EDUCATION

PU YOUTH FESTIVAL
Plays evoke good response
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, October 30
Powerful plays on various relevant themes staged by six different women’s colleges of the city evoked desirable response from the audience on the third day of the Panjab University Zone A Youth Festival organised by Dev Samaj College for Women at Tagore Theatre in Sector 18 here today.

The afternoon schedule that included drama and histrionics showed some thought-provoking stage plays, including Badal Sircar’s “Aant Nahi”, Pali Bhupinder Singh’s “Aatam Satya” and an improvised version of Mudra Rakshas’ “Aala Officer” — a comedy that lashed out at the corrupt social system.

Aatam Satya — a story focusing the guilty conscience of a man named “Aatu” who for materialistic gains gets his friend killed by the British soldiers was portrayed beautifully by the students of Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Sector 36. The play was lent an abstract yet strong philosophical angle with characterisation of the inner truth felt by the lead character who ultimately sets Aatu free from the sin he had committed. The play was directed by Rajiv Bakshi.

Other plays like “Aant Kaha” a story which portrayed the neglect a girl child has to go through in our social set up was staged by Dev Samaj College for Women, Sector 45, while “Saavi” a Punjabi play written in Bhavalpuri script presented the story of a young girl who suffers due to the peculiar “Batta Satta” system of the Gujjar society. The first play “Aant nahi” was performed by MCM DAV College, Sector 36, while “Aala Officer” was staged by Government Home Science College, Sector 10.

Another comedy play Matvilas Prahasan, was translated by Mahendra Viram Barman from its original Sanskrit version and was directed by Dr. Nirmal Sudh. It play was staged by students of the Government College for Girls, Sector 11.

The morning session had some healthy competition among the participants in the field of debates, recitation and quiz. While Ms Madhavi Kataria, Director , Social Welfare, Chandigarh, was the chief guest for the evening session, Principal R.C. Jeewan, Senator, PU was the chief guest for the quiz session, Mr A.C. Dhawan, Chief Manager, State Bank of India, Sector 22, was the chief guest for the recitation and the Deputy Commissioner, Mr M. Ramsekhar, was the chief guest for the debate session.

The results of today’s events are as follows — Recitation: first — Ruby (GCG, 11); second — Monisha (GCG, 11); third — Ekjot (DSCW, 45). Debate: first — Neha Sai (MCM DAV, 36); second — Ruchi Kaushal (MCM DAV, 36); third — Sumandeep Kaur (DSCW, 45). Quiz : first GCG, 11; second MCM DAV, 36, third DSCW, 45.

Histrionics: first — Nidhi Pandey (MCM DAV College for Women, Sector 36; second — Gurpreet Kaur (Dev Samaj, Sector 45) third — Hemjit (GCG, Sector 42.

One Act Play: first — Savi presented by Dev Samaj, Sector 45; second — “Mat Vilaas” (comedy) GCG, Sector 42; third — Atam Satya by Guru Gobind Singh College for Women, Sector 26.

One Act Play (individual category) — Ruby Bal who acted as Savi in play “Savi,” second-Nandita, GCG 42; third — Neha Sharma, Home Science College, Sector 10.

PU to have postgraduate course in environment science
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 30
In another step to strengthen the studies in environment science, Panjab University has decided to introduce a postgraduate course in the subject.

Currently the subject has the status of being a compulsory subject at the undergraduate level. PU is among few universities in the country to offer the subject following directions by the Supreme Court.

The subject (Masters in Environment Science) is proposed to be introduced from the next academic session( 2002-2004). Also, the subject has been linked directly with the science faculty. A committee under the chairmanship of Prof Mohan Maharishi, Dean University Instructions, met recently in this regard. The committee comprised Prof R.K.Kohli, Prof Charanjit Chawla, Principal B.D.Budhiraja, Mr Jarnail Singh, Prof R.K.Kakkar, Principal K.S.Arya and Principal A.S.Bedi.

The course is intended as a self- financing one. The department will have guest faculty teachers who are reported to be paid according to the UGC rules. The committee has also cleared the syllabus for the subject.

The first examination for the course was conducted in 1993. The result showed pass percentage of five, following which the test was scrapped. Later, the university managed the show on the basis of minimum lectures fixed for eligibility in the subject.

However, in the last academic session, the university successfully conducted the written test.

The advisory committee has also recommended the outlines of the test, its syllabi and course of study in the subject. The subject has been covered under various heads, including ecosystems, geographical classifications, atmosphere, soil, water, geological hazards, pollution, environmental policy resolution and legislation.

The course will have semester system. Four semesters will have a total of 80 credits. Besides the regular papers, the course contents includes compulsory participation in seminars and project works. The syllabi is according to the NET syllabus of the UGC. The course lays much stress on practical examination and each paper will have a practical examination of 50 marks each.

COURTS

HIGH COURT
Suspension orders quashed
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 30
Allowing a writ petition filed by Dr Balkaran Singh — Punjab’s Joint Director Agriculture-cum-Director Punjab State Seeds Certification Authority — a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today quashed orders placing him under suspension.

Challenging the orders, the petitioner had earlier contended that he was placed under suspension vide orders issued on January 6 even though no reason was assigned. His counsel had added that even charge-sheet had not been served on the petitioner. State counsel, on the other hand, had asserted that the state could keep its employees under suspension without informing him of the reason. He had added that certain criminal cases had also been registered against the petitioner.

Delivering the verdict, the Bench, comprising Mr Justice Amar Bir Singh Gill and Mr Justice Swatanter Kumar, observed: “The fact that the impugned order of suspension does not indicate any reason and the state counsel has conceded that no charge sheet has been served on the petitioner, besides the fact that the filing of the challan against the petitioner has been stayed by the High Court, his continuation under suspension becomes purposeless and against the rules. In these circumstances, there is no option but to quash the impugned order of suspension”.

Arrest stayed

Directing Haryana’s former Minister Vinod Kumar Marya to appear before the trial court on November 6 and apply for regular bail in a cheating and corruption case, Mr Justice Nirmal Singh of the High Court on Tuesday stayed his arrest till then.

Marya was earlier booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, after a Hisar district resident alleged that Rs 1 lakh was taken by the former minister for getting him selected as a constable in the Haryana Police. Giving details, the complainant had added that the accused had paid back half the amount after the selection was cancelled, but had refused to return the other half despite repeated requests.

Coop decision stayed

On a writ petition filed by a coop inspector Kanwaljit Kaur, the High Court has stayed the decision taken by the Board of Directors of the Haryana Dairy Development Coop Federation abolishing two posts of coop inspectors, along with another order reverting the petitioner to the post of clerk.

Issuing the directions, Mr Justice S.S. Nijjar and Mr Justice J.S. Khehar also issued notice of motion to the Federation, along with another respondent, for April 9.

Interim bail for Bhullar

Granting interim bail till December 7 to Punjab’s Additional Director-General of Police Daljit Singh Bhullar in a triple murder case, a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday fixed February 18, 2002, as the next date of hearing on his appeal.

Pronouncing the directions, the Bench, comprising Mr Justice S.S. Sudhalkar and Mr Justice A.K. Goel, also stayed the recovery of fine imposed on all the accused by the trial court while convicting them.

Seeking three month’s interim bail on health grounds, counsel for Bhullar had earlier stated that the applicant had been advised to go in for bypass surgery at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences at New Delhi. Counsel had added that the angiography report, as well as the discharge certificate, warranted that the petitioner should be operated upon without further loss of time. Even the smallest delay could spell disaster and doom, he had concluded.

Warrants issued

Taking up an appeal filed by the state of Punjab against the orders of the trial court acquitting a doctor in a rape case, a Division Bench of the High Court on Tuesday issued bailable warrants against him.

Dr Nand Kumar, booked under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code on the allegations of raping a patient after administering two injections, was earlier acquitted by Barnala’s Additional Sessions Judge after being given the benefit of doubt.

HC issues notice to UT Administration
Legal Correspondent

Chandigarh, October 30
A division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, comprising Mr Justice S.S. Nijjer and Mr Justice J.S. Khehar, issued notice for November 5 to the Chandigarh Administration on a writ petition filed by M/s Kalsi Construction Company, alleging malafide intention on the part of respondents in deleting the name of the petitioner from the list of prequalified agencies for the construction of Block D of Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh.

The petitioner stated that though it initially prequalified for the works in question and its tender was found to be the lowest, the respondent, due to some ulterior motives, declined to accept its offer and opted to recall the tenders and prequalification bids. In the past, when the petitioner had prequalified for the construction work of E and F block of Government Medical College and Hospital and its tender was found to be the lowest, the Administration had opted to recall the tender.

The counsel for the petitioner, Mr Neeraj Chaudhary and Mr Adarsh Malik, argued that the malafide intention and arbitrariness of the respondents was evident from the fact that though there was no vigilance inquiry pending against the petitioner, the petitioner’s name was deleted from the list of prequalified companies merely on the ground that a vigilance inquiry was pending against it.

Forfeiture of surety in forgery case
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, October 30
A local court has ordered initiation of proclamation proceedings against Arun Madan, booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for forging the Supreme Court orders and adjourned the case for December 12. The accused had reportedly been absconding since February 1.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the surety amount of Rs 15,000 as a city resident who had stood surety for the accused had failed to produce the accused before the court. The court had issued a number of warrants against the accused.

The UT Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr C.L Mohal, in his order said the arrest warrant issued against the accused had not materialised. The magistrate said the accused could not be served through ordinary process of summoning. The magistrate ordered proclamation under Section 82 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The CBI had registered a case against the accused under Section 420, 466, 468, 472 and 120-B of the IPC. It was alleged that the accused had forged the orders issued on February 2, 1998 and March 16, 1998 by the Supreme Court India in writ petition no 2453-A/ 1997 and gave those to Shamsher Singh and Surriender Pal Singh, which were later submitted by them in the Supreme Court. 

CULTURE

Glimpses of Satyajit Ray’s genius
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 30
After organising a series of lecture demonstrations by noted classical singers and dancers last month, the Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Among Youth (SPIC MACAY) has now shifted focus towards visual arts. For the first time perhaps any organisation has actually struck upon the idea of celebrating the cinematic genius of the great Satyajit Ray, whose films reflect emotions in their extremes.

The festival of Satyajit Ray’s films under SPIC MACAY’s Virasat series (being sponsored by The Tribune) began yesterday at the Government College for Girls, Sector 11, with the screening of “Pather Panchali”. The sensitivity of the director which stood unravelled in the film (about a Brahmin family subjected to penury) further continued to be reflected today in Aprajito (the invincible).

Other films to be screened include “Jalsaghar”, a movie which beautifully showcases a bygone era. It reflects the declining zamindari as also the simultaneous abrasion of culture, especially music, which was highly patronised by landlords. “Jalsaghar” will be staged tomorrow at GCG-11 at 5 .30 pm. Next in the line comes “Ghaire Baire”, to be staged at the same venue and same time on November 1. This film attempts to discover the middle path — a path which successfully blends conservative ideas with contemporary demands. The cast includes Victor Banerjee and Soumitra Chatterjee.

Last but not the least comes Utpal Dutt starrer “Aagantuk”, to be staged on November 2. This film, which revolves around an unwanted guest, hits upon wider concerns of the society. 

Reflections of creativity through stained glass 
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 30
It is strange to see how colours can fill up emptiness. They may or may not further the theme resting in artists’ subconscious mind, but they always add to the meaning of life. Thanks to this maze of colours, the silence of Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, was broken by streaks of colours employed by artists participating in the third annual art exhibition being organised by BAMA Academy.

The show is all about improvisation of stained glass work. Working on a singular theme, the students of the academy have built castles of desire, thought and passion. Although a set theme seems to have restricted the free flow of thought, the students have made an effort to lace their creations with maturity and depth. All conceivable ideas have been worked upon in the various glass frames now on display at the gallery. You have landscapes, faces, masks, abstract expressions and a host of other trickles of imagination.

In the entire maze certain works do stand out for elegance and softness. The painting titled “Couple by Rumina” touches upon the sensitivity of the relationship which builds on love and sacrifice. The images have demurely set in colours and have been given a very nostalgic expression. Monika Singh’s Window revels in hues of fire — red, orange and yellow. The work is laudable in its conception of the unfulfilled longings and desires of those who are trapped on the other side of the window.

Still life by Anuradha is precise and appealing. The artist uses the medium deftly. The surface has just what is needed for beauty — few objects painted to achieve sophistication. Vandana’s soft and subtle flowers painted on to the glass surface exude a strange warmth. So does the landscape of Deepshikha.

There are close to 50 works in which the students have attempted to fuse technique and feeling. The show was inaugurated today by Director, Public Relations, Haryana, M R.K. Khullar. It will be on till November 5. 

Bengal artists to exhibit prints 
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 30
Beginning tomorrow, art lovers in the city will have an opportunity to view some of the finest graphic prints. Teachers and students of Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Graphic Department, Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan, will be here to participate in Fusion, an exhibition of graphic prints, which begins tomorrow at art-gallery of the Government College of Art, Sector 10.

Four former students of the college, Dalwinder Singh, Akshaye Agarwal, Arpan Sidhu, and Preeti Sood will also take part in the show which involves diverse techniques, tools and approaches to printmaking. The show will reflect experimentation with both traditional and contemporary print making techniques.

The Santniketan delegation will be headed by Dr Nirmalendu Das, head of the Graphic department at Kala Bhawan.