|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
IIT Roll of honour
Chandigarh, May 18 With over 150 reported selections so far, the city has finally arrived on the IIT scene and that, too, with a bang, as it has come a long way since last year, when out of a meagre 80 selections, only two students made it to the top 100.
The success re-emphasises that we are the new sought-after training hub for the exams, as a majority of good scorers had come to the city in class XI to access the coaching facilities," said Savin Sandhu, a local coaching expert. What, however, dampens the celebrations a bit is the relatively dismal performance of girls, with only 20 selections being reported so far and the best rank being 731 secured by Sameeksha.
|
|
Real-life heroes who achieved success against odds
Chandigarh, May 18 The destiny of Sunil Kumar, a Class XII student of GMSSS, Sector 16, took a turn when a local tuition centre GIITJEE, Sector 37, offered him free tuition. First day in the class and Sunil got his answer -- the IIT. A year of hard work and he has made it by getting an All India rank of 2,791. “The day I got to know about the IIT, I realised that it was my road to redemption. I chased my dream and thank God, I got through. It is said that God makes way for you if you are really passionate and it happened in my case. I had no money for tuitions, but the institute chose to teach me for free and I reached here. Four more years and I will be able to relieve my parents from a life full of struggles,” says Sunil. Same is the case with Suraj, for whom the coaching centre proved to be a fairy godmother. Born to parents who work as labourers, Suraj has not seen his parents much over the past 4 years because they wander from state to state in search of menial jobs, while he stays at the institute’s hostel to strive to achieve his dream. Suraj’s elated father Tulsi said, “I do not know what IIT is, but somebody told me today that Suraj will become an engineer, like saheb for whom we work sometimes.” “Suraj has gone to UP to take a job exam, but my neighbours say he will not need it now. I and his mother have been running around for getting square meals, but fortunately our son will change our fate,” he said.
|
|
Cut-off marks lowered
Chandigarh, May 18 This is because the IITs have decided to lower the cut-off marks for general students to 35 per cent, compared to 47.7 per cent in 2011. In addition to the aggregate, the students are required to score minimum marks in physics, mathematics and chemistry to be eligible for the all-India rank. “Though many have qualified for admission, it is just that the IITs wish to get more people for counselling, but the number of seats will remain the same,” said a guide for engineering entrance tests.
|
|
Student’s death Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 18 Akash, a native of Yamunanagar, was found dead in his hostel room on May 17. Meanwhile, family members of the deceased student sought a thorough probe for ascertaining the exact cause of death of their child. Satish Goyal, father of deceased, said he would lodge an official complaint with the Chandigarh police in this regard. The police officials said that the picture would be clear after the reports of viscera samples.
|
The Fabulous Five The math wizard Bijoy Kochar, Rank 2 He is a brilliant painter and the dream that he painted 4 years ago is finally true. Bijoy Kochar has become a celebrity as he has stood second among 5 lakh students and scored 100 per cent marks in mathematics. While the entire academic fraternity in city is celebrating his success, Bijoy could not be a part of it because, like many other national toppers, he is away to Mumbai to attend the Olympiad coaching camp. The celebrations at his home, too, seemed to have taken a backseat owing to his absence and ailing grandmother, but nothing can mar the pride in eyes of his father AP Singh Kochar. “It will take some time to seep in, but yes, Bijoy has done it. Ever since Class IX, he wished to make it to the IIT. He has not only achieved it but has secured second rank, taking us all out of confines of our city to the national academic map. As a father, nothing can be more joyous than being congratulated for my son’s success and I am really eager to hug him,” says Dr Kochar. “I loved physics and maths, so IIT came naturally. I knew I would get in, but second rank is out of the world. I am eager to get back and thank my teachers and parents because they have made it possible for me,” said Bijoy. Focus does the magic
Anant Gupta, Rank 7 ‘Doctor’s son should be a doctor’ the convention never applied to Anant Gupta, who is basking in the IIT glory by securing seventh All India rank. Though getting into the IIT was his passion, but he never buried behind the books. “Focus is what
does it for you. If you wish to get into the IIT, then you have to be focused. For me, it was a schedule of around 6 hours of study and that has what done wonders for me,” says elated Anant, a resident of Rajpura, who did his schooling and took coaching here.
Dream home the driving force Viplov Jain, Rank 26 More than being among top 100, it is the prospect of becoming an engineer and that too an IITian is what thrills this boy hailing from Malerkotla. In a clear deviation from usual success mantras, Viplov Jain credits it to his parent’s dedication. “My father stayed in Malerkotla handling his garment business and my mother came to live here with me so that I could chase my dream. Every time I saw her, my passion for the IIT grew. I will buy my parents a big home in Chandigarh,” says Viplov who is in
Mumbai.
The law of combining focus with smart work
Shivam Garg, Rank 66 Born to a lawyer, Shivam Garg always knew where his true place was and he has finally got it. Coupled with smart work and dedication of his parents, this Sector 38 boy cannot help beaming when questioned about his secret of success. “There is no fixed formula, you just need to have clarity of the concepts and regular practice. You cannot draw a fixed number of hours, but whatever time you spend with books, you have to be completely focused and it does the job for you. I knew I would make it to the IIT, but being in top 100 is beyond my expectation. I owe my success to my parents and teachers who were always there for me,” said Shivam.'
The smart worker
Param Deep Singh, Rank 68 While his friends and well-wishers in the city are eager to congratulate him, Param Deep is away to Rajasthan, where his father got transferred recently. Smart work is what his teachers have dubbed his mantra for success. “Param Deep is not a bookworm, but knows how to harness his labour smartly and his rank proves it. It is an honour for the city that he did his schooling here. He is now an addition to our list of toppers,” said Param Deep’s teacher.
|
|
Girls’ performance dismal in IIT
Chandigarh, May 18 “I could never think of anything else other than being in the IIT. I had to reach there. All through my Class XI and XII, I dreamt of it, worked towards it and thus achieved it. The success mantra is simple -- Be clear of what you want, follow it with passion and smart work and you will get there,” says Sameeksha. Unfortunately, not many girls are sharing the joy as their performance has been dismal. Out of 150 total selections from the tricity, only 20 girls have made it to the list of successful candidates -- a fact which has left many shocked. “It is surprising but true that the girls, who were expected to score better than Sameeksha, did not appear in the list. It is unfortunate for them, but there is AIEEE to look forth to,” said Dr Sangeeta Khanna, who runs a coaching centre in the city.
|
||
|
He broke all stereotypes to be on top
Chandigarh, May 18 While many IIT aspirants talk about being regular about their studies and practice, he maintained the same routine for football and refused to give it up. “For me playing football is not a recreation, but it is a mental tonic which gives me stamina and concentration. I played at state level till Class X, but the IIT dream was too demanding. I took a break from formal tournaments, but never left the grounds. Football was one of the factors which kept me going for the IIT,” said Saurabh. Ashwini Kumar Roy, son of an Air force official, who has got an All India rank of 825 has a similar story to tell. A national-level cricket player who represented KVS Hyderabad, Ashwini breaks the notion that studies and games cannot go hand-in-hand. “Everything has and should have a separate place in one’s life. I love cricket and always knew that it was my passion, while IIT was my dream. Being clear about my goals and following them made sure that I never gave up my game which refreshes me,” says Ashwini.
|
||
|
Night food street to be relaunched
Chandigarh, May 18 It will now be re-launched after working out the modalities by July 6. This was stated by the municipal corporation before the Division Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ajay Tewari. Union Territory senior standing counsel Sanjay Kaushal admitted the night food scheme failed to evoke the desired effect. Also present in the court, Municipal Corporation commissioner Vivek Pratap Singh said the street would be closed down now. The issue of starting it afresh would be taken up again only after working out the modalities and discussing in the MC house. The Municipal Corporation Commissioner Vivek Pratap Singh submitted the street was never visualized for providing inexpensive food for attendants of PGI patients or the students. He, however, submitted that new policy on the night food street would be framed considering the High Course observations. The Bench then directed the Municipal Corporation to work out the modalities for the night food street by July 6 and inform the court. The High Court had earlier, also made it clear that it wanted the authorities concerned to ensure the ingredient of reasonableness is added to the dishes served on the platter in the Sector 14 night food street. After taking suo motu cognizance of a news-report on high prices being allegedly charged by the shopkeepers at the night food street, the high court had earlier issued notice of motion to the UT Administration. Placing on record the news-report, the then Chief Justice had earlier asserted: If the facts appearing in the news-item are correct, the matter deserves to be looked in the public interest jurisdiction of the court. The night food street had come into existence some three years back and was providing foodstuff at nominal rates to the attendants of patients at the PGI and to the Panjab University students. But the rising prices had left the residents bitter, the Chief Justice had observed in reference to the news-report.
|
||
|
Deadline over, illegal mobile towers still operational
Chandigarh, May 18 Last week, the UT administration had informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that 180 towers have been erected in residential areas of Chandigarh and notices have been served to them. The last date for the removal of the illegal structures was May 18. A senior official of the UT administration said they would now hold meeting over the issue and would decided future course of action. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Brijendra Singh in his report submitted to UT Finance Secretary VK Singh had pointed out that more than 300 mobile phone towers in the city were illegal. The UT administration had asked for the report after receiving directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The High Court had made it clear that it want these towers to be shifted out of the residential areas in a phased manner. The draft policy on mobile phone towers, which was prepared in 2004, makes it clear that no such tower should be allowed in residential areas. Such towers should be allowed on commercial buildings, which have completion certificates and sanctioned building plans. The policy reads that the commercial buildings should have sewerage connections and should be inspected by the Estate Office staff. The owners of mobile phone companies had challenged the other provisions and directions in the policy. The policy could not be notified since the court had stayed it. The litigation was sent to the Supreme Court and was subsequently reverted to the High Court.
|
|
Lawyers want Justice Kanan’s remarks expunged
Chandigarh, May 18 Reacting to the observations, the executive committee of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association today resolved “to condemn the sweeping remarks, dubbing the lawyers as only responsible for the long pendency of cases”. The association has decided to seek the Acting Chief Justice’s intervention in the matter for getting the remarks expunged. The resolution says: “It is a matter of fact and in the knowledge of the litigants that the Judges of the High Court hold and preside over the courts even up to 6 pm. There is full corporation from the members of the Bar. “It has been decided that a request be made to Acting Chief Justice MM Kumar that the general sweeping remarks against the lawyers as a whole, holding them responsible for delaying the decision of the old cases be recalled and expunged in the order dated May 11…. “The Acting Chief Justice would also be apprised of the strong resentment among members of the Bar Association of Punjab and Haryana High Court and also the concern shown by members of different Bar Associations in Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh”. Justice Kannan had minced no words to say the lawyers showed zeal for obtaining interim orders, but displayed a lackadaisical attitude towards old cases. “While all anxiety and vigour is shown for securing interim orders, there is a complete lackadaisical approach to their own briefs when the cases that have been filed more than two decades back are taken up for disposal.”
|
|
Relatives of Hawara, Bheora submit written representation to SSP Naunihal Singh
Chandigarh, May 18 The relatives were aggrieved that the police did not allow Hawara’s mother and Bheora’s sister to provide food to Hawara and Bheora while they were sitting in the Sector 17 police station on May 16 when they were especially brought from Tihar jail to be produced in court. Assasins of clain Chief Minister Beant Singh, Hawara and Bheora are brought to the courts from Tihar jail for hearing in the Burail jailbreak case everytime it is listed for evidence. High security and a heavy posse of police is deployed for security arrangements when they are being produced. Baljit Singh Khalsa, Hawara’s friend said they have requested the SSP through a written representation to value their sentiments as Hawara’s mother Narinder Kaur and Bheora’s sister Gurdeep Kaur were not allowed to give a langar to thetwo when they were brought from Tihar jail to be produced in district court sector 17 here on Wednesday. — TNS
|
|
Youths vulnerable to cardiac arrest, say docs
Chandigarh, May 18 Cardiologists suggest that regular medical check up, especially of those who have a family history of heart problem, can reduce the number of such unfortunate incidents. Sarthik Goyal, a native of Yamunanagar, was found dead in his bed at hostel room of SD Public School, Sector 32. Though the exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained but the possibility of heart attack cannot be ruled out, said the doctors. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) could be a reason behind the death, said Dr Yashpal Sharma, head of Cardiology Department at PGI. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease of the muscle of the heart in which a portion of the heart thickens. Younger people are likely to have a more severe form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, he said. Dr HK Bali, director, cardiology department at Fortis said another reason for cardiac arrest among youths can be faulty electrical conduction system of heart. Time ordered stimulation of the myocardium allows efficient contraction of all four chambers of the heart, thereby allowing selective blood perfusion through both the lungs and systemic circulation. Any fault in it can prove fatal, he said. We have observed most of the time patients had family history of cardiac arrest. It is advised that family members of such patients should go for regular check up as well, added Dr Bali.
|
|
No takers for chemist shops at PGI
Chandigarh, May 18 The local chemist association, terming the allotment conditions arbitrary and illegal, decided to boycott the allotment process. The association said no member of the association will bid for the shop till the new conditions inserted by the authorities are not justified.The PGI authorities had floated a tender for the lease of a chemist shop in the Gol Market on its campus for the first time on March 4. Several new conditions incorporated in the tender, however, left the potential contractors fuming. Condition No. 42 requires the round-the-clock presence of licensee, they said. It was impossible that the licensee shall himself remain present for 24 hours on the premises. Of course, he can remain present for specified hours, to be notified at the shop. According to condition No. 41 a contractor who surrenders the shop will be barred from bidding in the future. He will be liable to pay a penalty of Rs 5 lakh as well. Meanwhile another shop in the Nehru building was also vacated and today the bids were invited for both the shops. The association organising secretary Deepak Batra said though the authorites had shown a little flexibility in their attitude, but they did not address the major grievances o the bidders. Manju Wadwalkar, spokesperson for the PGI, said the demands of the association would be considered by the Estate Committee, keeping the interests of patients at the fore.
|
|
Residents complain low water pressure
Panchkula, May 18 The residents of Sectors 10, 11, 12, 12 A, 15, 19 and in sectors across river Ghaggar complained that water with low pressure was being supplied to their houses since the past one week. However, the officials of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) claimed that they were supposed to supply water only to houses on the ground floors and those residing on other floors should get an underground water reservoir dug to do away with the problem. Be it the well-developed Sectors of the city like 10, 11, 12, 12A, 15 and 19 or colonies and villages like Kharak Mangoli, people are suffering due to inadequate supply of water. Suresh Sharma, a resident of Sector 12 A said, “It has hardly been a month since the summers arrived and the condition is pathetic. Inadequate water supply and low water pressure on the second and the third-floor houses has left us helpless.” Echoing similar sentiments, Swatantar Kaushal, a retired government employee and resident of Sector 11 complained that the water pressure was so low that it hardly reached the tank installed on the 3rd floor. She added that they had to use the motor to lift water from the underground tank installed in the house. As a result the tenants living on the second floor have to carry drinking water twice a day from the ground floor. She said the authorities should not turn a blind eye to our problems. Preet Mohan, senior executive engineer of HUDA, said that there was no water shortage in the town as about 172 tubewells were functioning in the town. He said basically, every house has a single connection and as the taps including the one to underground tank remains open the pressure becomes low and water doesn’t reach the first or the second floor. He said the admitted that low power voltage sometimes affected the water pressure. People should get a water reservoir dug on the pattern similar to the ones in various societies and get water pumped to the other floors, he added.
|
|
Over 100 challaned during encroachment
drive
Chandigarh, May 18 Another drive was also conducted at Shastri Market and adjoining areas at sector 22. During the drive, approximately 37 encroachers were challened and the officials seized readymade garments, table folding, pharies, chicks and chappal phari. During the drive approximately, 100 violators at Sector 19 were challaned.
|
|
Jewellery, Rs 25 lakh ‘stolen’ from bank locker
Mohali, May 18 Bharat Bhushan also alleged that the bank’s officials kept him in darkness about the incident. Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Bharat Bhushan alleged that he has bank locker, number 59, in the bank. “On May 12, I received a call from a bank official, who started inquiring about the details of my bank locker, which made me suspicious. After about two days I approached the bank officials and asked why were they asking me the details of my locker. Instead of giving me any satisfactory answer, they tried to avoid my queries and called me at the branch with key of my locker. When I went there to operate my locker, I was told that I was operating wrong locker. Later, I came to know that someone had already opened my locker and had taken away all my belongings,” alleged Bharat Bhushan adding that the bank officials knew about their ‘folly’ but they tried to hide the truth from me. According to sources, one Arun Kumar Walia, a resident of Kajheri, had opened the locker in question after showing the bank that the locker belonged to him and that he had lost the key. The DSP DS Mann said that he had called all the persons involved in the case. “Arun Kumar is claiming that only three items of jewellery were lying in the locker when he opened it by mistake. We are investigating the matter,” said the DSP Mann. Bharat Bhushan said that after their ‘folly’, the bank officials have again issued the locker to some Baljinder Singh. On being contacted, HL Gupta, a senior official of the bank, said that he was at the police station and was unable to give his comments.
|
|
Overhaul in UT police top brass
Chandigarh, May 18 The SSP will also be heading CID wing. Moreover, SP GS Grewal, who had sought his repatriation back to Punjab has been given the charge of SP (headquarters). Sources said Grewal's request to send him back to Punjab was rejected by the Home department resulting which the police department sent a proposal to give him the charge of SP (Headquarters).
|
|
DC asks to display info on boards
Panchkula, May 18 Brar was convening a meeting of distrct officials at mini secretariat. The name of officials, with designation, their job and room number of the office must be displayed on the board put up at a prominent place in the offices, directed the deputy commissioner. A report regarding its compliance has also to be sent to the Deputy Commissioner within a week.
|
|
Faulty fire system at Haryana Mini Secretariat
Chandigarh, May 18 Referring to the mock drill conducted jointly by the fire and disaster management authorities two days ago, the Fire Department pointed out that the entry and exit points of the buildings are not constructed as per the fire norms. As the entry gate is narrow, it is difficult for the fire tender to enter the premises. There is a tree near the exit gate, due to which movement of the fire tender is difficult.
|
|
Nurses’ week concludes
Chandigarh, May 18 The celebration of International Nurses Week was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of Modern Day Nursing
on May 12. The importance of Nursing Week was told to the students. During the week programmes organized include, poster making completion, debate, on the topic ‘Use of Mobile Phones’ and fun games. Today the Nursing students organized a stage show performances in the form of plays, songs, poetry recitation and dance.
|
Syndicate approves name of Cambridge prof
Chandigarh, May 18 A chair is created in the name of a scholar of a subject to provide a platform for research work to the students of the department. The person holding the chair is invited to give lectures and guidance to the department. With an aim to honour Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was both a student and teacher at the PU, the university had created a Chair in the economics department under the name of Manmohan Singh in 2009. Singh had pursued his BA (Honours) in economics in 1952 and then completed MA economics in 1954 from the university. The PU would be finally getting a scholar to carry out research under the chair following the Syndicate’s nod to Ajit Singh. Earlier the university had planned to offer the Manmohan Singh chair to Nobel laureate prof Amartya Sen. The Syndicate had also passed the decision. However, Sen did not accept the proposal following which a committee was again constituted to look for a suitable person for the chair.
|
|||||
|
Seminar on leadership concludes
Mohali, May 18 Various schools of Chandigarh and Mohali, including Yadavindra Public School, Ryan International School, Guru Nanak Public School, Golden Bells Public School, Shemrock Senior Secondary School and Lawrence Public School, participated in the seminar. Principals of these schools along with some faculty members were also present. Cadets of the AFPI also participated in the seminar. The AFPI trains selected students to join the National Defence Academy. The seminar was conducted over three sessions. On the first day the subject was “Qualities of a good leader.” This was followed by a discussion on “Leadership in war” on the second day, and “Future leadership challenges” on the concluding day. A large number of senior officers attended the seminar and addressed the participants. Among these were Lt Gen HRS Mann, Lt Gen BS Dhaliwal, Maj Gen US Sidhu, Maj Gen RS Mehta, Sanjay Gupta (regional manager, IDBI Bank) and senior officials from PUDA and GMADA. Students from participating schools and cadets of AFPI also made brief presentations on specific aspects of leadership. Summing up the proceedings Maj Gen BS Grewal, director, AFPI, said that in today’s world leaders must adapt to change and not resist it. In order to do so they need to recognise the socio-economic factors that drive change and adapt their leadership style accordingly. He said that technology is changing the nature of warfare dramatically and military leaders need to ensure that tactics and strategy change to optimally utilise technology. He added that leadership is essential in all walks of life and young men and women must try and imbibe the qualities of a good leader so that they are better equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead.
|
|||||
|
|||||
| 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 | |
This year, 3,000 students from the city competed along with over 4 lakh students for 9,600 seats in the 15 IITs. "If we compare the number of selections vis-a-vis the applicants, the city has had a better success ratio than even the metros. 
