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Now, NBA to accredit technical institutes
Soon, a serial on Himalayas
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Ferrying Lord Krishna’s palanquin
The palanquin of Lord Krishna being taken out by devotees in Mussoorie. A Tribune photograph
Spurt in crime haunts Roorkee residents
Mock UN council exercise kicks off
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Now, NBA to accredit technical institutes
Dehradun, August 22 The institutes would be judged on a nine-point grading system and out of a total of 1,000 marks, the institute should get at least a minimum of 600. Any institute that scores between 600-750 marks would be able to get provisional accreditation. At a two-day workshop that concluded here today, acting chairman of AICTE professor SS Mantha said technical institutions that get accreditation would be associated with excellence in standards of education at the international level. "As quality is of prime importance for technical institutions, by applying for NBA they will be assured of conformity to good practices and benchmarks of global requirements," said
Prof. Mantha. A visiting team from NBA would check overall placement success of the institutes and satisfaction level of students. They would take into consideration enrolment status, admission norms for students, number of seats filled, the programmes being run, facilities for career guidance and arrangements to assist students suffering from psychological disorders, which are also part of the accreditation procedure. The team would also visit the training and placement facilities of the institutes and confirm whether there is a full-time officer overseeing this facility. The team is also expected to review measures taken by the institutes for safety of students, teachers and staff. However the institutions would be asked to fill self-assessment report as well, which would then be assessed by a two-member team from NBA. Under the provision of the AICTE Act of 1987, NBA covers all diplomas, degrees and postgraduate programmes falling under the following disciplines under accreditation. These include engineering and technology, management, architecture, pharmacy, hotel management, catering technology and town and country planning. The accreditation process has been developed as a sensitive tool for quality assurance in technical education in order to sustain growth of quality institutions so that they carry credible progammes. This would also help institutions to apply for World Bank grants for carrying out research and developments initiatives. "The World Bank offers a grant of Rs 10-20 crore for undertaking several research-based projects and even improving quality of education. The process will also rationalise quality benchmarks for those institutes that are aspiring for the status of deemed university," said Prof. Kripa Shankar, vice-chancellor, Uttar Pradesh Technical University. The benefits of NBA accreditation are manifold. For the parents, it signifies that their child goes through a teaching-learning environment according to accepted good practices, while for the students, it signifies that he or she has entered the portals of an institution that has the essential and desirable features of quality professional education. On the job front for the employer, the accreditation signifies that the students passing out have competence based on well-grounded technical inputs. "The NBA accreditation ensures exposure to the international job market as well, in addition to the domestic. NBA is also provisional member of Washington agreement," said Prof Kripa Shankar. Notably, the difference between NBA and AICTE is that approval of AICTE for new institutions is based on credibility of institutional management and programme-providers, while accreditation of institutional programmes by NBA is based on availability of potential for sustaining and improving upon assessment criteria, and recognition and demonstrated capability of the institution. The NBA was constituted by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) as an autonomous body under Section 10(u) of the AICTE Act, 1987. The goals of NBA are to develop a quality conscious system of technical education where excellence, relevance to market needs and participation by all stake-holders are prime. It seeks to match national goals of growth by competence, contributions to economy through competitiveness and compatibility to societal development. |
Ferrying Lord Krishna’s palanquin
Mussoorie, August 22 This is also the time when on the Sunday following Janamashtami, a socio-religious gathering carries the 'doli' (palanquin) of Lord Krishna from the Landour Sanatan Dharam Mandir through the Radha Krishna Mandir (Kulri) right uptil the Laxmi Narayan Mandir located at Library Chowk. This year was no different and on August 16, people of Mussoorie and nearby villages of Jaunpur-Jaunsaar gathered to carry the lord's 'doli'. "The beginning of the procession, locally known as 'Kanhaiya Ji ki Doli', dates back to 1928 when Chowdhary Hira Lal and Baishakhi Lal felt the need of social expression of Indian feelings, which were suppressed under the British rule. This was the time when the freedom movement gaining ground nationwide," said Rakesh Aggarwal, secretary, Sanatan Dharam Mandir Samiti. The Sanatan Dharam Mandir formed connections with the great Indian leader Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya when he roped the Mandir Samiti with Akhil Bharatiya Sangathan in 1936. Earlier, in 1929, Sanatan Dharam Kanya Paathshaala was formed as a step towards encouraging women education. In order to promote Indian culture, the foundation of a Sanskrit Vidhyalaya was laid in 1951. Both the schools are still doing a good job. The formal inauguration of the 'doli' is done by the Sanatan Dharam Mandir Samiti. As for the people of Jaunpur-Jausaar, the presence is mandatory as they have deep roots connected with lord Krishna and his elder brother Bhadraaj, who is worshipped as Naag Devta and is the prime deity of the region. However, with changing times, traditional attires have been taken over by denims, T-shirts and bandanas. Ice-creams and Chinese cuisines have pushed aside the customary hot milk and 'jalebis'. Only a few elder can be seen doing the good old stuff. For the tourists, it comes as a welcome surprise. The 'doli', accompanied by several stage performers on lorries reach Library Chowk where the Laxmi Narayan Mandir Samiti welcomes it. Later, a 'puja' is performed amidst a huge crowd. "We have invited performers from Mathura on the occasion of Janamashtami. Tourists from all over also enjoy being part of the procession," said Tribhuwan Kumar, secretary, Laxmi Narayan Mandir Samiti, Library Bazaar. |
Soon, a serial on Himalayas
Dehradun, August 22 The series will cover different aspects about the history, culture, heritage, scenic beauty and customs of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the North-Eastern states. The serial titled ‘The Enchanting Himalayas’ will be telecast on Zee News from September 6. Madhu Singh, a veteran television film producer, said, “Our motive behind showcasing this travel-based show is to inform travel freaks about the magnificent surroundings of these state as well to promote the rich culture and heritage of our country. “With travelling abroad becoming easier, it is essential to entice people through the medium of television and other powerful modes so that beautiful locations within India are not forgotten.” The serial has been shot in serene locations by a competent team and holds a lot of significance for a young and tourist-friendly state like Uttarakhand. “As it has been only nine years since the formation of Uttarakhand, it has got immense potential as far as tourism industry is concerned. They are numerous destinations which are unexplored by people who are fond of travelling and researching,” added Madhu Singh. Along with the team members of Bakhan Creations, the chief guests for the day was DK Singh, DGM, Tourism, and AK Singh, Joint Director, Tourism, who appreciated the efforts of Bakhan Creations. |
Spurt in crime haunts Roorkee residents
Roorkee, August 22 Two murders, one firing incident to rob a local businessman, three-four thefts in and around Roorkee area in the last 15 days has not only created panic amid the public, but also put the police under tremendous pressure. The police is yet to get a breakthrough in the case where bodies of a 40-year-old woman and her 12-year-old child were recovered from near the Peeran Kaliyar shrine on August 8. The police is still clueless about the identity of victims. Similarly, those involved in the firing incident at Saket locality on August 18 are still at large. The culprits ambushed the father-son duo of Ram Kumar and Sahil, local businessmen, while they were returning home after work. The miscreants, six in number, came on two bikes and opened fire on the father-son. Besides, there were three-four theft incidents in Ganeshpur locality, Ramnagar locality and Bhagwanpur area. “It seems no one is safe here now. The recent spurt in such incidents shows that criminals have no fear of the police,” said Ajay Malhotra, a local. On the other hand, SSP Sanjay Gunjyal said the police is trying hard to maintain law and order. “We are cracking quite a few cases,” he said, adding that the security would be stepped up in wake of the forthcoming Kumbh Mela. |
Mock UN council exercise kicks off
Dehradun, August 22 The first day was dedicated to registration and the committee meeting. The simulation exercise is expected to be provide students an opportunity to learn about international affairs, country specific problems and even hone their debating and negotiating skills. As the students carry out mock exercise on United Nations Assembly Council and crisis situation in the coming days they would be re-rated for their eloquence, presentation and knowledge by the teachers. The students would also sit on various United Nations Committees on economic affairs, human rights etc. Two batches of four students each from one school will represent the views of the countries that are members of the United Nations. The current situation in Asia, particularly in North Korea and Pakistan, and situation in the Middle East and Palestine are the topics that would be hotly debated
upon. |
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