Two young boys from a rural government school once again proved that creativity and knowledge does not necessarily come with wealth and better amenities.

Two students of Class VIII of the Government Senior Secondary School, Malsian, Amandeep and Jatinder Singh used waste material to make a model of hydraulic JCB machine which could lift waste without the use of fuel or power. The exhibit was put on display at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Ladowali Road, on the penultimate day of the district-level science fair being organised here.

Even as the contests held during science fair had been open for all government, private, CBSE or PSEB affiliated schools, only one CBSE school took the initiative. Barring Shiv Jyoti School, no other CBSE affiliated school participated in the contest. While the government has been spending enough for encouraging teachers to make teaching aids, only five entries in the contest meant for school teachers of the district were received till this afternoon.

The students used eight syringes, glucose pipes and waste telephone cables to make the device. The boys used air pressure through four syringes in their hands to move the machine smoothly in different directions. “The same concept can be applied for using a full-size machine wherein jets used in tractors can be fit into it in place of syringes”, they explained.

Jatinder and Amandeep said they had to spend Rs 50 on making the project as they could not do the welding work and had to get it done from mechanics. “We did not spend a penny on buying metal pieces and extracted these from various waste items lying at home,” the boys said.

Having own the first prize at block and tehsil levels during contests held earlier, the boys are now keeping their fingers crossed to win the first prize again at the district-level so that they could participate in the state-level contest.

The result of the contest, which has already been finalized, will be declared tomorrow. The exhibit falls under the sub-theme “Industry and Environment” under the main theme of “Science and technology for sustainable development”.

Pintu Kumar and Sandeep Kumar from Government Model Senior  Secondary School, Ladowali Road, demonstrate the working of an automatic lighting system during the district-level science fair at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Ladowali Road, Jalandhar, on Thursday.

The other sub-themes in the contest are “Food and agriculture”, “Energy”, “Educational technology and mathematical modelling” and “Transport and communication”. Other models with lot of creativity included those by Sandeep Kumar and Pintu Kumar of the host school on “Automatic lighting systems” where they created a cricket stadium with pitch, players, VIP gallery and lights that got switched on in the evening automatically using sensors. The intensity of lights kept on increasing as it became darker.

Puneet Pal Singh and Bhanav Sharma from the host school exhibited model on level indicator of water tank. “We sometimes have to go upstairs to check the water level of the tank. But with this devise, the problem would be eliminated”, they explained. They showed how one of the five bulbs would light up when only 20 per cent of the tank will be full, two bulbs for 40 per cent and all five for cent per cent. When the fifth bulb lit up, the water stopped getting into the tank automatically and a bell started ringing.

Students in a quiz contest.

The results:

For the students of Classes IX and X, an on-the-spot chart making contest was held on topics “Heart and respiratory system”.

Sarabjit Singh of Shiv Jyoti School stood first, followed by Manpreet Kaur of Government Senior Secondary School, Lambran, and Pooja Verma of Shiv Devi Girls’ High School.

In the quiz contest, 30 teams participated. The first prize was won by Shagufa and Manjot of Government Senior Secondary School, Fantom Ganj. Kuljinder Kaur and Gaganpreet Kaur of MGN Girls’ School, Adda Hoshiarpur, were declared second. Kiranjit Kaur and Bhupinder Kaur of Government Senior Secondary School, Chak Desraj, were declared third. Mr Sanjiwan Singh Dadhwal was the quiz master.

With Action Man replacing GI Joe, Heritage of India, mini-motorbikes and Teddy Bears acting as toys, the market is witnessing a northward shift in sales of toys. Interestingly, with a current growth rate of 20 per cent every month, this children-based merchandise sector was stable about five years ago.

All credit to cartoon channels for increasing awareness levels among young ones. The credit is also shared by various brands and Chinese companies, which have flooded new products ranges in Phagwara-based stores to make the toy business truly rock in the city.

“Before the year 2001, the toy market was stable. But after that the toys and games market saw a growth in the city. It is due to the everyday increase in awareness among children that the market is spiraling high. Brands and Chinese companies have introduced a whole new variety of toys in this region,” says Parveen Bedi from Parveen Stationery Mart on the Banga Road.

Earlier considered as gifts on Divali, birthdays or new year, now these playthings are a part of regular shopping. “Parents are ready to shell out the money.

Now, toys are no longer special occasion-based gifts, they have become routine-based products. Also, they act as reward for not only exams, but for monthly class tests,” says Jasbir Singh from Archies Gallery.

Such is the magic attached to these new gizmos that youngsters can’t help being attracted to them. Collector’s items like bikes and cars are a craze among youngsters. But for children, it is the style and designs, which make these toys desirable. “Children go in for glamour attached to them. Because of advertisements and cartoon films, awareness is high among children. But the sale of ordinary toys is less,” says Parveen Bedi.

If Beyblade was the favourite among children a few months back, the toy circuit is all set to incorporate its replacement. “Power Ranger’s new product range is picking up in city,” adds Parveen.

If Barbie and Beyblade are hot with guys, then Heritage of India still continues to rule the hearts of young women. “I have seen all the Barbie movies and even I watch cartoon channels every day. I want to buy tea-set, fashion bag and mobile set,” says Prerna Gupta, a class I student, who loves picking up three to four toys in a month. 

The Department of Journalism and Mass Media, Kamla Nehru College for Women, Phagwara, organised ‘Radio news reading’ competition. Mrs Saroj Balram, Vice-Principal, Dr Neelam Sethi and Mrs Loveleen were the judges for the competition.

Deepika and Simarjeet stood first and second, respectively in Hindi news reading while Jaspreet and Jaspreet Kaur claimed first and second positions, respectively in Punjabi news reading. In English news reading, Sukhpreet got the top spot while Neha was declared the runner-up.

The Postgraduate Department of Physics, Lyallpur Khalsa College, will hold a conference on “Physics and modern applications of laser” to be sponsored by the UGC.

As many as 75 delegates from universities and colleges are expected to take part in the scientific event. Organising secretary of the conference, Dr R.S. Johal, said experts of prestigious institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Institute of Plasma Research Ahmedabad, Punjabi University, Patiala, will focus on aspects of laser science, basic physics and its applications in industry and medicine.

A few stitches, a fracture in the head—even then, Sarika Sherawat, India’s only woman professional rallyist, did not think twice before participating in the 8th Raid de Himalaya, where she walked away with Coup de Dames trophy. Sarika, who’s been rallying for more than five years now and has a presence in the country’s Karting circle, ‘Desert Storm’, besides the prestigious Indian Natioanl Rally Championship (INRC), insists that it’s not just guts or driving skills that ensure that you do fairly in a tough rally. It is experience that helps you complete any rally.

Then what’s left to conquer now?

“C’mon, there’s plenty. I am desperately looking forward to prove my mettle in the Great Himalayan Desert Rally—where man and machine will be pushed to the limit and endurance will find a new meaning.” But isn’t the Gypsy low on power for such events?

Says she, “That vehicle is very dependable. My experience shows that it seldom breaks down.”

Is she proud of the fact that she wears ‘the only woman rallyist’ badge on her shoulder? Sarika smiles. “Yes, I feel very proud, in fact great. You see, I’ve never had a godfather. Initially even my family opposed. But I was too determined and couldn’t ignore the call of racing. And, before I forget, my first rally was in Chandigarh, in which I ‘punished’ a Maruti-800!”

How do men perceive a member of the fairer sex behind the wheel of a fast machine and she asserts, “Initially, they were in constant awe but now they have accepted me as a part of their tribe.”

You may be expecting a usual crybaby answer as the word sponsorship is mentioned. You’re proved wrong again.

Says she, “In contemporary times, marketing and presentation have assumed paramount importance. My PR carries a laptop and ascertains that the whole presentation is done in a professional and slick manner. There has been a 25 per cent increase in sponsorship in the last five years!”

When asked as to why guys from down South do exceptionally well, Sarika says go there and acquaint yourself with the exceptional infrastructure.

You have Karting tracks, racetracks, and ample guidance from people who’ve done exceptionally well during their time besides of course sponsorships.

Moreover, most of the INRC rounds are conducted in that part of the country.”

As she’s all set to zoom off in her Gypsy, it’s hard not to ask her—“First love? “And the only one,” she offers a hearty laugh, punctuated by the vehicle’s exhausts.