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Students resolve to curb
cheating in exams Mohali, January 16 As part of the event, all the students of the college were asked about their expectations, ambitions and resolutions for the year 2004. While talking of academic and extra-curricular expectations, the students resolved to curb the menace of cheating in the examination. At least 50 students resolved to achieve academic excellence with an aim of securing their names in the merit lists of Punjab Technical University. Another 50 students resolved to work for projects and technical papers useful to society, especially the rural areas. Regarding social activities, the students resolved to enhance the activities of the NSS and take active part in the adult education programme in the adjoining rural areas. The students decided to organise a blood donation camp and a tree plantation week in a big way. All the students further resolved to save at least Rs 1,000 per month and help some ailing or needy persons or donate this amount to some social welfare society. The most impressive resolution of the event adopted by more than 100 students of the college was never to drink, smoke or gamble in their life. The chairman of the college, Mr Satnam Singh Sandhu, the general secretary, Mr Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal and the principal Col S. P. Sharma (retd) advised them to put in the best of their efforts to achieve the same. |
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IGNOU nationwide teleconferencing today Chandigarh, January 16 The programme will be unique in the sense that top management functionaries, including Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Directors of different divisions will be available to respond to the queries of the students. More than 3 lakh students are expected to participate from different video downlink locations of IGNOU. These locations in Punjab and Chandigarh are at Department of Correspondence Courses, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Common Wealth Youth Programme Asia Centre, Chandigarh, Punjabi University, Patiala, Doaba College, Jalandhar, IGNOU Regional Centre, Khanna, and Guru Nanak Girls College, Ludhiana. Apart from this, under women empowerment project of IGNOU, downlink facilities have been created at Faridkot and Muktsar also. Dr U.C. Pandey, Regional Director of IGNOU for Punjab and Chandigarh, said this facility had been given to some other educational institutions also, so that students of conventional system of education could also take advantage of high quality academic programmes of
IGNOU. |
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NIPER to train staff of pharma industry Mohali, January 16 This was announced by the Director, NIPER, Dr C.L. Kaul, at a press conference here today. Explaining the importance of the project, Dr Kaul said in the post-GATT situation, with open competition among pharmaceutical companies, only those which provided good quality and safe drugs at affordable rates would be able to survive. ‘‘It is thus essential and the need of the hour that the drug regulatory and food safety and quality control mechanism in
India is strengthened, 'he said. Earlier, Dr Saranjit gave a presentation about the basis of a food and drug regulatory activity being an essential public health function that contributed to good health. While quality assurance monitoring was the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Chemicals, Fertilisers and Petrochemical governed the production of drugs, he said. Giving details of the project, Dr Kaul said the Centre was availing financial assistance from World Bank under the Capacity Building Project to improve the quality and safety of food and drugs by strengthening the quality control functions, formulating policies and increasing the participation of industry and consumers. ‘‘The training and manpower development for the drug regulatory staff, quality control chemists and production staff from the small scale drug industry under the Capacity Building Project is one of the importants, components, which is being organised through NIPER,’’ said Dr Kaul. ‘‘Middle and large sized pharmaceutical manufacturers are able to provide on-job training to their employees. But among small scale manufacturers, training is almost non-existent. It has also been felt that public analysts and enforcement staff in states and at the Centre also need continuous education. This training programme is for all these persons.’’ he added. The first batch of 35 participants will be arriving at NIPER from all over India for the first training programme to begin on January 19 at the institute. |
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Teachers threaten
protest on February 16 Chandigarh, January 16 Giving a call for a protest march from the UGC building to the Prime Minister’s residence, the national secretary of AIFUCTO, Dr V.K. Tewari, said it would culminate in a court arrest by the leadership the same day. Decrying the authoritarian attitude of the UGC in imposing the UGC Model Act on universities, AIFUCTO alleged that it was a move to pave the way for the total privatisation of higher education. |
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65 participate in counselling session Chandigarh, January 16 The founder director of the Institute for Career Studies, Dr Amrita Dass, said, “The choice of a career, which complements one’s talent and abilities, is one of the most difficult decisions of life”. According to a press release, the counselling session included comprehensive workshops to identify student strength and explain the concept of multiple intelligence. The sessions addressed popular misconceptions and introduce emerging career trends and the options available to students of different streams. The release added that different modules of the counselling session provided the students a deeper insight into their own potential and career options. A seminar for parents was also a part of the counselling session to address various educational and career-related issues for the effective parental support and guidance. |
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CS intermediate exam on January 18
Chandigarh, January 16 Course on setting question papers Dera Bassi, January 16 |
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Rai school wins debate contest
Chandigarh, January 16 |
Hearing on Sayal’s plea
on January 23 Chandigarh, January 16 Time was sought on behalf of a respondent for filing a reply in the matter. A letter from an investors’ association for looking into the petitioner’s claim was also taken on record. In his petition against the states of Punjab and Haryana, besides other respondents, Mr Nikhil Kant Sayal had sought security cover for him and his sister. Claiming that their lives and liberty were in danger, he had asserted that the Chandigarh police had recently caught a gang planning to kidnap him. Giving details, he had asserted that investigations had revealed that a conspiracy had been hatched to kidnap the petitioner because of the general impression that his father had a lot of money. |
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Provide staff for Permanent Lok Adalat, says Swatanter Chandigarh, January 16 The matter related to providing staff for the recently -constituted Permanent Lok Adalat and for framing of rules and regulations were discussed and approved at the meeting of the State Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh, yesterday. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of the State Legal Services Authority's Executive Chairman-cum -Judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mr Justice Swatanter Kumar. At the meeting proceeding of the last meeting was also confirmed. The status report of various legal aid schemes and programmes implemented by the State Legal Services Authority and that of holding of Lok Adalats also came up during the meeting. The Executive Chairman stressed on the need to prevent increasing number of litigations and urged that Permanent Lok Adalat of the city must expedite the cases.
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Kosar re-elected Dist Bar chief Chandigarh, January 16 While the results of the office-bearers were declared in the evening, the counting of votes of the executive members will start tomorrow. The results will be declared by evening. Mr A.S. Gujral was declared elected to the post of vice-president of the association, while Mr Rajesh Sood, Ms Anita Rani and Mr Sunil Hans were elected secretary, joint secretary and treasurer, of the association respectively. Mr Kosar defeated his rival, Mr N.S. Minhas, by a margin of 156 votes. Mr Minhas managed only 441 votes in his favour as against 597 votes cast in favour of Mr Kosar. Mr Gujral was the choice of 611 voters, while his rival Mr Karam Singh, polled only 405 votes. Mr Rajesh Sood, who has been elected the new secretary of the association, defeated his nearest rival, Mr Satish Bhardwaj, by a margin of 342 votes. Mr Bhardwaj got 323 votes. Mr Rakesh Mohan Jain, who was the third contender for the post, managed only 52 votes. As many as 689 votes were polled in favour of Ms Anita Rani, as against 337 votes cast in support of her rival candidate Rita Arora. Mr Sunil Hans was elected treasurer with 579 votes polled in his favour, while his opponent, Mr Ajay Kumar Sepahiya, managed 452 votes. Later talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Mr Kosar said, “My first priority will be shifting of the district courts complex from Sector 17 to Sector 43. I will also try that those advocates who have not proper sitting space in the present court complex should be adjusted”, said Mr Kosar. Mr Gujral said he along with the other members of the association would work for the betterment of the advocates.
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Shahjehan returns to highlight
corruption Chandigarh, January 16 For the children gathered to watch the street play in Sector 17 plaza, the sight of Shahjehan — walking at Taj Mahal — was “hilarious”. But for the elders, the theme was vivid — the emperor would not have been able to raise the monument of wonder in the memory of his beloved had he existed in the 21st century. The artistes could not have chosen better characters from the annals of history to highlight the issue through their play “Taaj Mahal Ka Tender”. After all, the Taj corridor scam rocked the nation with its startling revelations just a few months ago. Members of the Theatre Arts, Chandigarh, armed with the knowledge of history, gathered at the plaza in the afternoon to project through their creation “the evils of corruption was present everywhere in society”. Also to show how “corrupt officials, political leaders and social workers created hindrance in the progress of the country”. It all starts with Shahjehan descending on earth to build Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved. Waving his arm in a royal manner, he orders the preparation of the map of the mahal within a week and the completion of the entire project in a year. The powers are delegated to the Chief Engineer. A tender is also floated. The Chief Engineer and other officials connive with the contractor and political leaders to mint money. As impatient Shahjehan scratches his head in anxiety, the officers and the leaders construct their own houses, five star hotels and farm houses. Days roll by into months, but nothing happens. Finally, the tender opens after 20 long years. The Chief Engineer marches into the emperor’s court, along with his corrupt associates, to handover the tender of Taj Mahal. But it is too late by then. Shahjehan, hoping against hope, is already dead. He does not succeed in his endeavour. The play was staged by the Theatre Arts, Chandigarh, in association with the Haryana’s Department of Public Relations and Cultural Affairs. It was directed by Rajiv Mehta and written by Ajay Shukl. Shahjahan’s role was played by Rajiv Mehta. The music and lyrics of the play were given by Vijay. Make up and costume was by Rocky and Hatinder. The cast included Rocky, Yogesh, Vijay, Hatinder, Jatinder, Sunil , Pradeep and Sahibi.
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A child artiste’s pact
with maturity Shooting at Panjab University for “Shrimaan Chanakya” these days is Master Raju, the adorable little one who bothered Jitendra no end in “Parichay”, one of the many engaging productions of Gulzar. Settled and composed even in his rather lost identity, Raju enacts sequences where he walks with attitude along the side of Atin Bhalla, the male lead of “Shrimaan Chanakya”, which has Amrish Puri playing the title role. Somewhere along the line, you do notice streaks of dissatisfaction in the once-cute face of Raju who has matured rather strangely. The child in the actor retorts almost immediately when you pose questions related to his past, “Life is all about moving on and accepting new challenges, new roles. I am taking things as they come.” Coming from an artiste who was most appealing and acceptable as a child, these words sound reassuring, especially in context of the optimism they spell. And then you begin to relate with the talented child which smiles from behind the grown-up facade of Raju Shreshtha, who would rather be called Master Raju, the same master Raju who won two coveted awards like the national award for child artiste in “Chit Chor” (where he followed Zareena Wahab to the most romantic of locations, much to the trouble of Amol Palekar) and the Filmfare Award for the best child artiste in Gulzar’s “Kitaab”. Besides, Raju is also very popular as junior Amitabh — a role he played in three blockbusters, “Deewar”, “Trishul” and “Nastik.” Caught up between two worlds — one lost, another hazy — Raju manages to keep his cool as he comfortably sidelines all uncomfortable queries to assert the realities of today. “Sikander Bharti is a great director and he has carved out a significant role for me in this film. I play the hero’s friend, who is all-important after the interval when the hero is kidnapped. It is then that “Shrimaan Chanakya” manipulates things to prove that I am the hero (Atin Bhalla). The plot is strategically structured to trap the kidnappers. The story is all about Chanakya’s skills as a lawyer who never stands by falsehood. Although there are three friends of the hero, my role is well etched out, and to tell you the truth I am loving it.” Down with malaria, Raju was out in the chill, shooting for the film in university volleyball grounds for quite a while today. And even though he looked rather out of tune with the ambience, he put up a brave face. |
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Dr Bhatti places art in fresh perspective Chandigarh, January 16 Looking at art from a global perspective, Dr Bhatti focused particularly on the functionality of art, saying whereas the Indian principles of ‘Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram’, had always inspired minds into creative pursuits, it was time now to add another dimension to this revered trio — the utility of art. Providing a scientific base for his arguments, Dr Bhatti talked of how science had established that art was a product of churning that goes on in the right hemisphere of the brain. “The right hemisphere is a creative, holistic zone, whereas the left one commands everything conscious, analytical and sequential.” Having evolved his own vocabulary, Dr Bhatti delineated art as a blend of ardour, reason and truth. “I have added the aspect of utility to the purpose of art. As maintained by the American pragmatists, necessity is the finer arbiter of aesthetics. Art has no value unless it makes functional sense,” said the speaker, who dismissed modern art as misnomer. “The history of art has had three modern artists — Picasso in painting, Corbusier in architecture and Henry More in sculpture. These were people who created with new perceptions in mind. They were sensitive to the passage of time — an element well explored in the West. Although we, in India, have the significance of time and space highlighted tremendously in scriptures, we have failed to use it to our benefit.” Dr Bhatti stressed Punjab’s contribution to art, saying it was strange to see a strong bias towards the South, which has been traditionally linked to the development of performing arts. |
Shell out more to keep your kids in elite circle On the other hand, 17-year-old Swati says her monthly expenses are anywhere between Rs 2500 to Rs 3000. For aish you need cash...is her mantra. Daughter of a bureaucrat, she says that most of her money goes on buying perfumes and deodorants, and other personal accessories. “At least twice a week, I go out for a movie, or for a meal with my friends, which is not an inexpensive preposition.” With pockets that bulge and attitudes to match, the city’s teenagers like Rahul and Swati seem to have been completely swayed by consumerism. Gone are the days, when kids would be given pocket money and taught to budget their expenses. The teens now have unlimited access to their parents’ money, and most of them spend anywhere between Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 a month on living it up. And these expenses are over and above the expenditure incurred on their fees, tuitions and clothing. While the guys like to spend money at gyms, pool joints, parties and hanging around at the “happening places”, (in the same order), the gals are spending on personal accessories, parties and going out for a meal or sipping the brews at the cafe. As income levels of the families rise, and with nuclearisation of families, increasing number of parents are game for indulging their children. Reasons Sia Mehra, mother of a teenage daughter: “When we were teenagers, we were given a limited amount to spend. Even though my parents were very well-to-do, I actually had to struggle to meet my expenses in the Rs 200 pocket money I was given as a collegiate. Now that I am a mother of a college going daughter, I can empathise with her and would rather have her feel free and not be burdened with restricting her socialisation just because she has to learn to meet her expenses in a particular amount. Plus, my daughter moves in an elite circle of friends and I do not want her to have any complexes”. This keeping up with the Jones’ attitude is what is compelling people from all socio-economic strata to shell out more and more money for their children. Yajur Bhalla, a student of Class X at St Stephens School, says that he gets a “meagre” pocket money of Rs 500 a month. “But I am always short of money, and have to ask my parents for additional money every month. I always take the plea that my friends spend Rs 100 a day in the canteen, and that they (parents) should think of giving me a raise,” he informs. But not all kids are swayed by the amount of money being spent by others in their peer group. Sargun Sahani, a student of Carmel Convent School, says that she has never asked for pocket money, and occasionally takes money from her parents, in case she has to go for a party, or for eating out in the school canteen. “ A few of my friends spend about Rs 50 a day in the canteen, but it does not bother me,” she says. Ms Monica Madan, Senior Coordinator at Hansraj Public School, Panchkula, and a mother of a 17-year-old says that she still believes in the old school of thought and does not believe in over indulging her son. She gives him money as and when he requires, but ensures that he learns the value of money. “After all, this will help him later in life,” she says.
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Pushing frontiers of Net art The world wide web has opened a world of possibilities for Indian artists. From producing virtual paintings to running on-line galleries and doing business on the Net to hosting chat sessions and conducting auctions and competitions, everything seems possible at the click of the mouse. The biggest development though is the digital replacement to the paint and brush. Painters who knew nothing beyond pigments and hog hair are now talking about Adobe photoshop, cursors and browsers, digital pens and sketchpads. Some are even wielding handycams with the dexterity of cinematographers. Jaideep Mehrotra is one. For close to two decades, the screen of his slick Apple computer has served as his canvas and with technology as his medium, has managed to revolutionise the way people approach art. Never mind if the printouts do not command the same monetary value as ‘collectible art’. “When I started out in the eighties, I thought I was way ahead of my time,” says this highly acclaimed pioneer of Net art. “Many even said that the computer-generated images were plain gimmickry. Today, I see those very same people doing what I was done with 15 years ago.” Easy access to time-saving computer tools and software, the facility to manoeuvre and navigate through the Net, convenient downloads and high-resolution images have also contributed towards the popularity of Net art among artists and the public at large. As Bharati Kher, an illustrator puts it: “It is a nicer way to work since it makes images more plausible or real. What would normally take me an eight-hour workday to create, I can conjure on my computer screen within minutes. And the quality is infinitely better than what I can achieve manually.” That, however, is debatable. Opinion is still divided over whether computer generated art is superior to manual sketching and painting, or vice versa. On the one hand there are those who contend that technology cannot be any substitute to human creativity. On the other hand, many feel that technology is merely a tool, which facilitates creative expression. “Painting is not merely about producing pretty pictures,” argues Nemai Das, a painter of abstracts. ‘Nor is it about turning out real-life images. You have the camera for that and you can better be a photographer than an artist. The same logic holds good for digital art.” Das belongs to the generation of old-timers who take pride in their brush strokes and painterly flourishes, subtleties of layering, deconstructed figures and ability to manipulate space, colours, shapes and forms, much of which is not possible with a computer mouse. These critics of Net art are even questioning the purpose behind the whole exercise. “Would you value a Mona Lisa if it was done on Adobe Photoshop?” asks Das. “The point is, computers produce vapid art — churned out by the artistically handicapped for the artistically illiterate.” Counters Sunita Chauhan, a web designer-turned-artist: “Whatever is visually pleasing and aesthetically executed is art. The medium is merely a means to the end — be it computers, a palettle knife or paint brush. The public does not need to be educated to recognize what is pleasing to the eye.” (Maharaja Features) |
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After clothes, accessories and jewellery, brand consciousness has now paved its way into dry-cleaning. Say goodbye to the dry-cleaner next door, as Brooke and Hedlee are all set to launch their hi tech brand of dry cleaning outlets in the tri-cities of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. Setting shop under the name of DryWay, the region’s first branded dry cleaning chain promises to bring professionalism to the concept of dry cleaning. The company will begin its operations from January 17, at three outlets – one in Sector 40, Chandigarh, second in Phase II, Mohali, and third in Sector 20, Panchkula. Says the head (operations), Mr Gaurav Prashar, “Unlike in the West, dry-cleaning is not a popular concept here. Hence the trade lacks professionalism, and quality services. We hope to provide just this. Our USP will be hi tech dry cleaning at competitive rates and unique packaging”. So after a customer will drop his clothes at any of the DryWay outlets, these will be taken to the central unit, where after being dry-cleaned and ironed with hi-tech roller irons, these will be packed in polythene sheets and again transported back to the outlet for the customer to get it back.
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It’s
my life From my childhood I have been taught by my parents that since we claim many things as our right from society, it is our moral obligation to give something in return to it in our own way. I have always been inspired by my parents to do something for other people besides acquiring proficiency for a successful career. I love to lend a helping hand to the economically weak and socially deprived sections. This attitude of mine has helped me become the president of the Rotaract Club at Mohali. The office of the club is housed at Gian Jyoti Institute of Management and Technology, where I am pursuing the MBA course. The Rotaract Club, which uses the infrastructure of the Mohali institute for various activities, has a membership of 43. Conducting club activities has assisted me in becoming self-confident and self-reliant. As head of the club, I get a chance to interact with people from different walks of life, which I believe may help me in achieving success in my professional activity (marketing) in the days to
come. As told to Kulwinder Sangha |
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Chandigarh, January 16
Rahul Bansal, a 15-year-old student of St Stephens School, likes living it up. Being health conscious, he likes to go to the gymnasium, party, wear the latest branded clothes and hang around with friends in Sector 17 or any of the swanky coffee lounges, and lately, at the multiplex in
Mani Majra. His monthly expenses vary between Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 a month. The oscillation in expenses is only during the examination time, he clarifies.