C H A N D I G A R H   S T O R I E S


EDUCATION

Found in translation
Gayatri Rajwade
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1
Vandana R Singh is the indefatigable cheerleader for translations. This writer, translator and former lecturer (Government College for Girls, Sector 11) hopes to see this genre of writing come out of the closet and enjoy the same acclaim that contemporary Indian writings in English enjoy today.

Her anthology of translations of contemporary Hindi short stories, “To Each Her Own” published by the National Book Trust and released in Delhi recently is just her little drop in the ocean. “It is my idea of social responsibility because I cannot help in say fixing potholes on the road,” she smiles.

It is a means of building bridges among diverse literatures and a medium for facilitating cross-cultural exchanges, she says, because translators have a dual advantage. “They are able to retain their cultural roots and simultaneously contribute to concepts of globalisation and post-modernism.”

According to her the “reputation” of translations, not being original pieces of work, does not take away from the creativity of the task. “It is not transliteration, it is about bringing in the nuances of the language in which the piece was originally written,” she explains.

Not only does her anthology attempt this cross-over between Hindi and English in a realistic rooted manner, but it also focuses on stories that deal with the contemporary urban Indian woman. “India is not a land of flying yogis,” she smiles. “I don’t levitate every morning but I am Indian and my life, in an urban setting, must also find representation. Although the rural India does represent a majority, yet, India survives and lives at many different levels,” she smiles.

It is here that Hindi writers like Mannu Bhandari, Krishna Sobti and Chitra Mudgal amongst others find a voice in English, providing a peak into Hindi writings that would otherwise go unnoticed.

So how did it all start? Her first translation was Alka Saraogi’s novel “Shesh Kadambari” in English, published by Katha in 2003 as “Over to You Kadambari” but writing was not something alien to her.

Vandana has also authored, “The Written Word”, a prescribed text in six universities on written communication and study skills and is also consultant editor with the NCERT, Delhi, for all textbooks published in English. She has also been part of the National Curriculum Framework 2005 under which all course books under the NCERT were revised.

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Twin celebrations at Sacred Heart School
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1
Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Sector 26, Chandigarh, celebrated Institute’s Day, the foundation day of CFMSS congregation, the institute which runs Sacred Heart School in the school premises under the auspices of Rev. Sr. Sebastina.

The chief guests of the function were Swati Garg, IAS, SDM, Chandigarh and Ankur Garg, IAS, SDM, Chandigarh.

The function also marked twin celebrations of Labour Day and Mother’s Day. It was held in two parts beginning with traditional lighting of the lamp followed by a prayer song. Other events that showcased the talent of children included a skit and colourful dance performances. The transcending theme highlighted dignity of labour, the unconditional love and support of a mother and the school values of concern and progress for all.

Being Mothers Day celebrations, mothers of the high achievers were invited to be a part of the function. A few amongst them were honoured as ‘Brave Mothers of the Year’.

The highlight of the programme was the Prize Distribution rewarding hard work of the sterling stars of the school.

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6-day festival on folk culture
Haryanvi Swang Festival at Tagore Theatre
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1
A six day Haryanvi Swang festival opened at the Tagore theatre with the presentation of a swang titled 'Chaap Singh Somvati' sculpted by the pioneering folklorist Pandit Lakhmi Chand. The week long folklore bonanza of Swang festival, the second in the series, had been organised by the department of Public Relations and Cultural Affairs, Haryana and the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Allahabad.

The opening folk dance drama based on a popular legend 'Chaap Singh Somvati' was replete with message of meaningful socio-cultural didacticism, communal harmony and respect for woman besides entertainment unlimited.

The protagonist Chaap Singh having lost his father was brought up his friend emperor, Shahjehan rose to a high ranking post in the latter’s army.

Without any historical authenticity the story is subjected to many twists and turns to keep the interest of the intrusive audience alive who virtually thronged the theatre hall.

As per the practice, the director who presents the swang plays the lead role of hero irrespective of his old age. Shyamuddin was no exception as he played young 'Chaap Singh' ably supported by repertoire of musicians, singers and five male dancers attired in female costumes. The presentation brought alive the vitality, twang and grace of the rich Haryanvi folk culture.

Chief guest K.C. Sharma, IAS, former commissioner and an authority on Haryanvi folk culture defined Swang as a dance drama form which incorporates suitable theatrics and mimicry supported by the live music and dialogues.

The very popular form of entertainment Swang, earlier limited to enact plays drawn from legends has now taken into its stride the varied issues of human welfare like the aids, dowry and communal harmony in their presentations.

Randhir Singh and Project director cultural affairs, Bhal Singh Ballara, also a leading Haryanvi film actor honoured the artists.

A swang 'Jaani Chor' will be presented by Shyam Lal Sangi tomorrow at the same time and venue.

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Seminar on faculty’s role in placements 
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1
A seminar on role of the faculty in placements was held at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bhaddal, in which Rajneesh Arora, director Placement of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, advised the students to form e-groups and pass on any small or big information regarding the placement they get or hear. He said the country was producing qualified and experienced technologist even as other countries were trying to catch up. Advocating an aggressive approach he counseled the students to tap not only the IT sector but other sectors as well.

All head of departments and faculty members attended the seminar. He stressed on being quality conscious that can increase the brand value of the institute. 

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Budget ratified for Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1
The Chandigarh Education Department got a sanction of Rs 17.94 crores under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan scheme from the Centre.

According to sources, this sanction was approved in a meeting held at New Delhi, today. The department has acquired a sanction of Rs 6.92 crore for school buildings.

The DPI (S) S.K. Setia said, “With this amount of money we would now be able to improve the infrastructure and the quality of education in the city government schools. The plans are already in the pipeline for this academic session.”

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is an effort to universalise elementary education for all by year 2011.

Meanwhile, the union government has also granted its approval for 205 posts of teachers. “Now the problem of shortage of teachers at the government schools would be solved to a great extent”, Setia added.

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PU Notes
May Day rally
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1
Members of the Panjab University (Non-Teaching) Employees Federation organised May Day rally in front of the basement gate of the administrative block, here, today. According to Dharam Paul Sharma, president of the union along with office bearers of various associations of the University employees, addressed the rally and apprised the General House about their grievances.

Prof. R.C. Sobti, also addressed the rally of the employees. Immediately after the termination of the rally, the vice-chancellor called an emergent meeting of officers and the president of the Federation. 

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From Schools

Mohali

LABOUR DAY: It was a rather special celebration to commemorate the Labour Day at the Ashmah International School, Mohali, here today, as hundreds of tiny tots dressed rather uniquely as helpers and laborers filled the entire school campus with a different set of ambience. Virtues as dignity of Labour and respect for hard work were conveyed to students in their own fun loving and sporting manner as the little ones of play class, nursery and KG classes adorned the garbs as that of laborers, masons, carpenters, mechanics etc.

SPECIAL TREAT: On the occasion of International Labour Day, a special treat was organised at Yadavindra Public School for the group-D employees and their families. On behalf of the principal, the head boy and the head girl of the school presented a 29” television set to the group-D employees. The students of junior school presented thank you cards to all of them. This was followed by a movie and snacks served by the senior school students. The teachers had prepared and served a special lunch for all the workers and their families. All the duties from making the tea, serving snacks to students, ringing the bell and the duties of peons for the principal, vice principal and headmistress were taken up by students. The programme was organised to show the love and respect YPS has for all its employees and also to teach and remind our students the values of dignity of labour and hard work.

JUBILATIONS: Students of Ajit Karam Singh International School, Phase 11, organised a street play on the occasion titled “Shram neva jayate.” The play was performed by the students outside the school premises to inculcate awareness about the daily wagers and labourers.

Zirakpur

CELEBRATIONS: Mantaran bagged the best actor award of the day in the role of a narrator while Kirandeep was adjudged the best performer during the annual function of the school.

A colourful cultural variety programme presented by the students of the school was inaugurated by Brig. P.K. Mangal by lighting the lamp in the school campus while Vedic songs were being chanted.

The cultural programme included lively Pinoccio, Andhra dance and a nourishing vegetable dance. The impressive and captivating dances and action songs by the tiny tots enthralled the audience and skits in Hindi and English mesmerised the audience.

The prizes were distributed by the first lady of the Unit, Deepti Mangal. The function came to end with a scintillating Bhangra performance.

The Chairman, in his address congratulated the students and blessed them with his appreciating and motivating words. Vote of thanks was proposed by the senior most PGT, S.L. Mohan.

Chandigarh

Students of KV-31, perform Gidha during the school’s annual function held at LECMA Hall at 3 BRD, AF Station, Chandigarh, on Tuesday.
Students of KV-31, perform Gidha during the school’s annual function held at LECMA Hall at 3 BRD, AF Station, Chandigarh, on Tuesday. — Tribune photo: Parvesh Chauhan

ANNUAL FUNCTION: Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sector 31, Chandigarh, celebrated its annual function at LECMA Hall, 3 BRD, Air Force Station, here, today. Air Commodore R.K. Srivastava, AOC 3 BRD was the chief guest on the occasion.

The function commenced with ‘Saraswati Vandana’ to invoke the blessings of the goddess of knowledge. After a formal welcome, principal Dr S.P. Shergill readout the annual report highlighting glorious achievements of the school. The merit holder students were later awarded by Mrs Reena Srivastava, president, AFWWA.

This was followed by a variety of cultural items. The students enthralled the audience with folk dances and songs. The Hindi skit ‘Shadi Ki Baat’ was a satire on male dominated society. The main attraction of the function was Punjabi Bhangra. The function ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

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From Colleges

Mohali

ALUMNI MEET: Old students of Shaheed Udham Singh College of Engineering and Technology, Tangori, got together for the Alumni Meet in the college premises along with their families. Dr D.S. Hira, principal, welcomed the old students of the college and shared a healthy talk with them. He also spoke about the recent placements and achievements. He elaborated the new professional affiliations and asked the students to remain in touch and guide and help their juniors from time to time.

The students said this informal occasion provided a great opportunity for us to meet some of our friends and share lots of great memories and stories of our time at the college. The final year students presented colorful cultural programmes at the occasion. A general body meeting of the Alumni body was held and old students were nominated for the Alumni executive body.

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Allottees of society get HC relief

Chandigarh, May 1
Original allotees of the Pink Rose Cooperative House Building Society have finally won a long legal battle against the administration for wrong inclusion of certain Punjab cadre IAS officers on the society’s membership list.

A division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in a recent order, quashed the unapproved allottee membership list published on May 14, 2005.

The orders (May 3, 2005) of then joint registrar of cooperative societies Madhvi Kataria and another orders (June 6, 2006) of secretary, Cooperation-cum-Home Secretary, Krishna Mohan, have been quashed.

The court has also ordered to hold elections of the society as per original list supplied by the Chandigarh Housing Board. — TNS

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Barnala case: Doc’s statement recorded
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1
In the high-profile rape case, involving former MLA of SAD from Dhuri Gagangjit Singh Barnala, a local court today conducted the examination-in-chief of Dr Amandeep Kaur, a prosecution witness, who had recorded a statement of the victim when she was admitted to the Sector 16 hospital.

The cross-examination of the doctor will be held tomorrow. The court also recorded the statement of the Dr Satwant Bhalla and Dr Vidhu Bhasin, both had given medical opinion on the MLA.

It may be mentioned that on December 15, 2006, the victim had retracted from her previous statements made earlier before the police and had also feigned ignorance about the identity of the suspect. Denying that she was raped by the MLA, the maid, during the in-camera proceedings in the court, had stated that she had suffered an abdominal injury. — TNS

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