Ludhiana, December 29
The Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) has bestowed the Best Chapter Award upon the Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology (GNIMT) after adjudging the chapter as the best among all ISTE chapters in the northern region.

The GNIMT chapter has been selected for the award considering its overall performance and quantum of activities during the session.

Ludhiana, December 29
Dr Major Singh Randhawa, lecturer in Physics at Government Polytechnic for Women, here has brought laurels to the city in the field of technical educational by winning the Baroda Chapter National Award, 2004, for the best paper titled “Teaching human values in technical education” published in the Indian Journal of Technical Education during 2004.

This is the third national honour for Dr Randhawa as a promising teacher for creative work done in ‘technical education’. The award was presented to him on December 18, at the 34th Annual Convention of the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) held at Netaji Subhash Institute of Technology, Dwarka, New Delhi. Dr Randhawa is already a recipient of the ISTE National Award, 1999, for the best paper published in 2002 as promising teacher for creative work done in technical education.

He has received three appreciation awards from the Directorate of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Government of Punjab, and awards of honour from many organisations like the Shaheed Memorial Seva Society, Punjab and awards of honour from many organisations like Shaheed Memorial Seva Society, Punjab Youth Forum.

Dr Randhawa is a well-known educational analyst and author of four books including “Value Based Education-Need of the Hour,” and “Jagat Guru-Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji” and over 120 research/technical papers published in journals of national and international repute.

Ludhiana, December 29
Punjab Agricultural University today refuted the allegation of Dr Balwant Singh that he was not informed about the Board of Management meeting.

A university spokesman said Dr Balwant Singh, in his appeal on November 24, addressed to the Chairman, Board of Management, PAU, against the orders of the Vice-Chancellor reducing his pension for grave misconduct on his part, had sought personal hearing. Since he asked for personal hearing by the board, he was informed about the date, time and venue of the meeting of the board, which was held on December 23.

He added that the intimation was sent to him in response to his appeal and his allegation that the board was misled was totally baseless.

Ludhiana, December 29
We get only one life and so I want to pack maximum number of things in it. I want to study as well as live an adventurous life which would include taking part in different pageants . I was one of the five finalists of Glad Rags Mr India Contest in April 2004 and was awarded the title of Mr Best Potential. Now I am the only contestant from Ludhiana, Punjab, who would be participating in Mr India Grasim contest to be held on January 29, next year in Mumbai,” said Abhinav Shukla in a face to face with this correspondent.

Supremely confident , Abhinav said earlier for Glad Rags Contest too, he was the only one from Punjab and now too after regional contest for short- listing he is the ‘chosen one’.

He said out of more than 1 lakh applicants for Mr India Grasim, 200 participants are shortlisted from four Regions. He went to Delhi to participate in the regional contest on December 19.There were three rounds which included Talent Round at Swimming Costume round. The physical trainer, Mr Zuber Solanki, after examining Abhinev said he liked his well toned muscles.

Abhinev says: “For last six years, I have been scientifically studying the correct and scientific way of maintaining my body. I do not take any supplements or steroids . I am vegetarian and hence eat a lot of ‘soya products’ even if they do not taste that good. I do systematic weight training , cycling sprints , track sprints on regular basis. I eat only when I am hungry, he said.

Though Ludhiana has not as many facilities as metros, yet through self study, he has developed a lot of poise and personality. His local gym provides me good work outs. An engineering graduate, he is quite serious about my studies. At Present he is preparing for IAS examinations. If I win the contest, I will think of going into the modelling world. If I get good offers, I might even go for films. In case I don’t do well I have my studies to bank upon. Sky is the limit for me.”

His father is a scientist at PAU and his mother is a teacher. He said he had inherited scientific temper from his father , Dr K K Shukla, and self respect and idealism from his mother, Radha .

Many people came and tell Abhinav that he has an uncanny resemblance to model turned actor John Abraham, but he says “our hair styles are different , and my stubble is longer than that of John’s but I hope I will have my own distinct personality.”