|
|
|
|
|
Amid roses, much fanfare
A grand entrance with a thick layer of marigold flowers, folk tunes and dhol beats resonating in the midst of official announcements; a world of flowers fascinating the crowd and love birds enjoying an open date…Rose festival began with all splendour on Friday; the only serious tone being provided by the men in khaki.
And if these were not enough, there were smiling faces posing for cameras with exotic flower arrangements providing the perfect background, fascinated tourists enjoying the roses in full bloom and kids enjoying the camel rides. Flower arrangement Call it ironic, but the Rose festival was high on exotic flowers than roses. Varieties picked up from Canada, Brazil and other countries dominated the flower arrangement competitions. But there were some innovations as well and elements like waterfalls and landscapes added to the visual appeal. And one also had a recipe of fresh brocolli soup displayed along a fully grown brocolli plant. Arrangements with dry and wilted flowers too made an interesting display, with candles, pebbles and bamboo serving as complementaries. Flower formations had themes like the tricolour and environment. Murals and glass paintings too made it special. Day one started with two competitions - folk dancing and band and pipe performances. Six pipe bands and two brass bands of ITBP, Ramgarh, SSP PAP, Faridkot, DGP, Chandigarh Police, along with others, performed on the occasion. Among the folk dances were those from Uttarakhand, Haryana, Kucchi Ghodi from Rajasthan, Jaago, Giddha and Bhangra from Punjab. 'Chance Dance' party
Another competition of sorts - youngsters had a blast with an on-the-spot rain dance party. The venue was the fountain inside the garden and the enthusiasm was contagious. For them the usual stuff like the pretty roses and cultural buffet seemed less important than their moment under the chance musical shower! The evening has more coming in with the inauguration of Rs 1 crore musical shower and a cultural performance by students of ITFT titled Mahetkti Sham. nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
|
Budget this!
So how do we begin this one…this is the same time of the year when we get to know how much we'll be able to save or spend…or here is the big day that holds the secret to your expenses for the coming year…or the budget presented by the finance minister has some goodies and pills…grrh?
Come on…the day deserves much more. It gives us an idea whether our neighbour will be able to buy an SUV this year or not; whether a certain Mrs Sharma can afford to wear a new gold set at every kitty party or which cell phone your relative's son might buy! The budget puts an end to all speculations, just as it did this time round. So even as experts talk, discuss and judge the budget, we gather the views of city women, in charge of the household, on the budget? Tanya Mander, a lecturer at Rajiv Gnadhi National Institute of Law, knows that the expenses will increase this year, even if there is no direct hike in prices of household items, "The damage has already been done by the hike in fuel prices. Increase in prices of fuel means more inflation." As Neepa Arora, a homemaker, rightly puts it, "You can avoid luxuries like gold or electronic items, but you can't avoid basic commodities like vegetables, cereals or sugar. Their prices are going to further increase after the budget." She rues the fact that inflation has not been aptly tackled, "We expected that the government would take due notice of the spiralling prices, but no concrete step has been taken." Tax rebate to the salaried class is a reason to cheer, but Anju Sharma, a bank employee, feels it cannot justify the increase in expenses, "The tax rebate will benefit only those with high salaries. It's status quo for those with average annual packages." Gold prices have consistently gone up, which is a matter of concern for some. Paramjit Kaur, a homemaker who wanted to buy gold for her daughter's marriage, was expecting a dip in gold prices, "Albeit gold is not a necessity, it's important on a few occasions. I will now have to pay more." Hike in fuel prices was anticipated, as prices have gone up the world over. Tanya Mander doesn't blame the government: "It's better to be a realist. The government can't provide something that it doesn't have. But the only concern is it will topple the kitchen budget." The government's proposal of not imposing a service tax on transportation of cereals might be of some help, however, as Neelam Nagi, a government employee, says, "It's too early to predict if the proposal will bring down the prices of cereals and reign-in inflation. The picture will only be clear after the actual rise in fuel prices is known." Fuel is burning a hole in the pocket, quite really! ashima@tribunemail.com |
|
Learn the smart way
Give me some sunshine…from 3 Idiots might have inspired many to move on from the traditional ‘chalk-n- talk’ teaching, which stresses on cramming, to learning concepts. And there are a number of institutions in our city that are already in the groove.
“Our curriculum is thematic as well as practical. Children are given the freedom to explore, experiment and learn at their own pace,” says Niyati
Chitkara, principal, Chitkara International School. “Imbibing concepts starts as early as preschool,” she adds. Citing examples, she goes, “Recently the students were learning about floaters and sinkers. They were asked to bring different things like coins, cotton, paper clips, pencils, plastic fruit, and real fruit to see what floats on water and what sinks. Kids loved the activity as they learnt about the names of various fruits even as the teacher introduced the concept of floating.” “Our endeavour is to prepare students who not only survive but thrive in this world driven by economy and technology,” says Deepika Sethi, director, The British School, Panchkula. “We follow the theory of multiple intelligences that combines various subjects in a theme.” “The syllabus followed here is CBSC but our methodology is very different. So ABCD is not A for Apple, B for ball but the name of students as A for Amisha, Ayush, Ananya and so on,” shares Sethi. “Our school is global partners with Lent Rise High School, UK. Our kids interact with the students overseas and share facts about their lives,” she adds. Manav Mangal Smart School banks on latest technology to make concepts clearer for students. “Thanks to our director Sanjay Sardana who introduced smart panels to our school when nobody here had a clue about them. Each of our class is equipped with these panels with the syllabus programmed in it. It definitely makes a difference if you read about a volcano or human heart and at the same time see it. After the audiovisual input, the students are involved in some activity to drive home the concept,” says Neena Rodrigues Peter, the school principal. “The genesis of every method of teaching can be explained in the context of its time. Methods evolve to meet the needs of a particular generation according to the social and economic circumstances of the society at that time,” says Sharda Kaushik, director, Regional Institute of English-32. “Today each kid is believed to possess distinct motivation and pace of learning. Approaches close in line with this school of psychology, for instance, ‘experiential learning’ have made it more learner-centric,” she adds. RIE trains teachers in latest methodologies as well as technologies. “We have all the equipment — interactive boards, latest software, multimedia lab and recourse to latest that’s happening in the field of education. We expose our teacher-trainees to all this and make them practice,” says Kaushik. “Technology works very well with this generation of learners who are brought up on it because multi-sensory input registers better, is quick, addictive and has inbuilt maneuverability. Despite technological advances, human touch is vital and it’s a teacher only who can best exploit technology to the maximum advantage of the learner” she adds. mona@tribunemail.com Comic charisma
With a belief that 21st century education goes beyond school textbooks, Mexus education has come up with range of products — comics, animated slideshows, graphic novels, games and hands-on kits. “Our products bring out a fusion of entertainment with education, which engages a student in a fascinating process of exploration, experience and extrapolation,” says Saurabh Saxena, director, Mexus Education. “Any information presented in audio-visual format helps children retain better. Our products also connect the relevance of the concepts to real life,” he adds. Especially attractive is the comic series by Iken that has Jagdish Chattopadhyay (JC), an 11-year-old character who can interact with things around him, thanks to a magical gizmo. So as JC goes to ‘Nature’s Lap Botanical Garden’ one learns about photosynthesis; an animal farm trip becomes a lesson in wool-making; Ringo Circus becomes an interesting chapter on weather, climate and how animals adapt to climate. “Kids learn about all scientific principles in a fun way as they become part of JC’s adventures,” says Saxena. |
|
Between the phrases
Painting and poetry are considered to be the mother of arts in their respective visual and literary forms. Both are born out of the sheer imagination of an artist or poet, and reveal their deep understanding of life," feels Parkash, acclaimed painter, illustrator and poet.
An artist by profession but a poet by passion, Parkash has come out with his maiden publication, a Punjabi poetry book, Dhundch thehri Kavita. In fact, the national-level illustrator and painter had virtually eclipsed the prolific poet in Parkash, even though that forms a part of his inheritance from his father, late Avtar Singh Azad, a prominent poet from Punjab. A self-taught artist, Parkash, at the age of 14, took to painting as a hobby but later made it his calling. With a literary family background, stage-craft, direction and imaginative vigour, Parkash contributed extensively to this art while serving Punjab Kesri, Veer Partap and Ajit newspapers before joining The Tribune group of newspapers in 1979 where his professional skills flourished. He revived and reproduced a regular column Gallan cho gall and later held eight solo painting shows, including one at the National Lalit Kala Akademy in 1971. A man of many tastes, Parkash, along with wife Ritu Parkash, is known in theatre circles as well as they produced plays way back in 1980. About his themes, he has been drawing inspiration from characters in day-to-day life like his own milk vendor, Prem Singh Doluwala, a character that appears in his writings. "I prefer to express in free verse. My next literary creations include a poetry book in Hindi, short stories and two plays in Punjabi ," says
Parkash. |
|
More to me!
Thanks to a serious role in her debut movie Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Chitrangada Singh feels she is being typecast. She is very much looking to play a character that will allow her to sing and dance Bollywood style. “It has been so difficult for me to come out of the shadow of my character Geeta Rao in Hazaaron... I am not complaining, but the problem is the way you have been portrayed in your debut movie; you get stuck in an image,” Chitrangada said.
“Despite this, I am very fond of Geeta Rao. But at the same time, I am very much looking for a change and would love to do a regular Bollywood film with a lot of song and dance, and a meaty role,” she added. Chitranganda was in the capital to announce the launch of fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger’s exclusive customer loyalty programme. The actress, who was last seen in Sorry Bhai and also did the movie Kal: Yesterday and Tomorrow, says she is a very good dancer and is looking forward to doing all kinds of roles. “I have been dancing all my life. Acting happened just by chance, though it sounds clichéd, it is a fact. If not an actor, I would have been a fashion designer,” admitted Chitrangada. Married to Indian golfer Jyoti Randhawa, this gorgeous woman is often compared with the legendary Smita Patil, courtesy her looks. Chitrangada takes that as a compliment but says it is not a good idea to compare her with the latter. “I know where I am and where she (Smita Patil) is. It is a huge compliment to be compared with her, but the problem is that if my film doesn’t do well then the media starts saying negative stories. So it’s like one day I am like Smita Patil and the next day I am not. It just hurts,” explained Chitrangada. Chitrangada is again working with Sudhir Mishra - who directed her in Hazaaron... - in a yet-to-be titled movie. “Apart from Mishra’s movie, there are two more projects and the announcement will be made in March. So I feel it is too early to talk about it,” she said. Talking about her role in Mishra’s new movie, Chitrangada said: “I am playing a singer who plays the guitar. It is a different role and I hope it will break the assumption of me doing serious roles only.” Apart from movies, endorsements are also keeping the actress busy. According to Chitrangada, associating with a credible brand helps Bollywood stars reach out to more people. Describing her personal style statement as classical, Chitrangada said: “I don’t like bling in clothes. I like to wear something that is classical as well as contemporary.” —
IANS |
|
On a spiritual quest
A sudden change in work schedule made Shahid Kapoor a nervous wreck last month. A timely visit to his father Pankaj Kapoor’s spiritual guru in the hills however revealed to him the virtues of stillness in an overactive lifestyle.
Having finished all his assignments, the actor has no projects on hand at the moment apart from his dad’s film Mausam. Shahid said, “All I can say is faith makes all things possible. That’s why it’s called a leap of faith. I was working 20 hours a day till January 20. I was working insanely. When I woke up on Jan 21, I had no work to go to. “Initially I felt a sense of freedom. Then immediately it was followed by panic...what do I do with myself? I’ve become an insomniac and started tweeting at 4 a.m. I don’t feel tired. I feel I haven’t earned the right to rest. And I don’t know what to do with myself!” However, here is the upside. “Every time I’ve sat at home without work, it has worked for my career. I did it before Vivah and before Jab We Met.” Shahid will be doing only one film in 2010 and that is his father’s Mausam. He will serve as a hands-on technician, spotboy whatever for the project. —
IANS |
|
Tweet’s the way
King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan’s latest wish is to overtake politician Shashi Tharoor on micro-blogging website Twitter. The actor, who became a member of the social networking site at the behest of his friend, filmmaker Karan Johar, has managed to scoop some 169,565 followers in just forty days. But Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs, is way ahead of Khan with his 661,456 followers. “In few months I am going to overtake Shahi Tharoor (on twitter). I am going for him. He is our god,” Khan said. Tharoor said he will be happy to be overtakan by Khan. “I had predicted this the day Shah Rukh joined twitter. I will be happy rather than regret it,” the politician said. The 44-year-old actor, who was honoured as the Entertainment Icon, said he joined the website after Johar’s insistence. “Karan told me that people are anyway abusing you so why don’t you let them abuse you directly. I can says whatever I want to say. There are so many people who want to know about you,” Khan said, adding that Amitabh Bachchan started the blogging phenomenon in Bollywood. Bachchan, 67, said he initially wanted a website but was introduced to blog and started liking it. The megastar, however, said he will not join twitter. —
PTI |
|
The best diva
Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen, who is known for living life on her own terms, says she takes her diva image seriously. Former Miss Universe was overwhelmed to receive the Best Diva honour at the third Pevonia AsiaSpa India Awards 2009.
According to 34-year-old beauty said, “It is an honour to be called a diva.” She also added that she is a regular at spas to distress herself and replenish her outer beauty. “But the real beauty comes from within and that’s all about happiness and well-being. And I get that by romancing with my two daughters,” Sushmita said. The actress, who was last seen playing an onscreen diva in Dulha Mil Gaya, has two adopted daughters, Renee (10) and four-month-old Alisah. —
PTI |
|
Animated stuff!
A 15-year-old industry, which is already a multi-million company, and expected to grow bigger with time, animation and visual effects, in matter of years, has become the thing in Bollywood and Hollywood!
Every second director wants to experiment with 3D effects and give the audiences stuff they can only imagine.
Pankaj Bajaj, creative director, Verve Studios, New Delhi, in town for the first anniversary celebration of Firebox Animation Studios run by Ashwanee Kumar at the Chandigarh Press Club on Friday, sees immense potential in this industry. "Like I said, the industry is growing and we have the resources. All the same, we need to be fully equipped to meet the demands of this industry," says Pankaj. "There is a missing link in the training at institutes and studios, which has to be bridged with a right perspective and practical knowledge," he adds. Pankaj who has worked with Rhythm & Hues, a Los Angeles-based company that deals in international projects for animation and visual effects, is sure that the industry is cashing on the 'visual treat' and the demand will rise in the coming times. — Jasmine Singh |
|
Jaguar on display
Automobile brand Jaguar Land Rover held an exclusive preview of its cars at Hotel Mountview on Friday. It was the first time that these cars were put on display at
Chandigarh. These included the epitome of refinement Jaguar XF and a series of SUVs like the Range Rover Sport, Freelander 2, Discovery 4 and the Range Rover Vogue. The critics and the connoisseurs were in awe of the range and their excitement was palpable. Its quintessential Britishness, seductive looks, thorough-bred performance and quality craftsmanship will help Jaguar Land Rover to build on its potential. Tata Motors had acquired the Jaguar Land Rover brands from Ford at an astounding $2.3 billion (Rs 9,200 crore) last year, making it one of the biggest deals ever in the automobile history. According to Rishi Dada, CEO of Dada Motors, dealers of Jaguar and Land Rover for the entire North India, "Chandigarh has the biggest market in this region for SUVs and this is the reason for displaying the entire range here." He informed that Land Rover had overtaken BMW in the sales of SUVs across India in January. —
TNS |
|
Karisma's Holi secrets
A change of season, a packet full of rang, a bucket of coloured water and here is Holi with its perpetual fun. Actor Karisma Kapoor shares her Holi secrets: Tasty almond Thandai — Every Holi, I prepare Thandai the traditional way by including almonds to add the yummy flavour and for garnishing once made (in the crushed form).
Add almonds to the traditional Ghujias - Ghujia is the favourite part of Holi for me. I add a handful of almonds in the raw form as an ingredient in the preparation to ensure that my family gets a distinctive taste and satisfying crunch with every bite. Detox post hearty Holi feasts by opting for a handful of almonds - I like to go on a detox diet by eating healthy and natural stuff like a handful on almonds, fruits, raw veggies and warm nimbu paani. —
TNS |
|
Glow sign
Fem Care, announced the launch of Fem Pink Studio on Wheels, a unique and first of its kind initiative that gives women in Punjab an opportunity to experience the benefits of bleaching at their doorsteps. 'Fem Bleach Studio on Wheels is an interesting journey where young girls from Punjab can witness the magical 15-minute transformation towards a fairer and beautiful skin, and also win a chance to be part of the mega state-wide beauty pageant - Fem De Sohney Sohney Mukhde of Punjab.
This mobile bleach studio will go around the various markets across Patiala and Chandigarh, said Medha Mohan, brand head-Fem, "This mobile canter seeks to encourage our end consummers in Punjab to get a makeover done and also offers them an opportunity to be part of the coveted beauty pageant." Fem Pink Studio On Wheels is a high-street activity wherein a specially designed, unique mobile beauty canter will be stationed in each city.
Designed in an attractive pink colour, the mobile beauty van has a makeover room and an open space for the emcee to interact with the audience present there. The mobile beauty van will be present in each city for 2 days and will move in the high-density markets each day of the city. Any girl can get a complementary makeover with Fem bleach at the van and register herself for the beauty hunt. —TNS |
|
Holi ka Hungaama!
Kandla Nijhowne Whenever you see colour, think of Holi. The style for celebrations of this festival vary across the country but nothing comes even remotely close to the lathmaar Holi of Barsana, the birthplace of Radha. If that sounds violent, believe me, it is even more rough than the name suggests. Since Lord Krishna was famous for playing pranks on Radha and the gopis, the womenfolk, of Barsana it seems, after thousands of centuries still want to take sweet revenge. Menfolk from Nandgaon, the birthplace of Krishna, come to play Holi with the girls of Barsana, but instead of colours they are greeted with sticks. The men are not supposed to retaliate on this day so they come unarmed but fully padded and try to escape from the spirited assault of the women. Some Holi ‘Bash’ this. So its back again folks,and now, what will the agenda be? Are you getting messy this year, or opting for spending the day in the lockup, pretending to the world that you've got the viral? I've tried that stunt before, except that it came a cropper when some friends gate crashed, refusing to take me seriously. My mistake. Perhaps I should have declared I had a combo of bird and swine flu! Traditionally, Holi is the time for sweet gujiyas, chatpati chaat, and syrupy malpuas. If you are courageous you could try thandai laced with bhang. Enjoy the festival to the hilt by doing some prior cooking of goodies for the family. Not only will this appease the flock, it will also win applause for your efforts. Corn Pakodas with a twist ½ cup powdered rice flour ½ cup maida 1 tsp. baking powder 4 tbsp. soy sauce 2 eggs 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen) 4 spring onions, sliced 1 cup fresh coriander, chopped ½ green capsicum, diced 2 red or green chili, minced ½ tsp. Turmeric Salt to taste Oil for frying Method Whisk together the soya sauce and eggs till well blended. Add corn, onion, coriander, capsicum, chili, turmeric and some salt. Mix the baking powder with the rice flour and maida. Stir them into the egg and veggie mixture, a little at a time,to avoid lumps. Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Shallow fry tablespoonfuls of the corn batter, flipping them over when one side is done. Brown on second side, remove and drain by placing on sheets of paper towels. Serve with a tomato, garlic and chili sauce.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
(The so called ‘twist’ is the use of eggs and rice flour in these crispy delights!)
2 ½ cups milk