CHANDIGARH INDEX





Need for speed
Purva Grover

The members have already been informed about the time and place of the meeting. They gather in the wee-hours at an isolated roadway on the outskirts of the city. A session of thrills and spills follow, complete with the vrooming of the engines, stunts and nail-biting chase. And two hours later, the group of helmet-headed youngsters head back to their homes. The show under a cloak of secrecy is over.

Meet the speedsters (as they like to call themselves), members of a city-based group called SNOS, standing for Speed n Only Speed. “We not only take our machines above the speed limit but do a lot of masti,” they say. A seven-month- old group, they already boost of 50 members. Says Rahul Malhotra, the founder of SNOS, “We now we wish to take the group on another level, making it bigger and happening.”

It all started when Rahul and his friends realised that they were literally breathing bikes day in and out. “Every time we met it was an over dosage of bikes over a cup of coffee,” says Robbin, another member. And, that’s when these biker boys floated a community on Orkut (a social network site) and invited the like-minded boys and girls to join them. The response was overwhelming, and both guys and girls showed a keen interest. SNOS has 25 girl riders as their members; and all the members fall in the age group of 18-25 years.

Well, while the boys ride their Pulsars, Ambition, Karizmas and Yamaha Gladiator; the girls join them in on their kinetics and activas. Says Neeshu Chaudhury, a student from MCM, “While most of us girls do not own bikes, but we have learnt to ride one.” A handful of them are even trying their hand on stunts; right from wheelies, stoppies to burnout drags.

Besides stunts and racing, the speedsters regularly head for two-day trips to near by places like Shimla, Solan and Kasauli. While it is the beauty of the place that takes them to these hill spots every month, it is the thrill on the curvy roads of the hills that sends their adrenalin rushing. “We are a fun loving group. It is our love for wheels that keeps us together, “ says Varun, another SNOS champ.

But if you thought that SNOS has only fun in their minds, then think again. No member is allowed to attend the meet without a helmet and safety gears. “We don’t want to become a headline in the papers next day. And don’t want anybody getting hurt.” Well, the group takes permission to ride too; and it is not the cop scare that makes them follow the rules but a sense of responsibility. Last month, they performed stunts at a site in Mohali after seeking permission from the Deputy Commissioner there. The responsible SNOSites keep their parents informed of their activities too; for their membership form requires their parent’s permission. And, what’s more! Money for fuel and partying comes in from their own pockets. Most of the members work part time after college hours for the same.

Now, after two months of studies and exams, the group is all set to meet again. And, not all their thrills are secret; they have performed stunts in front of the public too. You can catch a glimpse of these daredevils at PU campus in first week of June.

purva@tribunemail.com 





Treasure Trove
Passion ignited
All hobbies come at a price. But, for D. P. Sabharwal it is an investment of passion in an inexpensive hobby that rules. He finds the unusual in the mundane… Purva Grover

Be it a railway station, bus stand or the nearby local market, one can easily spot D. P. Sabharwal at the paan and cigarette shop. His favourite pick up line while talking to the paanwallah is, ‘Bhaiya, zara machis dena’. Now, there is nothing unusual about it, except the fact that Sabharwal is a non-smoker.

A retired wing commander, Sabharwal never passes by the market without a quick glance at the paan shop. He has with him a collection of 1500 matchboxes collected over the past two decades. It all began in 1986, when he had gone to Russia for four-month induction. “I came across some fascinating matchboxes and brought home around a 100 of them. And, this kick started my hobby of collecting matchbox covers,” he says. 


Photo by Malkiat Singh

The collection is pasted and arranged in an album. The covers are on various themes like animals, birds, cards, flowers, fruits, household items, sports and transport. While one may have seen the usual ones like Home Lite, a dartboard and a ship on a matchbox; it is interesting to see pictures of roses, frogs, an electric kettle and football on them. And, well did you know that these tiny boxes even celebrated the World Cup 1983 victory and the launch of Agni missile. Brands like Nescafe (spelt Nescoffee), Rasna and Coco Cola too find their place on these boxes. And, while most of the collection is chic and span, there are few dirty boxes too. Confesses Sabharwal, “I picked some of them from the roadside.” He asks us, “Shouldn’t one appreciate the ingenuity of the men who created these?” Well, he does have a point.

Sabharwal believes that not all hobbies are expensive. “One can follow an inexpensive one, like I do,“ he says. “There are so many hobbies, which just require loads of passion and little investment,” he says. And, that leads us to another passion of his, that of collecting interesting and marvelous pictures from newspapers and magazines. Categorised in 11 albums, he has a title for each like amazing and bizarre, incredible, interesting and unfortunate. He subscribes to three newspapers and 12 magazines for the same.

He started cultivating this hobby just three years back and already has with him over 3000 unusual pictures. While some pictures make him somber like the one with a seven-year-old smoking a cigarette, there are quite a many, which bring a smile to his face. Infants listening to music on the headphones and a li’l boy enjoying a walk in the rain are some his favourites. Not surprisingly, the ones closest to his heart are the ones that have captured formulation flying and para-jumping. Well, his albums boost of over thousands of pictures captured by our team of photographers here.

And, it was while flipping through the papers for unusual pictures, he started maintaining a book of inspiring quotations too. “Even as a student, I would jot down any encouraging words and would re-visit my notebook when I felt depressed,” he says. Categorised under heads like fear, happiness, friendship and courage, he has now compiled more than a lakh quotations in 16 books. “These have helped me in the upbringing of my children,” he says. He often refers to his albums on pictures and quotations while teaching his students. Sabharwal is a visiting faculty at engineering institutes and even conducts personality development classes. Ask him to pick his favourite quote, and he is quick to share, “Life is the art of drawing sufficient conclusions from my insufficient premises.”

purva@tribunemail.com

If you too collect unique things and wish to be featured, write to us atlifestyletribune@gmail.com or Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29,Chandigarh

New releases
Weekend with the Big B

Cheeni Kum

Director: R. Balkrishna
Starring:
Amitabh Bachchan, Tabu, Paresh Rawal

A sugar free romance Cheeni Kum presented by Gautam Kumar is a story of a 64-year-old man who falls in love with a 34-year-old girl. Adman turned director R. Balkrishna makes his debut with this refreshing and interesting concept. Big B and Tabu spark off romance in this comical love story. Renowned South Indian composer Illayaraja has lend music to the meaningful lyrics penned by Sameer and Manoj Tapadia.
Showing at Batra, Fun Republic, Suraj

Shootout at Lokhandwala

Director: Apoorva Lakhia
Starring:
Sanjay Dutt, Amitabh Bachchan, Suneil Shetty, Viveik Oberoi, Tusshar Kapoor, Arbaz Khan, Aarti Chhabria
The flick comes with a tagline, “What everyone saw was real… what no one saw was truth…” A Balaji Motion Pictures Ltd, it is based on underworld don Maya Dolas. The film brings out the racy and upbeat style of Sanjay Gupta. The buzz is that the film is inspired from a real life story and is packed with great locations and of course a huge star cast. 
Showing at Neelam, Fun Republic, K.C., Bassi

— Dharam Pal

youth speak
Ajay Dewan
Inflation arouses public anger

The miseries of masses in India are escalating. Leave aside religious and political fiasco, another problem they are facing is food affordability. The problem is quite evident from the current scenario of rising prices of essential commodities like wheat, rice, pulses, edible oil, and vegetables. The basics are going way beyond the purchasing power of poor, the peasantry and the lower middle classes.

One should not expect a common man to understand complex economic statistics and theories that define inflation. For him, a two-time meals a day is the most important. The inability to buy food for his family breeds anger and disdain against the state, and manifestation of such feelings are fatal for both government and affluent society. Why do our people react so violently when there are amicable ways of handling situations? I believe public frenzy is culmination of many social and economic problems.

Liquor may trigger stroke

Heavy liquor drinking may trigger a dangerous heart condition that can trip off a stroke or heart failure - but reducing alcohol consumption even a little bit makes a big difference, say British scientists.

Raising a glass too often could put the drinkers at risk for atrial fibrillation, a dangerous heart condition that can cause a stroke or heart failure, said Joe Martins, a doctor and lead author of the study and a cardiologist at the Imperial College, London.

However, drinking in moderation is safe and does not significantly increase the chances of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), Martins said.

— IANS

Family business 

She draws the perfect picture of sensitivity and flair. And he plays the different game of market studies and analysis. Together, painter Laila Khan and tennis player Rohit Rajpal are the perfect pair. Saurabh Malik catches up with the artistically-sporty couple as they drive into the city to expand their family business 

Laila ‘o’ Laila

Silky brown highlighted tresses cascading down her fragile shoulders, cheerful eyes that compliment a mirthful smile and a gait that matches a ballet dancer’s grace — why isn’t she moving around the trees with a hero in a flick? That’s the first though that flashes through your mind as Laila Khan sashays into a Sector 17 showroom late Wednesday evening in a glittery black top paired with denims.


Photo by Manoj Mahajan

Rohni all the way

He is one master-crafter with his own designs. Associated with Chasm and Mystic Monk, Rohni from Hong Kong has already designed three-dimensional jeans that wrap around your legs, but are comfortable because of the unique cut. Rohni says he now wants to experiment by bringing the best of Indian and Japanese fashion together in a single garment! “I am planning to borrow the charm of Indian embroidery, and cut from Japanese apparels, to come up with fusion fashion,” he says. 

After all, she’s got the look that would make any good-looking gal turn green with envy! And then, she has been brought up in that star-studded environment with style icon daddy Feroz Khan ever willing to lend more than a helping hand.

And how can you forget bro Fardeen Khan? In spite of everything, he, too, has acted his way to star status in Bollywood. Otherwise also, if Hema Malini’s gal, even Amitabh Bacchan’s daughter, can look for a foothold in the tinsel world, why can’t Laila?

“But I don’t want to act in movies,” comes the prompt reply. “You see, there are already enough movie stars in the family. I am an artist at heart and that’s what I want to remain,” she quips before pushing back the tresses.

As she talks about depicting intricacies of human relationships in paintings with no names and not holding the viewer’s hand to help him reach the destination of interpretation, you realise the young artist enjoys rare sensitivity that’s goes beyond movies and is fit for the art world.

Literary  paintings

“Paintings, like works of literature, function at two levels — the superficial plane and the deeper second level of interpretation,” she says. “On the face of it, the painting may depict a harbinger of colours with fine strokes to form human faces, but at a deeper level the same faces may represent the working of human associations. For example, I have shown masks to depict concealments in relationships.”

Leaning against the racks, she adds: “But then, I do not limit the scope of my paintings by binding them in titles. I do not show the way to the viewers. I, rather, leave them to make their own path through the paintings. In fact, I want the viewers to approach my paintings as they would go through at a book and reach their own interpretations.”

In her words: “I explore beauty in my images, its fragility and impermanence. Simplicity and innocence attract me and my shows are based on the feminine... For me, bringing out the strength and the fragility behind a woman’s face is as important as her expression.”

Fine print

Laila has nothing against framed prints leaving behind their imprints. “Prints of paintings, instead of canvas, are now finding their way into homes.  But I do not think there’s anything wrong with it. You see, a work of art should reach the masses, even if it is through print. In any case, it is the best alternative for people unable to afford the real thing,” she says.

Well, Laila will just not do it, but she finds the idea of online szthing. Laila agrees paintings have become a fad and a dismal picture has emerged with so many “bad”, “inexperienced” and even “mediocre” artists holding “solo” shows. “But not to worry. Market forces will flush them out,” she insists. Ah, that’s painting the true picture. 

Grand slam

He slams hard at the system. Helping his family score over rivals in the garment business after retiring from tennis, Rohit Rajpal says the country is just not in a win-win situation because of the system’s failure to produce sportsmen of international standards.

In the city with wife Laila for the inauguration of high-end fashion brands Chasm and Mystic Monk’s flagship store, Rajpal simply says: “You need a world class factory to come up with products of international standards. But in our country, successive governments have simply failed to do much for sports.”

Disadvantage India

Heaving a deep sigh, he says: “So far it has all been an individual effort. So bad is the situation that the best of talent, even the coaches, are moving out. In the absence of adequate facilities, the players just cannot give their best.”

Cricket, he says, has become a big hit in the country because it is the game of the masses. “All you need is a bat, a ball and 11 people. Tennis, on the other hand, is still a game of the creamy layer,” he says. “Rackets are expensive. In fact, you have to pay something like Rs 3,000 for one. And then you need proper coaching. You just cannot court success by picking up the racket. For all this you need government support.”

Former Chinese military leader Mao Zedong finds an admirer during the ongoing Art Taipei 2007 at the World Trade Centre.
STILL IN COMMAND: Former Chinese military leader Mao Zedong finds an admirer during the ongoing Art Taipei 2007 at the World Trade Centre.  Hundreds of paintings, sculptures and statues designed by 65 artists are on display.

More than academics

Not in the immediate future, but Rohit eventually plans to open a tennis academy of international standards in the North. “I wish to give back to the game what it has handed over to me. As I belong to this part of the region, I will try opening up the academy somewhere around.”

He adds that tennis players of the past including Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupati and he himself have taken the game to new heights. It is now for players like Sania Mirza to reach for the stars with feet firmly on the ground. Well said, Rohit

saurabh@tribunemail.com 

 

SIDELANES 
Joyshri Lobo
Jhalori Pass 
Trails & Travails

Sacha Sauda, Deras and Punjab were totally out of our minds as we hit the road towards Jhalori Pass, Kullu district. It is just an eight-hour journey into the high Himalayas. Chandigarhians do not realise how lucky they are to be a hop, step and a jump from the cold, pristine mountains that still pack huge four-foot banks of snow near the Jhalori peaks.

Jayant oversaw the luggage arrangements in his new baby – the gleaming black CRV. Dhruv, our grandson, fidgeted enough to drive 60 year olds insane but his enthusiasm and helpfulness made up for all. He secured the errant seat belt, which was often lost under my generous expanse. He and I play a lot of UNO punctuated with hoots and blood curdling war cries.

We lost our bearings twice. However, the surrounding, rocky behemoths cradling a sparkling Parvati river are so awe-inspiring, that the extra hour seemed a God given detour. Christopher Mittra, of the Himalayan Trout House in Tirthan Valley, regales visitors with interesting tales of sadhus, snakes and fishing with flies. He understands and lures trout and Shefali drenches them in butter and garlic to cater to huge appetites. A few weeks earlier, they had played host to the Punjab governor and his wife. Jean turned out to be a luckier angler than His Excellency. Fishes do not understand the essence of gubernatorial posts!

Banjara’s Sojha camp lies in the midst of a village that grows apples, wheat, garlic and potatoes. The forest slopes are brilliant with aggressively purple wild Irises and Primulas. The locals guffawed at our gawky efforts along steep trails. Even trying to breathe normally at 9000 feet was tough. “Phook nikal gayee!” I panted to an ancient, wrinkled crone who blissfully walked uphill on hooves, lugging two buckets of water. She smiled condescendingly. Our sallow, heat battered complexions must have convinced the village gentry of some dreadful epidemic in the plains.

Pritam Reddy, on a sabbatical from his usual office work at Bangalore, is master of treks and excursions. “Why are you so far from home?” someone enquired. “Because I love the mountains…” was his obvious reply. It is hard to keep pace with this tall, quiet Hyderabadi, who leads you through dark oak forests and rhododendron-lined gullies, gently explaining folklore and animal habits. The Great Himalayan National Park seems the ideal stomping ground for the likes of him.

We made some interesting friends. Deepak Dalal is a bird-watcher who rises at dawn, armed with a bird book and powerful field glasses. No birdbrain this! He writes wonderful stories for children. Ravi, the gentle giant from Mumbai, brought his family for an annual de-stressing session. He has an instinctive bonding with edible oils and their various good and bad properties, which makes him a rare authority on nutritional health-care. The daily bonfire with smoky trout and succulent chicken tikkas, found us all exchanging notes about the days events.

The most horrifying bit of news was when we drove down to see Jean Charles and Dinaz’s new set up. We planned our next holiday there, by the trout pools. “Sahib chala gaya!” a crestfallen man told us. “Kab ayega?” we asked. “Kabhi nahin!”  It was only then we realised that Jean had passed away in the night, before any medical help could be provided to him. The hills are ideal as long as the tikker ticks and the bones are strong.

No phones!  No TV!  No newspapers!  Absolute joy!  The moment we returned to the heat of the plains and the fighting factions, our first thoughts were, “Send them to Jhalori…they’ll cool down there!”

Bag-load of excitement 
Saurabh Malik

Loaded with excitement the city youth are making a statement with messenger bags. And, if in the process the distinction between courier boys and under-grads is getting blurred, they are not bothered.

Just in case you haven’t seen them trotting down the campus with bags slinging from their shoulders, go to any coffee bar in the city and you will spot them.

“The bags are fast replacing traditional backpacks,” says Chetan Kumar of a Sector 11 gift and jewellery shop. There are many options for a ‘back to school’ look and are a must have for boys. No wonder everywhere you look, there are boys carrying these bags in cars or on macho bikes.

Just in case you are wondering why all this enthusiasm about bags, here’s the answer: “For guys, there are not many knick-knacks, they can either show off with expensive leather belts with broad buckles, or else by carrying style in their bags,” says city-based fashion designer Neeta Kapoor.

“No wonder, they look for chic stuff that makes them look cool on the streets.”

And then, the bags are not just fashionable, but also functional. “In fact, a messenger bag has bells and whistles too,” says Kapoor.

It has a padded shoulder strap to lessen the burden, an easy-grip handle, an inner drop pocket with hook-and-loop closures to keep the love notes, front zip pocket for keys and other stuff, and a name tag. What else can one ask for?

Carrying it with style is second-year humanities student Rahul Sharma. Just in case you wish to pick up a messenger bag, remember to do your homework well.

There are some bags that can make you look grown-up; in fact like all those bill collection guys. So, pick one with caution. Go in for one that helps you maintain and retain the youthful-cum-funky look.

Go to the stationary stores that offer school bags and don’t pick up the ones with Batman and Spiderman.

Look for the ones in canvass or even in camouflage stuff. You can pick up good ones from the Sector 19 and 15 rehri markets for as less as Rs 150. 

artbeat
Dil Se
Punjabi poet Lal Singh Dil likes to talk of his struggles but there is no room for negative emotions 
Gayatri Rajwade

Reflecting on her first encounter with the spirited Punjabi poet Lal Singh Dil, she recalled how after they had spoken for a while he asked her in English, “How old are you?”

She answered, “I am almost 40 Dil saab.”

He looked at her and replied. “You still look as if you are 28 or 29.”

Nirupama Dutt laughed at the memory.

Dil, sitting in the audience, part of the concluding performance of On the Grand Trunk Road, at the exhibition hall of the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, recently, turned to her and said, “You still look the same.”

Everyone chuckled at this warm exchange, but the poet’s quiet sense of self, of dignity and of his deep reverence for associations built over years came to the fore.

Dil is, in fact, all this and much more. In the city today, his poems, the central metaphor for the struggle at this unusual ‘journey’ made by Nirupama Dutt, Shumita Didi and Parnab Mukherjee through this show curated by them, Dil shone. Born into a low-caste community, he was the first in his clan to finish school and to college. But college never interested him, nothing except writing and being involved in inquilaabi.

He still remembers his first poem that was published. It was in the year 1962 and Preetlarhi — an alternative Punjabi monthly magazine — printed his verse Radium Da Geet.

Writing, he says, came to him as a weaver bird knows how to make its nest. “Nobody taught the bird how to do it. It is just like struggle, which comes inherently to man. Nobody teaches us to rise to the challenge, we just get the strength to do it,” he explains.

He talks of struggle, just as his poetry does, because this is his root.

With the advent of Naxalbari in the 1960s and his fiery poetry demanding changes in society, police arrest led to torture and imprisonment forcing him to leave his home-town Samrala. He moved to Uttar Pradesh where he converted to Islam.

Dil returned to his home only after terrorism had ceased in Punjab where he ran a tea-stall and wrote one-liners for the back of trucks.

“But I was never angry, ever. The police were doing their duty and I was doing mine. They beat me up badly but I never gave in,” he smiles.

What is stirring is that emotions like anger, disappointment never crept. This reflects in his poems. But today he confesses that his writings are no longer full of jasbat (emotions). “Today it is far better. There is more depth. People say I am a dheema sur ka shayar (a poet with a soft tone). It was not so then,” he smiles.

He firmly believes that had he not gone through those trying times, he would have been an unsuccessful man. “I am still alive and I am ashamed to be so,” he says. “All I want to do is writing while I am alive.”

He remembers a time when his grandmother used to sit and grind wheat the whole day for a single paisa. “At the end of the day, we would dust our clothes, collect the wheat stuck on our clothes and mix that with water and drink it before sleeping.”

It was this unjust society that he wanted to fight against and literature was his means. “Only if we think of getting up, we will actually do it. Literature helps to nurture that thought. All we need is patience.”

For this ‘comrade’ still burning bright within him, it is not God he is against but the way His word is twisted. “God has given man a mind to think but man has to use it. He cannot expect God to do the thinking. Why should God bring a change when man is to do it?

Having said this, his form of activism continues. He has just written a 108 page nazm, billa ghar nahi ayaa over three years now which talks of how rural society is going under, getting ruined, touching upon the plight of migrants. “I have no interest in writing long verses but only if the point comes through will I stop,” he smiles.

The humour is intact as are his verses which will talk of change till he lives. When the labourer woman

Roasts her heart on the tava

the moon laughs from behind the tree

The father amuses the younger one

making music with bowl and plate

The older one tinkles the bells

tied to his waist

and he dances

These songs do not die

nor either the dance…  

Music is in his blood
Parbina Rashid

We knew that he sang, for we have heard S. S. Bhatti reciting couplets and singing ghazals for small get-togethers. But little did we imagine that he would be representing us in a cultural programme called Ghazal: Fikr-o-Fann- Performance and Exposition of the Architectonics of Urdu Poetry and Hindustani Music in Delhi.

The programme is actually part of a seven-day national artists camp organised by Art Mall and India Tourism Development Corporation and Bhatti is the sole representative from the city. We know Bhatti as the former principal of Chandigarh College of Art and an artist, but as a singer? “Well, I do a little singing as art and music is in my blood,” says Bhatti. And we come to know his bloodline is connected to the times of Emperor Aurangzeb. “I started learning music at the age of five. My father was really into art, architecture and classical music,” he says. That is quite an understatement considering that his father Balwant Singh Bhatti, an amateur artist and architect designed Gurdwara Anandpur Sahib, Panj Sahib in Pakistan and Sikh National College in Lahore.

Bhatti as a son lived up to his father expectations when he joined J.J. School of Architecture. He started his career in prestigious institutes like IIT, Kharagpur, and then BITS Pillani and finally to the Chandigarh College of Architecture and wrote nine books on different subjects (The Mystic Rosary of Dr Diwana, Contemporary Urdu Poets of Punjab, Journey of the Straight Line, Psychic Shadows and Contemporary Artists of Punjab are few to name.)

Coming back to the camp, which will start on the last week of the month, Bhatti is excited to be part of the group, which comprises about 22 eminent artists from all over the country. “Ravinder Jain, proprietor of Art Mall had contacted me over the phone to inform me that I am one of the participants,” says Bhatti. For the arty part, Bhatti has painted different types of paintings in various techniques like landscapes to symbolic to metaphysical. “The plan is to present cosmic ideas in pictorial form,” says Bhatti.

As for the cultural evening, Bhatti’s presentation is not just entertaining but aimed at educating the select audience in the subtleties of poetic meters and the characteristic rhythms of Shashtriya Sangeet and their meeting point in creative vocal expression.

“Urdu poetry has 72 metres. Though poetic metre is flexible and can change according to raag and taal but when poetic metres reconcile with rhythmic metres, it becomes a complex affair,” he says.

And to know music, according to Bhatti, one has to be a poet too. “Naushad is still the all-time greatest music director in the country because he is a good poet and musician as well,” says Bhatti who met Naushad in 1985. “Unless you have adequate knowledge of both fields, it is difficult to complement the music with the lyrics.” One has to know all that and also the critical appreciation part of music as the critical faculty is quite different from the creative faculty, and this is what Bhatti is going to teach during the workshop. For someone who had served The Tribune as the official art critic for more than two decades, we can say Art Mall could not have found a better man.

parbina@tribunemail.com 

Penning social issues

Kal tha jabeen pe chaand ki, hun aaj bhi vaheen, Jo dhul saka naa waqt se main woh nishaan hun. Endowed with a vision and sensibility of a poet, Rajinder Chand, visualises life in all its manifestations, and captures the gamut of emotions in the vortex of his creations. Be it, political affairs or socio-cultural issues, nothing escapes from his discerning eye. Varied issues find eloquent expression in his ingenious works. Lamenting over the prevalent hypocrisy, he says, “Voh mere qtl ki sazish mein bhi shamil hai magr, Waqt –e- rukhsat mujhe jeene ki dua bhi de ga.” His heart goes out for the killing of innocent children at Nithari; and his deep concern is captured in these lines - Qtl huye masoom jo poochhe unka rakt, Kaise Nithari kaand ko shabd karenge vyakt.

Adored by both naïve and connoisseurs, Chand is known for projecting the problems of the masses. He has to his credit four books on diverse themes and forms - a ghazal collection, Waqt ki shatranj pa; short story collections, Kabhi na Kabhie; Nahin Ab aur Nahin; and the latest Aaj ka Sach, which contains ghazals, dohas, and blank verses.

Maestros like Rajender Mehta, Neena Mehta, Vinod Sehgal, Chandan Das, and Sanjay Sharda have sung his compositions. A winner of many state and central government honours, including Haryana Sahitya academy award, Chand maintains that a poet should be bold enough to face any eventuality for the cause of humanity. He signs off with an intense couplet, Jab voh judaa naa kar saka titli ko phool se, tab tilmila kar reh gya toofan ka wajood. — S.D.S

Rising star
She sings to her heart’s content
S. D. Sharma

“Music is a living phenomenon, manifesting itself in different forms and compositions, but at the same time originating from the commonly specified music and rhythmic patterns that attribute to its universal appeal, ” says young vocalist, Mamta Tandon Joshi, relying on her musical experience and triumphs abroad.

Even as a student she took part in musical concerts organised by Heritage Patiala under youth cultural exchange programme at Glasgow, Shrew Bury, and many cities of Shopshire county, where Mamta embellished the Irish fusion music with spontaneous jugalbandi of alaaps and sargams.

Repeating the feat later in 2005, Mamta regaled the Asian audience during her sponsored concerts at Istanbul, Birmingham, Leicestershire and other venues but she says her solo concert at Wales, is the most memorable one. “It was an elite English audience and I was under the obligation to explain the intricate details of performance.” This explanatory exercise and the pin-drop silence inside the auditorium made me nervous but the rounds of applause that burst at the end really rejuvenated me. She had also performed solo at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Nehru Centre in Central London. Born at Jalalabad, educated in Jallandhar, this Panchkula-based singer Mamta owes her success to her guru Arun Mishra.

She was initiated into the world of music during her childhood when she started singing Sufiana qalaams of Heer Waris Shah. Holding an academic record for topping the GND University both in MA in classical vocal music and classical dance, Mamta kept up her track record by winning the top awards in ghazal and folk singing for seven consecutive years.

Decorated with prestigious awards by legends like Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai, Amrish Puri and Indian High Commissioner in London, Mamta still has her feet firmly rooted to the ground. Humming a lullaby for her son Mithlesh, she indicates her resolve through a couplet by Rehbar —Sunn ne ko jisse  gosh-bar-awaaz hai duniyan, Voh geet abhi saaz ke parde mein chhupa hai.

(This column appears fortnightly)

Health tip of the day

Adults suffer knee pain due to overuse. Symptoms are manifested as kneepain on prolonged sitting and swelling around the joint.

— Dr Ravinder Chadha

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES: Your card The Moon reveals that work will progress smoothly. You will be in mood to socialise and meet new people while widening your social circle. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Tip of the week: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. LIBRA: The card Hermit invites you to take an astute and honest look at your close relationships. Family life is peaceful and happy. A balance in all areas of life is recommended. Your love life will be good. Lucky Colour: Pink. Tip: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way.
TAURUS: The Ace of Wands reveals that you could be in a tense and restless mood and may feel agitated about certain matters concerning your career or personal life. Lucky colour: Lush green. Tip: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. SCORPIO: The Chariot card interprets it as having focused energy and concentration on a goal, because of which even the impossible gets done. Work will be hectic and you will have to juggle your schedule. Lucky colour: Blue. Tip: Be positive and think before taking action.
GEMINI: The Star this card responsible for all the brilliant ideas you come up with. Spending time with loved ones will be your priority on Monday. Issues about money matters may be on your mind throughout the week. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: Do as many courses as you can. SAGITTARIUS: The Hanged Man opts for important changes at home and work. Health and physical energy is good but you need to take frequent breaks and watch out on your diet and fitness. Lucky colour: Saffron. Tip: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions.
CANCER: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes. You will be in a cheerful frame of mind. Going out of your way to help colleagues or loved ones will earn you good will. Lucky colour: Midnight blue. Tip: Trust your heart and intuition. CAPRICORN: Ten of pentacles bode extremely well for relationship and romance. You have to attend more duties at work place. There could be new career opportunities due to your past efforts. Lucky colour: Golden. Tip: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situations.
LEO: Ace of Pentacles reveals the seed of prosperity and material gain. You may be unable to make up your mind about an important decision, spend some time mulling over your options. Lucky colour: Ebony. Tip: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. AQUARIUS: Your card The Hierophant takes you through variety of experiences from which you learn and grow. Be extra careful if you are signing any paper work, as there could be more to the situation than meets the eye. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: Do not overspend just to impress others. 
VIRGO: Nine of cups brings emotional fulfillment in personal relationships. Your past efforts will start showing results. There could be appreciation for your ideas from colleagues. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Tip: If you play your cards right you’ll be able to reinforce your current position. PISCES: You make an impact and shine like The Star as you are seen, noted and heard. Meditation takes you deeper within. Your inner light and wisdom shine. Listen carefully to what others are saying but don’t completely trust them. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Tip: You need to take things slowly.




HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail |