The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Teachers flay move to lower retirement age
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 28
The state government has moved a proposal to reduce the superannuation age of the teachers of grant-in-aid private colleges to 58 years instead of 60 years. This was revealed by Prof Kanwaljit Singh, state executive committee member of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Union (PCCTU).

According to him, the proposal was at an advanced stage of implementation, awaiting formal approval of the state Cabinet. He flayed the move as ill-conceived and impractical.

He added that the retirement age of private college teachers as determined by the university rules was 60 years while that recommended by the UGC was 62 years.

Prof Kanwaljit Singh also disclosed that earlier also in 2003 the government had tried to reduce the retirement age to 58 years, but had to give up in the face of stiff opposition from the union.

Mock Parliament organised
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 28
The Speakers Forum of Green Grove Public School, Mohanpur, Khanna, organised a mock Parliament yesterday. The topic for the debate was 'India can be ranked among the advanced nations today.'

The competition was followed by a group song by students of Classes VIII, VIII & IX. Students of Classes I & II presented a colourful dance.

An English play, "With a little bit of luck', was liked by the audience. An inter-house English declamation contest was also held . The function ended with a presentation of a choreography which was a tribute to mothers.

The results are as follows:

Debate (seniors) Rajni Paul 1st (Class VIII) , Aastha Mehta 2nd (Class VII) , Harsimran 3rd( Class VIII), Consolation prize Harneet Hara( Class X).

Debate (juniors)

Akankansha 1st (Class IV), Sukhdeep 2nd(Class VI), Baljot Kaur(Class V),Consolation prize Jaskiran Gill

Result of inter-house declamation contest

Hasrat 1st, Class IV, Akankansha 2nd, Class IV, Consolation Surveen Class 1.

Guru Arjan Dev remembered
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 28
Various religious and educational organisations held functions to mark the quatercentennial observance of the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev. The Sukhmani Sewa Society, the Baba Budha Dharam Parchar Trust, the Kalgidhar Federation, the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, the Miri Piri Society and the Bhagat Ravidas Guru Parbandhaki Committee organised various functions to launch year-long observance.

Students of Sanatan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, DAV High School, MGMN Senior Secondary School, Guru Har Gobind Khalsa Senior School and Anand Isher Senior Secondary School organised offered sweetened water to remember the sacrifice of the Guru.

Office-bearers of these organisations — Puran Singh, Darshan Singh, Jagwant Singh Jaggi, Jagdev Singh, Tehal Singh and Jagjit Singh Jajjie — called upon leaders of various religious and social organisations to join hands to observe the occasion and aware masses about the teachings of the Guru.

CULTURE

Premiere of Punjabi film held
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 28
The Department of Punjabi of Ramgarhia College organised the premiere of " Kambdi Kalaai",a film on the Sikh diaspora, in the college auditorium yesterday.

The film which has been directed by America-based , Ish Amitoj Kaur, is based on a ghazal by Bhai Veer Singh . She has attempted to show the plight of the Sikhs living abroad who face an identity crisis while trying to assimilate an alien culture along with preserving their own moral values .

In an interactive session with the students, Ms Ish said she got the idea of making the film post September 11.

She said" Sikhs were mistaken for Muslims and were killed as people thought that they were terrorists."

The film has been nominated for the International Film Expo to be held on Long Island , New York on July 12.