All musical categories with their own fragrance and terminology equally exude the spirit of sanctity, purity and melody and both reign supreme in the multicultural milieu of India. And then be it the North Indian Hindustani music tradition or Carnatic music, they can be differentiated like the Hindi language spoken in Punjab and Maharashtra," opines Chennai- based renowned flautist Shashank Subramaniam. He adds, "Lyrical intensity too has its own charm in both the traditions which allures the listeners in our country while it is the instrumental music which is appreciated better in foreign lands as out there the articulation of melody through sound matters most."

Young in spirit and old in wisdom, the prodigious Shashank was just 11 years old when he created ripples in the classical music world with his debut concert at Adelaide in 1990. As a student, while he was still learning the violin, he once amazed all by reproducing a complete raga on flute, which he seemingly imbibed listening to his father, a professor in biochemistry and an amateur flutist.

An ardent vocalist the wonder flautist Shashank has never learnt the instrument methodically, but has only translated his innate and cultivated knowledge of vocal music into the soulful strains of flute. He claims to have improvised and develop his own style and technique to bring alive the lyrical intent of the compositions. His innovated introduction of multi-flute transposed fingering technique to merge flutes of different frequencies, lengths to the tonic note - producing deep bass to the shrill sounds has given the flute a new dimension.

Having enthralled audiences across the globe, at 30, Shashank is credited with 36 albums, including fusion and Jugalbandis with the world acclaimed Indian and Western music maestros. He has performed along with Pandit Bhim Sain Joshi, Pandit Jas Raj, Hari Parsad Chaurasia, Ajay Chakraborty, Vishav Mohan Bhatt, Zakir Hussain, Shahid Parvez, Sultan Khan and many grand masters of Western music in India and abroad.

In the city on the invitation of Spic- Macay for an interactive music concert at the Punjab Engineering College, Shashank spoke on various issues.

Hailed as the most competent ambassador of Spic- Macay's movement for propagating the Indian classical musical art among the youth, Shashank has been performing in schools and colleges that are located even the deep rural areas for the last eighteen years. He claims the effort by him and all great music stalwarts, as result oriented.

While he owes his charismatically successful career to his gurus, parents, his personal dedication and to his sweetheart and partner in life, Shirsha Sushank, an eminent Bhartanatyam danseuse of International repute.

Offering divergent views on the traditional Guru- Shishya tradition he maintains that the spirit is still alive. He says with the advent of technical development the video, CD and other medium of close interaction are proving helpful. Besides this, one can learn a lot from regular interactions between senior and junior artists. Also, this allows the free flow of ideas.

"See for instance just two days before I was performing at the International Indian Festival at Amsterdam along with my guru Pandit Jas Raj, Pandit Hariparsad Chaurasia ji and on the third day I am here in your city beautiful for another performance." However, the masters cannot be replaced but the disciples employing their own innovated nuances can fill the void.

lifestyle@tribunemail.com

The lines he draws are powerful enough to make a lasting impression. But more than that it is the man and his love for anything Indian that brings us close. His opening sentence, 'I'm falling in love wherever I am going,' offends our Indian sensibility at first, but it takes only a minute to clear the air. Daniel Connel, the Australian artist who came to take part in the recently concluded International Festival of Poetry, is talking about his love for the place, its culture and people which he beautifully captures on canvas.

We catch him at the Government College of Art-10, where he is teaching students how to capture forms in two minutes flat. "You observe much more detail when the time is limited," he explains. So, what about his observations on India? We throw the question at him and the story that unfolds is a fascinating one.

"I was about 14 when I saw the film Gandhi and it changed my entire life. Next, came a play on the Mahabharata, which I could not comprehend, but it kept haunting me and finally, when I got its meaning my mind was made up to visit India.”

However, the visit did not materialise till 2006 as this man, who claims to be a born artist, preferred to settle down with a teaching job before he could spread his wings. First, he came as a tourist and then came back again after quitting his job, to become a full-time artist.

Essentially a portrait artist, Daniel is finding inspiration everywhere - like the rickshawpuller in Jaipur, people whom he gets to meets at chai stalls or the busy bazaars vibrant with human energy. "As an artist I like to think that I belong to the whole world and hence, my subject sans religion, race or creed. I love drawing common people, faces which remind me of the reality I am surrounded with."

And the reality he is facing at this moment is the choice to stay back in the country he bonded with even before he saw it, or to go back to the place of his origin. "I do not want to go back to a place which is cold, a culture which is materialistic. I love this country, it is the centre of the world - spiritually, geographically and culturally and I love its people who are capable of striking a profound friendship even with a stranger in no time." And if he decides to stay on, which place it would be? "Chandigarh, because it is so much like Adelaide, only a lot more greener." At least, that's one decision easy to make.

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“A university is just a group of buildings gathered around a library,” the popular saying couldn’t hold truer than during exams. With half the campus already in study mode, courtesy December semesters, it’s that time of the year again when the Students Center gives way to A.C. Joshi and the xerox shops replace coffee bars. What else? The good old library becomes the place to see and be seen. Studious, backbenchers or bunkers, it doesn’t matter what category you fit, for everybody is rubbing shoulders to get a chair in the unending rows and columns of these halls of wisdom. What’s the logic behind their never fading popularity? Students tell us. We tell you.

This time, the comforts of home take a backseat. As Gurneha Sandhu, a Botany student puts it “Studying in libraries is always better than at home. There are no distractions, no guests etc. and most importantly here you have the atmosphere to study.” She religiously goes there during prep break. That is not all. For the library has a fan following even amidst hostellers. Yamini Bansal, biophysics student and from Savitri Bai hostel says, “While in the hostel room, there are umpteen numbers of temptations like music, cozy bed, cell phone and not to forget the problem of friends barging in anytime. Therefore for that uninterrupted study session I head to the library.”

With the water cooler, photocopy and coffee shops just a few steps away, for some, it is the facilities available in the library, which makes them an attractive option. As Gurnoor Singh, a postgraduate student says, “There is an absolute silence in the library. Moreover, the infrastructure, the timings, its central location, the list is endless.” No wonder, well past midnight you can see students cramming the syllabus of the whole semester comfortably.

The list does not stop at the infrastructure. Nitin Jindal, III-year Biotechnology student at PU, says “It is motivating to see so many others studying. So when you feel a little tired or low, all you need to do is just look up and you are ready to go again.” And if you thought that infectious nature of the place affected just the bookworms, here’s a piece of news. Varun Nikhanj, a college student, says “I don’t look any where near library for the whole year, I guess that keeps the charm intact. So during exams I just love this place.” He chuckles further, “And at times, you even catch a pretty face.” Need we say more? If you are still in your room, now you know where to head.

There is nothing in this world that can be termed as waste. But since the demons of global warming have started to surface gradually and a lot of emphasis is being given to environmental issues, waste management has become the next big thing in city.

After saying no to smoking and polythene, its solid waste that has caught the green brigade’s eye, and if you ask what, then plenty is happening on this front.

With changing lifestyle and India shining, the last decade has seen an influx of environmental directives like recycling, high technology incineration and landfill management. “It is impossible to consider development without giving much consideration to waste management, whether in terms of social service or a dynamic career option,” says Dr. R.K. Kohli, Coordinator, Centre for Environment and Vocational Studies, PU. Well, sure, considering that we have two major solid waste producing zones in city— PGI and Industrial area. “There is a lot of industrial and biomedical waste that needs to be taken care of. By ignoring it, we are under estimating the hazards of health and environmental issues posed by them,” Dr. Kohli feels. Now that we have an example of creating a masterpiece out of waste in the form of Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, Dr. Kohli has a different style but same mission. Putting his words to action, he has made sure that the cause is taken up seriously. “At CEVS, we have started a two-year course in M.Sc. solid waste management. Started two years back, this course prepares the students for the growing need of managers in MNC’s and hospitals who can manage waste products,” he says.

The department also has some projects underway as well as two patents that are a fine example of adding value to the waste. Dr. Kohli along with his team has converted parthenium, which is considered a poisonous plant, into a fertilizer. “Another form of waste that is harmful but often gets ignored is the poultry waste. It is non-biodegradable and can lead to serious disorders. But we worked on it and have made it biodegradable,” he says. As for the students, “They do have practical assignments but right now we do not have any research project undergoing,” he adds. Not to forget that Dr. Kohli is also working with the Punjab Government at its Nimbua Greenfield, which is the state’s hazardous waste dumping site.

Commenting on the current situation, he says, “No miracle or single technology can change or solve the problem until society is educated and new innovations are made. Chandigarh is losing its character with the growing pollution and improper waste disposal. One needs to change the mindsets and save the resources as well.”

‘Chimica’ the Chemical Society of GC-11, organized a poster making competition and an Ad Mad show for the BSc I, II and III students of the college. Posters were made on Conservation of Energy, Nuclear Chemistry & Industrial Chemistry.

In Ad Mad show, the students focused on the chemistry of the product. Head of the Chemistry Department Prof Savita Tayal appreciated the zeal and enthusiasm of the students who turned up in large numbers to take part in both the activities. —TNS

A soul stirring play ‘Tulsidas’ sponsored by the Inner Wheel Club of Chandigarh, was staged at the auditorium of Govt College, Sector-11, by the visually challenged students. The play portrayed the life of the great legendary Hindi medieval poet, Swami Tulsidas. The performance of the play was appreciated by the audience, teachers and the college students. —TNS

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver says women should deny their partners sex until they learn to cook. According to the The Naked Chef fame star, a majority of British men are scared of the kitchen. At the home front, four inmates (all males) made an escape from the Big Boss house — all for ghar ka khana.

With the fairer sex making rapid strides in almost every sphere, the males seem to be stuck in the traditional role-play. Are our metrosexual, uber cool men really kitchen-phobic? Is cooking still not a guy thing? Lifestyle does a reality check.

“Maggi is my flagship dish. And my culinary skills end right here. Honestly, I don’t feel the need to cook. There are certainly more better things to do,” quips Ricky Parmar, who is enrolled in a computer course. The how does he manage his food? “We eat out,” comes a pat reply.

In the same league is Gaurav Sharma of Sector 42. “When it comes to cooking, all I can do is boil rice. I have been leading a cushioned life with my mom taking care of the kitchen. My would-be wife would certainly carry on the legacy. So, though I am not averse to cooking, I hardly see any need of it,” says the quality analyst.

However, there are others who are trying to step into the forbidden land. “I like cooking and I am trying to learn new recipes. But even then, I don’t think I can ever reach the level of expertise commanded by women,” says Virjit Singh Mann, a student.

The women simply feel that men don’t want to add another chore to their list. “I don’t see men heading to the kitchen. It’s not that they are not good learners. But they fear that it might become a responsibility for them,” says Jyoti Joshi of Sector 47.

According to the sociologists, it’s stereotypical thinking regarding gender roles which makes men kitchen-shy. “When kids are growing up, if a girl refuses to learn cooking, parents say Aage ja kar kya karegi. Even men who do cook make it a point to say that they do it for fun. You would hardly find them cooking on regular basis. Also, they feel it is not a very great job to do, it doesn’t hold much value for them,” says Sherry Sabbarwal, a sociologist.

While this is largely true, there are exceptions. Says Nitesh Sharma, who is working for Reliance: “I know cooking. Though my gruelling schedule hardly gives me any time, I make it a point to cook on weekends. In today’s mad rush of life, one has to learn the basic survival skills and cooking is certainly one of them.”

Rohini Walia, who has been teaching cookery for over a decade, tells, “When I started classes, I just had girls as students. Gradually, males started coming. But still most of them are those who are planning to take cooking as profession.”

mona@tribunemail.com

The paintings and compositions on display here would not be admired by visitors, but that does not make it any less an event for the nine MFA first-year students who are putting their heart and soul to it. This is an exhibition, which will make all the difference at their mark sheets. So, what one gets to see here is volume of work, each one exhibiting no less than twelve frames, which speaks of their conceptualising power, expertise on technicality and evolution as an artist.

Some of the students have come up with complex themes, like Sonam Jain who, with figurative and semi-figurative representations, has come up with a series that looks into the societal balance in man-woman relationship. And patriarchal trait is evident in all her frames as the budding artist uses puppets as metaphors for women and kings for men. Her colours are as vivid as her imagination.

Hridey Kant traces his journey from his native village to Chandigarh and brings the element of nostalgia in this abstract landscapes. He uses acrylic and ink to paint his surroundings.

Self-portrayal is an important phase each artist goes through and our budding artists are no exception. It is evident in Kanchan Varma’s series, which reflect her thoughts and moods along with a few frames on prostitution, which again focus on the thought process than anything else. Others to follow the trend is Rituraj Singh and Manjula, the former representing his daily life and the latter the dream world she dwells in. The medium of expression is different, Rituaraj using acrylic and Manjula using three dimensional compositions to express themselves, but both are interesting as concepts. Other participants like Mukesh have taken energy as his theme and Moushumi who is from Tripura is trying to do away with man-made boundaries and cultural divide through basic elements of the universe, mainly water.

Concludes today

Madame, has unveiled its winter/ fall 08 collection. The collection has three categories i.e. casual wear, party wear and formal wear. The range is available at all Madame exclusive outlets and leading multi brand outlets.

Over the rainbow: A range of casual wear urges women to try a different look every day. The collection comprises of denim jeans in a variety of fits, cotton pullovers, cotton jackets, corduroy jackets, tops, sweat shirts, track bottoms, tunics, long skirts and blazers.

Pearls from the ocean: The hip-hop party collection is for those who want to break away from the regular ethnic wear. The range is a blend of metallic threads, Surface ornamentation with loads of silvery sequence, crystals and an addition of studded belts, anklets, pendants to add the zing.

The Enchant: is a special limited collection of formal wear. It is made with an intention to make a woman look elegant round the clock, be at office, shopping or partying. This collection is for those special ones who want to look sophisticated and trendy at the same time. The core range includes Short Skirts, Tweed & Checkered Coats, Formal Trousers and Business Suits.

The highlight of the collection is the combination of eye soothing colors like Peacock blended with Grays, brunt red to ivory whites, Chocolaty caramels. Apart from this, Tweeds are a big hit this season which has been graciously used in this collection assisted with Spandex Viscose Blends, Cotton & Blended Wool.

Delighted to introduce the new collection, Saroj Chand, director—Design and development- Madame says, “The collection aims at dressing every woman with unique exclusive style, vibrancy and grace. A bewitched spell cast by the collection will temp you to try it. In our conscious Endeavour not to cause any ecological harm, we are engaged in manufacturing the finer knits from organic cotton”.

Talking about the business plans of Madame, Bipin Jain, director, Madame says, ”Madame always aims to provide its customer innovation in design. To increase our reach to the customers, we have plans to add 50 Madame exclusive stores to take the tally to 100, by the end of 2010.” — TNS

The Shahnaz Husain Group, announces the launch of a dazzling range of Nail Enamels, in 40 irresistible shades. The rich, gorgeous, stunning, shimmering, glimmering colours reflect a profound understanding of the diverse needs of women, in both contemporary and conservative styles for all seasons.

Based on highly advanced techniques, the Nail Enamels offer value added exclusive features. They contain mineral mica and calcium that actually strengthen the nails, while lending beauty and glamour. The toluene-free coating provides the added advantages of quick-drying smooth finish, with no yellowing at all. What's more, the nail enamels are chip resistant, promising long lasting nail beauty. —TNS