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Sculpting talent
Sitting at a far end of the classroom, Mandeep Singh, a fourth year student of BFA was busy shaping his artwork. The noise of the grinding machine that he was using for the purpose was so loud that it almost made any conversation impossible. And that left us with no option but to observe things around to gather information. Black stones were kept at just the apt distance all over the place. There were also some large marble stones kept in between. Ample provisions of electric sockets and floodlights to ensure that students can work at any time were in place too. But what explained the concept of the place was the foundation stone kept at the entrance, on which it's engraved-Dhanraj Bhagat Sculpture Park. The new "under the sun" sculpture classroom at the Government College of Art sector- 10 provides students with an ambience that's most suited for artwork. For those, who have no clue about how this part of the college that now supports facilities for sculpture making looked like earlier, here's an insight. The low-lying area for most part of the year was waterlogged. As a result, there were just weeds and grass all over. "The area was of little use," says DS Kapoor, Principal. "First, the level of the land was raised. To make the place look like a workshop, the area was then made plain using rollers. Rest of the things fell in place gradually," Kapoor adds. We take a look around at Mandeep's work. His sculpture looked like a man's torso. He confirms, "It's a torso of a labourer. The depressions grilled in the stomach symbolise the two mouths that he has to feed along with his." Ask him the difference between a classroom within the four walls and in an open area and he answers, "For an artist, it's always an advantage to work in natural surroundings. Plus, here the space is much more than inside the classroom. Here, 40 students can work on the stones, which wasn't possible inside." There are also practical reasons behind shifting the classroom in the open. Shares, Naresh Kumar, final year MFA student, "The noise generated by the grinding machine made it difficult for students of other classes to study. Also, after working for a few hours, we had to stop to collect scrap and dust to dispose it off. In the new classroom, we can work for hours together without worrying about these irritants." The classroom is dedicated to Dhanraj Bhagat for his contribution to stone art. City's very own, Shiv Singh who was honoured on the occasion feels the open area is on the lines of sculpture classroom at Shantiniketan. "When we have the land, other provisions and talented students as well, why not utilise them all for the betterment of art." For the same reason, the college will shortly open the renovated art gallery. "It will be named SL Parashar Art Gallery and will have on display artworks by the faculty of the college," says Kapoor. Right way to tap the talent! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Play on
It is indeed a real honour to perform at the prestigious music venues of the Queen Elizabeth Hall London and Boshoi Theatre in Moscow. A dream of any music maestro, which has been cherished by Ustad Allaudin Khan four times, an acclaimed soloist and accompanying Esraj-Dilruba maestro. An AIR and Doordarshan artist, Allaudin has performed world over with top Indian classical music wizards and is a visiting professor of music in Dartington College of London. Born in a family of Hindustani classical musicians Allaudin first mastered nuances of Sarangi under the tutelage of his father late Ustad Banne Khan till Dilruba and Esraj fascinated him. In city on the invitation of Pracheen Kala Kendra along with his sons Amjad Khan and Arshad Khan he shared his experiences of the music art realm. "Any art form, especially all genres of music should never be a closed door institution," says Ustad Allaudin Khan. Having developed his own style of playing Dilruba Esraj he made an extensive research in improving the tonal quality of the instrument by incorporating a metal tombi. "Dilruba Esraj was played as an accompanying saaz with Rabindera Sangeet alone, but with my efforts I am now credited with being the first instrumentalist to perform Dilruba Esraj in a national programme and radio sangeet sammelan. My LP record and CD album of Esraj- Dilruba instrumental music was released in Germany and kept in music archives of Germany as world music collection. This was a testimony to my belief that a classical art may be rooted in tradition but it survives through innovation." Talking about his sons he says, "My three sons, Amjad Khan is a tabla icon, Arshad Khan Esraj and Kashif Ahmed noted singer and sarangi player have learnt from top musicologists and performing ustads. Back from Paris, the globe tottering Amjad Khan has finished a prestigious music jugalbandi project 'Tradition to Transition' with Lenian Denten a noted sitar and Rabab player of Europe. On Indian classical music abroad he says, "Indian classical music is flourishing abroad. The annual Avenue festival in Paris had over 1000 performances in 500 theatres in day, and believe me people prefer Indian music there." Adds Arshad, "There is no dearth of work for good musicians, but the old masters do not venture out for a good career. Besides regular concerts in India and abroad I remain busy with recordings in the Bollywood. The songs Rand De and especially Noor E Khuda in film My Name Is Khan opens up with my Esraj recital. I had played in films like I hate Luv Story's, Chandni Chowk to China and serials like Balika Badhu, Aloo Chat, Bandini, Na Aana Iss Des Laado and many more. The trio maintains that reality show culture has its merits and demerits but in totality it is encouraging mass participation and provides platform to budding artists.
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For the little one
Trendy rockers, cool surfers or retro street dudes, kids will be kids. But when it comes to dressing up the little stars, they deserve nothing but the best and what better then having some designer stuff for your little prince or princess! Whether he is at the age where cool baby clothes is on the agenda or old enough to sport more serious runway fashions, here are some pointers to help you shop for the festive season. Denims are staple in any respectable wardrobe of children, baggy greasers, dark bootlegs, frilly frocks, leggings or light-wash wonders - all make for a perfect kiddie wear. But when it comes to the festive season, bright colours, traditional cuts, fitted silhouettes do make for a better outfit. All set to strike a chord with your little toddler this festive season? Gini & Jony, a kids wear brand, has launched their festive collection in a blend of traditional designs and contemporary styles. "For boys we have shirts, denims, sherwanis, blazers, coats and for girls there is a entire range of ethnic as well as casual clothes which includes tunics, salwar kamez, tops to suits for the grand occasions," says Anil Lakhani, executive director, Gini & Jony. Well, going by children's collection it has almost all the styles that we see in adult fashion wear. From retro inspired to gorgeous array of vivid prints, the range of kids wear features cotton, silk and gorgeous georgettes in classic, yet slightly nostalgic styles. With a cut to encourage freedom of movement (well, that's needed too as who can stop the little ones from playing), the collection has Asian florals, spots in melanges of greens, blues, lilacs and pinks to plain vibrant hues in stripes and checks. You can also look for embroidery in bright hues, mirror work, gotta patti and bead work in the children collection. With a wide range in traditional kids wear, Mohita Indrayan from 612 Ivy League at Hotel Taj's shopping arcade says, "Kids traditional wear is definitely a range to look out for. Though the stuff is limited when it comes to traditional wear, as one cannot get intricate work done on kid's clothes, the range is vibrant and eye-catching. Available for boys are kurta pyjama and dhoti kurta sets, and for girls we have anarkali kurtis, salwar suits, lehengas and yes, we plan to include stitched saris for the Diwali collection." Talk about the fabric for kids and she says, "It has to be cotton or cotton silk for the children's collection as the fabric should comfortable for the skin." With Rajasthani influence in their collection, Mohita says, "It's more of bandhani, gotta patti, crushed duppatas, mirror work that we have for the children's festive collection. Keeping the comfort level in mind we mostly use natural fabric for children's collection. All in all our collection is trendy and comfortable." As far as traditional kids wear is concerned, how can Fabindia stay behind? Bright hues, natural hand-woven fabric, the collection at Fabindia, Sector 9, has lehenga choli, salwar suits, churidar suits and kurta pyjamas on offer. Says an employee of Fabindia, "The collection in kids wear starts from those for one-year-olds. For this festive season, we have kurta pyjamas in Lucknavi embroidery to cotton silk suits for the girls. All in natural fabrics, the collection for kids is in bright hues." jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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Forms of nature
A beautiful play of green cacti and water droplets is what makes for Thorns and Petals, a photo exhibition by a budding artiste Hitesh Vig organised by Sandli Pairan Kala Kender. A computer programmer with an artistic bent of mind, Hitesh discovered the healing power of art when he was down and out, courtesy, recession. "That was the time when I got to reflect, and, came to realise that I was misfit for a world I was into," shares Hitesh. His love for clicking frames and writing down such experiences in poetry surfaced in full measure. Thorns and Petals has varied cacti in different backgrounds and water droplets creating mesmerising frames. His philosophy behind this exhibition is simple. "Cactus is a beautiful plant that can be poetically linked to human life. It stores whatever little water it gets in harsh desert and exists on that. If we humans too use our happy memories to override our sorrows, life would be beautiful, " says Hitesh. Apart from cactus, its insects that catch his attention. A butterfly in black, brown, white, green and yellow against a pristine green backdrop forms a beautiful picture. Agragog has a spider caught in its delicate web. "I was keen on holding an exhibition as I want to know what people think of my work," says the young artist!
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Melody of music
The realisation that artists are born and not made, came to the musician couple of Sanatanu Mitra and Sukuriti Mitra, when they heard their daughter Piyousha hum to radio tunes even before she practically knew how to speak properly. Knowing their daughters interest, they provided the musical environment at home and sent her to Gandharva Maha Vidyalya for systematic training in Hindustani classical vocal music. While Piyousha remained the obvious choice to represent her Bhavan Vidylaya School at Panchkula in music competitions, she enthralled many connoisseurs by clearing her Sangeet Vishard (BA Music Part II) from Pracheen Kala Kendra at the tender age of eleven. Presently under the tutelage of Guru Pandit Bhola Nath Mishra of Benaras gharana she had imbibed the nuances of gayaki, which undeniably harpened her aesthetic skills and embellished her gayaki. Having won the National Music Scholarship-2006, she again won the regional level National Balshree award in the year 2008. But her latest triumph comes with her performance at the National Cultural Festival at Hyderabad where she was the only artist selected from four states in Hindustani vocal. "I owe all my achievements to the blessings of my Guru ji and parents," says Piyousha.
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Just jewels
And presenting some stunning designs in diamond, Rupinder Duggal, from Royal Creations has put up a two-day exhibition of Diamond jewellery at Episode, Sector 9. Inborn creativity and desire to design got Rupinder into the business of jewellery designing. "It's been almost 10 years since I came into the profession," she says. With no degree in jewellery designing she says, "Its by experience that I am learning the finer nuances of the business."
Talk diamonds and here you can pick diamonds in colours also. Yes, the collection has some beautiful pieces in naturally coloured diamonds that includes colours like pink, black, champagne.
Offering customised pieces Rupinder says, "My designs are not run of the mill, I take into account individual's preference and then design the pieces accordingly." From everyday pieces to elaborate wedding jewellery, Royal Creations does it all. And for designs each design is individual, distinctive and crafted with great care. The jewellery is hallmarked and therefore comes with a stamp and quality assurance. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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Glaxo SmithKline Consumer Health care has launched Lucozade Sport. Lucozade sport has the right balance of electrolytes, glucose and fluids in body and ensures faster supply and absorption of energy to your body during high activity sports like running, jogging, cycling and playing football. Speaking about the product Shubhajit Sen, executive VP-Marketing, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, India, said, "Lucozade Sport is a scientifically formulated drink that is backed by years of research as well as approved by independent authorities like World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) that further establishes its credibility." It comes in a 500 ml pet bottle and is available in two refreshing flavours, orange and lemon. —TNS
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Chef's special
It's a fact universally acknowledged and enjoyed - food is often the first introduction to any culture or country. The only thing that follows a country is its cuisine, whether traditional or fusion. And when its fusion, Chef Ashish Seth has just one suggestion - "Flavours from Down Under." Bringing the global cuisine concept to the city, Ashish Seth, the executive chef at Café Oz, dishes out recipes from the Australian Outback for the Punjabi heartland. "The cuisine has flavours ranging from Italian, Asian, Lebanese and South Africa. It's a casual cuisine with no specifics and freedom to experiment by choice," he explains. In the industry for over 14 years now, Ashish specialises in Italian, especially glutin free pastas and pizzas. So, it means healthy pastas? "Yes. Before joining the Café Oz, I had worked with Shikha Sharma, a renowned nutritionist, and learnt to mix health and taste. I want to break the myth that healthy food is not tasty or exciting," says the expert whose earlier stints include Grand Hyatt and a luxury starliner. His method of working involves a lot of experimentation, for which he depends on his guests. Surveys, suggestions, advice…Ashish is open to all. "I visit Chandigarh twice a month with my team to get the guests' feedback and improvise when needed. I constantly work on new concepts and believe in refreshing the menu every three months." Well, what does the chef have to say about the taste of people here? "It's spicy." No revelations here. "While deciding the menu for the city, I made sure to pick and choose the most spicy recipes," he says. But he sticks to his nutrition chart while doing so. And he shares something special from his healthy menu card. Aussie Caeser Salad
Ingredients n
One chicken breast n
Lettuce leaves, chopped onions, parsley n
Mayonnaise for dressing n
Crispy Croutons n
Vegetable oil or olive oil n
Parmesan cheese n
Sea salt Method Wash the lettuce leaves and refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes to make them crispy. Grill the chicken breast and cut into small pieces. Prepare the mayonnaise dressing by adding chopped onions and parsley. The consistency of the dressing should be thick like whipped cream. Prepare crispy croutons by cutting bread into 1cm cubes. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil or olive oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Gently fry the bread for about four-five minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden. One can also roast it for a healthier version. Remove bread with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside. Now, evenly chop lettuce in a large mixing bowl and add four-five spoons of dressing over it. Add the crouton, grilled chicken pieces and toss up. Grate some Parmesan cheese over it for taste and serve. Replace the mayonnaise dressing with a yogurt for a low calorie dressing. Caesar salad is the most liked salad all over the world and is easy to prepare. You can also replace chicken with boiled eggs and bacon for a change in flavour. It can be stored in the refrigerator for one-two days. |
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Kevin Brauch, world renowned chef shares some cocktail and mocktail recipes to lift your festive spirits BERRY BABY (or BERRY BRAUCH)
Effect: Tastes so good...and good for you, it's practically a health drink! Ingredients: Handful of Frozen Cherries, Strawberries, Raspberries Vodka Cassis (Blackcurrant liqueur) Lemon juice (fresh squeezed) and sugar syrup Method Muddle unthawing berries with juice and sugar syrup. Add vodka and cassis and combine all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well for 10 seconds. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with whisky and orange liqueur soaked cherry.
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The first bottle of whisky in the world to break the six figure price barrier was revealed by The Dalmore distillery, which has sold two bottles for £100,000...each at Glasgow. The 64-year-old Trinitas, named because there were three bottles produced, was acquired by a luxury whisky lover in the US and a renowned whisky investor in the UK. The third bottle of the record breaking spirit will be sold at the Whisky Show in London at the end of October. And the both the proud owners are Indians. US- based buyer Mahesh Patel was delighted to be the first in the world to get his hands on bottle number one. "Whisky is my passion. I love it. I have over 1000 bottles in my collection, and The Dalmore Trinitas is now the jewel in the crown. It's a beautiful spirit from a trusted luxury whisky brand." Sukhinder Singh, one of the world's leading whisky specialists, says he bought bottle number two because he knew it was a wise investment. The owner of UK based specialist retailer the Whisky Exchange said, "It is one of the most exclusive whiskies to have ever been released, and most importantly the whisky is of amazing quality. I love the simple, top quality packaging and I know it will appeal to the growing league of whisky collectors and enthusiasts." "Most of the "first growth" malts have proven to be good investments over the last decade, and I have no doubt that this will become one of the most sought after bottles in the world." He added, "We regularly get asked for the Dalmore 62 of which there were only 12 available, but apart from the two we sold originally, we have never been able to find another." Industry experts claim that if the bottle was sold by the glass in exclusive restaurants and clubs, it could fetch up to £20,000 for a typical 50ml dram. Trinitas is believed to contain some of the rarest and oldest stocks of whisky in the world, some of which have been maturing in the distillery on the shores of the Cromarty Firth for more than 140 years. The Dalmore's renowned master distiller Richard Paterson used his unrivalled expertise to fuse a range of these exclusive malts together. He claimed this was not about breaking world records but about making the best whisky money can buy. "The hand of time has been generous and rewarding with the malts I chose to use. They allowed me to create a taste sensation, which will never be repeated again and will only ever be available to those that own these bottles. You cannot put a price on that." —TNS
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Do you miss your favourite cartoons Ben 10 and Powerpuff Girls when you are not in front of your television? Well, McDonalds has made sure that you don't miss them anymore. McDonalds has teamed up with Cartoon Network to make the characters a part of the Happy Meal promotion throughout the month of October. To add to the excitement, McDonalds also has little Powerpuff Girls in store to include little girls too in the action. The little accessories that come with the toys are a fun to way to make Powerpuff Girls a part of your play day. The Ben 10 and Powerpuff Girls toys will be available at all McDonald's outlets on the purchase of Happy Meals. —TNS
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GOPAL'S- 8, has reopened in a brand new avatar with three times the space and chic interiors making life sweeter than ever before. From sweets to namkeen, cakes, breads to pizzas, Indian chaats to global ice-creams and coffees…Gopal's has not only increased the space but variety as well. A wide range of Indian sweets, especially for the weight watchers, Gopal's has introduced a sugar free range of sweets like Anjeer Barfi and Khajoor Barfi. There is lot of variety in Halwa - Badam Halwa, Gajar Halwa, Zafrani Halwa, Gur Halwa, etc. There are Lucknow Sweet Bites - Walnut, Mewa, Pista, Badam, Orange, etc which are very popular and exclusive. Then there are winter delights Chikkis - Badam, Khas-Khas, Magaz, Til, etc and also Bakhlava. There is a Cake 'n' Bake section which has a variety of smooth pastries, egg-less dry-fruit cakes, wedge cake slices, cookies, pies, puddings, soufflés, tarts, doughnuts, variety of breads, croissants, Burger rolls, dinner rolls, Pizza base, Soup sticks and more. Kids Birthday, theme and Anniversary cakes in various shapes are a speciality. The ice-cream parlour, which has a bevy of scrumptious ice creams like Sundaes, Fudges, Shakes and lots more is an added attraction. There is a lot of variety in Kulfi section -Matka Kulfi, Fruit wali Kulfi, Tilla Kulfi, Kesar Kulfi, Mango Kulfi, Banana Kulfi, Apple Kulfi, Chickoo Kulfi, Kulfee Faluda, etc. There are more than 50 different lip-smacking Namkeens made from quality ingredients under strict quality control. All items are specially de-oiled and scientifically packed to keep them crisp. The Snack Counter has mouth -watering Indian chaat delicacies. Various Chaats, Tikkis, Gol-gappas, Raj-kachories, Lachcha Tokris, Paav, Dal Chilla, Dhokla, Khandvi Dhokla, Mutter Kulcha, etc will leave you pleasantly stunned. The restaurant has the finest vegetarian cuisine, with some snacking options as well. South Indian Dishes and Naan Specials (Stuffed Naan Combos), Thali, Mini meals, tandoori sampler, and pasta and salad counter are a new addition. Party Hall for a gathering of 80-100 people has also been added. — TNS
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More than words
WORDZ-the debating society, an initiative of four innovative students from Chandigarh has covered a long distance since its inception in the year 2006. WORDZ has grown into a successful endeavor with over 180 members across six countries and is now a registered trust. In its attempt to realise its vision of providing a platform for students to enhance their public speaking and leadership skills, WORDZ has organised several debates, two Model United Nations conferences, three public speaking workshops and various other literary events. One of these debates was a national level debate, the first to be organised in Chandigarh by a students' organisation. Also, presently there exists WORDZ Delhi chapter, which has successfully organised public speaking workshops in three schools. WORDZ Model United Nations Conference '10 is their latest effort to enable students of the age group 15-18 to discuss and deliberate issues that concern the world. Most importantly they will use their research, diplomatic skills and logical approach to draft solutions of global significance. A model UN Conference is a simulation of the committees of the UN where students role play as delegates of countries, make speeches, negotiate with allies and adversaries and resolve conflicts all within the framework of Model UN rules of procedure. WORDZMUN'10 aims to be the biggest national MUN conference organised by a students' organisation. About 350 students from all over the country are expected to participate in the event. The first phase of the event includes an opening ceremony for the participating delegates on October 17 2010 at Sector 5, Chandigarh. The second phase is the main conference from October 18 to 19, at CII Convention Centre and PHD Chamber, Sector 31, Chandigarh.
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It's the glitter of gold and sparkle of a diamond that catches the eye of a woman.
With a variety of designs and styles in diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones the collection includes enamelling meena work, few traditional designs and well they have jewellery in beaten gold also.
Lending a matchless look to the sets, earrings, rings and bracelets they sure are
eye-catching." 
Colour: RED 
Ingredients