EDUCATION

Council for science and technology advancement
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 16
Eminent scientists and intellectuals from the region today witnessed the inauguration of a unique council formed to promote scientific and technological development of the region. A brainchild of the Haryana Governor Dr A.R. Kidwai, the Regional Council for Scientific and Technological Development took birth on the campus of the Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CCRRID) today. In presence were Dr Kidwai himself and experts of the order of Dr A.W. Khan, Assistant Director General, Unesco, Dr Mohsin U. Khan, Deputy Director, NISTADS, and distinguished mathematician and Vice-Chairman, Governing Body, CRRID, Dr R.P. Bambah.

Formed to promote foreign investment in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi, the council will work on an integrated plan to tap hidden potentials of the region. Introducing the council, Dr Rashpal Malhotra, Director, CRRID said the idea was to provide a suitable environment for academic research in science and technology policy. “The idea came from Dr A.R. Kidwai who thought of a way to facilitate research in sectors like health, education, economy, agriculture and industry. The first activity of the council will be an international conference which CRRID will host and Unesco, NISTADS and the Planning Commission will support between March 7 and 10,” he said.

Insights into the evolution of the council came from Dr A.R. Kidwai who got the vital clue after he attended the conference on research held in Europe in June last year. “We found out that the Europeans were interested in investing in India to compete with the USA and other countries. The cost of production here is 1/20th of that in Europe and USA. European countries are naturally keen on producing goods at cheap rates in India which already has a presence of 100 MNCs. Automobile companies are also setting up bases here.”

The council’s plan was formulated in this context. Dr Kidwai elaborated, “This region has tremendous growth potential but foreign investors are not interested directly communicating with the government. They want support to study potentials and to prepare projects. This council will serve that purpose, besides bringing investment to the region. Scientific manpower is available from universities like Panjab University, Punjabi University, Punjab Technical University and Punjab Agricultural University. As far as industrial potential goes, Punjab has a huge presence of metallurgical industry; Haryana is producing 62 per cent cars; Himachal is rich in power. There is a potential for fermentation industry and agro processing industry in this region. But we needed a forum to facilitate the entry of foreign players in this market. That’s how we decided to create a council which will become a meeting place for experts.”

Dr A.W. Khan, Assistant Director-General, Unesco, while delivering the inaugural address stressed that India must build an inclusive knowledge society to take care of every one. “India has a tremendous potential in information technology sector. About 5,000 Indian IT professionals are working in Unesco alone, but to play a constructive role India needs to improve infrastructure for education and bridge the gender gap in this sector. Also it must remember that while biodiversity is important in the changing scenario, cultural and linguistic diversity is equally important,” he said. Earlier, Dr M.U. Khan also spoke about the objectives of the council

Proposing a vote of thanks, Dr R.P. Bambah struck a nostalgic chord, saying, “I always remember Dr Kidwai as a chemist first, a UPSC chairman second and a governor last.” Hoping the Governor, in his decision making power, would do his best to promote scientific temper, Dr Bambah thanked the visiting experts. He also expressed faith in the resurgence of science and technology in India.

Vajra horse-riding school a hot favourite with kids
Deepkamal Kaur
Tribune News Service

Wearing helmets, mounting on horses, fitting shoes in saddles and taking reins in their hands, nearly 60 children who are members of the Vajra Horse Riding School cannot help realising the privilege of being a fauji's kid.

Horse-riding, an adventure sport that has been started for the wards of the Vajra Corps, is drawing a good response. The sport is organised inside the Water Sports Complex at the Mall in Jalandhar. The fact that most of the schools in the city do not offer horse-riding course further adds to the excitement of the children who have taken up this sport.

"In my school, we are taught karate, yoga and swimming but they have not yet started horse-riding. When I go to school and tell my friends about it, they seem envious", said Manish (11), a student of Apeejay School.

"My father and mother were taking a stroll on the Mall a few weeks back, when they saw that horse-riding school was being opened. They got me and my brother enrolled on the very first day," said 8-year-old Jasleena. "By now, I have learnt holding the reins properly and controlling the horse while it trots and canters. The next step would be about the galloping of the horse," she gleamed.

Eight-year-old Harshita has joined the horse-riding school with a specific purpose of becoming physically fit. "I have knocked knees, which is a disqualification if I have to join the army. My dad told me that if I took to horse-riding early, I would be able to correct the knocked knees and make myself physically fit for the recruitment."

"A horse is controlled by giving it instructions through the movements of upper legs. This puts a strain on the thighs and they pain a lot on the first few days. But gradually the body adapts itself to the strain", Akshita explained, as she dismounted from the horse after taking a 30-minute ride.

"You know the horse Tarzan is the sturdiest of all. Other horses usually take a short cut on turns but this one trots on its fixed path and takes a turn swiftly. You can feel the difference only when you take a shot at riding," children say in unison.

"Jasmine is a naughty mare. Last week, it was either tired or probably not in a good mood. It broke the bamboo sticks that formed the boundary of the training area," the kids added.

The best part of the school is that the charges have been kept very minimal. The members have to pay just Rs 50 per month or Rs 500 annually, whichever suits them. At the time of training there are six to seven animal handlers inside the training area. Besides, Col M.R. Dang, Officer In charge of the school, supervises the training.

"Kids learn very fast. A child above five years is eligible for admission to the horse-riding school. It is a good change for the kids who otherwise stay glued to television or video games," the supervisor said.

Anand School wins inter-school dance competition
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, January 16
The inter-school dance competition organised by Darsahan Academy, Kalka, yesterday brought out the hidden talent among children. As many as six schools of the town participated in this competition.

Renowned Kathak dancer Shobha Koser was the Chief Guest. Ms Manjula Puvyal, Principal of the academy, welcomed the gathering. She said the competition titled “Nupur” showcased Indian folk dances.

The programme commenced with Anand School, Parwanoo, presenting a Rajasthani folk dance. The Children of Darshan Academy, Kalka, mesmerised the audience with the presentation of Krishna Leela, showing little cows being grazed by Lord Krishna amidst “gawal balas”. St. Vivekanand Millennium Public School, HMT Pinjore, performed a folk dance on Rajasthani theme “Nakerali Chunar”.

Anand School, Parwanoo, bagged the first prize, while the second prize went to the students of Darshan Academy. The third prize went to St. Vivekanand Millennium School. The overall running trophy went to Anand School, Parwanoo.