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Controversy over PU Senate nominations not yet over
Chandigarh, November 25 In a letter received from the ministry, the university has been asked why it has not bothered to get the names of the 36 members nominated by the Vice-President notified in the official gazette of the government as is mandatory under the Panjab University Act, Regulation 35. According to the rules, while the university has to seek the approval of the Vice-President’s office for those elected to the Senate, the names have to be notified in the case of nominated members. The university has already sought the approval of the Vice-President in the case of elected members. The letter from the ministry assumes greater significance since, in the nominations, none of the names recommended by the HRD Ministry made it to the list of nominations released by the Vice-President’s office. Interestingly, the university has already fixed the date for the first meeting of the Senate for December 20. Sources said that without the notification, the nominated members would not be eligible to sit in the House and be party to decisions taken at the meetings. However, when contacted, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof KN Pathak, said that the university had not got the notification done in the case of appointments other than that of the VC for the past many years. “We have never got the names of Senators or other appointees notified in the past 50 years though the Act says it is mandatory. The HRD Ministry has written a letter to us in this regard and the Registrar has sent a reply. However, I don’t think the absence of notification would have any bearing on the meeting and the election of faculties scheduled for next month,” he added. The Registrar, Prof Paramjit Singh, confirming the receipt of the letter, said that the university was looking into the matter. “We are in the process of preparing a reply,” he maintained. It maybe recalled that the list of nominations to the university Senate had been sent by the Vice-President’s office nearly a fortnight back. The nominations were criticised by Congressmen who claimed it had a “BJP bias” and that none of the names recommended by the Punjab Government and the HRD Ministry, the two funding agencies of the government, as also the local MP, had been included.
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PEC students lose sleep over simians
Chandigarh, November 25 An army of the simians is targeting hostellers in the engineering college these days. Trooping in groups of around 10, the monkeys have been plundering the “wealth” of the students who keep different gadgets in their rooms. The monkeys had taken away valuable items in unlocked rooms. Harassed, the students today approached the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chandigarh, Mr Ishwar Singh. The Forest Department has kept cages on the premises of the college. But there are only 10 per cent chances of the monkeys walking into the traps. Copies of tips to “handle” the monkey have also been distributed among the students. The victims feel that these monkeys had come from the PGI after being chased away by langurs there. Mr Ishwar Singh said the theory of the students that the monkeys had come from the PGI could not be denied. The students told The Tribune that several instances of the monkeys attacking the students had come to light. Students said they could not dare to venture out because of fear of monkeys
attacking them. They keep their doors shut, as the monkeys enter their rooms and create nuisance. The simians have destroyed the lawns of the hostels by plucking flowers, mutilating the vegetation and creating chaos over there. The say they can’t over hang their wet cloths to dry in the open, as the monkeys
tear these or take them away.
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Campus Notes
Chandigarh, November 25 The dharna is being organised on a call by the joint action committee of the employees. At today’s dharna, the speakers from the teaching and non-teaching fraternity said the authorities were dilly-dallying on the issue of implementation of the pension scheme on the campus. The speakers impressed upon the university authorities, the Chandigarh Administration and the Punjab and Central Governments to implement a pension scheme in one of the oldest universities of the region. The dharna will continue between 11 am and 1 pm on all working days while a rally of teaching and non-teaching employees would be held every Wednesday. Students protest
The university authorities continued to show their indifference to University Institute of Engineering and Technology students and their indefinite chain fast entered for the ninth consecutive day today. The students of the fifth semester of the UIET are on a strike to press for a mercy chance to clear their university examinations of the first semester. Two fasting students whose condition deteriorated were taken to General Hospital, Sector 16. No work on campus
The Administrative Block of the campus wore a deserted look today with employees availing themselves of the half-day leave to participate in the procession held to mark Gurpurab today. While they left their offices to extend support and express solidarity to the cause of pension at 11 am when a dharna and rally were held at the Administrative Block, the employees availed leave for the second half as well. Practically no work was done and with university closed for the next three days, employees would get down to dealing with files only after the extended weekend. The Registrar, Prof Paramjit Singh, said the employees had the option of taking any five half days off to participate in the procession and that there was no way to ensure that the university work did not suffer on these days.
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Question papers fall short
Chandigarh, November 25 High drama prevailed at the University Business School (UBS) today where the semester examinations for all classes are in progress. Students of the third semester, appearing for their paper on “strategic management” in the afternoon session, were kept waiting for question papers, which turned out to be less than the required number. On discovering that the papers were in short supply, the department authorities rushed a man to the examination branch to get the papers xeroxed while the students waited. Xeroxing of the question paper took over two hours since the paper on strategic management being long, ran into 20 pages. Anxious about appearing for the paper, the students got restless and protested against the delay. They urged the Chairman, Prof Satish Kapoor, to postpone the paper on grounds that the delay and confusion had upset them. Finally, Prof Kapoor convinced the students to appear for the four-hour paper today itself. The paper began at 4:30 pm instead of the slated time of 2 pm and continued till 8:30 pm. Prof Kapoor, confirmed that the number of question papers were much less than the required number.
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Inter-schools cultural contests held
Chandigarh, November 25 Mr Brinder Aulakh, Director of the Regional Institute of English, Sector 32, who was the chief guest, said in a declamation contest one should be careful about the right amount of hand gestures, modulated voice, pitch variation and correct pronunciation. On the occasion, Sir Bakshi Tek Chand Memorial Hindi Declamation Contest’ was also held. Dr V. Kulwant, Regional Director of DAV Public School, Haryana, Karnal zone, was the chief guest. The results of the declamation contests are: English declamation The trophy went to Pranavi and Asmita of DAV English Medium Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, Panchkula. First: Rohit of Chama Lal DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 11, Panchkula. Second: Avadhi of DAV Public School, Ludhiana. Third: Anmol of DAV Public School, Surajpur. Hindi declamation The trophy went to Deepti and Mani of Major RN Kapoor DAV Public School, Ambala Cantt. First: Saurabh of MDAV Public School, Sector 22. Second: Harrattan of CL Aggarwal DAV Model
School, Sector 7. Third: Mani of Major RN Kapoor DAV Public School, Ambala Cantt. Cultural programme On the second day of the a three-day cultural programme of Manav Mangal High School, a prize distribution function was held at Tagore Theatre here today. Mr DS Mangat , DPI ( Schools), was the chief guest on the occasion. The DPI gave away prizes to 30 students of primary and middle classes who had excelled during the academic year 2003-2004. The teachers who had given 100 per cent result in the Classes VIII and X examination were also honoured. On the occasion, a cultural programme was also organised. Ms Sadhna Kar, coordinator of the school, was felicitated for completing 25 years of service in the school. Respect for grandparents To make grandparents feel special and thank them for their love towards them, pre-primary students of Ajit Karam Singh International Public School, Sector 41, presented a show on three consecutive days. Today, it was the chance of Class K.G to give their performance. Tiny tots performed Western dance, bhangra, kathak etc to make the occasion memorable for the grandparents. AIDS awareness In connection with World AIDS Day that falls on December 1, the Servants of People Society today organised a rally of the school children at Maloya village. Nearly 60 students participated in the rally, which was held in collaboration with the UT State AIDS Control Society. At another function, the Family, Planning Association of India (FPAI), Mohali branch organized a seminar on AIDS at Janta Colony sector 25. As many as 220 persons participated. At Colony No 5, the Yuvsatta an NGO in association with the State AIDS control society, UT screened a film `Phir Milenge’ to spread the message of HIV\AIDS.
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School celebrates cultural week
Zirakpur, November 25 The programme, which started with shabad recitation, was followed by a fancy dress competition in which tiny tots of nursery to Class V participated. Nursery students presented skit “Unity in diversity”, while dance by Sonika and Jaspreet was applauded by the audience. During the celebrations, a turban tying competition and an eco-science quiz were organised, said the Principal, Ms Krishna Agnihotri.
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Growth opportunities in IT sector discussed
Mohali, November 25 IT professionals assembled at the Gian Jyoti Institute of Management and Technology, here today to discuss opportunities in IT industry for entrepreneurs, planning to set up IT and back processing businesses in Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula. It was unanimously felt that the absence of international airport, world-class telecommunication facilities and availability of 24-hour power supply were hurdles in the way of this development. Mr Parminder Sehgal, Executive Director, Quark Media House, Mr Partap Aggarwal, Managing Director, IDS Infotech, and Mr Rajan Vasudevan, Secretary, Chandigarh IT Club, participated in panel discussion, which was chaired by, Mr Parminder Sehgal. Professor B.B. Tandon, former Dean and Chairman of University Business School, Panjab University, Chandigarh, who is now the Director of GJIMT, Mohali, delivered a lecture on ‘IT-opportunities for entrepreneurs’ and later anchored the panel discussion. Mr Sehgal emphasised the importance of attitude and building a professional climate in the region. He also spoke at length about the need to accept and understand the competition and to learn to compete. Mr Sehgal pointed out the lack of patience in the young generation of IT professionals and underscored the need to persevere in the profession and build up their competence over a period of time. Mr Aggarwal highlighted the strong points of the cities of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula. He also emphasised the rich opportunities for budding entrepreneurs in the field. He suggested that future entrepreneurs should look inwards and use creativity as a tool to set up new ventures rather than look to western shores for opportunities. Mr Vasudevan underlined the lack of professionalism both on part of budding IT professionals and companies. Mr Vasudevan also said retention was a major problem in Chandigarh and suggested that the IT majors should get together to create a conducive eco-system for retention as well as growth. Earlier, Professor Tandon had said in the next five years Rs 500 crore BPO business will come alone from Chandigarh. This would be possible only if educational institutions supply quality manpower alongwith the inclusion of BPO services in software technology park as this will act as incentive to attract 100 per cent FDI. Large numbers of entrepreneurs from different chambers like the CII, Chandigarh Management Association and Mohali Industries Association also attended the seminar and interacted with the panelists.
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Foreign students pick up IT skill
Mohali, November 25 Mr David, who was speaking to The Tribune today at the conclusion on a 12-week advanced course in multimedia and web design technology and repair and maintenance of telecom equipment, PCs and peripherals, at the government-run Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) here, said he had some idea about the subject earlier, but after clearing the course he was better equipped. He had a word of praise for people here. “Before we came here, we did not expect what we experienced here. People in India were very open. They gave us knowledge and were helpful in every way.” Mr Nodir Khakimov, who works as a computer programmer at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Uzbekistan, expressing similar views about the course, said he had learnt a lot about
multimedia. He planned to undertake multimedia projects in his country. He had worked with web design technology and the course at the centre had helped him increase his knowledge. At the function, Mr J.S. Bhatia, Director in charge, C-DAC, Mohali, highlighted the high-end training, R&D and consultancy activities of C-DAC. He apprised the participants of various developments taking place in the field of information technology globally and the role of India, particularly C-DAC, in training manpower according to the growing needs of industry. Ms Suneet Khetarpal, Senior Design Engineer and course coordinator for Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and the Special Commonwealth African Assistance Plan (SCAAP), explained how the skills and technologies learnt at the centre could be put to use in entrepreneurial ventures. As many as 38 participants from Abidjan, Cuba, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kampala, Kenya, Lao PDR, Lusaka, the Maldives, Mauritannia, Nairobi, Russia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zimbabwe attended the training programme. The programme was conducted on behalf of the Union Ministry of External Affairs under ITEC and SCAAP. The advanced course in multimedia and web design technology was aimed at developing the skills of the participants in the context of the current global scenario. It highlighted the importance of multimedia in fields like education, product launch, science and technology, corporate development and enhanced business opportunities.
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HC Bar body not to allow dogs,
other animals on its complex
Chandigarh, November 25 One of the main clauses in the draft of the proposed new rules of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association says that "no dogs or other animals shall be admitted to any of the rooms occupied by the association". "It will be interesting to see what steps are initiated to keep these unwanted guests out. Also, whose responsibility will it be to ensure the strict implementation of this rule? Or will a separate committee be set up to see that dogs, cats, or other animals don't gain access to the rooms where we sit?" wondered an amused advocate. He also expressed surprise over the choice of the words in the Rule. "Admitted, admitted where? Were they trying to become members of the association? The right word should have been entry," he argued. Rule number 67, as this clause has come be called, has led to embarrassing moments for office-bearers of the association. "Some members approached me and asked me what would my role be when the rule comes into force. What could I tell them?" rued an office-bearer. The office-bearer also wondered the reason for the sudden interest in this subject. Nobody knows what caused the rules committee to propose such a rule. "It is not as if the entire High Court complex has been attacked by dogs or other animals. Or is there something more to this rule?" wondered an advocate. Incidentally, fed up with the continuing failure of some members to clear their dues to the association despite repeated reminders, the association has also decided to come down heavily on such people. The draft rules propose strict action against such erring members. Meanwhile, sources say that the reason for the new rules is the decision of the association to get registered. "We will get registered so that we can save some of the tax that we are paying. We are planning major changes in the management and distribution of benevolent fund of the members. For example, we are thinking of giving timely cash assistance to any member who is in need of major medical assistance. So far, we could only give Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of a deceased member," said Mr Munish Jolly, Secretary of High Court Bar Association.
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3 District Court officials suspended
Chandigarh, November 25 According to reliable sources, Bhagirath, Reader, was suspended for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 100 from a District and Sessions Judge(Vigilance) for marking a court case as “not to be heard”, when the latter visited the court recently. Assistant Avtar Singh and clerk Harnek Singh were recently trapped by the CBI when they allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1,000 from a complainant for allowing him to see a case file.
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Bains gets bail, warrants
against wife
Chandigarh, November 25 The three are accused of torturing Ms Beant Kaur, widow of Air Vice-Marshal Harjinder Singh, and her sister Satwant Kaur. Ms Madhu Bains has been evading arrest since November 20. Colonel Bains and Vikram were arrested last week in the same case. While they were granted bail today, they were yet to be released. Ms Beant Kaur and her sister had recently alleged that their nephew, Colonel Bains, Ms Madhu Bains and Vikram had been “torturing” them for several years now and eyeing their house in Sector 3 and other property. However, Colonel Bains has alleged that certain relatives were “instigating” the sisters with a view to “grab” the property. The police arrested Colonel Bains and his son on November 20 while Madhu is still
absconding.
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Police remand for accused
in Rs 30-cr fraud
Chandigarh, November 25 The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr Harbhajan Dass, said custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary since a huge sum of money was involved in the fraud. The court allowed the police application for Rohit’s arrest as it was not opposed by his counsel. Rohit, along with another accused, Avinash Arora, had got a loan of Rs 68 crore sanctioned from the IFCI allegedly on the basis of forged documents to show security for setting up an industrial unit at Panchkula in 1999. Of the total amount, Rs 30 crore was sanctioned to the accused. Counsel for the accused argued that since no recovery was to be effected from him, there was no need for the police remand. However, it was alleged that since the accused secured Rs 30 crore by furnishing forged documents, interrogation was necessary. Meanwhile, the other accused, Avinash, was remanded to judicial custody till December 9.
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Police remand for accused in fraud case
Mohali, November 25 Ram Singh was arrested by the Mohali police yesterday and produced before the court of Judicial Magistrate Poonam Ratti. A resident of Karoran village, Ram Singh had allegedly sold an eight- acre plot that had already been sold to two other persons to Brig B.S. Grewal. The police also booked Roshan Lal, a resident of Kansal village, Mehar Singh of Karoran village and Bhupinder Singh for misusing the power of attorney given by the actual owners. According to the police, the four had managed to procure the powers of attorney to sell the land from the owners promising them high returns from the sale.
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Making documentaries his passion
Depicting drama in real-life situations through the eyes of his camera lens has been a lifelong passion for Mumbai-based G.L. Bharadwaj. Even at the age of 76 and having done over 100 films and winning as many as 21 awards later, the fire of this passion is still burning bright in his eyes as he shoots a day in the life of schoolchildren at Panchkula.
It is this passion alone that has made Bharadwaj, a self-taught and self-made short-film maker, take up the roles of a producer, director, cameraman, writer and editor as well. His affair with the camera started at a tender age when his brother gifted him a box camera. What started as a hobby became a full-time profession for him and he has been into photography for the past 50 years. “I have learnt it the hard way as I did not take any professional training in this field”, he says. Partition saw him landing in the city of dreams, Mumbai, as he felt it was the ideal place to be in for a person wanting to make a name in this field. He worked as an unpaid apprentice with Ranjit Studio in 1948 and later on he also worked with R.K. Films for five years, from (1951 to 1955). Famous publicity pictures, like the one of Nargis and Raj Kapoor in ‘Shri 420’, were clicked by him. After working with stalwarts like Raj Kapoor it was but natural that he graduated from still photography to shooting for films and finally took to making documentaries. He started with an assignment with G.D. Birla titled, ‘The Fifth Eye’, a film about discipline among students and there was no looking back after that. “I like making documentaries as these are more useful and informative. Documentaries are important for developing countries like India as there is a need to generate awareness as well as to acquaint people with our rich culture and customs”, he explains. His love for documentaries stems from the fact that these give a lot of freedom to the cameraperson to evolve with the theme. “These are spontaneous and not manufactured, and project the events as they happen and show real life without the powder and puff of the glamour world,” he adds. He has also been on the panel of Films Division, the largest documentary organisation in India, the Government of India and television. Bharadwaj also does work for ABC and World Wide Television and several foreign film productions. At present, he is working for NEIF on a series of long video productions for Global TV. He started his own company Bharadwaj Films and has won several awards at film festivals in India and abroad. He won the Golden Dove Medal at the Leipzig International Film Week in Germany in 1989 for his film, ‘Woman Labourers’, and also for ‘Women Cart Pullers’. “Women-oriented issues interest me a lot, but I have also made a number of films on culture and customs of India, adventure, nature and other topical issues.” Making films on children also interest him “as their enthusiasm is infectious and they make good subjects”. He is in Panchkula these days to shoot a short film, “A Day at Gurukul” for The Gurukul School. Working with a long-time friend and city-based script writer and film maker, Prof P.S. Nirola, last year he had shot a film for children in Solan and both would be working on a feature film too soon. |
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New Releases
Following the creditable success of Priyadarshan's “Hera Pheri” and “Hungama”, comic capers are the season's flavour now. Venus Tapes and Records Pvt Ltd is ready to take centrestage with their new laugh riot “Hulchul”. This one is also directed by Priyadarshan. He is presenting this sequel to his comedy “Hungama”. Akshay Khanna, Sunil Shetty and Paresh Rawal have pooled their comic talents in this film. Its success will lighten the clouds of gloom looming over the box-office. “Hulchul” opens today at Batra, Chandigarh, and Fun Republic, Manimajra.
“Hulchul” is touted as a comedy of errors in trade circles. It is about two estranged families. What follows is a series of deceitful but hilarious mishaps in the film. The film comes from the prestigious banner, Venus, known for films like “Khiladi”, “Baazigar”, “Main Khiladi Tu Anadi”, “Yes Boss”, “Dhadkan”, “Humraaz” and “Hungama”. Jackie Shroff, Arbaz Khan, Arshad Warsi, Amrish Puri, Lakshmi, Farah and Shakti Kapoor also star in the film. Sameer has penned the lyrics for South Indian music maestro Vidyasagar. Some catchy songs are indeed worth listening to. The buzz is that Priyadarshan has made a potential blockbuster. The comic talents of lead stars will determine whether Venus Tapes and Records Pvt Ltd have another box-office success under their belt. * * *
Presenter Jagdish Sodha and producer Raju Mavani's “Ab... Bas!” is also slated for release today at KC, Chandigarh. Former Miss World Diana Hayden makes her debut in Bollywood with this film. She has a daring role in the film. The film stars modelturned-actor Shahwar Ali, Nisha Karale, Pravin Sirohi, Chetanya Adib, Aroon Bakshi and Antara Biswas (guest appearance). Directed by Rajesh Singh, the film has story-dialogues by Atul Sharma, screenplay by Kamal Pandey and cinematography by Ajay Pandey. Music director Dabboo Malik scores a pleasant score — a mix of familiar melodies and rhythmic numbers. —
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