Back to school from today
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, July 4 — The spring-cleaning job has been done and the schools are all set to re-open tomorrow after a two-month vacation. But the students are reluctantly getting ready to begin with another gruelling study session which will have their nose to the grindstone and holidays few and far between.

Schools are a picture of manicured lawns, trimmed hedges and shrubs, varnished classroom furniture and repainted doors, windows and swings along with whitewashed rooms. The renovation was undertaken during the break as a "rejuvenation pack''.

For the students, the holiday homework ensured that they kept in touch with their books though the idea was not to impinge on their playtime, the principals of the various schools contend.

Sister Gloria, Principal of Sacred Heart School, says, "After having put the school in shape, my efforts will be towards ensuring that the teachers deliver the goods and work harder to bring about better academic standards.'' As far as holiday homework goes, the students will be graded on the work they have put in as some kind of incentive for the hard workers.

Mrs Meenakshi Mohindra, Principal of Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27, wants to motivate students to collect funds for the Kargil victims. "The entire focus of our morning assembly will be Kargil and we will definitely contribute our mite to the relief funds for the victims by going from door to door, asking for contributions,'' she informs.

Though the school is already following the directives of the Punjab and Haryana High Court with regard to plying of school buses, Mrs Mohindra says, "It is the moral responsibility of the school to keep a check on private buses being used by the school students for commuting though there is no legal binding involved in the matter.''

The Principal of DAV Public School, Sector 8, Mrs Sarita Manuja, claims that a complete overhauling of classrooms has been done and a lot of renovation work undertaken during the two months. Besides, an orientation programme for teachers on the challenges faced by the teachers was undertaken.

"Our aim will be to provide quality education to give maximum satisfaction to our customers. Again, teachers have been trained in personality development courses during the vacation which will be put to good use once the school re-opens. The students of Classes VI, VII and VIII will be undertaking this course initially,'' Mrs Manuja informs. In Shivalik School, Sector 41, the actual business will start on July 6 though the school re-opens tomorrow. "Though the students will be back to school from tomorrow, terminal tests for Classes X and XII will begin on July 6 along with the entrance test for admission to Class XI. Teachers have also undertaken various courses during the holidays and are all geared up to begin with renewed vigour.''

The thought of the long vacation coming to an end fails to bring a smile on the faces of the students. Opines Niyamat Bal of St Kabir, "Though I am tired of my nagging mother whose every conversation with me boils down to getting back to my books, yet I could do with a few more holidays. These were most unenjoyable with books on the one hand and the intensive heat wave on the other. Now, when my work is over and the days are going to be pleasant, we will be forced to break our backs with heavy bags.''

Meanwhile, though all government schools have re-opened on July 1 after the vacation, the admissions to Class XI will begin tomorrow for the science stream at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23, for the commerce stream at Government Model Secondary School, Sector 22, and for the arts and vocational streams in Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 18, with interviews of students with 80 per cent marks and above along with interviews for all those who have applied in the reserved category. The merit list will be displayed at 8 a.m. at the respective schools while interviews will begin at 8.30 a.m.

Gurdas Mann performs for Kargil heroes
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, July 4 — In remembrance of Indian Army men who sacrificed their lives in 'Operation Vijay' in the Kargil sector, an evening with Punjabi singer-cum-actor Gurdas Mann was organised here today by the Strides Charitable Trust at Tagore Theatre. It was a solemn affair where homage was paid to all those who laid down their lives fighting for the country.

Gurdas Mann, known more as a singing-dancing star, today definitely gave one of his finest performances in the form of patriotic songs. Beginning with a prayer to Gods, he struck the right chord with the audience with his 'Mori Rakhiyo Laaj Guru Dev'.

And keeping with the solemn streak of today's function, he went on to sing 'Mera Desh Merey Dildaran Daan' and 'Mud Ja Wey Mud Jaa Biba'. Even the audience, which is normally difficult to handle when a star like Gurdas Mann visits the city, was quite composed during the function in the auditorium.

In fact, when a star-performer like Gurdas Mann, who recently displayed his growth and maturity as an actor in the much-acclaimed Punjabi film, 'Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Buta Singh', takes on to the stage for a cause, the audience gives its full backing — this time to spare a thought for our valiant heroes fighting at the borders.

It was with his rendition of 'Maawan Dhadiyan Chawan' ,a tribute to our mothers, that a poignant ambience was created. Gurdas Mann's 'Main Dharti Punjab Di Lokon Wasdi Ujjar Gayi', brought many in the audience as also the singer to tears. The passion with which Gurdas Mann sang this song, with a lump in his throat and contorted face expressions, had all the emotions present that easily ignited a patriotic fervour in the listeners.

Further paying his tributes to those fighting to save us and the motherland, he sang, 'Dhukhan Nu Banake Apney', followed by 'Punjabi Zabaan Ay', — all about the beauty of Punjabi language.

Earlier in the evening, the Trust identified seven families of the region, who had lost one of their family members in the Kargil sector. There were given Rs 50,000 by the Trust, distributed by Lieut-Gen (retd) BKN Chibber, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, who was the guest of honour today evening.

The soldiers whose family members were honoured today included Lance Naik Rashvinder Singh, Naik Samundar Singh, Khemraj, Manjit Singh, Naik Nirmal Singh, Naik Rakesh Kumar and Lance Naik Buta Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said he was proud to be a Punjabi and also that he was governing the state of Punjab. He said the Punjab Government had announced certain concessions to help those whose family members had been killed or wounded in the Kargil operation. What was needed most today was the building of confidence of these men. The Governor said that the people of Punjab had contributed the most in this operation, and today's function was an attempt to remember our brave Indian soldiers.

Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab and Capt Kanwaljeet Singh, Finance Minster, Punjab, were also present in today's function.

New judicial complex comes to life
Land to set up kiosks uneven, rue lawyers
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, July 4 — The district courts will start functioning from the newly constructed judicial complex in Sector 1 here from tomorrow. The building of the judicial complex, located adjacent to the mini-secretariat was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, on May 20 last.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr V.P.Gupta, said office furniture, records and other paraphernalia of the three courts, which had been functioning from the Sector 8 market here, had been shifted.

The new two-storeyed building has been designed to accommodate a full-fledged District and Sessions Court. On the ground floor, space has been provided for the District and Sessions Judge, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Civil Judge (Senior division) and officers. A toilet block, library, bar room, malkhana, strong room, lock-ups, also constitute the floor.

Meanwhile, the lawyers practising at the local courts complain that the district administration did not level the ground earmarked behind the judicial complex to accommodate their kiosks. PWD (B and R) officials had said that tiles would be laid after levelling the ground, they allege.

The rains have compounded their problems. Uneven land and wild growth are creating problems for the lawyers in fixing their kiosks. Certain lawyers, on the condition of the anonymity, said it was the haste shown by some members in shifting their kiosks, in order to get a vintage place, which had created problems for them.

A bulldozer which was pressed into service to level the ground was forced to withdraw by some advocates eager to fix their kiosks. Certain members of the District Bar Association said instead of acting in haste, sufficient time should have been given to the executing agency to level the ground so as to make the ground suitable for their functioning. Due to differences between the district administration and the association, the issue of construction of chambers remains undecided.

190 participate in talent search festival
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, July 4— As many as 190 young artistes participated in a two-day talent search festival organised by the Sant Nirankari Mandal which concluded here today.

While in the age group of seven to 12 years, Neelam won the first prize in antakshri, Manisha Sethi bagged the first prize in speech. Karuna Dhawan and Neha and party won the first prizes, respectively, in songs and skit. Kiran Arora and Manpreet won the first prizes in English songs and shabad.

In the 13 to 19 years' category, Priyenka and Shailja won the first prizes, respectively, in poem and English speech. While Sudeepa bagged the first prize in song, Sushil Gambhir won the first prize in skit.

Neetu and party won the first prize in qawwali. The first prize in speech was won by Sonika.

Mr Ajaib Singh, Secretary of the Sant Nirankari Mandal, delivered the valedictory address.

‘Holy’ vehicle needs care
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, July 4 — How many of us have noticed a parked blue/green vehicle at a place in the heart of the City Beautiful selling spiritual books? The site is at a stone’s throw from the Inter-State Bus Terminus, Sector 17. This almost 60-year-old bus has been converted into a counter for selling books pertaining to Hindu religion published by Gita Press of Gorakhpur.

As Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagwadgita and Shiv Puran carry immense value and are required at Hindu homes for daily Puja and religious functions, as also in temples and matters connected with spiritualism, people generally throng the counters of Gita Press, wherever these are located.

When this reporter visited this counter-cum-vehicle shop in the evening, few people from Una in Himachal Pradesh were seen finalising their choice of books. Mr Mahesh Kumar Sharma who had come from Mehatpur in Una district, said due to the non-availability of such books at their place, they had come to Chandigarh.

The attendant at the counter of the vehicle, Mr Mehar Chand, said not much profit was earned by selling these reasonably priced books. He said power problem, safety precautions and the absence of a proper counter were the issues troubling them. Also there is no proper parking space near the vehicle.

He cited the contribution made by Swami Mangal Swarup in 1953 when this vehicle was brought to Chandigarh from Gorakhpur and the first place selected was Shastri Market in Sector 20. It was shifted to the present place in 1989. Swamiji is aged more than 100 and resides in a temple in Industrial Area. This counter of Gita Press is quite popular among people coming from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.

Gita Press was started in 1936 and since then has published a wide variety of books on spiritualism at reasonable rates. On an average, the counter registers a daily sale of Rs 1000 with 15 per cent commission. A volume of Maharishi Balmiki’s Ramayana of 1050 pages is priced at Rs 100, similarly Mahabharata’s two volumes of 1850 pages costs only Rs 150. Shrimad Bhagwadgita, which is much in demand, is published in 34 languages and priced at Rs 90. Shiv Puran with 900 pages is priced at Rs 90 only.

There is a variety of children’s books with prices ranging from Rs 2 to 10 and topics of human values include character, good manners and behaviour, respect for the elders, and stories of brave children.

Gita Press has offices in various parts of north and eastern India and in 18 railway stations of Northern Railway, it has stalls selling religious books.

Mehar Chand said that as they had the requisite permission to sell books from the present vehicle counter, the only handicap needed to be overcome was provision of better facilities by the authorities concerned.

Ayurvedic students a worried lot
By A Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, July 4 — Although the next session of Shri Dhanvantri Ayurvedic College and Hospital is round the corner, its condition remains unchanged.

The college consists of 40 faculty members and is affiliated to Panjab University.

The students seek admission in the college on the basis of the Combined Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the university, However, they are a disillusioned lot because the college has failed to satisfy the terms and conditions of CCIM and hence its recognition. Students fear that their career might be in doldrums as they are ineligible to practise in parts of the country other than Chandigarh and Punjab.

Further, the college does not provide some of the basic facilities available the ayurvedic colleges at Patiala, Kurukshetra and other places in the region. “We are not given sufficient exposure related to our profession. On an average only 20 patients register at the Panchkarma or the OPD. The labs also lack proper equipment and maintenance,” said an intern summing up the deficiencies of the college.

Another student said there were hardly any extra-curricular activities .They complained that the space marked for the volleyball court , built by the previous batch , lies in a deplorable condition and is presently surrounded by growth of wild plants.

A second year student complained about facilities provided at the Anatomy Hall. “Dead bodies are seldom available for dissection. If provided, the whole class performs the practical on the same decomposed body”, the student informed.

There are also complaints regarding the unavailability of separate parking shed. The students said that all vehicles, including those of the teachers, students and the outsiders, are parked at the same area. The canteen, too, is in a miserable state and has been crying for renovation. The dingy room, situated at the back of the main building, harbours a few broken benches and chairs. A hostel was promised , especially to outstation girl students, but the construction was abandoned two years ago. In the absence of a hostel in the campus, outsiders face difficulties as they have to stay in rented accommodation — away from the college.

A few indoor patients had their own grievances. Mrs Sindhu whose son was admitted in the general ward last one month lamented that there was no arrangement of drinking water. Toilets stink and there is no proper hygiene. Doctors rarely stay at night to meet any emergency. Besides doctors seldom pay a visit to check my son”, she said.

A similar complaint pertaining to condition of toilets was aired by students. They also complained that the campus does not have separate toilets for the students and the patients .

When the Principal Mr BR Thakur was contacted , he denied all allegations by patients and said that a couple of RMOs were deputed for night duties. However, he refused to comment on the abandonment of construction at the hostel site and said the issue concerns the management.’’ As far as the canteen is concerned , we have given the contract and the contractor will be responsible for the upkeep “, he said.

On measures being taken to gain recognition from the CCIM, he commented that the college had forwarded the demand to the university. He also pointed out that the university did not grant permission to fill all the seats last year.” Only 35 students were admitted though the college has intake of 50 students. This has resulted in a paucity of funds and hence a number of problems,” he said.

Mango Mela attracts large crowds
Tribune News Service

PINJORE, July 4 — Yadavindra Gardens here today witnessed a heavy rush on the concluding day of the two-day annual Mango Mela. An overcast sky did not dissuade mango lovers from making a beeline for the stalls where different varieties of the “king” of fruits were displayed.

Due to lack of parking space in front of the garden visitors had to park their vehicles along the Ambala — Shimla national highway, which passes through the Pinjore town.

Participants in the competition category of different varieties of mangoes could be seen answering queries of curious visitors about the fruit and the places where it was cultivated. Stalls displaying different mango-based products attracted housewives. Artistes from the Cultural Department of Haryana and the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) entertained the holiday crowd.

The main attractions of today’s event were painting competition, Rangoli competition and mango quiz.

Later in the evening, Chief Secretary of Haryana R.S. Verma gave away prizes to the winners of different competitions organised during the mela.

SNIPPETS

Homage paid to Maj Sagar
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, July 4 — A number of leaders of the Haryana Pradesh Congress, besides party workers, paid their homage to Major Sandeep Sagar, whose 'kirya' ceremony was held in the Sector 17 temple here today. Dr K.V. Singh, and Mr Rajinder Hooda, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the Media Committee of the HPCC, and Mr Krishan Nanha, President of the Panchkula Town Congress Committee were present on the occasion.

The party leaders conveyed the sympathies of the Congress President, Ms Sonia Gandhi, and the HPCC Chief, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, to the bereaved family of the martyr.

Subedar cremated
From Our Correspondent

KHARAR, July 4 — Sub Kuldeep Singh, who died in a road accident near Alwar in Rajasthan, was cremated at Sohali village in Kharar tehsil yesterday. The body was brought to the village by Army personnel and the cremation was attended by a large number of Villagers.

According to information, the deceased as a member of his battalion was going to participate in the Kargil battle when the road accident occurred. He died on the spot.

Mr Amarjit Singh Dindsa, SDM, Kharar, visited the family of the deceased.

'Shaheed Ki Wapsi'at Sukhna Lake
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, July 4 — As a tribute to the martyrs of Kargil, Theatre Lab staged a street play, ''Shaheed Ki Wapsi'', at the Sukhna Lake this evening. Directed by Sudesh Sharma, the play gave a call to all the Indians to unite at an hour when ''our soldiers are striving to fight the infiltrators at the border.

Today being a Sunday, the play was able to attract a large audience, though most strollers at the lake were found to be more busy eating, drinking and taking joyride.

This street play would be held every Saturday and Sunday at the Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Terrace Garden and Rock Garden. On weekdays the play would be played at the Sector 17 Plaza, Bank Square, Sector 17, Hotel Aroma, Sector 22, and at the High Court building.

Among those who acted in today's production were Yogesh Arora, Yogesh Tungal, Rajiv Mehta, Suvinder Pal, Manpreet Singh, Harpreet Singh Virk and Kuldeep Singh.

Overcharging alleged
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, July 4 — A private telecom agency has pointed out a discrepancy in charging of the STD pulse tariff for the area upto 50 km from Chandigarh by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

In a press note, the agency said STD calls made to Chandigarh from towns like Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh were being charged at the pulse rate 180 seconds. In case of calls from Chandigarh to these area, the old pulse rate, 14 seconds, was bring charged.

While demanding refund of the overcharged amount, the agency said that the revised STD pulse tariff had come into force on May 1 this year.

Club presidents installed
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, July 4 — Mr R.K. Taneja, IAS (retd), and Mrs Kanchan Hurria were installed as presidents of the Panchkula Rotary Club and the Inner Wheel Club of Panchkula, respectively, yesterday.

Mr Jayender Chandail and Mrs Ashu Mahajan were installed as secretaries of the two clubs, respectively, by the Chief Secretary of Haryana, Mr R.S. Varma.

The other officer-bearers of the Rotary Club installed were Mr Rajneesh Garg, Vice-President, Mr L.K. Swami, Joint Secretary, Mr Pankaj Arora, Treasurer, Mr Inderjit Puri, Seargeant-at-Arms, Mr Parveen Goel, Director, Club services, Dr J.K. Kakkar, Director, Community Services, Dr Shobhit Ghai, Director, International Services, and Mr Arvind Jindal, Director, Vocational Services.

Earlier, the outgoing presidents of the two clubs, Mr Rakesh Mittal and Mrs Damyanti Aggarwal, highlighted various activities undertaken by the clubs in the last year. They said eight rural eye camps were organised in which about 3,500 persons were examined and over 2,500 spectacles were distributed free of cost.

Mr Taneja and Mrs Hurria said child education and environment protection would be the thrust areas of the activities of the clubs this year.

Mr Varma lauded Rotary International for its contribution in the eradication of polio and the Rotary Panchkula for undertaking various community service projects.

The clubs donated Rs 11,000 to the Panchkula Sainik Welfare Fund for the soldiers convalescing in the Command Hospital, Chandimandir.

Among others who attended the installation ceremony were Dr Amrit Syngle, Hon. Director of Saket Hospital, Mrs Saroj Siwatch, DC; and Mr Alok Mittal, SP, Panchkula.

Workshop concludes
From Our Correspondent

SAS NAGAR, July 4 — A month-long workshop on theatre, dance and painting organised by the Thespians Theatre Group concluded here today. Children presented dances in which emphasis was laid on the classical aspect.

Twentytwo children in the age group three to 13 took part in the workshop.

Mr Vijay Giri, workshop organiser, said during the one-month period, among other activities, children prepared two plays, one of which "Eena, Meena, Deeka" was being telecast at present by Jalandhar Doordashan every Sunday.

‘Shift STA office’
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, July 4 — The Chandigarh City Tourist Bus Operators Association has demanded shifting the office of the State Transport Authority from Ram Darbar to the new Sector 17 building of the Estate Office.

In a letter to the UT Home Secretary, the association said the office of the STA was shifted to Ram Darbar due to whims and fancies of officials, ignoring inconvenience to people on account of its distant location. It said the people had to run from pillar to post for depositing their taxes, fees and getting their affidavits made from the Sector 17 Treasury branch which was far from the STA office.