Amritsar, January 18
There was a time when hardliners had opposed the move to introduce electricity in the Golden Temple on the plea that such an attempt would be aimed to violate the “Maryada” (Sikh traditions). However, despite the opposition, bulbs lighted up the sanctum sanctorum in early 1920s.

Now, the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is introducing hi-tech technology, in almost in every sphere, to streamline its functioning. Apart from computerisation of its departments, the committee has already launched its website.

The technology has entered the kitchen too. With the chapatti-making machines already in place, the committee is now planning to cook the langar with the help of solar energy.

For centuries, womenfolk have taken time out of their household chores to converge around a huge iron tava in the Golden Temple to make fresh parshada for the sangat as part of the community kitchen or langar. And for anyone to actually get a chance to do the seva was considered a privilege. But now the community activity, which traces its origin to the times of Guru Nanak Dev, has been modernised with the introduction of a parshada-making machine. Earlier, the SGPC had installed the water -filtration plant for Sarover of Golden Temple, despite objections raised by the then Head Granthi , Giani Puran Singh.

The Rs five-crore plant was the result of efforts of US-based Tut brothers. However, no brows were raised when imported, battery-operated scrubbing machines were donated by Surinder Singh Kandhari, an affluent Sikh from Dubai.

These machines cover a phenomenal area of 4,500 sq /m per hour and clean and dry simultaneously, leaving the Parikarma floors sparkling clean.

The US-based Sikh scholar and noted columnist, Harjap Singh Aujla, told The Tribune that during his conversation with SGPC chief Avtar Singh, the latter had in principle agreed to introduce solar power system in the complex.

Aujla told SGPC chief that power scarcity, especially during the summer months, was a common feature as the overburdened PSEB was in no position to supply the required quantity of power. The scholar suggested that since SGPC has ample, it should about generating power to relieve pressure on PSEB.

Aujla suggested that SGPC should give a call to Sikh Diaspora to install solar power generating plant. The latter would be more than happy to respond, he said, adding that the former could come forward to donate the equipment and the land can be provided by SGPC.

He also offered services of Sikh diaspora to install astroturf and a synthetic track at Gurdwara Khadoor Sahib. Aujla said he was glad to receive positive response from SGPC chief who promised that all the proposals were under his active consideration. 

Amritsar, January 18
For the die-hard ice cream lovers, chill weather is not a deterrent. It is evident from the way people continue to throng ice cream parlours and vendors in the city despite the ill-timed showers.

And it’s not just tourists coming to the city, who don’t mind savouring a softy cone at the ice cream parlours located in the vicinity of the Golden Temple, the city residents too head for the Lawrence Road and Ranjit Avenue to grab a bite of their favourite ice cream bar at the make-shift shops.

The owner of Milk Food ice cream parlour Ramesh Kumar says, “Generally we get customers in the evening, who loves to enjoy their favourite flavours, after having their dinner. The only difference is that in summers, we get customers throughout the day.” Talking about habits, Ranjit Wadhwa, a resident of Joshi Colony, says he is almost addicted to ice cream and prefers the flavour black current over coffee or hot snacks even on the coldest days. “Ice cream is the best way to chill out. I forget all my worries as long as I have an ice cream cup in hand. My wife too has picked up my habit and loves to make peppermint-flavoured ice creams at home even during winters,” he says.

“A scoop of ice cream is my idea of enjoyment during a holiday. Even during visits to the Mall Road in Shimla I love have ice creams and that is exactly what I’m doing here. Ice creams are something which people enjoy the most after rain and snow, even though my parents would surely have reservations about this thought,” says Amandeep Kaur, who was in Amritsar as part of a group of students from SD College, Sector 32, Chandigarh.

Ditto for her friend, Aprila, “Winter does not mean that we have to be tucked deep in quilts all day. Something as yummy as icecream is an enjoyment for all seasons.”

Kishori Lal, an ice cream vendor at the Lawrence Road says, “Though sales takes a dip in winters, the regular customers who take ice creams for desserts continue to come.” Besides, kids are always attracted to it. “Flavours like Vanilla, Fudge Ripple, French Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Neapolitan and Orange have their devoted clientele,” he adds. 

Amritsar, January 18
Shiromani Akali Dal acting chief Sukhbir Singh Badal would lay the foundation stones of 15 different development projects in Majitha constituency on January 25.

This was stated by Punjab’s minister for information and public relations Bikram Singh Majithia, while addressing a gathering at Gurdwara Baba Budha Sahib Ji in Kathunangal, Majitha, here today.

The minister informed that on the said date foundation stones for four new power grids would be laid at Nag Kalan, Dhadde, Wadala Veeram and Majitha. Besides, grain markets at Sohian Kalan and Dhadde would be inaugurated and the SAD chief would also lay foundation stones of grain market at Wadala Veeram and of a school at Channanke village.

Majithia said his constituency has been ignored by his predecessors, but he would ensure initiation of development works in a well planned and coordinated manner.

The minister said, “Five schools of Majitha constituency would be upgraded under the Punjab government's scheme of converting them into modern instituions .” 
— TNS

Amritsar, January 18
The city might be done with the New Year celebrations but for the Ethiopian students, enrolled in the GNDU and various local colleges, 2008 is still a distant reality. The Ethiopian calendar is nearly seven-and-a-half years behind the Gregorian calendar. It means Ethiopians are still in 2000, having welcomed the new millennium on September 12, 2007.

Says Emawayish Seme, a mass communication student at BBK DAV College: “Back home, millennium celebrations are in a full swing. We still have to go long way to celebrate 2008. However, we had great fun celebrating the international New Year with our classmates.”

Ethiopian ancient calendar is based on the belief that God created the world 5,500 years before the birth of Christ. The Ethiopian calendar has similarities with the Coptic Egyptian calendar. There are different theories on why the Ethiopian calendar is behind the international calendar. Some believe that the messenger carrying the news of Jesus Christ’s birth reached Ethiopia seven years late. Others subscribe to the view that Jesus was actually born in the year 7 BC.

Recalling their celebrations, Seme says, “We wear new clothes and make resolutions. Even the menu for the big day is special - chicken curry and cheese, served with Teff (the staple food of Ethiopia made of Teff seeds, resembling the South Indian Dosa).”

The most-widely used calender in the world today is the Gregorian calendar, which is a variant of the Julian calendar. However, the Ethiopian calender adds a leap day every four years without exception, and begins the year on August 29 or August 30 in the Julian calendar. “Our Indian friends find it a bit strange. Sometimes they tell us in lighter vein that we stuck up,” she adds. 

Amritsar, January 18
A lecture on ‘Structural insights into malaria parasite proteins: Implication for drug and vaccine discovery’ was delivered by Dr Amit Sharma during the Sardar Jaswant Singh Rai memorial lecture at GNDU here on Friday.

The lecture was organised by the department of molecular biology and biochemistry under the aegis of Sardar Jaswant Singh Rai Charitable Trust.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sharma, who is working as a scientist at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, said the vaccine on the basis of DBL domain, a protein present on sporozoites of malarial parasite is under process. He also explained the difficulties being faced in developing anti-malaria drugs and vaccines.

The scientist said changes in malaria parasite antigens were the main hindrance in developing anti-malarial drugs. However, finding DBL-domain provides great hope in near future for the development of anti-malaria drug/ vaccine.

The event was presided over by the GNDU vice-chancellor Dr Jai Rup Singh. The VC encouraged the students and the faculty members to develop collaboration with International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for research. — OC

Amritsar, January 18
The science model ‘Techno travel’ of Shri Ram Ashram Public School has been selected for the national level competition during the Northern India Science Fair-2008 at Delhi. The event was organised by the National Council of Science Museum

Giving details, school principal Preeti Sharad said the model is creation of two students Raviraj Seal (class XI) and Sahil Mahajan (class IX) and two faculty members. The project would now participate at a national level competition which is going to be held at Goa later this year.

She said the model secured second prize in the individual category and was also announced as a standby model for display in South Korea for the International Science Exhibition later this year.

The model focuses on hi-tech management of traffic flow, parking and anti hijacking techniques.

It also dwelt with managing traffic through satellite imagery, displays at traffic signals, networking unit inter-linking road junctions and sharing information at multiple road junctions.

The model was selected amongst 53 science models from the nine states which included entries from Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, Harayana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pardesh.

Amritsar, January 18
Hard work and commitment are the only ways to achieve success in life and one has to move ahead of time in order to cope up with the new management trends emerging in the global economic scenario.

This was stated by Woodbury University’s MBA programme director Dr Satinder Dhiman, while delivering a lecture on ‘Achieving personal and professional excellence’ at Guru Nanak Dev University, recently.

Dr Dhiman exhorted the students to imbibe by the new methodology which was transcending human and technological barriers. He said the world has become a global village and the new management mantra is to devise ideas that suit the world in coming years.

Quoting examples of world renowned leaders like Bill Gates and Peter Drucker, Dr Dhiman said, “The success does not only relates to earning money, fame or recognition. It can be achieved in real sense only if an individual gets the sense of achievement as well as the society at large.” He said, “We should perform beyond our optimum levels and should show our potential in the sphere of knowledge to the world. This would help us to bridge the gap between the developed and the underdeveloped.”

Earlier, Dr Dhiman gave a brief account of his research project on management leadership in USA. He also addressed the students of BBK DAV College for Women and interacted with faculty members and students on the management ethics. — OC

Amritsar, January 18
More than 12 teams of about 200 players are taking part in the All India Inter-University Korfball Championship, which kicked off at Guru Nanak Dev University here on Friday.

The event would go on till January 21 at the Multipurpose Indoor Gymnasium. The championship is being organised by GNDU in association with Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.

Dr Manjitpal Kaur said the event is being organised in collaboration with Sahitya Academy, New Delhi. Dr Karanjit Singh, convener, Punjabi Advisory Board would welcome the delegates.

The competition was aimed at instilling values and encouraging students to
think for the country.