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EDUCATION

Schools celebrate Christmas
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 20
Students of Dutt Vishesh School, Sector 26, here celebrated Christmas today. They sang carols and a woman dressed as Santa Claus visited the school and distributed sweets among the students.

The students and staff of Kendriya Vidyalaya, High Grounds, also celebrated Christmas in the school premises.

Annual function

Students of Government Model High School, Sector 29, here participated in the annual day function of the school today. Mr D.S. Mangat, DPI ( Schools) was the chief guest. On the occasion, the school magazine, Ashrut, was released by the DPI. Ms Shobha Kapoor, Headmistress, presented the annual report of the school. 

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NCC making vision statement
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 20
To enhance the scope of its activities and remove some misconceptions about its aims and functioning, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) is preparing a “Vision statement”. The document will lay down broad policy guidelines to be adopted to achieve the proposed vision.

Stating this while speaking to media persons here today, Deputy Director-General, Brig D.S. Dhillon, said there was a popular misconception that the NCC was basically oriented towards preparing the youth for service in the armed forces and its success was measured in the number of cadets absorbed into the services.

“Military training and personality development notwithstanding, the NCC is focused on producing better and more committed citizens who can be sinews of the nation and contribute effectively to nation building in all spheres,” he said.

The vision statement is in the process of being finalised. Brigadier Dhillon said that the intake of cadets, training, use of information technology, disaster management, adventure and sports, social service and promotion of Indian heritage, art and culture were among areas where there was scope for further improvement or expansion of activities.

The statement endeavours obtaining greater incentives for cadets from government as well as private establishments, strengthen institutionalised training and entrusting greater responsibility and accountability on associate NCC officers.

Besides assisting in civil defence measures, the NCC will contribute in greater measure towards eradication of corruption, illiteracy, environmental polution, deforestation and other social ills.

Brigadier Dhillon said that the Punjab, Haryana Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh Directorate had short-listed 126 cadets to participate in the Republic Day Camp — 2005 in Delhi next month. The contingent is in the final stages of preparation at a camp being held in Chandigarh. The cadets are being put through intensive training in all facets of competitions they would be facing in Delhi. Besides the 126 cadets, the directorate is also sending a 44-member marching band to participate in the Republic Day parade.

Chandigarh Group Commander, Col Ashwini Sharma, said that experts from the North Zone Cultural Centre had been incorporated to train cadets for cultural competitions.

A range of musical instruments have also been procured. Besides, 20 cadets have been trained and a multimedia presentation has been designed to present a comprehensive peep into the culture and heritage of the region during the national integration awareness presentation.

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Arts college students move high court
Our High Court Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 20
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued notice of motion for January 13, 2005, on a petition filed by nine students of the Government College of Arts, Chandigarh.

The students have sought directions to the UT Administration to complete the admission process for Master of Fine Arts Course as per the guidelines of the All-Indian Council of Technical Education.

Seeking a writ of mandamus to the respondents to ensure that the admission process is neither postponed nor discontinued, the petitioners have stated that unlike the past two years, when alleged bureaucratic apathy jeopardised the course, this year it must be a smooth affair.

During an earlier hearing, the UT Administration’s counsel had informed the court that admission process was completed before November 30, the last date. The case was then adjourned to January 13, 2004. In the meantime, the AICTE issued a show-cause notice to the UT Administration, asking it to explain why it made the admissions.

The petitioners then amended the petition, which came up for hearing before the Bench headed by Mr Justice S.S. Nijjar, who issued notice for January 13.

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‘Tom Sawyer’ coming to city on Dec 22
Arvind Katyal

“TOM Sawyer”, the play, depicts the story of a child who is the embodiment of mischief, innocence and ingeniousness, as a schoolboy and gets himself in trouble as easily and quickly as he comes out of it. This contemporary play will be staged for the first time in the city on December 22 by the theatre group of the Delhi Public School, Sector 40.

Describing the contents of the play, Ms Sunita Tanwar, Principal, who herself took all pains to conceptualise, direct and guide the artistes says. “They wanted something unique to be presented before the public and chose to stage this play on the lives of schoolchildren. The best part is that it is an inhouse production.” Ms Tanwar has written the lyrics of the play.

On the play, she says, “Tom, the lead character, played by Gandharv Bajaj, has tried to project in the play that his pranks and spirit of adventure is universal. Tom has indeed become the living metaphor for all naughty girls and boys. In this musical play, Tom Sawyer is shown as bright and spirited. The lilting lyrics, the breath-taking costumes, together transfer us to the world of childish playfulness, and punishments.

Ms Tanwar said, “Blessed are the children who live in a world of imagination and feelings and can invest even the most insignificant object into any form they please and see in it what they wish to see.”

The play is not only meant to be spectacular entertainment but a refuge in this heavenly world of children. She said the play has brought together more than 600 persons as dancers, singers and workers who worked hard for nearly a month for the show.

The play will be staged on December 22 and 23 on the school campus. OC

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Guys, go for wild look
Swarleen Kaur

City youths give a fashion statement in their own language.
City youths give a fashion statement in their own language. — Tribune photo by Parvesh Chauhan

IF you guys feel that you did not get due attention at the last week’s party, better check your wardrobe.Your outfits might not be in tune with the latest attitude reigning the fashion scene.

Most of the time guys complain that they don’t have as much variety in terms of colour and style as the girls have. But this time they have been proved wrong. All they need is to check out the city markets which are swamped with an array of impressive jackets, jeans, sweatshirts and cardigans. Some of them are sure to steal their hearts. It is just a question of finding out what suits you the best. A little bit of willingness to experiment and a right kind of mixing and matching can get you going.

  • Cultivate your own style and do not be slave to fashion fundas of magazines
  • Try to experiment with colors. Black doesn’t always have to go with white
  • Be bold, be unique and do not hide your preferences even if these are outdated
  • Hide your bulge in bias cut shirts
  • Try shirts with small prints if you love prints
  • Avoid heavy embroidery
  • Comfort remains the guiding force.

“Dhoom” magic

As usual, Bollywood sets the fashion trends for the young. More recently, the city is witnessing the impact of ‘ Dhoom’. Jeans and jackets worn by its leading cast-John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra — have stirred the imagination of many, especially the bike lovers. Those lured by high speed and the thrill of the road have updated their wardrobes enthusiastically.

Jeans are forever

The ever comfortable jeans is the first choice of the many college going boys. It doesn’t matter to them whether the occasion is formal or a boozers’ den. This time straightway dismiss light blue jeans. Darker shades of jeans are in this season. Low-waist jeans are much sought after. These are stylish and it is must for your closet if you claim to be stylish. Stone-washed jeans are preferred by those keen to sport rough and rugged look. If you want a sporty look then go for loose gritting trousers with pockets and zippers.

Flaunt what you feel

Waves, stripes, sand washed jeans especially frayed and in black colour, are very popular among the teenagers as well as college -goers. Fits and tight flare jeans are in. Jeans with dirty and greasy are perfect to display “I damn care attitude”. With their values in flux, youngsters need to be given the freedom to flaunt what they think.

Freak out in leather

Leather jackets are cool, contemporary and chic and worn by both the sexes. These give a glamourous look and are easy to maintain also. Though a bit costly but these prove economical in the long run. Easy to maintain, if mixed and match well, then it can give you the right look for attending a party.

Corduroy jackets are hot favorites this time. Mixed with denim, these give a different look. One can get these with fur collars which gives a western look. If Looking for something cool as well as somewhat different then check out the simple jackets in various shades. Some have pockets on the sleeves. Plain jackets and designers jackets in blue, red, lemon and electric blue are there to give you a suave look. The range of these jackets start from Rs 1200. With the increasing chill, overcoats are also being called for these are available in leather, woollen, polyester in the hues of black, blue, grey, camel color.The range starts from Rs 1800.

Poya, an Interior design student, NIFD, said , “ I am very fond of designer wear. I prefer jeans with a dirty look. When I am on dance floor , most of the time I am wearing jeans and jacket. I like leather jackets too,” black, blue and white colors are his favirote. He also follows Bollywood style whenever he find something impressive. He says it is the confidence which can help in leaving the desired impression.

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Cassette on martyrdom of Sahibzadas launched 

TO commemorate the tercentenary of the martyrdom of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, an audio cassette “Mehal Sikhi da” was launched in Chandigarh on Saturday. The cassette has been produced by city-based film producer Amarjeet Singh under the banner of Creative Vision Films.

It was launched at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Kanthala Complex, Chandigarh. The function was organised by the Institute of Sikh Studies.

The audio cassette contains eight devotional songs, dedicated to the valour of the Sahibzadas.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Amarjeet Singh disclosed that the entire recording and technical work had been done in Mumbai. Renowned playback singers, including Mahinder Kapoor, Jaspinder Narula, Dilraj Kaur, Suresh Wadekar and Surinder Shinda, have lent their voices to the songs.

The function was presided over by Mr Gurdev Singh, an IAS officer. Dr S. Kirpal, historian, who was the chief guest, said, “Though I have gone through the history of many personalities, Sikh history is unique and has its own significance. I have never come across such a high degree of fortitude which the young Sahibzadas displayed while standing up for their values. Sadly very few people know about Sikh history. We should make sincere efforts to make the coming generation aware of the Sikh history”. He appreciated the efforts of Mr Amarjeet Singh in compiling the historical facts relating to the four Sahibzadas.

Mr Amarjeet Singh played the cassette for the audience. He revealed that the video of the cassette would be launched soon.

Varinder Bachchan is the music composer and Rattan Babak Wala has penned down the lyrics. OC

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‘The Legend of Ashoka’ staged
S.D. Sharma

THE supreme virtues of Love came to the fore as the Mask Theatre group offered a Hindi play “The Legend of Ashoka” .

The historical play staged at the Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh on Monday in association with the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademy captured the chronology of events leading to transformation of the mighty emperor Ashoka to a humble apostle of truth, non-violence and compassion.

After a mundane start, the performance gathered momentum as Charu Mitra(Neha Rai Saini) translated the sayings of “Sutradhar” (Krishan) into immaculate choreographic spells. The director , Ravi Bohat, attempted to illustrate the massive destruction and bloodshed in the war of Kalinga which Ashoka fought after eight years of his coronation. The script delved deep to project those factors which led to Ashoka’s renunciation of worldly pursuits.

The high-pitched dialogue deliveries and loud drumming sometimes marred the essence of the potent script. Though the young actors endeavored to deliver many limitations barred the true portrayal of respective characters.

The music renditions by Harpreet and Vijay Machal augmented the performance. Gaurav Sharama and Neha, Krishan were impressive and Sandeep Sunny, Sahbi Singh, Mandip Kanwar, Brijinder, Sardari Ashok, Ashish and Ajay formed the cast. OC

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Pilgrim with a patriotic mission

DURAI Raman, a resident of Kadllur district, Tamil Nadu, is on a pilgrimage but with a patriotic mission. This 44-year-old bachelor left his home in January 1 this year with just Rs 200 in his pocket. He started his mission from Kanyakumari. He says he is a devotee of Bharat Mata and to worship this land ,he will cover the whole of India on foot.

He has a firm belief in God and nature is taking good care of him. To sustain himself he works in tea stalls or dhabas. He also accepts alms from people. He has been lucky in the sense that he has never had to sleep empty stomach.

This thin man in ragged clothes always carries the National Flag with him. He wants to spread the message of peace and brotherhood in India.

Durai desires to meet the Prime Minister or the President of India to accomplish his mission. He was in Chandigarh on Monday and after this he will go to Uttar Pradesh. If given a chance he would also like to go Nepal.

He did not get married as his first love is his motherland . After completing this journey, he will go back to Tamil Nadu and spend the rest of his life praying. OC

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Meet ‘Green’ Santa Claus this time

GET ready to interact with a ‘Green’ Santa Claus instead of the usual portly grandfather in red cap this Christmas. As a part of ongoing campaign to raise awareness about the risks of genetically engineered (GE) crops, the Greenpeace is bringing ‘Green Santa’ to the nine cities of India. Green Santa will talk to the people and will make them aware about the grave dangers posed by GE crops, particularly GE rice.

“It is the perfect time to remind the people that for most of us in India rice is life. But GE rice presents an immediate and grave threat to our rice. So we are here to urge kids and their parents to support the Greenpeace campaign against the GE rice,” said Sachin Arora, one of the Green Santas in the Chandigarh. OC

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Workshop on print-making begins

THE Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi in collaboration with CITCO, Chandigarh, started a regional print-making workshop at the Government College of Art, Sector 10, today.

Those participating in this workshop are Nirmal Prakash, Monika Rana, Rakesh Bani from Chandigarh, Uttam Kumar Basak, Som Nath, Sweta Rana, Anu Gupta, Manikant Chaudhury, Biswajit Mandal from Delhi and Yogendra Gupta from Jammu and Kashmir.

The workshop will continue till December 26 and an exhibition of the works, produced in the workshop, will also be held on the concluding day. OC

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