The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

EDUCATION

FROM THE COLLEGES
Science quiz goes down to the wire
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17
The team of Government Home Science College, Sector 10, comprising Ashriya, Pooja and Palaka, bagged the first position in the inter-college science quiz held at Government College for Girls, Sector 11, here today.

In a keenly contested quiz, four of the seven participating teams ended up with a tie at the end of the five rounds, comprising questions on science, inventions and environment. Each team did equally well in the rapid fire round which followed, resulting in a tie.

After this, two special rounds were conducted. The team of Sarabjot Kaur, Rachna and Diksha Gupta of GCG, Sector 42, came second, while Shikha Wadhwa, Baya Aggarwal and Megha Thappar of MCM DAV College, Sector 36, were declared third.

The audience were kept involved by questions posed to them after each round. An entertaining cultural programme of dances, songs and monoacting was held by students of the science stream of the host college. The Principal of the college, Ms Vijay Lakshmi, presided over the function.

Poster-making contest

An inter-college poster-making contest on terrorism was organised at Government College, Sector 46. Fifty students from various city colleges participated in the contest. The winners were given away prizes by the Mayor, Ms Harjinder Kaur. Speaking at the function, she urged the students to accept the challenge presented by global terrorism.

The Principal, Major D.P. Singh (retd), said in a democratic set-up there was no place for terrorism and this menace ought to be checked. The results of the contests are as follows: Government College of Arts, Sector 10 (1); GCG-42 (2); individual: Apurva (Government College of Arts)-1, Monika Angrish (Government College of Arts)-2, Raja Sood (Government College-46)-3.

Rally deferred

The Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Union decided to defer the protest rally at Banur scheduled for October 19 following an assurance from the Punjab Finance Minister, Capt Kanwaljit Singh.

The delegation, led by the president of the association, Mr K.B.S. Sodhi, said the minister had assured the delegation that the pension scheme for the staff of non-government colleges would include gratuity, commutation and family pension.

He urged the government to issue orders regarding depositing of management share in the government treasury by October 30. Others in the delegation included Prof J.S. Randhawa, general secretary, Prof N.P. Manocha and Prof Jagwant Singh.

Varsity JCM exists only on paper
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17
The Joint Consultative Machinery of Panjab University exists only on paper as for more than nine months of the year no meeting has been held.

The constitution of the body clearly provides that “an ordinary meeting of the JCM will be held as often as necessary but at least once in two months”. An emergency meeting of the JCM can be called by the chairman whenever deemed necessary.

The absence of the JCM was pointed out by a fellow in the Senate meeting held in May. The Vice-Chancellor constituted the committee in June. However, the office orders regarding the constitution of the JCM came only in August. Prof M.M. Sharma has been named as the Chairman.

The committee will be functioning for three months only as it is constituted for a term of one year which will expire in December. Senior senators while talking to The Tribune said, “three months was an insignificant period”.

The JCM is constituted by the university Syndicate. In the absence of the Syndicate, the university Senate in May authorised the Vice -Chancellor to discharge the duties on its behalf.

Other members on the committee, include Mr Satya Pal Jain, Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, Mr Satya Pal Gautam and selected office-bearers of the non-teaching staff associations.

No meeting of the JCM has been held so far. The body is an important forum for hearing grievances of the non-teaching wing.

The proposal regarding constitution of the JCM was carried out in the syndicate meeting in 1990 “for the ministerial and secretarial staff of the university”. The functions and powers of the body include recommendations related to the condition of service and work, recommendations related to the condition of service and work, recommendations for the welfare of the employees and promotion of corporate life, recommendations for improvement of efficiency and standard of work, suggestions for change of regulations and rules regarding general policy matters.

The composition of the body includes a Chairman (to be nominated by the Syndicate), one member of the Syndicate, two non-Syndic Fellows, Registrar, Controller of Examination. FDO and office-bearers of the non-teaching staff organisations, besides others. One of the reasons for the delay in the constitution at this juncture is being seen as the forthcoming elections of the non-teaching staff organisations.

The “Action Taken Report” on decisions arrived at the previous JCM meeting shall be included as an item in the agenda for the next meeting.

The constitution provides that term of the JCM shall be of one year only. The body is, however, not a statutory body.

Entrance tests for MCom, MSc (IT) may go
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17
In a significant decision, a special committee of Panjab University has decided to do away with the entrance examinations for admission to Master of Commerce, Master of Science (Information Technology) and Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Education courses.

The admissions will be made on the basis of the merit at the graduation level. Sources said the decision had been taken to give credibility to the marks secured in the annual examination conducted by the university. The matter, however, needs a final approval of the Senate before implementation.

The committee members included Principal Tarsem Bahia, Principal A.C. Vaid, Principal P.S. Sangha, Principal Vijayalakshmi, Dr R.S. Pawan and the DPI (Punjab).

It also decided that no additional seats would be created in the colleges for these courses. It also decided that in towns where there were three or more colleges, a pattern of centralised admissions would be carried out, the sources added.

Cultural extravaganza by tiny-tots
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17
Tiny-tots of Saupin’s School danced their way into the hearts of the audience at the “kindergarten celebrations” organised at Tagore Theatre in Sector 18 here today.

An entertaining cultural extravaganza, the programme was marked by dances, songs, plays, prayer songs and poetry recitations.

Little girls dressed in colourful ghagras and cholis performed the dandia, while the fairytale, “The Elf and the Shoemaker” was also well enacted.

In a prayer song, “He’s the World”, the students conveyed the message that God created everything and was omnipresent, while students of UKG gave an enthusiastic performance in action poetry “I am a policeman”.

The grand finale came in the form of a “Fusion dance” which presented a blend of Western and Indian classical dance.

COURTS

HIGH COURT
Show cause notice to Sessions Judge
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17
Taking serious view of observations made by Bathinda’s District and Sessions Judge B.C. Rajput in a case, a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today asked him to show cause why proceedings under the Contempt of Court Act shoult not be initiated against him.

Ruling on an appeal filed by the state of Punjab against the orders of the District and Sessions Judge, the Bench, comprising Mr Justice H.S. Bedi and Mr Justice A.S. Garg, also fixed November 21 as the next date of hearing.

In his orders, the Sessions Judge had earlier observed: “In a case, ETO S.S. Bangar was burdened with a sum of Rs 5,000 as costs when he did not release the goods in spite of surety bonds furnished by a trader. In another case, he was burdened with sum of Rs 10,000 by way of compensation when he failed to release the goods forthwith. These authorities clearly show that Bangar is very sensitive to his job as he wanted to look after public interest even at the risk of service. He faced the wrath of the High Court in order to safeguard the interest of the state”.

After going through the order, the Bench observed: “We have absolutely no doubt that the trial court is fully competent to appreciate evidence in its wisdom, but a certain portion of the judgement gives the impression that, as per the opinion of the Sessions Judge, the High Court was oblivious to public interest.... The remarks are, prima facie, to our mind, totally uncalled for and unnecessary for a decision on the case. We, therefore, issue notice to B.C. Rajput to show cause why proceedings under the Contempt of Court be not initiated”.

Order to probe attack by SHO

Directing Haryana’s District and Sessions Judge (Vigilance) to hold an inquiry into the allegations levelled by a warrant officer in his report regarding our attack on a Patiala resident by the Station House Officer of a police station in Barnala, Mr Justice V.M. Jain of the High Court has asked him to submit his report by October 19.

In his order, Mr Justice Jain also asked the Sessions Judge to hold the inquiry on day-to-day basis. The warrant officer, Mr M.S. Gill, in his report, had earlier stated that the petitioner, Mr Kuldip Singh, was hit on his face by SHO Surinder Pal Singh when he, along with him and another companion, was searching for defaulters at a police post.

The officer had added that he too was threatened when he requested the SHO not to hit the petitioner. The petitioner, had filed a habeas corpus petition seeking directions to the SHO and another respondent to produce two relatives being detained illegally.

Notice in rape case

On a petition alleging police inaction in a rape case, Mr Justice R.C. Kathuria on Wednesday issued notice to the state of Punjab and other respondents.

In her petition, the “victim”, a resident of Sekha Kalan village in Moga district, had alleged that till date no action had been taken by the police against the accused as the cops were acting under the influence of the village sarpanch, who was related to the culprits.

Seeking directions to Moga’s Senior Superintendent of Police and other respondents to arrest the accused in FIR No 142 dated September 12 registered under Sections 376, 506, 148 and 149 of the Indian Penal Code, counsel for the petitioner had added that the accused were threatening the “victim” and her husband forcing them to stay away from the village.

DISTRICT COURTS
Fraud case: Director remanded
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, October 17
Tejveer Singh, one of the Directors of the Swarn Bhoomi Group of companies, was sent to judicial remand till October 31 by a local court today. The Economic Offences Wing of city police had arrested the accused for allegedly defrauding hundreds of investors across the country.

The other accused in the case had been absconding since May last year. A case of cheating, breach of trust and criminal conspiracy was registered against the company at the Mani Majra police station on May 17, 2000.

Acquitted

A local court on Wednesday acquitted, Bhajan Lal, in a case under the NDPS Act. The accused was acquitted by the UT Additional and Sessions Judge, Mr R.C. Godara, as the independent witness in the case had turned hostile.

The city police had allegedly seized 1 kg of charas from the accused.

Bail plea dismissed

A local court on Wednesday dismissed a bail application moved by an accused, Nathi Ram, in a corruption case. The accused, an employee of the Haryana Architectural Department, had allegedly been involved in a corruption case involving Rs 19 lakh.

Police remand

Shekhar, allegedly involved in a case of rape, was sent to one-day police remand by a local court on Wednesday. He had surrendered before the court on Monday.

The victim had alleged that two persons in connivance of her husband had raped her. The city police had arrested her husband, Arun Kumar Pandey, and his employer, Om Parkash under Sections 376, 506 and 34 of the IPC. Arun Kumar Pandey and Parkash had been remanded to judicial custody by the local court.

Theft case

Two students allegedly involved in a case of car theft were sent to judicial remand till October 29 by a local court. The duo, Mukesh Kumar and Manoj Kumar, had been arrested by the city police on September 29.

Another accused in the case, Ranjit Singh, had already been granted bail by the local court.

CONSUMER COURT
Forum directive to company
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, October 17
The UT District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum-II has directed the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the JVG group, Mr Vijay Kumar Sharma, to pay the maturity value on various amounts deposited by 12 complainants.

The forum had clubbed the 12 complaints as these involved a common question and were directed against the same group of companies. The complainants had deposited different amounts ranging from Rs 24, 000 to 1,00, 000 with the company.

Dhruveer and 11 others had complained that they had deposited various amounts with the finance company, but the company failed to return their amounts on maturity. They alleged the cheques issued by the company were not honoured by the bank. They alleged deficiency in services on the part of company.

The forum observed that company was guilty of deficiency in services. Therefore the complaints were alleged with a cost of Rs 550 in each case and the company was directed to pay the maturity value less the amount, if any, already paid, along with interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum from the date of maturity till the date of payment.

CULTURE

Reflecting tradition, celebrating devotion
Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17
The joy that stems from music lasts for eternity. It returns to the heart in sombre moments and lends voice to silence, a voice similar to that of a child honest, virgin and articulate.

The cycle of dance tradition neared completion today, with Manipuri, the neo-classical dance and music form of India, being presented by celebrated guru Rajkumar Singhajeet Singh, dancers Charu, Sija Mathur and Bina Das. The occasion was Tribune-sponsored SPIC MACAY’s Virasat series and the indulgence of students at the Government College for Girls, Sector 11, was complete.

As the trio began reflecting the Manipuri style, one was led more and more into the origin of the form, which came across as ritualistic and strongly Aryan in character. The guru, while explaining the form, admitted, “Our dance drama techniques are heavily inspired by legends and mythology. They draw essentially from religion, with the theme revolving round Krishna and his leela.”

The conversation developed further with the guru talking more about Manipuri, distinct to the other classical dances of India. Guru Singhajeet, credited with awards like the Homo Bhabha fellowship, the Padmashri and many others, said, “The Manipuri dance, whether folk, classical or modern, is devotional in nature.” With these words, one was instantly reminded of the dancers in wonderful costumes, laced with simplicity and grace.

Explaining the form further, the guru added, “The significance of devotion is great, so great that even till date the dances are performed before deities. During its evolution, the ritualistic form was subjected to welcome changes, which further enriched the dance form. Today the dance form is popular and has been woven into the very pattern of Manipuris’ lives.”

The first performance underlined the form as highly artistic and aesthetic, but essentially devotional. A lyrical portion of the Vasant raaslela (sung by Sanahal Devi), the dance sequence was all about the softness of Krishna, who dances on the banks of river Yamuna with his flute. Radha, the smitten lover, joins Krishna in raasleela and the two play with colours. Presented by Charu Sija Mathur, (who has played the lead in over 35 Manipuri ballets) and guruji’s disciple Bina Das, the sequence highlighted raasleela, the epitome of Manipuri classical dance and interwoven through the celestial love of Radha. It is said that Maharaja Bhagyo Chandra, the king of Manipur, had introduced the maha raasleela in Manipur during his reign.

The second sequence aroused mysticism. It concentrated on the dance of the Meibi (the priestess), who conducts temple proceedings in Manipur. It is believed that a meibi is never chosen, she is destined to be. As the guru explained, “Often the girl child nearing puberty develops strange symptoms, which are not curable through medicine. She is then taken to the mother guru, who accepts her for religious rites. The child is meant to be a meibi and is trained in dance, music and other temple rituals.” Dressed as a meibi, Bina Das looked ravishing on stage.

Interestingly, love of art and music is said to be inherent in Manipuri society. It is difficult to find a Manipuri girl who cannot sing or dance. Even boys excel in art and cultural forms.

One could not miss out on the strains of melody created by the musical instruments used by performers today. As the guru said, “In Manipur, the instrument itself becomes an object of veneration.” Providing the percussion support were drummers Mangoljao Singh and Irabot Singh, with Jagannath Goshai on the flute.