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HIGH DESIGN
Dazzling designs, exotic hair-styles, beautiful models sashaying down the ramp…Ludhiana saw it all in the past one week, as it hosted the debut season of the Blenders Pride Punjab International Fashion Week (BPPIFW).
The fashion mélange witnessed the participation of 60 supermodels; and as many as 800 outfits were showcased during the 18 fashion shows at Hotel Life Nirvana from November 11-14. The event, one of the biggest in the region, cemented Punjab's place on the fashion map of the country. Day 1 of the BPPIFW took off with a pulsating show by Delhi-based designer Charu Prashar, and Bollywood actor Mahie Gill added the glam quotient by walking the ramp as the showstopper. Designers Asha and Gautham Gupta from Delhi left the audience spellbound with their rich ethnic designs. Actor Mrinalini Sharma impressed as the showstopper. Designer duo of Mona and Pali from Kolkata left a mark with their off-beat designs and supermodel Priyanka Shah sizzled as the showstopper. The evening of Day 2 kicked-off with Chennai-based designer Riyaz Gangji showcasing his exuberant Indian bridalwear. Riyaz is the man behind renowned brand Libas. Tere Ishq Nachaya fame Gavi Chahal stunned the audience with the innovative and vibrant designs of Libas. The collection named Re-discover India was inspired by Bijawar Fort in Madhya Pradesh, and showcased contemporary as well as ethnic designs. — Archana Kochhar, designer The event brought together some of the most talented names from the fashion world and gave Ludhiana a chance to cement a spot on the fashion map of the country. We have received tremendous response here and we look forward to a grand second season — Gaurav Sharma, event manager The bridal lehengas, sarees, chaniya cholis, salwar suits were a huge hit while bandhgalas, sherwanis, achkans, Jodhpuris redefined elegance and style. Mumbai-based supermodels Shawar Ali and Zulfi Syed won many hearts. The evening was all about Rajasthani splendour, creatively woven into imperial designs by Mumbai-based designer Himmat Singh, who showcased his Rajasthan Royal collection. National shooter Souhrab Gill charmed on the ramp. He looked regal in Rajasthani attires. Delhi-based designer Aslam Khan, with his collection Black Grace Winter Collection, provided the finale for the day. Designers Archana Kocchar, Meera and Muzaffar Ali also made a mark at the event. "I worked on a
collection titled Gulaal, Gehna and Gainda. It is an ode to the Punjabi spirit,”Mumbai-based designer Archana Kochhar. Bollywood hottie Neetu Chandra set
the ramp on fire.
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NOTE(s) worthy
After a series of theatre and music festivals, the Department of Cultural Affairs is set to delight classical music lover with 'Rhythm of heavens' and 'Three generations of violinists' on November 16 and 17, respectively. The programmes will be held at the Tagore Theatre.
The programme kicks off with tabla maestro Taalyogi Pandit Suresh Talwalker's performance on November 16. Talwalker belongs to the illustrious "Keertankar" family of Shri Dholebuva. His father Dattatray Talwalkar initiated him into the art before he fell under the tutelage of Pandit Pandharinath Nageshkar and Pandit Vinayakrao Ghangrekar. Talwalker also learnt the intricacies of Carnatic Layashastra from Mridangam player Pandit Ramnad Ishwaran. And on November 17, violin maestros from three generations — MN Rajam, daughter Sangeeta Shankar, and granddaughters Nandini and Ragini Padam Vibhusan Rajam's family boasts of generations of talented violinists. Her yearning for self-development took her to Benaras, where she embarked on a rigorous musical journey for 15 years under the guidance of legendary singer Pandit Omkarnath Thakur. Her daughter Sangeeta Shankar
organised music festivals in Varanasi in 1984 as well as 1986 and produced a 26-episode musical TV serial Swar-Sadhana. Sangeeta recorded with Grammy
winners Bela Fleck and Viswamohan Bhatt on the album Tabula Rasa. Rajam's granddaughters are also set to regale
the audience. |
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Chance pe dance
There might be lots of negativity surrounding reality shows for reasons pretty obvious, but Kruti and Dharmesh from Dance India Dance (DID), Season 2, have another picture to present. Happy to be part of this dance reality show, they consider themselves lucky to have had this platform.
On their maiden visit to the city, Dharmesh and Kruti at Hotel Hometel share, "We always wanted to visit this part of the country - see the City Beautiful, visit Harmandar Sahib and interact with very talented dancers of the region. Courtesy DID, we get to do that." And that's not all. As part of the winning package, Zee gave Dharmesh a chance to choreograph the title track for Farah Khan's forthcoming Tees Mar Khan. "Indeed, it's been a life changing experience," shares Dharmesh. "When I auditioned from Gujarat, I never expected to get through, forget getting the top slot," says the dancer who has been part of an academy for years now. "Even when I got through, I was like 'kar lenge'. But the amount of hardwork and sleepless nights that go into rehearsals and preparations was an eye-opener," shares Dharemesh who got his family's support as he climbed the ladder of success. "Not only us, even our parents are now celebrities, which is I am really proud of," he shares. Ditto for Kruti, an embryologist from Mumbai. "I had this monotonous job when I decided to be part of DID. It's an awesome journey since them," smiles this girl from Mumbai. A trained classical dancer from the age of five, Kruti today enjoys having her own dance school. "Turning your passion into a profession is something really wonderful and it's DID that made it possible for me," she smiles. For her, this journey's high point has been the new dance forms that she got to learn. "Though I am most comfortable in jazz, I am in love with every dance form," she says. In the city to be part of DID Doubles, this duo is all excited. "It is going to be a bigger this season. And then it's not solo but pairs," says Kruti. "And, it does not need a boy and a girl. No couples, but doubles - a boy can pair up with a boy, a girl with another or a boy and a girl," explains Dharmesh. The auditions are scheduled for November 18 at Gian Jyoti Institute of Management and Technology, Mohali, from 8 am to 2 pm. "Anyone from the age group of 16 to 35 can audition with a partner," says Dharmesh. And what's their word of advice? "Experiment with new form of dance but don't lose out on what your culture offers," says Kruti. "Be confident," says Dharmesh. Ready for your big
break? mona@tribunemail.com |
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Short & SWEET
"The thief that invaded our campsite came and left on four legs," is probably one of those. Haiku originated in Japan, but it is heartening to see that lots of Punjabis have taken to it. The Punjabi Haiku Forum, which includes some writers from here and others who are settled in various parts of the world, has come up with many such books. Blue Sky Ringing is 256-page book that has picked up some Haikus from Brandi's work and translated them into Hindi as well as Punjabi. Brandi, who speaks English and Spanish, knows little of Hindi and Punjabi but is more than happy to reach out to more readers through translated works. "But I am not in favour of copying old masters because that would be counterfeit Haiku. A true Haiku is one that emerges like a flash," shares Brandi. And what's the appeal of this art form? "It resonates," smiles Brandi. "So powerful is this small creation that many people across the globe can identify with it. Though our interpretations might be different, yet, it strikes a note, just like my favourite from Issa, the Japanese master - 'a single map beneath the pine my summer mansion'." As for budding poets, Brandi has a word of advice, "I go by the famous saying — if you want to write about the pine, be the pine. No comparisons, no metaphors," signs off this writer who uses a simple notepad and pen to write the moment he gets inspiration. "Laptop is too old-fashioned," says this writer who is going off to Himachal Pradesh to find more
inspiration. mona@tribunemail.com |
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Atta boys!
Teachers who had left the maximum impact on their lives were honoured by Old Students of Yadavindra Public School, Patiala. Those recognised by Raja Malwinder Singh, a member of the Board of Governors of YPS, included Ajit Singh Jawandha, a former principal of YPS, Hari Mohan Sharma, SK Sharma, K Thind, Sadhu Singh Deol, and NP Bakshi. The event brought together some 200 old Yadaviandrians and their spouses. Old students who had won the AYOSA Bhagat Golf Tournament held during the day at the Chandigarh Golf Club on Saturday were also honoured at the event. The Aitchison Yadavindrian Old Students Association commemorates the ties of the two premier educational institutions, which are divided by the border, but share a common heritage. Aitchison College, Lahore, was the premier education institute for young boys in the united Punjab. It was the place where sons of chiefs and princes were sent for their basic education and training. It was where both Maharaja Bhupindra Singh and Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala studied. "Golf brings people together and allows them to admire nature, even as they renew their bonds with each other. We are happy to have this opportunity to bring together so many people who have so much history in common," said Raj Naresh Singh. — TNS |
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SPADE WORK Myth of the week Ground reality It is almost a compulsion with the gardeners to include Iresin in the set up where the designs are made with ground cover plants. The use of this plant without fail is due to its contrasting colour with the one mostly used ground cover plant ie golden Duranta. The fear is and it also happens that the Iresin, or the kalli patti as it is commonly called gets killed in cold and the design is spoiled. No, the Iresin may be as sturdy as any other plant and brave the coldest winter provided you keep giving water regularly and with the condition that you keep the level of the plant down to earth, ie hardly three to four inches above ground. Your plant will not die and the design that you make will give the same effect.
It is like visiting a place and then recalling nostalgically the place visited. We decorate our gardens with all our might and then when they are at their best we want to keep the memory alive. But alas, the season is short-lived and the flowers go with the change of weather to be replaced with the new.
Do you want to keep some of the memories alive? Drying and preserving the seasonal flowers is one way of doing it. This trait is elaborate and one can dry even a rose! But there are definite ways involved. We will not take you into that but first those flowers that are dried without any intricate procedure involved. There are some of the annuals whether the winter or summer that could be dried without much procedure. After these are in full bloom but before decline or seeding these are picked and hanged upside down. They dry well and remain like that for years together, without losing colour. Immediately, you can go in for statice. Normally the statice that is grown by the gardeners is a few flowers growing in succession on oblique twigs. Very few gardeners know and grow the one that you can see in the picture. This kind has long spikes full of mauve flowers. Gaillardia and helichrysum are other flowers that could be preserved in a like manner. These, however, are grown during the summer. It is not only the flowers that could be dried and preserved as such. There are certain winter-growing grasses that could be dried and preserved without changing their basic character. These are briza and lagurus. The former looks like a firework spreading on the sky and the latter is with an inch of soft foxtail like structure. These have a high export potential too. Lagurus heads are also coloured with different colours to be displayed in a pot for dry arrangement. At times, we want to have flowers that live long and give repeated flushes. The ones that could be selected are petunia, salvia, phlox and verbena and nasturtium. The ones that are short-lived are sweet alyssum, burf candytuft etc. satishnarula@pau.edu |
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Colour BINDS
This hype and hoopla about colours. You bet! Chevrolet has come up with a whole range of colours in various segments like velvet red, sandrift grey, Olympic white, Moonbean white, caviar black and linen beige. Says Anil Sharma, sales consultant Chevrolet, Dynamic Motors, Chandigarh, "Customers have their preferences for colours. We do suggest what feels right to us, depending on the personality too, sometimes." Pink is for dainty girls, black is for boys, anything of this sort. Anil laughs, "Of course. Somehow girls prefer velvet red and boys like to go in for black or dark blue." What's happened to the one-time favourite pearly white? White cars are readily visible day and night and in good and bad driving conditions too, which is why they are preferred over other colours. The colour requires less maintenance too. Sachin Khurana, city-based businessman, is a die-hard fan of black colour. He is also of the opinion that people consult astrologers before buying a car. "It is the general trend to match colour of the car to your favourable stars." Apart from this, there are other reasons to going in for a particular colour. "Those who want a style statement go in for flashy car colours, mature people like lighter shades that doesn't get noticed," he says. It is like, unique black blue shade for BMW, red for Ferrari, black for Porsche, green for Jaguar and silver for Mercedes. For sports model and SUVs again people opt for bolder shades. Ford Endavour is available in various colours like panther black, diamond white, jeans blue, brush steel and mystic wine. With increase in the number of models and variants, the choice of colours has also increased. Surprisingly, white is still the colour. Adds Raj Naresh Singh, dealer for Bhagat Ford, offers that 60-70 per cent of cars that they sell are in white. He sites the reasons behind the colour loyalty. "It is easier to maintain, easier to re-touch, and it hot weather it doesn't hurt the eyes. Re-selling a white car is far easier than any dark colour." The scenario for another favourable colour is slightly different. Though they are easily visible by daylight, they show dirt quickly and are less noticeable in dark and rains. Black is my colour the colleague finally came to a final decision!
jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Small wonder
Both the tablet PC and laptop are handy mobile computers, but still not the same. The primary advantage of the tablet PC is that it is lighter than most laptops. These are also smaller and lighter. The tablet PC can be put flat on the working surface and is ideal when one is in a conference. The laptop screen needs to be kept vertical and that might obstruct clear view of the person sitting in front. In the tablet PC, your handwriting is the input and it can be a good choice if you are doing something artistic. You can fine-tune your input with a pen rather than with a mouse or touchpad. Over time, one can learn to use the pen in the right manner and even customise the pen to your tablet PC. Eventually, this becomes easier than using a keyboard and mouse. However, there is also the flip side. Some people might find the screen size of the tablet PC too small in comparison to a laptop. The maximum size the tablet PC screen can go up to is 14.1'. Another handicap with a tablet PC is that it does not have an inbuilt optical drive, though you can connect it externally. But this could be a deterrent to some users. The reason behind not including the optical drive is to maintain the low mass of the device. A tablet PC is not good if other people, besides you, are planning to share it. The tablet PC understands your handwriting and writing gestures, and it may not understand those of others. For that reason, tablet PCs are good only when single users intend to use it for their entire lifetime. Laptops can be used by any number of users without such concerns. There are more chances of screen damage to tablet PCs than to laptops. This is because of the kind of input they take, with the pen device. You will need a special screen guard for the tablet PC installed when you purchase it. Technically, tablet PCs are slower than laptops as the former takes handwriting inputs, which cannot match the speed of the keyboard and mouse. Tablet PCs are also costlier than laptops. Combining the features of both, there is also the hybrid laptop tablet PC available in the
market. amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com |
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Hand-some
Sharp Business Systems (India) Limited, the Indian subsidiary for Sharp Corporation, the consumer electronics leader, has announced the entry into the fast-growing Indian handset market. At a launch event held in the city recently, Sharp unveiled its new range of handsets. This launch marks yet another business milestone for Sharp as well as for the mobile devices segment in India as it brings forth a world-class range of hand held products within the reach of Indian consumers.
The new mobile devices represent a strategic move for Sharp towards becoming a leader in the 'mobility market' in India, by building upon its core competency of providing high quality visual technology coupled with cutting-edge form factor innovations. The devices are designed to cater to the demands of the trendy yet price-conscious handset users, and signals the company's ambition to break down the barrier between technology and people, and make high quality mobiles highly affordable to all. Features include full-touch LCD screen, G-sensor, shortcut to social networking services, LED illumination, Bluetooth, FM radio, dual SIM facility, easy camera shot so on and so forth. All these features are cased in interesting form factors such as the cycloid phone, screens which rotate a full 180 degrees and the classic clamshell. During the official launch event in Delhi, Sharp unveiled four models namely Alice, Blink, Tango and Cyborg to be released in India this year.
— TNS |
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Tech edge
Though BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM), based at Waterloo near here, has not commented on the development, Dell's decision to take nearly 25,000 of its employees off BlackBerry smart phones is another bad news for the Canadian icon. The Texas-based computer and IT giant, which has over 100,000 employees around the world, has reportedly decided to give its employees its own smart phone called the Aero.
Not hugely known yet, the Dell smart phone was unveiled earlier this year. It has also been reported that Dell would try to convince its customers to abandon the BlackBerry and embrace its device. Since it runs on the popular Google Android system, the Dell smart phone will definitely make a dent in the BlackBerry market which has already shrunk in the face of Apple's iPhone and Google Android devices in the US. Dell is also entering the tablet market with its five-inch computer called the Streak which too run on Google's Android system. In the new tablet market, RIM is trying to give itself a big start by pricing its PlayBook tablet - unveiled in September - less than $500. With a seven-inch display as against iPad's 9.7 inches and much efficient Adobe Flash to run video and graphic works, RIM hopes the PlayBook will make a niche for itself as well as cut into iPad sales. But even before BlackBerry's PlayBook tablet hits the market early next year, Samsung is set to spring a surprise by launching next week its own multi-touch tablet. Called the Samsung Galaxy Tab, it has a seven-inch display - just like the PlayBook. But Samsung has priced it at $400 with a contract with the service provider and at $600 without any contract in the US market. — IANS |
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Cody, the new robo nurse
Cody has demonstrated its ability to clean a human patient's arms and legs. It has limbs with reduced stiffness in case of accidental bumping, and is designed to exert a very low amount of pressure while sponging down a patient. There's also a stop button ready for humans to press just in case. The robot nurse joins a line of serious bots that can do everything from robotic surgery to folding your laundry.
— ANI |
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Print worthy
Announcing the launch of SCX 3201, Ranjit Yadav, director, mobile and IT, Samsung Electronics, said: "The Samsung printer business is in its hi-growth phase. The launch of SCX 3201 is a great example of our continuous endeavor to launch Innovative products with superior performance features." The new printer can print, copy and scan and comes with the standard one year onsite warranty. An additional 2-year warranty on this printer is available at Rs 499. The ultra compact size of SCX - 3201, its LED indicator and the clear and concise OP add to the overall appeal of the printer. The new SCX printer can be installed anywhere at home or office and consumes less space. It is equipped with Samsung's unique print screen button, which provides a quick and easy way to print content. The Samsung SCX - 3201 is priced at Rs 8999 with a full starter toner.
— TNS |
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Spring evening/ he sits in one chair/ blue jay takes the other," is one Haiku penned down by John Brandi, a prolific writer from the US, who was on a visit to the city to attend the Punjabi Haiku Forum meet. Brandi started doing Haiku long before he even knew about this world's shortest poem form. "I was in California during my childhood. After each outing, my parents would ask me to jot down a line or draw a sketch on my impressions of the place, and so started this 50-year-long journey," says Brandi, on his seventh visit to India.
Lumps in the throat, glasses on many faces, and in many hands; nostalgia in the air, this was a very special event at Vaseela Resort near Chandigarh.
If only buying a car was so easy, a colleague of ours would have bought one, almost a year back. So, where is the hitch we question her. She has a good sponsor in the form of a husband, she knows which brand to buy. What is stopping you lady, we question her. "I can't decide on the colour," she flashes a smile. Can you beat it not, not buying a car because of the colour. This is not difficult, blue, black or white it is fairly simple. Or, it is so not? Now, here is something that might interest you. A lot of studies seem to agree that black and dark blue are the most dangerous colour, and as per a Swedish study these colours are five time more likely than average colours to crash. Not only this, the study also found out that pink was the safest colour, followed by white. Another survey says that silver cars like metallic or grey have fewer accidents than white cars.
A tablet PC (iPad) is a cross between a notebook PC and a personal digital assistant (PDA). It's a flat panel, portable PC in the form of a slate. A user inputs data either by tapping the screen with a stylus or using the stylus to write directly on to the screen. The tablet PC can wirelessly connect to the Internet and other PCs, and is intended to provide the power of a notebook in hand-held form.
Finally, a tablet PC becomes more personal to the user than a laptop. Since everyone has a different style of holding and using pens, the tablet PC will become unique to the user and vice-versa. In fact, there are handwriting recognition applications that will train the tablet PC to understand your handwriting and convert it into text with minimal corrections. 
Scientists have developed a robot that can help patients maintain personal hygiene without the need for a human nurse. Researchers at the Georgia Tech's Healthcare Robotics Lab have developed the robo-nurse, named Cody.
Digital technology leader, Samsung Electronics enhanced its printer line-up by launching the world's smallest laser multi-functional printer - SCX 3201 in the Indian market. The SCX 3201 encapsulates the Samsung business philosophy of bringing true value printers in the market.