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EDUCATION
 

Datesheet row: students to move court
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 22
Students of the Department of Laws, Panjab University, will move court against their datesheet for the semester examinations, released by the Chairperson, Prof Kulwant Gill, here today.

The decision was jointly taken by activists of the local chapter of National Students Union of India (NSUI) and Panjab University Students’ Union (Shelly) after the datesheet, stating that the examinations would commence from April 24, was put up on the board in the afternoon.

“This datesheet is not acceptable to us. The university and department authorities need to be reasonable. If they put up the datesheet today, how can they expect us to come prepared for the exam on the morning of April 24. Moreover, it would be very difficult for outstation candidates to reach here. We are moving court against the unreasonable demands being made from us,” president of NSUI Nitin Goyal said.

Gurparvez Sandhu of PUSU (Shelly) complained that since the Chairperson was not ready to consider their demand of postponing the first few papers to enable students some preparation time, they had to take the help of law.

“We wanted to sort out the matter today itself. However, the Chairperson said she had had enough of the viewpoint of the students. We were told that the datesheet would not be changed any further. We discussed the situation with other students and decided to seek help of the court,” he added.

The first datesheet of the department, prepared by the faculty, was first put on display on April 19. It was removed the same evening in view of protests by a group of students and a new datesheet took its place. The next day, a third datesheet with slight modifications was displayed only to be removed yet again following protests from students. According to this datesheet, the examinations were slated to begin on April 24 and conclude on June 9.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson, Prof Kulwant Gill, has issued a press release stating that the semester examinations would commence from April 24.

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CBSE books not available
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 22
Textbooks prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for some subjects in Class V and Class VIII are still not available in the city.
The students are still waiting for the books even though the academic session in school had commenced about a month ago.

The textbooks published and printed by the National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT) for other classes, which were in short supply earlier, have started trickling in bookstores. Local booksellers lamented that despite placing an order for the textbooks, NCERT had not made these available.

Inquiries with booksellers in the city revealed that the textbook prescribed for Maths and Social Science for Class VIII and Maths for Class V and VIII were not available at any of the bookstores in the city.

Officials said the publication of the books was delayed due to changes made in the syllabus. Students of government schools are facing the maximum problem as books brought out by private publishers have not been recommended by the UT Education Department. However, the students of private schools are not bound by any such restrictions.

It may be mentioned that the UT Education Department had made it a point to recommend only NCERT books. The Principal of a government school said, “We cannot replace NCERT textbooks with books by private publishers”.

Till a few years ago, a local bookstore of the CBSE used to sell books. Now three local books stores have been authorised to purchase books from the NCERT.

Even the textbooks for English and Sanskrit for Classes IX and X, brought out by the CBSE, are still not available. The owner of a bookstore in Sector 19 said, “The syllabus for English literature has changed this year. But the CBSE failed to bring out the textbook”.

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Meritorious students of Food Craft Institute honoured
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 22
The annual day function of Food Craft Institute was organised in the premises of the institute here today. The Finance Secretary , Chandigarh Administration, Mr Karan A Singh, who was the chief guest, gave away the awards to the meritorious students.

Reading the annual report, the principal of the institute, S.K. Saluja, said students of the institute had excelled in all fields. He gave a multimedia presentation highlighting various achievements, academic results, social and cultural events. The programme began with ‘saraswati vandana’ by students. The annual magazine of the institute ‘Cater Craft’ was also released on the occasion.

Mr Manmohan Singh, CEO, Hotel Aroma, who is member of the Board of Governors of the institute, was also present on the occasion.

The students who were honoured were : Dommety Aswini (all round best students of the year), Manupreet (Lady of the year), Hardip Singh (Gentleman of the year), Anuj (most dedicated student of the year), Manoj Kumar and Amit Kumar (Most regular students of the year), Amit Bains (sporstman of the year), Shelly (Sportswoman of the year) and Simarnjit (Highest advertisement collector).

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NAAC zonal coordinator appointed
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 22
Mr P.S. Sangha, an educationist and a former Principal of the Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26, has been appointed zonal coordinator for carrying out inspections by the National Assessment and Accreditation Committee (NAAC).

In a comminque to Mr Sangha, NAAC has asked him to attend a workshop for training coordinators at the Commonwealth Youth Programme, Asia, in Sector 12, here, on May 7.

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High Court
Club case
Our High Court Correspondent

Chandigarh, April 22
The Forest Hill Golf Club and Resort case was adjourned for tomorrow by a Division Bench of the High Court.
During resumed hearing in the matter on Thursday, the Punjab Government placed on record the record pertaining to the grant of excise licence to the controversial club.

However, the state sought some more time to inform the Bench as to how power connection was provided to the club, which allegedly violates the forest laws.

The amicus curie appointed by the Bench to assist it refuted the allegations of the club management that it could not be held guilty of a crime which has also been committed by thousands of other residents of the area and some parts of Chandigarh. He said that it was clear that the club came up on forest land and the club’s contention that many sectors of Chandigarh are also part of notified forest land was not correct. He said that the notification issued by the government in this regard in 1961 was struck down by a Bench of this High Court in 2001.

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A matter of colourful indulgence
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 22
Preeti Sahota’s works can be best described as succinct. Simple and earthy, the ensemble windows exquisite landscapes of the west. The splash of bright hues and the rich expanse of backdrops add to the mystery of the collection which justifies its title well.

“Simply Scapes” is what Preeti prefers to call the exhibition, which was inaugurated by art historian Dr B.N. Goswami at IndusInd gallery, Sector 8, this evening. Back from her New Jersey home, Preeti has chosen to share with the viewers the beauty of ethereal landscapes dotting the US spaces.

The collection is soothing and calm. No wonder it serves to rejuvenate the mind. The strokes are usual, though their impact is unusual. Preeti uses exotic combinations of orange and yellows to enhance the surface of her works. The idea is to bring the richness of nature back to India, which has an equal measure of beauty to offer in return.

The best part of the show is the honesty of its content. Sans complications of technique, each art work stands out as a symbol of beauty. Nature smiles at you from every canvas, bringing conflicts to a halt. “The choice of colours is very conscious. These are the colours rare to India. But they abound in the US. The spaces are wide and inspiring. I must tell you this show was not planned. It just burst out of my imagination one day,” says Preeti, a gold medalist in Masters of Fine Art course from Guru Nanak Dev University. She also taught art at the APJ College in Jalandhar. She shifted to New Jersey after marriage.

On display in her second show in India are majestic moments from nature’s lap. The striking feature of her works is contrast, be it the fine cherry blossoms, the nursery of orange flowers called orange county, the Spring Lake Beach which offers a grand view of the Manhattan city or the orange maples dotting the landscape of New Jersey. There are many other canvases that take you closer to nature. The show will be open till April 30 and can be viewed between 10 am and 7 pm.

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Style i
Sheer magic is in
Geetu Vaid

In 1968 models dressed in YSL designs in transparent fabrics minus the opaque shield underneath had sent shock waves on ramps all over the world. However, times have changed a lot since then and models donning garments in see-through fabrics, leaving nothing to imagination, is the usual practice these days especially in the international fashion shows. Gossamer thin fabrics with a see-through effect have inspired international as well as Indian designers for decades and these have been a hit not only on the ramps but are also being lapped up by the fashion conscious all over.

The magic of sheer fabrics spreads like jungle fire in summer months as it allows free flow of air and does not add to the bulk.

‘‘Fabrics with a sheer effect add a touch of elegance and feminine grace to the designs and a designer can play with this material in myriad ways, says Roop, a designer trained from FIT, New York.

Cool and comfortable mulmul, kota and elegant net and chiffons have been the chosen fabrics for summers irrespective of the changing fashion trends.

The transparent touch makes a dress prefect for any occasion and time of the day. While cotton and linen are considered ideal for daywear, chiffon, georgette or tissue organza add zing to formal evening wear.

Whether it is the fabric or ready-to-wear garments the city offers a vast range. Reputed brands too have added the magic of sheer to the summer collections.

Sunil, of Madame showroom in Panchkula, says asymmetrical skirts in lycra and georgette (Rs 650 onwards) are catching the fancy of the bold and the beautiful brigade. However, for the not so adventurous spaghetti tops with net layers (Rs 475), crushed georgette tops (Rs 715) and long kurtas in cotton (Rs 675) provide a subdued sheer effect. Benetton too has unveiled skirts (Rs 1399) and linen shirts (Rs 1199) in its summer collection.

Photo by Parvesh Chauhan Sheer has inspired Roop whose summer collection is currently on display at NIFT shop Hauz Khas, New Delhi.

Her pret line includes shirts and tops in sheer fabric with interesting play of contrast. With sheer you can play with contrast very well so a red opaque inner with a sheer layer in blue or lemon on fuschia combo look cool and chic.

The visual appeal of sheer is limited not to the surface embellishments but goes beyond it. ‘‘For my summer wardrobe I have blouses to team up with capris, jeans, shirt. Camisoles gel really well with see-through shirts’’, says this young designer.

Renu Mahindroo, of Panchkula-based Renoo’s designer shop, who specialises in sequin and stone work lace has combined sheers like mull and even kota cotton in Indian dresses. Tissue organza kurtis with thread and crystal work designed by her can be had 
for an affordable Rs 500 onwards.

Embellishments like sequins, crystals, stones, appliqué work or shadow work enhance the sheer effect as these blend well with the sheer fabrics, say Roop and Renu.

Sheer fabrics can be chosen according to the body structure so whereas the very thin can carry tissue or kota cotton then flowing chiffon and georgettes are ideal for the generously endowed, says Renu.

So add the sheer advantage to your summer wardrobe and let your sense of style reflect through the sheer simplicity.

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Helloji
(Vaj)Bhaiji’s knee feels good
Preeto Kaur

I am asking ehnanu ki how it is that Vajbhaiji is saying he is making crores of Indians “feel good” but you are not being able to make your ekko gharwali feel good? My He is telling ki “Nee, our PM may have bad knees but he is having too good “nee’s” on his team. See to Lal Advaneeji who came to look for teammate, Hema Malinee in Chandigarh when she is shooting here last month. Te Scindia Maharaneeji is also on his team and tere favouritest serial, Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, di saas and bahuranee ji are also thyere. Now I’m thinking that he should also be getting Tonee (Blair) on his team, Kyon?”

Vaise, producer of this good serial, (Kyonki…), Ekta Kapoor, is putting ‘K’ in front of names for good luck. I’m thinking I’m also putting ‘K’ letter in front of my daughter’s names, Lucky te Lily. They are both big-big ones (kurian) now and they are also getting voter cards. I’m saying and saying to ehnanu to find munde for them. But he’s thinking all mundas to be goondas and he’s saying they will become good politicians but worst jawais…leh, ae koi gal hui bhala? I am telling him also that it is very difficult to keep kudian away from gwand de munde who are all the time looking for “feel good” factor. And they are all the time keeping their eyes on me. As if my hairs have gone grey in sun (vaise o grey hage nahin, kehen di gal hai.) That is reminding me, the Bhaiji is also not having good knees because he is overworking. I’ll tomorrow only tell him to join Vajbhaiji’s palty.

Ekta de daddy hain na, Jeetuji? O te bas too much sige. Bhai, if he is standing, my all friends will vote for him only. He should be having white shoes as election symbol. My friend Biban is saying she will vote for Tohraji’s palty. Sukhi is liking Sukhbir Bhaji lots because he is having young blood. Vaise, saade pind di kudi, Karan Brar is lined-up-in-silver against Badal (the cloud). She is promising upliftment of womans. I am thinking she should change her name to Wonder Brar because she is wonderfully changing womans’ sagging future.

Future is reminding me. Only last night, I am telling my He that in this life nothing is feeling good. In our next janam, I have told him, I will be born Sardar and he will be my Sardarnee (but not having his big nose and round-round tummy). That is being my last hope of feeling good.

Vaise, I don’t know about him but I’m not dying soon. So in this life I am praying that Bhaiji’s knee feels good soon after this election and his operation, and my big-big ones also go their own separate ways.

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Punjabi folk artistes cast spell

Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademion Thursday presented a cultural show featuring various folk dance and music forms of Punjab. Presented by the artistes of Shivalik Kala Manch, Kharar, and Punjab Kala Bhavan, Sector 16 in Chandigarh, the programme was all about the traditional charm of Punjab.

The show began with musical presentations, that brought the folk tales alive. The first song of the day came from Sukhdev Billa, who presented a devotional piece, to begin with. This item was followed by Mohan Singh’s recital of lok tatha (folk facts), a traditional piece in which the singer narrates folk tales and underlines basic acts of life. All these facts have hidden messages for the listeners.

Bhatinda-based singer Harvinder Ravi then came upon the stage to present the legendary Mirza Sahiba in a peculiarly folk style. Accompanying him were folk musicians playing the algoza and tumbi. Inderjit Jeetu and Jarnail Singh presented a mix of three folk songs including jugni, heer and mirza. All the items were accompanied by folk instrumentalists on tumbi, dhol and algoza. The traditional costume went well with the mood of the evening. Interspersing the music items were comedy pieces by Amarjeet Mattu.

After songs, it was time for the members of Shivalik manch to present a vibrant and powerful Malwai giddha which featured Rajbans Kaur, Jaswant Kaur, Malkit Singh, Bhajan Singh, Jarnail and Bhushan Lal. The programme was directed by Karamjit Singh Bagga, who also played algoza during the entire duration of the show. Other folk artistes were Charandas on dhol; Narender Neena on chimta and Balakram on dholak.

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New Releases
‘Bardasht’ promises to be action thriller

With action thrillers back in favour, Sunny Deol’s laadla brother Bobby Deol is hoping his new film ‘Bardarsht’, a thriller based on a murder mystery, directed by E. Niwas will turn out to be a money-spinner. This one promises plenty of action and romance. Bobby Deol has packed in some heavy punches. Trade pundits have pinned high hopes on ‘Bardasht’ which will be released on Friday at Neelam, Chandigarh, Fun Republic, Mani Majra and KC, Panchkula This one is produced by Vijay Galani under the banner of Film Folks. Bobby Deol- Lara Dutta starer ‘Bardasht’, whose music is already on the top of the charts and whose attractive promos have caught the eye. The ex-Maharashtra CM’s son Ritesh Deshmukh also stars in this film. If the ‘Bardasht’ promos are any indiction, Ritesh is on the right track as far as his film career goes.

Story and screenplay by Vikram Bhatt, dialogue by Girish Dhamija, action by Abbas Ali Moghul, cinematography by Surendra Rao, art by Chokas Bhardwaj and choreography by Saroj Khan-Raju Khan are the other credits. Tara Sharma, Rahul Dev, Vishwajeet Pradhan, Ganesh Yadav, Verendra Saxena and Shivaji Satam are also in the cast. Sameer has penned the lyrics for music director Himesh Reshammiya.

The trade is upbeat about Bobby Deol’s romantic action thriller ‘Bardasht’.

‘Shaadi ke Laddoo’

‘Shaadi ke Laddoo’ will also be released today at Nirman, Chandigarh and Suraj, Panchkula. It is jointly produced by Ra Ma (a company started by Raj Kaushal, Mandira Bedi and Vicky Tejwani.

Shot widely in London ‘Shaadi ke Laddoo’ is a film viewing the lighter side of the institution of marriage. It is about real people... people we meet in our everyday lives.

Sanjay Suri, Aashish Chaudhary, Mandira Bedi, Samita Bangargi, Divya Dutta, Sameer Malhotra and Nigar Khan stars in this film. This one is directed by Raj Kaushal of ‘Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi’ fame.

Cinematography by Amit Roy, dialogues by Shashi Vadya, screenplay by Shashank Dabral and choreography by Vaibhavi Merchant are major credits. Vishal-Shekhar duo has composed the music for this film filled with entertainment. — DP

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Auction for a cause

‘And the collector’s item goes to the highest bidder”. If hearing your name being announced at the end the sentence tickles your senses, then here is a chance for you to take part in an auction which is being organised by Arpan, a social organisation, at Lajpat Rai Bhawan in Sector 15, Chandigarh, tomorrow evening. What is more, for once you won’t feel guilty following your heart for here at Arpan you will be spending for a cause.

Collecting dispensable items from all people of all sections, volunteers of Arpan are offering the residents of the city utility and collectors’ items at a throw away prices, besides giving them a platform to help the less-privileged children.

Among the objects to be auctioned are a 24 carat gold inlay piece, a Thai statute, Egyptian paintings, crystal figurines, designer pots, and paintings and photographs.

This auction will help basic education to slum children and help the drop-out to get back to school,” says Dr. Manmohan Kaur, president of Arpan and the Vice President of Chandigarh Chapter of Indian Council for Child Welfare.

“We are planning to provide a support system to the families in the slums, mainly focusing on the children to start with, so that they can walk towards a dignified life,” says social activitst Dr. Saudamini Bmbah.

“The concept of Arpan is something new for the city. It is enjoyable working in a lighter vein for a serious cause,” she adds.

The money collected through this three-day sale cum auction will go towards the salary of teachers engaged for the project. “Success of this project depends on raising funds and involving people of the city in forming a bond between haves’ and have- nots,” says Ms Neelam Kohli, a senior teacher in a city school. The three-day sale will start at 11 am, and the auction between 7 pm and 8 pm.

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Genetically-modified foods discussed

Biosafety of genetically-modified plants and foods was important to the common man, said the Director of the PGI, Prof K.K. Talwar. He was inaugurating a seminar on benefits and safety of genetically modified plants and foods jointly sponsored by the PGI and the International Life Sciences Institute-India. Chairman of the institute D.H. Pai Panandiker was present during the seminar. Dr Rashmi S. Nair, fellow, Texiological Society, USA, emphasised on key safety considerations and regulations.

The technical session was chaired by the Financial Development Commissioner and Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Punjab Government. The Director, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Dr S.R. Rao, spoke on “Current global developments and relevance of genetically-modified plants in Indian context”. The Director of National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Dr Shiv Kumar, also addressed the gathering.

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