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| Tuesday,
September 10, 2002,
Chandigarh, India
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Foster parents bring joy
for deprived kids Chandigarh, September 9 When he was nine, death snatched his parents from him. Mukesh, a student of Class VII, then, came here from Bihar to look for a job. Completely withdrawn, he does not respond to any question, saying just that he stays with his friends in the city. Six-year-old Kirti does not know the meaning of the word “father”. Her mother, unemployed and stressed out, is supporting the family of three, since her husband deserted her. Kirti feels ignored, since her baby sister gets most of her mother’s attention. Sorrow — one word that bound Anjali, Mukesh and Kirti — and many more like them together. It summed up their entire childhood till last November. Since then, times have changed and life looks good for these children of a lesser God. Their foster parents, brought in by a social organisation called the Vasudevkutumbkam, have breathed a new life into the otherwise withdrawn children. Now, they are learning to dream, smile and live life all over again. Meritorious children with disadvantaged family backgrounds, picked up for adoption from various government schools, say that they are happier after their foster parents have come into their lives. Adopted by one such family, Aarti, a student of the Sector 8 Government Senior Secondary School, says that the prospect of visiting the home of her foster parents excites her. “They help me with studies, listen to my problems and give me special attention. I visit them on Saturdays and feel much happier now that they are in my life,” she says. Jyoti’s foster family is still trying to give her faith and confidence. “I meet them here once every month, receive my pocket money and tell them my problems. I don’t want to visit their home for fear of being rejected by the other members of their family. Meeting them here is a better arrangement, which does not complicate things,” she says. For the foster parents, it is a new challenge. They tread with caution, but can’t contain their happiness on being a part of a noble cause. With her children well-settled, Ms Meena Duggal, has, now, adopted a child. “I make it a point to meet my child regularly at these meetings and take her home whenever time permits. If our earnings can be shared with a child to make his or her life better, what can be better,” she says. Ms Meenakshi Mehta, another woman like her, has adopted a girl to provide her with the family atmosphere she had lost. “I try to fulfill all her needs and talk to her about these. I am in touch with her mother as well. The mission is of goodness, which makes me a better person,” she says. School principal and a foster parent of one such child, Ms Sarita Manuja, says: “We encourage parents to give the children family atmosphere, complete with parents and siblings. The response from the parents wanting to adopt children is tremendous, which keeps us going. It is a long road, but we will reach its end.” |
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FROM THE COLLEGES Chandigarh, September 9 The function started with the college prayer and the lighting of the deepshikha by Ms Joshi. Congratulating the B.Ed entrants, she stressed on the need for maintaining idealism in the educational system of today, citing the need for inculcating moral values among children. She appreciated the college prayer which instilled high moral values and urged would-be teachers to become true nation builders and good teachers who were catalytic in building moral character. The Principal, Dr Satinder Dhillon, said the Chandigarh Administration had helped a lot in raising the college to its present position. She urged students to develop a positive attitude towards their parents and society. She also motivated the students to put forth their best efforts in becoming teachers capable of inspiring their students. A multi-media presentation was prepared by teachers, Dr Navita Mahajan and Ms Neena Sawhney, on the wide spectrum of college life which included the college’s vision, mission, facilities, activities among others. Refresher course A six-day refresher course in biology for in-service biology lecturers from various districts of Punjab was organised at the
Department of Botany, Panjab University, along with the State Institute of Science Education, Punjab, here today. The course was inaugurated by Prof S.C. Verma, a well-known botanist. He said in this era of science, the subject did not start with facts but enabled to develop thinking and the art of query. He further emphasised the need to encourage intellectual curiosity among students. The chief guest, Mr Vivek Atray, Director, Public Relations, said there was need to build up scientific temper and emphasis needed to be given on study of basic sciences rather than conforming to rules and regulations. Others who spoke during the day-long session include Dr D.S. Gupt, Prof S.P. Vij, Prof M.P. Sharma and Dr
I.B. Prasher. |
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Students
call off strike Chandigarh, September 9 Students called off the strike after the assurance of re-declaration of results of the president of the council, Ravinder Singh, and suitable action against the teacher responsible for failing him , said the press note adding that no action would not be taken against the striking students. |
Workshop on hairstyling, make-up Chandigarh, September 9 Inaugurating the workshop at Hotel Mountview here today, Dr Kochhar presented the latest invention in serum skin care which, with its natural ingredients, promises to eliminate skin related problems like acne, pigmentation and dark circles. Dr Kochhar who manufactures aromatherapy cosmetics under the brand name “Blossom Kochhar—Aroma Magic” says her aromatherapy oils and cosmetics are pure and natural and devoid of minerals like petroleum jelly. Dr Kochhar, heading Pivot Point India, an associate of Pivot Point USA, is a known face in media. She has authored books on hair, beauty, health and aroma therapy, among which “All You Need To Know About Hair, Skin and Beauty Care”, “Health and Beauty Through Aromatherapy” and “How To Manage Your Salon” have been best sellers. The afternoon session of the opening day today was conducted by Samantha Kochhar who talked about latest trends in make-up and demonstrated how to give a “dreamy, fresh and dewy look ” using live models. Samantha, after completing her professional education at Pivot Point International, Chicago, has worked for Revlon, Aviance and more recently has been appointed the Sunsilk ambassador. With specialisation in special effect make-up, such as character make-up, burn victims, accident compositions, Samantha has been make-up and hairstylist for several film, theatre and TV personalities. She was involved with Mira Nair's film “Monsoon Wedding”, besides a foreign projects, including French film “Eight To Nine”. Tomorrow, Dr Kochhar would give demonstrations on latest haircuts, styles and colouring. “Keeping in mind the fact that women in Chandigarh prefer long tresses, we would demonstrate styles and cuts suitable for long hair,” she says. Short styles,
asymmetrical cuts and textures and colours for all types of hair will also be discussed. |
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