Chandigarh, December 22
A visit to the Navjeevan Church, Sector 24, and one would think of the usual Christmas preparations. While the children from the vicinity watch the setting up of the crib and the beautifully done up Christmas tree, Father Sebastian Jose, SDB and Associate Director-cum-Programme Coordinator, has other things on mind: a Christmas with the poor, orphaned and the abandoned.

In his pursuit to provide a sheltered and a respectable life and a homely abode to the abandoned when they need it the most, a “Children’s Home” is the only Christmas gift, Father Sebastian can think of. With the setting up of two such homes both for boys and girls, Sector 47, it’s a dream that has come true.

Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Father Sebastian informed that the homes have been very recently made functional from December 14 and have an occupancy for 25 children. Clearly distinguishing it from a hostel or a boarding, the father said the inmates will not only be provided food, lodging in an entirely homely environment but will also be made to have an access to education, learning of a trade and job opportunities as well. He added that the houses and the land has been provided by the Chandigarh Administration and the child helpline, local police and staff can suggest the inmates. At present there are five children in the home.

Meanwhile, Father Sebastian who is also working with the street and slum children, school dropouts and children in distress, has planned a Christmas celebration for the slum kids as well. A play, dances, songs and distribution of cake and free gifts is what the children will enjoy alongwith the students of St Stephen’s School.

Mohali, December 22
A baby show was organized at Spring Valley Public School, Phase 11 here, to select smart, healthy and active babies. A free medical camp was organised on this occasion where child specialists Dr Gaurav Gupta and Mukesh Gupta gave medical advice to the children’s parents. Eye specialist Dr T.S. Sandhu checked the eye-sight of the children.

Free games and rides were also provided to the children. Every participant was given prizes for participating in the contests and special prizes were given to the winners.

The winners are: Monika, Gurnaz, Sukhdeep, Sanya, Ashmita, Ananya, Sachit, Arshpreet, Sargam, Bhavya, Harnoor, Anirit Dogra, Mansi, Shairvi, Dev Sharma, Akshat, Harman, Hargun and Preeti.

Chandigarh, December 22
Dr Devinder Singh, Chairperson, Department of Correspondence Studies, Panjab University, has stated that admissions to B.A./B.Com. (I, II, III), M.Com./MFC/M.A. (English, Hindi, Punjabi, political science, economics, history, public administration and sociology) Part I and II, PGDCA, PG Diploma in Mass Communication, PG Diploma in Health, Family Welfare and Population Education, Diploma in Statistics, B. Lib. and Information Science, certificate course in Vivekananda Studies, excluding B.Ed. and M.Ed. classes shall remain open with a late fee of Rs 5000 till December, 30. Prospectus are available on a cash payment of Rs 200 and through registered post for Rs 260 in form of a bank draft in favour of the Registrar, Panjab University, payable at Chandigarh only.

Chandigarh, December 22
Scientists from the UK and Japan today called for collaboration of their universities with Panjab University in the field of chemistry to encourage the study and research in basic sciences.

A host of scientists from foreign universities are in Panjab University for a two-day national annual symposium on “Recent Trends in Chemistry” that began here today.

Admitting that universities in Japan were facing a shortage of students interested in basic sciences, Mr Kohei Soga from the Department of Material Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Japan, pointed out that there was a need to put in an extra effort to maintain the academic interest of students in sciences.

Prof Philip G. Harrison from the School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, UK, said the fruitful collaboration that existed between Panjab University and the University of Nottingham should be revived. Prof K. N. Pathak inaugurated the symposium pointing out that the symposium had been designated as a national event.

Chandigarh, December 22
A memorandum of understanding was signed today between Panjab University here and the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana, at a meeting held today.

The MOU was signed by Professor K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Panjab University and Dr O.D. Wanjari, Director, on behalf of CIPHET in the presence of senior officers and professors of Panjab University, and a team of scientists and officers from CIPHET.

The MOU offers an opportunity for close cooperation between the two institutes in research as well as academic activities and an integrated utilization of educational and basic research facilities of Panjab University with the applied research and development activities of CIPHET.

The Department of Tourism, Chandigarh Administration, presented a captivating musical soiree of classical music and Sufiana gayaki at Tagore Theatre today. The young upcoming Sufi singer Mamta Joshi and seasoned classical Sarasvani player Subhash Ghosh attempted to give their best before a scant but appreciative audience. The performances by both artists had attained a significant level of brilliance, which the music aficionados would have relished. However, a section of the audience wished the scheduled time of 7.00pm be advanced in view of the bad weather.

Subhash Ghosh opened the concert with an exposition of raga Bageshwari with a short alaap, bringing out its melody through an immaculate work on Sarasvani, an innovated version of Hawain guitar. He moved on to a faster Jod alaap before captivating the audience with brisk jhalla. Mehmood Khan joined the maestro to accomplish the raga composition in Madhya laya set to rhythmic pattern of 16 beats. Ghosh presented the next ‘gat’ in Drut laya and “ek taal,” which melted into the “teen taal” pattern. He presented a melodious dhun in raga Pilu amidst an applause

For appreciation, Mehmood Khan provided a matching accompaniment while Gaurvdeep accompanied on swarmandal.

Mamta Joshi took the centre stage and brought alive the Sufina spirit in “Alaf Allah Chambe Di…” a sufiana classic of mystic Baba Sultan Bahu with her mellifluous voice.

Mr Vivek Atrey, Director IT and Tourism, Chandigarh Administration, honoured the artists.