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CBSE probe begins against
two staffers
Chandigarh, July 22 The inquiry proceedings are being conducted at the Regional Office of the Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sector 31 here. Sources in the board said that Mr A.K. Kaushal, a former Director of Department of Posts, had been deputed as the Inquiry officer and Mr S.Bhasker, an officer in the AIEEE wing of the board, had been appointed as the Presenting Officer. The sources said that the two assistants were in charge of the answer book cell at the regional office of the board here when the answer book scam took place. After a preliminary inquiry conducted by the board’s headquarter in Delhi, the two were transferred. In the preliminary inquiry conducted last year, it was found that the answer book of a Mohali-based student had been tampered with. The findings of the inquiry were kept a secret and both employees were transferred on pretext of routine transfers. 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 a re-checking to the regional office. It could not be proved whether employees posted in the AB cell or an employee outside the cell had managed to attach the supplementary sheet. In the annual exams, the student had got 15 marks out of 70. He had attempted answers to 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. Suspecting foul play, the board got it investigated and it was found out that the supplementary answer book had been attached at the AB cell at the regional office. Another junior assistant at the regional office was also suspected to be involved in this. 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 could not 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. The inquiry officer have summoned around 12 persons, including those involved in checking of the answer books.
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PU M.Com, re-evaluation results out
Chandigarh, July 22 The result gazettes will be available at the new enquiry counter of the university tomorrow from 11 am onwards. The results can also be accessed by visiting the university website
www.puchd.ac.in. OC
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Oscillating between genres
Chandigarh, July 22 Her days are packed with hectic schedules — formalising concept notes of teleserials, experimenting with techniques of presentation and inspiring younger actors with zeal. Though deep into tiresome projects, the latest being “Rabba Ishq Na Hove”, a teleserial for Zee, Aruna looks every bit refreshed, as she looked today during a promotional visit to Chandigarh. Ask her the secret of her energy and she says, “Performance keeps me going whether it is for theatre, films or serials. Artistes rise by the dint of expression. And expression cannot be minimised depending on mediums. It is the life blood of all genres.” Sure it is. Had it not been, a shy, sylph-like Aruna could not have catapulted into an actress who could handle a range of emotions with commendable class. She was the perfect romantic lead opposite Amitabh Bachchan in “Bombay to Goa” and the sexiest siren commissioned to woo male leads in “Bobby” and “Caravan.” And while she blazed trails in Bollywood, people had little idea what a humble past she represented. About to complete 50 years in Bollywood, Aruna says, “My father owned a drama company and my mother acted for him. As a child I would sit through rehearsals and prepare to substitute for actors who would be absent on the day of performance. I even read out dialogues to Satyen Kappu. The labour of formative years is holding me in good stead till today,” says the actress who rose the hard way. For Aruna it was not easy to switch over to second leads, especially after starting out as a heroine. But she admits she made mistakes and paid for them, adding, “I overgrew the pain of losses and converted opportunities into stepping stones. My best acting sessions happened with directors Raj Kapoor and Vishwanath who were masters of their craft. In a way I am their creation,” she says, referring to her many passions — acting, writing, directing and producing. But for the while, direction is out and acting is in. Aruna will be seen in the new Zee serial, “Rabba Ishq Na Hove”, to go on air from July 26. She says, “I am doing the serial with Sangeeta Ghosh whom I earlier cast as “Pammi” in Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand. “After the success of “Des…” Aruna is again teaming up with Ghosh and Varun Badola to make a different projection of love. Sukhwinder Singh is doing the tracks for the serial. “Rabba…” is the story of a working woman who is seeking love. Like every woman in love, she is weak, but she manages to make a wise choice. Love is at the heart of our show and we show how love is blind,” Aruna says, confessing her love for Kuku Kohli, her better half and partner in projects. Oscillating towards the past when she used to act in Punjabi films like “Lambardarni”, Aruna says she wants to repeat roles like the one in “Beta”. But she is posted of the stakes of Bollywood. “The film city is shaken. Barring few productions, all films are bombing. I think the audiences like to keep film makers guessing. It’s tough to say what they want. Why do you think I am not directing a film? I am trying to read the mind of people,” Aruna signs off. |
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Blooming under her mentor’s care
Sangeeta Ghosh feels confident in the company of her mentor Aruna Irani. She refers to Irani as her guide, her guru, her onscreen as well as off-screen mother. And Irani does not interrupt the flow of Ghosh’s emotion. In fact, she facilitates it.
In Chandigarh today to promote their next serial “Rabba Ishq Na Hove”, Sangeeta Ghosh and Aruna Irani consciously flaunted their proximity and let everyone know that they were here to stay and evolve together. While Irani prided in her find Ghosh whom she first spotted in the serial
“Daraar”, Ghosh loaded Irani with compliments. “We have teamed up well and have struck a winning combination. After the serials “Mehndi Tere Naam
Ki” and “Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand”, we are again featuring together in “Rabba Ishq Na Hove”. The latest serial is different from the previous collaborations. Although the theme is romantic, it is woven with practicality
in mind. I play the female lead,” says Ghosh who began her acting career as a child in the Hrishikesh Mukherjee direction “Hum Hindustani”. Later she went on to work with filmmakers like Basu Bhattacharya and
Lekh Tandon. Now one knows where her talent stems from. Ghosh throws more light on her life, “I have never taken a formal training in acting. But I feel there is nothing like training hands on. Thanks to Aruna ji and her team, I have moved from one reputed
project to another and have managed to improve my acting skills.” As Irani interrupts to tell how Yash Chopra recently complimented her for her discovery, Sangeeta Ghosh couldn’t but feel proud. She added, “Films are a big temptation but there are many obligations at the
television level. And I feel I still have to prepare myself before I take up any role in the films.” About another teaming up with Varun Badola (the hero of “Des…”), Ghosh says, “The new serial has two male leads and Varun is one of them. It was a natural reaction for the production team to repeat the cast because we feel people like to
see certain people pair up on screen. And we had such vibes from audiences. We knew they wanted us to bond again. Hence the repetition. I am sure it will be good for
TRPs.” With Irani and her production house guarding her cautiously, Ghosh has no reasons to wander around. She is not doing serials for any other production
house. She tells “Association with Aruna Irani has been enriching. She has taught me the nuances of acting and we still share a great offscreen chemistry.” As for the serial, it will go on air this July 26 on Zee Network. While Ghosh plays the role of
Veera, an airhostess who is confused about her love choices, Varun Badola and Nikhil Arya play her love
interests. TNS
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A perfect place for adventure trips
Perched on a small hill facing majestic Chur Chandi, Barog is a perfect place for taking a break from busy and noisy life of city. Situated at 1710 m height just one-and-a-half-hours drive from Chandigarh, Barog has much to offer. From merely a stopover on way to Shimla, Barog has emerged as a full-fledged tourist resort in the past few years. It was named after Colonel Barog, a British railway engineer, who committed suicide after failing to meet the both ends of the tunnel on the Kalka-Shimla narrow guage rail section. He was buried somewhere near one end of the tunnel now lying abandoned. Sadly, the Railways as well as the district administration have failed to understand the historical importance of the abandoned tunnel that could be otherwise exploited as a major tourism potential.
The present operational tunnel at Barog railway station is a nice example of engineering skill. It is a straight tunnel passing through fissured sand stone. The Barog tunnel (3752 feet) is the longest tunnel among 102 operational tunnels on the Kalka-Shimla track and had remained second longest tunnel in the Railways for long time. The Barog railway station downstream is like a fairytale station due to lush green surrounding and picturesque views. At the station there are ample staying facilities available at reasonable rates. There are different hill tracks in and around Barog for strolling. The Panchmunda cave hill situated over 6500 feet high is the highest hill in and around Barog. The Panchmunda cave a pilgrimage for local has twin rock Shiva lingams of Lord Shiva of small size. On every Shivaratri a fair is organised at a cave where locals participated in good numbers. To reach Panchmunda one has to track down 3 km way from Barog. The track to the cave crosses through dense pine, oak and cedar trees. On the way one encounters breathtaking and matchless nature beauty. On reaching cave, one can see a beautiful view of Solan valley that leaves an unforgettable impression on the mind. Chewa village (1800 m) enroute to the cave is another place that has much to offer for nature lovers. Hotel facilities: Pinewood: This HPTDC-run hotel has played a vital role in popularising Barog as a tourist destination. The hotel is suitable for both luxury seekers as well as economical travellers. The Pinewood has two luxury suites, 14 deluxe double rooms and 11 semi deluxe double bedrooms. The hotel has a cafe well equipped with all types of fast food items. The hotel offers Indian, Chinese continental and special Himachali dishes. Barog Heights: This hotel is situated at a hilltop and offers a vast panoramic view of the valley on both sides. The hotel has 18 well-arranged deluxe rooms, seven spacious super deluxe rooms and five luxury suites. Korrins: This hotel has 28 well-decorated rooms with all type of available amenities.
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‘Shutur Murg’ staged to perfection
Artistes of the Kolkata-based theatre group ‘Little Thespian’ presented ‘Shutur Murg’ to a scant audience at the Kala Gram today. Senior thespians from the city watching the play was the only solace for the visitors. The programme was sponsored by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC).
The widely staged satirical play had an all-time relevance — from the ethnic to the contemporary period. Celebrated playwright Gyan Dev Agnihotri had sculpted this classic to illustrate the truth about fundamental principles of political hierarchy in any governance. Be it the monarchy, the democracy or any other form. The character and traits of a ‘ruler’ was symbolised through the nature of the ostrich, ‘shuturmurg’. Holding a doctorate in literature, director SM Azhar Alam played the protagonist “king”. He brought alive the essence of the play with ease and perfection. Surrounded by a coterie of corrupt ministers, the “king” wins over the Opposition but finally succumbs to the motives of the more cunning Prime Minister. All artistes excelled. Besides S.M. Azhar Alam, Salim Khan as Mahamantri was a picture of confidence and perfidy, as also “Sisir Dutta” played by Virodhi Lal. Uma Jhunjhunwala as “Maharani”, Surender Kapur as “Bhashan Mantra”, Shakir Hussain, Shafiqur Rehaman, Heena Pervez, and Nayyar brought alive their characters. The music by Murali Ray Choudhry and lights by Tapan Sen and Parveen Jaggi deserve special mention. The play will also be staged at the Central Public Library Hall, Patiala. OC
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