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TOP STORIES

O.P. Verma’s announcements Ignored!
Who runs the Administration?
On September 6, 2003, the Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Mr Justice OP Verma (retd), took a famous bus ride. Accompanying him was a full capacity crowd of officials.

Left: Roads in southern sectors await recarpeting. Right: Kutcha pathways on to the main roads in various sectors remain to be closed.

Alert cop prevents suicide at Sukhna
Chandigarh, March 3
Irked by constant bickering of his wife, a 23-year-old tailor from Sector 21 today tied his two children to his body and jumped into the Sukhna Lake. They were, however, saved by a policeman, Jagdev Singh, who was patrolling the area. 

Investment in stocks on the rise
Chandigarh, March 3
Chandigarh, which has many firsts to its credit, is also numero uno as far as the per capita investment in stock markets is concerned. Surprisingly, people from the small towns of Punjab and Haryana are investing in a big way in the stock market going by the response of the investors towards the public issues which opened this month.

Hooda arrested in dowry case, released  on bail
Panchkula, March 3
The Panchkula police today arrested the Leader of the Opposition in the Haryana Assembly, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, from his Sector 18 residence in Chandigarh in connection with dowry case filed against him by his daughter-in-law, Dr Geeta Grewal. However, subsequently he was released on bail.

Punjab releases Rs 3 cr for spinal injuries centre
Mohali, March 3
After three years of having spent Rs 1.56 crore of the Government of India grant to Punjab for the opening of the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre in Mohali, the Punjab Government has finally released Rs 3 crore from its own kitty to make the centre operational.

COMMUNITY

Keep city clean to make it world class, say Bansal, Jain
Chandigarh, March 3
The city has a longway to go in maintaining a decent standard of cleanliness to become a “world-class”, which happens to be the common dream of the likely local candidates of the Congress and the BJP for the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

Jain misleading people, says Bahl
Chandigarh, March 3
The president of the local unit of the Congress, Mr B.B. Bahl, said today that Mr Satya Pal Jain of the BJP was misleading the people with “untruths”. He said Mr Jain was irked by the official report from Delhi which said that Mr Pawan Bansal had topped in the MP Local Area Development Fund utilisation.

BJP to organise ‘vishal rally’
Chandigarh, March 3
Mr Arif Mohhamad, a former Union Minister of the Congress, who recently joined the BJP, will visit the city on March 9, an official press note said here yesterday. Mr Devesh Moudgil, state president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, said a ‘vishal rally’ will be organised at Plaza, Sector 17.

Sonia stopover in city

Libra to focus on corruption, development issues
Mohali, March 3
With the election fever catching on, the first set of I-am-sure-to-win statements are already being made by the candidates in the fray. Mr Sukhdev Singh Libra, the Akali Dal candidate for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from Ropar, today said he had defeated Mr Shamsher Singh Dullo, the Congress MP from Ropar, in 1985 in the MLA elections and he would repeat the fete this year. All this, even when the name of Mr. Dullo has not been formally announced by the Congress as a candidate in the fray from Ropar.

Future looks rosy for Mansa Devi Complex
Panchkula, March 3
The Mansa Devi Complex, whose development left much to be desired during the first phase of planning of the township, is all set to become a residential and commercial destination.

Army to share book on leadership with civilians
Chandigarh, March 3
The secret of success lies in strengthening the source of leadership. If the source is strong and balanced, a leader can take any challenge in his stride. It is this philosophy of leadership which the Army now wants to share with citizens at the helm of affairs in various organisations.

African delegates take tips on watershed management
Chandigarh, March 3
A four-member delegation from International Water Management Institute, Africa, currently on a visit to India, says that it hopes to benefit from India’s experience in watershed management works by replicating them in different parts of the Dark Continent.

11-member team from Pakistan in city

Chandigarh, March 3 An 11-member delegation from Government College (University), Lahore, arrived in the city, here today evening. Comprising 9 men and two women teachers, the delegation will be in the city till March 7, meeting people and visiting places. A delegation from Pakistan at Punjab Bhavan in Chandigarh on Wednesday. — A Tribune photograph

PSEB flayed for charging high tariff 
Mohali, March 3
The Phase VI Welfare Society has flayed the Punjab State Electricity Board for charging higher tariff on power consumption by residents living on different floors of single dwelling units.

Mention violations of rights in ACR: Verma
Chandigarh, March 3
The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Justice O.P. Verma (retd), has suggested to the Chandigarh Administration to mention the human rights violations, if any, of a police officer in his or her annual confidential report (ACR).

Readers Write
A bird in distress trusts
It was an exceptionally good deed to have rescued a Barn Owl in distress. The expression on the faces of onlookers was of seeing something new rather than of concern per se for the stricken bird. The most commonly seen owl in and around Chandigarh is the Spotted Owlet which is a shade smaller than a Myna. It is natural, therefore, that the presence of a Barn Owl aroused so much curiosity and admiration as well. But the onlookers had no idea that by crowding the bird they were accelerating his trauma. The photograph shows it all; bewilderment on the face of the bird and his claws clenched under extreme inner tension.

DC tells NGOs to hone skills of rural workers
Panchkula, March 3
The Deputy Commissioner, Ms Satwanti Ahlawat, today urged non-government organisations (NGOs) to make concerted efforts for the upliftment of those living below the poverty line.

• Spring Fest from March 13

• Two hurt in road mishap

CRIME

5 arrested in embezzlement case
Chandigarh, March 3
Four non-judicial employees of the superintendent rank and a former employee of the Punjab and Haryana High Court were arrested today in connection with the alleged embezzlement in the furnishing of the official residence of former Chief Justice V.M. Ramaswamy.

Priest arrested for killing complainant
Chandigarh, March 3
Jaidev Giri, the priest of Dronacharya Temple in Maloya who has been accused of killing his complainant, Achhe Lal, was today arrested by the Chandigarh police after day-long raids across the city.

Two youths held on rape charge
Chandigarh, March 3
Ravinder and Shiv Nath, both from Uttar Pradesh, have been arrested on the charge of raping a 12-year-old girl, a resident of Mauli complex, for almost a month. The girl went missing from her house on January 19. Later, it was found that two youths known to the girl’s family, had also mysteriously fled from their houses.

Abducted sisters rescued

EDUCATION

CBSE Class X exams begin

Chandigarh, March 3 Anxiety writ large on their faces, they paced up and down the examination centres on the first day of the Class X examination which began, here today. These were not examinees waiting to take their first Social Studies paper but anxious parents who had skipped their offices to be at the examination centres. Students of Class X discuss a question paper after coming out of the examination hall in Chandigarh on Wednesday. — Tribune photo Pankaj Sharma

Parents in the dock as engg test, poll date clash
Chandigarh, March 3
Even before tension over their wards appearing for the Class XII CBSE Board examination has subsided, the Election Commission has given parents another reason to worry.

Prize distribution function at MCM DAV College
Chandigarh, March 3
Megha Dhamija, Kirti Kuthiala and Swati Sharma of BA III were chosen as “outstanding students” for the session 2003-04 and honoured with special prizes at the annual prize distribution function of MCM DAV College, Sector 36, here today.

(Left) Punjabi singer and actor, Gurdas Mann, sings his message for the girl child and (Right) prize winners of MCM DAV College, Sector 36, applaud the performance of a fellow student at the annual prize distribution function of the college in Chandigarh on Wednesday. — Tribune photographs

All that this haven asks for is the will to learn

Mohali, March 3 Formal academic qualifications, or whether you are 25 years old or on the wrong side of 50 have no meaning here. The qualifications for getting admission to this little-known institute are simple: enthusiasm, the will to learn and genuine need. And it also comes as a surprise that a computer course of one-year duration can be done for a mere Rs 1,500. Students of Jan Shikshan Sansthan attend their class at Phase VI, Mohali, on Wednesday. — A Tribune photograph

Computer centre inaugurated

Hamara School
The school provides emotional security with motherly touch

THE facilities and educational environment at Satluj Public School, Junior Wing, is world class. The school which has classes from playgroup to Class V, is an English medium, co-educational institute, well-spread over lush green 2 acres, built-up premises allotted by HUDA, in Sector 2, Panchkula. According to the school Director, Mr Pritam Singh Serai, the school is sincerely committed to the healthy and balanced growth of children by providing them educational culture comparable to International standards.

A view of A view of Satluj Public School, Junior Wing, Panchkula.

‘I want my students to be intellectually strong’
MY vision of education is to initiate my students into worthwhile activities and to help them to develop socially recognisable and forward-looking positive character through in-built habits. I would like my students to have total holistic development to become persons of integrity. Their reliability, intellectual, social and emotional quotient should be nearer to perfection. They should be able to understand facts in perspective with contextual linkages.

COURTS

CULTURE

United We stand, say women artists

Chandigarh, March 3 A cursory look at the records of art galleries in the city reveals that they have hosted more exhibitions by men than women. Perhaps, this trend has inspired the first formal grouping of women artists in the city, and that too with International Women’s Day approaching. Members of We, the first group formed by women artists from the city, celebrate their coming together by putting up an art show dedicated to womanhood at Indus Ind Gallery in Sector 8, Chandigarh, on Wednesday.

LIFESTYLE

Morning Chatter
‘TeaCozy’ Times
When you came to this city from the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, the one thought which seemed most welcoming was that of partaking your favourite aunt’s typical English teas. In match box- sized apartments (never mind if they cost over half a crore rupees), the last thing you could afford was the paraphernalia of a fussy and elaborately laid out meal, leave aside the silly fuss over something as trivial as a cup of tea. Convenience became a guiding principle as you tried turning ‘minimalistic.’

Home Decor
Give personal touch to your dream house
Design has gradually, but definitely crept into our everyday lives. The Stanley house in Mani Majra encompasses design and grace in an innovative and cost effective way. The duplex house in Mani Majra Housing Complex has the extra touch to make life at home more stylish and exciting. The house has no fancy façade or plush interiors, but the beauty lies in its minimalist structural design. Says Ms Asha Stanley, lady of the house, “Your own personal touch has to show in your dream home. Plus the house has to be fuss free and easier to maintain.”

‘Guns’ ready for Holi For youngsters getting ready to indulge in a riot of colours on Holi, the market is flooded with “hi-tech” water pistols. In case you haven’t picked up one, just drive down to the market. You will find “water launchers” and guns like the ones used by “Ghostbusters” in the famous Hollywood blockbuster. In fact, the “gun” is in great demand among young innocents putting up in the city and surrounding areas. Available in fluorescent colours, the “tank” of the “equipment” is clasped to the reveller’s back with the help of straps. It has a capacity of storing as much as five litres. The nozzle is attached to a long rubber tube for facilitating free movement. Just aim and shoot this Holi. — A Tribune photograph

Eating out
It’s Holi time at Hot Millions

GO to Hot Millions II, Sector 17 (near Ghazal), this week, have your fill and come back armed to celebrate Holi. Or, to any of their four other quick service outlets — HM I, Vatika (Panchkula) and the Sector 35 and Mohali units. The toy that comes with the Kiddie Meal burger is not some usual car or jeep but a water pistol. The kiddie burger along with Holi gift water pistol toys and footlongs at Hot Millions II, Sector 17, Chandigarh. — Tribune photo by Pawan Sharma

Design exhibition by students ends

An exhibition of children’s and women’s clothing, made by the students of Government Home Science College, Sector 10, concluded here today. It also included an exclusive and colourful collection of a variety of frocks, night wear for women and children, casual wear, wraparounds and shorts. Girls with their works displayed at MERMAIDZ”-04 at Home Science Govt College in Sector 10, Chandigarh, on Wednesday. — A Tribune photograph

HEALTH

• 640 kids examined at medical camp
• Vaccination drive

SPORTS

Chandigarh State Games likely from October 22
Chandigarh, March 3
The first Chandigarh State Games will be tentatively held from October 22 to 24. This was decided at an executive committee meeting of the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA) held here today. The meeting was chaired by Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, president of the Chandigarh Olympic Association.

City lad attends  seminar on choi kwang do
Chandigarh, March 3
Sixteen-year-old Ankit Goel has returned from Atlanta (USA) after attending an international seminar on choi kwang do. Ankit, a student of Class XI (commence stream) in Sanjay Public School, Sector 44, is a black belt. At the age of 14, he became an assistant instructor. He was the only person from the city to get training from Grand Master Kwang Jo Chi of the USA at the seminar.

City fencers win bronze at national meet

Chandigarh, March 3 City fencers bagged the bronze medal in sabre event in the XIth Junior National Fencing Championship held at Imphal. The team that played in Sabre and Epee also qualified for the first Youth National games to be held in May in Bangalore. City fencers, who won laurels at the Junior National Fencing Championship held in Imphal recently.

Kamaljit declared best athlete
Chandigarh, March 3
Kamaljit was declared the best athlete in the annual sports meet of the Chitkara College of Education for Women held last evening on the college premises on the Chandigarh-Rajpura road.

ADMINISTRATION

• PUDA team to issue licences

• Drive against overloaded  rickshaws