DTF flays poll duty for teachers
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 10
The Democratic Teachers Front of Ludhiana district has criticised the government’s decision to engage primary teachers in the forthcoming nagar panchayat elections. Mr Bhajan Singh, Mr Joginder Azad and Mr Joginder Sinh Kamalpura, spokespersons of the DTF, have condemned the decision of the Punjab Government to engage teachers in non-teaching jobs despite the assurances given to them in the past that the teachers would not be given non-teaching work.

They said the government had involved teachers in sports seminars held recently and when the six monthly examinations were round the corner, the teachers were being sent on non-teaching duties again. Already the studies of government schools are in doldrums.

With teachers engaged in non-teaching duties, the results of schools are affected and the teachers are blamed for the poor results.

Moreover thousands of posts of teacher were lying vacant which the government was not filling on a regular basis but wanted to give jobs to teachers on contract basis.

They said that now that the president, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Human Resource Minister Arjun Singh had also spoken against recruiting teachers on contract, why was the Punjab government giving jobs to teachers on a contract basis?

Workshop on road safety ends
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 10
“In case you meet with a road accident, do not panic. Just fold your hands and say to yourself that you are going to think calmly. Call up the police and while you drive see the roads you are travelling on and learn to see the direction you are going on so that you can give it to the police,” explained Mr Rohit Baluja, president, Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE). The conclave was conducted by the IRTE in coordination with the Ludhiana traffic police.

Mr Baluja was in the city to hold the 50th school conclave and incidentally his last on road traffic education at Sacred Heart Convent Senior Secondary School. The conclave started yesterday and it concluded today. Thirty teachers, select parents, volunteers of the Old Students Association and personnel of the traffic police attended the workshop. DSP Traffic Mr Sandeep Goel gave away the certificates to the participants today.

Mr Baluja felt that teachers were the best guides to help teach road safety to students. The Old Students Association of the school had taken the initiative to organise the workshop as the traffic condition outside the schools were chaotic.

Mr Baluja gave simple tips to teachers that while teaching different subjects they could educate students apart road safety rules.

During the workshop, the teachers were explained the 13 objectives of safety management, which had to be systematically introduced to their students from Class VI to XII through all subjects.

Principal of the school Sister Maria Leena thanked Mr Baluja and Mr Amandeep Bedi, Head of Centre for Analysis and Research in Road Safety (CARRS), for conducting the conclave.

From Colleges
Freshers accorded warm welcome
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 10
A freshers’ party “Rendezvous” was organised at the Gujranwala Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology here to welcome the first year students of BCA, BBA, MBA and MCA. The senior students presented a variety of cultural items on this occasion to welcome their juniors. Jasmeet, Shavinder, Ripudaman and Simranjeet of MBA and MCA presented a Punjabi group dance.

The senior students of MBA, MCA and BCA presented a comedy skit called ‘Kaun Banega Sushila Ka Pati-II’. The skit, which was prepared on the pattern of “Kaun Benega Crorepati”, entertained the audience. The students of BCA I and MBA I presented bhangra.

Mr Fresher and Miss Fresher contest was also conducted for postgraduate and undergraduate students separately. Kanika was chosen, Miss Fresher (PG) while Harb Awasthy was selected Mr Fresher (PG). Rishul and Vivek Jasra became Miss Fresher (UG) and Mr Fresher (UG). Priyanka and Krishan Kant were adjudged Miss Well Dressed and Mr Well Dressed. Shivani was given the title of Miss Personality and Rupinder was chosen Mr Personality. The director of the institute, Mr Kuldip Singh, and the coordinator, Mr G.S. Dua, gave away prizes to the winners.

Guru Nanak Girls College: It was a special moment for freshers of Guru Nanak Girls College as they were accorded warm welcome by the seniors here today. Mr Gurbir Singh, president of Guru Nanak Education Trust, also graced the occasion. Principal Dr (Mrs) Charanjit Mahal welcomed the new students of all streams on behalf of the staff and all students. She dwelt at length about the mission and vision of the college to turn the students into thorough professionals. She added that hard work, sincerity and innovation were the key to success.

A cultural extravaganza comprising colourful and rhythmic dance, music, mimicry items captivated the audience. The highlight of the day was Ms Fresher contest in which more than 40 freshers students participated. From western outfits to traditional Punjabi dresses, from sarees to lehangas, the show presented every colour of fashion. A question round tested the general knowledge of the contestants.

Kiran (Personnel management)was declared Ms Fresher, and Ms Simran (B.Sc-I) and Ms Mandeep (B.Com-I) were the first and second runners-up, respectively. Ms Ramandeep (BBA-I) was declared Ms Elegant, Ms Gurpreet (MA-I English) was declared Ms Gorgeous Smile and Ms Vipin (B.Com-I) Ms Beautiful Hairstyle. Principal Dr (Ms) Charanjit Mahal crowned the winners.

Ludhiana College of Engineering: A warm welcome was extended by seniors to all students who joined the and Technology (LCET) this session. The function started with a welcome note by the Principal, Dr. K.D. Mannan, who stressed that the extra-curricular activities were an integral part of professional education.

The ceremonial lamp was lighted by the chief guest, Mr Vijay Kumar Gupta, Chairman of the college. The students presented skits, solo dance, group dance, songs and modelling. A special programme was presented by the students of MBA. Kripal Singh and Manpreet Kaur were declared Mr Fresher and Miss Fresher, respectively.

NSS camp: The NSS unit of Ramgarhia Girls College, Miller Ganj organised a one day camp to create awareness about drug abuse among the youth here today. In the camp, around 300 volunteers of NSS took part.

On the occasion, eminent educationists and health professionals like Dr G.S. Preet, Mr M.S. Pardesi, Mr S.R. Mehta and Mr Kanwaljeet Kaur Kalsi addressed the students and enlightened them about the ill — effects of drug abuse.

They stressed upon developing a self disciplined and healthy life style, free from drugs. The speakers said a healthy individual could make meaningful contribution to society as well as to the nation.

Ms Harbans Kaur Dullo, wife of Mr Shamsher Singh Dullo, president, PPCC, presided over the function. Mr Yashpal Mehra, District Education Officer, was the guest of honour.

BCA results: The Department of Computer Science and Applications of Ramgarhia Girls College got 100 per cent results in their BCA (Honours) examination conducted by Panjab University, Chandigarh. All students passed with first division with distinction (above 82 per cent marks).

Gaganpreet Kaur got second position in the university, first in the district and first in the college securing 657 out of 800 (82.12 per cent) while Jaspreet Kaur stood third in the university, second in the district and the college securing 653 out of 800 marks.

The Principal of the college, Ms Harmit Kaur, congratulated the faculty and the students of the department for the excellent results.

Talent hunt: A two-days talent hunt competition organised by the DD Jain College of Education concluded here today. About 100 students took part in various contests, including mehndi, rangoli, sketch from life, landscaping, clay modelling, dance, music, skit, drama, debate and declamation on the occasion.

The competitions were inaugurated by the director of the institute, Ms Kamla Jain. She stressed that such extra-curricular activities played a very important role in students’ life. Their hidden talent could be recognised and appreciated, she said. The winners were given appreciation certificates.

From Schools 
BCM students, staff meet Kalam
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 10
Fifty students of BCM Arya Model Senior School, eight teachers along with the Principal, Ms Paramjit Kaur, and Capt V.K. Sayal were on cloud nine when they got the life time opportunity to meet but interact with the President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, in Rashtrapati Bhawan on September 8. The students were provided with refreshment before the beginning of the session followed by a highly interactive and informative session with the President.

Addressing the students, President Abdul Kalam exhorted them to put in hard work to achieve their goals. He said, “Ignited minds of the youth are the most powerful resource on the earth, above the earth and under the earth." He also shared his views about his vision of India by 2020 and the areas which would be given due emphasis for further growth like agro industry, agro food, education specially women’s education, information technology, e-communication and self reliance.

The students asked a number of questions concerning corruption, bio-technology, pollution, politics space research and oceanography. Each and every query was well explained. Many students presented poems, write ups and mural to the President. Dr Kalam exhorted the teachers to guide students in such a way that they beautifully blossom into good citizens. The students and teachers believed this experience would be stamped in their memories forever.

Stationery given: The general secretary of the District Congress Committee, Mr H.S. Bawa, distributed stationery and books to the students of Daya Sagar Public School, Mundian Kalan, here today. He said people should get together to finish illiteracy from the country. Principal Jasmine said the school was educating poor children so that they could become useful citizens of the country.

Samvatsari celebrated: USPC Jain Public School, Chandigarh road, celebrated Jainism Samvatsari in a sacred and serene environment. Divine hymns were sung by school students, teachers and members of the management. Saint Vinay Jain gave a discourse highlighting the importance of the festival, which gives us the message to be courteous and to forgive and forget.

Principal Yachna Chawla said we should remember that ‘to err is human and to forgive divine.”

Nominated: Prof Arvind Malhotra, an educationist and social worker, has been nominated as a member of the PSEB, Mohali, for a period of two years. He is a senior faculty member of the post graduate Department of Commerce, Arya College. 

CULTURE

Dance from the Roof of World
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 10
The Tibetans living in Ludhiana organised a fund-raising cultural show “Dance from the Roof of World” at Guru Nanak Bhavan last night. The Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration (also called the Tibetan Government in exile), Prof Samdon Rinpoche, was the chief guest. The Guru Nanak auditorium was jampacked with Tibetans and local residents.

Traditional dances, songs and an opera ‘Yaktse’, the dance of the yakhs (yaks), enthralled the audience. Although the language remained a problem for the non-Tibetans, but the vigour displayed in the dances and also in the opera made the show lively. The dances were from different parts of Tibet.

Although having lost Tibet about half a century ago, the Tibetans have been trying it hard to retain their culture by keeping alive their traditional dance, music and lifestyle.

The cultural programme was presented by about 30 artistes from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA). The TIPA was set up in 1959 by the Dalai Lama at McLeodganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, to ensure that the Tibetan culture survives even in exile.

Addressing the congregation at the end of the programme, Prof Rinpoche had a special word of praise for the Indians, in general, and the Punjabis, in particular. He disclosed that the then Punjab (united) Chief Minister, Partap Singh Kairon, was instrumental in helping the Tibetans settle down around Dharamshala as it was part of Punjab that time. The Tibetan exodus started in late 50s and reached its peak in early 60s. He thanked people of Ludhiana, particularly the hosiery manufacturers, who trusted them to sell their products all over India.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Power and Urban Development, Punjab, Mr Surinder Dawer, also attended the show.

African life on display
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 10
It is for the first time that four African artists have brought their works to India. Their works are displayed at TAC Art Gallery, Rajguru Nagar. The exhibition titled “Art Africa” displays 27 works. Mutungi Emmanual, Keyeyune George, Gwoktcho Stephen and Shake Makelele Masia are the four artists whose works are displayed.. Mr Mutangi Emmanuel is the director of the Nommo Art Gallery, Uganda.

Mr Mutungi’s visit is in sequel to the visit of Ms Karuna Mahindra, Director of the TAC Art Gallery to Uganda and Kenya where she had held exhibitions of her works and had organised workshops during June this year. The show has been curated by Ms Anju Mullick. Based in Nairobi for more than two decades , she has maintained her links with her native land but on other hand has developed strong sense of belongingness to Africa too.

Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, Ms Mullick said,”I felt that since both the countries share common socio-economic conditions, they should share art too. Art emnates from the lives of the people and touches their lives. Hence the exhibition is a first step to bring arts of two countries together.”

She said these artists depict different aspects of African life . Shake Makelele is an artist who depicts African countryside and carefree environs of the African villages. Gwoktcho Stephen follows a more contemporary style but still maintains the purity of Africa whereas Kyeyune George depicts the changes Africa is undergoing with a clear focus on urbanisation.

The colours used by the artists are vibrant and cattle horns figured prominently in their paintings.

The exhibition is on till September 18.