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Far from the madding crowd
Once in a while one wants to shun human company and enjoy the bounties that nature has on offer, alone. My escape from the madding crowds is to go to the far side of Sukhna Lake, near the regulator end, enjoy peace and just watch. It's the place where seasonal rivulets that feed Sukhna drain. Ever since check dams have been constructed, what one sees is more of a primeval display of rugged landscape instead of the wide expanse of the shimmering lake waters. All along the bunds can be seen a lot of wild, water plants and the shallow ponds form an ideal home for shore birds; away from human interference. In fact, the only company that they have is of the 'love-birds' - romantic couples sitting on the steps, saying sweet nothings to one another in silence! As a 'Sunday birdwatcher', I am fascinated by the beauty of our avian friends - the winged visitors to Sukhna Lake. Most of time they seem to be foraging for food, organising the day's breakfast or lunch! Their restless eyes dart in all directions, looking out for the poor worm, fish or whatever they can feast upon. Although I am no expert at bird-watching, my great fascination for their beauty, the colourful melange of their plumes, magnificent spread of their wings and the majesty of their flight often draw me towards them. My bird-spotting odyssey starts on a warm sunny afternoon at the regulator end. And I'm immediately rewarded with a great sight - a row of stilts with their pinkish, long slender legs standing silently in a row in an immaculate military formation. Their black coats with furry, snow-white undersides are a sight to behold. One of the earliest winter visitors to the lake is the common coot. It glides on the tranquil waters, sometimes erratically breaking into a quirky frolic or a mad race with a fellow coot! And that is what perhaps earns its name, the not-too-flattering connotation in the English language! Its dark, black coat with the hallmark white spot on the forehead makes it easy to identify. Moving further down, there are a lot of birds in the shallow lotus ponds, which are fenced by dry feathery reeds. Some coromorants are perched atop a small tree and down below in the water is a crowd of what appears to be brahminy ducks, coots, mallards, pochards, wigeons or perhaps ferruginous ducks. It looks like one happy family of birds out on a Sunday picnic! I hurriedly open my handbook on birds by Martin Woodcock, but as so many of them look almost similar from a distance, it's not of much help. It's best to leave the identification part to experts. For me, it's enough to just enjoy their beauty! A long slender bird with shiny, blackish coat and an artistic, curved neck is swimming all by itself. Suddenly, it sticks its beautiful neck out as if posing for a picture. It's the little cormorant making a big splash. Soon, I spot a pair of brownish ducks. Probably, they are the common shelducks. I get a great picture even as one of them goes down to catch a worm while the other watches amusingly. The easiest bird to identify with its white coat and yellow beak is the common cattle egret. I quickly take a picture of it standing amidst lush green weeds on the water's edge. A pair of red-wattled lapwings also poses daintily, perched atop the stone parapet running along the promenade. As I move towards the main lake area, the birds begin to thin out or are having their afternoon swim away from the shore. The light too is getting rather dim for my tele-lens to work well, so I call it a day and end my photography session. But suddenly, a flock takes flight and I'm too tempted to capture such a magnificent fly past! I hastily take out my Nikon again and click some pictures. They come out well; the parting shot was certainly worth it. I desperately look out for some rare migratory birds, but can't find any - especially the 'Great Crested Grebe', which had been sighted recently and reported in the media. Maybe they pose only for experts and my beginner's luck doesn't go that far!
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Get down south
Chandigarh gets the taste and a peek-a-boo into Kerala, which is fast growing as a major tourist destination, on Monday at the Taj. And it's not only about the backwaters, waterfalls, lakes, and natural canals. "In addition to retaining Onam, Utsavam and Nishagandhi festivals, the department of tourism this year launched Keralam Kaanam, a project through which commoners in Kerala bag the opportunity to explore the state at throwaway prices," says Suresh Kumar PG, deputy director (publicity and marketing), department of tourism, government of Kerala. Customised holiday packages, innovative strategies, partnership meets, backwater-based adventure tourism, the state is already giving a tough competition to the most sought after overseas destinations such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. "We are working extensively on promoting Kerala as a tourist destination. Our holiday packages are already wooing international and domestic guests," he adds. Eco-travel, ethical travel, mystical tourism, pop-culture tourism, cosmetic surgery tourism, independent travelling, the tourism industry in Kerala is targeting just about all age groups. And airlines too have contributed their bit. According to Suresh Kumar, "As part of our promotional strategy - Jet 2 Kerala - the department has partnered with Jet Airways to reserve 20 seats at a discounted price in each flight to the state." So if you love sun-kissed beaches, secluded coves and blue waters, Kerala is certainly the place to be. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Into the deep
Even as our car, stuffed to the hilt with people and provisions, moved towards Saketri, ahead of the famous Mata Mansa Devi Temple, our excitement was, slowly but surely, building up. The trip was arranged on the suggestion of a friend who had visited the area recently and couldn't wait for another chance to get inside the ‘heaven’, as he dubbed it. The permission, of course, had to be sought a day earlier from forest authorities. Right opposite to where the Saketri Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated was our gateway to heaven. The passes were checked by a short, stout, aged guard, probably Nepali. We called him ‘Thapa ji’ for the rest of the trip. He even offered to accompany us. Some more space was ‘created’ inside the car, rather the dickey went up and two of us volunteered to hang out!
Moving along we came across a few causeways that would be difficult to manouvre during heavy rains. Thank god we chose winters for the trip! Birds of varying species could be spotted having a mouthful at various water bodies on both sides of the road. But we were eager to see something big, wild … antelopes, neelgais, sambhars, hyenas! And who knew we would get lucky … but that’s for later. After trudging at a snail’s pace for around four kilometres (we wanted to prolong each moment to savour the breathtaking scenery), we reached a huge, undulating ground where a few families were picnicking. On one side was a huge hut, artificially elevated, that afforded a wonderful peek into the forest. A rest house was located just below, amidst green and flowery lawns. For those thirsty, a well, rebuilt, with an attached motor, offered a sweet solution! After lunch and the usual chit-chat, it was time to move on … deep into nature’s lap. One of the trails led up the hill, but we chose the one that locals living inside the reserve preferred to take. Before long, there were some serious bushes to handle with their long, spiked fangs jutting out. Thank god, Thapa ji led the way! On one side we spotted a huge hole dug by a porcupine. “Careful, don’t go too near its mouth. It must be lazing around inside at this time of the day,” the good old Thapa ji ensured our safety. Ahead lay another challenge. We had to reach a check-dam through dense, tall grass. But the enthusiasm was such that it became a cakewalk and worth the effort indeed, for beyond it was a beautiful lake that had trees jutting out of its bed! What more could we have hoped for? Even the noise of silence was marked. Moving closer to the bed, we spotted big, deep, pugmarks. “That’s the sambhar and that too a big one. We might just see it if we are patient,” said Thapa ji. There were no second thoughts; in a flash we parked ourselves in a quiet, hidden corner and waited. Ten, twenty, thirty minutes … the clock ticked along. Shadow of the surrounding Shivalik hills began engulfing the lake, forming a dark canopy with each passing moment. Time to return we thought; darkness would not be a nice idea in such a dense forest! “Shhhhhh…look,” Thapa ji again! And what a sight … a big, brawny sambhar popped out from amid the bushes and started moving towards one corner of the lake. The big horns on its head spread out like branches of an old, sturdy oak. Wary of its surroundings, it leaned forward and had its fill even as we clicked endlessly. The return journey was just images of the day repeated a thousand times over in our mind’s eye. The next trip, of course, is round the corner! vikrant@tribunemail.com
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Ace up your sleeve
IIT-D, M, K, R…whatever! How does it matter who comes from where unless worn on the sleeve? How about sporting a gear that make it obvious and understood; announces your arrival and sidetracks the outsiders? How about a shrieking, screeching statement of being a student? Student of your own institute! "Every year we have a competition. Students select the designs of the college T-shirt and whichever draws maximum votes, makes it," Jaspuneet Kaur, final-year student, Chandigarh College of Architecture, lists the criteria and conditions. She adds, "That's how we come up with a new tee every year. Last year, it was white in colour with a map of the city on it in black, moving from front to back and with architecture@CCA printed on it." And all this for what? "There's some sense of belonging in possessing one. When we're wearing a sweatshirt that embodies our institute's logo, it feels good and sets us apart from the crowd," shares Devesh Gokul from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Sector 26. He adds, "Right now, there's a lot of hype and hoopla over what sort of sweatshirts we should have. So all the students have been asked to submit their designs and the most popular one will be selected." As for the current one, it's a grey-hooded sweatshirt with the institute's logo and a quotable quote 'In pursuit of knowledge' printed at the back."
Imagine having to fumble for an I-card each time or a roll number to prove you are a part? Shares Tushaar Madaan, UIET student, "It gives you a feeling that you belong here. Everyday you'll find at least one or two students in the department wearing them. It's also a sort of style statement." He adds, "We have a separate tee for our annual fest Goonj and a common one for the entire department. The former is black in colour and more jazzy with 'Resounding Exuberance: What ticks down must produce a bang' written on it. The other has the full form of U.I.E.T printed on it." No wonder, each design goes through some selection, certain screening each time. Adds Tushar, "We don't exactly come up with it every year but generally the cultural committee of the department decides on it. Someone from the faculty is also involved." How about functionality? "Whenever we have a fest or rally or any such group event, the students are always wearing that tee. It sets us apart from the outsiders," says Neha Vasdev, final-year student, Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University. "Moreover people get to know who we are and what department we're from. It also shows the attitude and spirit of the entire batch in a way," she adds. No wonder, theirs comes with the catch line "If I'm not for myself then who will be" written loud on a green tee! "There's actually a lot of competition among different departments and institutes, especially in the same field. At times, it's more of an exercise to outdo each other," shares another student. Keep up the spirit! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Teachers under scanner now
It's student vs teachers! Guess who is grinning their way to the classroom? The tables have turned, roles reversed and the circle has come full. The recent Panjab University Syndicate decision, approving the proposal of evaluation of teachers by students at a meeting recently, has the "back, front, left, right, centre benchers" in ecstasy. Before the matter is tabled for an approval by the Senate, the muted reactions go like this. "Perfect. If implemented, it's a really good move and a welcome decision. I mean, the teachers have so many of our marks, for example the internal assessment marks in their hands and indirectly our career in their hands. They should be accountable too," opines Kamaldeep K Sekhon, B.Com student, Panjab University. She adds, "It's a good move, as long as it's not misused. But overall it feels amazing and we feel empowered." More than the war, it's a thumbs up to transparency. Also, to equality, logic and the altered times and changing student teacher equations. Feels Priyanka Michelle, from the School of Communication Studies, Panjab University, "Every move has its pros and cons. We also know that teacher pupil relations have altered now, they are no more what they used to be. So, in altered times, it's a good step." But there's a smirk lurking somewhere for sure. Shares Priyanka Chauhan, BA student, GCG-11, "It's a nice and welcome move. For, we can really evaluate the teachers, tell them the shortcomings, what we expect of them, give feedback etc." Of course, no one should command absolute power but for every ovation, there's a stipulation and an apprehension invariably follows the applause. Continues Priyanka Chauhan, "As long as there's no disrespect involved to the teachers, there's no harm. Also the feedback, criticism or evaluation should be done privately and not with the name of the student." Adds Priyanka Michelle, "Though it'll be a good learning experience for both sides and it's a welcome decision, there will always be some elements that'll misuse the power." — Manpriya Khurana It's all right
How does it feel to part with a part of the power? Surprisingly, it's a yes. And cheers to the "accountability school of thought". Opines Dr. J.N. Sharma, Chaiperson, Department of Gandhian Studies, "UGC has accepted the decision and the guidelines and our association has also accepted it. You see, if the students evaluate they will be able to give perspective to how a teacher teaches, and there is no harm in that. Accountability should be there." He adds, "Even otherwise, only those teachers will be afraid of evaluation who are incompetent." Point noted. Here's continuing with the Okays. Feels Dr. Harpreet Kanwal Chhabra, chairperson, Department of Psychology, "It's a step in evolution and in natural course of things this had to come. Today we are sitting on those times, when transparency is there in every field. This is procedural so it's ok." She adds, "The modalities can be worked upon but the step is in the right direction." There's an echo yet again, there's a clause yet again. Opines Dr. R. Tewari, Chairperson, Department of Biotechnology, "These are The UGC guidelines, so let them be, no problem at all." He adds, "But there are certain things to be kept in mind. They have used the word evaluation, but evaluation can be done only by experts. If probably they had used some other word, for instance, feedback, it would have been better. Also the evaluation should be done only by students having a good academic record. The ones with political affiliations and with a colourful track record of creating ruckus and violence o the campus should be kept out of the entire exercise." Adds Dr. Sharma, "One of the problems in our country is things are misused more than used. It's only if the entire decision is implemented in the right sense, that there's nothing like it." If only there were things minus flipside.
— Manpriya Khurana
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Face it… It's trouble
Your profile on Facebook may become a cause of worry when looking for a job, as employers are increasingly checking on networking sites to know more about the people they intend to recruit, a new study claims. The survey has found that one in 10 were refused job for boasting about drinking and drugs online.
Similarly, 13 per cent were vetoed for making racist comments and nine per cent were overlooked for placing racy photos. Big Brother employers reported the most common mistake that job seekers made was putting information of their qualification on line. A total of 38 per cent of job seekers were rejected for boosting up their qualifications on their resume and then getting caught on Facebook. "More employers are now using social networking sites to uncover any digital dirt," Career Builder president Farhan Yasin said. He added: "Job seekers are urged to be mindful of the information they post online. They are indirectly communicating with potential employers. Make sure you are using this resource to your advantage by conveying a professional image and your qualifications.” —
ANI
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Grammytically speaking
In 2009, the entire team of Slumdog Millionaire
gahered on stage, and posed left, right and centre with ‘their’ Oscars. It was just the beginning, at least for one man - AR Rahman. Three cheers, he has done it again! Only this time, he stepped up alone to collect the Grammy in the ‘best song for a film’ category for Jai Ho, from actor and singer Tia Carrere. He also got the Grammy for ‘best soundtrack for a film’ for Slumdog Millionaire. The 44-year-old composer has made Jai Ho an anthem. We share notes with people from the industry on how much they are in sync with it. Most of the musicians do not work thinking about Grammy or any other award for that matter. For musicians, integrity and sincerity towards work is more important than anything else. They work for quality, not for awards. AR Rahman is a talented boy, who has given good scores. Jai Ho might not be his best work, however, he has delivered some great compositions in Bombay, Guru, Jodhaa Akbar et al. Sometimes there is a lot of interference from directors and producers on how a particular track is to be made. A musician’s ability lies in creating the best out of the given limitations. This, in fact, is the golden time for Indian music and musicians.
I am proud of AR Rahman; he deserves all the accolades he is getting, including the Padma Bhushan. Way to go for the singer! With Rahman walking away with the Grammy, more avenues will open up for musicians. It also shows that the West has trust in us, which will grow with this feat. I am pleased that the award has fallen into Rahman’s kitty. This, of course, will leave a huge impact on the industry. I am proud that my close friend and an Indian has won this award. Indian music is a known genre internationally and now we are getting recognition for the same. However, I feel that this shouldn’t take us away from the real stuff, which is, ‘the original work’. |
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Rock on!
If music is food for love, play on! And, when talking of music, this is one genre that is producing talent, especially in our region. Taking his passion ahead with gusto is Shubhank, a music aficionado from Solan (HP), who took up singing not because he had some formal training in music, but because it was a calling from the soul. “I never had a formal training in music. I started singing some 7-8 years back and it was me who discovered that I could sing,” says Shubhank. To perform at Black Magic, DT Mall, on Wednesday night, he adds, “My parents were totally against my singing and they never wanted me to take it up as a career, but then music was the essence of my soul and today I am thankful they understand what it means to me.” A graduate from DAV-10, about his musical career he says, “After completing my graduation, I wasted two years. But then we made a rock band— Seraphim. And won the first Rock Idol competition of Chandigarh.” This was the turning point. Well, it was after this win that Shubhank started writing and composing his own songs. So, what does he play? “I am influenced by 70’s rock and roll and it’s the songs from 60s and 70s that I sing and play on.” Comfortable with English songs, his expertise on guitar and harmonica are second only to his lilting voice. What’s next? “Khoj, a music album, is in the pipeline. I have my composition in this album along with four other artistes.” Ask him if he would like to go solo someday and pat comes the reply, “Band is brotherhood, it’s more fun.” Other than music, Shubhank loves to trek jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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A reason to rejoice
Hardwork pays, but its recognition through commendations and awards that is always more inspiring.Established in 1997 and 21-plays-old Sandli Pairan Kala Kender (SPKK) has a reason to rejoice their successful triumph in the 20th Annual All-India Multilingual Drama and Dance Competition-2010 and also the fifth International Theatre Festival held at Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh). “As many as 27 plays were staged and Punjabi play Vaa-Varolle was declared the best production with seven distinctions,” says Parveen Jaggi, the director and light designer. “The potent thematic content and sleek presentation enamored the theatre lovers and connoisseurs there. Our actors declared best in the festival include Komaldeep Kaur, Avatar Singh, Surinder Singh Chopra (comedian) Rajneesh ( Character actor) in addition to best music, light effects and the direction,” he adds.
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Antiquity rules this manor set amidst tall palm trees and bougainvillea branches. Sekhon’s 38 is a vision shared by Jotinder and Opinder Sekhon. “We bought this property in 1993 and renovated the house according to our taste” says Opinder. The house is done in white, Jotinder’s favourite colour. Opinder’s persona reflects in the antiques displayed in the house.
This four-kanal property is surrounded by tall palm trees on three sides. As one enters the house, an antique table in the front verandah catches one’s attention. “An uncle gifted it to me recently,” shares Opinder. The formal living room is done up elegantly in white and gold. Chandeliers add sparkle to this room. It’s the informal living room that is more colourful. Large paintings by Lal Singh adorn the walls. “This is my favourite part of the house for I can keep an eye all around,” laughs Opinder.
This five-bedroom-house has antiques displayed all around. Three antique swords in myans decorated in brocade and gold adorn the walls of a guest bedroom. Here and there one can notice antiques — an old table, a huge wine bottle, candle stands or an old teapot. mona@tribunemail.com
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Mysterious, fascinating, beautiful…more than one reason to visit a place. Now if you throw in words like rejuvenating, enriching, waterfalls, velvet grasslands, lush hill stations, sanctuaries, placid lakes, trekking trails and emerald backwaters, wouldn't you get enticed, pack your bags, book the tickets and head straight for the destination? Kerala … it offers this and much more!
Tired of humdrum city life? Yearn for a break from monotonous traffic and poisonous fumes? Looking for a place to be just you? Don't go far … solution lies a few kilometres away from City Beautiful — the Nepli Forest Reserve.
As we moved ahead a few yards on the kutcha road, a couple of curious peacocks came right beside to welcome us. Out came the digicams and began a journey into the heart of the forest that forms a part of the catchment area of the Sukhna Lake. “A leopard is at large. So remain together,” Thapa ji’s caveat flew out, loud and clear.
Term it fair, call it foul, oppose it, accept it, give a nod, shake your head…The truth is, if all other formalities fall in place, the evaluators themselves stand evaluated. 
Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt,
Sonu Nigaam,singer
Shankar Mahadevan,
Kailash Kher,sufi singer
