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454 students get
prizes at annual day Chandigarh, March 14 As many as 142 certificates of
distinction, 20 college colour and 292 certificates of merit were
awarded in academics, cultural, extra-curricular activities and
sports. The Principal of the college, Dr A.C.Vaid, in his address said
over the years, the college had a tradition to clinch top university
positions in academics and win important prizes in various
inter-university sports and cultural events. In fact, the college had
been shortlisted for the status of ‘Potential for Excellence’ by Panjab
University and the UGC, he said. The UT Home Secretary, Mr R.S.Gujral,
was the chief guest. Mr Gujral in his address said academics, sports and
extra-curricular activities were equally important in grooming winners.
Participation in cultural and other activities at the college-level
helped to develop confidence and instill a desire to go higher in life,
he said. Earlier, Mr Upkar Krishan Sharma, president of the college
managing committee welcomed the chief guest. |
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Mumbai
management institute set to empower poor women Chandigarh, March 14 Entering into a collaboration with the Chandigarh-based
voluntary agency, Youth Technical Training Society (YTTS), the SP Jain
Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai, has decided to
explore the potential of women residing in the colonies of Chandigarh.
Launched on International Women’s Day, the project will be the first of
its kind to assess the market potential of backward colony areas. Most
women to be targeted under the project are migrants. On behalf of
SPJIMR, one of the top 10 B-schools of India, Amit Khanna, a second year
student, has chosen to execute the project instead of accepting offers
from the corporate sector. Starting with New Indira Colony, Mauli Jagran
and Burail, Amit will cover all villages of the city. Yesterday, he was
in New Indira Colony, encouraging the women to list their potentials,
which will serve as a database to work out a financially sustainable
model for them. The effort will involve volunteers of YTTS which has
been active in the colonies for the past 20 years. Talking about the
project, Amit says, “Voluntary agencies sometimes lack managerial
skills. The idea is to offer expertise to them so that they can achieve
their goals in real terms. I have been in the city for a few days now.
The research shows that although the NGO presence is heavy, the desired
results have not been achieved in spite of several stitching and
training centres. The result is that the women are not using the skills
for income generation. I am here to help YTTS achieve that.” Equipped
with management learning from his institute and backed by support from
the faculty and experience of YTTS, Amit is looking forward to covering
all villages in six weeks. “Once we have analysed the potentials of the
specific areas, we will tap the markets for buyers of the products which
the women will be trained to make. Handicrafts, pickle-making, jute and
cane furniture are some of the possible trades for this city,” he
says. Limited as he is by resources, Amit is looking forward to help
from the local NGOs. “I wish management students come forward to assist
Vama. We may also have to stage street shows to reach out to more women.
The idea is to inculcate attitudes and values in management students who
are going to be future managers, besides sensitising them to the
realities of the underprivileged,” he says. Those who wish to join the
project can contact vama_empower@yahoo.co.in or ramit@spjimr.ernet.in. |
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Cycle yatra
to focus on education for all Panchkula, March
14 Addressing a press conference here, the
national coordinator of NACDOR, Mr Ashok Bharti, said the main aim of
the yatra was to urge the Union Government to introduce a common school
system. As many as 50 per cent of the children did not go to school,
making India the largest illiterate nation in the world, Mr Rohit Singh
Negi, a filmmaker and member of the cycle yatra said. Another
activist, Mr Sanjiv Kaura, said the inputs from the yatra would be used
to produce an India-centric development paradigm, focussing on
development solutions. Mass meetings,”nukkad nataks”, press
conferences and meetings would be be organised at educational
institutions to spread the message of equal education for all. They
would urge the electorate to question prospective MPs as regard
development and education. The 47-day yatra, would traverse a distance
of 3,662 km and would culminate at Kanyakumari on April 30. |
Emerging out of Archana’s shadow PARMEET Sethi has not taken long to emerge from the
shadow of his better-half Archana Puran Singh. Out there soaring, he
has made it to the wish list of several producers not just because he
knows what to pick, but also because he knows how to handle his pick
the best. His engaging presence in Sony’s “Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi...” is
but one highlight of his career which, until some years ago, was too
gloomy to be talked about. In the city to shoot for Manjit Mann’s
film also starring Juhi Chawla and Gurdas Mann, Parmeet spoke to The
Tribune about the days when he was referred to more as Archana Puran
Singh’s still-struggling boyfriend and less as an actor. “Archana was
already a star when I met her. Even after we got married, she never
wanted me to act, though I was determined. Actually my garment export
business was suffering losses due to recession in Europe and I badly
needed to shift. I decided to take the plunge and Archana was always
there to help me out.” Casting in Dilwale Dulhaniya....was a dream
come true for Parmeet, who admits that the film is the most precious
to him. He had, however, not expected the respect he earned for the
role. “I was supposed to act dumb and not try to be another hero. It
was not easy, but it was certainly challenging,” he says. Respect
notwithstanding, the going was very tough later, as Parmeet mentions,
“Not many films did well. Then I entered into production with Subhash
Ghai. Our last film did badly and the partnership fell apart. I was
not earning for a year. I felt pathetic to be the man of the house and
to be not earning. That was when I began exploring the other options,
Jassi Jaisi ...being one of them.” Parmeet had, however, least
imagined that his stars would start settling that soon. Television
became his springboard to success and even before he realised what was
happening, he was already a star. He recalls, “I had many roles to
choose from. But the role in Jassi...was the most interesting. It was
not the main lead, but it was critical. The actor in me got the better
of the star in me and everything fell in place. The serial is now a
smashing hit.” Having reinvented himself on the small screen, Parmeet
can now relax, especially when he has finally managed to go it alone.
Says he, “Archana used to tell me that the road to stardom was not
going to be easy. But I knew I would not remain in her shadow forever.
Now that I have emerged, I am proud to look back and recall how
wonderful she has been as a wife, always there to cheer me up with her
charms. She is now planning to direct a film.” As for Parmeet, about
10 films are waiting in line, even while Jassi Jaisi is racing to
scale better heights. |
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Morning
Chatter THE phone rings at 7.30 pm sharp on the third consecutive
day and the entire family looks at you accusingly. You implore them to
take the call and bail you out but find to your dismay there are no
takers. You tell your brash younger one, who looks at the entire episode
as if it were a comical replay of his worst cartoon film, to make any
excuse. And if the excuse works, you can congratulate yourself for
stalling him for yet another day. Deed done, you have a triumphant
look on your face only to find the pragmatic elder one cutting short the
premature victory. "What will happen when he calls up tomorrow? It is
obvious that the calls will not stop till you, dear mum, tell him in no
uncertain terms that you are not interested in what he is offering."
Aha, sane advice, you tell the kiddo but how do you do it and what do
you say to convince him of the finality of your decision without getting
into a never ending discussion? The younger one quips irritably, "Are
all insurance agents like this?" He gets his answer the following
evening. You walk through the door to find the kids keeping an old
friend and her fiancé' company. For once, they have held the fort,
actually enjoying the tête-à-tête. They are quite taken in by the
handsome, glib, foreign- returned uncle who is witty and has magically
connected with two highly impressionable teenagers. Once you settle
in, the younger one with a mischievous glint in his eyes announces, "Ma,
this uncle is an insurance agent, too. But he is quite unlike 'your
friend' who has been hounding us for the last one month. He has just won
an award for bringing in business worth Rs 4 crore this year. He earns
Rs 40 lakh as commission." The success of uncle's sales talk can be
gauged by seeing the instant career switch the younger one has made.
From wanting to be fighter pilot, he now wants to be an insurance agent!
Indeed, ever since the government opened up the insurance sector,
newer entrants have in a subtle but sure way impacted client bases with
their image makeover. The old and steadfast perception is gradually
changing. More like management graduates with impeccable credentials and
background, they have been put through the paces. The city is teeming
with pursuants of this preferred vocation. Part or full time, you
suddenly find 'financials' a critical part of conversations which mostly
veer around to shares or insurance. More than policies, they are selling
customised products. Pitching it not just as tax saving instruments or
insurance against life but as attractive investment options, you find
yourself willingly giving them appointment slots. They don't ramble and
chase you with countless phone calls pushing you to convert doubtful
silences into confirmed cheque payments. And, if for some reason, you
are cash-strapped and are not looking at an insurance policy you can say
"I will get back to you later" and much to your relief see them
graciously through the door. Wish you can say this to your 7.30 pm
caller tomorrow and be met with the same response! |
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Combination
of beauty, brains AMBIKA Dhinsa is more than just a pretty face. Her
brains complement her beauty and there have been numerous occasions when
she has come out right on top. Her latest achievement is securing the
first position in Panjab University in Masters of Finance and Control (MFC).
She was awarded at the annual prize distribution function of the
Department of Correspondence Studies, Panjab University, held
recently. Oozing confidence and bubbling with life, this 22-year-old
has no hesitation in claiming that she is the best.”I give everything my
100 per cent and believe that the rest is destiny. My motto is to strive
for perfection and settle for excellence. Accustomed to excel since
childhood, my parents have been very supportive of everything I have
undertaken. I dance and sing well,” she says. A topper in the commerce
stream at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, Ambika is a passout from the
local Sacred Heart School. “I began with a strong foundation of values
inculcated in school and at home. These kept me level-headed and away
from the bad habits of late-night parties, drinking and smoking
associated with the glamour industry,” she informs. Managing her
father’s business and property, Ambika claims, “While excellence in
academics is important to succeed in any field, a groomed personality
certainly holds more weight. A focused approach holds the key to
establishing yourself in any field. I managed to strike a balance
between studies and beauty contests and have done well for
myself.” With her mother supporting her, Ambika has her heart’s fill of
beauty contests.”I won the title of Miss Delhi in 2000, Miss Beautiful
and Miss North India in 1996 and was one of the finalists at the Femina
Miss India contest. Each contest was a learning experience and satiated
my desire for the crown,” she recalls, adding that she has worn a golden
crown and sat in front of the mirror since she was five years
old. Despite her success, Ambika has no intention of joining the
modeling industry. “Money is not for which I participated in contests. I
was there because wearing a crown was a dream I had chased all through
childhood. I am content with whatever I have accomplished. The academic
achievements are the icing on the cake. For now, it is my father’s
business that is keeping my hands full and I plan to concentrate on this
alone,” she maintains. TNS |
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Realistic images from across the border ROCK Garden is just the right place to host the kind of show Shahid Mirza and Azher Jafri have structured for the lovers of art. Not only does it personify freedom, it also seems to nurture the display with its raw, striking beauty. The visiting Pakistani artists say, “This place makes our exhibits even more relevant.” Both Shahid Mirza, painter, and Azher Jafri, photo artist and chief photographer with The Dawn in Pakistan, hasten to confess their love for India. Shahid Mirza, who has often invited the wrath of fundamentalists back home for painting Ranjha playing a flute (an image that resembles Lord Krishna), says, “My Ranjha often troubles the fanatics who think I draw on Hindu mythology. However, there is a lot of similarity between Ranjha and Lord Krishna. Both play the flute and mesmerise women. Whenever I paint this image, I am branded as pro-Indian, but that does not bother me.” Shahid’s works confirm that he seeks inspiration from Hindu mythology. An active member of Lahore Chitrakar, an organisation engaged in the revival of classical music, visual and performing arts, Shahid also paints nudes. A radical, he admits to the urgency of peace across the border. “Let us hope political parties keep their promises. Peace is more important for Pakistan which, being smaller in size, faces a graver challenge from terrorism than India,” he says. An alumnus of the National College of Arts (former Mayo School of Arts), Shahid believes in the unity of art. Asked whether Pakistani artists are struggling for roots, he says, “They do waste time trying to understand whose art they are practicing. As a teacher of art, I always emphasise the need to study Indian art instead of Western art. In my references, Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Ajanta and Ellora feature prominently.” Comparing the art scenes in India and Pakistan, Shahid says, “When I visited the National Gallery of Modern Art here, I could hardly find a better work than Amrita Pritam’s. Contemporary art, both in India and Pakistan, is highly decorative. Pakistan still relishes calligraphic works and Mughal miniatures. Since the state is the largest buyer of art, artists often end up painting what the establishment likes.” For Azher Jafri, showing images in India was an interesting opportunity. He has, however, refrained from displaying controversial images like the one that shows a temple in Pakistan being pulled down in reaction to the Babri Masjid demolition. “Since we are on a peace mission, it made no sense to spark off a controversy. So I decided to show pictures that reflect the reality of times, irrespective of the settings,” he says. It is hard to tell where the images belong. Universal in appeal, they tell India’s tale, as much as they tell Pakistan’s. The divine flames erupting from the sacred well situated at Sufi saint Shah Husain’s mazaar, the image of Mother Teresa, the poignant frame that captures the pain of a child, bonded by labour — all images portray reality. And reality is what matters,
notwithstanding the lines of control. The show is on till tomorrow in
Phase III of Rock Garden. TNS |
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Prabal
Pramanik’s date with children GENERALLY it takes a big team and large budget
to create an animation film, but Ustad Prabal Pramanik, the master
paper-cutting artist from Bhamlada practices art economically. In city
with a set of six animation films, all of different forms, Prabal
Pramanik held the children captive for well over two hours at The
British Library. The special animation film show was organised by the
library in collaboration with The Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
Even as the children watched the master artist in action, he doled out
a series of films. On his list were the following animation films —
Fantasy, St George and the Dragon, The Enchanted Palace, The Flight, The
Magic Scissors, Glimpses from the Life of William Shakespeare. Meant
for children from the age group of 5 to 11 years, the show offered a
great learning experience. The artist not only screened his films for
the children, but also handed out to them their own paper sketches, cut
to perfection with the magic scissors which is now the identity of
Prabal Pramanik. Prabal was assisted by Arup Chandra and wife Priya. He
said he had been into animation for long. “But I practise art in the
village in Bhamlada. I believe art should be practised where it belongs.
I work on animation films with villagers as the audience. My art is very
basic in that sense,” said Prabal, who is also into 3-D vision. Prabal
would screen another set of films at Government Museum, Sector 10, in
April. He added, “In September 1998, I screened my animation films at
Alliance Francaise, Kolkata. Later, I also brought my show to
Chandigarh. But the best thing is to work with children, as I did today.
They are the best appreciators of art.” |
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TO promote art and craft of various states, Manjit Singh, a city-based entrepreneur, has set up Aakritik Creations that will provide a platform to artisans. He has roped in about 10 artists from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Displaying their products at the head office, he says, “We have traditional marble furniture created by Rajasthani artisans and host of decorative items that have been intricately cut and designed in marble”. Traditional paintings from Kolkata and Uttar Pradesh and phulkari from Punjab are on display too. When it comes to
the marketing of products, he approaches clients directly. “We are
approaching restaurants and hotels for popularising the Indian look for
their interiors. We are also planning to organise exhibitions,” he adds.
OC |
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