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EDUCATION

PU to host national cell biology conference
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 18
After successfully hosting the five-day Indian Science Congress in January this year, Panjab University is gearing itself up for another prestigious conference. This time, the university will play host to leading genomists and cell biologists at the 28th All India Cell Biology Conference and Symposium on Genome Biology.

The newly established National Centre for Human Genome Studies and Research will host the conference.

To be held from December 1 to 3, the organisers hope that the conference gets over before the harsh winters and the foggy conditions set in. Last time during the Science Congress, many delegates from other parts of the country were not comfortable in harsh winter here.

“Winters are a deterrant for many of the delegates, especially from the southern part of the country. That is why we have avoided the dates in January to ensure maximum participation,’’ said Prof Tapas Mukhopadhaya, chairperson of the Genome Centre, PU, who is expecting more than 200 delegates to take part in the conference.

For providing accommodation, the university plans to tie up with local institutes like the IMTECH and the CSIO for the senior scientists, while for the participating students from other institutes, the PU hostels would be thrown open. Delegates from leading institutes like Tata Cancer hospital and the CMDI are also expected to take part in the conference.

Conference meetings will have special emphasis on genome biology, besides other areas of cell biology with emphasis on research and developments in the fields of functional genomics. The organisers have mainly listed six key areas that will be intensely debated upon at the conference. These include structure and function of cell and cell organs, differentiation and cellular regulations, cell physiology, chemical and radiation effects on cells and chromosomes, genetics and cytogenetics, and molecular biology.

The four national-level awards, including Dr S.R.V. Rao Award for best poster presentation, Dr S.R.V. Rao award for best platform presentation, Dr B.R. Sesachar award for best poster presentation and Dr Manasi Ram prize for best poster presentation, will also be presented at the three-day conference.
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200 attend symposium on architecture
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 18
A cross-section of views on the new concepts in architecture education and emerging job prospects were expressed by experts at a symposium on ‘Architecture education and professional practice career prospects’ was organised by Chitkara Education Trust at Government College of Architecture, Sector 12, here today.

Around 200 persons, including students, attended the seminar. The objective of the symposium was to bring together, on one platform, accomplished and experienced practicing architects as well as academicians face-to-face with students aspiring to take up architecture as their chosen career.

The career opportunities for graduates in architecture have been widening into new and exciting fields but the awareness level about these amongst aspiring students, parents and public was rather low.

Mr Vivek Atray, Director, IT and Technical Education, Chandigarh Administration, inaugurated the symposium by lighting a lamp. Mr Rajnish Wattas, Principal of Government College of Architecture, advised students to take up a career in which they have a natural aptitude. “Architecture,” according to Prof. Wattas, “allowed a student to develop his personality, as it was the most comprehensive form of education. “It not only involved the designing of buildings, but also other aspects like landscaping, environment, geography and topography.

Prof Anil Kumar, Head, Department of Architecture, CR State College of Engineering, Murthal, said “An architect is the one who conceives every project and so his role is very important. Architecture is a complex study of Man, Space and Time as every space that man uses is organised by an architect at some level or the other.”

Talking about the syllabi of the Bachelor of Architecture programme he stated that the 10 semesters are so designed that the student can move into his professional life with ease. The curriculum has been prepared and the teaching done in such a way that the architecture schools developed ‘thinkers’ rather than mere textbook knowledge students.

Prof I.J.S. Bakshi , Director, Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture, said an interesting facet was that no architect remained unemployed. There are diverse opportunities for employment and self-employment for architects as a number of specialised fields such as landscape architecture, urban design, architectural conservation, project management, building construction and technology, interior design, were emergining, he added.

A number of architects have gone into CAD-based software development, marketing, set design, and various other creative fields. It is an exciting future for architects.”

Talking about the changing face of architecture, Mr Dinesh Sarin, a Delhi-based practicing architect who has been actively involved in the designing of Delhi Metro Rail said, “ The one great thing about architecture is that it is only limited by your imagination and one is continuously learning new things every day. In the USA, an architect can lose his licence if he does not participate in a continuing education programme”

With newer technologies coming in, an architect was faced with even greater challenges to accept and incorporate these technologies in his planning and design, he added.

Prof Surjit Bains, principal of Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture (CSPA), said “With more and more young students opting for architecture, the need for new architecture schools has increased.”
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Underprivileged kids have brush with colours
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, July 18
They painted the white sheet in bright hues. Under-privileged working children from Azad Colony, Sector 21, today gave expression to their imagination as they painted pictures of mountains, seas, flowers and their ideal home.

The children were participating in an on- the- spot painting competition being organised in memory of the late Prof Kanwal Nain Kotra in collaboration with The Aruna Asif Ali Trust at Doon Public School here. All 20 working children, who are studying at Disha Child Labour Education Centre, participated.

Uday Pal won the first prize. Seema and Rajni were declared second and third, respectively. Anju and Rajesh Kumar were given consolation prizes. Family members of Prof Kotra, gave away towel sets to all participants.

Mrs Oshima Raikhy, Managing Trustee, Aruna Asif Ali Trust, said these children were taught at the school premises in the afternoon from 3 to 5 pm. “They are all working children, mainly employed as part-time servants or work with their parents and sell fruits or other wares. We started Disha Child Labour Education Centre in August 1999 after the management of Doon Public School allowed us the use of a classroom after normal school hours were over.”

She said that the children were made to appear for the Class V board examinations within three years of joining school. Extra-curricular activities like Theatre and painting workshops were organised every Saturday.
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Hamara School
A school for all-round growth

As one enters the portals of Guru Nanak Public School, one is struck by the sheer grandeur of the school building bathed in golden sunlight. It is simply mesmerising. Behind the school walls, the place throbs with activity.

The school started in 1974. With each passing year, it has emerged stronger.

Excellence in academics, extra-curricular activities and sports has been a tradition with the school. It has shaped the future of hundred of students.

Housed in beautiful surroundings, it has a massive sports ground, well lit classrooms, laboratories and a well-stocked library. The school building was given a complete facelift recently. This has lent it a pristine look.

If you are looking for a second home for your child the school hostel is highly recommended. In fact, on entering it one is transported into the ‘lap of’ nature. In spite of its location in the city centre, the building is surrounded by lush green lawns — a perfect place for a child to grow up in.

The teaching and Administrative staff works as a combat group under the able guidance of the principal for realisation of its aims and aspirations. One and all work in tandem for this institution as the school believes that strength lies in togetherness.

“Dreams will come true when you wake up and get busy” and that is exactly what we are hoping to do at Guru Nanak Public School.
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Principal speak
Teachers must show the way

The word education is derived from the Latin word ‘Educare’; the oxford meaning of which reads ‘to bring up’ (young persons) ; give intellectual and moral training to each one of you may have fond memories of your favourite teacher at school who touched your life in a special way and played an important role in shaping you into the kind of person you are.

“Teachers should be the best minds of the country”, said Dr Radhakrishnan. A teacher’s heart should be the lamp of knowledge. His conduct should be simple and his ambition noble. His river of wisdom can never become stagnant. It must flow like rainwater, bountiful in knowledge, stoked in the furnace of experience.

Teachers and students share an exclusive relationship which is evident from the fact that many times a child enjoys a better rapport with his teachers than his parents. The point that needs to be comprehended is: the moral responsibility of a teacher towards each child in the class.

I am sure we remember that excitingly nervous feeling experienced when our parents met the classteacher once every 2nd Saturday at the PTA meeting. A basic analysis would amplify the degree to which we revered our teachers and the importance we attached to those simple words exchanged between those “bringing us up”.

It is the responsibility of a teacher to understand every child in his class; a complex exercise which would include knowing the child’s family, and helping him solve problems at home, if any, monitoring closely his performance in the classroom as well as in the playfield, guiding, encouraging and motivating him constantly.

A frank chat with the student is the most effective method to break harness. The entire process of knowing one’s class is a painstaking job and requires a teacher who is dedicated and responsible. He must act as an all-time friend, ever-willing to lend a helping hand, yet maintaining the thin line between frankness and familiarity.

Punctuality, accountability, simplicity, humility, honesty, impartiality and moral uprightness are a few qualities which a teacher must inculcate in himself.

If there are two ingredients which a teacher must include in his magic potion for a weak student, these are “praise” and encouragement”. When doing so, the teacher must bear in mind that the child is always seeking attention. A careful combination of encouragement and marshalling can and yield miraculous results. A child’s participation in extra-curricular activities is a must for his overall personality enhancement and development of communicational skills.

Children’s minds are like fresh snow. Impressions that we create today, will last them a lifetime.
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Science exhibition
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 18
The regional level CBSE-INTEL science exhibition competition will be held on August 27 and 28 at DAV Model School, Sector-15. The board has registered 75 participating teams so far and keeping in view the enthusiasm of the schools and students, the last date of submission of forms has been extended up to July 31. Now the schools can forward their application of participating teams till July 31.

The board will be organising National Level Science Exhibition Competition in collaboration with INTEL from the current academic year to make scientific awareness among students. Selected teams of participating schools will be eligible to participate in Jawaharlal Nehru National Science Exhibition Competition organised by the NCERT in the month of November.
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Club poll contestants move board
Sanjay Sharma
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 18
Three members of the Chandigarh Club have moved the Principal Bench of the Company Law Board (CLB) in Delhi for declaration of the club results held up since April 3, 2004. Mukesh Bassi, a presidential candidate in the held-up elections, has moved an application under Regulation 44 of the CLB Regulations, 1991, for intervention by the applicants (contestants for the club’s executive committee elections, 2004) praying that the results be declared.

Mr Bassi, Dr Sanjeev Goel and Raj Kumar Mittal’s application will come up for hearing on July 21.

The applicants have referred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, directing the CLB that the proceedings pending before the board, New Delhi, under Sections 397 and 398 shall be dealt with expeditiously and final orders in this regard should not exceed two months from May 12, 2004.

“The withholding of the election results owing to alleged compoundable offences like violations of the provisions of the Companies Act by the executive would prejudiciably affect the fundamental rights of the applicants,” the applicants seeking the results have said.

The applicants say that they are being denied constitutional guarantees without any fault on their part.

They contend the members are immediately and seriously affected by the delay in the constitution of a new executive committee of the club.

They have pleaded that pending the disposal of the petition before the CLB, the returning officer of the club be directed to get the votes counted and declare the results.
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Mobiles with camera in vogue
Swarleen Kaur

Mobile phone fever seems to have gripped the city youth. Most of them change their model every few months. Shelling out that extra amount is no problem. Mobiles with cameras are the most sought after. Mini cells which are easy to carry are the latest trend.

Ankit Goyal, a BA (III) year student is crazy about mobile phones. He has changed six sets in a year. He has Nokia 7610 which comes with a camera, MMS and video recording facility. The price is Rs 24,000. He says it is easy to sell these phones as there are a lot of buyers for second-hand sets. “I have latest ringtones and when my phone rings it raises curiosity.

Rahul Sharma, a college student is of the opinion that to have the latest model is the best way to flaunt one’s style. “I have recently bought Nokia 6600. It is with video-recording and imaging. Standing out of the crowd was never so easy.

Gurpreet Kaur, a student of MCM College, too, has changed her cell. Now she has a Samsung phone with a flap. She keeps herself busy sending SMS to friends.

Sucheta, a student of GCG 11 says, she cannot imagine life without a mobile phone. It is not only useful, but lends charm to life. If you have the latest models with the latest technology, it is real fun. I recently bought Sony Ericsson Z600 for Rs 17,000. It is with a flap and looks beautiful.

Mobile dealer, Sameer says, “A lot of new styles and designs are coming in the market which suits every kind of individual. Even the prices have gone down. Every set has its unique features and services which attracts youngsters. Some buy it just to show off and to impress others. Sometimes, good ringtones is enough reason to buy a new cell.

Mr Baldev Singh of National Watch House says: These days Nokia N-gage is getting popular. It comes with video play, 3-D games and MP3 player. Though it is expensive, still it has a lot of buyers. Sony Ericsson, the new K700i with camera, FM and polyphonic ringtones, is also in demand among youngsters.
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Rugs can energise a room

DECORATING your home is a test of creativity but it requires a lot of common sense also.

While one may spend a lot of money on furniture or on buying wall accessories, at times floors are denied of accessories.

Says city- based interior decorator Sonika Aggarwal, “While giving a new touch to the home one has to keep in mind that floor is the foundation for design. A beautiful rug helps in harmonising diverse elements. It is also helpful in re-energising a room”.

A wide range of rugs in different shapes styles, and colours are available in the market.

While buying a rug you need to size up the room and the area which is to be covered. The most common area rug sizes are 4 by 6 and 6 by 9 feet. These work well under a coffee table, says Sonika. An 8 by 10 feet area rug can cover an entire room. Smaller rugs are ideal for adorning smaller spaces like beside a dining table or area in front of the kitchen.

For floor rugs, wool is usually the preferred choice as it is resistant to wear and tear. Wool has many wonderful qualities.It is rich in colour tones and easy to maintain. Silk rugs are used as wall hargings making the living room look more elegant. Vegetable dyes give a casual and yet attractive look to these. However, one disadvantage these rugs have is that these fade away easily.

Light coloured rugs can make a room look more spacious while deeper colours lend coziness.

If you are buying roomsize Persian or oriental rugs for the bedroom then chances are that it will be a waste since most part of the pattern will be hidden under the bed. Also the darkness below the bed can invite moths

Therefore, it will be better that instead of one single big rug, multiple smaller rugs are used. One can be put a rug at the foot of the bed and two on each side. It will cost less and compliment the furnishings better.

A circular or octagonal-shaped floor covering can add flair and elegance. A rug with a bold overall design can be made the focal point of a room with a chair and sofa in a solid colour or subdued patterns.

When buying oriental rugs,avoid buying from exhibitions and trade fairs as in case of problem later you cannot approach the shop keeper. OC
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Tickle your taste buds at Yellow Chilli

A celebrity chef, country's best-selling author and entrepreneur venturing into fine dining restaurants. That and much more is the versatile Sanjeev Kapoor of the Khaana Khazaana fame (incidentally, the show is also the longest-running tele-show in the country).

The celebrated chef was in Panchkula today, where he announced the opening of a dining restaurant, The Yellow Chilli, in September. He already has eight restaurants, including the two overseas. As he discussed the course of his life- from an aspiring architect to an entrepreneur, we discovered that the smile on his face, as it beamed on your television, was actually for real, as was his wit and patience.

But what took him so long to come to Chandigarh, especially when he had opened restaurants in Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar. "Well, my Shatabdi got late", he jokes, adding that he wanted to first test the difficult Punjabi taste buds. He says he likes doing things differently, which is the reason why he chose to open his restaurant in Panchkula instead of more happening places in the city of Chandigarh.

He says perhaps his inherent desire to do things differently, even while trying out recipes, gives him a cutting edge. "Cooking is nothing but common sense put to creative use. The method for cooking, say daal, is the same but season it with mint leaves instead of coriander and you have a different refreshing flavour," he says, adding, "I believe in putting positive energies into cooking. Experimentation is the key to cooking good food."

Sanjeev Kapoor says he wanted to be an architect, and had even taken admission in the Chandigarh College of Architecture."I wanted to join the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi. I was on the waiting list, so I joined a course in Hotel Management. Since then, there has been no looking back," he says.

Sanjeev can never get used to the idea of having accomplished all. One has to move on to higher goals, he says. TNS
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Sports brand launches apparel range

Sprandi International, a leisure sports brand, which manufactures sports apparel, footwear and accessories, has launched its apparel range in the city and the neighbouring towns of Punjab. The company, which started operations in India with footwear in 2003, has come out with affordable and stylish sportswear. Anything splashy or in vibrant colours got to be Sprandi. It targets youth in the age group of 16 and above.

Get what you want, the baseline of the company goes well with the product line — which ranges from shirts, T-shirts, sweat shirts, sweaters, jackets and pants. Their range of accessories includes caps, bags and wallets.

The company has 45 distributors all over India. Claiming to be in the league of Reebok and Nike, the Sprandi USP is the price, which is less than the competitive leading brands.

While T-shirts start from Rs 390 onwards, jackets can be bought for Rs 2,200 and footwear for Rs 695 onwards. The retail counter in the city will be in Sector 17.

Regional Manager (Sales), Mr H.K. Sehgal, says of the eight new exclusive stores to be opened across the country, at least three will be in this region — Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Jammu. Mumbai and Delhi will have two stores each.

Though at present they are selling the product through retail outlets like Ebony, they plan having their own stores by Divali. They have two big corporate stores in Noida and Gurgaon.

The company already has its presence in Russia, where it is the third largest brand. However, the company’s main production is in South-East Asia. TNS
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