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PU withholds affiliation, courtesy whims of 1 Inspection Committee member Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 3 Long approved by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the course has been put on hold, bickering between college staffers being cited as a major cause. Sources say disgruntled teachers, opposed to appointment of new MFA lecturers by college authorities, have succeeded in delaying the course by negatively influencing one member of the Inspection Committee set up by Panjab University. The committee was constituted to look into the matter of granting provisional affiliation to the MFA course. Surprisingly, though six of the seven committee members have approved the case for affiliation, the PU authorities have cared to formalised the same. The irony is that grant of affiliation to the course is awaiting clearance from Dr Pankaj Mala Sharma, the only committee member to have not favoured the cause. All other members, including eminent art historian Dr B.N. Goswamy, Dr Rajinder Bhandari, current Chairman, Fine Art Department, PU, Dr B.D. Budhiraja, Dean, College Development Council and Dr Urmi Kesar, former Chairperson, PU’s Art History Department all have strongly recommended the case of commencement of MFA course at Art College from this year. The closest locations where the course is currently being offered are Delhi, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. Mr Balvinder Singh, Principal, Government College for Men, Sector 11 and one of the committee members, told The Tribune, “It’s strange why PU V-C should wait for the signature of Dr Pankaj Mala Sharma when all other committee members have seen reason to start the course from this session. Incited by some college lecturers, Dr Sharma has been harbouring unfounded fears about the appointment of new MFA faculty by the college authorities. This subject does not fall under the purview of the Inspection Committee. It is a matter to be decided by the UT Administration which has already cleared the appointments.” Anxious over the fate of the course, about 200 students, who did not apply anywhere else, recently gave a representation to PU V-C requesting him to grant affiliation at the earliest. However, no news has yet been heard. As for college authorities, they are battling the financial deficit caused by expenditure incurred on revamping classrooms and making fresh appointments of MFA faculty. A rueful college Principal Prof Brahm Prakash, said, “The AICTE sent us its letter of intent in December 2002. They wanted us to appoint eight new staff members. We completed the process much earlier, but our efforts are on the verge of being frustrated. We have also met the requirements of PU’s Inspection Committee members, but to no avail.” The Inspection Committee has already met thrice between August 18 and October 27 to decide the fate of the MFA course. During their first visit to the college on August 18, committee members had asked the authorities to get classrooms renovated and cleaned up; get the adjoining design centre vacated from Haryana and Punjab Governments and appoint new lecturers for the course. All requirements having been met, the course’s commencement remains uncertain, courtesy Dr Pankaj Mala Sharma.
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PUTA members hold rally
Chandigarh, November 3 Meanwhile, at the general body meeting of PUTA held at the English Auditorium before the rally, it was decided to constitute a Joint Action Committee comprising teaching and non-teaching employees. The committee would, in turn, choose a nine-member sub-committee which would take the pension issue with the university authorities as well as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). An action plan for the protesting against the non-implementation of the scheme was also formulated. The members would begin with a pen-down strike which would be held for two hours everyday. While PUTA would organise demonstrations every Wednesday, chain fasts would be introduced subsequently. The president of PUTA, Dr Ronki Ram, said that a resolution stating that the scheme be implemented from January 1, 2005, was passed. He said that PUTA would stress on a financially viable scheme and that no arrears should be paid for the gap period between the date of retirement and commencement of pension. The members were apprised of the efforts being made by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof KN Pathak, in expediting the matter. They were also told that the HRD Ministry had not yet given permission for the scheme in which the university would pay Rs 10 crore out of the university funds for a period of 10 years. A letter to the HRD Ministry had been sent by the university authorities in September this year.
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Row over college chairman’s post
Mohali, November 3 A notice appeared on October 30, in different newspapers for admission to the vacant seats in various courses being offered by the college. The advertisement was issued under the signatures of Mr J. S. Dhaliwal (chairman), Gurlabh Singh (general secretary) and Sukhbir Singh Shergill (finance secretary). The advertisement said that those interested to join these courses should contact the admission cell on or before October 31. The next day, however another public notice appeared in the same newspapers under the signatures of, Mr J.S. Sidhu, who stated that the above named persons had no relation with the college admission process. Any action taken by these persons shall not be binding on the college and the trust. Interested students may contact the college authorities/undersigned in this regard. Sidhu signed as the chairman, SUS College of Engineering and Technology and Desh Bhagat Memorial Educational Trust, Tangori.
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Contemporary classic Ritu Kumar
Her quintessential traditional stamp could be seen in all her collection, be it glamorous party wear or something seductive outfits strictly official. The stamps speaks of her lifelike attitude toward clothes and immense longing to be creative. Her style very truly reflects the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in the contemporary lexicon. Setting the benchmark for the Indian fashion industry, Ritu Kumar is one of those who has made stylised fashion statement on ramps, setting many precedents. She was in Chandigarh to hold a fashion show exhibiting her winter collection. Ritu has gone a long way in redefining the term fashion in the Indian context. She has made the skilled work done by hand more glamorous and seductive than the machine. Her couture is readily recognised for its classicism, beauty and finesse. Describing her journey to fashion world, she narrates “When I went to study history of art abroad I discovered that I barely knew about the Indian culture and craft. This realisation moulded my attitude. When I came back to India I started learning crafts and textile in a small village of Calcutta. It was very exciting. One thing led to another. Now I have come a long way in the fashion industry”. “When I started working around 30 years ago there was no fashion industry as such and no platform for the budding designers. I began my work with block printing. Not many know that she is also the trendsetter for the boutique culture. She has 12 outlets in all the major cities, including Chandigarh. In April 2002, Ritu launched a sub-brand reflecting of modern and global trends. Spending a big part of her life in Amritsar has proved an asset for her. “I am always tuned to my roots. For long, wanted to display my collection in the Punjab but now have finally I got an opportunity to display my collection here. Her bridal collection is very contemporary classic — something that will never be out of fashion. The “bindas” touch seen in her clothes is seemingly inspired from indulgent lifestyle of Punjab. Her bridal wear reflects the richness and magnanimity of an opulent Punjabi wedding. The wedding spectacle made even bigger by Gurinder Chaddah’s “Bride and Prejudice” had made her a much sought after designer. Her Punjabi roots, like a magnet, has drawn the elite towards her. Talking of her costly bridal range, she said. “I am also thinking of making the range a bit affordable. Because I feel fashion is for everyone and it should reach the masses. According to her, fashion industry has come a long way. Twenty years ago it was static but now it is becoming more global. The younger generation is much open to change. The glamorous clothes are for them only. They are really experimenting and wearing whatever they like. The grip of religion or culture has lost its hold over them. Sentiments are the guiding force’ saree can never be out of fashion, she declares with an unquestionable authority. Talking about the competition involved in this industry, she said it was only one’s own unique style which made the difference. Commenting on the demand of Indian garments abroad, she said,” There are lot of designers who take inspiration from the India’s fashion. But you don’t see them wearing a saree or lehnga. They never go for the traditional dresses. Only NRI go for these with a sense of devotional pride. Had she not been in the fashion world, Ritu Kumar would have been a writer or author. She has also written a book ‘Costume and Textile of Royal India’. She prefers reading or listening to the classical music whenever she have time. Her message to fashion-conscious people is “Be yourself. There is no need to be a victim of fashion trends. You should have the knack to enjoy whatever you are wearing.” The woman within this professional seems quite satisfied. She is happy tending her two sons who are still studying. Bridal wear, a
beauty to behold The fashion show held at Sector 17 testified Ritu Kumar’s sway over the latest winter collection. Beautiful models sashayed down the ramp, exhibiting bridal range to casual wear. Gypsy skirts with “bagru butis” of graded sizes, crinked clothes, long kurtis and long kurtas over salwars and skirts stood out for its uniqueness. The next round showed dhoti salwar, t-shirts worn with saris, churridaar, jholas and chappals, highlighting the ‘bindas’ identity. Going with the trend in bridal range, the empahsis was on more fitted clothes. Each garment is a beauty to behold, with the intricate use of zari embroidery, embellishments and thread work. These were crafted in naturally rich fabrics like silks, georgette, crepes, tissues. This also gives the feel of banars handlooms, which eptimoses the elegance and revival work for which the designer is so well known. Even in her western outfits, one can see the impact of Indian elements. The models on the ramp included Sucheta, Kanika, Ronil, Sonalika who also contested for the Miss India contest. Some tips from Ritu Kumar * Saree can never be out of fashion * In bridal wear auspicious red colour still reigns * Heavy embellishments is out * Bright colours are in this season * ‘Bindaas’ clothes are the latest mantra * Wrinkled skirts are in vouge * Fitted clothes are in
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Frames of friendship
Chandigarh, November 3 Dosti — the first of its kind collaborative photo exhibition between artists from Pakistan and India is more than just an assembly of art works that reflect collective concerns of photo artists. In more ways than one, it is the indication of a heartening trend that is here to stay. Conceptualized by Friends of Photography, a group of photographers from his region, the exhibition has dual purpose — opening doors to dialogue and sharing trends and techniques in photographic art, as evolved and practiced in India and Pakistan. Participating in the exhibition from Pakistan are seven celebrated photographers including Syed Javaid Kazi, President of the Photographic Association of Pakistan which nurtures fine talent in the area. Also present are works of reputed photographers like Saleem Khawar, Nisar Mirza, Shakh Faisal, K.M. Omer, Abdul Wahid and Aftab Ahmad. Not restricted by themes, the artists have allowed imaginations to soar as is evident from the breath of freedom palpable in the compositions on display at Punjab Kala Bhavan, Sector 16. An insight into the 28 works from Pakistan shows the artists of the region lay minimal emphasis on technique, carefully honing the art with an eye for detail. Portraits and landscapes dominate the collection from across the border, stressing the humane approach which artists adopt when handling compositions. Nowhere is the beauty of the object sacrificed at the altar of technique which is a facilitator, never a dictator to the work of art. Interestingly, violence as a theme finds no space in the realm of art and mercifully so. Some of the finest works by Pakistani artists include K.M. Omer’s frame that adds artistic finesse to the mundane process of cooking in his work “Chief Cook”; Abdul Wahid’s portraits including “Life is Not Enough”; Nisar Mirza’s classic representation of Pakistani landscape in “Hunza Fort”; Syed Kazi’s monochrome “Landscape” and Saleem Khawar’s many intense compositions including “Chief of Mustung” which brings to life the rustic charm in a village elder’s personality. On the Indian side, Adit Agarwala, head, Friends of Photography and architect of “Dosti”, holds the fort with promising artists like V.S. Kundu, Subhash Sapru, B.S. Sodhi, Deep Ram Bhatia, Amardeep Samra, B.S.N. Reddy and O.P. Gupta. A spirit of inventiveness imbues the frames of Indian artists including Adit Agarwala who indulges in montages while drawing from several negatives to construct brilliant compositions that mesmerise the senses. Bhatia’s portrayal of happiness in the wrinkled face of an old woman and Reddy’s perception of motherhood draw viewer’s attention almost immediately. Samra’s reflection of India’s rural extravagance in “the Riders” and B.S. Sodhi’s besotting frame capturing the hills in “Nestling” are equally infectious. The exhibition will continue till November 7. |
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In the company of fascinating prints
Chandigarh, November 3 Conceived to familiarise this part of the North with the diverse options available to a printmaker in India, the show unravels some very fine pieces of graphic art nursed to life at Kala Bhavana in Viswa Bharati. Made possible through collaboration between the Government College of Art, Chandigarh and Santiniketan, the show facilitates awareness about print making which offers many more possibilities than one ever imagined. The exhibition is on at the Gallery of Art College in Sector 10. Among the participants are the students and faculty members of Kala Bhavana’s Graphic Art Department which had a celebrated tradition of nurturing printmakers to fine talents. The techniques employed by students clearly indicate the penchant for inventiveness which comes easy with graphic art. Says Debangana Chatterjee whose graphic representation of nature and its manifestations is truly inspiring, “At Santiniketan we have learnt to experiment with several themes and mediums. For me, Tagore and his poetry is an eternal source of inspiration, so is nature which never fails thinking, fermenting mind.” Born and brought up at Santiniketan where her father recently retired as Superintendent of Rabindra Nath Tagore’s home, Debangana depends heavily on etching for printing-making of her emotional expressions. Ravi Roy’s print titled “Valentine’s Day” highlights the romance of etching in a different way. A participant in Trinnale art show, Japan, Ravi Roy says the wide possibility of textures drives him to use etching for printmaking. In fact, most of the participating students seem to harbour a fascination for etching which allows them enough space to evolve ideas. Unlike many in his class, Jagdeesh has, however, stuck to lithographs which, he says, are challenging and exciting. His works grip the viewer’s attention and bring his labour to life. Also on display at the gallery are works executed in silk screen and other mixed media. The exhibition comprising 105 prints also has contributions from Anup Mazumdar, Arkarprava Bose, Atanu Pramanik, Bidukhi Mushahary, Deepti Sharma, Krishna Sardar, Krishna Chavanakunakorn, Lwihwr Lwihwr Mushahary, Pabitra Pal, Sabyasachi Mazumdar, Santanu Chakraborty, Shweta Bhadani, Sunil Lal and Urmila Naik. It was inaugurated today by CITCO (Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Corporation) MD, Mr S.P. Singh. |
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Ritu Kumar, the reigning queen of the Indian fashion industry, does not let her awe-inspiring status to come between her and the plebein. She immediately disarms you with a warm smile as you walk up to her. Talking to this pioneer of the Indian Haute couture revealed a lot about this designer with Punjabi roots.
