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September 11, 2002, Chandigarh, India
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THE ACHIEVERS New Delhi, September 10 Keeping this in mind, this Laxmi Nagar-based dreamer, Amit Sharma, launched a social service organisation called Sarve Siksha Samiti, that year. Under the aegis of this organisation he set up a computer institute, Bhardwaj Institute of Technology. The institute is accredited to DOEACC `O’ level courses and is being run on a no-profit, no-loss basis. Right now, 100 odd students from the weaker sections are enrolled in different courses. Amit said the objective was to provide quality computer education to those having the right aptitude but not being able to afford the high fees being charged by the other computer institutes. He said, “We take students after a screening. There is no room for a student of a well-to-do family here. Leave the neighbours, even my family treat me as a mad person as I have spent lakhs of rupees on this project without getting anything in return,” said Amit. “But I am saying very candidly that I am satisfied with this venture and it is enough for me, though such a thought is rare in this materialistic world,” he claims. In this project the only member from his family is his younger sister, Pragati. She is lending him a helping hand. Amit says that information technology will play a major role in the coming days and so every person should be armed with knowledge in this field. He is also toying with the idea of imparting free basic computer education in slum-based primary schools. For this, he has recently launched another social service organisation, Good Heaven Education and Social Welfare Society. |
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CAMPUS SCENE New Delhi, September 10 The DUTA's stand on the issue is that the government is merely trying to curtail expenditure and that the government plans to invite private participation in the education sector will render it inaccessible for a large quantum of deserving students. It has appealed to the students to participate in the agitation since it will prove to be beneficial for their community in the long run. Apart from the UGC plans of hiking fees for higher education and the inception of self-financing courses, its directives have come in for widespread criticism from the student community. R. Rajesh, a student of Hindu College, said, “The increase in fees will not hit Delhi students but will make it impossible for underprivileged students to avail of quality higher education, which will have an adverse impact on the youths.” “The inception of self-financing vocational courses seems to be a positive step but it should not come at the cost of basic courses that form a fundamental part of higher education,” said Sanjay Bohidar, treasurer, DUTA, at a press conference on Monday. The other directive of the UGC seeks to increase the number of working hours for teachers from a maximum of 15 per week to a minimum of 20 per week, implying a reduction in teaching staff. In a closer inspection of the guidelines, it seems that the UGC proposal presents a non-feasible scenario. Consider this; 16 minimum hours of lectures imply 19 classes per lecturer in a week. The Academic Council stipulates the conduction of one tutorial/practical for every four lectures, which means five tutorials/practicals per lecturer in a week. This implies that each lecturer is required to take at least 24 classes in a week. Further, a 100 marks paper requires six lectures a week, which means each lecturer will have to teach at least three 100 marks papers or six 50 marks papers, to earn his/her livelihood. While fixing the workload, little or no attention seems to have been paid to the student-teacher interaction. The ratio of student-teacher ratio -- in case the UGC directive is implemented -- would swell to 300 students per teacher, or in some cases, to about 600 students per teacher (since a paper normally comprises of 100 students and each teacher will be required to take three to six papers). This would increase the dependence of students on a particular teacher and the absence of a teacher will affect the classes of multiple papers. The requirement for each teacher to take five-six classes a day will adversely affect the quality of classes and will leave the teacher with no time to prepare for classes. The increase in student-teacher ratio and the reduction in the proportion of tutorials will considerably reduce the personal interaction between the students and teachers. Also, the time devoted by teachers for evaluation purposes will drastically reduce, rendering the students unable to get quality feedback on class work. Prof Shaswati Mazumdar, president, DUTA. said, “The students will be the real losers in the long run in case the UGC directives are implemented.” But, the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) has refrained from rendering support to the DUTA in its agitation, for “it is not in the best interest of the student community.” The DUTA has resolved to compensate for the time lost by students due to the strike, through extra classes. The DUTA is willing to ensure that “student interest is upheld under any circumstances". But, this assurance seems to be, too little too late, as the widespread opinion is that none of the parties involved (UGC or DUTA) are actually concerned about students' welfare and are merely invoking support to win this tug of war. Meanwhile, DUSU has been relegated to the status of a spectator, as the custodian of student interest seems to be watching from the sidelines. |
GLITZ & GLAMOUR The wedding season is just round the corner and the preparations for it is in full swing. For a country where preparations for the wedding start sooner than required, bridal finery is something to look out for. After the ‘Brides and the Grooms’ exhibition left the Capital wanting for more, we are already geared up to put the glares back on. The dazzling bridal wear is to be exhibited soon at a three-day ‘Bridal Asia 2002,’ an annual event that will showcase the catch for would be brides and grooms. The event, scheduled to be held from October 12 to 14, would bring designers and craftsmen from countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka under one roof along with their Indian counterparts. Apparels, jewellery, sterling silver, lingerie, linen and accessories will be a part of the exhibit. Divya Gurwara, the woman behind the show said, “Bridal Asia was conceptualised as the ultimate trousseau destination for the discerning customer. Going by the response we are getting year after year, it may well have become that. The real challenge for us now is to meet the stringent standards our visitors expect from us.” The event will kickstart with an exclusive fashion show to preview the work of select designers. Apart from offering the customers the chance to buy their trousseau, there will also be workshops and interactive sessions on beauty, skin care and grooming. A ‘By invitation only’ event, the ‘Bridal Asia 2002’ allows for on site sale and a chance to interact in order to facilitate a meeting between the buyers and the sellers. What began with 40 participants and 9,000 visitors, has now become an annual extravaganza with over 80 participants and 28,000 visitors. With leading names in both designing and accessories being a part of the show, the event this year is sure to attract the crowd. Among those participating include big names like Tarun Tahiliani, J.J.Valaya, Ashima Leena, Monisha Bajaj, Vijay Arora, Shantanu and Nikhil and Bhairavi Jaikrishan.
Nail and hand care If you thought that nails are meant only for back scratching, you could well be way off the mark. Long and dirty nails are not just a turn off, but also excellent breeding ground for germs. Doctors vouch for the fact that to catch severe diseases like amoebiasis, one does not have to try too hard, dirty nails do the trick. Painted and well groomed nails may be the domain of a select few, but healthy nails enhance not just the way your hand looks, but also ensure that you stay healthy (Nails, they tell us are an indication of health, remember the pink nails conjecture!). In a world where people are ‘investing’ in nails (there are diamonds that can be planted on your nail, real or artificial), the least one can do is try some basic tips to keep them attractive and healthy. Smooth your hands if they are rough. Moisturising your hands will benefit your nails as well. A mix of lemon juice and rose water in fresh butter or adding glycerin to rose water and lemon juice is a safe bet. Cucumbers are also known for their smoothing characteristics. Mash a cucumber and massage your hands with the mixture. After 10 minutes, wash off the mash and repeat if needed. Polish your nails, but don’t expect it to last forever. Remove all polish after three days and don’t wait for it to fade away on its own. Also remember to use only good quality paint and remover, for inferior quality can discolour your nails and make them prone to chipping. If you are bogged with nails that break at the drop of a hat, reconsider your diet. You may need more calcium in your food. If your nails are pale, rub them with a piece of lemon. The chemical composition of the lemon juice should progressively replenish the colour of your nails. To add luster, massage them with oil. Rely on a nail cutter and not blades or your teeth to do the job. The nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, and their job is to protect the fingers and toes from trauma. And so you should avoid traumatising them. Eat foods that are rich in iron, calcium, vitamin B and potassium. Moreover, drinking enough water and protecting one self from harmful chemicals like chlorine helps to keep nails healthy. Avoid using perfumed lotions that contain alcohol if your nails are brittle. It will further deteriorate the condition of your nails. If you cannot promise a good manicure, remember to keep nails short and clean. Cut hangnails, they look ugly and can be a source of infection in some cases. Hangnails are small pieces of partly detached skin on the side or base of the fingernail. For people with ridges, use a buffer to smoothen them. As for those who like their nails really long, try to curb the fetish. Resorting to artificial nails costs not just money, but can be a health hazard if you do not get it done by a professional.
Family lipsticks Wearing lipsticks is a fancy that every young girl nurtures and most parents disapprove of. So to put the eternal battle to rest, Elle 18 seems to have fixed a compromise. With the launch of their lip smacking Jellip, they are offering an olive leaf to the warring parties. Jellip comes in 10 shades and at an affordable price. Elle wishes us to believe that the product moisturises lips and at the same time gives that hint of colour. Smart way to keep the mothers and their daughters happy! |
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