Five get creative excellence award
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 12
The future development of Chandigarh must be regulated to satisfy the socio-economic changes without the sentimentality of the past or the rash ambition of the future, said Dr S.S. Bhatti, former principal of the Chandigarh College of Architecture, while speaking at a seminar here today.

Mr Surinder Bagha, chief architect, Saakaar Foundation, highlighted the value of heritage inherent in the architecture created by Le Corbusier and his team. The least we could do was to raise the level of maintenance and management, he asserted.

In his address, Prof R.K. Kohli, professional botanist, stressed that Chandigarh’s landscape design was distinguished by its totality of environmental planning, encompassing plantation, low-rise buildings, open spaces and wide roads.

The chairman of the Department of Fine Arts, Panjab University, Dr Rajinder Bhandari, said Chandigarh’s architecture was not merely an expression of building design aimed at satisfying the physical needs of accommodation.

Mr Gurbax Singh, president of the Punjab Heritage and Education Foundation, said Chandigarh was called city beautiful because of its visionary man-made creations such as the Capitol Complex, the Sukhna Lake and the Rose Garden. The city had to take care of its heritage, facing a threat due to bureaucratic neglect, he added.

A former chief architect of Punjab, Mr P.R. Luthra, lauded the efforts of the First Friday Forum to create aesthetic awareness among citizens to help them appreciate Chandigarh’s heritage.

Five professionals were presented with the First Friday Forum Awards for Creative Excellence for outstanding contribution in their respective fields. They were Mr Harold Carver, Dr A.K. Gupta, Mr Suneet Paul, Mr Lakhbir Singh and Mr D.S. Kapoor.

Integrated approach in stem cell research needed: Sobti
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 12
The two-day national symposium on “Stem Cell: Futuristic therapy in the making” organised by the Panjab University concluded here today. The valedictory address by Dr P. Rama Rao, Director, NIPER, emphasised the need to realise the potential of developing research in this field. Prof G.P. Sharma, former Professor, Department of Zoology, PU, Prof R.C. Mahajan, INSA Emeritus Scientist and Dr Avtar Krishan, Director, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of Miami, Florida, spoke during the symposium.

Prof R.C. Sobti, Vice-Chancellor, PU, Chandigarh, urged the scientific community to adopt a coordinated and collaborative approach at the intra and inter-institutional level in research. “This integrated approach would help to utilise research and manpower in a more effective manner to help bring out the real research outcome,” he said.

On this occasion, the Chandigarh Chapter of the Indian Science Congress in collaboration with the Panjab University Students’ Council organised a science exhibition on the campus. The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Balasubramaniyan, Director of Research, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad.

Students from various schools, colleges and university departments displayed scientific models and posters on various themes and a science quiz was also organised. In the evening, prizes were awarded to the winning teams by Dr H.S. Judge and Prof R.C. Sobti. 

YPS emerges winner at geography Olympiad
Tribune News Service

Mohali, November 12
Yadavindra Public School stood first among 90 teams at the National Geography Olympiad and Geofest International organised by City Montessori Inter College, Lucknow, from November 5 to 9.

Ramandeep Neetu of Class XII stood first in Geotalk and Akshi Chawla of Class X did the school proud by making it to the third round of the National Geography Olympiad. Other participants from YPS were — Tajbinder Singh, Ranbeer Sidhu and Abhayjeet Singh of Class XI, Roopam Aulakh of Class X and Dhriti Tiwari and Simran Aulakh of Class IX.

YPS bagged the championship trophy and emerged overall winner in their maiden attempt.

The winners of National Geography Olympiad are eligible to represent India in the National Geography World Championship conducted by National Geographic Society, USA.

In the events leading for this year’s Geofest, YPS stood first in the event called ‘Voice and Vision’, which was a five-minute choreographic presentation without the use of dialogues on the topic “Trees adorn the Earth”.

GMSSS-47 bhangra team to represent city in fest
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 12
The bhangra team of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 47-D, will represent Chandigarh in the National Folk Dance Festival, being held at Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) from November 15 to 16.

As many as 14 states of India are participating in the competition. It will be held at the Indira Gandhi Manav Sanghralaya, Bhopal. The cash prizes of Rs 11,000, Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000 will be given to the first, second and third position holders, respectively.

The team is being accompanied by Principal J.S.Basota and two officials, Shamser Singh and Vishal Bhatnagar. “Our team was declared winner in the state-level competition organised at Government Model School, Sector 10, in August this year,” said Mr Basota. 

Career counselling session on Army

Chandigarh, November 12
A career counselling session to motivate students to take up a career in the Army was held at the Ajit Karam Singh International Public School, Sector 41, here. The session was organised by the Indian Army Mission Career.

Major Satish Kantikar informed the students about various job avenues and future growth prospects and clarified the misconceptions about the profession. The students were given details about the examinations conducted by the Army and when to apply for the same.

Captain Bhatia from the Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies apprised students about benefits of joining the Merchant Navy. Mr Rajneesh Negi, Kota, Career, DNA, guided the students on being self-reliant and how to manage their time wisely. TNS

Theatre festival concludes
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, November 12
The 15th two-day one act play Sambhang Natyotsav-2006 concluded today at the auditorium of the Government College for Girls. The annual event was organised by the Sambhang theatre group in the memory of celebrated theatre artist, Prabhat Gupta, who sacrificed his life to save the life of a child. A record participation of 19 teams from schools and eight from colleges witnessed a close contest in drama and other competitions.

MCM DAV College-36 won the overall Running Trophy and the first prize while the second prize was jointly shared by SGGS College for Men and GCG-42. Hosts GCG-11 had to be content with the third slot.

The results: Best actor: Second — Bajninder Singh, SGGS for Men.

Best Actress: First — Neha, MCM DAV-36; Second — Manisha Sandhu GCG-11; Third — Rupinderjit, SGGS-26 and Yasmeen, MCM DAV-36.

Best Skit: Dev Samaj College of Education-36

Best Actress (Skit): Gurdeep and Ruchika from Dev Samaj College of Education-36.

Histronics: First-Shikha MCM DAV-36; Second — Manish DAV College-10; Third-Navjot Kaur, SD College-32 and Supreet, Dev Samaj College. 

Seminar on e-filing of IT returns
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 12
The Northern India Regional Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) organised a seminar on e-filing of income tax returns for companies here yesterday.

Mr Krishan Vrind Jain said issues on e-filing were a cause of concern, not only to the companies, but also to practising chartered accountants.

Mr Bholusaria from Delhi made a detailed presentation on the e-filing of returns. He pointed out certain practical difficulties and issues arising out of e-filing of returns, noticeably bank MICR code issue.

Children display diverse culture

Chandigarh, November 12
A glimpse of the diverse culture of India could be seen at the premises of the Stepping Stones Senior Secondary School, Sectors 37-D and 38-A, here today. At both branches, students displayed beautiful items. An exhibition was organised, in which projects made by students of Classes I to V were exhibited. Charts depict nutritious foods and healthy habits were also displayed. TNS

New director takes charge

Chandigarh, November 12
Former registrar of Punjab Technical University Prof M.S. Grewal has taken over as director of the Canadian Institute for International Studies, Jalvehra, replacing Lieut-Gen (retd) K.S. Mann. The institute has just completed six years. He termed his latest assignment as the most challenging. TNS

Poets delight at Mehfil-e-Shayari
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, November 12
‘Siva shayar musvir ke kisi ko nahin aata, kisi kagaz se rango ki jubaan mein guftu karna’ the couplet from a senior poet Sardar Panchhi is in itself a veritable tribute to the vision and versatility of a poet.

While representing the ethos of a common man the poet in him rues the contemporary society and humanity in another spell ‘Kis terah ka shehar hai kis terah ke log, moonh mein sabke jubaane bolta koi nahin.’ Likewise the well-known delineated their poems on varied themes of sin and sufferings, pelf and pride, social and political relevance.

Mahender Partap Chand reveled in illusion chasing a dream in his rendition ‘Kya khabar thi meri needein hi ud jayengi, mein khoye huye khwabon ka pta maanga tha.’ However, Dr Aslam Habib was more inquisitive about the contrast in life ‘Tu jo pathhar hai to pighlata kyon hai tu jo samander hai to aag mein jalta kyon.’ Similarly, young poetess Rupa Saba expressed her anxiety ‘Dhhup hai ya hava hai kya hai tu, Lams (touch) milta hai tera to khilti hun mein.’

Besides Sardar Panchhi, MP Chand, Rupa Saba and Aslam Habib prominent poets, including Sudershan Walia, Nami Nadiri, Janakraj Singh, Sevi Rayat, K.K. Budhkar, Kirti Kesar, CM Bhargava, Kewal Manakpuri and Hema Sharma participated in the trilingual mushaira. The compere Amarjit Narang also doled out many couplets.

Earlier, the chairman of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademy, Dr Naresh stressed the need for creating a literary atmosphere in the city beautiful. The chief guest, Mr Mohan Ram Banga, Director, Language Department, Punjab, lauded the efforts of the akademy.

SPORTS

Chandigarh start on winning note
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 12
An explosive 112-run partnership in 69 balls between Gaurav (67) and S Singh (50 n o) enabled hosts Chandigarh to start the Under-19 Twenty-20 National Championship on a winning note as they thrashed Gujarat by 126 runs at Cricket Stadium, Sector 16, here today.

Chandigarh scored a whopping 199 runs in 20 overs, consolidated by the 112-run stand for the fifth wicket. In the ninth over, the team were tottering at 87 for 4 after being put in by Gujarat.

Gaurav made 67 off 39, hammering eight boundaries and two sixes, while S. Singh’s unbeaten half century was completed in 40 balls.

Opener Amit Prashar played a good knock of 45 off 20 whereas the wickets of other top-order players Sarul (8), Anupam (6) and Saurav Kumar (6) went cheaply. Bhaumik took two wickets for 33 runs.

Starting on a disastrous note, Gujarat lost eight wickets for 48 runs in 15 overs. At the end of the innings, Gujarat could make only 73 runs for 9 wickets. Naresh was the highest wicket-taker with three for 26, followed by Rozal and Gaurav, who claimed two wickets each.

In the other four matches, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra and Uttaranchal won their respective matches on the opening day.

Maharashtra beat Hyderabad by eight wickets. Maharashtra, set a target of 68 runs, achieved the target in just 10.1 overs. Imran Pathan of Maharashtra was the wrecker-in-chief, with figures 4 for 9.

Punjab outclassed Andhra Pradesh by 72 runs. Batting first, Punjab scored 176 runs for 8 in 20 overs. Chasing the target, Andhra Pradesn finished on 83 in 18.3 overs.

Haryana beat Uttar Pradesh by 4 runs. Haryana accumulated 174 runs in 20 overs after being put in to bat. Shiv Kumar was the highest scorer with 62 off 46. Javed Raza and Sourav Dubey snapped two wickets each. Uttar Pradesh could make 170 runs in the allotted overs.

Uttaranchal beat Himachal Pradesh by 10 runs. Uttaranchal gave a 167-run target, but Himachal Pradesh managed 156 runs.

The match between Goa and Vidarbha was called off as both teams did not turn up.

Sushila, Reena advance into quarterfinals
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 12
Sushila Prasad upset ranked player Farheen while Reena beat Surbhi Hemdan, another seeded player in the pre-quarterfinals in the women’s singles category at the ninth Raj Kumar Babuta Memorial Prize Money Carrom Ranking tournament being played at St Stephen’s School, Sector 45, here today.

The results:

Men’s singles (pre-quarterfinals): Anuj Sinha b Abhinandan 25-6, 24-16; Paramdeep b Arjun Yadav 10-14, 16-14, 19-13; Gagandeep Singh b Kumar Vishal Piyush 25-12, 25-16; Rajkumar b Shakeel Ahmad 25-0, 21-08; Md. Saquib b Pardeep Mittal 25-4, 22-20; Neeraj Bharti b Mukesh Piplani 25-12, 25-01; Hassan b Rizwan 25-05, 9-23, 22-11.

Boys’ junior (pre-quarterfinals): Saquib b Kushal Singh 25-03; Arish b Saksam 24-03; Shahnawaz b Vaibhav Arya; Kartik b Pulkit Bhutan 25-0

Women’s singles (pre-quarterfinals): Aakansha b Arshdeep 25-0, 25-0; Chahat b Sugandha 25-11, 25-06; Reena b Surbhi Hemdan 21-04, 21-10; Anjali Yadav b Vishakha 25-0, 25-0; Kumari Kiran b Prachi 25-10, 15-09; Harshpreet b Tuba 25-0, 25-0; Bhanu Sadana b Khazanika 25-0, 25-3; Sushila Prasad b Farheen 21-8, 21-10.

Girls’ junior (pre-quarterfinals): Farheen b Kudrat 25-01, 25-04; Aakansha b Surbhi 25-10, 25-05; Bhanu b Tuba 25-04, 25-11. 

NPS lift football trophy
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 12
New Public School 18 scripted an emphatic win against Sanjay Public School 44 by 4 goals without conceding a single one in the final match of Chandigarh Junior Boys (u-19) Football Championship for Pandit Harbans Lal Memorial Trophy. The match was held at Sector 17 Football grounds here, today.

NPS lads right from the beginning of the match dominated the proceedings. They scored their first goal in the ninth minute when their right striker Sahibinder Singh send the ball home.

Stung by this early jolt, SPS squad tried hard to contain the damage but because of poor defence coordination, conceded another goal. In this raid, during the 20th minute, right winger Vikram of NPS got the ball on a pass given by right half Arshpreet Singh. Thereafter, the ball remained most of the time in the SPS's side It was during the 26th minute, when NPS's striker Sahibinder Singh dribbled past two defenders and managed to dodge the SPS's goalie Gurpreet Singh with an angular shot. The half time score was 3-0 in favour of NPS.

After break, NPS lads added 4th goal in the 40th minute and the scorer was left winger Hardeep Singh who sailed his team to register the final win against SPS squad 4-0.

Meanwhile, Jashanpreet (NPS-18), Vikram (NPS-18), Alam Singh (SPS-44) and Ashutosh Sharma (DAV SSS-8) were declared best players of the tournament. Later, Mr Ravinder Talwar, President, Chandigarh Football Association, who was the chief guest on the occasion, gave away prizes to the winners. 

Cycle race marks Children’s Day celebrations at YPS
Tribune News Service

Mohali, November 12
Savel Ruppal of Class IV and Jairoop Kaur Riar of Class XI emerged winners in the boys u-10 and girls u-15 categories, respectively, in the cycle race organised to celebrate Children’s Day by Yadavindra Public School, here, today. In the girls u-15 category, Harkiran Nain of Class VIII was declared the winner.

Patiala house with 9470 points got first place followed by Ranjit house (8860 points) and Aitchison House with 8227 points. The trophy for the cycle race went to Patiala house.

More than a 1000 students took part in the race. The race started from the school and passed through some areas of Chandigarh and Mohali and finished in the school premises.

Hans Raj eves win

Chandigarh, November 12
Hans Raj Public School, Sector 6, Panchkula, won the overall trophy in the girls’ category while DPS, Pinjore, bagged the overall trophy in boys’ group during the All-India Invitational Table Soccer championship at CRB Public School, Sector 7, here, today. Mr Ravinder Talwar, Chairman of the Table Soccer Federation of India, gave away the prizes. TNS