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Barely there
Are we obsessed with M. F. Husain? First, we read that the second edition of the India Art Summit, which opens in the Capital on Wednesday, has refused to display Husain paintings this year too. The reason, security concern, of course, as the organisers had cited, "We knowledge the iconic status of Husain but are unable to put all the people and art works at risk'. If reports that appeared in the leading national dailies are true, Husain bears no grudge against anyone for his exclusion, in fact, he is cool about it as is apparent from his comment, "My struggle has been going on for the last 15 years. There are over 800 cases against me and only one of them has reached some resolution in the SC. I totally understand that without the support of the state and complete police protection, it is impossible to show my art in this fair,'' Husain said. Reactions pieces had been done, editorials were written, criticising the stand of the organisers or rather the lack of it. This one was yet to be settled, and here comes another one. Now, a Delhi-based artist is showing Husain being painted stark naked by a female artist. A report on this begins with a sentence that oozes venom, 'The man who paints naked women has had a taste of his own medicine'. Well, is he the only one to paint naked women? In fact, a recent slide show by artist Anjolie Ela Menon showcased a series of nudes without attracting any snide remarks from the audience. Even the beginners at the Government College of Art are 'cool' about painting bare bodies or sculpting them as it comes as part of the curriculum. So, was it necessary for an artist to paint for revenge? "It's nothing but a cheap publicity gimmick and best ignored. Art is not meant for revenge but to capture beauty, give ideas and herald social changes. Nudity is a part of our life since the day we are born. So, what is the hullabaloo about nude paintings," says Diwan Manna, chairperson of the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi and known photographer. A final year student of the GCA-10 explains it better, "We Indians were much more forward thinking in the past when the Ajanta-Ellora or Khajuraho temples were built which have nude sculptures in erotic positions. As we are moving on in time, our thinking is becoming narrow. Even our tolerance level has gone down, if someone does a little experiment, which is out of the box, all hell breaks loose. Husain understands Hinduism even better than a Hindu, and to humiliate him in this manner is simply disgusting. As for nude paintings, Picasso had said 'an artist is not just emotional being but a scientist who needs to understand the human body in order to capture its essence in totality'," he says. "Quite a bad painting as far as art goes. It's more like a caricature than a painting, out of context too," says Balvinder. "So, it can be nothing but a publicity stunt," he adds. To be fair to Pranava Prakash, who painted Husain nude, and to give him the right to expression, the point that arises is where to draw the line? "Freedom is acceptable till it does not hurt others," Ravinder Sharma, a faculty member of the GCA says, adding in the same breath that 'paintings should rise above pettiness or a vengeful attitude'. Angry comments and criticism are flying in from all quarters. Husain is not available for his comment though, according to reports, Raiza, his daughter from London, said that her father would not be interested in making any comment. Understandable, with controversies chasing him throughout his life and 799 cases still pending, what's another one! parbina@tribunemail.com Hues and cry E
Some years back, Husain painted works in which Hindu deities were pictured in the nude. There was a huge outcry from hardline Hindu activists. They even attacked a gallery and destroyed some of his works. E
Not long ago, the activists mobilised again. This time, Husain had done a painting in which a map of India was portrayed as a semi-naked woman - an image assumed to represent the sacred Mother India. E
Recently, on August 10, the display of a painting "White Bull" by Husain in the Goa Government Museum had provoked a hardline Hindu organisation to demand the artwork's withdrawal. Although the oil-on-canvass painting titled 'White Bull' at Goa museum's contemporary gallery makes no offence to any religion, the protest is against the painter. E
Some British art lovers and Meghnad Desai, House of Lords, together launched a campaign to reinstate M.F. Husain's solo exhibition in London, but later had to withdraw due to a strong objection by the Hindu organisations, Hindu Human Rights and the Hindu Forum of Britain. E
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has taken up many similar campaigns against 'deliberate insults' against Hindus and Hinduism by other artists like Subhash Avchat, Dnyanesh Sonar, Mahendra Pandit, amongst others. |
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Frame work
One click! And nothing remains unsaid. One flash and a thousand words unleashed, myriad emotions captured, the pain, mood, depth…everything. This one's a voyage of lens through the lens. On World Photography Day, falling Wednesday, Joint Photo Artist Group got together to celebrate, spread, the shutterbugs' journey, Through the Lens at Punjab Kala Bhawan-16. Initial frames are a lesson of sorts, in the origin, birth and basics of photography. Hard to deny the sadistic pleasure, but the world's oldest surviving photograph was a hazy mish mash of pixels of the view from the upstairs window of a room. The exposure lasted for incredible eight hours! And no, you cannot make out what it depicts unless described to you. It can't get amusing than the picture of half-a-dozen men up and about a giant structure weighing full 1,400 pounds. They were trying to capture a luxury express train! And at times, the camera in question was operated by 15 men. For those not interested in exclamatory trivia, there are close to 50 photographs by amateurs from the group. Says Harvinder Singh, founder member, "We organised this exhibition last year as well. This is basically to spread awareness about the day and gather people from the fraternity together. We plan to organise another such exhibition on World Tourism Day." It's a time travel in the art when the photographs, spilling with technology and techniques, are stacked with the ones we began from. Zoom, flash, focus, white balance…was all picked up on the way. Among the display by six artists, quite a few go way above the amateur nomenclature. There's a black and white frame with women trying to sell colouful balloons, one captures the innocence of Kashmiri children, the other one depicts the struggle of life; a man shifting the entire household on a rickshaw with children outnumbering the bare necessary belongings. One more, titled Dreams Unlimited, shows happy faces against the background of tea-vendor stall. Yet another shows a child in turn burdened with a child. That's life. On till August 21 — Manpriya Khurana
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Bagful of opportunity
Let the financial analysts around the world cry themselves hoarse about the tumbling economies, the luxury brands are in no mood to succumb to the pressure. Reasons Suchita Dalal, "If we slash the prices to make them affordable, the product would not stand true to the term 'luxury brand', meant only for the niche class."
We do accept her justification, for she is an accessory designer in India with the international brand, Chloe, that largely manufactures accessories like bags and wallets. But how can the economic crisis be ignored and prices not compromised with or even importantly, how can sales be assured? "The brands are playing smart by developing an emotional bond with people. For instance, Chloe now mentions its name on any of its bag as 'Love Chloe', upping the emotional quotient for the bag." In the city to conduct a workshop on advanced jewellery designing techniques and international trends at Jewellery Designing and Technology Institute-35 on Wednesday, she gives us an insight about the same. She next talks about the prospects of luxury brands in India, "The country does have a good number of elite, the reason these really expensive brands have a thriving business here." No surprises to see several leading brands opening up their retail stores in India. Also, the brands are extensively studying the unexplored Indian markets." As for the brands, she is a part of, "The focus is on the affluent north India, the people of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, as the spending capacity is maximum here." Well, there is another reason for the leading international brands to target India, "Fashion in India has always been about the right clothes, minus the accessories, which were never important. It is only in recent times, that top designers started recognizing accessories as a separate important fashion genre." The price tag of these brands might remain the same throughout the world, but the stark difference in terms of designing is evident in the East and West. "Customisation is the key to the expansion of the market." She cites an example to prove the point, "The bags Chloe is manufacturing for the Indian clientele are brighter in colour, preferably metallic, embellished in sequins and further decorated with embroidery in contrast to those of the West, which are in plain winter colours." A Master's in luxury designing from the school of the Richmont Group, Milan, she has worked for leading brands like Cratier, Mont Blanc, Dunhill, Costantin and Arpels. Her forecast for the coming season is: bags in usual winter colours, in shades of grey and brown will be in vogue this season too. The preferred size would be big for causal gatherings and small for evening dos. ashima@tribunemail.com |
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Recently, the Chase team was seen shooting the climax of the film at the outdoor set in Film City. It was a fight sequence. Along with the main lead Anuj Saxena, Udita Goswami, Rajesh Khattar and director Jagmohan Mundhra was also present there. The fight sequence was between Rajesh Khattar, Anuj Saxena and Udita Goswami. Rain interrupted the shoot few times. But the team was geared up to wrap up the shoot for the day. Few days back, in the end of July, the team of Chase was in Srinagar for the shoot. They had to shoot for a song sequence. The sensitive condition of the state is not hidden from anyone. But without any uncertainty they went ahead with the schedule. Within the valley, the song-sequence went on well. Actor Anuj Saxena is excited about the film, as it is the first independent project of Maverick Productions, which has been the brainchild of the actor. On the sets, he appeared active, fun loving and passionate towards his work. When asked, how he manages the roles of an actor and producer at the same time, he said, in real life, he got to balance out the roles of an industrialist's, producer's, doctor's, restaurateur's and actor's at the same time. And indeed he does balance it out without any hitches. Udita Goswami plays the character of a nurse. According to her, the character is very simple, natural and at ease. She said it's the first time after Paap she is playing such a character. On other hand, the other female lead of the film Tarina Patel said the experience of working with Jagmohan Mundhra was great. She said he is the most composed and thoughtful director she has worked with. Jagmohan was pleased to see the shoot to go in flow. He said Chase is special in its own way as song-sequence of the film has been shot in Kashmir. He even went ahead praising Anuj for his dedication towards acting as well as production. He was at his best in this movie. As shooting-scheduled are in the range one-by-one, it seems they are all set to terminate the shoot so that the film hits the floor as soon as possible. —TNS
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Beyond judgement
For a long time now Malaika Arora Khan, has been spotted on the judges' seat, but for the first time on television, she will be seen playing a game. The svelte Mrs Khan will make an appearance with husband Arbaaz on lifestyle reality show, Godrej Khelo Jeeto Jiyo. Malaika was quite choosy while drawing up a shopping list and demonstrated to all, who the real boss at home is. She even wooed audiences by getting Arbaaz and Soha to shake a leg on Chaiyya Chaiyya.
After a long hiatus, we will soon see the gorgeous Malaika Arora Khan on television. Hold the rumor mills, she is not going to be a judge , but a contestant this time. Khan will soon make an appearance on reality game show Godrej Khelo Jeeto Jiyo. This is the first time we will see Malaika participate on a game show with husband Arbaaz. The duo played for a charity organisation Karuna Welfare. |
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Bollywood emerged as a major player in Hollywood on August 17 as an Oscar winner Steven Spielberg finalised his funding deal of $ 825 million, with major chunk coming from India's Reliance. Anil Dhirubhai Ambani, chairman of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, wrote the biggest check of $ 325 million in equity for new DreamWorks Studios operated by principal partners Spielberg and Stacey Snider after about 14 months of financial alliance. Various banks, including the Bank of America, provided final leg of financing. The Studios will make up to 21 movies over next four years. Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, welcoming this new India-Hollywood partnership, said this pact signaled India's emergence as a rising force in Hollywood. It clearly exhibited that India was evolving as a pivotal player in international arena. DreamWorks will keep creative control over productions. Walt Disney Company will handle distribution and marketing for its films around the world, except in India, where Reliance retains distribution. Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, vice-chairman of Reliance Capital, will join Spielberg and Snider on DreamWorks' board of directors. Under the agreement, Reliance will reportedly match funds in future also. Funding battle was tough for Spielberg because of evaporation of Wall Street financing in Hollywood, thus opening doors to foreign investment. To raise finance, Spielberg had to sell a half interest in the company to Reliance who was eager to get a toehold in Hollywood, according to reports. Spielberg and Snider, in a statement, thanked "Anil personally for his foresight and fortitude over the past months". Ambani said, "Our partnership with Stacey and Steven is the cornerstone of our Hollywood strategy as we grow our film interests across the globe." For Reliance, the venture is also "a step in the direction of trying to do something on a global scale that appeals to global audiences" and an attempt to accelerate the development of India's film industry. DreamWorks' Dinner for Schmucks (Jay Roach), a French comedy remake, will begin shooting in October. Spielberg will start making Harvey, remake of a 1950 classic. Studio will shoot about six films annually. — ANI
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Right track
Must say wherever Sardars exist, dhamaal is bound to happen. So was the case when Daler paaji made a dhamakedar entry on the sets of Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs. Daler is a regular guest on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and was damn excited to see the young aspirants sing so well. Though paaji was to too shy to talk about his birthday but the team gave him a surprise celebration. All the young tots sang his all time popular hits. Dalerji was almost in tears and said—"I have celebrated so many birthdays but this one undoubtedly was a truly special one."
Dalerji was very impressed with the mathurawasi, Hemant Brijwasi, who performed on his 14-year-old hot number, Main dardi rab rab dardi re. He was mesmerised to say that Hemant definitely sang better than he did 14 years back. He was also amused to see eight-year-old petite Swarit arrange for a special pagdi to perform on Sade sade dil pe chalaiyen chooriyaan. Shreyas Talpade was here to promote this forthcoming movie, Aage se right. Shreyas was no less on the sets. He made a grand entry in a police inspector's dress. Completely in support of the boys' gang, he started with pulling Afsha Musani's leg, who he thinks is a complete Hitler. He mimicked her outright which annoyed the girl's contender, Afshaji. Taking all this in spirit over all it was a fun filled episode.
— TNS |
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Aarti Chhabria won the title of Miss India in 1999 and commenced her Bollywood career with film Tumse Acha Kaun Hain. The film did not do well, but the songs of film became very popular. Soon after, she was seen in Raj Kumar Santoshi's Lajja, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon, Ssukh, Awara Pagaal Dewana, Raja Bhaiya, Teesri Aankh, Shoot Out at Lokhandwala, Patner and Heyy Babyy. Apart from Bollywood, Aarti acted in several films in the South. She has around 120 commercials under her belt. She holds the experience of music videos too. This year, her film Toss-A flip of destiny is ready to hit the floor. Toss-A flip destiny is presented by Knox Entertainment and is produced by Mukesh D. Ramani. The film is directed and written by Ramesh Khatkar. Film also stars Rannvijay, Prashant Raj, Madhureema, Mahesh Manjrekar, Rajpal Yadav and many more. Recently, in Axis Bank of Lokhandwala, she interacted with media and briefed about the film, her role and upcoming projects. Tell us about Toss It is a story of a group of childhood friends and how an incident changes their relationships, beliefs, love, trust among all of them. It's a fast-paced thriller film. Your role in the film... I play the character of Shasha. She sings on the cruise of Goa. She is extrovert, fun-loving, ambitious, believes in herself and wants to achieve whatever she has desired for. Prashant Raj is cast opposite me in the film. How different "Shasha" is from other roles you played in the past? Actually, first time I am playing a character like Shasha. I have never played a role like this. Mostly comedy or romance has been my forte. But, Shasha is different and unique. Did you undergo any training for this role? Yes. I learnt the accent and way of speaking, behaving of Goan girls. And, we all attended the workshop before the shooting started. What is the USP of the film? The film has all those elements which the audience wants and loves these days. It has thriller, romance, everything. The USP of the film is its presentation. Apart from you there are two more female actors in the film. How was your rapport with them? We belonged to same age-group and therefore had loads of fun on the sets. How was working with director Ramesh Khatkar? It was an immense pleasure to work with him. He is a passionate filmmaker. His dedication comes across in his work. — TNS
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What's pushing our youngsters to take their own lives? Though suicide is an impulsive action, youngsters are smart enough to plan it well. They know that attempting suicide will help them get attention, whether they really mean it or not Neha Walia They are bold, boisterous and live life in the fast lane. They don't believe in conventions, follow traditions their way and represent the change. But hidden under the glamorous and gutsy facade of an average youngster, are some dark realities. Pressure, stress, insecurity, frustration, low self-esteem! For this generation, life comes with conditions applied, which is not the problem. But dealing with those conditions is. Every now and then we read headlines like, 'Teenager commits suicide after breaking up with girlfriend or '19-year-old shoots himself by a country-made pistol after being scolded for not being serious about studies. Recently, a girl attempted suicide after watching her boyfriend dance with another girl at a local pub. Another guy in Patiala ended his life, when everybody around him thought his life couldn't be better. Death in the age group of 15-24 years by committing suicide is second only to road accidents. The fast-growing aspirations and desires are bringing along with it, suicidal tendencies, just like it were an incentive. "Suicide is an extremely negative act and most times people who succumb to it suffer from depression or extreme insecurity. But one of the major factors for increasing incidents is the extreme obsessive and possessive behavior that youngsters show," says Rajshree Sarda, a city-based psychologist. She highlights the fact that intense emotions like fear, jealousy, and helplessness are common in youth and the impulsive actions, minus a thought about its consequences, are making the situation confusing. "Most times, the attention-seeking syndrome is also responsible for attempt to suicide. We sometimes have cases where a youngster would swallow pills because the girlfriend was not paying attention to him, or friends thought he was not worthy enough. They want anything at any cost and when that doesn't happen, suicide comes as an easy answer," says Dr Adarsh Kohli, additional professor and clinical psychologist at PGI. Does that mean attention is valued over life for a youngster? "Friends and peers have become decisive factors. With no figure of authority working in their life anymore, youngsters crave for immediate gratification. And, to solve their purpose, threatening or attempting suicide has become a norm or sorts," says Dr Kohli. Rajshree agrees, "Though suicide is an impulsive action, youngsters are smart enough to plan it a well. They know that attempting suicide will help them get attention, whether they really mean it or not. Sometime they could be faking it but then you can't ignore such cases and they need careful handling." With that she means one needs to learn to sense the developing suicidal tendencies in an individual before it strikes you hard. "To differentiate between a threat and actual act is very difficult. One cannot be sure or wait for the threat to convert into reality, you have to take it seriously," says Dr K.L. Garg, psychiatrist from the city. He adds that most of the times, sociological reasons are responsible for teenagers resorting to such extreme acts. "The only possible way out is counseling." Dr Simmi Wariach, consultant psychologist, Fortis-Mohali, feels that parents need to pick up early warning signs. "Overindulgence and instant gratification has complicated this generation's lifestyle. To deal with this situation, parents need to understand and communicate with their children right from the beginning. Be aware of the early warning signals, behavioral changes like stubborn attitude, keeping aloof, weight gain, eating late at night, fall in grades. With such rapid rise in these cases, patience hearing and monitoring through counseling can help a great deal." And one last advice, "Don't be judgmental and make them think positively," she says. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Line maro…
If there is one Constitutional right that has all the right to win the most practiced and most popular award, it has to be the Right to Freedom of Speech. We often use this Right at the wrong place and the wrong time, hoping to get the right results. But alas, only a few lucky ones are able to pull that off. Even the biggest proponents of creative thought and free speech would agree to the fact that watching your mouth can be a tough job. One that demands talent and efficiency along with the loads of patience. Because every once in a while, you restrain yourself from expressing your 'true' feelings, whether its your boss, a colleague, a friend in need (24/7), a nagging girlfriend or an I-am-always-right boyfriend…the list is endless, just as these moments that test your patience. No matter how much tact we may use, sometimes you just stop holding onto your nerve and let it out. So, here is a small list of the things that are often thought, but never said. But just in case that Smart Alec in you gets things rolling… I'm going to take a rain-check on preparing that presentation, boss. My Facebook emotion inbox is overflowing. — Directed to your boss whose life depends on that presentation and yours in knowing who sent those muah muahs. Can you repeat the question? I was distracted by your nose hair — Perfect for a date that is a disaster waiting to happen. Your Benz already had a dent in it, right? — For the next-door neighbour who reminds you to add anger management classes in your must-to-do list. That dress is so cute. They didn't have it in your size? — When you have to deal with that office b**** and a 'close friend' of your boyfriend, a mouthful of admiration like this can actually cut down on your competition. That tie really makes your nose look smaller. — What better compliment for a 'friend' who is always concerned about what you're up to. Should I call in the morning or just nudge you? —When you feel a spark or connection with the perfect girl happening over a glass or two. Hmmm…now we know you cannot yuck them all the time, most of the time, but there's no harm in reveling in these tit-bits once in a while, just for fun.
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A father's influence upon a child's academic success later in life is felt the most when he's involved from the very beginning, according to a new study. Brent McBride, a professor of human development at University of Illinois says while a mother's involvement in school was found to be positively related to a child's academic achievement, a father's involvement was found to be negatively related to later student achievement.Fathers are typically called only "when the child is going to flunk, is going to get expelled, is getting held back or is exhibiting a behaviour problem, which would account for the negative relationship." "Men typically don't become engaged in the school process until there's a problem. Then you have the big conference where both parents come in, sit down and sort everything out," said McBride.But if a father hasn't engaged with a child before they go off to school, "there's even less likelihood he's going to be engaged even when there is a problem in school."That's why it's not hard to understand why men don't become involved in the school process that much, because they're not involved early on in the process," he added.McBride said if fathers establish early on that they're going to actively engage in the parenting process they're much more likely to continue that engagement as they grow older.Fathers and father figures, he says, can have at least as much of a unique impact on a child as mothers do, and therefore should be seen as co-equal partners in parenting "We need to help fathers realize that what they do is really important. If we wait and only get fathers involved when kids are having problems in school, that's too late," McBride added.Typically, when children are sick, there's a "high probability that daycare or school will call the mother and not the father first," he said. Not necessarily because the mother is better informed about the child's health, McBride said, but because "that's how they're socialised to think, that Mom is the only one who can respond in that situation." He said these analyses suggest that we need to think more about men, fatherhood and what role they play as parents. — ANI
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Being in charge of a new born leaves many new mothers and fathers feeling stressed, isolated and confused, a new study has found. The research, conducted by researchers from insurance company Aviva, found that parents face an average of 2,007 nappy changes, 1,789 feeds, 280 loads of washing and a lack of sleep in the first 12 months looking after their offspring.And if that workload was not enough, they also have to cope with peer pressure and conflicting advice on childcare, the study showed, reports the Scotsman.Some 66 per cent of new parents worried they were not looking after their baby properly and 82 per cent said conflicting advice from family members, books and websites made the problem worse.The study of the first year of a baby's life also showed that new mothers suffered from a lack of confidence, with 56 per cent of those quizzed worried that they did not appear as confident as other parents.A further 45 per cent feared their partners did not think they were coping.And the looming spectre of the mother-in-law added more pressure, with 60 percent of new parents struggling when they were corrected by them.The stress of this workload took a toll on new parents' relationships, with many couples typically experiencing more arguments and less sex than before their baby was born.And 70 per cent of new mothers felt isolated at home, with around half believing people were only visiting them to see the new baby, the study found. — ANI
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Writes at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd The whole deal I am 43 years old woman with two teenage kids. I run an advertising agency and work for long hours. I am a single parent and although my kids have been very good over the years, suddenly I am seeing a marked change in their attitude. They are both becoming loud, aggressive and overly demanding. Specially my son, who seems to be critical of everything I do. Since my children have been my only emotional support over the years, I find this attitude very shattering. Please tell me why is this happening and how can I rectify the situation. Praveen Manchanda, ChandigarhPlease do not stress yourself unnecessarily. Children go through various phases as they grow. Life is not easy for a single parent as the level of responsibility is always high. Since you are already dealing with a business situation, that carries its own pressures, I think you are just feeling over pressurized. You must remember children also need their space to develop and as long as they are performing well you needn't worry. May be they are feeling neglected somewhere down the line. Give them some quality time instead of just being around. Plan a holiday together. You have to prioritize your life. Chat with them to make them understand why you have long working hours, be there for them emotionally all the time. Make a difference
I am in my late 40's and have always lived in a big city. Now that my husband has retired from his job, we have come back to settle into his ancestral place. There is not much that is happening around here and I seem to be falling into a depression. Is there anyway I can do something that would make me look at life with a little more meaning. I have always been very interested in art and design. I also have a talent for painting. Can I find a way of making some extra pocket money by using my talent? Also women related social causes interest me do you think rural women would respond to this. Savera, You sound like a very talented and intelligent woman. Why all this apprehension over life? I think you are too young and too full of ideas to just want to wile away your time. I feel that some of the women in rural areas have more change in them compared to women in big cities, and with your flair for art and painting you could actually start your own business by getting in touch with some good designer in the city. Show them some hand painted clothes or you could even get into photography or whatever interests you. Identify a market, contact some of the women in your area and see if they are interested. God willing it works and before you know it you have a whole lot of work to deal with and busy with things you love doing that are also generating an income. Also, you are helping other women too. Resist the risk
I am in my early 40's. I have been married for 15 years and have two children. Recently, a couple moved next door. We had been extending a friendly hand over the last few months since they are here. Our children have become good friends. A few days back, my wife had the couple over for dinner. When I was out on the verandah having a cigarette, the other lady just strolled out and calmly told me she finds me very attractive and would like to have an affair with me. I pretended disinterest but ever since I am thinking about her. I do feel a little guilty but I wonder how it would be if I took up her offer. Anil Mehra, Why do you want to rock the boat chasing a shadow? You sound like a guy who is well adjusted with life, has a great family and all the good things around him and wonderful people to share it all with. For the sake of a momentary high and a level of silly adventure, why would you like to make a mess of everything? It does seem very interesting to have an affair but have you thought of the consequences, once your wife and specially the kids found out. I suggest just ignore the whole episode and pretend it never happened. Life is only fun in the real sense when you have honest relationships and do not have guilt over any issues. Have a great life, so live it just like that. |
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Number game
If you are planning to get another pet to give company to your two Labradors, Caramel and Snowy, then wait for the verdict on the Chandigarh Administration's decision to revise dog bylaws, thereby putting restrictions on keeping more than two dogs as pets. This has already stirred a debate amongst pet lovers. For them, this is a breach to their Fundamental Rights. We share notes with pet owners who have more than two, and are game for more.
Says Usha R. Sharma, IAS, secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, who has not two or three but 12 pets at her place. For her, the new bylaw, if framed would not be welcomed at all. "Why should the Administration have a problem when someone can afford to keep more than two pets? Secondly, someone who has or plans to keep pets is ready to shoulder their responsibility and take good care of them." Adds Usha, who finds the company of pets therapeutic. "They are not at all demanding. All they need is love and care. And, if a pet lover is ready to give it to two, three even 10 pets, no one should have a problem with it." Affordability with the lovers is given as a reason to withdraw any such law. Sonu, owner of Sheena Pet Shop-20 and owner of four Pugs, finds the whole issue outrageous. "The numbers of pets one wants to keep is a complete personal decision. The Administration should not interfere. Besides, they also want to impose a ban on the breeding of pets. Again this is a natural process, how can you interfere with that?" All said and done, pet owners do find the whole issue baseless. If someone is ready to spend money and emotion on pets, irrespective of the number, what is the problem then? Nidhi Jagotia, homemaker, Sector 70, Mohali, has no problem with her five pets, two Pugs and three Labradors. "How many of us are ready to take street dogs as pets? We have a fine demarcation when it comes to pet dogs and stray dogs. Besides, how many pets one want to keep is totally a personal matter. Well, if someone has the time, money and passion, why can't they keep three, or even 20?" she asks. Hear it from Mohan Jain, additional solicitor-general of India, and his family that makes sure that their three Labradors get all the attention and care. "They are part of the family," says Mohan and his son Vikram Jain. "We are particular about their diet, cleaning and vaccinations. So much so, they sit in an AC room with us. If we are ready to do all this for them, that too pretty much willingly for pets irrespective of the number, where is the problem?" jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Uniting for Urdu
Urdu hai jiska naam, hameen jaante hain Dagh, Saare jahan mein dhoom, hamari zuban ki hai," wrote Dagh Dehlavi in admiration of Urdu when it was at its zenith. Now, with changes in socio-cultural environment and lifestyle influenced by modern concepts of living, employment avenues and competition in the job market, Urdu is no longer a preferred language for the masses. Preservation and propagation of the richness of Urdu, which is a deemed to be a living culture rather than a mere language, came up for discussion at the one-day national seminar on Saliha Abid Hussain ki adabi khidmaat, organised by the Haryana Urdu Akademi Panchkula here on Wednesday.
Saliha has been the iconic fighter for women empowerment and parity in Haryana through her writings. She later expressed anguish over the manner the sentiments of females are curbed with inhuman approach and prejudiced mindset. Renowned litterateurs paid rich tributes to great Urdu scholar, thinker and author of over 40 books, Padmashri Saliha Abid Husain , also the grand daughter of Khawaja Altaf Hussain Hali of Panipat, the grand saintly man and pioneering stalwart litterateur. Earlier, Akademi secretary Padamshri K.L. Zakir welcomed chief guest Syedain Hameed, member, Planning Commission India, Rajpal, SDM, and Ritu Choudhury, City Magistrate, who presided over the seminar. Noted academicians and scholars delving deep on various factors ailing Urdu, offered divergent views. Author Shama Zaidi and publisher Shehnaz Zaidi hold the inadequate government patronage and society for killing the felicitous language. Parents do not encourage and let their progeny learn Urdu, who otherwise relish its grandeur in Bollywood films or serials. Young scholar Nisha Zaidi, however, was critical of media for wrong pronunciation and incorrect use of words like Khulasa, Jazbaat, Mudah and many more. Reading Urdu through Hindi script too should be discouraged, rather some seats should be reserved for admission to certain professional courses for Urdu-knowing candidates, observed Haryana poet M.P. Chand. Author of 20 books, Sugra Mehdi who read out the keynote address, however, thinks otherwise. "Linking Urdu with employment is baseless," she says. "Or, else should we leave our religion as it does not provide employment opportunities to us," she questions. It has been established that Urdu was born in Haryana region of undivided Punjab and as such no more the language of Muslims, claims Sugra Mehdi and K.L. Zakir. Prof Ibne Knawal, Khushal Zaidi, Shamas Tabrezi, M.P. Chand, Ayub Khan and others also read out papers on Saliha Abid Hussain. On this occasion a novel titled Yeh Khandar Bhi Mere Hai, by K. L. Zakir was released. |
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Home coming
People for Animals, Chandigarh, has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally and forever. E Two beautiful, adorable female pups, one month old, black and brown colour, Hindustani breed, want a loving home urgently. E One female kitten, one month old, white, very active, is available for adoption. Lost & found
Lost a female dog, 12 months old, Hindustani breed, wearing brown leather collar with chain, lost from H.No 3538, Sector-15, Chandigarh, on July 31 around 10:30 am. For any information, contact: Archana Sharma at 9023388529 or PFA office. For any information, contact: PFA-Chandigarh at 0172-2749080, 2749211 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday - Saturday Or visit us at #1522, Sector 11 D, Chandigarh. www.pfachandigarh.com |
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THEORY False alarm H Chopra It all started one fine morning in the Karve household when his daughter noticed Sherry, their pet Labrador bitch, showing signs of pregnancy. "Look at her belly, it is bloated like it was when she conceived last time," she said. "And her teats also. They are full of milk," Joined in Mrs Kave with her own observation. Putting the blame upon the neighborhood 'rogue' Dobermann male, when Sherry disappeared last for an eventful half an hour, the whole family started waiting eagerly for the pups, counting the approximate 63 days from the date of Sherry's misdemeanor. Meanwhile, Sherry progressed from bulky abdomen to digging a huge hole in the lawn, her 'nest' and turning moody. As the family counted the days on their fingertips in eager anticipation of her pups, which were already in demand from friends and relatives, Sherry started carrying plastic toys into her nest and curling around them. She also turned finicky, not allowing any one near which was perfectly understood as anxiety response of the pregnant mother for the safety of her impending pups. 63'rd day came and ended and then the 63'rd and 64'th but nothing happened. Worried about her the family took her to the vet, who nodded his head in disagreement after a brief examination. "You mean to say that all of this was some kind of a joke?" blurted Mr Karve aghast. "You may call it what ever you want to but this is a well known phenomenon in the bitches called false pregnancy," said the vet and that was that. "What are the reasons and the need for all this? And is it dangerous?" one might ask. While the exact hormonal mechanism, which results in the false pregnancy is not known, it is an interaction of estrogen, adrenal hormones and prolactin from pituitary gland which results in this condition. Increased prolactin, which results in the engorgement of the mammary glands with milk appears to be the main culprit. While in 90 per cent of cases the symptoms automatically redress over a period of three weeks, in 10 per cent cases the relief may not be there. The psychological impact in such cases from this hormonal cocktail is severe with poor animal keeping up a search for the pups which are not there. Her engorged teats a serious source of discomfort and also potential breeding grounds for the disease causing bacteria which can result in life threatening infection. In such cases treatment is urgently required. Why at all it occurs as a natural phenomenon? While various theories abound but the most commonly accepted is that during the jungle existence of the dogs it was only the alpha female, which came in the genuine heat and bred with the alpha male. Rest of the bitches of the litter came in pseudo pregnancy in turns to nurse the fledgling puppies, while the alpha couple went to hunt. Pretty neat. Wasn't it?
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