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PU staff protest before Syndicate meeting
Chandigarh, May 21 Meanwhile, student activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad (ABVP) led by Yajvendra Yadav protested against the Syndicate proposal of not allowing the students to agitate with in 200 metres of the VC office.
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Internal assessment for correspondence students
Chandigarh, May 21 A committee comprising PU fellows, representatives of the students will take a final decision on whether the students be allowed to agitate and put up tents outside the VC office. Syndic Ashok Goyal said that the opinion of the general public should also be taken into consideration. A final decision on the crucial proposal of “no work, no pay” for the non-teaching employees, would be taken by the Joint Consultative Machinery. The proposal was meant for those employees who took part in agitations and strikes within the office hours to protest for their demands. The syndics have further decided to include the President and Secretary of Panjab University Teachers Association (PUTA) in the committee to arrive at an amicable decision. The item on defining hardship for shortage of lectures was withdrawn. Two seats, out of total 100 have been reserved for the judge community of Hoshiarpur district after Rs 2 crore was given by Dr Harvansh Singh Judge, a Canada-based NRI for starting the Dental Sciences college in PU. The college is likely to begin this session. Ten per cent internal assessment for the undergraduate students enrolled with the Department of Correspondence studies at PU has been approved. The withdrawal of 50 per cent fee concession to the wards of the retired university employees has also been approved. Syndics S. Marriya and Dr R.P.S. Josh voiced their opinion against approving the item. The Syndicate also welcomed a donation of Rs 2.23 lakh from Mr I.S. Paul, Chairman and Managing Director of Drish Shoes. The money will be utilised for air conditioning of the University Business School (UBS). The Syndicate has authorised VC K.N. Pathak to take “appropriate action” against the two employees of the Regional Law Centre, Ludhiana — Kuldeep Singh and Ashok Kumar — for moral turpitude. The members have also approved the new syllabus for the B.Sc. (Home Science) students from academic session 2006-2007. The students will be required to study basic science in the first year and applied sciences in the second year. Around 35 appointments of lecturers and readers have also been approved at the meeting and the affiliation for various new courses has also been granted to the colleges who applied for them. On a representation given by Senator Prabhjit Singh for regularising the daily wagers on the pattern of Punjab Government, the Syndicate has given the daily wagers the DC rates and has also referred to Board of Finance (BoF).
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From
Schools
Chandigarh, May 21 The students expressed their love, respect and admiration for Sister Rose. In her parting message, Sister Rose urged the students to carry on their endeavour to shape a healthy future for India and stressed upon the need to follow the school motto, “Let your light shine”. A solo dance performance, poems, songs and speeches marked an entertainment programme. The hymn “Showers of blessings we seek” was also rendered. Fashion show
Students of Shishu Niketan Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 22, organised a fashion show to mark the onset of their summer vacations. Ms Nimisha Gupta, Centre Manager, NIFD, Sector 8, was the chief guest. The fashion show also had a question-answer session. The following were the winners: Little Miss Well-Dressed — Sakshi; Little Master Well Dressed — Kulpreet Singh; Miss Personality — Mehak Attri; Master Personality — Anurag. Story telling: Mohit Dutta, class I; Rewant Mehra, class II and Rajdeep, class II. Flower arrangement: Himalaya, class III; Inderpreet, class V and Preet, class IV. Rangoli competition: Aravali House (Sakshi, Kanny, Navneet); Nilgiri House (Nitish Ravi, Palmeet and Sonal). Winners in flower competition for class X are — Shivalik House (Saurabh and Priyanka); Vidyanchal and Neelgiri (Tanu, Harsimran and
Heena). Blood donation
Vivek High School organised a blood donation camp in collaboration with the PGI blood bank here today. Over 100 parents and faculty donated blood units. Parents In Partnership and ex-students of Vivek High (EVA) motivated the people to donate blood. Cultural programme
PANCHKULA Workshop held
A workshop on health and nutrition was organised at DAV Senior Public School, Surajpur, here today. The experts emphasised that a healthy mind dwells only in a healthy body. They said a growing tendency to rely on fast foods was wreaking havoc on the health of children.
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Gem Public School organises competitions
Mohali, May 21 The results were as follows: flower arrangement: Pooja Maheswari, Amrinder Brar and Kundan Sparsh; mehndi: Sonam, Manpreet Kaur and Ravneet Kaur; and rangoli: Tarundeep Kaur, Bakshinder Singh and Khushdeep Kaur.
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Children present songs and dances
Mohali, May 20 Children gathered in the school auditorium. They presented dances and songs. Ms Parminder Kaur, a teacher in the school, addressed the school children and exhorted them to utilise their vacations fruitfully. The Director Principal of the school, Mr D.S. Bedi, complimented the students on their performance in the cultural show and gave useful tips for spending their vacation. He emphasised the need of becoming IT savvy and urged the students of senior classes to devote sometime during their vacation to this aspect.
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Students’ parents, staff of school donate blood
Panchkula, May 21 The camp was organised by the school authorities in association with the Department of Transfusion Medicine, PGI, Chandigarh. “The idea was to create awareness among children about the importance of blood donation. Since the school students themselves could not donate blood, I encouraged them to ask their parents to come forward to attend this camp,” said the school Principal, Mr Vijay Kumar. The school had organised a parent-teacher meeting today and the parents, asked by their wards, came forward to donate blood after the meeting. Other than parents, most of the teaching and Class IV staff of the school also came forward for blood donation. Mr Vijay Kumar said that though there were a lot of misconceptions among Class IV staff regarding blood donation, they, too, came forward to donate blood. He said this was the first time that a blood-donation camp had been organised in the school. However, such camps would be organised at regular intervals.
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School councillors take oath
Mohali, May 21 Parents of the elected candidates were invited to attend the ceremony. The head boy and head girl took the oath in the presence of Mr Jasdeep Kalra, Executive Director of the AKSIPS group of schools. The Principal of AKSIPS, Mohali, Ms Jasmine Kalra, said the students realised the responsibility and importance of voting and electing the right candidate.
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Students enjoy bounties of summer
Dera Bassi, May 21 The children dressed in their colourful best, got to taste mangoes and watermelons along with nimbu paani. They were also told about various things used in summer months. A refreshing dip in splash pools was also arranged for the kids and several water games were organised. Winners were given prizes by the president of the Sai Dharam Singh Grover Foundation.
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Students present cultural programme
Zirakpur, May 21 The function started with the recital of Gayatri Mantra by students of nursery class. Dressed up as Gandhiji and three monkeys, the students presented a small musical skit on national integration. The students also dancing to the tune of ‘Boogie- Woogie’. Indian classical dance ‘Kathak’ was performed on Radha-Krishan. Play with theme ‘Let us keep our earth pollution-free’ was enacted by the senior students of the school. Mr Praveen Sirohi, a leading model of India, accompanied by Ms Gunjan, a VJ with fashion TV, was the chief guest on the occasion. Representatives from Cambridge University through British Council presented the certificates to all the students who excelled in YLE - starters test. Mr Mitul Dikshit, director of the school, announced that the higher test of English in collaboration with the Cambridge University in this session.
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World Biodiversity Day
Mohali, May 21 |
Defamation case against Amarinder
adjourned
Chandigarh, May 21 The case was filed by Mr Badal alleging that the Chief Minister, who was then the president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), has lowered the prestige of his father and former Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, and the family. It was alleged that the PPCC had launched a slander campaign against the Badals during the run-up to the Punjab Assembly elections of 2002. The advertisements against the Badals alleged that they had amassed huge wealth disproportionate to their known sources of income while in power.
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Western Film Review
CHANDIGARH: From the sublime to the depraved. From goodness to evil. The galaxy of benevolence has become the galaxy of decadence. Democracy has given way to dictatorship.
As the space epic of George Lucas, “Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” (Fun Republic), enters its final orbit, celluloid becomes a battleground where the dark side of the Force is engaged in a deadly duel with the bright one. Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), the Jedi hero who was once the darling of the Republic, has become a villain. The chosen one has transformed into the dreaded one. But how did it happen? It was nurtured by Anakin’s fear and propelled by the lust for power of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) who, after being rescued by Anakin and Master Obi-Wan-Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) from the separatist Droid army, has taken Anakin under his wing. The young apprentice has a fear of his pregnant beloved Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) dying in childbirth. He wants to gain power to prevent it. The despot needs him to perpetuate his hold over the Republic. The combination is lethal. Despite the best efforts of Kenobi to wean Anakin from the evil influence of the Chancellor, the Jedi warrior is seduced by the dark side and becomes the venomous Darth Vader. Acting has never been the strong suit of the science fiction saga. Technology has always dwarfed artistic merit. Some critics have even gone to the extent of saying that the series turned Hollywood into a commercial beast. With an awesome array of special effects, “Star Wars: Episode III ...” is no different. The protagonist, Hayden Christensen, does nothing to reverse the process of the erosion of humanity. Where emoting is concerned, Samuel L. Jackson and Christopher Lee in cameo parts too draw a blank. Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor are the only exceptions. Though fliting in and out of frames, Natalie plays her role with aplomb. She uplifts the emotional quotient of the film. Whether engaging in light saber battles, warning Anakin against the machinations of the Chancellor or handling the birth of Luke and Leia, McGregor comes like a whiff of fresh air. The series has so far been a box-office monster. But the fear of a future calamity might be constantly nagging at George Lucas. In one of the scenes, a character, Master Yoda, says: “You have to train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” By ringing the curtain down on the “Star Wars” series, Lucas may just be trying to do that. |
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Film
Review
Bollywood is now exploring psychic dimensions. The idea of a soul remaining attached to the body even after death may not be easily digestible to many.
After “Bhoot” and ”“Ek Hasina Thee”, Urmila Matondkar seems to have developed a penchant for frightening cries and she does it effectively. After establishing her name in the world of glamour, the actress strengthens herself in the scary business in “Naina”. Naina’s (Urmila) eyesight is restored after an operation. And she starts seeing things which are not visible to others-a dead man hanging from a ceiling, patients who are no longer living. Her emoting eyes, which can foresee death, become the director’s asset to enthral us. She feels the pain of the dying persons. Traumatised, she is transformed. The background music is the biggest asset of the first-time director Shripal Morakhia. The direction has that pleasant touch which comes when it jells with the script. It displays how good direction can uplift a story to cinematic heights The storyline develops only after the first half. This movie is only for a certain category of viewers. The belief that persons, who die with a strong desire in their heart to live do not get peace is reinforced here.
— TNS |
‘Keep fit’ is the mantra for these aspiring models
Keep fit is the mantra for these promising male models, who ultimately aspire to be in Bollywood. On a visit to a sports fitness centre Body Scapes, Sector 34, this reporter met eight such youth whose dedication towards physical conditioning is amazing.
Ms Bandhana Bhaika, the owner of the centre, said the models have been coming regularly to their centre. Ms Bhaika said they were being trained by fitness consultant Mr Ranveer Wadhawan and also a certified personal trainer from the Expert Rating and International Sports Sciences Association. They are working in various Punjabi channels like ETC Punjabi, Alpha and Doordarshan Punjabi. One of the models, Arshad Dally Khan, has featured in the video album with famous singer Hans Raj Hans in song “Cham Cham Ron Ankhiyan” and in “Barang Chittiyan” with Nusrat Ali Khan. A fitness freak Arshad is also now playing the lead role in a film “Wagah” directed by Raj Krishan. Another model, Goldy Soomel, has featured with Manmohan Waris in song “Punjab Shera” and also with Ranjit Mani in “Theke Thane”. Paras, who has featured in Aaziaash titled “Chadiyan de Vere” and also with Jasdeep Jassi in “Jattan de putt laon gilasi desi daru di”. Gurtej Tegi has also featured in Gypsy. Nazim Khilji was featured in “Yaaarian ne ta vaar aisa keeta” besides a ramp show. Vikram Bhatia is another promising model who has appeared in a TV serial “Shikanjaa” with the role of an Inspector and then in “Dhup de Parcheve” as an Army man. The fitness instructor, Ranveer, who is grooming these models, has also worked in an album with Harjeet Harman in a song “Singh Surme”. Another three budding models Chikki, Sherry and Honey have only recently left for Mumbai for new assignments. Ms Bhaika said the models were also being guided on health tips. She said they were advised to have fruits, green vegetables and a balanced mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
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Youth ambassadors for positive lifestyle
That AIDS can hit any boy or girl in the age group of 15 to 24 is not an assumption any
more. It is very real. According to reports, about 50 per cent of HIV infections occur in the age group of 15 to 24 years. The scenario prompted a group of four Punjab Engineering College students to get into the role of ambassadors for the youth.
Under the umbrella of the Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors for Positive Living (CYAPL) programme of the CYP Asia Centre, they conducted a survey in nine city schools among students of ninth class to 12th class. The survey report compiled after conducting workshops and interactive sessions revealed that though awareness level among them about AIDS is quite high but their minds are still searching for knowledge on sex and related
issues. Most of them queried about gay and lesbian relationships.
They also had many misnomers in their mind. The questionnaire devoted to the topic evoked tremendous response from the students. The most revealing part of the study was the question-answer session which also received good response. The students pointed out clearly their curiosity to know “all things about”
AIDS. A number of ideas were received from them to make the awareness movement among teenagers stronger. They were of the view that AIDS awareness and sex education should be must for them. Most of them were of the opinion that such workshops should be held regularly for all age groups. Many students emphasised on holding such activities in rural areas where the ignorance rate is quite high. A good number of them, enthused by the eye-opening workshop, promised to lent their energies in driving away AIDS. Says Nikita Thakur, one of the
ambassadors:“Working as the Commonwealth Youth Ambassador has been one of the most enriching experiences for me. The realisation, that we were able to enlighten the youth regarding such crucial issues was most satisfying. Prof M. L. Gupta, PEC, who has been the guiding force for the group was all appreciation for the Youth ambassadors -Guntas Randhawa, Nikita, Mohinder Rajput and Manu Parbhakar.
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Martyrdom of Sahibzadas
now on celluloid
For years, the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons has been the most preferred historical theme for translation in the language of Punjabi theatre. The fascination for the theme began way back when legendary Harpal Tiwana created a brilliant production titled “Sirhind di Deewar”. It has continued ever since.
But few artistes have attempted to capture the martyrdom of Sahibzadas on celluloid. Chandigarh’s S.P. Singh, originally a man of theatre, has broken fresh ground after many years. As the man behind Punjab folk theatre, one of the main theatre and film organisations with roots in the city, S.P. Singh has created two Punjabi films that trail the story of sacrifices made by the family of the tenth Sikh Guru. The films titled, “Saka Chamkaur” and “Saka Sirhind”, talk of the valour which the sons of Guru Gobind Singh exhibited both on the battleground and on the deathbed. The films, which are now ready for distribution, have been made as a mark of respect on the occasion of the completion of 300 years of the Sahibzadas’ martyrdom. Tough as the theme was and most sensitive to Sikh sensibilities, S.P. Singh had to tread the path with care. He began by giving the script structuring a lot of time. The film has been written by Baljit Zakhmi and the screenplay is by Parduman Dumi. Together the two films portray the extent of Sikh sufferings at the hands of tyrannical nawabs appointed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Structured to overwhelm the Sikh youth with a sense of commitment which the Sahibzadas were deeply inspired with, the films paint a gory picture of sacrifices. “Saka Chamkaur” is a visual narrative on the great epic of Chamkaur Sahib in which Guru Gobind Singh’s elder sons — Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh achieved martyrdom. This was in 1704. “Saka Sirhind” highlights the darkest chapter in Sikh history - the one that has literally been written in blood. It highlights the sacrifice of two young Sahibzadas who were buried alive following the orders of Wazir Khan, the unrelenting and ruthless nawab of Sirhind. For once, this film also brings alive the sacrifices of Diwan Toder Mal and Moti Mehra. Done rather sensitively, the production is a rare slice of history and has good archival value. The good part of the films is their promising storyline, which has further been strengthened with the help of rich and relevant music. The music has been given by H.M. Singh and Virender Bachan. For the songs, the director got the best Punjabi music talent, including Malkiat Singh, Kuldeep Manak, Hardeep Singh and Ranjit Mani. Director of the film S.P. Singh faced tremendous challenge while making the film. “Besides the storyline which had to be most authentic and overwhelming, the film demanded the best possible professionals. Casting took some time before we decided to have Sanjay Solanki play the role of Wazir Khan and Dr Surinder Sharma enacts the part of Gangu Brahmin, he told.”
TNS
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