EDUCATION

100 slum women honoured for joining literacy drive
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
‘‘Half-a-million unborn girl-children are aborted every year in India. Literacy and Awareness only can curb this menace,’’ this was stated by Sameer Kumar, Coordinator, Godfrey Phillip Bravery Awards, here yesterday. He was speaking at a valedictory function organised by Yuvsatta association at Colony Number 5.

The function was convened specially to formally honour the slum women who had enrolled for a ‘play-learn and grow’ adult literacy programme launched by Yuvsatta in association with Kim and Marga Buhrmann Singh of Creative Learning (P) Ltd, Germany, with the objective of making illiterate women independent.

Till date more then 1,000 illiterate women have benefited from this programme in Colony Number 5. As many as 100 women who were earlier illiterate have learnt to read Hindi and they received certificates from Mr Sameer Kumar at the function.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Sameer Kumar, while citing an Indo-Canadian study, said ‘‘half-a-million unborn girl-children are aborted every year in India. This means that about 10 million female foetuses, or one in every 25 girl-children, may have been selectively aborted in India over the past two decades.

‘‘Literacy is the key to fighting the menace of female foeticide in India. With Indian economy rising to global challenges and this had lead to more job opportunities becoming available. Improved economic status combined with literacy and awareness can go a long way in curbing the evil of female foeticide’’, he added.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Ms Madhu P. Singh, Advocate, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Ms Pooja Sharma, Member, Chandigarh Social Welfare Board and Joginder Pal, a social activist.

Global experts discuss English teaching skills
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
A three-day international symposium on “Towards Improvements in English Language and Literature Teaching: Communicating Across the Curriculum” started at DAV College, Sector 10, here, today.

The conference hosted delegates from several Indian states as well as Iran, Turkey, Argentina, Jordan, the USA and Qatar. The delegates were welcomed by Principal S.C. Marriya who also gave a brief introduction to the DAV College.

Prof Anil Sarwal, conference coordinator, gave an overview of the concept. He said there was need of a global link language for the global village that the world had now become. English now functions as the preferred link language. One-third of the world’s population speaks English and in India 100 million children would learn English this year. He said keeping in mind the changes in the nature of the English language and the age of electronics, appropriate teaching methods should be employed. Also, the needs of the learners should be focused upon and a learner-participatory approach should be adopted in the teaching and learning process.

The opening session had keynote speeches from Ms. Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar (Doha, Qatar), and Professor M. L. Tickoo of the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages.

Ms Rajakumar’s presentation included global identities and how to implement curriculum reform in a globalising world.

Professor Tickoo presented a paper “On Visualising a new beginning in Indian tertiary-level English Language Teaching: Challenges and Response” which provided an overview of the development of the English language teaching in India and directions for the future.

Mr Vipin Pubby, Editor of the Indian Express, released the special issue of Diviner, the Research journal of the college containing most of the papers being presented at the symposium, Prof Ashok Sharma, Head of the Department, proposed a vote of thanks.

Another session was coordinated by Prof Avninder Chopra. Feryal Cubukcu from Turkey, Girish Prasad Path, Dr Kuldeep Kaur Kuwahara, Alyona Iriskulva, Lochlova Sofiya, Dr Amir Reza and Dr Surinder Kumar Soni presented their papers during this session. The session was chaired by Dr Abidi, Chairman of English Department, Lucknow University.

Dr Deepti Gupta, Mini Joseph from St Xavier’s, Calcutta, Ma. Carazon R Reyes from the Philippines, Maganlal S Molia, Jaqueline Amarel and Fatemah Khanomri presented their papers in a session chaired by the eminent linguist Prof J Sethi from the CIEFL, Hyderabad. The session was coordinated by Prof Anil Sharma.

PU Notes
Stress on strengthening Indo-China ties
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
“An Indo-Chinese collaboration can lead the two nations to become a force to reckon with in the coming years,” said Mr Yang Linhani, Cultural Counsellor, Chinese Embassy, New Delhi, here yesterday. Mr Linhani was the chief guest at a function organised by the India-China Friendship Association on the 57th National Day of the People Republic of China, at Panjab University.

Accompanied by his wife Ms Zhang Jianping and the leading secretary, Mr Gho Shaowen, Mr Linhani deliberated that year 2006 was being celebrated as the Indo-China Friendship year. He said there are many cultural similarities between India and China. He said the bitterness of 1962 had practically vanished and time had come to march ahead as good friends.

Earlier, Professor R.C. Sobti, in his presidential remarks, appreciated the role being played by the ICFA under the leadership of Major Jiwan Tewari, in bringing the countries nearer.

On this occasion, Dr R.K. Kohli, Professor, Botany, Panjab University, delivered a brief talk on “Energy Options in India and China”. He hoped that bio-fuels shall be used for eco-friendly production of energy. The function started with welcome song on National Day of China by Ms Prem Jagyasu.

Nominated

The Chairman, University Grants Commission and president of the Governing Council, Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi (an autonomous centre of the UGC) has nominated Prof Nirmal Singh, chairman, Department of Physics, Panjab University, as member of the Governing Council for three years (2006-2009).

Seminar

A seminar on “Security aspects of India” was held at the Centre for Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University. Dinesh Kumar, a defence analyst and Resident Editor “The Pioneer’ delivered a lecture covering wider security dimensions in the areas of geography, ethnicity, demography and other related issues.

New Zealand institute CEO visits college
Tribune News Service

Mohali, September 22
Mr Mark Flowers, Chief Executive Officer, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, New Zealand visited Chandigarh Engineering College and Chandigarh College of Hotel Management, Landran, here to explore the areas for higher studies and placements of the students of these colleges in New Zealand.

He was accompanied by Mr Tim Croucher, senior academic staff member, Ms Allie Stevens, manager student experience and Col. K.S. Gujral. Mr Flowers informed that students after doing their B. Tech, B.HMCT, B.Sc. Airlines, tourism and hospitality management courses could go in for further studies in the fields of business, education, information technology and various short term courses in different disciplines of engineering and hotel industry.

Regarding placements, he disclosed that the Government of New Zealand gave permit of six months for seeking a job after putting in one year of study there. Once a person got a job within these six months, the job permit was automatically granted for the period of the job. Students pursuing studies there were allowed to work for 20 hours per week and for full time during summer vacation, which were there for two or three months per year. Mr Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chairman, and Mr. Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal, president, suggested to the delegates to workout a programme involving one year study in India and one year in New Zealand to reduce the cost of pursuing the two year post graduate programmes.

Dr G.D. Bansal, Principal said that Chandigarh Engineering College had already signed an MoU with Wolverhampton University, U.K. under which special concessions were allowed to students of CEC who wanted to pursue higher studies there.

Jose Paul conducts workshop on teaching methods to build future leaders
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
Sri Guru Harkrishan Model School, Sector 38-D, in collaboration with Oxford University Press organised a seminar for teachers at its premises here today. Mr Jose Paul, an eminent mathematician and motivational trainer in the corporate sector, was the resource person.

Mr Paul, an author of the popular maths series "Discovering Mathematics" , who devised a mathematical kit for primary classes, has conducted more than 2000 workshops all over India and abroad on the teaching methodology and various fields of school education for students, teachers, principals and administrators.

The programme aimed at motivating and guiding the teachers to prepare future citizens equipped with the Indian value system. He emphasised on the various aspects of teachers' relationship with the students and their command on the subject. An interactive session on cooperative learning, multiple intelligence and its relevance was well received by the participants.

The school Principal Harpreet Kaur thanked Mr Paul and the Oxford University Press. The workshop reinforced the need of blending moral and cultural values with a global outlook to develop well informed, focused leaders with a positive attitude.

Tapping academic talent
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
Bruno Heruad, Director for International Recruitments for the ESSEC Business School in Paris (France) and Singapore, is here to tap the potential of India’s academic talent “When we look at Asia in terms of economic potential we see India as an emerging power and we want to be able to attract the very best from here,” he says.

Bruno explains that ESSEC’s unique-selling point is that they also have a special double diploma tie-up with IIM-A where a student gets to spend one year in Ahmedabad, one year in ESSEC and get a double MBA.

The partnership also extends to exchange of professors and research so that both schools get the best from each other. But for students wanting that crucial international edge, ESSEC also has 75 MBA-level exchange partnerships all over the world with institutions like Kellogg and Duke in the US and Mannheim — Germany’s top business school.

The only requirement is that participants will have to complete at least 18 months of internships integrated into the programme which the school helps in getting.

SD school students hold peace march
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
Students of Pandit Mohan Lal SD Public School here carried out a peace march to mark International World Peace Day.

The students went around Sector 32 carrying placards and posters with messages on world peace.

Charts depicting the theme of global peace were also prepared by the students. These were put up at display at the Art Gallery Sector 10.

‘Vegetable day’ at school
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
Kindergarten students of the St Peter’s School, Sector 37, celebrated ‘Vegetable day’ at the school here today.

Children were made aware of the good effects of eating vegetables on health.

Eat vegetables and stay fit was the message of the day.

No other foodstuff was allowed to be eaten.

Teachers taught tiny tots about food values of vegetables and the concept of the colour green.

The children recited poems about vegetables. School Principal Patricia Khanna appreciated their efforts.

UT teachers’ meet

Chandigarh, September 22
A meeting of all categories of teachers of the UT cadre was held under the chairmanship of Mr Jit Singh Somal, convener of the UT teachers. The teachers discussed their problems at the meeting. They demanded that masters and mistresses should be promoted in their own pay scale as it was done earlier so that they may get the due promotion. — TNS

2 get life term for murder
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
The District and Session Judge R.S. Baswana today sentenced two accused in a case of murder to life imprisonment.

Five years ago, accused Mohammed Ramzan, Slauddin and Biru had allegedly slit the throat of Pritha Singh, wife of (retd.) Col K.C. Singh. One of the accused has been declared a proclaimed offender. The incident took place in February 2001, when three persons engaged as labourers, slit the throat of the victim.

The accused had also stabbed the servant Vjay. The servant had told the police that the accused had switched on the floor grinding machine before slitting the throat of the victim. The accused were identified by the husband of the victim.

Acquitted in embezzlement case
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
Ramesh Kumar, an accused in a case of embezzlement, was today acquitted by the Additional District and Session Judge, B.K. Mehta. The accused had been sentenced to two years of imprisonment by magistrate, A.S. Shergill.

A Chartered Accountant, S.K. Kansal had lodged a case of embezzlement of Rs 4000 against Ramesh.

TN handicrafts showcased in city
SD Sharma

Chandigarh, September 22
The richness and élan of the 'Poompuhar' craft culture finds an eloquent expression in the repository of craft objects showcased at the 'Festival of Crafts' that opened at Panchayat Bhavan. The crafts exhibition organised by state-owned Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, Chennai (THDC), was formally inaugurated today by Mrs Jean Rodrigues, Lady Governor of Punjab.

"With a view to promote the handicraft art culture and explore marketing opportunities, it is imperative to organise such craft festivals to reach out to prospective buyers," says Hem Latha, the manager. "Focusing on quality and craftsmanship, we had displayed a variety of crafts, including Thanjavar picture paintings, art works in bronze, brass , stone appliqué, jewelry and Kancheepuram silk and cotton sarees," she adds.

The cost of the gold embossed Thanjavar picture paintings goes up to Rs 1 lakh.

Appreciating the dexterity of craftsmanship, Mrs Rodrigues told Chandigarh Tribune that such display of artifacts brings the diverse cultures of states closer. This also offers a chance for an inquisitive visitor or a connoisseur to imbibe the finer nuances of the projected art. The exhibition-cum-sale will be on between 10 am and 9 pm daily till October 3 at the Panchayat Bhavan, Sector 18-B.

Mauritius lures tourists with schemes
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
Sensuous dancers swaying to foot-tapping beats typical of the settings of Mauritius beaches ruled the stage and the heart of the evening audience at the Chandigarh Club here today.

The show organised by the Ekido’s in collaboration with the Mauritius Tourism was largely an event displaying different schemes inviting guests to the “enchanting island”, in the East of Madagascar. The island stands out for its sun, sand and sea experience.

Dancers spotting bright floral colours presented foot-tapping numbers, including Valerie, Wendoline, Brinda and Lindsuy, besides other performances, much to the delight of the audience.