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EDUCATION

Faux pas by Panjab University
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 28
"Panjab University should learn a lesson from what has happened with us," laments Prakiti Sharma, who passed Class XII this year. She claims she is in a soup on account of carelessness of the university authorities.

Prakiti came to the university to buy a form to apply for admission to the five-year integrated LLB course without knowing that the university was also offering a three-year course after graduation. She didn't ask and the man at the application sale counter didn't explain. She applied for the three-year course without being eligible for it.

Interestingly, she even received the datesheet and roll number for the entrance test of the course and even took the test. It was only today she discovered she had applied in the wrong course.

"Initially, it might have been my mistake to apply for the three-year course. However, what is more surprising is that the university allowed me to sit for a test for which I am not eligible. This has only exposed the casual approach with which applications are scrutinised by the university. I will have to find out afresh what I can do since the last dates for most of the courses are over," she rued.

Accompanied by Nitin Goyal, president, National Student Union of India (NSUI), Prakiti, along with her mother, met the Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor and the coordinator of the five-year course.

"They expressed their helplessness in the matter while admitting that the university was to blame for the faux pas. They told us that we could give a written complaint to the officials. It would only translate into suspension of a couple of dealing hands. We decided against the complaint since it would not have helped our case in any way," Prakiti's mother said.

Meanwhile, Nitin Goyal criticised the working of the university and the attitude of the officials dealing with forms and applications. "This is only one case which has come to our notice. The university fails to realise that it is playing with the future of the children by being careless. While the dealing hands usually go scot-free, the student is always at the receiving end for no fault of his," he claimed.
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Internet facility for college students
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 28
The Government College, Sector 11, will offer its students free access to the Internet through a dedicated lease line. The facility is being offered from the new academic session.

After the necessary approval from the UT Administration, the dedicated Internet lease line was being provided on the college premises. A special Internet lab was being constructed to allow the students free access of the Internet during certain hours. “Though two computer labs already existed in the college, a separate facility would be set up,” said the principal of the college, Mr Balwinder Singh.

The experiment, first of its kind in the government colleges, would allow the students to use the Internet to browse subject-related information and to look for job opportunities. For the beginners, the college authorities were planning to teach computers as a subject to the graduate classes. “We will allow the students to use the computer terminals during the college hours on the pattern when students visit the library,” said the principal.

Another attraction at the college would be a multi-purpose gymnasium. The sanction in this regard had been given by the administration.

From this year, the college was introducing Bachelor of Physical Education under the self-financing scheme. The Panjab University had already approved the course but the approval from the National Council for Technical Education was awaited. Around 40 seats had been reserved for the new course.

Replica of PU student centre: To give the students an ambience akin to the Panjab University’s students centre, a replica of the building has been created at the Guru Gobind Singh College for Women, Sector 26 here. The two-storeyed multi-utility students centre has been constructed at a cost of Rs 40 lakh.

The two-storeyed building would allow the students to undertake recreational activities. Dr Harinder Jit Kaur, principal of the college, told the Chandigarh Tribune that at the first floor of the building there would be cyber cafes, shops, a canteen and a health centre.

On the first floor, the college authorities would run classes for the skill-oriented subjects. The facility would also be used for holding indoor games. The principal said the purpose of the new building was to provide all the facilities under one roof.

The principal said a multi-purpose building with a capacity to seat 800 persons had been built and a girls hostel for 300 boarders has been renovated with modern facilities.
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Matric students urge NIOS to declare result
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 28
Hundreds of students in the region who appeared in the matric examination under the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) have urged the authorities concerned to declare the result at the earliest.

Many of the students have already cleared the entrance test for admission to government polytechnics in Punjab through the JET.

The counselling for admission to different polytechnics is to be held next month.

The examination ended on June 21. The NIOS authorities have stated that the results will be declared in six to eight weeks from the last date of examination.

This means the results will be out by the first week of August.

On the basis of the Class X examination, the students are seeking admission to various polytechnics in Punjab and Haryana.

The dates of counselling to fill the seats at the polytechnics is in July, which means that their Class X result will not be out before the counselling students.

The students said earlier the examination was to be held between April 12 and May 17.

The examination of main subjects was to end on May 19. But later, as per the rescheduled date sheet, the examination ended on June 21.

The students have appealed to the NIOS to advance the date of the declaration of results so that they did not lose the opportunity to seek admission to professional or vocational courses in different polytechnics.
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PEC students’ memo to Governor
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 28
A delegation of the students of Punjab Engineering College (PEC) today submitted a memorandum to the UT Administrator, Justice O.P. Verma (Retd), urging him to review the decision taken by the Chandigarh Administration not to send back the students of the Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology (CCET),
The students said the decision taken in favour of the students of CCET was one sided and against their interest. It is learnt that the Administrator assured the students that he would look into the matter.

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41 cases settled at Lok Adalat
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 28
As many as 41 cases were settled and Rs 4.43 lakh awarded to claimants at a special lok adalat organised on the premises of the State Legal Services Authority in Sector 9 here on Saturday.

Held under the aegis of Mr Justice Swatantar Kumar, Punjab and Haryana High Court, a recovery of about Rs 3.42 lakh was also made from borrowers of the Chandigarh State Cooperative Bank at the adalat.

Mr Sant Parkash, Member Secretary and permanent Judge of the Permanent Lok Adalat, presided while Mr K.K. Monga and Ms Promila Chander Mohan, members, also participated.
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A glut of sarees from all over

Breathtaking Banarsis, Tanchois, Jamavars, Balucharis, the variety of sarees at Handloom House, Sector 17, is almost endless. And, now, all these are coming for a discount of 10 per cent. For the first time since Handloom House opened its showroom in the city in 1978, the organisation has introduced the discount for the entire year. This would be in addition to the usual 10 per cent concession offered on festivals.

Handwoven, these sarees come from virtually all over the country. In view of the concession offer, Handloom House has added new stocks of the cottons of Kolkota, the Gadwals of Andhra Pradesh, exclusive Bonkai and Ikat sarees in cotton and silk from Orissa among others.

In the range available at the shop, the design, texture aand shades blend the traditional with the contemporary, giving the sarees an absolutely new look, in tune witrh the times and fashion of the season.

“Our orgaisation symbolises the triumph of the looms. Every saree bought from any of our branches means rendering help to the actual weaver. It provides much needed employment to weavers throughout the country and recognises their wizardry in the crafting of masterpieces. The discount has been introduced by our managing agency at the level of the Government of India to encourage purchases even during these months when sales are usually low. The purpose is to encourage people to buy the whole year through rather than focus on spending in the latter half of the year,” says the in charge, Mohd Asif.

The special concession is being offered not only on sarees but dress material, tussars, linen and special towel sets as also the much-in-demand short kurtis which are making a style statement this summer. — TNS
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Monsoons, a bane for skin and hair

After the scorching heat monsoons are welcome. But at the same time this season can play havoc with skin and hair. Makeup too gets washed off due to rain.

Monsoons are trying times for the hair as the humidity takes away their bounce making them dull and limp. Hair loss is too takes place during this season. Because of humidity, the scalp constantly sweats leading to itchiness, scratching and more hair loss. Other hair problems include split-ends.

Some more problems associated with the season pimples and rashes. But you don’t have to live with it. It is all the more important to take adequate care to look your best during these days.

Counselling can be availed at VLCC centers in Sector 9, Chandigarh and Sector 9, Panchkula where beauty experts will give tips to keep skin and hair healthy minus all pitfalls.

Special offers on anti-hair fall packages or monsoon facial packages can also be availed.

All skin types - normal, dry, sensitive, oily and combination skins should follow a regular three-step-care daily of cleansing, toning and moisturising, say beauty experts.

Frequent cleansing and facials of all skin types during monsoon help get rid of whiteheads, blackheads, acne and oiliness of the skin.

Make sure to tone your skin every night before retiring to bed. During monsoon, a lot of airborne and waterborne microbes can create problems; a good anti-bacterial toner will go a long way to prevent skin infections and eruptions.

Surprisingly, the monsoons can make dry skin even drier and oily skin more oily. Since the skin gets wet often and then gets dry, a lot of dehydration takes place; this explains the itchy feeling one gets during monsoons. Use a non-water-based moisturiser, if you happen to get wet often. Otherwise a water-based moisturiser will do. Also use waterproof make up in this season.

Some tips to keep hair healthy:

·Wash hair frequently with a very mild shampoo along with a non-oily conditioner. Massage and daily brushing is extremely helpful in treating dandruff as it invigorates blood circulation easing out the accumulation of dead cells. Use a lemon or vinegar rinse after the shampoo, which absorbs excess oil giving your hair, body and bounce along with sheen.

Avoid applying mousse and gels during this season. Hot oil treatment and regular use of henna can be of help. A short haircut will help during the season giving the scalp breathing space and making the hair more manageable.

Have hair trimmed every four to five weeks to avoid split ends. — OC


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Gems getting popular

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend. But they are expensive also. Just in case you cannot buy another ring embellished with sparkling stones, do not be disheartened. You can still go in for precious little gems. Cherished, yet inexpensive.

In fact, the dazzling gems displayed in so many jewellery shops all over the city are rage among city residents.

“The gems come from Rajasthan and are quite cheap,” says jeweller Rani Chauhan. “You may find it hard to believe, but you can actually take home a gem by shelling out just Rs 300”.

The gems sparkle just like the real diamonds. “No one but an expert will be able to tell the difference between the two, says Ms Rani. “You have to be a real expert to make out the difference. They are different from American diamonds because of the glitter. The price of the gems and the American diamonds is, however, almost the same”.

“Diamonds”, she adds, “kind of emit their own light. At least this is the impression you get if you look at the real stones closely. The gems, on the other hand, reflect the light”.

Available in different colours, from yellow, to pink, red, white, blue and green, the gems go with any kind of dress. “In case you wish to wear a yellow dress for the evening bash, you can buy a ring having stone of the same hue,” Ms Rani adds. “That also without putting too much of burden on your savings”

That’s exactly what so many residents are doing, says another jeweller Rajan Chadha. “They are buying gems to go along with different dresses after getting them embedded in silver rings. Some others are also going in for gold ones. In any case, you can buy a ring for less than Rs 1,000”.

Residents are also using the stones for further enriching their jewellery items. “Along with real diamonds, the residents are getting sets made of gems,” Mr Chadha adds. “This way they can wear heavy jewellery without burning a hole in their pockets”. — OC
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Designer jewellery launched

‘Auro Gold’ collection of designer jewellery was by Trendsmith, in Chandigarh. The range is being showcased from June 28 to July 3, at Trendsmith’s store at Sector 17. The Auro Gold range comprises 18-karat lightweight Italian gold jewellery from the Vicenza region of Italy.

Trendsmith is also offering a gold exchange scheme. Now buyers can exchange any of their old gold jewellery for new and trendy jewellery. This scheme is valid up to July 3.

Products sold at Trendsmith carry a Certificate of Authenticity. The certificate provides details of the gold carat, gold weight, the number of stones used with their karat weights and details of the colour and clarity of the diamonds used. — OC
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A director’s actor
Monica Sharma

You have seen her in “Saas bhi kabhi bahu thi”. She is the one with intense deep eyes full of sympathy for “Karan” as he allows “Nandani” to become part of Ansh Gujral’s life. Yes, you have guessed it right. She is Tanya in the serial and Rakshanda Khan in real life.

The anchor-turned-actress is all set to star in another serial — according to information released here. This time she will be displaying her talent in Sahara Manoranjan’s daily horror show “Raat Hone Ko Hai”.

Rakshanda — which means “noor” or heavenly light — plays the role of a school-going boy’s mother. The boy is haunted by a ghost, who tries to take revenge with another person through the little one.

“There are many shades in the character,” Rakshanda asserts. “The role, however, provides me with a change as it is not a glamorous one. I believe that the concept is simply great”.

But isn’t it too early for her to play a mother’s role? “No, I do not think so. I consider myself lucky because I have been given a chance to play a challenging role so early in my career.”

Things were, however, not all that easy. “While preparing for the role I went through a lot many horror books. But now I mainly depend on my director’s instructions. I am essentially a director’s actor”.

Regarding formal training, she says, “I was never trained in acting. I never thought I would become an actor one day. In fact, I wanted to be a journalist, but ultimately landed up in serials”.

But it all started as an anchor. “Oh, it was exciting. As an anchor, my job was to interview film stars. During one such show, I got the rare opportunity of interviewing Amitabh Bachchan”.

As far as difference between the two is concerned, Rakshanda finds both exciting. “I love both anchoring and acting. The two cannot be compared. As an anchor, I get opportunity to express myself. As an actor, I am not myself. But at the same time, I get to play many characters. In the process, I learn so many new things”.

Movies, she claims, “are a complete no-no for me”. At least in the near future Raksanda has no such plans even though she herself is a “movie maniac” and cannot sleep without watching one.
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Santosh adjudged Ms New Era

Santosh Kaur was adjudged Ms New Era at a contest held at New Era Industrial Training Centre here today. Amandeep Kaur was the first runner-up while Anudeep was declared the second runner-up.

Ms Baljit Kaur, lecturer, Government College, Ropar was the chief guest, while the function was presided over by Mr Anil Kaushik, chairman, Human Rights Watch. Simar Puneet and Aarti Gupta, students of Delhi and Panjab University, respectively, who had done diploma courses in dress designing, were the judges for the contest.

Ms Jaswinder Kaur, Principal of the government-affiliated institution, said the contest was divided into three rounds. In the first round, the contestants came in sarees while they changed to summer suits for the second round. For the third round, the participants adorned casuals. She said the contestants had themselves stitched dressed for the show. — OC
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Market Pulse
New range of ACs launched

LG Electronics India,the consumer durables and electronics major,has unveiled its high-end Whisen range of airconditioners. This range of air conditioners has been developed from the realisation that the market is not homogeneous. And that every consumer has a different need that needs to be catered to.

Therefore, LG has launched a premium range of airconditioners to cater to that target audience.

Whisen showcases Intele, Plasma Oxy twin power system, 3-way surround pool window ACs, art cool and mirror splits.

Whisen airconditioners are available in 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 tonne capacities at prices ranging between Rs 23,000 and Rs 66,000, according to Mr Salil Kapoor, LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd.— TNS
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