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EDUCATION

University Syndicate approves promotions
Tribune News Service

For students

  • SC and ST students from all over the country would be allowed to appear as private candidates. Earlier, the facility was available for students of the SC and ST category of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh only. An item seeking approval for the same for students from Jammu and Kashmir was put before the Syndicate for consideration.
  • This provision was made with the condition that students would appear at the examination centres within the jurisdiction of PU.
  • Roll numbers would be issued to students along with the registration numbers. These roll numbers would be valid for a period of 10 years. The Vice-Chancellor said the process for introducing the provision had already begun.
  • Guidelines for admissions in the next academic session were passed.
  • Changes in degrees awarded by the university, recommending introduction of the word “Improved” in cases where students had availed themselves of another chance to improve their score, were deferred.
  • The VC informed the Syndicate that the university had sent 40,000 roll numbers through registered post and 20,000 roll numbers through couriers to private candidates. He said while 907 were handed to the university as “undelivered”, 1549 duplicate admit cards were issued by the university during the academic session.

Chandigarh, May 15
The Panjab University Syndicate approved all promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) at its meeting held here today. These promotions, that of 14 professors, 16 readers and 22 senior lecturers, were made over a period of three months and had been withheld due to the coming into force of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Syndicate, however, directed the university to consider the cases of 10 readers who had been left out despite being eligible for promotion under the scheme. It was decided that the bio-data of these candidates would be re-examined by the committee and they would be granted promotion, if found deserving.

Though there was a viewpoint that all candidates be given promotions automatically, Mr Dhirender Tayal said the left out candidates should be given another chance. However, he was of the opinion that since there was a selection committee, its authority should not be undermined.

The lecture-shortage issue concerning students of the Department of Laws was decided in favour of the students. While the lecture-shortage was waived off as a one-time exception, a pre-condition that students would make up for the shortage in the next semester was added. Prof P.P. Arya expressed his dissent on the issue. The lecture-shortage of a student of library sciences was also waived off. Taking a sympathetic view on the nine teaching and non-teaching appointments made by Prof M.M. Puri, former Vice-Chancellor, the university decided to carry out screening and make need-based appointments. The item would again be taken up at the Syndicate meeting in August.

The Senate elections for principals and teachers from professional colleges would be held on September 6, while those for the professor-reader-lecturer constituency would be held on September 13. Professors and teachers between the age of 60 and 62 years were also given the right to vote. The university has sought legal opinion on the matter.

The Defined Contributory Provident Fund Scheme with a cut-off date of January 1, 2004, entailing a contribution of 10 per cent by the employee and 10 per cent by the government, was deferred. The item was deferred on the ground that the university did not have a pension scheme in place for the staff on the cut-off date under the proposed scheme.

The university was asked to conduct an inquiry into the allegations of disobedience made against Assistant Section Officer, Mr Lajpat Rai. The allegations were refuted by him. Six Ph. D degrees were also awarded by the Syndicate.
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Hostel vacation order resented
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 15
With the summer vacation in Panjab University already underway, students staying in Panjab University hostels have been asked to vacate rooms. However, this has caused resentment among students who are preparing for one exam or another and need rooms during the vacation. The students have been given four days to vacate the rooms after the conclusion of the examination. This is despite the fact that some of them are appearing for the University Grants Commission (UGC) examination scheduled for June 20 while others are required to undergo training as laid down in their course.

Arranging accommodation for the one-and-a-half month break has become a problem for them. This has prompted them to ask the authorities to allow retention of the rooms.

The president of the Panjab University Students’ Union (PUSU), Mr Rajwinder Singh, has urged the authorities to consider the demand of the students.

Meanwhile, a warden of the hostel said allowing students to retain their rooms during the vacation is a problem since all annual maintenance and repairs are to be carried out during the break.

The Dean, Students Welfare, Dr Nirmal Singh, said he was aware that the students required the rooms during the break. “This is a routine order which is passed every year. However, we make arrangements to accommodate students who are preparing or appearing for an examination or have any other genuine reason to stay back in the hostel. They are given rooms at continuation charges or daily charges,” he said.

He added that in view of the representation for allowing first and final-year students of various courses to stay back at the hostel till the UGC exam a meeting would be held tomorrow to discuss the matter.
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Creations of love put to judgement
Tribune News Service

Mohali, May 15
Efforts of students of the Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT) here to showcase their best creations have begun. The first set of collections designed by these students was presented before a jury today.

The jury included faculty from the NIIFT in Delhi, a designer and a choreographer. They discussed what the NIIFT students here had designed for Anukama, their fashion show, to be held on May 21.

All praise for the improvement that the NIIFT students had made in the past two years, members of the jury stressed that there was still scope for improvement and need for these students to be exposed to national and international fashion scenes.

‘‘Given the limitations of the city, these students are doing very well. The amount of hard work they do is phenomenal. They are willing to learn from their mistakes. There is a marked improvement in the students since last year. In another two or three years, these students will be counted among the best fashion students in the country,’’said Harmeet Bajaj, a fashion critic and choreographer.

Another jury member, Gautam Rakha, designer, said a lot of improvement could be brought about at the institute if some facilities for students were improved. ‘‘There are enough large corporate houses here and in Ludhiana who can help the students. Some of the equipment can be upgraded and a more comfortable enviornment can be provided to the students to work in,’’ he said.

Mr Sharad Mathur, faculty member of the NIIFT in Delhi, said there was scope for improvement in the quality of students and the training of teachers. ‘‘There is a certain globalisation of fashion which makes things easier. But the students here need to be exposed to better ideas. And with a little amount of effort, it can be done,’’ he said.
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From Schools
950 young artists display talent
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 15
At least 950 students from various schools of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula participated in “Cricket-I love you”, a painting competition organised by the Creative Institute of Visual Arts (CIVA) at St Xavier’s School, Sector 44, here today.

Art teachers from participating schools were also invited to attend an art workshop. The CIVA also announced the upcoming art camp to be held at Sanjay Public School, Sector 44, from June 7. The camp offers a wide choice of art-related activities for children from all age groups to express their talent as well as interest.

The competition was divided into six groups, according to the classes, and each group was given a different topic (theme).

Winners of the competition were selected by a team of judges comprising Mr Rakesh Bani and Mr Rajesh Kalsi, lecturers at Government College of Art, Sector10, Chandigarh, and APJ College of Art, Jalandhar.

Results: Group A: First — Mrinal (JBMP School-Chd), second — Jashanpreet (AKSIPS-45, Chd) and Aditya, third — Kritika Dogra (AKSIPS-45, Chd) and Rhia (Sanjay School-70, Mohali).

Group B: First — Poornima Bansal (JBMP School-Chd), second —Jasinder Kaur (Anees School, Mohali) and Harnoor Kaur (AKSIPS, Mohali), third — Roshni Gill (Sanjay School-70, Mohali) and Abijeet Sidhu (AKSIPS, Mohali).

Group C: First — Preet Yadav (SSICS, Chd), second — Srestha Dutta (Gurukul, Panchkula) and Sanchi (St Mary’s, Chd), third — Simran Sharma (SSICS, Chd) and Himanshu Beri AKSIPS-41, Chd).

Group D: First — Karan Singh (Lawrance School, Mohali), second — R.S. Abhishek (Mount Carmel, Chd) and Natasha Khanna (Moti Ram Arya, Chd), third — Tanvi (Shemrock, Mohali) and Divir Gupta (St John’s, Chd).

Group E: First — Shruti Bhargava (St Stephen’s, Chd), second — Gagandeep Kaur (Guru Nanak-36, Chd) and Arshdeep (St Anne’s, Chd), third — Sarika Rana (Moti Ram Arya, Chd) and Gurjeet Singh (GMHS-20, Chd).

Declamation contest

Students of Sharda Sarvhitkari Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 40, participate in an inter-school declamation contest in Chandigarh
Students of Sharda Sarvhitkari Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 40, participate in an inter-school declamation contest in Chandigarh on Saturday. — A Tribune photograph

The Shrimati Rampyari Gopinath Memorial Tulasi Manas Inter-School Declamation Contest was organised at Sharda Sarvhitkari Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 40, here today.

Fifteen teams of class IX to XII from different schools participated in the contest. The topics were based on “Ram Charit Manas”. The chief guest, Swami Brahmeshananda, secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Chandigarh, laid emphasis on Indian culture. The Principal, Ms B.S. Kanwar, also spoke on the occasion. The results: Surbhi Individual — (first), Shubham (second) and Kanika (third); Team — Surbhia and Shubham (first) and Vipra and Ritika (second).

Blood donation camp

At least 163 units of blood were donated at a camp organised by St John’s Old Boys Association (SJOBA) at St John’s High School, Sector 26, here today. Among the donors were teachers, parents and members of SJOBA. Mr Nipun Mehra, secretary of the association, said it was an annual event.

Volunteers donate blood at a camp organised by St John’s Old Boys Association (SJOBA) at St John’s School in Sector 26, Chandigarh, on Saturday. — A Tribune photograph

Volunteers donate blood at a camp organised by St John’s Old Boys Association (SJOBA) at St John’s School in Sector 26, Chandigarh


Students of Mount Carmel School, Sector 47, at a fancy dress competition at LECMA: 3BRD, Air Force Station, Chandigarh
Students of Mount Carmel School, Sector 47, at a fancy dress competition at LECMA: 3BRD, Air Force Station, Chandigarh, on Saturday.
— A Tribune photograph

Fancy dress contest

An inter-house fancy dress competition was organised by Mount Carmel School, Sector 47, at LECMA, 3 BRD, Air Force Station, here today. Mr S.P. Arora, Director, Public Relations, Chandigarh Administration, was the chief guest. Ms Sanjana Arora was the guest of honour.

The function began with a welcome speech by the nominated head girl of the school, followed by the school choir. The Principal of the school administered the oath of office to student members of the school cabinet.

Students dressed as soldiers, milkmen, ice cream vendors, Saheed Bhagat Singh, Subash Chander Bose, Rani of Jhansi, teachers etc drew the applause of the audience.

Visit

Twenty five students of Interact-Club of New Public School visited Mother Teresa Home, Sector 23, here today. The students interacted with mentally challenged children and distributed sweets worth Rs 3,000 among the students.

Meanwhile, the Rotary Chandigarh Central in association with Dr Gurjeet Singh of Sector 33, organised an eye camp. As many as 120 students were identified for subsequent check-up.
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Meditation workshop in Sector 8
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 15
A meditation workshop was organised by Dhyan Foundation in Sector 8 this evening.

The participants were addressed by Yogi Ashwani, an ardent student of the ancient sciences who imparts knowledge of Upanishads, Vedas and the Yog Sutras by sequencing and formulating these for the modern people. The foundation, which till now was active in Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida, would now arrange weekly programmes in the city, said Ms Simrita Jauhar, a disciple.

After deeply contemplating and studying the Oriental philosophies of ancient masters, Yogi Ashwani has synthesised divine yog, of which Sanatan Kriya is a part. After having perfected a system of physical exercises and breath control, he now teaches these to his disciples.
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Film Review
A ‘Run’ of the mill stuff
Rama Sharma

Boney Kapoor’s “Run” is a run of the mill stuff in which only saving grace is Abhishek Bachchan. The first half is a limping mass with the director losing his focus. It is a dull and drab dance and singing session. The dignified star son has given some good expression here. He has honed up his skills and dancing steps and shows marked improvement. In action scenes too the actor manages to look quite aggressive.

Siddharth (Abhishek) comes from Allahabad in Delhi to pursue his studies. Here he runs into Jaanvi (Bhoomika Chawla).

The flick is sprinkled with lifeless humour. Mukesh Rishi is a sorry sight. He eats crow biryani and later emits the sound of “kav kav”. So much so for humour. This cartoon character later turns into a peticoat baba, evoking the respect of Delhites. Bhumika Chawla’s smile is refreshing and except for that she has nothing else to offer. Mahesh Manjrekar who plays her brother shines in villainous streaks as a Haryanavi goon. Boney Kapoor seems to have run out of fresh ideas. TNS
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To rejuvenate your soul visit city spas
Ruchika M. Khanna

Is the sun and grime out to get you, or piles of workload at office is keeping you tied down? So, even as you wait for your summer vacation, take a small break and rejuvenate your weary souls at the spa next door.

The growing metro culture in the city has brought the leisure and lifestyle of the rich and famous for its netizens. No need to dream of your break in Canada, or Switzerland for their world famous spas. These spa treatments for revitalising your body and mind are now available closer home. From the ‘only steam bath and massage spas’ to the more contemporary spas offering head to toe treatment to relieve you of stress — the spa culture is fast catching up with the city folk.

The city’s spas are out to pamper your mind, body and spirit to soothe away the summer blues and enhance your well being. Promising to bring alive a heavenly vision, by uplifting wisdom of the ages and the pure bliss of being, these spas are drawing a lot of people. Never mind that a few hours in the spa each week could dig a hole in your pocket. The young and old, without any gender bias, are eagerly jumping into the jacuzzis, realising their stress points with the masseurs and sujok (a Japanese science of acupressure) and shastu (a Chinese science of acupressure) specialists, pampering their bodies to exotic mud packs, while they sip their juices or savour a mini meal. Relying on the confident energy of nutritionists, physicians, and spa therapists and their knowledge of ancient Indian sciences and modern western treatments, these folks sure are living it up.

Ms Harveen Kathuria, clinic manager, Cleopatra Day Spa, says that it is not just the working women who are going in for spa treatments, housewives, too, are realising the importance of a perfect body beautiful, along with the metrosexual men eager to show of their glistening bods. “We have as many as 50 to 60 regular clients each week, and the number is increasing steadily, “ she says.

Cleopatra offers as many as seven different kinds of spa treatments — Herbal body polish, Honey body polish, Parafango day spa, Peppermint twist body treatment, Hydro therapy therabath spa, Sea spa salt glow body treatment, Pre-bridal spa etc, which are offered over a period of two to eight hours at a stretch, and for anything between Rs 900 to Rs 3200 for a session. Detoxifying the skin, face, hair treatments etc form a part of each of these treatments.

It’s a journey of self discovery and rejuvenation, says Ms Meenu Oberoi, a resident of Sector 16, who is regular with her spa treatments. “ I like to have a spa treatment once a week, which ensures that I walk out stress-free,” she says.

At Planet Fitness, Sector 8, the instructor-cum-manager, Ms Rashmi Mutneja, says that their spa treatment (which incidentally includes merely a massage, jacuzzi, steam and sauna bath) is complimentary for those using the gym. “ Since spa treatment is very relaxing, a lot of people are availing the facility here. Most people over 30 prefer to avail the spa facility, youngsters go in for steam and sauna bath only in winters,” she says.

At VLCC, Sector 9, a spa section is dedicated to the client’s rejuvenation, embodying the promise of health and vitality, youthfulness and beauty. Says the clinic Manager, Ms Babita Soni,” Our detoxifying aroma therapies bring radiance to your skin and body, remove toxins accumulated due to stress and strain. We revive your body in the sauna, steam room and the hot and cold plunge baths, and use detoxifying biological packs to soothe away stress and tension”. — TNS
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Who is the prettiest of them all?

IT was the shutterbug’s turn to decide on who’s the prettiest face for the Ms Photogenic title in the Miss and Mr Glamour (North India) Contest, 2004.

The contestants from all over Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh, posed for lensmen as they vied with each other to win the sub title during the pageant.

The contest was held at Fort Ramgarh, near Panchkula, and the grand finale of the show will be held on Sunday.

Today’s event was uniquely styled and produced by choreographer Jeet Brar. Mr Costab Java, famous fashion photographer , who was recently awarded the prestigious Best Photographers Award, was the judge on the panel for selecting the winner. Mr Sanjay Sethi, general manager of Fort Ramgarh was also a judge on the occasion.

The fort Ms Talented contest was also held today where 10 participants showcased their talent in mimicry, mono acting, songs and poetry. Earlier, the Body Beautiful, Ms Beautiful Hair and Ms Beautiful Skin contests have already been held.

Mr Jeet Brar said the female models were being judged for poise, elegance and charm, while the male contestants were being judged on the basis of their personality and physique. — TNS
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Making waves in music industry

This young man from Sriganganagar in Rajasthan is making waves in the music industry with his latest album, ‘Dil Mangdi’. After struggling for several years in Mumbai, the young lad has finally arrived.

After the astounding success of his last album, ‘Sanwaria’, this young composer is now ready to belt out music for Hindi films. “I believe that hard work, and good music will always be appreciated. I am confident that people will appreciate my music, which draws inspiration from both Punjabi and Rajasthani folk, and of course the popular Western beats, “ he says. Indeed, as he creates an aura of rhythm which is sure to influence the one’s around him.

He says being a part of the music world, grooming himself and getting experience as musician ( he has worked with music director Sajid-Wajid in albums like ‘Deewana’, ‘Khoya Khoya Chand’ and films like ‘Baaghi’, ‘Khauff’, ‘Hello Brother’, — ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’, ‘Tumko Naa Bhool Payenge’, ‘Chori Chori’ and ‘Shararat’), has helped him understand the requirements of the people, and he creates music for the masses.

The year 2002 began on a promising note for the young music director with the release of his first independent album ‘Sanwaria’ with Universal music and his second album ‘Dil Mangdi’ with singer Sunny was released this year, by Universal Music.

Talking of his album ‘Sanwaria’ Santokh says,‘‘ the response to fusion music in ‘Sanwaria’ was excellent because my compositions were catchy. Recently I have come up with Sunny’s ‘ Dil Mangdi’. The album is full of dance and masti which is sure to get you engrossed in the flow of it’s rhythm and melody. The western harmonies and chorus are the added attraction.’’

He says that he believes in churning good music, even if it means that the projects take a longer time to materialise. There can be no compromise on quality, he says. “I try to do the packaging in a way that it appeals to the common man because sales are as important as good music,’’ says Santokh.

Trained under the able guidance of Ustad Nawab Khan, Ustad Shahid Khan, Sajid-Wajid and Pandit Dayal Thakur, Santokh says he has a long way to go, but is happy that his work is being appreciated and his talent is getting recognition. — TNS

Santokh Singh Ganganagar
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Mango, ice-cream festival

Beat the heat with the bite of exotic mangoes and array of chilling ice-creams. What’s summer without mango and ice-cream? Summers can never be over without a mango and ice-cream feast. Savour the “King of fruits” and “Queen of desserts” at Forest Hill Golf and Country Club that is organising mango and ice-cream festival on May 15 and 16. If you like mango and ice-cream, you will love this festival, which has plenty to offer.

Mango-lovers can choose from many varieties of the delicious exotic fruit.

India is the world’s largest mango-growing country, providing about 60 per cent of the total world production. People can taste the many flavours of the mango at FHR….cut mangoes, variety of mango shakes, chicken and mango sauce, mutton and mango sauce, mango rice, mango mocktails, etc. Endless varieties of ice cream are going to be available. Come, and you’re sure to go mangoes ! TNS
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