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‘Dual’ policy on re-auction hits owners of shops at Student Centre Chandigarh, August 16 The powers that be are not disturbing “similarly placed” merchandisers in the university market, despite the expiry of the lease period. They have simply initiated the process of re-auctioning the contract for running shops and coffee house in the Students’ Centre. Along with the ex-Army officer, owners of Mona Refreshments are likely to be affected. Alleging discrimination, the affected reportedly approached the university authorities with loads of files and papers. Some explained, others pleaded. Generating resources was justified, they agreed. But a pick and choose policy was not, they told the officers concerned. If the authorities wanted to mint more money, they should have announced re-auction of the 65-odd shops in the market too. In any case, their lease had expired on July 31. The former Army officer, fondly addressed by students as “uncle”, doesn’t talk about the issue. But his sullen eyes, full of anguish, say it all. He had taken over at a time when unadorned beauties in salwar kameez loved to spend secret minutes searching for friendship cards. He saw then shed inhibitions, and dupattas, before reaching out for electronic “I love you” cards. But he had always remained an inspiration for the students. That is the reason why they still call him “uncle”. “Campus life will continue even if uncle is not there,” says former student Anil Pal Singh Shergill. “But something is going to be missing”. Shergill plans to file a public interest petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking stay on the grounds of discrimination.
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Get ready with contingency plans, dept asks schools Chandigarh, August 16 The schools have been asked to cover all aspects of safety of students, especially evacuation and avoiding stampede. In case of the above case the staff members and the students had been told gather in the ground for distributing sweets. This ensured that the students did not panic and a stampede was avoided. “The school had conducted a safety drill a few days back and this proved helpful”, the officer said. Acknowledging the need for such a drill, the department has now asked the schools to be ready with a disaster management plan . Mr D.S. Mangat, DPI (Schools), said all schools had been asked to prepare their contingency plans. Depending upon the area-specific location, the schools will now have to ensure that their disaster management machinery was in order and the students were imparted required training. The CBSE has also directed the heads of schools to stick to the safety norms. The affiliated schools had been asked to plan in advance and affectively implement strategies for safety of students. Sources in the board said the authorities had stipulated certain conditions in the bylaws of affiliation with regard to the nature and housing of the building.
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Need to update technology, says AICTE chief Chandigarh, August 16 Prof Natrajan, Chairman, All-India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), was in the city to address students of the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) to mark the inaugural function of their academic session here today. During an informal interaction with students and faculty members, Prof Natrajan expressed concern at the vacant seats in engineering courses. However, he expressed his helplessness in dealing with the situation of mushrooming institutes and centres. “We are merely an accrediting body and have absolutely no control on the opening of new institutions. We are bound to give recognition to educational societies and trusts which fulfill the eligibility conditions laid down in our charter. That is where our role ends,” he added. He emphasised on the need for updating technology at a fast pace to keep in tune with changing times. Prof Natrajan said since students were important stakeholders of the system, they ought to be inquisitive about the courses they were opting for and the facilities being offered for their particular option at the institutes. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof KN Pathak, appreciated the efforts of Prof Natrajan in streamlining the functioning of the AICTE, especially with regard to introducing a time-bound schedule for giving recognition to new engineering courses. The Director of the UIET, Prof BS Sohi, presented a report on infrastructure, facilities and support from other departments of the university to the UIET. The Chairman, accompanied by university officials, visited laboratories, the UIET library and computer facilities. Later, addressing students of the University Business School, Prof Natrajan emphasised on the paradigm shift from the 20th century management to the 21st century management. He drew the attention of students to the future challenges of the corporate world. He shared his views about leadership, optimism and vision, quoting views of industrial doyens on the subjects. Elucidating on the opportunities available to graduates, he stressed upon the fact that EQ (emotional quotient) gained over IQ (intelligence quotient). He added that SQ (spiritual quotient) was a close second to EQ with the dire need for “business ethics”. He concluded his discussion on a positive note, stating that the graduates were fully adept to face the challenges of the corporate world. |
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Centres to prepare students
for IELTS Chandigarh, August 16 The IDP learning centre at Chandigarh will begin functioning from September 6, said Mr Henry AS Ledlie, Director (India), IDP Education Australia here today. The body plans to enroll 75 students at the Chandigarh centre. There would be a one-day, 20 hours and 40 hours learning programme. Talking to the Tribune, he said a network of learning centres would be established in 22 cities across the country, providing courses to thousands of students. Quoting extracts from surveys done on student preferences, Mr Ledlie said there was a 147 per cent rise in the flux of students to Australia from Punjab in the past one year as compared to the previous year. At the learning centres, qualified teachers would teach students. On being asked about the high cost of education at international universities, he said education in Australia was 40 per cent to 50 per cent cheaper as compared to the universities in USA and UK. He said Australia had significantly lower annual tuition fee for many popular courses. The cost of living per year for international students in Australia was Rs 1,30,241 lower than in the UK and Rs 1,33,491 lower than in the USA. He said as per ‘Global Mobility 2025’, a document on the immigration status of students, prepared by the Australian Government, it had been projected that 85,000 students were expected to apply for student visa to Australia. With this in mind, the IDP was working on the concept of distant learning.
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Bhavan Vidyalaya annual function Panchkula, August 16 Students also sang patriotic songs. The Dhar brothers left the audience spellbound with tabla recital. The function was presided over by the managing committee chairman, Mr Kulwant Singh. Students were awarded trophies for excellence in the field of academics and other extracurricular activities.
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100 girls take part
in self-defence course Chandigarh, August 16 Pardeep, who is the representative of Budo Ryu Kempo, Australia, said he had taught the same techniques to students in Punjab, Haryana, J&K and Himachal in the past one year. Pardeep said he plans to conduct another course of this kind at GGS Khalsa Girls College, Sector 26. |
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I-Day festivities at KV Dara Bassi, August 16 An impressive cultural programme was organised on the school premises. Students sang patriotic songs to mark the day. Sweets were also distributed among them. At Zirakpur, Mr Narinder Kumar Sharma, president of the Zirakpur Nagar Panchayat, who was the chief guest at the Independence Day celebrations here, unfurled the National Flag outside the nagar panchayat office yesterday. Municipal councillors, officers of the civic body and residents of the nearby areas were also present on the occasion. |
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Recognition for tiny tot Mohali, August 16 Mr Sharma honoured Aditi, a student of KG class with a cash reward of Rs 1,000, a memonto and a commendation certificate on the school premises. Mr Sharma said he was impressed by the performance of the child. The child, who was leading a group of 33 students, had sung an action song “Hum le ayen hain toofan se kashti nikal ke”. Last year the child had presented the song “Chodo kal ki baaten, kal ki baat purani”. |
Six bikers conquer world’s highest passes EXPEDITION of six bike enthusiastic has set a new world record by crossing four of the world’s highest motorable passes, including Marsimik La at 18,652 feet, on their bikes within 24 hours. It was part of “TVS Fiero FX- Out There Adventurers World Record Challenge”. Between July 31 and August 1, the expedition covered four passes, Marsimik La (18,652 feet), Khardung La (18,380 feet), Tanglang La (17,582 feet) and Chang La (17,350 feet), covering a distance of 638 km between Leh and Pang. These passes are four of the world’s highest roads. Expressing joy over the great feat, Chandan Lahiri, leader of the expedition, said: “It was a lifetime experience to be on top of the world. The dedication, determination, courage and excellent team work finally triumphed over all arduous challanges like lack of oxygen, rugged terrain, snowfall and landslides”. Chandan is also the current world record holder of travelling across the three highest motorable roads in the world in 14 hours and 44 minutes. Other members of the expedition were Patrick Kerr, Michael Williams, Burgess Cooper, Sarosh Cooper and Saurav Gupta. Chandan is also putting together a book, “Himalayan journeys: Tips on travelling in the Himalayas”. In this book he will provide useful tips for travellers embarking on a journey into the awesome mountains. The book will contain chapters on first aid, high altitude illness, how to be responsible tourist and a chapter on the history of the mountain range. |
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Theatre’s utopian elements? Ask
Mohan Maharishi After ages Mohan Maharishi still seems convinced about the utopian elements of the medium, which he has long nurtured with his intellect and dedication.
In its adapted form, the play, to be staged at Tagore Theatre between August 19 and 21, traces the relationship of a daughter and mother, marginalised by society. The family, with all its struggles, becomes a reference point for a larger reality in which minorities often feel stifled and jilted. While introducing the play today, Maharishi talked about everything, from the anguish and the joy of being in theatre and the apathy of establishments towards this form of art to a consistent erosion of the once formidable institutions like PU’s Theatre Department where sciences command official attention as well as finances. “It is sad that theatre must suffer but apathy now has a permanent place in the official mindset of India where political parties don’t even mention “culture” in their manifestos. Votes determine the social and political equations and theatre remains an abandoned child. I still face trouble arranging sponsorship for my shows. But I have tried to go on,” he adds. “Ho Rahega Kuchh na
Kuchh” is a proof of Maharishi's progressive walk towards realism. Known for projecting the truth of our times through plays that feed on symbols (like Raja in “Raja ki
Rasoi” wherein the king is corruption personified), Maharishi has again chosen an issue that seethes the senses with its severity. His wife Anjala is acting after a long time. Other actors include
Balpreet, who has done purposeful plays like “Medea” and Rahul Singh, PU alumni now with NSD Repertory. Dolly Ahluwalia has done costumes for the play. Triggered by the burdensome times and their equally burdensome relationships, the play profiles a family that embodies courage in the face of darkness. As we detour from the theme of the play, the conversation rests on more realistic issues like theatrical projections of the problems which people of ravaged zones like Kashmir and North-East face. Maharishi looks reflective as he admits it a difficult question to answer, “As an artiste, one should be concerned, but I must admit I will take up such a project only when I am sufficiently moved.” Addressing another query on whether theatre could help in psychological debriefing of Kashmir’s many depression victims, he said, “There is no denying theatre’s therapeutic value, but we must remember theatre is not a magic wand. Governments should have woken up earlier. However, I would love to be a part of such a project although I have never believed in directly reacting to situations. In doing that, one often overlooks subtleties, which are critical to the issues under concern.” For now, Maharishi is worried about his new play. He ends with a request, “Please mention that children below 15 years are not allowed, and that all should be seated by 6.50 p.m. so that the play can start at 7 p.m.” A utopian idea, isn't it ?
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Traditional home furniture in demand A carefully chosen furniture or pieces meant for decoration made in artistic way can create the right ambience, be it a home, an office, a restaurant or an educational institute. “These days city residents are reverting back to the traditional items. They don’t mind to shell out extra money and spend extra time while choosing the things for their homes,” said city-based artist Satish Chopra. He has created unique collection in potteries, statues, home furniture and school furniture. The traditions are so rich and have so much variety that it offers every possible design to suit our craving to have a good and different look in your home. Rajasthani and Punjabi traditions have continuously inspired the designer to explore the creativity. His range includes centre table and wall hangings made of poly fibre. Figures of youth doing bhangra, women on spinning wheel and old man playing sarangi stand out. “The fad of keeping statues at home is catching up with city residents. They impart the museum kind of look to your room. Those people who love antiques have a lot of variety in the market. Rajsthani statues are in demand,” he said. He also created a beautiful collection of images of god and goddesses. Wall sceneries bring out the artist’s essence of farmer’s life. “The Indian customer has become more aware about the art. To meet their varied demands is a big challenge for me. They even give various suggestion which helps me to create something unique for them,” said Mr Chopra.
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He styles hair blindfolded
You can style your hair by burning them Surprised? But city-based hairstylist, Nadeem Ahmad has made this possible. He can even give you a haircut blindfolded.
Nadeem promises to end the problem of split-ends by burning it these with a medicated candle. Interestingly, he can give you the best hair style blindfolded simply with information of your head structure. “I wanted to make a career in computers, but destiny had decided something else for me. I did a course in computer programming from the city and shifted to Mumbai for higher studies. I opened a cyber cafe there while looking after my dad’ s parlour there. Slowly, I got interested in hairstyling and made it my profession”. “I love surfing the net and keep checking various sites related to hairstyles and haircutting. One day I saw a site which informed on a haircut with a candle. From there I got the inspiration and tried to learn it. It took me six months to become professional. I burned my hands many times”. Now a lot of customers come up for the candle cut, but while being blind folded is not in demand. “I think city people are afraid of trying out new things”, he said. “When I started my career in hairstyling, this profession was not seen as a reputed one. Now this profession has gained recognition. You can actually get popular with this art” he said. The latest hairstyles sought after by women are texture cut, layers and razor cut. Boys go for texture cut and spike cut. In hair colours red, brown, gold and purple are in demand. He is also an expert beautician and can cure skin problems with herbal products.
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Ready, steady & go! Where? Well about 140 ft that is approximately 20 stories, up in the air, with your whole body shot downwards to ground level for about three seconds flat, after which you stay there dangling till you are ready to finally come up and breathe again. People around you seem like small ants — small and insignificant. What’s worse, it seems like in slow motion. This is bungee jumping only it isn’t as terrifying as it sounds. In fact its adrenaline rush will keep you on a high for a long time to come. City Beautiful will host bungee jumping on August 20 at Circus Grounds, Sector 17, for the adventurous and stout- hearted. Welcome to the thrilling excitement of extreme sports which are fast catching up in the Indian milieu. And if you’re aged between six and 50, and are physically in good shape, head straight for this awesome fair. India’s wide choice of extreme sports ranges from the daring to the exotic. A test of skill, toughness, endurance and excitement. Choose your kind of adventure — from bungee jumping, that involves jumping from a high tower or a crane with only a rubber cord tied to the jumper’s feet, to catapulting that literally catapults a person into midair, with a cord tied to the waist, to the perennial challenge of the Himalayas for mountaineers, the coniferous forests and flower meadows for the trekker, the rapids of snow-fed rivers for white water rafting, and the lonely stretches of the Thar desert for camel safaris and motor rallies. Your quest for excitement can only lead to India. TNS
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A Haryanvi pop album “Dhare jab phuncha England” was released by Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala at his residence today. The album is a unique fusion of Haryanvi music with western beats. There are eight songs in the album based on romantic, comic and tragic moods. The title song “ Dhare jab phuncha England” is a comic presentation of a Haryanvi chaudhry who goes to London for the first time and gets surprised to see the culture there. The singer is an IAS officer of Haryana, Mr Ram Niwas, and the music has been composed by Vaishnava Deva Devraj Deva of Mumbai. The album is produced and directed by Mr Harvinder Malik of Shubham Music, Mumbai. OC
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