The New Year is rising from the ashes of the old. As the sun sets on 2008 to shine again on 2009, let’s hope things change.

Pray to God the parents give some extra bucks to their little angels. Poor gals, they have been hopping from one party to another on the New Year Eve in scanty apparels in “brrrriiiing” cold without even pullovers — micro minis they apparently purchased some five years ago, when they were in sixth or eighth standard; and backless tops that take them to the front.

The denims too have turned tight. Tch…. Tch… They stick to the epidermis — second skin as they say. Now, even research says tights can lead the damsels-in-distress to some ultra-tight situations. In any case, they let the guys see more than the girls reveal.

Well, the guys have actually been praying for a complete meltdown, but the maidens got to take care. After all, they can’t let the guys have all good things in life absolutely free!

Or else, God give em’ money to at least pick up some nice cozy stockings. The stuff can go along with the minis and the ankle boots they purchased from their fav’ rehri market in Sector 19 or 22 on 50 per cent plus 45 per cent hard-bargained discount.

Another yearning! Let’s wish the Chandigarh Administration gets its spelling right. They write “ Punjab University “ when even an under-grad knows its “Panjab” varsity. The name, of course, belongs to the time when the varsity was established at Lahore in 1882; and Punjab was Panjab. But the authorities make it a point to commit the mistake.

Haven’t seen it? No probs! Look at the signboard on the Madhya Marg in Sector 17 near the Taj. The same signboard also says “Capital Complex”. Gosh… it’s not capital, but “Capitol Complex”.

Even the tourism website says the Capitol Complex is Le Corbusier’s most spectacular work. Phew…. The spelling mistake either shows complete indifference of the literate authorities towards accuracy, or else lack of lettered knowledge. Hope correction follows!

And let’s yearn for an end to all this “filmi chakkar” between the administrator and the advisor over film city project. They deserve the best producer-director awards indeed for the real-life flick. But it’s started to look like Ekta Kapoor’s sobbing opera on the intelligent box.

Wish 2009 also brings a cure for the medicity project. It’s all kind of sickening for the residents.

Oh, how can you forget impregnated-with-good-meaning condom bars? They should be revived. The vending machines in all the public loos too should be given a new lease of life. After all, these are there to save lives.

Chandigarh Police should also succeed in preventing the snatching of peace by nabbing the chain-grabbers.

Poor little puppies for adoption with the People for Animal-11 should also find good homes. Delhi residents have taken them for good. The channels say so. They showed people taking them away on Christmas. What’s preventing you from taking home a constant buddy on the New Year? They are tough, hardy and adorable. And when “desi” is preferred over “videshi” even in girls, they deserve a better chance. Don’t you agree?

Before concluding, let’s wish Panjab varsity vice-chancellor R C Sobti keeps on his thinking cap and make the students wear protective headgear; and put the trash in the bins. Amen! 

We all should resolve to weed out corruption, caste politics and communalism in our country. I know these things are easier said than done. But just because our goal is very difficult to achieve does not mean we should stop making efforts. Aim big to achieve big. Also we shouldn't expect any miracles to happen over night. But a conscious attempt from all of us can bring about little changes for a better India and that's all we should aim to do this year.

-Neelam Man Singh, theatre person

Let's be pragmatic before we resolve for anything. Of all the efforts and hard work we would put in the next year, 90 percent of it will be reserved for our selfish purpose. The rest 10 percent are very important and should be utilised to help the society. We shouldn't be passive, rather be proactive to bring in changes. I aim to do the same by writing more inspiring books and by making my readers realise their responsibilities towards others.

It took us tragic 62 hours of Mumbai terror attack to realise the power of one. And now when we have, we should assure that the chalta hai attitude of politicians does not creep in. But even more important is, to make sure that we in no way help the anti social groups. One example of this is saying no to pirated CDs. It has been proved by our intelligence agencies that funds raised from piracy do aid terrorists groups. So, everytime a person buys a 20 rupee CD, he is indirectly and unintentionally threatening the security of the country and its people. Let's be honest and fair in our deals and play our part as true Indian citizens.

Every year, we talk of achieving something big for ourselves. This year, let there be two exceptions, aim small but something that is practical to achieve and a rather important one is, aim for others. The Mumbai terror attack has given us a very important lesson-value your loved ones. Get over the I, me myself attitude and realise how can we be help others. We should resolve to be more responsible towards our family and society this year.

-Aanchal Kumar, model

ashima@tribunemail.com

After a series of classical and folk music soirees and theatre festivals, the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademy is now here to provide nourishment to your soul through a mystic tribute to the great saint poet, Kabir. The musical programme, titled Suno Bhai Saadho is based on the divine teachings of Kabir, will be presented on January 2 at the Akademi hall in Sector 34.

The audience will be treated to mystic spells by the acclaimed Ujjain-based maestro, Prahlad Singh Tipaniya. Decorated with various awards, Prahlad Singh has been honored by the President of India with the National Sangeet Natak Award-2007. Holding a master degree in History, Prahlad was so enraptured with the spiritual earnestness, universal love theme and impersonal aspects (Nirgun) of the Kabir bani that he decided to propagate his gospel of social equality without caste creed considerations to the world at large. All his compositions exude the musical essence of Malwa shelly, immortalised by the celestial maestro, Kumar Gandharva. — TNS

Ah, love, let us be true

To one another! For the world, which seems

To lie before us like a land of dreams,

Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain;

And we are here as on a darkling plain

The famous lines from Matthew Arnold's Dover Beach appear truer than ever before, especially in the modern-day context, when one is being battered from every corner. Probably, this very quality of being universal and timeless is what differentiates good literature from ordinary. But then we are not here to delve into characteristics of literature. What interest us are relationships and their tremendous ability to give strength and stability to individuals in troubled times.

However, relationships don't work on autopilot, they need constant tending and re-assurance. And one way to do so is make a list of things that give happiness to your partner. They may be small resolutions, but go a long way in improving the health of relationships.

As the wheel of time turns and we step into a new year, Lifestyle checks out what our city men and women have promised to themselves to further cement their deep bond.

Rajesh and Sapna Sharma, both software professionals, are married for a year now. "Last year, we were too pre-occupied with the wedding, so didn't get time to make any resolutions. But this year, there's no stopping us. I have vowed to pay more attention to her emotional needs," quips Rajesh. His wife has decided to devote more time to him, despite her hectic schedule. "Also, since Rajesh is a sportsperson, he would like to see me more active and I am going to try for that too," she chips in.

Crystal Thakur, working at a city mall, wants to de-link her personal and professional life. " I want to make sure that I don't snap at my partner if I am upset over something in office. I have also decided to be less egoistic," she asserts.

Many more are trying to weed out arguments in relationship. "Whether we like it or not, like everyone, we end up fighting too at times. But with the coming year I have decided to own up my mistakes. I guess it makes no sense to carry on the argument just for the heck of it," feels Aman Sharma of Sector 41.Surabhi, a postgraduate student, is thinking on the same lines. "I am going to put a stop to all this fighting business. It creates unnecessary unpleasantness. I am hell bent that come whatever may, I am not going to let it happen," she says. Rachna Sharma of Sector 32 is also trying to cultivate patience. "Year 2009 will see me expecting less from others. Also, I am trying to focus on what I can give, not get," she adds.

For Jasmine Brar of Sector 16, a bride-to-be, giving loads of love to her new family tops her resolution list. "I think when one enters into a lifelong commitment such as marriage, one needs to leave behind old ways and embrace new ones," says the girl, who is flying to California next month.

Sharing her sentiments, Vaishali Thakur, a lecturer, who recently got engaged, says: "I am still trying to come to terms with my new status. I have decided to be more open about things with my fiancée. So far, I have not been able to share my dreams and hopes with him, but this won't go on."

And for those who are relatively new to the relationship arena, maintaining the committed status is their prime concern this time. "My last year's resolution was to remain committed to the girl I loved and I have fulfilled it. Now, I am planning to introduce her to my family," gushes Hitesh Jain of DAV 10. Well, good luck for that.

mona@tribunemail.com

No New Year's resolution for Sonali Bendre. While all other judges on music reality show Indian Idol unravelled their respective resolutions for the New Year, actor Sonali Bendre said she doesn't believe in making any resolutions at all.

When she made the statement, writer-poet Akhtar quipped: "It is her birthday on the first of January and she is too busy on that day to make any resolutions." In 2009, Sonali will turn 34. —IANS

With another exciting Bollywood film in her kitty, South Indian actor Asin Thottumkal, who recently made her Bollywood debut with Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini, says she has received a warm welcome by the industry.

Asin's next Hindi film is Vipul Shah's London Dreams which also stars Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan.

"I was approached for London Dreams while I was shooting for Ghajini. I don't know how they found out about me. I have just finished a long schedule of shooting the film abroad and some of it is still left.

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali says he always wanted to work with Hrithik Roshan and he's doing exactly that in his new venture that also stars his favourite actor—Aishwarya Rai. The two have already created wonders together in Dhoom-2 and Jodhaa Akbar.

"Hrithik and I wanted to work together for a very long time. I've always been impressed by his sincerity as an actor. I was waiting for the right opportunity to sign him. Working with Hrithik would be a new and rewarding experience," Bhansali said in an interview.

The director admits that Aishwarya is "special", after having worked with her in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas.

"Aishwarya is very special to me. She suits the role in my new film to perfection. When she read the script she was deeply moved," he said.

Bhansali also rubbished reports that he had signed on Pakistani actor Imran Abbas for his next venture.

"I haven't signed anyone called Imran Abbas. I'm not making Heera Mandi right now...I met him almost a year ago, but I immediately realised he wasn't the actor I was looking for. Just because I don't speak out, people take advantage of my silence." He also maintains that he is still proud of his Saawariya, which flopped. "It's my rarest work in terms of treatment. This is the time when filmmakers need to be fearless and experiment with themes. Fearlessness is my biggest asset as a filmmaker. I will continue to make films that come from deep within me. My very first film Khamoshi: The Musical didn't do well at all. A lot of people think it's my best work."

There were reports that some actors, including Ranbir Kapoor, didn't want to work with you. "People are writing tragic tales about me every day. They are even deciding what film I'm making and also casting actors in them... Maybe stories about me sell. But when the misrepresentations go beyond my tolerance, it's time to speak up. The truth is Ranbir and Sonam would be there for me whenever I need them. However, at the moment I'm making a film with Hrithik and Aishwarya."

Last year was good to him. He was invited for the first time to direct an opera in Paris. "Yes, I had a wonderful time. I loved directing the opera. It was an exceptional honour and an unforgettable experience. —IANS