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EDUCATION
 

IAF shifting MiG-29 school to Chandigarh
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 29
The IAF’s training establishment at the Air Force High Grounds, near here, would soon begin training officers and airmen on technical aspects of the IAF’s frontline combat aircraft, the MiG-29. The move comes in the wake of the IAF terminating training programmes on the MiG-23 fighter, which were being carried out here.

Sources said that the MiG-29 TERRTA (Technical Type Training school) was being shifted from its present location at Pune to Chandigarh. The move, which involves shifting of all training paraphernalia like spare engine, avionic components and sub-systems, weapons systems, training aids, models and literature, is expected to be complete by October.

A MiG-29 aircraft is also to be ferried over to No.12 Wing here in the first week of October from the IAF’s Base Repair Depot in Kanpur, where it is undergoing maintenance.

The MiG-29 TETTRA is being shifted to Chandigarh because the Pune Air Force Station is “overcrowded” due to a large number of squadrons and establishments, including the Su-30, being based there. High Grounds is the home to the MiG-23/27 TETTRA. The school here will now be renamed as the MiG-27/29 TETTRA.

TETTRA schools are responsible for teaching all technical and engineering aspects of aircraft to IAF personnel. The curriculum includes in-depth study on an aircraft’s airframe, engines, avionics and weapon systems. These schools are significant because all pilots, engineers and technical personnel have to pass through their portals before they take up assignments in aircraft operating establishments. There are about 20 TETTRA schools spread all over, catering to different aircraft in the IAF’s inventory.

Sources said since the IAF was phasing out the MiG-23, there were very few aircraft of this type left in service. Air Headquarters, therefore, decided that continuing MiG-23 training, which had been going on for over 20 years, was no longer warranted. On the other hand, the MiG-27 is expected to continue in service for some time to come. This aircraft is also undergoing a comprehensive upgradation to improve its combat performance.

Earlier, there was a move to move the Su-30 TETTRA to Chandigarh from Pune, but it did not materialise as the infrastructure involved was massive and impractical to move. A proposal was also mooted to establish the TETTRA from the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, at Chandigarh, but it was been shelved.

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Hooda meets old school mates
Rajmeet Singh
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 29
It was the time to forget the present for remembering the past. The Bhupis, Sukhis or Ganjas, as they were fondly nicknamed by their classmates, were all over the place to share their school days memories at the second reunion of the Senior Model Alumni Association (SMAA), Sector 16, organised at a hotel in Sector 22 here last night

Many old students who passed out in the early sixties met their friends after a gap of over 30 years. Hidden behind wrinkled faces, the heartening moments brought a sparkle in the eyes of the old pals as they chatted over drinks and snacks. Many had brought their wives and grandchildren along.

The get-together had been organised to facilitate the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a 1965 batch student of the school, whom his friends fondly called ‘Bhupi’. The Haryana Excise and Taxation Minister, Mr Vinod Sharma, was also present on the occasion.

The reunion had been organised for the passouts between 1962 and 1992, said Mr Ashok Berry, general secretary of the association. It was second union after the association was formed last year. “ Earlier, each batch used to organise its own reunions. We had great difficulty in contacting over 200 alumni of the school,” said Mr Berry.

As the night progressed, Bhupi was asked to share a few words about his alma mater. The Haryana Chief Minister proclaimed his school to be the best. He said he often kept inquiring about his classmates but could not keep in touch. “ What I am today is because of my teachers and the school. We had dedicated and wonderful teachers. Such teachers are needed today as well,” remarked Mr Hooda.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said he used to be called Bhupi or Bhupinder Chaudhary and very few knew him by his surname. He could single out some faces among the gathering about whom he had heard about but knew them by their school names. Some were bureaucrats, doctors, businessmen and lawyers.

When it came to sharing the memories of school days, nothing came inbetween. Throwing the commando security to tantrums, Mr Hooda hugged his pals and mingled freely with his classmates. He wished and hugged his old teacher, Jagdish Singh. “ I value my teacher and make it a point to meet him whenever visit Amritsar”, said the CM while moving among some of his batch mates Sukwant, Brij Mohan, Satish Mehra , Kiran and Rajiv Gupta.

Talking to The Tribune, Sukhwant Singh, who used to share his table with Hooda, said he was able to trace him after 30 years. “ Four years ago, I went to Delhi, when Bhupi was an MP. I left my address and he called me. It was a great reunion.” He vividly remembered an event of 1964 when they travelled back to Panchkula from Pinjore by foot. For his batch mates, Brij Mohan and Satish, it was time to remember the pranks . The association also honoured the present Principal of the school, Mr Ram Kumar. 

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Pvt unaided institutions oppose govt role in quota
Our Correspondent

Mohali, August 29
Representatives of the managements of unaided private institutions today opposed the government move to bring about legislation in Parliament to overturn the Supreme Court judgement on the reservation quota in unaided private colleges.

Demanding an immediate implementation of the Supreme Court judgement in all states of the country, they said the government was trying to carry out the required amendments to get the reservation policy implemented in private institutions.

Dr J.S. Dhaliwal, president of the Punjab Unaided Technical Institutions Association, said at a press conference that since the government was not providing any grant to unaided private institutions, it should not interfere in the admission policy or try to have some sort of control over such institutions.

Dr Dhaliwal said recognition to private colleges was given by the All-India Council for Technical Education after inspecting whether the required norms were being followed or not. He said the state government had no right to interfere in the functioning of such institutions, not even in the admission policy and courts had always given decisions against such interference.

He said private institutions had come up because the government was not able to provide the required kind of education. Moreover, private institutions were compelled to maintain high standards of education because of stiff competition in the field.

Mr Harbans Singh Sidhu, president of the General Categories Welfare Federation, Punjab, said the government wanted to overturn the decision of the Supreme Court in the name of Dalits. He said the Congress had been allegedly dividing people on the basis of caste while the BJP divided them in the name of religion.

Mr Sidhu said the government could have reservation to any extent in colleges being run by it and provide education free of cost.

Representatives said the government should not interfere in the decisions taken by the judiciary as it would create problems for the country.

Among those present at the conference were Mr Avtar Singh, Chairman, Sukhmani Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr Roshan Sachdeva, Chairman, Lala Lajpat Rai Group of Institutes, and Dr Zora Singh, Chairman, Desh Bhagat Group of Institutes.

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Education board staff start protest
Our Correspondent

Mohali, August 29
The Punjab School Education Board (Non-teaching) Employees Association today demanded the removal of the Punjab Education Minister, Mr Harnam Dass Johar, and transfer of senior officers linked to the Education Department.

The association, which organised a rally here today, criticised the Punjab Government for making amendments in the Act of the education board. The association president, Mr Gurdeep Singh Dhillon, and the general secretary, Mr Bhagwant Singh Bedi, said the move of the government would adversely affect the financial status of the board.

The association started an indefinite protest today. A dharna was organised in this context under the leadership of Mr Ranjit Singh Mann.

The others who participated in the dharna included Mr Dharampal Hoshiarpuri, Mr Bhajan Singh, Mr Surinderpal Singh Shinda, Mr M.P. Sharma, Mr Kultar Singh, Mr Baldev Singh, Mr Jang Singh, Mr Baljeet Singh, Mr Hardeep Singh and Mr Racchpal Singh.

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Snipping his way to a record
Gayatri Rajwade

Haircare tips

1. A hot oil massage once in a week or 10 days. Sarson or olive oil are the recommended ones.

2. Use a shampoo that suits your hair type.

3. Pat your hair dry after a shampoo, do not rough-towel it.

4. Go for a hair cut once every six weeks to ensure you do not get split ends.

5. For any chemical treatment to the hair, like colouring, always go to a professional because you may just get the ‘mix’ wrong at home. 

This man has snipped his way to glory and that too blindfolded! Nadeem Ahmed, Chandigarh-based hairstylist, has been featured in this year’s edition of the Limca Book of Records for cutting hair ‘safely and stylishly’ with a candle flame, blade, paper cutter and even with his eyes covered!

For this man who has made the use of scissors as passé as a blunt cut, the ultimate aim is the Guinness Book of Records. “Although they sent a letter of appreciation for what I do, the Guinness Book people said I should try and beat the record of a man who cuts hair with eight scissors. I am practising now and in a month or two should be able to carry out the same feat with 10 scissors.”

Atypical is the path Nadeem wishes to traverse. Completely self-taught, it is the passion for his ‘art’ that keeps him going. “A hairstyle is just like your clothes, shoes or jewellery. It defines you. It gives an insight into what you are. Creating an individual look is important. I give my suggestions after seeing the lifestyle of the person, the quality and texture of the hair and then decide what is appropriate.”

So, if you want to sport a Mallika Sherawat look, you need to have a lifestyle like that too!

What of his unusual cutting tools? “I get at least three clients a day who want their hair cut or styled by the candle flame. We use a paper cutter or blade for a few people.

We also have a lot of Sikh clients who do not like the idea of scissors. However, nobody agrees to get a cut while I am blindfolded,” he says with a smile.

Nadeem dreams of opening an academy for hair cutting and styling soon. “I love to teach people and want to expand my profession as it has a lot of potential.”

And what is currently chic, according to this style guru? Colours — browns and reds — are deeply in vogue but “purple is the colour to have because it highlights femininity.”

However, what is really in vogue is the Feng Shui mode of hair cutting. “It is all about balancing the five elements in each human being. What happens inside you affects your hair and your skin. I have given three people hair cuts incorporating the ‘Chi’ or energy method.” Has it worked? “Not yet”, grins Nadeem, but he is going to keep trying! TNS

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Poetry translated on canvas
S. D. Sharma

A poetic lyricism enthusing myriad passions is apparently inherent in all 40 graphic paintings showcased in the exhibition ‘Transfigurations’ inaugurated by Home Secretary Krishan Mohan at the Government Museum and Art Gallery today. Endowed with the vision of a poet and traits of a painter, city-based artist Rajesh Chadda has in fact translated his perceptions of life in all its manifestations in his works, securing an imaginary contrast between the ideal and the real.

With an inbred devotion to God, Rajesh has attempted to symbolise the powers of the creator, preserver and destroyer in ‘Teen’, ‘Trinetra’ and ‘Yoga’ relating it the process of evolution of life and ethics of present-day living. In ‘Dance and Pray’, he defines the quest of attaining contentment and serene spirituality with hard work, dedication and commitment.

The reference of ‘steps’ and ‘flying birds’ reflected in many works denotes the pace of life and liberty. His works cover diverse themes in close proximity with the life with an analytical approach.

‘Kaun kis ke ghar mein’ and ‘Ghar ke bahar ka admi’ have a deeper psychological bearing in day to day life.

Laced with philosophical formulations, the works like ‘Wolf in me’ , ‘Dil aur dimag’ and ‘Do you know’ not only call for self-introspection but also are suggestive of an ideal way of living. Employing his imaginative intensity, he captures hues of natural panoramic ambience and spectacular universe, including life on Mars.

Simpler and varied themes executed with précised perfection, realistic treatment, technical virtuosity employed to create vibrancy of immaculate colour combinations and generating computer prints are the exclusive feature of the exhibits on view at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, till September 3.

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Punjabi poetry book in Delhi varsity course

Harvinder Singh
Harvinder Singh

The Punjabi poetry book, ‘Panj Nadian Da Geet’ written by Harvinder Singh, a Chandigarh-based poet, has been introduced in the Punjabi M Phil course at Delhi University, Delhi.

Dr Satinder Singh Noor, while giving information in this regard, also revealed that this book had been introduced with the object to familiarise young students with the roots of ancient and greater Punjab as well as make them aware of the current crisis of Punjab.

The book is a poetic tale of major events and phenomena affecting Punjab and Punjabiat since the Vedic times to the present day.

It also reflects meaningfully on the present cultural and socio-economic and ecological crisis in the state. TNS

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