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Learning centre to
focus on English language
Chandigarh, June 2 “We already have around 2000 such centres all over North America and we are planning to open another 200 in India also. This is the first centre in Chandigarh where we are planning some 8 to 9 CLC centres,’’ said Mr Verma. Students of class I to adults from all walks of life can be trained under various modules offered by the centre. The emphasis would be on enhancing the written and spoken English skills and quantitative abilities of those enrolled with the centre. “We are concentrating on English and mathematics at CLC. People would be assessed for their difficulties in grammar, punctuation, spoken English and calculating abilities. Once the problem areas are identified, concentrated efforts would go into removing the difficulties,’’ said the Chandigarh Centre Director, Ms Gagan Dhillon.
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Davar’s dance workshop has many takers
Chandigarh, June 2 The 16-day dance workshop began on May 30. The final performance at a stage show in all age groups will be held on June 17 at the Tagore Theatre. Mr Atul Khanna said the classes were being taken by trained dance instructors of the Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts (SDIPA), Mumbai. A parent of participant at the venue said, she was impressed by the quality of the dance teaching pattern adopted by SDIPA instructors. Another parent said the Yash Chopra’s ‘Bunty and Bubli’ currently being screened, has majority of dance songs choreographed by Shiamak Davar which encouraged them to join the SDIPA classes. Mr Khanna further said Shiamak Davar was also likely to visit city for the final day show on June 17.
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Dance classes a hit at Press Club summer camp
Chandigarh, June 2 The summer camp inaugurated yesterday has a record 106 children enrolled in theatre and drama sessions, oil and fabric painting, art and craft and classical and western dance. The classes being conducted for 15 days will end in a glittering finale, where each workshop will showcase what their children learnt. The art and craft and fabric painting workshops have attracted a host of tiny tots. Mothers eager to develop their children’s skill are making full use of these sessions. From puppet making to hand crafting flowers, ikebana, and beautifully painted wall hangings, these young creators seem completely enthralled. Five-year-old Pragati has painstakingly made one petal for her flower. The joy in her eyes is palpable as she shows it off to all and sundry. The theatre workshop, being conducted by primary school teacher, Ms Rajni Bajaj, is all about honing in on the drama element of emotions. ‘Anger’ is the ‘passion’ for this session and the children come up one by one, displaying their theatrical knack all charged up like Gabbar Singh in Sholay! However, it is western dance workshop which attracted the maximum number of children. A large hall is completely over-run by these aspiring dancers and actors. Twelve year-old Roopam is a ‘funky’ young lad with a crew crop dressed in a ganji and jeans. He is here to learn the spiffy moves because, “I love dancing and want to be a dancer when I grow up.” Just beside this frenetic chaos is a small space occupied by the solemn bunch learning classical dance. This tiny group consists of two brothers, Shahbaz and Sarfraz Singh, who are already at the top of their class, one hour down the session “Our father said we should learn classical dance so here we are,” state the two boys unperturbed by the overwhelming number of girls around them. Perhaps the youngest member of this motley posse is Ishwin who does not know how old she is! All she wants from this summer camp is for everyone to see her blisters which she got eating mango peals. Different strokes for different folks.
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Fun time for children
Panchkula, June 2 With regular camp activities likes Western, classical and folk dance, instrumental music, creative edge, English language skills, personal grooming, karate and skating being taken up on weekdays, Saturdays have been devoted to fun. The children enjoyed at the water games organised on the first Saturday of the camp. They also competed in games like bubble-making, fishing fun, water relay etc. The campers were then treated to movie, “The Incredibles” in the multimedia theatre at the school The children were eagerly waiting for a picnic at an amusement park and Pinjore gardens, on the second Saturday of the workshop. The final Saturday would witness the finale of the camp with the campers putting up a performance especially for their parents.
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Shivalik kids win essay contest
Mohali, June 2 Among those who won prizes in the painting/ poster making competitions organised by the same association include Pratik and Junaid Jameel, Gagandeep, Nupur Kohli, Komalpreet, Sharanjit Kaur, Aastha, Manpreet Kaur, Sukhsimran, Mandeep Karwal and Jasmeet.
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Trekking camp at Solan
Mohali, June 2 The trek concluded today. Mr Surendra Sethi, Director Himachal Tourism, presented certificates of participation to all the students.
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CAT dismisses principals’ plea against reversion
Chandigarh, June 2 After hearing a bunch of applicants, the tribunal while quoting a judgment of the Supreme Court and some other judgments observed that the application was not maintainable. But it allowed the applicants to approach the tribunal after such orders were passed by the KVS. The applicants in their plea had challenged the show cause notice issued to them by the KVS asking as to why their services as principal should not be cancelled. KVS Commissioner, Ranglal Jamuda, had issued the notices. In an order dated December 3, 2004, the sangathan amended the rules of promotion by making vice-principals (with one year of experience) eligible for the post of principal. The amendment affected the legitimate right of the applicants, who have been working as principals for around five years and there was no adverse report against them. The ground taken by the applicants was that the regular appointment of the principal was beyond the mandate prescribed by the Board of Governors and exercising of the powers by the then commissioner was unauthorised. The applicants were initially appointed as principals on deputation on May 19, 2000, as they were working as PGT teachers in KVIS and were subsequently appointed as such on regular basis on May 29, 2001. However, the KVS said the procedure of taking principals on deputation was against the rules. Reversion stayed
Meanwhile, the CAT today stayed the reversion of two Programme Executives working with Doordarshan. The orders were passed after the applicants, Mr Prem Kumar and Mr Vijay, approached the tribunal stating that order for their reversion was passed without making requirement against the direct quota. They were promoted from the post of Production Assistants to Programme Executives.
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New Releases
THE most versatile amongst the film-makers, Ram Gopal Varma (RGV), has revealed a mastery over a variety of cinematic genres. Starkly realistic ‘Satya’, underworld based “Company”, horror flick ‘Bhoot and now ‘D’. The film’s, a bone-chilling thriller taking a close look at Mumbai’s crime world. ‘D’ is UTV Motion Pictures and Ram Gopal Varma’s presentation, in association with Sahara One Motion Pictures and K. Sera Sera Productions. The film will be released on Friday at Nirman, Chandigarh, Fun Republic, Mani Majra.
‘D’ is a sequel to RGV’s “Company”. It tells the story of a man’s rise to power in the underworld. The film traces the origin of lead character Mallik (Randeep Hooda). What was he doing before he got transformed into a ‘Don’. It also traces the journey from anonymity to crime. The buzz is that it is totally a commercial film. Since Ram Gopal Varma is opposed to casting top stars, he has roped in model Randeep Hooda. Another Haryanvi to watch on silver screen after glamorous Mallika Sherawat. Others in the cast are Chunkey Pande, Isha Koppikar, Sushant Singh, Yash Pal Sharma and Rukhsar in the pivotal role. Produced by Ram Gopal Varma and Ronnie Screwvala, it is directed by Vishram Sawant another RGV’s favourite with screenplay, and has dialogues by Manish Gupta and lyrics and music by Nitin Raikwar. Another ‘ Factory’ production with director Vishram Sawant attempting a one-of-a kind experiment — an underworld based thriller. Pritish Nandy Communications presents a film by Sudhir Mishra ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’ opens today at Fun Republic, Mani Majra. This one is an epic tale of politics, love and ambition. The film has already won accolades at several prestigious film festivals including the Berlin Film Festival. It is an intense story of convictions set against the backdrop of political turmoil during the emergency. ‘Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi’ is quite simply, a tale which must be seen. The Indo-French Co-production stars K.K. Menon, Roshan Ahuja and introduces Chitrangada Singh in key roles. It is directed by Sudhir Mishra. Shantanu Moitra is music composer. Prime Hi-Tech Studios Pvt Ltd’s romantic fun-filled film ‘Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai’ also opens today at Fun Republic, Mani Majra. The film has Priyanshu, Dia Mirza and Neha in lead roles. Rakesh Bapat, Reema Lagoo, Himani Shivpuri, Kadar Khan and Sadashiv Amrapurkar are in supporting roles. A quadrangle love story evolves among the four characters. The film has a very interesting climax. Faiz Anwar has penned the lyrics for Nikhil-Vinay. A naughty romantic comedy will also see a release today at Batra, Chandigarh. It is produced by Anil Sharma, written and directed by Chandan Mishra. Arjun Punj play lead role opposite debutant Mona Chopra.
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Concept of live art slowly evolving in city
ART exhibitions for the sake of exhibiting art are passe. The success of an art show now lies not simply in managing an exciting display for works, but in creating lively, vibrant spaces that can hold the viewer’s attention and take it as further as possible.
Although most metros and some local centres of visual art as in Bhopal are fast undergoing a conceptual shift, Chandigarh is yet to rise to this challenge. The city is well known in art circles for the numerous shows it hosts through its galleries, but it is barely known for what real art is all about — inspiring interaction and leading debates. Apparently, the galleries across Chandigarh are only serving the purpose they ought to. But when it comes to making an impact, city’s art just does not serve. It is better defined in terms of bulk than in terms of the stimuli it creates. The problem may well have something to do with the way galleries are functioning here. The concept of open galleries, which is flourishing all over, is yet to hit the city beautiful. Strange it may sound but the inspirational spaces of Nek Chand’s Rock Garden have been used but once. That too, by four visiting Pakistani photo journalists and artists, who chose to showcase their art while people enjoyed the manner in which spaces added fresh perspectives to frames. Hardly has any local artist experimented with the Rock Garden as a space for visual art display. Not only are the open galleries missing from the art scene of the city, even the displays and consequent impacts leave much to be desired. The galleries have declined into dead spaces where the artist is almost always left alone with his works. Inaugurations are the only well attended functions. The concept of returning to art and relishing its nuances is yet to build up here. Most artists are rueful about the malady, and few are working to prevent it from spreading roots. Veteran artist Jodh Singh has made a humble beginning by altering the traditional concept of an art gallery through “Gallery Jodh” in Sector 11. Very much a part of his living space, this gallery is attempting to shake some dead wood and take art where it truly belongs — to people. After a long time, the city has witnessed a concept fresh as this one. The space has been created not with the purpose of showing art as a product of someone’s imagination but to ensure that it travels beyond the spaces it occupies. Sanjeev Kumar, secretary of the gallery and a brilliant experimental artist himself, talks of how the gallery has become the favoured haunt for people from all walks of life, artists included. “We are offering free space to upcoming artists, besides holding workshops for senior as well as budding artists. The idea is to lead people into debates and discussions that leave the art and its viewers enriched. Here we also encourage the artists to look at their ideas from challenging frames. We welcome enthusiasts who are willing to walk the less trodden path,” he said. The gallery may take some time to come up as conceived but it sure is emerging as Chandigarh’s answer to the challenge of “live art” which has captured the world’s imagination. For once, we have a gallery which attracts viewers more for the vivacity of its spaces and less for ritualistic shows.
TNS
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MTV Roadies — youth’s shortcut to success
THE MTV Hero Honda Roadies audition stormed Chandigarh on Thursday and caught up with more than a thousand frenzied, enthusiastic girls and boys eager to be on their way to fame.
An adventure reality show, MTV Roadies is in its third year now. It has 13 youngsters (6 girls and 7 boys) this season, on a gruelling yet fantastic journey on motorbikes, testing the physical and mental endurance level of each individual. The one that stands the pressure emerges the winner. The biking expedition takes the participants from Jaisalmer right up to Ladakh through harsh yet stunning terrain. The show is not about looking for that unique bundle of talent who will strike the right note but about real people with loads of attitude and a penchant for excitement. The final seven roadies will get a bike each from Hero Honda and the winner, a whopping Rs 5 lakh. Twenty something young lads (all of them refused to reveal their age!) and sweet-faced girls mingled together, participating in fun-filled contests, games and slug-fests, all set to racy musical beats, while the group discussions for the first round selection process were conducted in quiet rooms away from the crowd. MTV VJ Anusha got the crowd on their feet with her energy and verve. “Chandigarh has the best crowd, the nicest people —always. We love coming here,” she tinkled. The audition also had the winners of the two earlier Roadie shows ‘on location’ who, having undergone makeovers, looked every inch the hip celebrities. Ayushman Khurana, winner of Roadies 2, says the experience was a tremendous confidence booster, “It felt wonderful to be selected amongst thousands of young aspirants like me.” So what does it take to make a Roadie? “Confidence” says ex-Roadie and now MTV Roadie host Rannvijay. “Just being you and not being flamboyant in front of the camera” believes Roadie 1 winner Ranjit. Anusha, in her inimitable effervescent style, believes it is the girls on the show that bring the boys to it. “All are here to prove they are macho and heroes,” she giggles. “The stunts, the activities, the constant focus of the camera and the complete isolation all get to you after a while” believes Ranjit who is now a veteran in the ‘game’ having been completely blown by the first Roadie experience. “There is nothing that prepares you for living with the same group of people for 40 days and nights, you get on each others nerves, you love some and you hate some.” Sunny, — has loads of attitude to boost and knows he will get in because he has that ‘spark’. Maggie Nagpal, who quit studies after class 12 this year, has got admission into Roshan Taneja’s Acting School in Mumbai. She wants to be an actor and Roadies is her road to Mumbai. Long-haired Richie who loves the grind of his heavy metal music believes he is what the show is looking for. Ashok Cherian from MTV puts it rather succinctly, “This show is all about being real, having dreams and for most it’s a way to get to Mumbai and adventure.” A show of this magnitude has generated thrills not just for the participants but also for MTV Executive Producer Karthik Chintamani who despite the “huge headache” (and he smiles while saying this!) the logistics of the show creates, says the show has managed to “take the excitement of big cities into the interiors of the country.” Of the 1400 entries received today, 20 have qualified to the second more detailed interview-based round tomorrow.
TNS
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