Chandigarh, April 14
Polemic-07, the annual debate competition organised by the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, ended here yesterday with the finals being concluded amid much fanfare.

True to its name, Polemic-07 has stood over the years as a platform for the ultimate battle of wits, said the organisers.

The topic of the final debate was: Are religious beliefs rational? Have they done more harm than good?

PU vice-chancellor professor R.C. Sobti, along with DSW professor Naval Kishore, presided over the function. PUCSC president Dalvir Singh and Atul Parasar were also present on the occasion.

The first prize was jointly bagged by Gaurav Chibbar and Karandeep Singh of UIET. The second position went to Rav Pratap and Harpreet Singh of UILS. The third prize went to Gaurav Ghai and Piyush Kansal of DCET.

Chandigarh, April 14
The Chandigarh education department today approved and released a list of books for government model and non-model schools of the city for 2007-08.

The exercise was undertaken by subjectwise committees, which comprised principals and practising class-room teachers, constituted under the chairmanship of district education officer for submitting their recommendations to the district-level committee.

DPI(S) S.K. Setia held a series of meetings with conveners of all subjects.

The publications of the Punjab School Education Board and the Haryana School Education Department were also referred along with publications of the NCERT, the CBSE, private publishers vis-à-vis the needs and level of learners of model and non-Model schools.

The publishers whose books were shortlisted were invited to the meeting, addressed by the DPI(S), here, today.

He asked private publishers whose books had been selected to pledge a security of Rs 50,000 each for a minimum period of 30 days to ensure regular supply of books.

He further instructed the publishers to highlight the reduced price after offering discount on the title page of each textbook with a 3D hologram.

They were asked to get the books properly bound at a uniform rate of Rs 5 each, leaving the option with the purchaser to buy the book with or without binding.

He reiterated that security would be forfeited if books ran in short supply or overcharged during the course of the session.

The publishers whose books were selected were made to sign an acceptance letter and offer 12.50 per cent discount to students and additional 12.50 per cent discount to the department on bulk purchase on the revised printed price.

A circular will be issued asking students or their parents to report any instance of malpractice, overcharging or book shortage to the DEO on telephone Nos. 5021691 and 2740398 or to the DPI(S) in person on any working day.

To ensure smooth supply of textbooks published by the Haryana School Education Department and the Punjab School Education Board, the authorities concerned have been contacted to check whether the publications that have been recommended by the committee are available in their stock.

Some books are being phased out to switch over to NCERT books.

Chandigarh, April 14
The education department of the Chandigarh administration has requested the principal of DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, Chandigarh, to allow the temporary use of the school building for running second shift.

It has been proposed to utilise the school building for running second shift i.e. after regular school hours in a purely stopgap arrangement in view of the closure of private schools in residential buildings.

Home secretary-cum-secretary, education, UT administration, Krishna Mohan said: “Education plays a significant role in the holistic development of an individual and the Chandigarh administration is determined to provide quality education to its children.”

Chandigarh, April 14
As many as 500 delegates participated in an orientation programme on the opening day at DAV School, Sector 15, here, today. The 3-day programme is from April 14 to 16.

The Directorate of Project Planning and In-service (DPPI), under the aegis of DAV College Managing Committee, organised a curriculum orientation programme for the teaching fraternity of all DAV Schools of five states-Punjab, Haryana, J&K, Rajasthan and Chandigarh.

The function was inaugurated by D.R. Yadav, regional officer, CBSE. Various resource persons from NCERT apprised the teachers about the changes in the curriculum.

The programme was jointly organised by Rakesh Sachdeva, principal of DAV-15 and Madhu Bahl, principal of KBDAV-7. The subjects for the workshop were maths, science and hindi for Class X and biology, physics, chemistry, english, hindi and maths for Class XII.

Various directors of DAV College Managing Committee, Delhi, were also present, including Rashmi Chari, assistant director, DPPI, Aeri, director, Public Schools and Gandhar, director, Public Schools. 

Panchkula, April 14
Panchkula resident Manu Sharma, who is doing Ph.D at the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, on the senior research fellowship of the Indian Council of Medical Research, has been awarded the Prof A.S. Brar best paper award.

He was presented this award at a national symposium on “Recent Advances in Analytical Sciences and Applications” held at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, from April 9 to 11. Sharma presented his paper titled "Synthesis, Characterisation and Antitumor Activity of Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Lantadene A derivatives". This paper was co-authored by Prof P.D. Sharma of the same institute and Prof M.P. Bansal of the department of biophysics.

The award includes a cash prize of Rs 1,000, a certificate and free life membership of the Indian Society of Analytical Scientists. Prior to this, Sharma bagged the Bentham Science Publication Travel Grant in international symposium on medicinal chemistry organised by the European Federation of Medicinal Chemistry and the Turkish Association of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry held in Istanbul, Turkey. Sharma also got the best poster award in the first Chandigarh Science Congress in March this year. 

Chandigarh, April 14
The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has come to the rescue of Gurvinder Singh, a resident of Mohali, while getting insurance claim from Oriental Insurance Company Limited.

The complainant had alleged that an unidentified person had taken away his motor cycle after pretending to test drive his motor cycle at the motor market, Sector 22.

Subsequently, a first information report (FIR) was lodged at the police station, Sector 17, on May 3, 2005.

After the police issued untraceable report, the complainant approached the insurance company for a claim.

The company denied claim to the applicant on the ground of breach of trust and delay in informing the company about the theft of the vehicle.

Replying to the contention of the complainant, the insurance company stated that the matter was brought to its notice three months after the incident took place, even though legal process had been initiated by him. The claim of the complainant was also rejected by the insurance ombudsman.

Stating harassment on part of the company, the complainant moved the district consumer forum. Handing down the order, the forum directed the company to pay Rs 27,550, another Rs 5,000 on account of harassment and Rs 1,100 as litigation costs to the complainant. The company went in for appeal before the state commission, which upheld the order of the forum. — TNS

Chandigarh, April 14
Responding to recent comments following an injunction suit filed by the National Consumer Welfare Council in a local court against Frankfinn Institute of Airhostess Institute of Training, the institute today said the comments made by certain individuals were in reaction to the institute’s recent successes.

Civil Judge, Junior Division (Chandigarh), Sudeep Goel had yesterday issued notice to K.S. Kohli and Rakesh Aggarwal, chairman and managing director, respectively, of the Frankfinn Institute of the Airhostess Institute of Training, on an injunction suit filed by the council.

A spokesperson for the institute said it was the only institute in the country to offer training on Airbus A300.

Quoting an order of the Delhi High Court, it said the court had allowed the use of Airbus for training its students without hindrance.

He added that their institute was the only one to clearly mention in its prospectus that there was no placement guarantee. “Our institute trains cabin crew and not pilots. Airbus has been made accessible for training. It is clearly mentioned in the prospectus that Airbus is parked at Dwarka, making it amply clear that it does not fly.” — TNS

Chandigarh, April 14
A bimonthly publication “Harmony” was released by president of the Resident Welfare Association Hitesh Kumar on the occasion of Baiskahi here today.

Through the publication, the association endeavours to develop feeling of togetherness among the residents.

Chandigarh, April 14
Sher Miandad is a man of few words. Born into a Sufi tradition that goes back 700 years, he says even a lifetime would be insufficient to recall his family’s musical history. But he tries, nevertheless.

The conversation takes root in Miandad’s status as a resident qawwal and composer at the dargah of Baba Faridudin in Pak Pattan. Soon it takes flight, moving backward to times when Miandad’s ancestors enriched qawwali - a quintessentially spiritual form.

“We sing of love. Inspired as our music is by the poetry of saints, it is deep and moving. Even today people are moved to tears when we offer prayers at the dargah,” says Miandad in Chandigarh today to present a recital on the second day of Baisakhi celebrations being organised by the UT Administration.

Like always, Miandad’s concert was about peace. He sang of people’s aspirations from society - as perceived by Sufi saints. He has presented such concerts earlier during Punjab heritage festivals, where he has been a regular.

Miandad’s grandfather Din Mohd was presented a holy dastar by the dewan of Baba Farid’s dargah at Pak Pattan.

Later, Miandad’s father became the official qawwal of the shrine. Now Miandad performs the “holy duty”.

“Our family’s history is 700 years old. It nurtured the musical talents of the likes of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. We trace our roots to Haji Maru Khan who migrated to Jalandhar from Ghazni,” says Miandad, who has been a guest lecturer at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Besides, he is part of “Sufi Moon”, a group that represents an encounter between Swiss Alphorns and Sufi music of Pakistan. It came into being when Swiss vocalist Anna Grichting collaborated with Miandad during one of the Sufi soul world music festivals in Pakistan.

At “Sufi Moon”, the collaborators make music that explores the spiritual symbolism of the moon (crescent), which is also the symbol of Islam. These days Miandad is also busy waiting for his Bollywood break as he has recorded four songs for Mahesh Bhatt.

Though excited over the prospect, Miandad keeps his composure.

“We can’t afford to give in to temptations. Ours is a different league. Even today when I am not touring, I go to Pak Pattan to offer prayers. It’s a splendid feeling - one that’s unique to Pakistan,” says Miandad, referring to how Pakistan represents the symbiosis between modernism and tradition in its network of shrines housing the graves of Sufi saints.

Chandigarh, April 14
The magic of Jagjit Singh’s voice worked to brighten the moods at Nehru Bhavan this evening.

For a while it seemed like the old, familiar, collaboration that has for years charmed the music-loving people of this city - the Durgas Das Foundation, The Tribune and the ghazal maestro.

But one more thought and you knew exactly why this evening was so much more special that the ones Jagjit has inspired in the past.

Today, his voice was more at home among strangers; his mood had an air of tranquility. As he transcended the many levels of performance during his over two-hour-long concert, his glance often met that of his partner’s.

Seated among the audience today was Jagjit’s partner in life and rhyme - Chitra - whose presence made all the difference. Not that the romantic in Jagjit has ever been subdued. But today, he belted out his best in a style that was freewheeling, liberated and intoxicating - a style that love alone can inspire. So it did.

One melody after another, the concert took the shape of a story, which Jagjit told with conviction.

Surprisingly, his often-melancholic style of presentation was pleasantly interrupted by instant wit. The musician had everyone in splits when while rendering “Tera chehra…” he commented: “Ishq mein log kitna jhooth bolte hain….”

Soon he justified the statement by singing: “Tujhse milke imli mithi lagti hai; tujhse bichadke shehad bhi khara lagta hai….”

The reference fitted the scheme of things perfectly. For once, it took the listeners’ attention away from lyrics which always dominate Jagjit’s concerts. So overpowering are his words that rhythm almost becomes secondary to poetry.

Why else would people feel like humming along when he sings classics like: “Kal chaudvi ki raat thi”; “Yeh kagaz ki kashti”, “Baat nikalegi”, and “Pyar ka pehla khat likhne mein….”

Like always, the concert inspired a familiar mysticism - typical of Jagjit’s style. Through ghazals like “Der lagi aane mein unko” and “Kuchh na kuchh to …”, Jagjit rekindled lost passions in the hearts of those that listened.

The serene ambience at Nehru Bhavan further beautified the experience of being in the company of Jagjit and his ageless music. Needless to say, the show was made possible, courtesy Durga Das Foundation and The Tribune.

Chandigarh, April 14
“Music forms, be it classical, traditional or its hybrid Punjabi pop, are dynamic and their growth is bound to be influenced by the changing trends in lifestyles in any part of the world,” opines Punjabi folk and playback singer Amrinder Gill.

“But ultimately, the music endowed with a definitive concept, inherited melodic structure with emotional appeal will stay,” he maintains.

In city to perform at the Chandigarh Press Club, Gill shared his views with mediapersons on issues ailing the music industry today.

“The Punjabi folklore going the pop way should be taken into right perspective as the vigour and vitality of our rich cultural heritage had won hearts of music lovers throughout the world,” he hails. But the most dreadful menace is music piracy, which is rampant in an abundant measure.

He solicited the cooperation of all concerned, especially the media and the government to contain it.

A postgraduate in agriculture with a gold medal and presently a senior executive, Gill has no formal training in classical music, except what he learned during his college days.

The self-taught versatile singer with a gifted voice was initiated into music during his childhood.

Credited with five albums, including “Apni jaan ke”, “Chann da tukda”, “Ikk vaada” and “Dildarian”, he is the most admired singer who had endeavoured to translate the soul of Punjab through his songs.

Television channels MH-I and Radio London had lauded his creative-aesthetic potential through coveted awards.

An ardent follower of Gurdas Mann, he never dares even to sing his compositions out of reverence, treating these as a gem of perfection.

He feels lyricism as the lifeline of any composition.

Gill later regaled the audience at a function held to mark the installation ceremony of the new office-bearers of the club for 2007.

He doled hits like “Dildarian”, “Punjabi munde”, “Mel karaade sohni kudi naal” and the romantic “Je mille oh kudi....”

Besides “Daaru naa peenda hove” and “Madhaania” on female foeticide were well received.

Chandigarh, April 14
City residents were witness to traditional Baisakhi celebrations during the weekly Plaza Carnival, organised jointly by the Chandigarh administration and the Centre for Carnival Arts, this evening.

Mayor Harjinder Kaur was the Chief guest. Tourism director Vivek Attray was among those present.

The evening began with a ‘gatka’ performance by a troupe led by Gurpreet Singh Khlasa of Akhara Baba Deep Singh, Mohali.

As the evening unfolded, Punjabi singer Satwinder Bugga, who has many music albums and performances in India, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to his credit, enthralled the audience.

People danced with gay abandon relishing Bagga’s rich and joyful renditions, including “Kudi Punjaban lagdi hai”, “Gagari nu ghungru”, “Yaar na vicchre”, “Tere bajon giddha”, “Tootan wali thandi thandi chaan dosto” and many more.

Punjabi folk performers rounded up the show with colourful bhangra, giddha and harvest dances, directed by Paramjit Kaur.

The show was sponsored by BSNL, while The Tribune Group of Publications was the media sponsor.