’s (SJOBA) winter festival an interesting edge. Asheem handled the tabla and vocals, Amit was on drums, Sushmit on guitar and Rahul Ram on bass. Together the musicians offered upbeat jazz treat, lacing it with an Indian touch here and there. Throughout the presentation, that progressed in the open on the lovely, green space of the school, the musicians reflected their western inspiration. The impact of western pop music was evident in the manner of rendition, which alternated between packed and subtle formats. The music was unique indeed, as it brought two distinctive sets of musical influences on the same platform, holding the total attention of the audience. Often, however, it was the western influence like that of ‘Pink Floyd’ and ‘The Grateful Dead’ that seemed to be dominating the music sequence of the performers. |
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New Release J.P. Dutta is ready to take the centrestage again today. With a war film that is bigger than ‘Border’ was. At a time when mediocrity still rules, J.P. Dutta and his mammoth cast of over 50 actors are hoping to give us another super duper war film which will bring back to public memory names like Kargil, Drass and Batalik. Not surprisingly, LOC is a film everyone’s waiting to watch. But the master film-maker has pinned high hopes on LOC, the film that could make box-office history with 100 per cent first week. LOC will be released at Batra, Chandigarh, Fun Republic, Manimajra, KC, Panchkula and all over on Christmas day. J.P. Dutta’s star-studded war saga LOC, dedicated to the Kargil heroes, is one of lengthiest Hindi movies after ‘Mera Naam Joker: LOC has many firsts to its credit, including over 100 real soldiers and a 13-minute longest song beautifully composed by Anu Malik. The Rs 35 crore four-hour long war saga LOC, with stories and stars from Sanjay Dutt to Sanjay Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee to Akansha Malhotra, is touted as one of the biggest films ever made. Those who have seen the rushes are predicting a mega opening all over. Shot widely in Ladakh under minus 7 degree temperature, LOC has Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, sunil Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshaya Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Kapoor, Nagarjuna, Karan Nath and Amar Upadhayaya. The film also has Mahima Chaudhary, Rani Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor, Esha Deol, Raveena Tandon, Namrata Shirodkar, Isha Kopikar, Priya Gill, Preeti Jhangiani and Akansha Malhotra. Cinematography by Kareem, dialogues by O.P. Dutta and dare-devil actions by Bhiku Varma are major credits of LOC. The film has been produced and directed by J.P. Dutta. Anu Malik has come up with a melodious score. Will LOC be another block-buster from J.P. Dutta’s camp? Let’s wait and watch.
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Home Decor
THERE are no jazzy interiors for this interior designer turned Feng Shui expert. A harmony of colours, simple architecture with the elements of light, wind, space and ventilation being thrown in full swing are the quintessential features of Shivani Sharma and her musician husband Atul Sharma. From the living room to the bedrooms and kitchen, Shivani Sharma has used the perfect blend of yin and yang to ensure that her family has a harmonious existence in their abode “Shivophar” — so named after Shivani’s architect father, Mr S.D. Sharma, who had designed the house. Considering the fact that when the house was designed, the couple had given strict directions to Mr Sharma to keep the budget as low as possible, a decade later, the house though not ostentatious in any way, has an early charm about itself. Though the earthy charm has a lot to do with the fact that light , wind and air are in abundance, the brick inlay work on the walls in the living room and the masters bedroom, simple mosaic tiled flooring, wooden mosaics hanging on the walls and use of white paint on the walls — also add to the beauty of this ten marla house in Sector 7, Panchkula. The colourful entrance foyer wall greets visitors like an artiste’s painting, having all positive colours- greys, pinks, peaches and blues, which, says Shivani, helps in diffusing starkness of the wall, each time the entrance door is opened. The double drapes (white net and heavy pink drapes) with valances, and the tapestry on the sofas are peaches and pink- which says the feng shui expert, will help enhance relationship. But Feng Shui is not omnipresent in the house. It makes an appearance just here and there- subtly. Like the ducks are placed in a bowl, the laughing Buddhas are placed on the study table, in a manner that they blend with the interiors, the crystal hangs almost in oblivion in the couple’s bedroom. The element of space has been taken proper care of and the house is thus a double storeyed structure. The living room has few pieces of furniture, and the dining room has a round table, to add more space to the room. The children’s bedroom has customised colourful curtains, walls are sunshine colour , and the furniture is the wood colour. Shivani’s bedroom on the first floor too has minimal furniture. The idea is to create a soothing effect. Nothing in the house should put you off after a few months of setting it up in the hose, says Shivani. The blue and peach pooja room with chicks is the perfect place of meditation. Even the small front garden adds to the aspect of the house. The landscaping has been done keeping in mind the principles of
Feng Shui. Curved hedges for meandering flow of energy, use of rocks and boulders to stabilise energy and a small water feature is another feature to watch out for.  |
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Today swanky cars, not small gifts, impress kids His dreams are too big for his stockings. For Christmas, the young innocent wants
a flashy limousine parked in the driveway of his Sector 9 house, instantly. Rahul’s happily-married sister also believed in Santa when she was in her teens, but never demanded anything. All that was years ago. Now things are different, indeed. Before snuggling in a quilt, Rahul goes down on his knees next to a wrought iron bed every evening. After folding his tender little hands, he makes a request to Santa, “Just bringing me the same car Raman possesses”. His “rival”, Raman, lives next door. Ever since his dad purchased a “brand new car” after selling his old vehicle, Raman teases Rahul by blowing the horn just before departing for school. Perturbed, Rahul repeatedly beseeched his father to change their car. But, somehow, dad has not been taking him seriously. No wonder, Rahul is looking forward to Santa’s visit. Rahul’s friend Sameer also wants a car, but the one which is remote operated. Just like the car cousin Aman was presented by his uncle living across the seven seas. “We just cannot afford it,” Sameer’s dad had clearly told him. That is the reason why he too is eagerly waiting for Santa to slide down the chimney with his box of gift. “Both Rahul and Sameer have one thing in common,” says young sociologist Ramnita Kapoor. “Needs do not guide their desires. An unhealthy sense of competition does — something which was always there but in milder form. That is why their dreams are now-a-days not made of traditional gifts and they look up to Santa regardless of religious considerations”. Explaining the trend, Ramnita asserts, “In good old days, children — even the ones studying in convent schools — hardly demanded anything. Christmas was popular among them, no doubt about it, but then gifts in stockings were something they never expected. In any case they were more than happy if toffees, chocolates and dolls were presented”. But in the early 90s, cable television brought along with it “party culture”. “Even alien festivals became occasions to celebrate and exchange gifts,” Ramnita says. “Little wonder, you had youngsters throwing a Halloween bash and presenting gifts on St Valentine’s Day”. Over the years the concept of gifts also changed as channels flashed “tempting stuff” on the small screen. “Suddenly, chocolates and Barbie dolls were not enough. The youngsters wanted Pokemon cards and a date with Popeye, along with other cartoon characters. And things their neighbours had”. Giving details, she says, “Earlier also there was competition but in small insignificant things like bags, pencil sharpeners and shoes because there were limited stuff in offering. But as rapid industrialisation, porous borders and easy availability of goods on finance led to flooding of the markets, the gap between the haves and the have-nots increased, leading to sense of jealousy and competition even among kids”. |
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Forget your worries — let Kasauli or
Forest Hills Dad’s home on Christmas, surfing channels after reposing on a comfortable sofa with his feet on the center table. No wonder, your dancing shoes are gathering dust in some remote corner of the closet. It was the same story last year also. Flipping the pages of his favourite novel, dad had condemned your departure in strongest terms just as you were about to step in your jaunty jalopy. “Why do you have to go for dance parties every now and then? Just go to your room and study. The exams are approaching,” he had uttered. You know things are not going to be different in winters of 2003. So folks, just do not sulk. Empty the trash can of your memory for some real good excuses to slip out of the house. It is certainly not nice to lie. Some even consider it dishonest and sinful. Your parents will also feel hurt if they come to know the truth. But if you are desperate, and your conscious allows, here’s the secret of getting out: Wedding party is a convincing alibi. You can walk out of the house after dressing up in an alluring velvet gown. Also try going out on the pretext of attending Ankashkri, Mehendi or rangoli competitions. If nothing else works, say you have to look after the needy as a part of a social project. You can also leave the cozy comfort of your room in the name of a noble cause. Tell them a blood donation camps is being organised. Your presence is must to boost the morale of generous friends. The ancient and honourable excuse of driving down to a hospital for presenting a bouquet of get-well-soon wishes to chum recovering from appendix operation works without fail. If you think lycra top over boot-cuts will arouse mama’s suspicion, suggest birthday bash. The excuse will justify your flashy dress. If you are studying in an institute with inclination towards religious activities, say puja and havan is being held. “Ma’am urgently wants `History of English literature’” is another effective excuse for bluffing your way out. Once out, drive down to Aerizzona, Golf Club, Forest Hill Resort, anywhere. Cut foot loose. Dance away your blues to the thumping beats of reverberating music. Jive in the afternoon till your heart, wildly beating against your chest, forces you down. Else, dance into the night. Just make sure you have the passes, and a partner, lest you are not allowed to enter the world of affection so divorced from reality. Else, cut along the sharp curves of life, on way to Morni hills. You will not take more than an hour to reach the top. Just drive carefully. You can also go to Timber Trail. Drive on, reach Kausali. If you have enough time, you can even make it to Shimla for “white Christmas” if you are lucky. In city, Panjab Univer-sity’s Student Center remains the favourite venue. You can also have a drop too much of invigorating drink at the coffee bars. You can drive down to Sector 11 for Iced Café Mocha and mouth-licking sandwiches. Enjoy cocktails and mocktails. Enjoy mushroom, onion, cheese pizza, even chicken in a bun. Drive down to your favourite fast food joint. Play some cool music after inserting a coin in the juke box. Do anything, but remember to have a nice time. — TNS |
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Eating Out The upmarket Piccadily Hotel, Sector 22, Chandigarh, has been renovated and prices slashed by nearly 50 per cent to accommodate the masses. It’s newly done up multi-cuisine restaurant — Curry’s — threw open its opulent ornate door to the public on Wednesday, luring the middle class by catching its pulse favouring Mughlai khana. Their new chef, Habib from Lucknow, is an expert in replicating the tikkas and kebabs that the royal nawabs patronised. And the best part is that the preparation of the mouth-watering delicacies is transparent and open to scrutiny. For, the behind-the-walls kitchen and has been done away with. In its place is the open kitchen, with just a glass wall separating the guests and the cooks sporting their trademark hats and aprons. There is no scope for hanky-panky as you keep an eye on the dexterous whipping and rustling around the oven and gasburner. While finishing touches are being given to your Rs 90-murg malai kebab (boneless chicken blended with cream, cheese, lemon and coriander in the tandoor) and the handi-serving of the Rs-65 kadahi panir (cottage cheese cooked with freshly ground spices, herbs and capsicum), you savour the interiors. The row of paintings of beautiful Punjabi lasses in rural settings punctuated by spot-lit niches housing ornate forks and spoons on chiks also catches your attention. The regulars will notice that the bar area (Sipper’s Bar) has been walled out and the number of covers increased by 15 to take the total to around 60. In fact, as waiters fill your plate with a helping of nargisi kofta (boiled egg wrapped in mutton mince, deep fried and simmered in chef’s special gravy), while you sit back in the upholstered chair, you get the distinct pleasant feeling that the dishes have been priced reasonably without compromising on quality and four-star luxury. Very much unlike the fast food joints with wrought iron chairs and where self-service is the norm, at times, at a higher cost. The Amies Hospitality Services from Mumbai which has an experience of 30 years in the management of luxury hotels has provided the professional expertise in giving the hotel the new look. To kick off their re-opening in style, Piccadily has started with Lucknowi food festival that tickles your taste with kababs, koftas and biryani. While Curry’s caters to breakfast, lunch and dinner right from hot and appetising shorbas, grand meals and the sweet almond-laced phirni and kheer, their coffee shop— Friends— is for the inbetween mealtime fillers. A cute little enclosure in the lounge, Friends will be open 24 hours. Again, reasonably priced, it’s a good place to pass leisurely time before an important meeting or relax with a cuppa after a late night assignment. The wide range of starters, snacks, soups, sandwiches, mini meals and tasty Indian and Continental bites and desserts go down well with the hot and cold beverages. Just walk in anytime for a classy retreat made memorable with a grilled or club sandwich, chaat, pizza with your choice of topping (Rs 65), gulab jamun or ice-cream, promises the young son of proprietor Vinod Sharma. He adds that they have also upgraded their rooms and banquet halls to provide the best facilities for VVIPs, like executive and presidential suites. |
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It’s my life MY name is Setu Rattan and I am studying in Class IX in Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh. I am 13 years old and passionate about singing. I started singing when I was in class VIII. My parents recognised my interest and thought that I was talented enough to take it seriously. They started encouraging me to participate in singing competitions so that I could hone my skills. I have been a great fan of Lata Mangeshkar and she remains my evergreen source of inspiration. My Guru, Gopal Dasji, introduced me to classical music, which I am learning now. Although no one in my family sings, my father encourages me the most. Right now I have no plans to make singing my profession, but maybe one day, if I am able to reach greater heights in singing, I will make a living out of it. As of now, I am focusing on studies so that I can fulfil my mother’s dream of becoming an IAS officer. My friend and mentor has my cousin, Rinku Kalia who studied in Panjab University and made it to the popular Antakshai programme on TV. I try to follow in her footsteps. I have been participating and winning prizes in many singing competitions organised in Chandigarh. I sing on stage in school also. I believe that one should work hard in everything that one does. As told to Chitleen Sethi |
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