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Nationalise
school education, advocates Johl He was speaking at a lecture on “Status of Education and Health in India: Its Implications” at the ICSSR Complex, Panjab University, here today. Stating that school education was the fundamental right of every child and the responsibility of educating him lay with the government, Prof Johl, however, was of the opinion that tuition fee should be hiked for higher education in particular categories and become merit-based instead of being means-based. “Meritorious students wanting to go in for higher education should be given scholarships by the government. They should also be given the option of availing themselves of loans for studying. Those students who are neither meritorious nor come from weaker sections, should be made to pay higher tuition fee,” Prof Johl recommended. He was of the view that higher education should be self-supporting and government grants should be used for capital investment only. He suggested fixing of an upper limit for college fee to keep a tab on over-charging by these colleges, especially since funds and fee varied from college to college within the same university. Critical of the duality in the education system in Punjab, Prof Johl pointed out that in the name of education, public schools, essentially private convent schools, were catering to the elite and providing quality education. This has created a “rural Bharat and an urban India” and led to polarisation of society. “However, while government schools were attracting the best of teachers, the quality of education in government schools is of lowest quality. The private schools were continuing to give commendable results inspite of average teachers. This implies there is a basic fault in our system itself,” he commented. Prof Johl said the lack of accountability in government schools and absence of correlation between salaries paid and work done was responsible for the plight of education. He suggested the taking over of schools by the government as the only solution to deal with this crisis. Prof Johl opined that schools should be established on locality basis and attended by the rich and poor alike. He propagated the view that vocational courses should be started from middle school itself. In his presidential address, Prof S.L. Sharma, Dean of the Arts Faculty, said, education should be a tool of emancipation rather than domination, and used to build character of a child rather than his career. He added that today globalisation was being offered as an alternative to economic growth of the Third World. “Keeping in view the process of globalisation, the education sector cannot be neglected since it is human development that ultimately leads to economic development,” he maintained. |
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Tribal’s identity threatened, says expert Chandigarh, February 10 In Panjab University for a lecture organised by Critique, a students’ discussion forum, Dr Sunder says the tribals are virtually being thrown out of their homes, mostly in forests, and are left with nothing in their hand and absolutely no future. “Despite the fact that government departments are not clear on about revenue land and forest land, the tribals are paying not only by losing the land they have possessed for generations but are under threat of losing their very identity,” she says. With a number of journals and research papers to her credit, Dr Sunder adds,” The solution to this identity-crisis of the tribals lies in dispassionate scientific analysis of what we stand to gain out of the exercise. Anyway, the government makes tall claims while undertaking displacement though the outcome is not as is projected.” Critical of the evictions made for the Narmada dam, she maintains that the construction of the dam would not fulfill the benefits it was supposed to provide.”Displacing people amounts to violating their fundamental rights and the government is doing so without providing alternative accommodation,” she rues. An expert on problems being faced by the tribals of Central India, she informs, “Large-scale conversions of tribals are happening in Central India. These are being organised by the RSS. Though conversions cannot be forced, they do spell the doom of adivasis,” she holds. Pointing out that the conversions were being made to “Hindutva” rather than “Hinduism” which is a more fanatic form of the latter, she lamented that the government was not even providing basic health and education services, a duty it should have been doing all these years. “The evictions have to be more organised and undertaken only after the government steps in to provide alternative living arrangements and basic facilities,” she concluded. |
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ITI will be given adequate funds, says Bir Devinder Mohali, February 10 He was upset to hear from staff members that the institute was facing problems and that nobody had brought these to his notice. The staff members said as the building of the institute had not been completed, they were compelled to hold two classes in a room. As there was shortage of rooms, classes for computer hardware students were being held in a part of the building which had been reserved for running hi-tech courses. The government had approved funds to the tune of Rs 1.77 crore for the purchase of land for the institute and construction of the building. A sum of Rs 26.54 lakh was paid to PUDA for allotting 1.43 acre of land for the institute. The District Planning Board had released an amount totalling Rs 53.24 lakh from time to time for the building. A sum of Rs 16.58 lakh had also been spent on the building under a Central Government scheme, launched for hi-tech courses. An executive engineer of the PWD told Mr Bir Devinder Singh that a sum of Rs 32 lakh was needed to complete the building. He said there was a proposal for constructing an auditorium for which another Rs 50 lakh was needed. It was also pointed out that the institute did not have a playground and the students were compelled to use playgrounds of some schools for carrying out practise for various sports activities. The staff members said that initially 16.5 kw load had been sanctioned by the Punjab State Electricity Board for the institute. As it was found to be inadequate, a request was made to enhance the load to 70 kw to which the authorities had agreed. A payment of more than Rs 44,000 was also made in this regard but the PSEB had failed to install the transformer so far and the institute was facing problems. Some hi-tech courses were also being run in the institute under a Central Government scheme for which machinery worth Rs 2 crore had been installed. A sum of more than Rs 16 lakh had been spent to renovate the building for running the courses. But no permanent faculty members had been provided by the Punjab Government in this regard. Even the computer hardware and software could not be upgraded due to a shortage of funds as the Punjab Government had not cleared the scheme. No money could be spent by the authorities concerned out of funds generated by way of fees. Mr Bir Devinder Singh announced a grant of Rs 1.50 lakh for the institute for inviting guest faculty to deliver lectures. He said he would arrange funds for getting the building completed and directed the authorities concerned to prepare a case for getting land allotted for a playground and forward it to PUDA. He said he would ensure that the PUDA authorities took an action in this regard at the earliest. |
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PU students to carry I-cards on V-Day Chandigarh, February 10 In a run-up to maintain discipline on the campus, the authorities, like previous years, have said students without identity cards would not be allowed entry. While two gates of the university, the one facing Sector 25 and the other towards the PGI, would be closed, all traffic would be regulated through gate number 2 towards Sector 15, instructions issued by the office of the Dean Student Welfare said. Similar directions had been issued to faculty members and other employees coming to the campus. |
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Dr Kehar Singh to get
six months’ extension Mohali, February 10 Sources say that the file, containing the orders, has been sent to Delhi for the signature of the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh. It is learnt that Dr Kehar Singh is also camping in Delhi. Dr Kehar Singh had been asked by the Chief Minister to continue as Chairman till orders. However, orders to this effect, which were to be issued formally by the Principal Secretary, School Education, had not reached the Punjab School
Education Board here. When contacted on the phone by Chandigarh Tribune, Dr Kehar Singh said he had also been hearing about six months extension in service, but he had no formal information in this regard. |
Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
to act in film Chandigarh, February 10 In Chandigarh for a presentation under SPIC MACAY’s lecture demonstration series at Panjab University’s Law Auditorium, Pt Bhatt today talked about how Sarath Kumar decided to translate his life on to celluloid. “He had been following my concerts, as also the evolution of my style. Impressed with my instrument, he decided to capture my inspiration. In fact, the film is not all fact. There is a lot of fiction interwoven into the script in the form of two love stories that run parallel to each other. In one story, my love life will be in focus. In the other Salil will be the central character.” Playing a major role in finalising the script, Pt Bhatt added he was looking forward to working with Raveena Tandon, who was being approached for the role opposite him. “It’s the story of a musician and a woman who worships him for his creativity. She sends her son under my tutelage. At one point in the story, my disciple outshines me. The story takes a turn here, with the woman asking her son to withdraw from the concert circuit as a mark of respect for the guru. There is also a major focus on my German disciple, who chooses to stay back in India than go back to her own land.” While the film has been finalised, Pt Bhatt admitted that classical music heritage had largely been confined to families of musicians. Most youngsters fell short of opportunities because of being based away from Delhi, Pt Bhatt said, “There are strong lobbies operating in the music world. Those who live in Delhi can network better for concerts. That is why many musicians have shifted base to Delhi. But this is not so much a cause for worry. I firmly believe real talent will emerge sooner than later”. The musician, who recently composed “Geeta Govindam”, also referred to the recent controversies over the selection of artistes for national awards with a heavy heart. He said, “It is sad to see such insecurities emerging. There is no denying the fact that politicization of music is happening, but the attempt should be to pacify the issues. As far as selections for awards are concerned, the government has its own criteria as well as limitations. We cannot question them on any account. It is best to maintain peace”. |
Fitness Trail If you can wear old, loose and faded clothes to an aerobics class or for morning walk then why not wear pyjamas to an official meeting or silk shirt to bed. Because it will look silly, and remember the key word is silly. Then by the same logic it, should not be hard to see why the right kind of gear is necessary for exercising as well. What you wear for workout matters not only in terms of comfort but can also act as inspiration, feel psychologists. Just the act of putting on your fitness clothes is that first step which can instantly put you in a mood to exercise. Gone are the days when workout clothes meant imported slacks and T-shirts, courtesy an aunt in the UK or the USA. Or for not so lucky, a visit to the second-hand clothes’ market. Sportswear is now a big industry catering to the fitness-conscious Gen-X. Sportswear companies have come up with all sorts of clothes for various disciplines which are a perfect blend of comfort, function, fitting, style, and colour. There is something for everyone; whether you play football, basketball, tennis or are into adventure sports, swimming, aerobics, yoga, running or just walking. Strappy tops, sleeveless vests, lycra/spandex shorts, leotards and yoga pants are available for those with fit and toned bodies. Even for those who are largely endowed, there are T-shirts in vibrant colour and flattering cuts in XXL and flared work-out pants to minimise the bulk. So now you don’t have hide in voluminous clothes as help is at hand. As the choice of fabric is concerned, light-weight cotton wins hands down. Preeti, an aerobics instructor with Oceanic, Mohali, recommends light-weight cotton T-shirts and lowers, while Anoop, who teaches aerobics at Planet Fitness, Chandigarh, prefers breathing material for work-out sessions. Meenakshi, a yoga teacher, also at Planet Fitness, is all for clothes that breathe. She says cotton allows the body to receive cosmic energy easily without barriers. Dr J.S. Kochar, consultant dermatologist, Apollo Clinic, Chandigarh, says cotton is a good choice as synthetic clothes can cause skin allergies because of their inability to absorb sweat, which in turn can cause abrasions. These abrasions then leave skin vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infection. However, companies like Adidas, Nike and Reebok, to counter the sweat threat, have come up with a technology called the moisture-management technology. The clothes manufactured under this technology are a blend of spandex, cotton, polyester and lycra. As, according to these companies, pure cotton may be able to absorb sweat but moisture evaporation is not swift, making workout gear in pure cotton sodden, heavy and clinging to body due to sweat. Under moisture-management technology, Adidas offers Clima Lite and Clima Cool, Nike provides Dry Fit and Clima Fit, while Reebok has come up with Play Dry. The salient features of garments under these labels are that these are breathable blended fabrics, which wick moisture away from body, minimise body heating, keeping it cool and dry. The cotton and synthetic blends also give a good fitting to garments. Ill-fitting exercise gear can slow or hamper your movements. Clothes which are too loose (for aerobics or floor exercises) can obstruct free-style movements. While those which are tight can hamper blood circulation, says Sunny, gym manager, KC Crossroads, Panchkula. Ideally fitness gear should mould to body and be stretchable, preferably with a blend of five to 10 per cent lycra. For running or aerobics, close-fitting, stretchable gear is ideal while for yoga and pilates, loose-fitting T-shirts to keep cool and close-fitting yoga pants, shorts or leggings should be preferred. Weight lifters into heavy training should also wear snug athletic underwear with support, recommends Anshul, gym in charge at the Golf Club. While women should wear a sports bra specially while performing aerobics or during running, recommends Preeti. A thick pair of blended cotton socks is must specially during high-impact exercises so as to draw away sweat and cushion heels and shins. |
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Few takers for health foods From Tofu (soya paneer) to healthy cakes, sugar-free drinks to whole wheat breads, and roasted namkeens to diet biscuits- you name it, and the umpteen department stores in the city and its suburbs of Panchkula and Mohali will get you a vast variety of these and more. The city’s first health food shop, Whole Foods in Sector 22, opened recently and is offering health drinks, food, cereals and snacks. However, the stockists of these health foods (which have less calories, but are nutritious), feel that these foods have failed to find favour with a majority of the city residents. They say that though the calorie-free soda drinks and juices and the roasted namkeens were gaining popularity with the city residents, it was only under medical advice that the city people are trying out other health foods. The popularity of these foods, it seems, is more among the sick and elderly, than the health freaks of the city. Says Mr Sanjeev Bhatia, proprietor of Bhatia Department Store, Sector 35, “ It is only a select group of people who are going in for health foods. Most of the residents are still used to a huge chunk of butter on their fried paranthas than having brown bread and margarine.” He adds that the sale of these products is also minimal. With the city acquiring a cosmopolitan image over the past couple of years, there has been a growing health consciousness among the residents. “But health consciousness is more of a fad, as people are still not eating healthy food,” says Mr Amrit Pal Singh, Director of JD Stores in Sector 35. He says that mostly those suffering from diabetes or cardiac problems are trying out the soya products, wheat-bran flour, sugar-free sweets and jams and diet biscuits, though breakfast cereals, Diet Coke, sugar-free juices, calorie-free sodas, roasted namkeens were gaining popularity. However, Ms Neeru Bhatia of Whole Foods says that people did not have a wider choice of these foods earlier. “ Now that we are offering roasted snacks like wheat kernels and potato chips, sugar-free sweets and high- fibre breakfast cereals, or even whole-wheat pizza base, whole-wheat spaghetti and fusilli, we hope to bring a change in the eating habits of people by offering them fat-free and tasty health food.”
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Turbaned sensations on the ramp But if you thought metrosexuals were restricted to metros, and most certainly to trim hair, no-beard men, take a look at aspiring models. As many as 200 Sikh men, with perfectly manicured hands, polished mannerisms and chiseled features, will vie with each other to reach the list of top 15 so that they are selected by Gill’s academy and trained to rule the ramp. From Patti to Patiala and Ambala to Amritsar, these young men with turbans will be tested, so that they can be launched as professional models, stars in music videos or even in Bollywood. For Gill, the success of his modeling academy is a mission accomplished. An aspiring model himself, he was shunned by Delhi’s top model academies because he was sporting a turban.”They could not visualise a Sikh, with a macho image, walking the ramp. But I did. So, after I worked as an assistant modeling coordinator for two months, I conceptualised my own modeling agency for Sikhs in April, last year,” he says. Since then , there has been no looking back for Gurmeet. Till date, his academy has launched 60 men in the modeling arena and 35 of them have been quite successful, including Angad Singh Bedi, son of cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, and Daljit Singh. He says that ever since he launched the academy, aspiring Sikh models from Saharanpur, Chandigarh, Patiala, Ludhiana and Amritsar have been making queries from him. The models selected by Gill will be put through an intensive seven-day training on personality development and beauty regimen, before they are presented in the modeling arena.
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It’s raining parties this
Valentine’s Day The pamphlets have been glued on pillars in market corridors. If you haven't read the fine print, just drive down the road to Sector 11 arcade. You will come to know everything about "all-night" parties being organised a day prior to St Valentine's Day. As per the organisers, the parties will begin after 10 pm on February 13 and will continue till well past midnight. Some of the discotheques in and around the city are also holding parties on the eve of the "big event". The parties, according to the organisers, will start from 9 pm and will continue till 2 am. Afternoon bashes are also being organised from 1 pm to 6 pm for "youngsters not allowed to stay out till late". The advertisements, giving details of the event, will soon be issued in the newspapers, they claim. For twirling around the floor to the thumping beats of reverberating music during the parties, you will have to shell out anywhere between Rs 350 and Rs 800 per couple. In case you are a "partner-less guy", forget all about the parties as the entry will be "strictly for couples". Stags will not be permitted. However, "single" girls accompanying couples are welcome to attend the bashes. "The decision not to allow the stags, like always, was taken for security reasons in 2004 also," says one of the organisers Jagjit Singh. Giving details, he asserts, "There have been cases of drunken brawls outside the discotheques in the past. We are just not taking any chances. Otherwise also, we are hiring bouncers for taking control of the situation if things happen to turn ugly" Some bashes are being organised in all-night eating joints, others are being held in houses. This is not all. Valentine's week is also being organised by some youth organisations. "Requisite permission is being taken from the authorities concerned," claims Rahul Singh who in organising a party.
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Anaha — a city-based kundan jewellery brand, has added a new dimension to its designs. As against the norm, the kundan jewellery brand has now launched the light weight Kundan jewellery in contemporary designs. Shedding its ethnic outlook, Anaha has now brought kundan necklaces, ear-rings, rings, bracelets and bangles, coupled with gemstones. And all this at affordable prices beginning from Rs 1,000 onwards for earrings, Rs 2,000 onwards for necklaces. This city- based family owned concern hopes to find appeal with the modern woman of today, with their latest collection. Anaha was launched almost two years ago by the mother -daughter duo of Ms Gurbans Kaur and Ms Simran Singh. Over the past two years, the jewellery has been accepted well by the city residents and even in the urban centres of Punjab. Ms Gurbans and Ms Simran say they were always attracted by the dazzling kundan jewellery and felt that in spite of a market, not very many jewellers were into kundan jewellery. Mr Karanvir Singh, Director of Anaha, says, “ We had initially started with kundan sets in the price range of Rs 25,000 onwards, till we realised the market for the light-weight kundan jewellery. Now, Anaha caters to most pockets, as our jewellery ranges upto Rs 1 lakh a set. We will shortly launch a new brand for our bridal collection ( heavy sets that cost over Rs 1 lakh).” He says they were planning to open an outlet in Ludhiana by the month- end and in Jalandhar later this year.
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Trade your old clothes for something new Here is a place where you can trade your old clothes for something new. Bring your old saree to Palvinder Kaur and return with a beautifully crafted quilt or any utility item of your choice. Palvinder’s tiny room in Sector 34 (house No- 1663) is filled with household items that ranges from jewellery kit to room almirahs to polyfill quilts. One single visit to her place and you know your household will Never look the same again. For this lady with her creative mind can convert any rags into some object of art. “When I started my business about seven years ago my aim was to create household items out of waste materials and over the years I have spread the awareness among the home managers that with little idea and creativity, one can convert the materials those are lying in our homes into something useful,” says Palvinder. True to her word, Palvinder shows how a torn blouse of a woman can be converted into a toothbrush cover or a small pouch. The list of such items is endless - quilted bed covers with matching pillow covers, waterproof suitcases, shopping bags, saree bag, pillow cum bag , baby gowns, kitchen wall hanging, multi-purpose hanging racks. Each of Palvinder’s products come in aesthetically balanced colour scheme and fine finishing. With a little embroidery thrown in here and there, she gives that extra touch to her creation which one do not get to see in the market. Even the price range fits well into one’s budget. Armed with a short-term diploma course from NIIFT, Mohali, Palvinder started her business to add a little extra to her source of income and later gave up her teaching post in a local senior secondary school to a full-fledged entrepreneur. “At present I am doing it on a small scale but I plan to give a professional touch to my business by having my own workshop soon,” says
Palvinder. OC |
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Chandigarh, February 10
Do you go to office in your night gear? Or do you wear formals to bed?
The health conscious city residents have failed to make most of the health foods available over the counter. In spite of the fact that a vast variety of health foods are available, there are few takers for these.
He is in the city to choose the pride of Punjab. Gurmeet Singh Gill of Launchers the Modeler is here to choose “best- among -equals”, turban-sporting Sikh models.