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Bhasha & books
On Hindi Divas, we check out how Hindi books are doing in the city There wasn't any ambiguity at all. It was Hindi Divas on Monday and we were so certain of what we had to write about-youngsters in the tricity with a decent collection of books in Hindi to inspire those in awe of angrezi. Literature, poetry, translations, any genre would serve the purpose as long as it was in our national language. Ambiguity begins! We made phone calls, met people, used Facebook and Orkut to track down avid Hindi readers but even by the evening, nothing clear emerged. The next thought was pretty obvious: how is the Hindi book readership in the city? That was what we were finally debating about. Ambiguity ends! "Three years back, the stock of Hindi books with us was 2,000, but the number of members of the library interested in them was inadequate. Eventually, to clear the stock, heavy discounts were offered on their sale. Some were sold to other libraries with a Hindi section," informs Pankaj P. Singh, owner of The Browser-8, giving us some idea about the Hindi readership in the city. The library now has not more than 150 books in Hindi and if at all there is a demand, it's for the translated versions of The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson. However, the low count of Hindi books in the libraries and bookstores can affect the scenario. As Satyapal Sehgal, chairman, Hindi department, PU, makes a point, "Visibility generates interest. If books aren't available, how would people get to know which translations of works of various popular authors have recently been done." To elaborate it further, he refers to demand and supply curve in an otherwise way, "At times, supply too boosts demand. If the latest books are available in the market, people would take interest in them for sure and gradually, the demand will increase." He adds that the onus to increase the Hindi readership also lies on the publishing houses. And, with publishing houses like Penguin and Rupa coming up with books in Hindi and also translations, there are enough chances of revival of Hindi readership. Efforts continue at the local level too. Aadhar Prakashan, a Panchkula-based publishing house, is all set to launch the second edition of their successful Hindi translation of autobiography of Charlie Chaplin, Mera Jeevan- Charlie Chaplin. They have published translations of famous writers like Naom Chomsky and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. "Hindi translations of popular writers can develop interest in the younger generation," says Desh Nirmohi, owner of the publication. But that has another requirement. "The buying rights to translate books are high these days. The writers, to enjoy a high readership around the world, should bring down the cost," he adds. Chandigarh, according to Prof Madhukar Arya, chairman, Department of Persian Language, fairs average when it comes to the language. "Ours being a modern city, people prefer to converse and read English. The Hindi belt doesn't have an effect on the city due to geographical constraints," he says. Yojna Rawat, a city-based translator, who has translated 100 French poems to Hindi, rather gives a counterview. She feels language is no barrier for people these days to read more. As for those, who only know Hindi, the situation is equally good. "Those interested in reading would read any literature, irrespective of culture or nation, if available in their language. But for that too, publishing houses have to take an initiative and allow a certain book to be published in different ashim@tribunemail.com
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Language lament
Hindi Day celebrations in the tricity have the literati raising a lament for the slow spread of the language Language and literature are the mirror of society which reflect its socio-economic, political or cultural ethos. They define the national psyche of a country and symbolize the lifestyles, rituals, customs, aspirations, and problems of the people of the region or the community as a whole. It is, as such, imperative to have a common national language in which the people of a whole nation can converse and communicate effectively so as to share the joys, sorrows, achievements and be an integral part of nation building. The government of India made Hindi as the Rashtriya Raj Bhasha after Independence, but the move has, however, been implemented partially. This slow process of its implementation remains the top agenda of discussion, introspection and repeated suggestions on every Hindi Diwas, which falls on September 14. The scholars who converged at the Haryana Sahitya Akademi and other seminars relating to Hindi Divas on Monday expressed divergent views with regard to the proliferation of Hindi language and literature, as also its use in government offices. Newly appointed director of the Haryana Sahitya Akademi, Dr Mukta, laments that it is inbuilt in our psyche that any one with a fluent command over English is capable of expressing things better, and this is a mind-set being inherited by our progeny. A prolific author of eight books and former principal of a college at Bhiwani, she is critical of the scholars who coin cumbersome phrases like Lohpath gamini aavat jaavat soochak yanter for a level-crossing "signal," making the otherwise rich Hindi out of reach for the masses. Common words from English or other languages must be adopted, she emphasised. Senior Haryana bureaucrat R.R. Phulia, PSCM and acclaimed Hindi scholar, extolled Hindi and Sanskrit as the language of the celestial gods for its grandeur and richness of literary treatises from the antiquity of vedas to contemporary times. Phulia urged all to cultivate a love for Hindi, read its literature full of wisdom and romance and get addicted to its felicitous charm. Dr Lal Chand Gupt Mangal cited examples of strict and immediate implementation of Urdu as the national language in Pakistan, while an endless process of forming review committees to ensure Hindi's implementation in India, especially in the South, remains the only solace. He, however, suggested making the Hindi or the whole syllabus job-oriented. "Hindi is going to be the leading world language shortly despite the government failure to implement it as the national language in the South " claimed Dr Giriraj Sharan Aggarwal , author of 101 books. " India is the potential market for business and many foreign company executives are in the process of learning Hindi for better communication," he added to back up his optimism while interacting at a seminar at the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi. His literary and life partner, Dr Meera Aggarwal , daughter of legendary Kaka Hathrasi, said that Hindi was being taught in 150 foreign universities and had a bright future. Lamenting the shallow mindset of regional leaders, Dr D.S. Gupt recalled how Jaya Bachchan had to be apologetic for using Hindi to a political leader. Twice winner of the Presidential honour in literature, eminent scholar Dr M.D. Pandey maintained that there was no dispute regarding Hindi as the Rashtriya Bhasha in 1949, but its implementation as the official working raj bhasha in 1965 led to agitations in Madras, fearing that they (people in the South) might lose government job opportunities to the Hindi-speaking north Indians. Chairing the Hindi Day function to mark conclusion of a 15 days' workshop at NHPC Limited, Dr Pandey suggested that instead Hindi should be declared and Noted poet T.N. Raz regaled the audience with crisp couplets and poems laced with humour and satire.
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Here’s another one for the collector’s wardrobe. Pochampalli, Paithani, Kanjivarm, Jamdani, Baluchari, Ikkat, and other exquisite silk form the interior of India are on display at Kisan Bhavan-35. The annual exhibition-cum-sale, Silk Fab, brings silk fabrics and handlooms from across 15 states on one platform. And, testing the purchasing power of city shoppers, will be Muga silk form Assam, Kosa silk from Chattisgarh, Kantha and Bandhej silk. Fabrics and dress material ranges from Rs 500 onwards. Also available in latest designs are silk scarves, mustafas and ties for men. While women have a hearty pick from suits to sarees to duppattas and home furnishings. While state co-operative societies have the maximum visibility in such expos, retailers and self-producing weavers have been given market support too in Silk Fab. Apart from the market trends, the best of the national award-winning weavers are at display too. —TNS
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Art meets commerce
Art Expo-09 will see artists from the city on a common platform to sell their creations Art is all about heart and soul. An artist mind working in tandem with creativity, his hands effortlessly moulding his thoughts into a piece of art, class apart. “But an artist has a stomach too.” Wondering where did that come from? Well, isn’t that simple biology? Maybe, “Even an artist needs to survive, you can’t live on a diet of passion and perspective,” says Ramesh Sharma. Agreed, and so Creative Beans, collaboration between young artists from the field of filmmaking, photography and canvas, are here with Art Expo 09 (beginning September 19, at Centra Mall). “It’s a first time attempt to bring together artists from city and give them a platform where they can sell their art,” says Neeraj Sharma, a freelance photographer and artist working in Dubai. He along with his partners and friends, Ramesh Sharma, who runs his own ad agency in Delhi and Pawan Soni, who is into direction and has a few music videos to his credit, have organised this event with two motives in mind. “Promotion of good art,” he spells out himself. Adding, “Why should an artist who puts his heart into creating something unique depend on galleries and collectors to market his works. We want to bridge the gap between an artist and a common man. Making a brand of the former by more participation by the latter.” And what better way of connecting to the masses by displaying the works of senior artists like Viren Tanwar, Bheem Malhotra, Madan Lal in a mall, the center of active participation of any kind. “We will be putting up an exhibition of over 30 artists in Centra Mall where any body is free to celebrate art and creativity,” says Ramesh. Well, appreciation combined with some sales. “Art is now no longer bound to a certain class or kind of people. Indian art is being appreciated like never before. Opportunities for artists have doubled, but the selling part remains the same. You still have to go that extra mile to market yourself. We hope events like these are able to help young artists get commercial success too,” says Pawan Soni. The other motive comes under a gift-wrap. “We wanted to give something back to the city where we spent the most creative years of our life. The city people are still passionate about art and the overwhelming response was reason enough to plan this event,” say these alumni of the Government College of Art-10. The expo begins on Sept 19 and concludes on September 25. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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If Shah Jahan had to build Taj Mahal in this yug, we bet it would have been a wonder for altogether different reason. A pigeonhole qualifying as the biggest gift a husband could give to his wife, a jugaad in the name of ultimate souvenir of love. Or think again, what would you say if you meet a loser who is happy to be a loser? Ask him to give him a massage. Okay, no need of that unpleasant look on your face, we are talking about the issues that will hog limelight at the annual Chandigarh Theatre Fest. The four-day festival starting September 24, will be staging classic comedies and evergreen plays like Shatranj Ke Mohre by P.L. Deshpande, the longest running play of Indian People’s Theatre Association, Mumbai and has recently completed 38 years of production. Another message comes in form of Massage, a play by Vijay Tendulkar, a story of a small town guy with big dreams of becoming a hero and ending up as a gym instructor. The two-act monologue has Rakesh Bedi playing 24 characters. Continuing with the comical theme are plays Biwi O Biwi and Tajmahal Ka Tender. While the former is a hilarious comedy on husband-wife madness, the latter is a satire on modern day babudom. The list of performers is impressive too, with stalwart theatre artists like Avtar Gill, Sulbha Arya, Rakesh Bedi, Bharat Kapoor, Kuldeep Sharma and city based artists setting the stage for a promising theatre extravaganza. —TNS
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Spade work
First thing first, concentrate on the buying of seeds, their sowing and planning for their placement. This is the only time of the year when you can sow for drawing the best pleasure when flowering occurs in spring. But all depends upon the quality of the seed. Gone are the days when one had to buy and plant whatever was available. Now one can buy specific quality seeds. You can buy seeds colourwise, demand seeds for plants with a specific height. And these two characters are the backbone of a good planning. The seeds with specification are a bit costlier and therefore need careful handling while sowing. It is better to treat the sowing medium i.e. soil, sand or soil sand manure mixture with bavistin dissolved at two gram to a liter of water. The medium should be drenched with this solution. The seed can be sown in soil or in pots. The nursery spot should be kept a few inches above the ground level. After sowing the seeds, the watering should be done with the help of a fountain that has a flower for sprinkling of water. The seeds could also be covered with grass or even a piece of paper so that the there is no direct impact of water on seed, even when it rains. However, when the seeds start sprouting, immediately remove such covers or else there will be elongation of seedlings weakening them. The seedlings are normally transplanted after four to six weeks. It is better to first draw the whole plan on the paper. The planning of the beds or different species in the same bed should be decided depending upon the size and colour of the varieties. In case more than one variety are planned in a bed along a wall, then the tallest variety should go to the back and stepping should be done as per the height. In case a bed is to be seen from both sides, then the tallest variety should be planted in the middle with stepping down of species on both sides. In both cases, however, the selection of species should depend upon the sun requirement. For shady conditions, salvia, cineraria, nasturtium and verbena should be selected. Some of the winter annuals like salvia, petunia etc have a very long life and should therefore be planned for beds outside the house too. They last till April last week. Even when you have so planned, if colour combination is not kept in mind, the whole of the effect is lost. Use your imagination for this and get only those seeds that give a specific colour. A combination of red with white or white with blue or blue with yellow and so on. You can get almost all the species with all the colour range.
satishnarula@yahoo.co.in
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Myth of the week
When you have procured the seed of the best quality from the most reliable source then why should there be any such eventuality. The uneven growth spoils the whole garden look and also the size and quality of bloom is variable. here is nothing wrong with the seed. It is the level of the bed that causes this kind of problem. When the level of the bed is not even, the water starts accumulating at the lower end and this affects the nutrients. This results in more of the vegetative growth, flowers become small and this also delays flowering in the same bed.
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Brain gain?
A study reveals that Facebook ‘enhances intelligence,’ while Twitter ‘diminishes it’. We check out …
According to Dr Tracy Alloway of Sterling University, spending time on Facebook could enhance a key element of one’s intelligence that is vital to success in life, but using the site Twitter might have the opposite effect. In fact, playing video war games and solving Sudoku may have the same effect as keeping up to date with Facebook, while text messaging, micro-blogging on Twitter can weaken “working memory” which involves the ability both to remember information and to use it. This is some piece of information. We share notes with ‘regulars’ on various social networking sites on how they’ve benefited from them or wherein lies the fault. Nimisha Sharma, final year student of history has accounts with all social networking sites. And she feels there is a world of difference between all the networking sites. “I am hooked on to Orkut for some reason. Twitter calls for the use of telegraphic language, which in a way hampers writing and communication skills as well.” All the same, Nimisha feels extensive use of ‘lingo’ by the users is the major problem with these sites. According to Vihari Komargiri, product manager, Google, “Google has come up with Orkut Zeitgeist In India, which means the spirit of time.” Adds Vihari, “Social networking being the single largest generators of Indian web traffic are the best place to check out what India’s youth are up to online. Likewise, Orkut allows youngsters to express themselves, to come together for a cause, and share pursuits with a wider audience.” However, when it comes to communication and writing skills it’s all going for a toss. Harkiran Dhaiya, stock analyst from the city shares that that he cannot remember the friends’ list on Facebook, Twitter and Orkut. “I have 900 friends on all sites. It becomes so confusing. Keeping a track of all of them, what they are doling professionally, where did they go for a vacation is damn confusing.” Here comes a word of praise from the analyst. “The information is precise and too the point, which is the best part. At least, you don’t have to go about beating the bush.” Not everyone’s thought is in favour of the tweets, which they believe spoils the language and also affects writing skills. All said and done, with drawbacks here and there, there is no taking away the youngsters from the networking sites. jasmine@tribunemail.com Blogger’s bytes Rajesh Lalwani, founder Blogworks shares that Facebook is more about closeness. “ A place to find contacts with those who have lost touch. It is more trust-worthy when it comes to personal opinions and change in content.” Twitter is a larger world as per Rajesh. “It is a place to find what is happening in the world. It is about discovering interesting content, wherein people with similar interests and professions share content and pictures that have a value. Twitter in this context is a larger world.” socio speakAs per Amandeep Puri, lecturer of Sociology in DAV College, “ There is nothing wrong with technology or with the social networking sites, but it depends how the youngsters use it. There is no way that we can shut down the sites because they are good in their own respect. They help us to connect with people and friends. Then again it boils down to the judicious use of the sites.” Talking about the lingo used on these sites, Amandeep remarks that mixing and distorting of languages is not good. “I feel there should be some kind of Internet education as well. This will solve many problems.”
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Gizmoh! Do you think being on social networking sites like Facebook has improved your communication skills?
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Fed up with the restricted choice of varieties of annuals in summer, every gardener looks forward to winters. There is a wide range of varieties to select from. But to draw the best pleasure out of planting, plant them judiciously.
Normally when the growth of seedlings in the bed is not proper and uniform, the first thing to blame is the quality of seed. 
How many of you spend an appreciable time on the Facebook, Twitter or Orkut chatting up with friends, leaving scraps, sharing pictures? Well, we choose to believe a good number of them. Now, here is what a leading British psychologist has claimed—Facebook ‘enhances intelligence’, Twitter ‘diminishes it’. 
No loss, no gain
Wordsworth
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