 |
|
|
Chote se dil ki badi si
asha
From dark alleys of alcoholism to joys of abstinence
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Punjab Home Guards jawans likely to have revised wages
Apeejay School alumnus wins Microsoft contest in US
‘Teaching is a mission’
Students of Eklavya School in a play class.
BSNL launches special public grievances helpline
Market Buzz
Weekly roundup
|
|
Chote se dil ki badi si
asha
Swanky cars, a plush house and money to buy all that catches fancy. And a brush with fame while notching up a few points on celebrity quotient. It may not be a socially-desirable list of must-haves, but it does ring a familiar bell. Suddenly, it has become right and even fashionable to dream of a lifestyle that hitherto was the prerogative of the select few who had well-heeled parents. The
"generation-now" (instant gratification and living in present
are the distinguishing characteristics of this generation), has
delightfully ripped apart all older taboos. It is ready to give a
hurried burial to all self-conscious stirrings about ‘good people don’t
aspire for riches and pricey branded wears’. And the "gen-now"
does not mind revising its "wealthy is wise and branded is
bright" stance if it disturbs the peace of mind! "Work hard, strive hard and enjoy to the hilt the fruits of your labour. And create your own oasis of happiness. Why be apologetic about being rich and famous?" says Sugandha Mishra, who has made a name for herself in music vocal. "You can manifest your dreams and aspirations. For me, music is a journey and not the destination," she adds. A lifestyle that offers "good things of life" and a good measure of financial comfort does not strike a discordant note with this young singer, who has a penchant for designer wear and costume jewellery. Having ambitions and markedly ‘ambitious ambitions’ is no longer frowned upon. "The more, the better" is the pulse of the day.
"I want to be popular like my father," he says, as a matter of fact. "I have had the best that I could expect as a child — all sorts of luxuries, costliest musical instruments, foreign education and overseas trips, all thanks to my dad. I, too, want to win the hearts of audiences not only in Punjab, but also outside India. I have been practising hard for four to five hours a day," Navraj explains. It’s not that "generation-now" wants things (read success) on a platter. They don’t mind sweating it out. But it’s not a sweat-gone-awry — everything has to be planned meticulously and diligently. "I will launch myself through an album at some appropriate time, may be after a year or two," says Navraj, adding, "Cultural festivals have certainly boosted my confidence. I have come to know about my competitors and my own strong points."
Interestingly, in some cases fame takes on a different shade. It has altruistic add-ons to it. Twentyfive-year-old Simran Kalia’s heart beats for the downtrodden. She says she has dedicated her life to Free Co-Educational Mission School, near Burlton Park, where she teaches school dropouts and underprivileged children who cannot afford to study at private schools. "I made this humble beginning with my mother some seven years back, but now the parents are themselves sending their children to us. This work gives me peace of mind, which I guess, is the best reward," she remarks. An exotic touch gives even more ‘life’ to dreams, as Jyotsna Malhotra, who runs a dance academy along with her brother, tells us. She plans to go to the US to pursue a diploma course in journalism, though she says that eventually she would return to her own country. "I have taken TOEFEL examination and am just waiting for the result. Most of my paternal and maternal relatives stay in the United States. I believe that my mental horizon would widen in the land of opportunities," she says. Well, dreams of living-life-kingsize come naturally to "generation-now" and it revels in it unabashedly!
|
|
From dark alleys of alcoholism to joys of abstinence
Life’s a lesson in acceptance, trust, sharing and honest introspection. And no one knows it better than members of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a worldwide, voluntary fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who desire to stop drinking.
More than 200 AA members were in the city to celebrate the third anniversary of the Punjab Inter-Group Alcoholics Anonymous. Sharing their experiences about their painful struggle against alcoholism, these members gave an unvarnished account of their fight against their dependence on alcohol. “It was as if I were sucked into the vicious circle of alcoholism and ever-plummeting self-esteem. I wanted to die. My self-esteem was at its lowest, and I felt completely lost,” said Mr Suresh, one of the AA members, adding that alcohol, per se, was a drug that often gave an individual down-in-the-dumps feeling. For Mr Pramod, another AA member, a broken marriage and a fractured relationship with children were the gifts of his drinking binges. His “significant others” were almost mortally frightened of his ready-to-explode temper. “Though I had never beaten up my children, even today they say that when I was an alcoholic, I used to be irascible and they were afraid of my ‘beatings’. My wife had separated from me. It wasn’t just that I was consuming alcohol; rather alcohol was consuming me. Fortunately, the AA came into my life and things started brightening up. I was reunited with my wife. When I met my wife and son after a gap of three years, I could not even recognise my little one. Now, life has taken on a new meaning. I am at-home husband. My wife works, but I am at ease with it. There are no ego-hassles, no wallowing in self-pity. My sense of self-worth is at its peak,” he explained with a huge smile shining on his face. Alcohol had become the raison d’être of Mr Hari’s life. The craving would reduce him to a pathetic figure scrounging for a few rupees, even from children. “Abuses used to punctuate my talk every minute. I was a slave to alcohol. I used to have frequent mood swings. It was as if I was being propelled by swigs of alcohol.” However, his association with the AA brought about a remarkable change in him. “Today, I can say it’s chin-up for me.” Most members said that the first step in overcoming alcohol-addiction was “admitting we are powerless over alcohol”. The other steps (the AA recommends 12 steps) included “belief that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity” and “making a fearless moral inventory of ourselves”. AA members The AA has more than 21,00,000 members in 150 countries. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of the AA. It is estimated that there are over 500 groups in India which hold over 750 AA meetings every week.
|
|
|
Punjab Home Guards jawans likely to have revised wages
Nearly 18000 jawans of the Punjab Home Guards (PHG) are likely to get a better deal, particularly in connection with their wages, as their case is being taken up by the top authorities of the Punjab Home Guards and the Civil Defence Department with the Finance Department of Punjab.
This was disclosed by Mr Tejinder Singh, Deputy Commandant General of the Punjab Home Guards and Deputy Director of the Civil Defence, Punjab, during his recent inspection of the district headquarters of the Punjab Home Guards. Mr Tejinder Singh, who was accompanied by Mr Sudhir Yashroy, the District Commandant, Punjab Home Guards (Jalandhar and Nawanshahar districts), said the case for enhancement of wages of the PHG jawans was being taken up with the Finance Department by Mr K.K. Attri, the Director General of Police, Punjab Home Guards. “Efforts are being made to get more financial and other benefits for the welfare of jawans of the Punjab Home Guards,” said Mr Tejinder Singh, who was also presented a memento by Mr Yashroy and other officials of the district PHG headquarters. Presently, there are about 18000 jawans posted with the Punjab Home Guards. Each of them gets a daily remuneration of Rs 90, which has not been revised for a long time. The top PHG authorities feel that as the PHG jawans perform an important role as a part of the security forces and are deployed at vital installations, they should be given more facilities and their wages should be enhanced.
|
|
|
Apeejay School alumnus wins Microsoft contest in US
General Informatics, a Baton Rouge based Information Technology solution provider, was chosen from more than 400 entries to win the competition and a trip for all its employees to Hawaii. The company has won the contest on the basis of its implementation of a technology solution for Advanced Surgical Concepts, a medical centre based at Baton Rouge. The contest was organised by Microsoft to acknowledge the presence of more than 6000 US partners enrolled with its small business partner engagement programme. This group of IT professionals focuses on fulfilling the technology needs of smaller companies. Mo, as Mr Vij is called by his colleagues, is a product of the local Apeejay School. He did industrial engineering from Thapar Engineering Institute, Patiala. Later, he went to the United States for higher studies at the LSU and completed Masters in Systems Engineering and Computer Engineering. Today, he is the president of the company he floated a couple of years ago. When contacted through e-mail to ask how he felt after winning this prestigious contest, he exclaimed, “It’s an honour to be acknowledged by Microsoft, especially considering that 6000 participants from all over America were enrolled in the programme. However, more important is the reassurance that what we are delivering to our clients here in Louisiana is top-notch by any standards.” He said that technology had levelled the playing field. Progressive business owners, whether in the Silicon Valley or the Bayou country, could create tremendous value by wisely integrating technology in every process of their business, he added. According to Mr Vij, Mr Bob
Crissman, General Manager, US Partner Enablement at Microsoft Corporation, has said that the corporation is delighted to recognise General Informatics’ “dedication in providing incredible service to small businesses”. These days, Mr Vij and his team of five employees are preparing to take a flight to Kea Lani Resort, Maui, Hawaii, to receive the award at a ceremony there on September 15, 2005. The value of the total award is estimated at US $ 40,000. Well, happy Hawaiian dancing to them after putting in loads of hard work in winning the competition!
|
|
|
‘Teaching is a mission’
Teachers play an important role in shaping the future of students. Three such teachers were recently honoured on the occasion of the Independence Day. All three of them have been trying hard to shape young minds.
Ms Kumud Sharma, another teacher awarded during the Independence Day celebrations, says that guiding students in the right direction is her aim. She thinks that the negative conditioning of girls should not stop them from reaching their goals. For her, the recognition on August 15 was the validation of her conviction in her work and in her students. Serving nation is his motto The Award of Honour to sub-inspector of Kapurthala Police, Mr Jang Bahadur Sharma, on the Independence Day by district administration was not a mere recognition of his honesty and hard work, it was also a reward for the enthusiasm of this young man who has preferred to serve the nation rather than immigrate to Canada like his other family members and relatives. “Actually, I also wanted to join Army like my father and my brother Major G.K. Sharma, but my brother suggested that I join the police to serve the people in the country,” says sub-inspector Jung Bahadur. He was given the responsibility of taking care of police arrangements at Khadoor Sahib during the celebrations of 500th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Angad Dev in April 2004.
|
|
From Schools and Colleges
Saffron Public School celebrated the Teej festival by organising a get-together of students, staff and employees of the school. Mr Manmohan Singh, Managing Director, Ms Inderjit Kaur, Director, and Ms Sandeepa Sood, Principal, also joined in the festivities. Special prayers were organised on the occasion. Athletics Meet
Kendriya Vidyalaya I, Jalandhar Cantt, has won the District Open Athletics Meet, which concluded at Khalsa Doaba Senior Secondary School last Wednesday. In the track and field events, Neetika won the first position in 100 m, 200 m and 400 m events. Preeti won the first position in javelin throw, while Nirmal Kaur bagged the second position in javelin throw. Vishesh won the first position in 100 m, 200 m and 400 m events. Roshan Lal won the bronze medal in 10,000 m marathon, while V Chandra won the second position in 200 m and 400 m events. Exhibition ends
The Regional Social Science Exhibition held at Kendriya Vidyala (KV) IV concluded last Thursday. The exhibition was inaugurated by Principal, Layallpur Khalsa College, Mr Arvind Arora. CEO Jalandhar Cantt, Mr K.J.S. Chauhan, was the chief guest for the evening. Palki Sood of KV I and Nitisha of KV II won the debate competition. Vinita and Deepti of KV I won debate competition in Hindi. Principal of KV IV, Ms Poonam Malik, addressed the students. Rainbow Day
Seth Hukum Chand S.D. Public Senior Secondary School celebrated “Rainbow Day” to teach colour concepts to students. According to Principal of the school, Ms Manju Arora, such activities made learning easy and permanent. Interactive training
Educational Consultant and Trainer, Mr Lawrence Fray, conducted an interactive training session for the faculty of the Cambridge School for Girls. During the two-day session, he held interactive sessions with the staff to make them understand various aspects of classroom methodology. Janmashtmi
Eklavya School celebrated the festival of Janmashtmi with traditional fervour last Friday. Students danced to devotional renditions. Sanskriti KMV School celebrated the festival with the prize distribution of the Pre-Primary wing. The kindergarten wing of Dayanand Model School also celebrated Janmashtami. Tennis meet
Students of Dayanand Model School have won the District Table Tennis Championship organised at Sai Das Senior Secondary School. Piyush, Aniket, Tushar, Gautam, and Ajay were adjudged the winners in the under-19 category. Birth anniversary
The birth anniversary of the renowned educationist Maria Montessori was celebrated at a special function held at Eklavya School. Parents had a first-hand experience of the use of Montessori material. Session begins
The new entrants to Mehr Chand Polytechnic were welcomed by the Principal, Mr S.K. Sahdev. The programme began with the holy yajna. The principal told the students about the rules and regulations of the institute and advised them to maintain decorum. The students sang devotional songs on the occasion.
|
|
BSNL launches special public grievances helpline
The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), in its bid to provide better facilities to its customers, has decided to launch a special public grievances helpline, wherein the complaints of landline telephone subscribers would be redressed within 24 hours of their registration.
In an exclusive interview with Jalandhar Plus, the Principal General Manager (PGM), BSNL, Mr Gail Chand, revealed that landline subscribers could register their complaints by dialing the toll free numbers — 1093,198 and 2455101. He said, “The helpline will benefit about three lakh landline subscribers falling in Jalandhar telecom circle.” “ A special public grievances cell has been set up for immediate redressal of the complaints between 10 am and 5 pm. The complainant would be issued a token number which can also be used for further communication. The complaints, thus received, will be forwarded to a senior BSNL official for immediate action,” said Mr Chand. He further maintained that the helpline would cover areas falling under Jalandhar telecom circle comprising Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Phagwara, Sultanpur Lodhi, Banga, Nakodar, Bhogpur, Shahkot, Gorayan, Phillaur, Nawanshahr, Lohian, Adampur, Kartarpur and Noormahal. Mobile subscribers could register their complaints on the toll free telephone number — 1500. Keeping pace with other telecom operators, the BSNL has also started the booking of new landline telephone connections under “phone on phone” scheme, wherein customers can dial toll free telephone number — 1500 — and register themselves for a new connection. “The BSNL executives will personally visit the residence of the customers to complete all formalities at the latter’s doorstep and collect the payment. The telephone connection will be released within two days in feasible areas,” he said, adding that from now onwards the customers did not need to make rounds of the department for the release of new connections. He further said that new landline phone connections were available on demand in Jalandhar and Kapurthala cities.
|
|
Tata Indigo has launched its luxury variant — the Indigo SX series. Indigo SX and GSX would cater to the premium end of the sedan segment. The Indigo SX series of cars are available in both petrol and diesel variants. In addition to the engine being refurbished, there are also a number of other enhancements. The interiors come in soft beige tones, with leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob and plush carpeting. The music system with MP3 and built-in video player are the other add-ons. The SX series is available in three colours — sequin red, Arctic silver and carbon black. Customer care
Vahoo House here has refurbished its customer care efforts. The showroom now offers dress material for uniforms for hospital staff at low prices. It has also installed a box for suggestions and complaints. “Customers’ satisfaction is our motto. We orient our sale efforts towards the needs of the customers. On festive occasions like Divali, we offer dress material at reduced rates for economically weaker sections. We keep all leading brands, including Bombay Dyeing, Vimal, Siyaram’s Suitings and Shirtings, Mayur, Gwalior, at our showroom,” claimed a Vahoo House representative.
|
|
The National Executive Committee of the All-India Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisation held its meeting at DAV College, Chandigarh, on August 28. The members discussed the challenges posed by the approvals being given to foreign and private universities, increasing commercialisation of education, unfair fee structure, low level of enrollment in higher education, reduction in grants, ban on recruitments and conceptualisation of employment and allied issues. Bankers’ Club
Coming together to fight against the menace of willful defaulters, the local bank men have formed a Bankers’ Club. The first meeting of the club was held last fortnight in which the members decided to share information with one another regarding NPA accounts and willful defaulters to ensure stringent measures against the latter. Mr Bali from the Oriental Bank of Commerce said it would be ensured that the defaulters did not get any credit facility from any bank. He said such meetings would be held every month to formulate better strategies and to create better understanding. — Compiled by Deepkamal Kaur |
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
"There’s so much to
do. And a long way to go. I have to take my business to its zenith. This
is just the beginning for me. I have been planning weddings, receptions
and birthday parties for the city’s crème de la crème , but I have
to expand my business, introduce newer concepts for theme parties and
add variety to decoration styles," gushes Ritu Sidhu, proprietor of
Party Bells, an event management company. "It’s not just NRIs who
are fond of lavish parties and grand marriage receptions, even city
folks like to have functions in a big way. Big is better!"
For Navraj Hans, the son
of singer Hans Raj Hans, fame is something he has been a privy to since
his childhood. He has seen his father feted and felicitated a number of
times.
Goal-orientation is the
keyword for many like Kanwalpreet, a gold medalist in the recently-held
Afro-Asian Games, and international hockey player. He aspires to take
part in the forthcoming Olympics. He practises rigorously under his
coach, Mr Mohan Singh. "I get up early and reach Guru Gobind Singh
Stadium by 6 am. Then I have two hours of focused practice. After my
day, I am back again in the stadium for practice," he says.
Mr Mohit Vij, a US-based Jalandharite, has done his native land proud. His company, General Informatics, won the National Microsoft’s “Partner in Paradise” competition held in the States last month.
Mr Darshan Singh has had his responsibilities as a teacher on the top of his priority list ever since he began his career more than two decades back. A writer and NSS programme officer, he has also been a guide to his students. He was awarded the Certificate of Merit by the administration on the occasion of the Independence Day for his exceptional services in the field of education. “Hard work has to be made a habit among the young,” he
feels.
Mr Abkar Singh, now with Government Girls Senior Secondary, Nehru Garden, feels that teaching is a mission. As a non-formal education officer, he visited the remotest villages of the region and made special centres in temples, gurdwaras for students who could not continue their studies and who were made to work in factories or agricultural fields. Teachers need to keep abreast of the latest in the field of education, he says.