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Children load helplines with distress calls Where to seek help
Chandigarh, January 7 Raahat, the helpline which the local chapter of the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) started about a month ago for teenagers and young adults, has been recording a gradual increase in the number of calls from students, who are feeling stressed on account of rising expectations of parents as well as school teachers. Also the Child and Adolescent Clinics being run in the GMCH, Sector 32 and the PGI are getting more cases with children seeking guidance and help and signalling that all is not well with them. Experts, counselling stressful children, see the development as serious in view of the 30 suicides which Chandigarh saw in about three months last year. In half of these cases, the cause was attributed to academic pressure and rising expectations of parents. Now that children are reaching out for help and are showing warning signs of depression in their behaviour, experts suggest that parents, school authorities and friends should pay extra attention to depressed children, lest they feel hopeless and helpless. Admitting to high stress levels among students, especially those taking board examination (Classes X and XII), Dr Savita Malhotra, in charge, Child and Adolescent Clinic at the PGI informed The Tribune that she recently handled many cases of nervous breakdowns among students. “There are many cases where children are suffering from anxiety and depression. Some of them have even had to lose a year or two because of the nervous breakdown. The problem lies with our education system which breeds fierce competition. Everyone wants to be at the top, but where is the space at the top? Children are suffering in this vicious circle of less demand and more supply. Parents must see the problem and give space to children.” Dr Malhotra said that increasing number of distress calls by children should be taken as alerting signals. Shreshtha Mehta, chairperson, ICCW, which is running Raahat for teenagers, informed that the helpline had managed a tremendous response withing a month of its conception. “This shows that children are in need of help. We get many calls from students desparate for counsel. The irony is that most of them call when their parents are not around. Also, more girls are seeking help.” Child Guidance Clinic of GMCH, Sector 32, is also receiving many cases these days. Dr Jaspreet of GMCH said, “It’s not good to set unrealistically high standards for children or to overly criticise their performance. If the child is uneasy with himself, he is calling for help.” Among warning signals of suicide among adoescents, as listed by medical experts, are changes in eating, sleeping patterns, rebellious
behaviour, marked personality change, persistent boredum, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, stomachaches, headaches and inability to toletare praise. |
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Fee hike to be rolled back Chandigarh, January 7 The administration has already issued a notification in this regard. The committee consisting of the Education Secretary, Finance Secretary, DPI (Colleges), Principals of GCM, Sector 11, MCM DAV College and DAV College (Sector 10), besides two representatives of students, had met four times. The
recommendations were approved by the UT Administrator. |
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Hamara School Set up in 2001, J.C. Public School at Mundi Kharar was established in memory of the late Comrade Jagdish Chander (1922-1991) by his daughter-in-law, Mrs Reema Kant. The management is of the opinion that the school-going age is the most impressionable age in one’s life and whatever is learnt at that age gets so deeply embedded in one’s mind that it becomes difficult to change it later on. The objective of the institution, which is based on the American style, is to help children develop an all-round personality through a sound foundation in academics and active participation in cultural activities, sports and arts. It also aims to build among its pupils confidence, faith and inner strength. Spread over an area of 2 acres on the Kharar-Chandigarh road, the school at present has classes from pre-nursery to Class I, though the management plans to ultimately upgrade it to the level of a high school by adding one class every year. The institution follows the CBSE pattern of studies. The co-educational school attempts to provide to tiny tots an environment which is rich and wholesome, free from fears and
tension, facilitating the implementation of the play-way method. The building is adequately furnished and decorated to provide a cheerful learning environment. The special features include a ball pool, a mini zoo, a swing and sand pit, a doll house and a water pool. The computer facility, too, has been provided. To help in the development of a child’s personality, specialisation centres have been created. Rhymes, stories, dance, art, crafts, puzzles and projects are an integral part of these centres. Picnics and the celebration of major festivals and children’s birthdays are a regular part of the school activities. |
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‘We teach by play-way method’ A lot of stress is laid on outdoor teaching. Children are taken for nature walks where different trees and flowers are shown to them. The school has arrangements for indoor games, too. There is a big hall for pre-nursery children where they are taught by the play-way method. The institution will get affiliated to the CBSE once it is upgraded to the high school level. Private tuitions are discouraged. Students are taught in such a way that they do not need any private coaching. Homework is given to students. However, in cases where the parents of students are illiterate and cannot help them in their studies, they are kept back at the school for an hour or so where teachers help them complete their work. The school also lays stress on computer education. Pupils of LKG and UKG are encouraged to try their hand at computers. In most cases pupils of Class I can handle computers more independently. Students are also shown slides on relevant topics. The school also organises sports day where different competitions are held. Students are told about cleanliness of their surroundings and personal hygiene at the time of school assembly. They are also told that they should help their parents and old persons. |
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Students participate in egg-eating contest Chandigarh, January 7 While sales were stopped an hour before the contest got under way, 10 boiled eggs were placed in trays and students were given two minutes to finish. Held in two categories, age group of below 12 years and 12 to 18 years, the competition attracted large participation. In the two minutes, the students were supposed to peel the eggs and have as many as they could. In the first category, Poonam was declared first after she consumed five-and-a-half eggs, while Anil Mor consumed eight eggs to come first in the second category. |
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Uncertainty over date of swearing in Chandigarh, January 7 Ever since Haryana’s Advocate-General Surya Kant Sharma, Mr Rajiv Bhalla and Mr Ajay Kumar Mittal were medically examined in Sector 16 General Hospital, speculations were on about the date of swearing-in ceremony. The lawyers were sure that the function would be held on January 6 — first day after winter vacations. In fact, preparations were in full swing for holding the ceremony in the courtroom of the Chief Justice. Even cards inviting sitting and retired Judges, along with other dignitaries, were being prepared. But the ceremony did not take place. On Wednesday also, the lawyers continued to inquire about the ceremony from the court staff only to be told that fax message preceding the warrants of appointment had not been received. Although no one was exactly sure, sources in the high court claimed that the warrants had been placed before the President of India for appending his signature, but the process was taking time. The High Court authorities refused to comment.
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Anticipatory bail for Ravi Inder Panchkula, January 7 Granting bail to the accused, the Additional Sessions Judge, Mr L.N. Jindal, also directed the accused to deposit their passports in the court and not to leave the country without court’s permission. The accused were released on furnishing bail bonds amounting to Rs 20,000 with one surety of the like amount. In the complaint, it was alleged that Mr Ravi Inder Singh was the managing-trustee of the Sardar Baldev Singh Charitable Trust based at Kolkata. He allegedly got a resolution on January 15,1998, regarding the sale of the property of the trust situated at Pinjore. He also allegedly got the signatures of a trustee, also a co-accused, Raj Mohinder Kaur. Thereafter he allegedly sold the property for a sale consideration of Rs 15
lakh. The trust property was worth Rs 1.75 crore and the remaining amount had
allegedly been misappropriated by the accused, including Ravi Inder Singh, complaint added. |
Home Decor Warm and inviting. That is the perfect way to describe the home of flying Sikh Milkha Singh in Sector 8 here. Encompassing all the basic elements of space, natural light and ventilation, it is a house befitting its residents. Just like Milkha Singh, the house has no grey areas – it has ivory white and black combination, with a tinge of gold here and there, to add finesse. It is a no frills house, yet classy. Inspired by the many European houses that this eminent sports family of the city may have visited, the house is a perfect example of good house plan and plush interiors. Informs the eminent sportsman, “We bought the house in 1975, but shifted here after reconstructing it in 1992. Other than the architectural layout, my wife Nirmal has done the interiors all on her own.” The house has been built on a two-and-a-half kanal plot (1,250 square yards) and has a covered area of about 5,000 square metres. The family has a sporting tradition. Nirmal was an international volleyball player, daughters Alisa and Mona were swimmers, Sonu was a tennis player and son Jeev Milkha Singh is a world-class golfer. Despite this, the house has not been turned into a medal or trophy museum. Other than the entrance, where the proud parents have displayed a portrait of son Chiranjeev in action, and his Arjuna Award, or a study on the first floor, where the family medals and trophies stand tall, there is no sign of their sports awards. The house is done mostly in white and ivory colours — from the paint on the walls and ceilings, to the tapestry in the drawing room and living room, or from the drapes that fall graceful under matching valances, to the marble floor. Black-coloured tapestry is used just to break the monotony as white remains the main colour. The majestic staircase, with its well-polished brass railing, unwinds into the living room, going with the modern interiors of the drawing room. The use of family portraits and photographs on wooden tables, mirrors with simple polished wood frames perched on almost all walls, exquisitely framed prints of famous paintings of Picasso and other world-famous Renaissance painters and use of crystal — be it in the chandeliers or in form of numerous decorations — add to its image of an American home. With well-polished marble being used for flooring, the owners have left the floors without going in for carpets. The house exudes a universal approach — what with the display of Chinese vases and carved panels of Ganesha, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Victorian hat stands and magazine stands have been used in the living room. — TNS |
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Eating Out
THE initial euphoria and hype is over. Almost everybody has braved the rush, the cold and the parking blues to have a bite of the world famous McDonald’s burger at its first outlet in Chandigarh. And, have a look at another first — a multi-storeyed multiplex with four cinema theatres, food counters and retail stores. The new address — Fun Republic at Mani Majra — has also quickly come on the mindset of residents who are always game to try out new things, specially if they come with a promise of class and style, the price notwithstanding. For the uninitiated, it is the old Dhillon complex redone on the lines of multiplexes in the metros. With 30 other McDonald’s restaurants in North India, including Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ludhiana and Jaipur, most of us are familiar with the international quality of burgers, non-sticky French fries, mouthwatering curry pans (baked dish), wraps and pizza McPuff available in both veg and non-veg variants. Complementing the snacks is an assortment of shakes, sundaes, swirls and beverages. The product range caters to every age group — from the child to the young executive on the move to the elderly. While its happy meals and toys are popular among the kids, its meal combos are a favourite as they are filling. Located at the entrance of the mall, the brightly coloured orange walls, and a sleek area that can seat around 120 guests give one a feeling of joy. The stained glass artwork ceiling and the dramatic curve in the flooring add to the cheer. An official informs that McDonald’s is the world’s leading food service retailer with more than 30,000 restaurants serving over 46 million people each day in over 100 countries. And the reason for its popularity is its adherence to exacting global standards of quality, service and cleanliness. No wonder that crowds keep trickling in even after the euphoria of the initial past one month. It also claims to provide all essential nutrients in the right amount. The leafy veggies in the burgers, wraps and pans give roughage, fibre, minerals and vitamins. The bread and potatoes are major sources of energy to fuel the body. Meat and eggs are rich in proteins and fats that are great for body building. The milk and cheese keep you strong and fit with calcium. Besides being healthy, the items are tasty as stress is laid on good and fresh raw ingredients. The storage and preparation process also ensure that vital nutrients remain intact. |
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Police training gets
interesting IMAGINE a policeman fiddling with guitar, singing songs and practicing yoga contrary to a tough guy in khaki wielding baton or a gun. It is not a scene from a Hollywood movie but at the Recruits Training Centre here, where policemen are trained. The missing harmony in their lives, spent dealing with uncertainties of dealing with crime and maintaining law and order, seems to be returning with the training for recruits including these activities. The drab physical training recently got a break when the policemen were shown a dance performance in which the recruits participated with zeal to everybody’s amusement. Training instructors said it was not a regular feature of exercise nor was it an aerobic exercise, it was a cultural programme in which the trainees were allowed to participate. The new recruits and those undertaking refresher courses used to shudder at being listed for training involving studying law and a tough physical exercises before addition of yoga, music, dance and singing in their routine. A senior officer said the training programme was modelled on the pattern of the one followed by the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel National Police Academy for Indian Police Service officers. He said the policemen of the city were special and probably the best across the country as 50 per cent of them were graduates. Their speciality required special training for them. Whatever an IPS officer is exposed to in the Indian Police Academy is now available to the new recruits of the Chandigarh Police. Initially there was a lot of resistance from recruits to the cultural and soul-calming activities like music, dance, singing and yoga but after sometime they got to understand the value of the programme. A senior officer said there had been requests from the police personnel who go for 15-day training to extend it for at least a week to let them learn and enjoy music and yoga. Recruits say training equips them to deal with pressure, which is a routine for a policeman. With the worries engulfing an economically growing and uncertain society the police has included spiritual lectures of Alok Muni to help cops stick to moral values and buy peace with one’s soul. A policeman said the success of a good shift in the training would be seen when the responses of the custodians of law were shaped by this exercise. — TNS |
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It’s my life To remain fit and energetic — that is something I always aim at. And I achieve my target with the help of right workout and correct intake. It makes me live life the most. Otherwise also, I am doing something I always wanted to do — work as a dietician. I opted for the career just after completing my graduation. Believe me, I have no regrets. Rather, I am happy guiding persons wishing to live a fit and healthy life. I actually feel elated after rebooting my patients to face the world with a broad smile. My job of assistant manager with Cleopatra has made me realise that persons with wrong kind of physique always face identity crisis. They explore the dark corridors of life in search of an identity. To provide them with a new vision of life and healthy food habits fulfils my aim. As told to Monica Sharma |
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Tanjore paintings hot
favourites It could be called the Southern impact. The Impressive Tanjore paintings and the carved wooden idols at the Crafts Mela at Lajpat Rai Bhavan, are drawing a number of customers. The awesome pieces, being marketed by the Tamil Nadu Handicraft Development Corporation, are being literally lapped up by the city residents. With traditional home interiors, still being a hot favourite in the city, these artefacts are selling like hot cakes. Informs Mr Mathiyarasu, exhibition in charge of the corporation, who is accompanying the artisans from Tamil Nadu, “ We are getting a good response for all our products. But the Tanjore paintings, especially of Asht Ganesha (Ganesha in his various forms) and various manifestations of Mother Goddess, are in great demand in the city”. These paintings of various Hindu gods and goddesses, are adorned with gem stones and gold foil is used to adorn the picture. The picture is itself painted with vegetable dyes, with the chemical colours being used minimally. Though traditionally, Tanjore paintings were made of Lord Krishna, in his child form, over the period of time, we have included the paintings of Guru Nanak, Balaji, and all nine manifestations of Mother Goddess, informs artisan Lokesh. The paintings on display, can cost anything from Rs 1,000 a piece to Rs 1 lakh a piece. The life-size painting of Balaji and of Asht Ganesha, are a visual treat. Other than this, the carved wooden idols of various gods and goddesses, are available at anything between Rs 500 to Rs 1.03 lakh-depending on its intricacy and size. A 10-feet high Ganesha idol, carved from a single piece of sheesham wood, and the Dasa Avatar panel of the 10 manifestations of Lord Vishnu are a must see. The exhibition is on till January 12. |
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It’s time for shooting The 35 young animators from Mumbai, New Delhi and Chandigarh who have converged on the city to participate in the ‘24fps: Visual Effects Awards’ spent their time shooting the live sequences for their animation entries. Sukhwinder Singh, with a number of famous tele-serials to his credit, including “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”, interacted with the participants and shot various dramatised sequences, which would be fed into the computer systems tomorrow and composited with the animated computer graphic sequences, so that the competing teams could work on their animation films. Biju D, creative director of Maya: The Magic Shop, Mumbai, sounded the clapboard to mark the beginning of the shoot in the studios of the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research here. A high-profile faculty comprising Priyam Chatterjee, an NID alumnus and how the creative director and visualiser with Maya Entertainment Limited, Mumbai, Dinesh Sehgal from MEL (who heads the team of animators working on teleserials like “Son Pari”, “Gharwali Uparwali”, and Ramneek Kaur Majithia, another NID alumnus with numerous projects to her credit, including documentaries for Discovery Channel, Escorts Heart Institute and Dabur, would work with the participating animators.— TNS |
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Moisturiser launched Lotus Herbals, a herbal beauty brand has launched a 24-hour moisturiser with shea butter and real strawberry extract. The company claims that the moisturiser provides immediate and round-the-clock moisture for dry skin, while maintaining the natural moisturising factor of skin. Recommended for both normal and dry skin, a 120-gram tube is priced at Rs 135. —
TNS |
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