Mohali, November 15
Students of Swami Vivekanand College of Engineering and Technology (SVIET), Ramnagar, Banur, visited SIEL Chemicals, Rajpura, Amrit Banaspati Co. Ltd., Rajpura, and Kandhari Beverages, Sirhind, yesterday.

Mr Manmohan Garg, CEO, SVIET, in a press note said the aim of this trip was to widen the knowledge of the students. Through industrial visit a true appreciation of the importance of management science could be achieved by witnessing the various processes being performed in an industrial setting.

He appreciated the efforts of the Director-Principal Dr C.S. Rao, in encouraging students for corporate interactions through industrial visits, short-term associations in terms of small projects and discussions with corporate bodies.

Chandigarh, November 15
Children’s Day was celebrated with great fervour at the St Peter’s School in Sector 37 here yesterday.

The event was organised as sports day, which included balloon race for tiny tots.

Other classes took part in banana race, relay race, frog race, sack race and lime race.

Students of Nursery and Kindergarten classes were dressed up as ‘Chacha’ Nehru.

The school was decorated with colourful balloons. Sweets were distributed among the children.

The Principal, Ms Patricia Khanna, gave away prizes to the winners.

She said celebrating Children’s Day was all about giving children the right to enjoy and grow into healthy and educated citizens of the country.

All the children enjoyed themselves a lot. They were shown the film ‘Jai Veer Hanuman’.

The Adarsh Academy School, under the aegis of the Rishikesh Sanskrit Vidyapeetham, Sector 47, also celebrated the occasion by organising a fancy dress contest.

Children participated with enthusiasm by dressing up as ‘Chacha’ Nehru, Lord Krishna, fairy, doctor, vegetable-seller, bride and groom, besides wearing traditional dresses of various states.

Acharya Atma Ram Mishra, founder-president, and the Principal, Ms Sarita Sharma, spoke on the occasion.

The guest of honour, Mr S.P. Gupta, Under Secretary, Hayana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam, gave away the prizes.

Chandigarh, November 15
In an effort to enthuse spirit into Children’s Day celebrations today, ITFT (Institute of Tourism and Future Management Trends) organised an inspirational talk by management guru and motivator Shiv Khera at the Leisure Valley today.

With a full house, vis-à-vis the number of people who thronged the grounds, the talk did not fail to elicit a positive response from people as Khera in an interactive and easy manner drew appropriate responses from the crowds.

Speaking in English, Hindi and Punjabi, he regaled the audience with anecdotes drawn from real life and filled with messages for a better life.

Talking about his own failures in the initial years of his life, he paced the stage energetically, tracing his own growth from losing the family business of coal mines to nationalisation to moving to Canada, washing cars, giving demos for vacuum cleaners to selling insurance to finally making a commitment to himself to succeed.

“The last 30 years have been tough, but I am glad they were so. I kept failing and blaming the world, but then I realised that I was my own biggest problem. That is when things changed.”

He stressed on positive thinking as the bedrock for change and said it was essential to focus on strengths rather than limitations and to take responsibility for one’s actions, irrespective of their outcome. 

Chandigarh, November 15
The first-ever five day Chandigarh Theatre Fest organised by Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Academy in the memory of great thespian Balraj Pandit concluded at the Tagore theatre today.

All the five plays staged dealt with diverse themes. The opening play 'Chehre' directed by Sudesh Sharma of 'Theatre for Theatre group' brought into sharp focus the hypocrisy, duplicity and perfidy of humans. Structured in an unusual ambience of a funeral ceremony, the play had comic as well as tragic situations to illustrate universal truths about the human nature.

K.K. Doda, Parvesh Sethi, Sudesh Sharma, Ravinder Happy , Kapil Kalyan, Anuradha played the main roles.

On the second day, the 'Theatre Age' group depicted the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, that were being misinterpreted to suit the strategies of those at the helm of affairs. 'Gandhi ki Wapsi' sculpted by Ajay Rana and directed by Julfiqar Khan was in fact a dissection of the prevailing systems of the government.

Suchetak Rangmanch strived for woman empowerment in his play 'Ikk Kudi Jihnu Rona Nahin Aunda' on the third day. Playwright Shabdish had sculpted the script based on stories by Asgar Wazahat and Prem Ranjan to depict the sorrow , longing , passions and pains of a girl born to poor parents.

Love and religion are the two volcanic emotions which can bring about a radical change in the life of a human being. This was conveyed in a Punjabi play 'Prinde Jaan Hun Kithhe' staged by the Adakar Manch, Mohali, on the fourth day . With its potent theme and immaculate depiction of the saga of Partition, the play won acclaim and rave reviews in Pakistan at the Panj Pani International.

The grand finale happened with Theatre Lab's prestigious production ' Ek aur Droncharya', which has made waves at the Kolcutta festival.

Directed by Umesh Kant, the play steeped into mythological and contemporary idioms illustrating the theme of 'power corrupts' and the 'powerful corrupt others'.

The chain reaction, so generated, pollutes the social, political and cultural environment. The protagonist, a professor, holding on to his professional ethics is pitted against external pressures depicted through the soul of his departed colleague in the form of his alter ego. 

Chandigarh, November 15
The five-day 48th Punjab University Inter-Zonal Youth and Heritage Festival got off to majestic start with

Dr R.C Sobti, Vice-Chancellor, lighting the traditional lamp. Student presented Saraswati Vandana at DAV College Sector 10, here today. Dr Sobti complimented Principal S Marriya for the excellence displayed by DAV College

students who won 36 positions out of 37 in the Inter-zonal competitions. Dr S.M Kant, Director, Youth Welfare, Punjab University exhorted the participants put their best notwithsatanding the results. Shabad kirtan geet, ghazal were the soul stirring items while over 150 competitors in fine arts drew the maximum rush. Dr Surinder Sharma, a veteran in Music was honoured by the Vice- Chancellor along with the conveners and organising secretaries of the festivals in their respective zones this year. Mr Ashok Goyal, a senior IAS officer of Punjab, Mr H.L. Vij and Mr Madhu Sudan famous industrialists presided over the afternoon session.

Following were declared winners in respective events held today.

Group shabad and bhajan: First- SGG Janta Girls college Railkot , second -DAV -10 Chandigarh, third-Guru Nanak National College, Doraha.

Embroidery/Phulkari: First -Gurpinder Kaur SGG Janta College Raikot, second- Parveen Verma, Guru Nand College Ludiana, third Harjinder Kaur Dev College of Education Ferozepore,

Embroidery: Crochet/ Pakhi/Knitting: First- Sukhmeen Kaur Dashmesh Girls College Badal, Second- Nitika GGDSD College Chandigarh, third- Jagdeep Kaur, AS College, Khanna.

Still Life: Navjeet Government College of Arts Chandigarh, Second- Satwinder Singh GCA Chandigarh, third- Rajvir Kaur, Government College Hoshiarpur.

Clay Modelling: First-Kirandeep Kaur GC Hoshiarpur, Second- Sandeep Sandhu Dashmesh Girls College Badal, third- Luxmi, Gobindgarh Public College, Gobindgarh.

Poster Making: Jatinder Singh DAV College of Education Abohar, second- Simran Kaur, GCA Chandigarh, third- Amandeep Kaur, Guru Nanak Girls College Ludhiana.

Cartooning: First- Ruchika Dev Samaj College of Education, second- Kulpreet Singh, GC, Hoshiarpur, third- Jasraj Bhatti, DAV College 10 Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, November 15
Swirls of the fabric, pulsating beats pounding against the chest, psychedelic lights creating waves of cheerful colours, sparkling wedge heels and gleaming crystals cascading down the glamorously glittering asymmetrical dresses…. You could not have asked for more from the dainty models in Chandigarh from across the country for the fashion show at Hotel Mountview this evening.

Conceptualised and produced by two-time national award winner for costume design Neeta Lulla as part of the “Second Fashion Knowledge Forum 2006”, the show was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Fashion Technology Park, and Business School of Fashion. The Tribune is the media partner in sponsoring the show.

As the reverberating music bellowing out of high wattage speakers set the pace for the evening during the show, choreographed by Achla Sachdev, the pageant saw not only reed-thin models sashaying down the glamorous ramp of life in sheer opulence, but also the crowd flaunting the oh-so-hot funky high-street look. And haughty attitude that comes with wearing glam halter-neck and bikini tops.

Back to the stage — Indrani Das Gupta, Deepti Gujral, Vaishali Desai, Candice Pinto, Netra Raghuraman, Anchal Kumar, Amanpreet Wahi, Mehak Chahal and so many other top models in Chandigarh from Delhi, Mumbai and other places marched their way to glamour, and into the hearts of so many guys, in lush fabrics with unique fits and royal cuts.

As they set the ramp afire in multicolored tops and voluminous skirts with chic urbane, yet traditional touch, the traffic on the busy geri route came to a near standstill. Parking their semi-limousines, the motorists craned their necks to catch a glimpse of energy jiving on the stage, visible from the freeway.

Gala was the word to describe the prêt design collection the ramp artists showcased. Sensual and stunning, the hot couture had a poetic charm, with an unpredictable and dramatic look. Designed by Neeta Lulla, Narendra Kumar Ahmed and Nalanda bhandari, the ensembles involved the reinvention of the classics with layering and random prints, overstating the old to give you that contemporary look.

Chandigarh, November 15
Chandigarh is all glitter as so many model stars of the sparkling world of fashion descend on the town for twinkling on style's new horizons.

Indrani Das Gupta, Deepti Gujral, Vaishali Desai, Candice Pinto, Netra Raghuraman, Anchal Kumar and Mehak Chahal are just some of the mannequins-on-the-move that are bound to leave starry-eyed residents bedazzled.

As many of them talk about modelling careers without resorting to the casting couch, and their love for the ramp instead of movies, you realise these beauties are not without brains.

Chandigarh, November 15
She dresses the most beautiful woman in the world, Aishwarya Rai, so nothing really intimidates her. In fact the greater the challenge, the more designer Neeta Lulla thrives.

With her fingers in many fashion-related pies, she is now in Chandigarh to be a part of the 2nd Fashion knowledge Forum — an international conference on fashion and lifestyle being organised by the Fashion Technology Park and CII.

And it is the smaller cities she says that gives fashion its big boost. “Everyone is fashion conscious these days and it is in small places where there is a greater scope for development that people want to be fashionable but do not have the means.”

Fashion means big business in India today and Neeta has had a vital role to play for one simple reason. “Every person has an idol that inspires him and most of them come from the silver screen. The farmers worn by these idols become an aspiration,” she explains rather succinctly.

Indeed the Hindi film industry seems to have overshadowed fashion lines emerging every season. So much so that many mainstream designers are now looking towards a film or two for that added allure.

“It was so surprised when two months ago a bunch of Russians came looking for the designer of ‘Devdas; (a film which Neeta got the President’s Award for Best Costume Design),” she smiles.

But what makes the Indian fashion industry tick is the essence of India. While the styles may weave in Western cuts and colours drawn from global trends, it remains quintessentially Indian in form.

But Neeta regrets that, “fashion runways are becoming lacklustre because every designer is following conditions that come up for a particular season, so the cuts, styles and even colours start looking similar.”

However, she stresses the cultural, geographical and traditional richness that India offers and believes three is so much to be inspired from. “Though we are in compliance with 
trends, we are different because of our indigenous sensibilities and the diverse cultures we draw from.”

So what does she draws her inspiration from? Everything really, but renaissance, rock and roll and period costumes— different material and colours excite me. She cities the example of the costumes for ‘Devdas’ which she says were a deviation from the period that it was depicting yet it conformed to the old world Calcutta charm of the British Raj days.

So what makes blunders like Aishwarya’s Cannes fiasco happen alongside accolades for ‘Devdas’ we ask? “It just makes me nervous because I realise I have so many goals to achieve and need to compete with myself more,” she laughs.

And what does she keep in mind while dressing Aishwarya? “Personal style statement and comfort level and that goes for anyone I design for,” she says.

Indeed from films (even Hollywood ones like the recently released, ‘One Night With The King’ and Bollywood’s upcoming extravaganza ‘Akbar Jodha’) to bridal collections to designing personal wardrobes for stars, she seems to have done it all.

So any movie that she wishes she had done? “Aamrapali because this movie created a mark in my mind as a student because of the use of accessories,” she smiles.

Chandigarh, November 15
Delegates from different segments of the fashion world — designers, industry analysts, fashion academia, corporate honchos — converged today to exchange their thoughts to take Indian fashion to new heights.

As the second Fashion Knowledge Forum, being organised by Fashion Technology Park (FTP) in association with Confederation of Indian Industry, got underway, discussions were held on how to give Indian fashion a global face. Delivering the keynote address, Mr J N Singh, Textile Commissioner, Government of India, said, “FTP and other such institutions are necessary for the development of fashion. High disposable income, increasing woman workforce, plastic money and growing mall culture are some of the factors which would be beneficial for the domestic growth of fashion”.

Mr Vishal Goel, Vice President, Ernst & Young, stressed on the importance of design process outsourcing units in India, which would play a pivotal role in international fashion. He stressed on the need to develop DPOs on the pattern of ITeS, BPO and KPO sectors.

Ms Robin Kay, President of Fashion Design Council of Canada, said fashion was increasingly being perceived as a pillar of culture, and they would look towards India for partnering the growth in fashion. Ms Sangeeta Shroff from the Department of Fashion Design, NIFT, Gandhinagar, stressed on the need to explore better marketing initiatives for Indian handicrafts.

Mr Jagjit Singh Kochar, CEO, FTP, called for a fashion revolution asking the youngsters to participate actively in the knowledge forum.

Discussions were also held on the need for a favourable policy framework and government support for the fashion industry. It was felt that for the market to grow, sound market intelligence system, efficient supply chain/ logistics and continuous technology upgradation was required. Cluster approach could be taken to develop the industry, where ideas and knowledge were exchanged and developed with a collective attempt to improve product quality and occupy more profitable market segments.

A separate session on retail boom, branding strategies and building the global Indian brand was also held in the evening. The delegates were of the opinion that expansion of fashion trends in India was revolutionizing the merchandising system in retail industry.

Chandigarh, November 15
Dressed in resplendent yellow, she looks every inch the radiant danseuse, following in the footsteps of her acclaimed parents, Shobha and M.L. Koser. With a lineage as well-established as hers in the classical traditions of ‘kathak’, Purva Koser Puri is determined to preserve the perfection of the ‘Jaipur gharana’ she represents while enthusing it with her lively spirit.

It is towards this earnest endeavour that she brings a unique evening of ‘kathak’ to the city on November 18 at Tagore Theatre. ‘Tarangni’, choreographed by her will present 50 of her students from her dance institute, ‘Shobaniya Kala Kendra’ in Ludhiana, in a classical recital spread over eight compositions.

Each individual work is unique, right from the orchestral beginning to a ‘stuti’ to Ma Kali to a Krishna Leela and even the applications of ‘kathak’ to ‘sufiana kalam’ bringing in her students from the youngest who is a four-year-old to those who have passed out from her school. “But all within the framework of classical dance otherwise my mother will beat me up,” she laughs.

Purva grew up around dance, learning the intricate nuances of the ‘gharana’ from her mother and Guru Shobha Koser, blending ‘bhava’ and ‘abhinaya’ into a style which drew from classicism but brought her own talents to the fore.

It was while she was still doing her graduation that she got married and moved to Ludhiana but that did not stop her from completing her Masters in ‘kathak’. However, performances took a backseat, although her dance did not. “I had to balance home and looking after my children. It was all about priorities and I wanted to be there for my children and family,” she smiles.

She started to teach dance as a lecturer, something she continues till today. She started her own institute in the name of her mother. She said “I named it after my mother who has done so much in the field of classical traditions and taught me everything too.”

She said the idea of setting up of the school germinated from mothers in Ludhiana wanting their children to learn dance, albeit filmy dance. “I used to get very upset when people approached me saying put my child on stage by teaching her to move on film songs. I spoke to my mother about it and she said do it, but bring in your classical training and one day people will appreciate it.”

That is indeed happening today with more than 60 students now a part of her kendra. “I will never compromise with what my upbringing and my guru taught me-the purity of ‘kathak’ will remain with me,” she insists.

So how does she convince parents about her form of dance? “I tell them if the child does not know the basics how is she expected to even dance to film numbers,” comes the firm reply.

After all ‘kathak’ is the “language” with which she expresses herself. “It is my soul, the essence of who I am.”