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Sculpting a sad saga At Stop & Stare, your eyes does wander, soaking in the rustic yet neat charm of the eating joint, its vibrant atmosphere, the stone forms on neat pedestals, blending perfectly with the ambience. On the other hand, the eight sculptures at the Leisure Valley, once the city’s pride and joy, now have become an eyesore. If you can manage to find someone to identify celebrated artist S. L. Prasher’s sculpture there — the original inhabitant of the valley that was approved by Le Corbusier — you will have to be told that once upon a time there used to be an inscription on it. The words are missing now. And the pool in which it was raised is full of dirty water. Even the ones that were added only about three years ago by artists invited by the Government College of Art in collaboration with the UT Administration look more like pieces of junk at the first glance. These were mainly functional sculptures meant for people to sit and enjoy the view, but now their utility seems to be giving support to labourers working on laying footpaths in the valley to pitch their tents! The beginning They still are there. But Kulkarni’s creation in steel sheets has been eaten up by rust. Dhanjal’s marble and Kalka stone one is chipping off in different places. Matharu’s steel structure and Shiv Singh’s environment-friendly galvanized-pipe maze now looks dull. “We wanted to carry out more such workshops to complete what had been started by the NZCC but as leadership changed, so did their plans and proposals. The project to beautify the Leisure Valley with sculptures lost its steam. For that matter, nobody has ever approached me for their maintenance,” says Shiv Singh. A few sculptures were added later. Like Vikram Dhiman’s Udaan, which is the newest, and easiest to spot as it still has the title and artist’s name on it. In fact, this is one major handicap for a layman. He would be clueless about the exhibits, as none of them carry any particulars of the artist and his piece. “The whole thing was too casually done as those were installed without any planning,” says Malkit Singh, city-based artist and art critic. If you look at the sculptures, the ambience is all wrong for them,” he says. Who’s responsible? Now begins the passing-the-buck game. NZCC refuses to take responsibility for the maintenance. “And they are right. Though NZCC initiated the park, its preservation was the administration’s responsibility. While the NZCC failed to complete what they had started, the UT administration failed to maintain the beautiful works,” says Shiv Singh. Government and Art Gallery director V. N. Singh agrees. “These are works of art that the city can be proud of but the Administration has done nothing to preserve them.” The administration too seems clueless. A few phone calls here and there and we finally come to know from Vivek Atrey, director public relations, that the answers lie with the engineering department. After a short telephonic conversation with chief engineer B. K. Bhardwaj, we also manage an assurance from Atrey that “things will be taken care off.” Though we were a little surprised that such a short conversation could set the wheel in motion, and knowing the bureaucratic set up, we decide to keep our cynicism to ourselves. After all miracles do happen and at this point of time that’s what the park needs. |
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Budget brings no relief
The Budget 2007-08, announced by the Finance Minister, may have brought cheer to the farming community, but it has certainly left the service class squirming.
No new tax sops mean that the savings of an average middle class family will be severely hit, especially when the inflation is at an all time high of over 6. 5 per cent. Post-budget announcements have left B. S. Ahuja, a branch manager with Oriental Insurance Company and his family of six, totally disillusioned. There has been no substantial increase in the income tax exemption limit, tax exemption on education loan has been withdrawn and the exemption on tax through savings has remained untouched at Rs 1 lakh per annum. “With a monthly family income of Rs 45,000 for a family of six, we will be spending a major portion of our income on meeting the day to day requirements of the family,” says Ahuja. “With prices of all essential commodities touching the roof, and the Budget making electricals, electronics and automobiles more expensive, we will be spending majority of income on groceries. There will be little left for updating our electronics, or changing a vehicle if we so want,” he says. He also adds that the raising of income tax exemption limit by Rs 10,000, will mean that the total benefit a person would accrue would be Rs 1000 a year. “This means that the only relief one gets is Rs 83. 30 per month. On the other hand, several tax exemptions have been withdrawn, which will again upset our monthly budget,” he says. Though the Finance Minister has taken sufficient steps to control inflation by banning all future contracts on wheat and rice, reducing duty on cement to bring its cost to Rs 190 per bag; ensuring fiscal and supply reforms in pulses and edible oils – the Ahujas are still skeptical whether these steps would lead to the desired results. Harvinder Ahuja, B S Ahuja’s wife and a homemaker, expresses her doubts on whether these steps would be able to control the rising prices of all essential commodities. “With dal at Rs 50 a kg, and wheat flour at Rs 14 a kg – the high price which benefits the major votebank, i. e., the farming community, no one will like to see the prices fall and the farmers losing out on their profit margins,” she
says.
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Hooking the unhooked
They promise nirvana — from lifting sagging spirits to working you way around a mean boss, tips on dealing with pesky in-laws to anger management and even talking smart at a social do. Self help and motivational books have emerged the largest sellers in the category of general books. They contribute nearly 30-40 per cent of sales in the mass-market category that is books other than fiction and text or technical books, says Shobit Arya of Wisdom Tree. They are primarily targetted at those between 18-35 because it’s the age when people are willing to change but also the time when lethargy just begins to set in as does the need to conflict between the material and spiritual, he explains. Essentially a trend popularised in the West by Dale Carniege through How to win Friends and Influence People, in India it was Shiv Khera’s successful You can Win that created a buzz around the category with a lot of Indian authors jumping into the fray. However, Pavan Choudhary whose book When you are sinking, become a submarine recently hit bookstands says, “The Western authors believe that everything is will-generated while in the East they argue that everything is driven by destiny. For Indian authors the challenge is to find the middle path.” Shamshir Rai Luthura, popular radio personality and author of Talk to Win, quips, “I think the West is too much into copywriting a suggestion they make in their book while Indians are into copying everything the West says,” he says. Ultimately, the idea of a self-help book is that you never have to read another again, says Arya. “These books are selfless in a way that they lead you onto to a certain path.” Agrees Luthura, while confessing “self-help books may compress years of learning in a comprehensive form, but don’t expect them to give away trade secrets.” So how important is it for the author to be well known for him to write a self-help book? “Well a known author certainly helps,” says Kaul. In fact she confesses that this is perhaps the only category that doesn’t require marketing muscle. Says Luthra, “It’s a goldmine for publishers because it’s a passive income.” However, Arya feels that ultimately content is king and as a category, it survives on buzz. In this direction, his publishing house has come up the novel idea of preview booklets which provides a brief on the author along with a few chapters of the book. Talking about the evolution of self-books, Arya says simplicity is key. He also says that there is slowly a move from preachy-pedantic to friend-confidant mould. But why do all these books typically follow the anecdote-elaboration-summary route? “Lazy thinking,” argues Luthra. Kaul agrees and says that the books are so popular that publishers don’t feel the need to innovate. So what is the author’s motive behind a self-help book ? “ It’s about reachability. In person I can touch base with a few but through my book I can help many reach realise their potential,” says Luthra. As Choudhary says, “There are two kinds of advice - moralistic and Machiavellian. Those who follow the former will never succeed, those who follow the latter will rise fast but their fall is inevitable. A self-help book puts you on the path of wisdom and creativity.”
— PTI
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Rising stars
The up and coming local cricketers Sukhvir Happy Singh and Samandeep Singh have found a new platform, which could catapult them to the new heights not only in the game but to the fame too.
Both promising players have made it to the final eleven of the TV show Cricket Star, which is being presented to audiences with a purpose of unearthing the hidden cricketing talent. The cricket crazy 20-year-old Sukhvir Happy Singh is right arm fast bowler while Samandeep Singh is a leg spinner. “The programme has provided me a good platform. I have been learning many new aspects of the game and it’s just like a fresh starting,” said Sukhvir Singh. For the game, Sukhvir had given up his studies after class XII as he did not get enough time for the practice. This fitness freak sportsperson is a son of a bus driver of the local transport. The aim of his life is to touch the heights like his idols Brett Lee and Saurav Ganguly. On the other hand, leggie Samandeep Singh wanted to be spin wizard like world class spinner Shane Warne while Sachin Tendulkar fascinated him as a batsman. “So far I have been doing marvelous during the matches being held under the programmme. I am the maximum wicket taker with 13 wickets in six matches. I am fully confident that it would be me only who win the title,” said jubilant Samandeep. “To be a star, a cricketer should have confidence, discipline as well as the right attitude towards the game,” feels Samandeep. The other happiest person was Sukhwinder Tinku, under whose supervision the players have been honing their skills at the Mohali Cricket Association, Mohali. The players were on a short visit of their town and native villages to motivate the people to vote in their favour. Both, the players felt that the show would be a great help to reach their aim. Such reality shows are in are in trend of late after the huge success of the programmes like Indian Idols and Nach Balliye in which the public votes for their favourite performers through SMSes or telephone calls. Now, Investors in Cricket (IIC) also started the show in a reality show format with the association of Airtel and Reebok, simulcast on DD National and the Zee Network. Earlier, 23 participants were short-listed after many weeks of mini and regional auditions conducted across the nation in 11 cities like Jaipur, Jamshedpur, Rajkot, Lucknow, Mysore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore. The contestants had passed specialised cricket tests, personal challenges and master class inputs from legends of the game, with coaching and fitness training. A series of 20:20 cricket matches were conducted between 23 contestants to select further 11 contestants. The viewers will be now asked to vote by phone or by SMS to choose the ‘Cricket Star’ in a final episode at the end of March. The winner of the first series, Cricket Star India, will win a one-year all-expenses-paid contract with Leicestershire County Cricket Club, besides attractive cash prizes. An opportunity will be provided to the final 11 contestants to participate in the global rollout of Cricket Star, which is slated for a UK launch in summer 2007 and a subsequent launch in Pakistan, where there is significant interest in the format. |
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These cards hold your future
She can look into the future as well as the past with a simple deck of cards. And going by what local cartomancer Gaitri Singh says, our destiny lurks just around the corner, and our forthcoming story longs to be told. Gaitri claims to unveil events of six months ago and the success, trials and tribulations of the coming six months using the clairvoyant card reading method. She learnt this form of card reading in college with her friends and the success encouraged her to take it up professionally. “I was more accurate than others. At times I get very strange prophetic dreams. It might be God’s gift,” she tells. Gaitri has been practicing cartomancy for the past 10 years and has hundreds of clients who consult her regularly. She claims 80 to 90 per cent accuracy and her clients, mostly in the age group of 30-50, could not agree more! Many students also frequent my office for readings, she says. “I meet only 10-15 clients a day. I cannot cope with more as it is mentally and emotionally draining,” she shares. “People take me too seriously and that puts pressure on me.” Interestingly, Gaitri has more male clients. “Due to the stiff competition in every field many men are either frustrated or insecure in careers. In the last few years, I’ve seen men become a lot more sensitive and women much more practical. Men show that things don’t bother them, when in fact these things bother them a lot,” she says. So what do her clients want to know? “Mostly about their careers or relationships. Everyone wants to make a fast buck, and that is the problem,” she says. Card reading is a hobby for Gaitri, who also spends time on the golf course and in social activities. She charges “The problem is, people take me too seriously and that puts pressure on me.” She charges working people Rs 300 and students Rs 200. For those who cannot afford to pay, there is no fee. “My regular clients consult me every three months. Some even consult me before every decision they make,” she says. Businessman Vikas Garg has been consulting Gaitri for eight years now. “I had many problems when I went to her. Now I go because she is a nice person and gives good vibes. Of course, I like to have my cards read from time to time.” From his experience, Vikas says she is pretty accurate and at least 80 per cent of her predictions have been correct. Jasjyot Singh, 31, a laundry contractor and astrology student, swears by Gaitri’s psychic ability. “I consult her for each and every decision in my life. I think she has divine knowledge and God’s gift,” he says, “I have been consulting for the past two and a half years now and her predictions have been 100 per cent accurate for me. It can’t be a coincidence.” Jasjyot says it was because of Gaitri that he and his wife did not get a divorce. “I went and consulted her and she said she does not see a divorce in my future. Shortly after, my wife came back to me and we patched things up. We never got a divorce and are now living a happy and normal life.” So convinced by Gaitri’s intuition, Jasjyot told about 25 of his friends about her level of accuracy. “They have all been satisfied with her readings. I think God created her on this earth for the benefit of society.”
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Global waves Flowing out of the santoor and the Algerian flute, the waves of their rather unconventional music, with undercurrent of Sufism, create ripples as they transcend all geographical and traditional boundaries to produce harmonious world of global music. Fusion? No, certainly not! As the rhythmic movement of their dexterous fingers on the instruments produce an altogether different genre of music, you realise it’s so dissimilar from the fusion stuff you hear all the time on the radio, even though the artistes of “Darb Al-Harir” combine the Arabic, French and Indian sensibilities. “Thanks for not calling it fusion,” says Nishith Mehta as you look awe-struck. He is the composer, the arranger and the producer. An expert at piano and other instruments, he is with the eight-member group in Chandigarh to present a “rich confluence of French, Algerian, India and Spanish Flamenco music” at the IMTECH auditorium in Sector 39 on Friday. In the UT Guest House on Thursday afternoon, along with the other artistes of Indian, Spanish and Algerian backgrounds, he says: “Through the experiment, we explore the similarities and differences of cultures to understand how they co-exist without actually stepping out of the traditions. “Needless to say, we preserve the individuality of each form to create universal sound that goes beyond the barrier of language. The concept of music largely revolves around the traditional Arabic poetry between the 7th and the 11 th century, Spanish text and the music of Indian origin”. Chipping in, artistic director-cum producer-director Manuel Aguilar says: The spectacle illustrates Sufi poems of love, nature and philosophy. The text is ancient, undoubtedly. But the poems speak about the present. The writing is simple and adds to the extreme richness in the direction, the rhythm, the sound and the universal love.” As they speak, you realise their music flows along with the winds sweeping the Arabic countries, covers Southern Europe and finally blows into India with diverse experience gathered on the way. It has the charm that comes with the discoveries of commonalities and the induction of cultures. The rhythms create a true bond that at the same time is close and distant; familiar, yet so different. But how did they create harmony among themselves in the very first place? “Well, music brought me close to Nishith in 2001 when we were producing a video. Again the next year, we did a show and then toured India and Europe,” says Aguilar with Spanish background. “During the course of our association, an associate Meryem Koufi from Algeria expressed desire to go in for Sufi poetry…. We met Nishith again in July 2006 and here we are.” Good, but what about the similarities in different cultures? “The music, the sound and the spirit is not very different. In fact, the classical Algerian music also has in it a counterpart of ragas,” asserts Meryem You can catch the eight artistes performing live at the auditorium at 6 pm. The “world music concert” is sponsored by the Society for Tourism and Entertainment Promotion of the Chandigarh Tourism, the French Embassy in India and Alliance Francaise de Chandigarh. Happy listening! |
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It is by no means a small achievement and that too in just eight years. Sharing his experiences as a playwright, actor and director, Gurav holds that the hard work, ability to grasp and the aptitude for learning are the basic ingredients, which merit a guaranteed success. In all humility he owes it to the blessings and guidance of Sardar Gursharan Singh, Umesh Kant, CS Sindra and others who had groomed him and sharpened his sensibilities and acting abilities. It was because of them he says that he directs plays with consummate ease and perfection. A prestigious film role assigned to him by Bollywood director Imitiaz Khan in an untitled production starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur is in his kitty. “The shooting will commence from April 3 next but the offer rejuvenated me,” he says. He had earlier played important roles in regional films but theatre especially the street is still his first love. “The radical street performances are the most vibrant form of theatre as the performers are capable of engaging the audience in direct dialogue and debate the issues of mutual concern,” says Gaurav. “The artist should have the dexterity of performance and confidence level of the artist must be perfect to bring alive the required emotive expressions,” he says. A trained detective from a private institution, Guarav is a professional Spanish guitarist too. His contrasting but creative passions however, add to his versatility and help him in embellishing his theatrical performances. Reminiscing the applause he won during the staging of his play at Bankok last year, Gaurav laments the lack of patronage to theatre artists. Especially the young struggling actors suffer most notwithstanding so many projects that come up which go to established artists only.
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Poet of conscience A literary exponent of the societal segment committed to save the social cultural, religious and political environment from pollution, Gurbux Saini articulates the bitter truths in his poetry, which awakens the patriarchs from deep slumbers. ‘The poets are the blessed ones who are endowed with a vision to represent the cultural ethos of the people rather of the whole human race in their sweep, through the literary creations,” maintains Gurbux Saini. As such the poets play a vital role in building an ideal social environment, he adds. The proliferation of rich Punjabi literature through seminars or poetical symposiums being taken up by literary organisations is a welcome move, he adds. He too had been instrumental in organising such activities in the state since 1982 for disseminating the cultural nuances and encouraging budding poets. Credited with six publications and many articles on various issues of social and cultural relevance. With an insight into the profound depth of Punjabi poetry he had captured the soul of punjabiat in his literary works. The Haryana government reciprocated his literary contributions with the Haryana Sahit Akademy Award-1992 for his book of poetry Khulla Amber. His other books include Ikk Maan bina, Kherun Kherun, Patta Te Parchhavan, Chhavan Labhde rukh, which merit recognition and appreciation from avid Punjabi readers. Hailing from a sleepy village Waryamwala bordering with Pakistan and a postgraduate in English literature he had cultivated a passion for writing and participating in mushairas since his college days.
Born and brought in pastoral ambience he portrayed social evils like dowry, female foeticide and prejudiced gender disparity in his writings. Sample this on foeticide:
Apni hi kukh da qatal kukh hai kar rahi, hai ajeeb taran the kukh tere shehar vich.
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Life is for living
It is true that situations in life can be pressing. Life is a wonderful gift of God, it should not be wasted. Children should be trained to handle emotions at school-level. Society has failed to show sensitivity to problems. High marks and flashy degrees of their kids help them flaunt themselves in the society. But they do not take into account the aptitude or capability of the child. Abuse at home or workplace is considered trivial until something ghastly happens. In absence of help from any quarter, such victims kill themselves. Parents and spouses should deal with their loved ones with love and understanding. Successive governments have also failed to evolve a comprehensive strategy to deal with the problem. However, the solution lies in hand of youth themselves. No one has a perfect life. Life is beautiful. Live it, not end it.
Shavinder Pal Singh |
Ram Gopal Varma does not only jump genres with grace, but consistently redefines the prevailing ones. With his new film Nishabd, the ‘chameleon’ has once again changed colours to make a love story with an entirely different subject. The film has already evoked a curiosity among the viewers. Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jiah Khan, Nishabd is reportedly inspired from Vladimir Nabokov’s immortal novel, Lolita. Denying this Varma says, “It is an intense love story of an old man and a young girl. At Neelam Chandigarh and Fun Republic, Manimajra. — Dharam Pal
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Health tip of the day
“Food is fuel” for the body. Less fuel intake in order to control weight leads to headache due to the body being in “starvation mode” The consequence bring fatigue, lack of energy/ sleep which are potentially dangerous to one’s health. — Dr Ravinder Chadha |
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TAROT TALK
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This one is for those looking for arguments in support of privatisation. It comes on an artistic platter and one does not have to go far to look for it. All one has to do is take a stroll down the Leisure Valley in Sector 10 and observe the conditions of the sculptures within the premises of CITCO’s Stop & Stare. And you do not have to be an art connoisseur to tell the difference.
The story of this sculptures park is, however, not an old one. We are told by Shiv Singh: “In 1991, Geetika Kalha, director of the North Zone Cultural Centre, came up with this proposal to organise a sculpture camp at the Leisure Valley. I was hesitant but when she persisted I invited a few artists from all over the country. Four of us — H. S. Kulkarni from Delhi, Avtarjit Dhanjal from England and Charanjit Matharu from Sanawar and I, carried out the camp for six weeks which resulted in four functional sculptures.” 
“No other form of art can generate and radiate human energy with aesthetic potential and meaningful entertainment like the theatre,” feels young actor and director, Gaurav Sharma. With memorable acting spells in 200 plays in Hindi Urdu and Punjabi, fifteen films and serials he graduated to be the most sought after director in the region after testifying his directorial skills in 25 productions. 
Mein rukh jangal vich iqalla, naa patta parchhanvan/ Jangal mera saarh gayian ne iss diyan tez havavaan, couplet by Panchkula based Punjabi poet, Gurbux Saini depicts his self-effacement and complete identification with nature what he perceives in his poetry. 
Pick up any newspaper and there are news of young men and women committing suicide. Reasons are varied and often trivial. Some fail in examinations and hang themselves; others fail in love and throw themselves in front of a running train. Some are the victims of abuse and decide that they can’t take it anymore. Suicide is a sad end and it shows a person’s inability to cope with stress.
ARIES: The Princes of Cups infuses romantic and dreamy moments. The successful phase continues to keep you in high spirit. You will manage to catch up with your mate or beloved. Lucky colour: Pomegranate red. TIP OF THE WEEK: Relax and put your cares to one side.
LIBRA: The Queen of Cups infuses trust and friendship. A romantic and dreamy time gives you a break. Don’t rush into things, but others will not wait forever. Party and fun times are here and its good to catch up with old friends. TIP: Action is needed. Lucky colour: White.
TAURUS: You make an impact and shine like The Star. Allow others time for venting or emotional discussion. A Scorpion friend is supportive. Meditate and spend time in natural surroundings. Lucky colour: wine red. TIP: Be sure to involve yourself as much as possible in new project.
SCORPIO: The King of Pentacles blesses you with an inner flowering. You have worked hard, grown spiritually in the past and built a sound foundation, which leads to success and good fortune in the world outside. Lucky colour: Crimson. TIP: Control is slipping away.
GEMINI: The Prince of Pentacles infuses financial stability. Be honest with yourself before getting involved with someone. Try not to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Be more prompt with your work and don’t take it easy. Check your diet chart. Lucky colour: Black. TIP: Don’t worry.
SAGITTARIUS: Though Knight of Swords gives you a new vision but over indulgence will lead to trouble. Be attentive toward the ones you love. Start off with a clean slate. Don’t hang on to worries. Lucky colour: Black. TIP: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work.
CANCER: The Ace of Wands strengthens you. Hard work and extra responsibilities should be welcomed. Sibling relations, romantic promises or emotional difference concern you. Women come up with brilliant ideas. Lucky colour: Cream. TIP: Get a clear perspective and balance your energy.
CAPRICORN: Eight of Wands could have friends getting on your nerves. Mixing business with pleasure works well for you. Do not expect too much from your loved ones. You attract prestigious opportunities. TIP: Balance and perspective solves problems. Lucky colour: Crimson.
LEO: Your card “The World” reveals love and close relationships. But now, you wonder whether commitments was quite what you wanted. Don’t be too stubborn. Close partners will not be entirely calm. You will achieve a good deal together. Lucky Colour: Purple. TIP: It is the thought that counts.
AQUARIUS: The Sun shines on you. The card shows name, fame and stability in profession. Land and property matters come up. You plan ahead. Beware of wearing pride, rashness and ill temper. TIP: Take one step at a time. Lucky colour: Silver grey.
VIRGO: Your card The Princess of Cups maintains clarity and direction in complicated work situations. Be careful with your temper. You resolve conflicts and bring harmony in a love relationship. Lucky colour: Old rose. TIP: Catch financial opportunities.
PISCES: : Six of Cups inspires you to climb new heights. You receive support. There are opportunities for new assignments. Be realistic about the financial aspects of the venture. Network with people who share your interests. Lucky colour: Royal blue. TIP: Take one thing at a time.