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CBSE may assign probe to independent agency
Chandigarh, December 21 A decision in this regard has to be taken by the Chairman of the board. The independent agency could be the special cell of the Chandigarh Police or the Vigilance Department of the Chandigarh Administration. A section of employees, in a recent statement issued to the media, had demanded a CBI probe into the matter. Two years ago, when an answer book scam was unearthed in the regional office of the board, the crime branch operation (CBO) cell of the Chandigarh Police had handled the investigation. Sources in the board said after the tampering was noticed, the board got an inquiry conducted. Though no specific evidence was found against the two assistants who were in charge of the AB cell, the board transferred them. The two assistants had the keys of the AB cell. The inquiry had been ordered into the rechecking case. The investigation officer deputed by the board had revealed that a supplementary answer book had been attached with the original answer book when the student, who was placed under compartment, in biology in the Class XII annual examination conducted in March, 2004, had applied for re-evaluation to the regional office. It could not be proved whether employees posted in the AB cell or an employee outside the cell managed to attach the supplementary sheet. In the annual exams, the student had got 15 marks out of 70. He had attempted questions for 50 marks. The evaluators, while checking the answer book, had marked not attempted (NA) on its cover page. The evaluators and other officials in the regional office, who handle the re-evaluation process had in first chance failed to catch the irregularity. The student was to be issued the DMC by the branch concerned when the flaw was noticed. This year, there were 11 persons — the Regional Officer, two assistant secretaries, two section officers, three assistants and three peons and helpers — who had access to the AB cell. The answer book cannot be taken out of the AB cell without a factious roll issued by the Regional Officer. The Class IV labour force also had access to the AB cell for maintenance purposes.
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PU introduces
commerce courses, modifies syllabi
Chandigarh, December 21 In the commerce faculty nine add-on courses were also introduced in BCom. These are tourism and travel, insurance business, foreign trade practice and procedures, advertisement and sales management, computer-based accounting and event management, entrepreneurship, bank management and business statistics. The entire syllabus was reviewed and certain topics in corporate accounting were deleted. While the syllabi for science subjects was passed for 2005-06, syllabi for the postgraduate English course of part I and II, pending for over one-and-a-half years, was passed after certain modifications. In the faculty of education 20 lecturers of the Government College of Education complained about the illogical merger of two papers. It was resolved that the members of the faculty in consultation with the dean would resolve the issue. The proposal of the UGC, sent by the Vice-Chancellor, for starting a diploma in yoga therapy was referred back to the board of studies after certain members raised objections about teaching subjects like astrology and astronomy. The PG diploma in guidance and counselling, scheduled to be introduced in 2005-06 was referred back to the Board of Education. Earlier, various faculties elected their respective deans and secretaries at separate meetings here today. Those elected are: Arts faculty-Dean: Dr Ashwani Aggarwal; language faculty-Dean: Prof Devinder Singh; Science faculty-dean: Dr C.G. Mahajan; dairy and animal husbandry faculty-dean: Mr Kehar Singh and secretary: Mr Dalip Kumar; Law faculty-Dean: Justice S.K. Jain and secretary: Prof Kulwant Gill, Medical Science faculty-Dean: Dr K.K. Talwar, Secretary: Dr Kamaljit Singh; Education Faculty-Dean: Dr Satinder Dhillon and secretary: Prof S.C. Gakhar, pharmaceutical science faculty-Dean: Prof T.R. Bhardwaj and secretary: Prof V.R. Sinha; design and fine arts faculty-Dean: Prof G. Kumara Verma and secretary: Dr Pankaj Mala Sharma, chemical engineering and technology faculty-Dean: Prof B.S. Sohi and secretary: Prof V.K. Rattan, business management and commerce-Dean: Prof A.K. Sahijpal and secretary: Dr Karamjeet Singh.
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PU Syndicate: cracks in Vaid group come to fore
Chandigarh, December 21 Post-election, Principal A.C. Vaid claimed his entire group as a “pro-rotation” group, which sent Senators owing allegiance to them in rotation to the Syndicate, which is elected every year. Having stuck together till yesterday, four Syndics, led by Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh, said today that their only identity was that of “academicians” and that they neither belonged to Vaid or Chatrath groups, thereby opening a third front on the campus. The other “academicians” on the list are Dr S.S. Sangha, Dr R.P.S. Josh and Ms Kuldeep Kaur Pannu. Interestingly, in the combined faculty election, Dr Sangha’s name was proposed by Dr Vaid. Also, among the newly elected Syndics is a BJP group which has Mr Satya Pal Jain, former MP and Mr Rajinder Bhandari, general secretary of the Punjab BJP unit, as its members. Another constituent of the “pro-rotation group” are the Syndics representing the DAV management. From the DAV institutions Mr Subhash Marriya and Dr D.R. Gupta were elected to the Syndicate. Here too, Mr Marriya’s name was proposed by Dr Vaid. Today, however, they asserted themselves as the DAV group. The university Senate has always been divided into Deepa-Deepak group and Chatrath group, both led by Congressmen. When Mr Rajinder Deepa quit university politics, the Deepa group was rechristened as Chawla-Vaid group, led by Senator Charanjit Chawla and Principal Vaid, and continued with its Congress ideology. This arrangement did not continue for long and the group broke up on account of its growing affinity with the BJP. Congressmen Ashok Goyal and Keshav Malhotra chose to leave this group and sided with local Member of Parliament, Mr Pawan Bansal. Subsequently, Dr Malhotra was elected to the Senate with support of the Chatrath group. With political equations completely changed in the Senate elections held in August and September, the two groups went to the polls. Mr Charanjit Chawla lost the election and Principal Vaid took over his place. Yesterday, 15 Syndics were elected. Of these, Principal Vaid claimed that 14 belonged to his “pro-rotation” group. Only Mr Ashok Goyal was elected with support from both groups.
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Christmas celebrations at schools
Chandigarh, December 21 Students of Carmel Convent School celebrated Christmas with the children from ‘Pustak’. Students of the primary classes entertained the visitors with giddha. The visitors presented garba dance. Later, the visitors were treated with meal prepared by students of primary classes of the school. Annual day function
The Kindergarten section of Tender Heart School, Sector 33-B, organized “KIDS MUSICAL MEDLEY — 2004”, as part of the annual day celebrations here. The guest of honour was Mr Krishna Mohan, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration. The ‘Annual Fete’ followed the morning’s function. The children, along with their parents had fun. They spent the day trying their skill at the various game stalls and tasting mouth-watering snacks. NSS camp
A 10-day NSS camp began at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23. Mr S.K. Sharma, Principal of the school, inaugurated the camp. Various activities undertaken during the camp included a talk on HIV, poster making and slogan-writing contests. A visit to Kumar colony and a cleanliness drive on the school campus was also undertaken. Lectures
Philip L. Balcaen, an Assistant Professor (secondary education), Okanagan University College, Canada, is delivering lectures on critical thinking, at Vivek High School, Sector 38. A science graduate and with vast experience in teaching, Philip has also been editor of a science series for the Critical Thinking Consortium. Bal Utsav
A day filled with fun and frolic marked the Bal Utsav celebrations at Eicher School, Parwanoo. An inter-school sports event was organised for the students of the school. The students participated in various events like drawing, painting, singing and fancy dress competition. The function ended with a prize distribution function. R-Day parade
Richa Arora, a volunteer of the NSS unit of MCM DAV College, has been selected by the regional centre of the NSS to participate in the national-level Republic Day parade camp to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi. She had been selected to represent Chandigarh at the R-Day parade, said Ms Sukhpreet Bhatia, Programme Officer of the NSS unit of the college.
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Mohali school celebrates X’mas
Mohali, December 21 The Christmas programme included a small insight into the life of Jesus through a play where the tiny tots were dressed up as Mother Mary, Father Joseph, angels, kings and shepherds. They sang Christmas carols and danced with Santa Claus, who distributed gifts to the children. The Christmas cake was cut by the Principal, Ms Ranjeet Bedi, along with the students of the school. The students then relished the cake served to them. The fun and frolic of Christmas day ended with a huge dance party conveying the message of universal brotherhood.
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NIIFT students show creativity
Mohali, December 21 The presentation focussed on the application of colours and various elements of design like line, texture, surface, size and motif. The students created different products like stoles, tops, sweaters and laces by using yarn. They played around with different knots using fishermen’s net knots and slip knots to achieve the desired effect. They also knitted and created tops using crochet. Mr K. Krishnamurty, faculty in charge, said the attempt was to mould new designers to the requirements to the world market as well as globalisation by the year 2005. He said a photographer, Navneet Saxena, assessed the creative work of the students.
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Govt Primary School to be shifted
Chandigarh, December 21 Over 700 students were enrolled in the makeshift premises of the school in the area. Initially, the students of Classes III, IV and V will be shifted to the new building. Classes I and II will continue on the old premises.
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Beant case: complaint against warder
Chandigarh,
December 21 In his application before Mr Balbir Singh, Additional Sessions Judge, the counsel, Mr N. S. Minhas, alleged that the Mr Naresh Kumar, Warder, had tried to interfere in the administration of justice by snatching a piece of paper from Navjot yesterday. Navjot wanted to hand over the paper to his lawyers for asking some relevant questions from a witness and the DSP of the CBI, Mr R.S. Dhankar, Mr Minhas claimed.
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Kids want expensive gifts
HIS dreams are too big for his stockings. For the Christmas, the little one — pampered by the ways of the world — wants an impressive box of Swiss chocolates. Nicely tied with red ribbon. Too lavish to be stuffed into tiny red stockings. The ones adorned with twinkling stars and glittery trimmings. Also a “programmed” tree with glowing needles for the living room of his Sector 48 house.
Beating his tiny chest, a la Tarzan style, the class II student threatens to proceed on hunger strike if his demands are not met. Zaheer even pushes aside the breakfast of cornflakes and milk with adamant hands before drumming the tea-stained table ruthlessly. “Will never talk to father ever again in my life if he doesn’t get me the tree,” he vows angrily before propelling back the chair, mercilessly. Stumping the dining room floor, he says, “It’s final. No more arguments, please”. The Christmas tree with nice little drums, sparkling stars, and glittery balls had caught his fancy a few days back. Zaheer had gone to his chum Varun’s house in Sector 18 on a special invitation aimed at displaying the tree, and the family’s prosperity. Since then, Zaheer has been after his parents for the tree. He is not alone. Five-year-old Waida too is waiting for the reindeer and Santa Claus, just like the one she had admired at friend Rahul’s place. A tap on his shoulder had made the candle-clutching Santa swing in sync with the music. The carol-singing Santa was a gift for Rahul who had secured good marks in mathematics, according to him. Trips to the arcades by their dads had revealed that the Santa was costing Rs 3,000. The tree was a little less expensive. The tag secured to it had mentioned Rs 2,500 as the price. In any case, both gifts were “out of their reach”, along with so many other presents. Zaheer and Waida do not understand all this. Like so many other kids of their age. The reason is not hard to see. For some of their friends, money is no consideration. Why should it be for them? The car Zaheer’s dad got on instalments is just not enough, apparently. “I want the tree, now”, he cries again, desperately. “The two do not know — are not expected to — that there are haves and have nots in society. Then there are people living life grandiosely without having much to their credit,” says sociologist Rajeev Varma. “They are the ones celebrating Divali, Christmas, and even Halloween, by organising parties without even caring to comprehend the significance of the festivals”. Explaining the trend, he says, “They encourage their little ones to fit in the elite circle by flashing money. And the stuff that it can buy. Dazzled, other kids try following suit. It all culminates in the end of innocence”, says Ms Raman, owner of a gift shop in Sector 11. For the young innocents, gift shops all over the city have Chinese and local trees ranging from Rs 150 to Rs 3,000, depending upon the quality. “Then there are alluring decorations, including boxes and drums,” says Ms Raman, owner of a gift shop in Sector 11. You can also buy flying Santa, besides the dancing and singing ones. “CDs of carols too are in demand,” adds Ms Krishna, owner of another shop in Sector 11.
TNS
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Street play on Christmas
The Media Commission of the Shimla-Chandigarh Catholic Diocese held a street play on Christman on Tuesday at the Sukhna Lake. The commission is on a mission to create awareness among people and spread the message of love.
Father Sahaya
Thatheus, director of the commission said, “Christmas brings joy not only for Christians but to the whole humanity.
OC
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Beauty and variety, hallmarks of Jhamb’s art
Hargopal Jhamb believes in makings sense with his art. Driven by purpose and aesthetics, the painter-sculptor is back with his creations, this time to project everything possible under the sun.
That’s why he has chosen not to title his show that opened at IndusInd gallery this evening. The only constant his exhibition has from the last one held a year back is metal plate, his favourite medium that offers ample scope for the play of imagination and colour. Powder paints look good on metal plates as these take various forms - from portraits of luminaries like S.L Prasher and B.C. Sanyal to warrior like Hari Singh Nalwa and other Sikh generals. The show is also global in appeal as it finds enough space for the artist’s reactions to 9/11 incident and a Michael Jackson’s turmoil. Nudes return in Jhamb’s show this season as well and the artist goes all out to explain his passion for them. “They are classics, although I must admit with regret they have a weak market in India. I do have buyers of nudes abroad,” he adds. Mother Nature dominates the landscape section where the artist draws inspiration from the majesty of hills. Waterfalls, spring and rain are all there for viewers to savour. In yet another section, the show takes a twist to paint scenes from wars. While one of the works shows furious Hari Singh Nalwa in action, another shows preparedness for war. A frame later, you encounter the beauty of birds. Peacock rules this section of Jhamb’s creation which is not bound by themes, and mercifully so.
TNS
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Hungarian film fest opens today
To be presented at 6.15 pm tomorrow, the film takes the audience back to the Hungary of the 1910s when the region was populated by Slovakians. The film traces the passionately painful marriage of a couple, the world of destructive love and sensual sufferings. The second in line is “Outpost”, a film about Gizi Weiss who lives somewhere in the eastern Europe and works as an engineer. Directed by Gothar Peter, the film closely follows Gizi’s life, right till the time it meets a mess. The last to be screened during the three-day festival will be the film titled, “The Prosecution”, directed by Sara Savdor. The films will be screened till December 24 at 6.15 pm daily. TNS
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Vasundhara, Kalapini to perform today
The Department of Cultural Affairs, Haryana, in collaboration with Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Panchkula, will organise a vocal recital by the mother-daughter duo Vasundhara and Kalapini Komkali.
Both inheritors of a grand musical legacy of Kumar Gandharva, Vasundhara and Kalapini have regaled audiences across the world with their unique style. They have also experimented with traditions of classical music, bringing alive the charms of Kumar Gandharva. Vasundhara and Kalapini are especially famous for their series of musical creations on the theme of seasons. They will perform at Bhavan Vidyalaya Auditorium, Sector 15, Panchkula, tomorrow at 6 pm.
TNS
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Festival of Silk
begins
The grace of Indian silk sarees was highlighted at the Festival of Silk being organized at Handloom House, Sector 17, Chandigarh, on Tuesday.
The range of hand-woven sarees and dress material on display is sure to win admiration. Be it Benarsi, tanchoi, jamavar, brocade or bootidars — prints are eyecatching. Poohamapally, dharamvaram pure silk Gadwal, Pathani sarees are sure to satiate discerning buyers. Tangail, dhanikahli, balucharies, bonkai and Ikat sarees are another attraction at the festival. Silk neckties and scarves are also on display. Mohd Asif, manager of the showroom, said the variety had been procured directly from weavers all over India. Sponsored by the Central Government, the festival is on till January 15.
OC
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The long-awaited Hungarian film festival will open at the Institute of Microbioal Technology, Sector 39, Chandigarh, on Wednesday evening. Being brought to the city by the Chandigarh Film Society, the festival will open with the screening of the Hungarian classic “Jadviga’s Pillow”, by Krisztina Deak.