C H A N D I G A R H   S T O R I E S


 
EDUCATION

Hamara School
Games are a must in this school

Yadavindra Public School, SAS Nagar was established on April 9, 1979, under the patronage of Maharaja Amarinder Singh of Patiala, the son of Maharaj Dhiraj Yadavindra Singh of Patiala.

It is situated on the main Chandigarh-SAS Nagar (Mohali) highway in Sector 51, Chandigarh, near Phase VII, and is spread over 20 acres of lush green land in a clam, pleasant and pollution-free environment.

YPS is a co-educational, day-cum-boarding school from Class I to XII. It is affiliated to the Council for the Indian Certificate School Examination, New Delhi, Indian Certificate School (Class XII) is treated as equivalent to the Senior School examination of the University of Scotland. This implies that pupils will no longer be required to obtain ‘A’ level qualification or complete bridging courses while seeking entry to Universities in the UK and the Commonwealth.

A unique feature of the school is that it is a long-hour school, where the students have prep classes and compulsory games during school hours. All students and members of staff have their lunch together in the central dining hall. YPS is also a member of the Indian Public Schools Conference.

The school is celebrating its silver jubilee. Over the 25 years, the school has developed significant in facilities for its students. The school has had the services of distinguished principals like Lt Col P.S. Satsangi, Mr H.N. Kashyap, Mr R.D. Singh, Wing Commander Bhalla, Air Commodore S.K. Sharma and Dr Dhillon. YPS has the honour of producing some exemplary students, who have done the school proud in a number of fields — be it IAS, IPS, IIT Engineering advertising, MBAs, cricket, hockey, athletics, squash, basketball and tennis.
Back

 

We lay emphasis on building overall personality

The completion of 25 years is a landmark in any life, whether that of an individual or an institution. It is a moment of celebration and joy — one has become strong in mind and limb, and is ready to dream and to reach for the stars. It is a moment to turn back and look at the past, find satisfaction from one’s successes and achievements and to learn from one’s failures.

It is also a moment to remember with gratitude all those who worked so hard, with dedication and vision, in the early years, to make sure that this fledging survived against all odds and grew in strength each year to become the full-fledged institution that it has become today.

I am fortunate to be in school at what is a very exciting and challenging time for school education in India. There are strong winds of change blowing through the corridors of the school system and as we feel these winds blow against our faces and run through our hair, we cannot help but feel a strong sense of exhilaration. As I said, the base of the first 25 years and the work of all those before us has brought us to this height. At YPS we lay emphasis upon building the overall personality of our students.
Back

 

450 students awarded degrees
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 30
The annual convocation of Dev Samaj College of Education, Sector 36, was held at the college campus here yesterday. The function began with singing of the Dev Samaj College song.

The Principal of the college, Ms Satinder Dhillon , welcomed the chief guest, Mr Fakhar Zaman, a former minister of Federal Pakistan.

As many as 450 students were awarded degrees, including 50 students of M.Ed for the year 2001-2002 and 2002-2003.

The chief guest said love of humanity should flourish between India and Pakistan.

Deputationists

A gathering of deputation teachers working in Chandigarh was held in Sector 20 here yesterday under the Presidentship of Mr Jagtar Singh, convenor of the Government Teacher’s Union ( deputationists).

The union has appealed to the UT administration to reconsider the proposal to repatriate them due to their genuine problems.

Class X results

At least 21 students of Shishu Niketan Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 22, have scored 90 per cent and above in the results of the CBSE Class X examination, declared recently.

Harpreet with 96.2 per cent has topped in the school.
Back

 

2 PU experts for Korea meet
A Correspondent

Chandigarh, May 30
Two experts from the Panjab University, Chandigarh, Ms Jyoti Rattan, Senior UGC Research Fellow, Department of Laws, and Dr Vijay Rattan, Professor, Public Administration, have been invited to the 26th International Congress of Administrative Sciences on ‘E - governance: challenges and opportunities for democracy, administration and law”.

The congress will be organised by the International Institute of Administrative Sciences, Brussels, Belgium, the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs and the Korea Institute of Public Administration in Seoul, Korea, from July 14 to 18. Mr Herbert Maisi, Conseiller d’ Etat (France), will be the rapporteur for the workshop.
Back

 

GMS 19 wins aviation quiz
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, May 30
A team of Government Model School, Sector 19, comprising Jatinder Kashyap and Mukesh Dhiman, was declared the winners in a quiz organised by the local chapter of the Aeronautical Society of India at an NCC summer camp, held at the Air Force High Grounds, near here, on Friday.

A team of S.S. Model School, Sector 40, comprising Vikas Heera and Ravinder Bhanwala, were the runners-up. The theme of the quiz was aviation.

As many as 12 teams, consisting of two participants from each of the schools attending the camp, participated in the quiz. Out of which four made it to the finals. The quiz was conducted by Wg Cdr D.P. Sabharwal (retd). The quiz was witnessed by students attending the camp.
Back

 

50 children participate in yoga camp
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, May 30
In order to make the local people aware of the value of yoga, the Bharatiya Yog Sansthan is holding free yoga classes at various centres in and around Chandigarh. A yoga camp meant for children began at the 'Garden of Annals' in Sector 44 this morning.

More than 50 children in the age group of seven years and above today took part in the yoga class where they practiced various asanas. Earlier the camp was inaugurated by Mr Kartara Ram, president of the sansthan (Chandigarh). Mr Kartara Ram shared his views on the importance of yoga in improving the quality of life. He informed that 12 such centres were being run in Chandigarh where people were being benefited from yoga.

Mr Parvinder Singh Kohli, kendra pramukh of Sector 44 centre, said the present timings of the camp would be from 6 am to 7 am and it would continue till July 1.

He said the idea of organising the camp during summer was to involve children in doing useful pursuits in life and keep them physically and mentally fit.

He said apart from asanas the breathing exercises (Pranayam) would also help the children in improving their well being. Mr Kohli said apart from the ongoing camp, the Sector 44 centre had yoga learners in all age groups in their morning and evening sessions. However, in the evening, they have a special class for women only. He said on Sundays they had a open session where queries on various ailments were discussed.
Back

 

Scouts, Guides attend camp
A Correspondent

Chandigarh, May 30
As many as 65 Scouts and Guides of various schools of the city participated in a Rajya Purskar training camp organised by Government Model High School, Sector 36, which commenced on May 22 and concluded yesterday.

The students were given training in BP6 exercises, layouting, flag ceremony, inspection gadgets and craft work.

State Secretary Prem Puri and the District Education Officer-cum-Headquaters Commissioner, Ms Rajesh Chaudhary, also visited the camp.
Back

Workshop for children
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 30
The Chandigarh Press Club, in collaboration with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, is holding a 12-day summer workshop for children on the club premises from June 1.

About 100 children will be participating in the workshop which include activities like Western dance, theatre, art and craft and painting.

Eminent artistes and instructors will be conducting the workshop.
Back

 

HC issue notice to Punjab Govt on Bharti plea
Our High Court Correspondent

Chandigarh, May 30
A Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court yesterday issued notice to the Punjab Government and the Zirakpur Panchayat Samiti on a petition filed by Bharti Mobiles Ltd.

In its petition, Bharti has stated that Punjab Government issued a notification for the imposition of octroi in its municipal limits.

The petitioners claimed that since they are not using, consuming or selling any products within the municipal limits of Zirakpur, they were not liable to pay octroi.

It has a shed in Zirakpur for storing its equipment and material.

It is sought directions to the authorities not to levy octroi from it. The matter will come up for hearing on July 2.
Back

 

Hindi writers savour modern literature
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 30
It was a literal celebration of literature. As eminent personalities from the world of literature gathered in Sector 11 to exchange notes on the evolution of modern Hindi prose and poetry, what resulted was a body of rich comments that serve to trace the growth of a language and its various forms. Presiding over the gathering of litterateurs was none other than the eminent writer poet, critic Narendra Mohan, who was earlier facilitated by the Punjab Government with the Sahitya Shiromani award.

The occasion was a discussion on the latest short story by the prolific Hindi writer Madhur Kapila, who has brilliantly focused on the plight of household helps. The protagonist of her story is Sukho. Titled “Sukho Bai ka Sach”, the story is an account of a poor woman given in marriage to an impotent man. Denied the happiness of motherhood, Sukho harbours frustrations in her heart, but never really voices them.

The take takes a dramatic turn when she finally conceives after taking up work at the house of a doctor. Least repentful and unsparing, Sukho refuses to give away the truth to her man, who insists that their son would be a gardener like him. She fights back, sends her son to schools, changes her name to Karan Vir and finds a new identity for herself. The parallel tale is that of the doctor’s daughter who is about to get married. Close as she is to the family, Sukho bears the entire burden of work.

She manages all the affairs during the preparation of marriage, and when the final day arrives, she enters the holy “mandap” with her son, and orders him to make the offering. As everyone stares at her in stupor, she maintains her calm and unveils the truth, “Ek bhai ne apni behen ka shagun daala hai...”

A truly modern story, focusing on the reality of our times, it evoked encouraging responses. Noted writer Dr Sansar Chandra, Dr Ramesh Kuntal Megh, Dr Narendra Mohan, Pradeep Kasni, Dr Jagmohan Chopra, Dr Subhash Rastogi and Madhav Kaushik were among those who commented Madhur Kapila’s unpublished story, and congratulated her for lending a contemporary touch to her creation.

Dr Mohan, for his part, chose to read out portions from his diary that contained his impressions about Pakistan. Among those who made the evening worthwhile were Dr Zaman Khan, writer-journalist from Pakistan, who was here to attend the 10th World Punjabi Conference. Also present on the occasion were N.S. rattan, Dr Virender Mehndiratta, Vijay Sehgal, among others.
Back

 

Vivaha may be held in Chandigarh next year

Vivaha, the wedding exhibition being organised by the Vintage group, will be organised in Chandigarh or Ludhiana next year. This was announced by Mr Tarun Sarda, CEO, Vivaha Interactive, on his visit to Chandigarh on Friday. He said last year, the turnout of visitors from Punjab was 8 per cent, and with an annual 25 per cent growth in the wedding industry, they expected visitors from Punjab to increase further during the exhibitions being organised in Delhi (from August 6 to 9) and in Mumbai (from October 22 to 25 ).

He said the exhibition at Delhi generated a business of between Rs 30 crore and Rs 40 crore, while the exhibition at Mumbai had generated Rs 20 crore. With weddings evolving into more creative processes, they called in for experts, and Celebrating Vivaha 2004 was an attempt to synergise and accelerate the growth of the market in this direction, said Mr Tarun.

“Punjab is a prosperous state and a readymade market for designer weddings (with expenditure over Rs 50 lakh). When it comes to marriages, Punjabis are the most extravagant and open-hearted people in the world. No doubt, we are expecting heavy participation from the region, both in terms of visitorsa and hopefuls of tying the nuptial knot, and exhibitors looking for the right medium to reach their customers”, continued Mr Sarda.

Celebrating Vivaha 2004 would unveil varied offerings in venues, locales, makeup, makeovers, jewellery, cosmetics, trousseau for bride and grooms, honeymoon destinations, theme planners, wedding coordinators and designer homeware. Some of the niche players belonged to categories like chocolates, candles and premium watches who have found ready markets in the wedding segment.

Celeste Chocolates and Ritual Candles, for instance, were designing and showcasing special ranges for the wedding market. At the same time, premium Swiss watch company Bovet would launch their artistic range in the Indian market at the exhibition. TNS
Back

 

Pret line of garment showcased

Ms Kanwal Sandhu of Fateh Impex presented her pret line of garments during an eclectic fashion show at Hotel Grand Plaza in Chandigarh on Saturday evening. On show were designer creations for men and women. Traditional lehngas, shararas and salwar kameez, Indo-Western clothes and Western outfits like trousers teamed with bustiers were sported by models.

Male models walked the ramp in traditional sherwanis, bandgalas and designer kurta- pyjamas. Beachwear with wrap arounds drew a good response from the audience.

A kaleidoscope of colours was on display, as were traditional zari and zardozi embroidery, and contemporary swarovski embroidery. The show comprised 12 rounds and in each round, the designer had made efforts to showcase garments for different occasions.

Evening gowns, showcased in the last round, drew applause from the gathering. Urbane and chic, these gowns had accent towards simplicity in cut and design. All garments showcased in the show would now be exhibited during the Hong Kong fashion week in July. TNS
Back

 

Miss India to confer degrees

Femina Miss India World 2004 Sayali Bhagat will award degrees to the students of the National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD). She will come to Chandigarh on her maiden visit after winning the title, for the NIFD annual convocation on May 31.

Sayali will be honoured by the NIFD during the convocation. Students who have completed their course in fashion, textile and interior design will be awarded their degrees. TNS
Back

 

Inderr an actor by chance
Ruchika M. Khanna

Inderr Labanaa
Inderr Labanaa

An actor by chance... Inderr Labanaa is all set to go places. Though he has done one film, but this Chandigarh lad is out to reach for the stars.

His first film, Tu Baal Brahmchari, Main Hoon Kanya Kunwari, has created quite a few ripples after its overseas release in January earlier this year. With three more films on the floors, and one of them ready for release next year, Inderr is on his way to make a mark in Bollywood. In town for a wedding in the family, Inderr got talking about his struggle and his foray into films.

And its been quite a journey for this new star on Bollywood’s horizon. From the world of machines (he is a mechanical engineer) to finance (he worked in various banks in Mumbai), and from studying for his Masters in Business Administration in Finance from Mumbai University to catching up with his filmi career, Inderr is surely a go- getter.

His journey to Bollywood is rather an unusual one. From choreographing shows for friends in the Army, while still a student at Chandwan, Devlali, to acting in serials and now in films, Inderr says he is a destiny’s child. “I had never thought of films as a career, acting happened by chance. In fact I wanted to join the Merchant Navy. But education is very important, and there can be no compromise on that. I never thought of giving up on my education, after I started receiving offers for films. In between my shooting schedule, I manage to keep pace with my MBA classes,” he says.

Inderr says that he got his first break in the popular teleserial directed by Aroona Irani, ‘Mehandi Tere Naam Ki’. “I did several episodes of the serial, and then did another serial being directed by Neena Gupta called “Udi Kahaan”. But I had just shot for eight episodes of the serial, when I got a break in Bollywood, and I was signed for “ Tu Baal Brahmchari...”. Neena was gracious enough to let me off, and I embarked upon my journey in Bollywood.”

But Inderr says that his journey to success was fraught with struggles. “My dad is a Colonel, but I refused to take any financial help from him. There were times when I had no money in my pocket and nowhere to spend the night. I have slept on Chaupatti and survived on just pao and milk. But then, you can relish success only after you have struggled to reach a certain position,’ says the optimist.

His film,” Tu Baal Brahmchaari...” has had an overseas release in January this year, and producers are waiting for a tax exemption for a release here. His second film “Yeh Tune Kya Kiya” a family melodrama, is in its post production stage and expected to be released in another two months.

He is presently working in a Hinglish movie,” Heavenly Adjustments” and a yet untitled movie. Inderr says that once he is back in Mumbai, he has several projects with top production houses. TNS
Back

 

Aloe vera-based products hit market

Forever Living Products International, an American company that started operations in the country three years ago as the manufacturer and distributor of 100 per cent naturally stabilised aloe vera products for health, nutrition, skin and beauty care, is set to expand its business in the north and has opened its regional office in the city.

The company claims that its aloe vera, honey and fish oil products provide cure for all ailments, including diabetes, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, arthritis and dental problems. Naturopathy consultant U.K. Choudhary Yogacharya said change in lifestyle had made people prone to illnesses. As a result of lack of proper awareness, the number of people afflicted with diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, asthma, cancer and AIDS had gone up considerably.

Dr Choudhary said the company had already manufactured 200-odd products by mixing aloe vera, honey and fish oil. Of these, 55-odd products are being marketed in India. He said 300 varieties of aloe vera are available the world over but the species which bears yellow flowers is the most useful. “Increase in toxic substances in the body is the root cause of all illnesses, but aloa vera gel and other products not only detoxifies the body but has a lot of nutritious value and acts as a pain-killer,’’ he said.

The company has appointed over one lakh independent distributors in the country for marketing the products. While its headquarters are located at Mumbai, it has regional offices in Chandigarh, Delhi, Hyderabad and Shillong. The marketing of products in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir will be handled from the office at Chandigarh.

The products are available in 105 countries, however, Japan and Germany have more demand for them. The price range of these products varies from Rs 150 to Rs 860. TNS
Back

 

A gym only for women
Saurabh Malik

Women dying to lose weight, but worrying about being eyed by men in city gymnasiums, can now sweat it out at Women’s Fitness Point in Sector 23 of Chandigarh. For Rs 500 a month, the health club management promises “figure correction” and “super weight loss training”, besides other exercises.

“We guide reed-thin women willing to gain weight, the art of putting on a few kg,” says personal trainer Jolly. “We also give them nutrition counselling, along with special training for abs and lower body, in our fully equipped gymnasium. The members can also go in for stretching exercises or personalised training”, he adds.

He further says, “I came up with the idea of opening a full-time gym primarily for women about four years ago. The reason behind the concept is that women are hesitant about working out with men around them”.

Showing the equipment, he says, “The fact that most women going to gyms have been demanding separate timings is a testimony to this effect”. The gym functions from 5.30 am to 8.30 pm and is open to all women.

He adds, “Each member is given personal attention according to her need and age. By enrolling yourself as a member, you can have your share of personal attention and an opportunity of getting back in shape”. TNS
Back

 

Gel therapy introduced

The VLCC has introduced gel therapy for body sculpting, a technology to shape up and feel confident. This is an advanced weight loss and inch loss therapy. It has been developed with products developed through in-house research by Ms Veena Agarwal.

This therapy deals with the problem of central obesity (abdominal obesity). Risk factors decrease when the problem of central obesity is tackled well. Pregnant women, post-birth mothers and women leading a stressed lifestyle have high chances of central obesity. This technology deals with these issues effectively and scientifically.

The VLCC has also introduced special packages for body polishing. These packages are especially for back and arms, to avoid uneven complexion in summer. One needs to take extra care of back and arms in summer as these are exposed to sunlight body polishing packages also help in distressing back, which is crucial as the central nervous system is housed here. If backbone is flexible, one feels young. TNS
Back

 

New party wear for children

Sweet Sixteen, a fashion store in Sector 8, has added a section for kids to its existing range for youngsters. This latest range is the “Boyz and Gals” collection for kids over two years and above.

It presents the exclusive ultra action range for young boys. On offer are T-shirts with matching bottoms from Ultra Man, Popeye, Gundam, Spiderman and Diesel starting from Rs 199 to Rs 350. Casual soft cotton bermuda sets, party wear clothes, night wear, daily wear T-shirts and shorts are also available at affordable prices.

Florals and frills are for girls. All imported branded party wear like Popeye, Paddigton Bear etc, are available here. Party wear tops, casual tops , denim skirts and jeans are on offer for between Rs 200 and Rs 350.

Another addition is the “Taste the White” section. This trendy section for girls is in white. There is a wide range of skirts - crinkled, fish cut and with asymmetrical hems, in varying lengths. A variety of trendy tops which can be paired with designer pants, trousers and sequenced parallels, and accessories like hand bags and stoles to go with the outfits are also on display. TNS
Back

 

Tandoor, tawa food festival

The tandoor and tawa festival will be organised by Hotel KC Cross Roads at Panchkula from Tuesday.

Dry tandoor and tawa delicacies will be prepared. The menu includes stuffed potatoes, tomatoes and capsicums. Kebabs and tikkas also form a part of the menu. A variety of non- vegetarian tandoori items will also be prepared.

The hotel has created special platters to serve the tandoori and tawa fare. Small earthen tandoors and an earthen plate like a tawa have been bought for serving the dishes. TNS

 

Tandoori and tawa dishes on offer at Hotel KC Cross Roads in Panchkula. — A Tribune photograph

Tandoori and tawa dishes on offer at Hotel KC Cross Roads in Panchkula

Back

HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | National Capital |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail |