Ludhiana, August 23
Students from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Mozambique feel that they were attracted towards India as the studies and the faculty here were not only good but also the education was cheap compared to their own countries. Eight students and three faculty members from Kenya and the UK have taken admission in the Punjab College of Technical Education (PCTE), Baddowal, here this session.

These students have been pursuing their careers in BBA and BCA courses. Sharing their thoughts about Indian values, they felt that the country had strong roots, moreover it was a close-adopted society.

Ms Gurpreet Kaur, one of the faculty members teaching organisational and multi behaviour to students at the PCTE said though she was the third Indian generation settled in the UK, it was the values and culture of the country that had attracted her to stay here for sometime.

“The country (India) is very different from what we were told. I am 23 years of age and my parents expect me to get married soon, but here in India, I have found that girls are working and are getting married at the age of 28-29 years. Even their parents are not compelling them to get married soon. It is so good” , she said.

She was disturbed to see disparity between the girls and boys in India. She was allowed to go anywhere with her friends as she found herself safe in the UK, but in India it was not possible, Ms Gurpreet said.

Another faculty member from Kenya, Mr Boaz, who teaches communication at the PCTE, considers India as his second home. “Except for the spicy food here, everything else in India is just fantastic. The Indians are both good people and friends”, he said.

The students who have joined BBA recently are Kudzai from Zimbabwe, Rwechungura Seriaris, Mukurasi Smachus, Sarah from Tanzania and Masanjuo Calvin from Rwanda. Three students who have joined BCA are Carlos Woytyla from Mozambique, Ummi from Rwanda and Phaneuel Tendai from Zimbabwe.

They got admission at the PCTE through the Internet. Ummi and Masanjuo, twin sisters from Rwanda, said education was cheap in the country and they were advised by their Professor father to join the PCTE.

When asked about their braided hair style, Masanjuo said it took at least seven to eight hours to make it. “I usually keep the hair style for at least two months. And we get the hair bath once a week like this only”, she added.

Dr K.N.S. Kang, Director of the PCTE, said presence of foreign students and faculty on the campus encouraged them to be more competent and efficient. Moreover, the Indian students got an opportunity to grow in multi-coloured environment and learn so many things from each other.

Ludhiana, August 23
Teej was celebrated at Arya College here today. The college bore a festive look on the occasion. Around 15 stalls were put up by students. They also participated in various cultural activities.

Teej being celebrated at the Swami Ponga Piri College for Women, Raikot, on Tuesday.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 23
‘Teej’ was celebrated in Swami Ponga Piri College for Women, Raikot, yesterday. Swings, spinning wheels, Punjabi kitchen fare, folk songs and dances, an exhibition depicting Punjabi heritage were part of the festival.

The Principal, Dr (Ms) Sawita Uppal, and other members of the staff also participated in the Teej festival. The chief guest was Ms Durga, wife of the Raikot SDM.

The inaugural ceremony was performed by Ms Harpreet Kaur (USA). The rural carnival was presided over by Ms Varinder Kaur and Ms Parneet Kaur Dhillon, wife of Raikot Tehsildar.

A student Mandeep Kaur was declared Ms Teej. The title of ‘Gidhian Dee Rani’ was bagged by Ms Jaspreet; ‘Cuckoo of Teej’ by Gurpreet , ‘Smile of Teej’ by Anju Savi and title of ‘unique Punjabi courage’ went to Amanpreet.

“Nakhrili Panjaban” title went to Ms Kulwinder and ‘Suhyachar Dee Rani’ to Swinki Kaura.

Village women participated in the spinning wheel competition. Bhupinder Kaur of Nathowal village was awarded the first prize.