Thursday, December 31, 2009

Students from Hoshiapur visit Vidhan Sabha, Civil Secretariat


PSHRC Member Khanna takes kids to guided tour of Vidhan Sabha, other landmarks

Chandigarh, December 30: It was rather exciting New Year eves hang out for students from remote and rural villages of Hoshiarpur who came out sightseeing at Vidhan Sabha, Civil Secretariat and High Court building here today. Organised by Shri Avinash Rai Khanna, Member, Punjab State Human Rights Commission & Ex MP, Hoshiapur, the guided tour of mostly the students from Government Schools and underprivileged sections of society was an enriching and exhilarating experience for the visitors who were awed and amused by the sheer magnificence of the Le Corbusier’s Architectural wonders.
While excited students could barely hide their excitement, it was a matter of great pride and surprise for them as the grandeur of the highest seats of power and politics laid unraveled in front of them all. Prior to Vidhan Sabha, the kids were taken around to Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake and other monumental landmarks of the city beautiful by Shri Avinash Rai Khanna himself. Shri Khanna accosted the kids with various aspects of functioning of Vidhan Sabha as the kids were taken around the most unique building of legislatures of Punjab and Haryana. Students were informed about the way houses operate and MLAs perform their vital duties. Photographic opportunities were fully utilized by kids in front of the buildings.
Speaking about the tour Shri Khanna informed that it was his commitment to the kids of Garhshankar, Nawanshahar and Hoshiarpur which he fulfilled by way of organizing this guided tour. Since rural students of Punjab hardly get to know the important places of power in Chandigarh, I felt they must have their fair share of opportunity to witness the actual places.

Rayat-Bahra holds campus placement fortnight

Leading IT companies participate in placement fortnight

Kharar, December 30
Rayat-Bahra Group has started a campus placement fortnight at Rayat-Bahra Bio Technology Centre of Excellence, Mohali (Kharar) for the students of B Tech 2010 of its Ropar and Mohali campus.
S. Gurvinder Singh Bahra, Vice Chairman, Rayat-Bahra Group said that the companies are offering a wide range of job profiles like software engineers, database developers, mechanical engineers, electronic engineers, program engineers etc to the students of all streams with a package bracket of Rs. 2 lacs to Rs. 4.0 lacs. He added that the drive would continue till January 10 wherein around 300 students of Rayat-Bahra engineering colleges would be participating.
Dr. Sandeep Kaura, Assistant Managing Director, Rayat-Bahra said that in the first phase of placements for B.Tech 2010 held in September and October 2009, as many as 267 students have been selected in companies like Panasonic Corporation, IBM India, J.K. Technosoft Ltd, Open Access Technology India, Hastie Engineers, Stanley Works and other companies visiting the campus.
He added that during this fortnight placement drive leading IT and research company Net Profit Consultancy Group’s IT Division – Aspung Technologies is visiting the campus for placing the B. Tech students passing out in 2010 in various IT profiles. This NPCL is offering a package up to Rs. 3.60 lacs to the selected candidates who will be based at company’s IT development centre in Gwalior.
Heavy weights like Greenfield Online Gurgaon would be hiring students for all streams, Ericsson India would focus on hiring students from CSE, IT and ECE streams, Span Engineers - the production and service house in the field of air conditioning and automation would be hiring from mechanical stream, Shri Ram Group would hire from mechanical and electrical and Stanley Works – a century old UK based MNC would hire students from mechanical branch.
Saber Papers Ltd is hiring professionals from mechanical and electrical branch, while and Tech Labs is hiring professionals from CSE, IT and ECE streams.

WWICS celebrates 16 years of success in Canada





WWICS completes 16 years of its successful journey
Celebrations at Canada marks WWICS 16th anniversary

Chandigarh, December 30
WWICS, the undisputed leader in global resettlement solutions, held a grand party at Canada marking its 16 successful years in immigration industry. Professionally well settled immigrants, aspiring immigrants, business associates, political bigwigs, dignitaries, industrialists, media comprised of the 450 individuals that were a part of the grand celebrations.
People from pockets of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Africa, South America (Trinidad, Tobago and Jamaica) thronged Canada to participate in the function.
Chief Guest of the function Ms. Lois Brown is the Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora, Ontario and is a member of the House of Commons Standing Committees on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Foreign Affairs and International Trade. She congratulated WWICS on its fair and transparent working in last 16 years and exhorted it’s efforts in settling immigrants in best possible way.
Political Invitees included personalities like Kyle Seeback, Candidate of the Canadian Conservative Party from Brampton West, Lawyer with Simmons Da Silva and Sinton LLP and Member of the Canadian & Ontario Bar Associations and Peel Law Association.
Lt. Col. B.S. Sandhu (Retd.), Chairman and managing Director, WWICS said that WWICS started with one office each in India and Toronto. Today it has 800 employees across the world.
With Headquarters in Toronto, WWICS has a Global Presence in Canada-Toronto, UK-London, Australia-Sydney, UAE - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain & Sharjah, Middle East – Kuwait, Bahrain, Trinidad, Tobago- Port of Spain, Jamaica - Kingston, Kenya-Nairobi, Uganda - Kampala, Sri Lanka-Colombo, Nepal-Kathmandu, Pokhara and over 25 offices in India.
“Combining our transparent approach towards immigration issue with leading edge technology, we have kept aspiring immigrants at forefront in providing them unrivaled immigration, placement and settlement services,” Sandhu said.
Mr. Devinder Sandhu, Sr. Director of WWICS expressed special thanks to employees associated with WWICS in perpetuating a corporate environment where hard work is rewarded but fun, creativity and teamwork are encouraged just as strongly.
WWICS has helped more than 70,000 professionals, business persons and students settle in Canada, Australia, UK, Europe, USA and New Zealand. Foreign professionals are most preferred manpower solution for developed countries because of their talent, professional expertise, sincerity and good communication skills.
He added that negative population growth in countries like Canada, Australia and Europe is forcing them to get immigrants to contribute to their economy. Europe and Canada have opened floodgates for investment opportunities there.

Christmas celebrations double with fete at Shemrock School


Students enjoy Mélange fete at Shemrock School

Mohali, December 25
The two-day Mélange fete concluded at Shemrock School today amidst much fanfare and never ending fun and entertainment.
Quote Air Cmde SK Sharma, Principal Shemrock School, Mohali said that fete witnessed thousands of people enjoying games, being a part of competitions, shopping and gorging on delicious food served at the event.
“The fete was truly a mélange of entertainment from various quarters. It harped on the festivity in the air,” he said.
Food courts, Dominos, fresh juice and popcorns remained the all time favorite of every individual. He added that the fete had an array of games to select from including at the race, feed the Santa, dart throw, bozo bucket bonanza, pirates chest, bank a shot, shoo the crows, trust walk, one minute game, lucky dip, ring a gift, tambola and computer games.
The stalls of personality test, fortune teller and haunted house witnessed an unprecedented rush. Every fete participant vied to know their fortune and find the personalities they are.
Request a song remained a crowded arena with songs from golden eras to latest wafting in air. Talent time, art pavilion/ face painting/ hair salon and creative corner kept the young and old minds busy as well as gave them an opportunity to express themselves. The talented ones were suitably awarded.
At fete raffle ticket prizes leaved many gasping. First cash prize on raffle ticket was awarded at Rs 10,000, second prize and third at Rs 5000 each and fourth and fifth prize at Rs 3000 each.
Educational institutes named Prayas and SOS were given complimentary stalls to exhibit the social work they do for orphan children.

Chandigarh Club holds colorful Christmas celebrations


Harshita wins drawing contest at Chandigarh Club Christmas celebrations

Chandigarh, December 25
An interesting and competitive with colorful entries marked the drawing competition of different age group at Chandigarh Club during Christmas Celebrations 2009 organised in association with The British School and Alchemist Food and Beverages Limited
Children vied for the best drawing title, while judges had difficult time adjudging the best one. In age group five to seven Harsita Jain was declared first, Arnav Kajriwal was declared second and Archit Singh secured third place. In age group eight to eleven Arnidam Anand was declared first, Janat Chawla was declared second and Kritika Bansal secured third place. In age group twelve to fifteen years Manat Chawla was declared first, Tanya Kaushal was declared second and Akriti Saxena secured third place.
The main lawns of Chandigarh Club witnessed a hullabaloo of activities. Bouncy camel rides remained the most sought after item.
Puppet show and magic show left many amazed. Children especially enjoyed the puppet show depicting various hues of life. Huge inflatable cartoon characters added to the zing of festivities and carnival.
Tattoo making evoked thumping response, while carnival goers had busy time posing for camera with Santa. Santa too enjoyed getting himself clicked with his bag of gifts and children in tow.
The number game tambola gave busy time to those not interested in camel rides. Subsequent gifts rewarded their patience and added to the spirit of fun.
Chandigarh Club held this colorful event in association with The British School and Alchemist Food and Beverages Limited. Other partners of the event were Sunder Jewelers and Kreative Event Company.

The Millennium School holds Christmas carnival at Kurukshetra


The Millennium School holds Christmas carnival

Kurukshetra, December 25
The Millennium School celebrated Christmas with a vibrant extravagant carnival at sector 17 Mall.
While speaking on the occasion the vice President of the TMS Kurukshetra, which is open for admissions for the next academic session to commence in April 2010 and will be a trend setter in school education. It is the first few in India to implement One-on-One learning (where each child is given a laptop that enhances teaching-learning in classrooms) as well as among the first few Schools in the country to introduce the advanced learning system called the Millennium Learning System among others The Millennium School Kurukshetra is part of a nationwide network of schools that are being set up leveraging a specially designed Millennium Learning System. The Millennium School, Kurukshetra , an Western Education Society initiative, is all set to raise the bar of excellence in school education in the region via this advanced learning system.
Students participated in the face painting contest, drawing, dancing and fancy dress competition. Winners of these contests were specially awarded with surprise gifts. Tattoo making and magic show stole hearts of gathering at the carnival. Children and grown ups equally enjoyed the fun games and antics the magician played with them.
The Santa Claus had a busy time distributing toffees, chocolates and gifts to the children and bid them the best of year ahead.
Some of the children came decked up as Santa Claus and danced to the tunes of jingle bells making everybody tap their feet.
Gathering at the carnival, especially children were acquainted with importance of the day and birth of Lord Jesus, the son of God.

Gurukul Global School students donate toys to needy children on X-mas


Gurukul Global School students visit church at X-mas celebrations

Chandigarh, December 24
The students of Gurukul Global School visited church in sector 19 Chandigarh as a part of ongoing X-mas celebrations in the school.
Students from pre-nursery to kindergarten classes, class I, II and III visited the church in batches with their teachers. Aruna Bhardwaj, Principal, Gurukul Global School said that the visit was a part of school’s efforts in reinforcing the spirit of oneness in children and teaching them equality of religions.
Going beyond its call of academics, the school asked students to bring their used toys. These toys were donated to under privileged Government Model High School sector 26, Chandigarh. Gurukul Global School has adopted this school under Chandigarh Administration’s AIE scheme. “This helped to inculcate sense of commitment in the young minds,” Bhardwaj pointed out.
At school, students celebrated Christmas with their parents. Tiny tots from nursery class staged a play detailing the arrival of Lord Jesus in the stable of Bethlehem. Students presented joyous carol singing. The students of class II presented a beautiful and elegant ballet dance.
The school campus also dazzled with beautiful Christmas trees decorated as a part of competition. Santa Claus blessed each and every student with little gifts as a mark of appreciation and love.

Small Wonders celebrate Christmas


Gaiety marks Christmas celebrations at Small Wonders School

Mohali, December 24
Gaiety celebrations marked the festival of Christmas at Small Wonders School, Mohali.
School campus sprung back to the times when Lord Jesus was born. Students enacted the scenes of birth of Jesus Christ with his mother Mary and Joseph standing beside the manger he was placed in.
Students sung carol amidst cheers and welcomed the spirit of Christmas. Melody floated in the atmosphere with carols including Long time ago, Joy of the world and Hindi carol charvahe naache jhoomke.
Dressed as angels little ones proclaimed Hosanna in the highest at the highest pitch of their voices. Dressed as little shepherds, they celebrated the birth of Jesus when angel Gabriel passed them message that Jesus was born.
The celebrations culminated with Father Christmas – Santa Claus distributing gifts to the little ones and dancing to the tunes of ever green Christmas melody jingle bells.

Trusted partner of UK border agency, Icon – The Kundras now in Chandigarh



UK Trusted student agent of UK BA in India, Icon – The Kundras now in Chd

Chandigarh, December 23.
The trusted student agent of UK border agency in India, Icon – The Kundras have opened its maiden branch in north India at UT in Partnership with Swaran Sandhu of Raffles Educity, Sec. 34A Chandigarh. Studying in UK & finding the right course and college is a labyrinth process & the student needs to take the help of counselors who will hold his finger and guide him in this long and cumbersome process.
Addressing media persons today, Mr. Anil Kundra Managing Director Icon-The Kundras said that the UK border agency is responsible for regulation of entry to and settlement in UK.
“Icon – The Kundras is a trusted student Agent, one of the very few such Agencies in India because of its ethical practices and transparent working. Besides having an affiliation with category A universities of UK, Icon holds a professional development certification for promoting education in the UK,” he said.
Announcing this Mr Kundra said that they are now in Chandigarh in Partnership with Swaran Sandhu of Raffles Educity in Sector 34A Chandigarh.
Mr. Swaran Singh Managing Director Raffles Edu city said that the emphasis is on honest & Transparent guidance of the student community which is being mislead by unscrupulous Agencies. Other services like, pre-departure briefing and post landing support is part of our TOTAL GUIDANCE PACKAGE
He added that the agency deals only with UK border agency sponsored license A colleges and universities for courses like MBA, computer sciences, computer networking, mechanical engg, aeronautical engg
electronics engg, engg management, banking and finance management, financial derivatives, risk management, human resource management, international applied communication, international business and management, international finance and investment, logistics and supply chain management, forensic science, pharmaceutical science, biomedical science biotechnology, sports therapy/sports & exercise science, architecture, fashion & textile design
Icon represented universities at London England are London Metropolitan University, University of Winchester, University of Central Lancashire, Birmigham City University, Bradford College, University of Plymouth, South Thames College London, Anglia Ruskin University etc.
Those in Wales are Bangor University, Bangor, Glyndwr University, Wrexham Universities represented by us through our Associates in Scotland are University of Teesside, Tees Vally, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, Robert Gordon University, Scotland, Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland. University represented by Icon through associates in Northern Ireland is University of Ulster.
Icon provides comprehensive and cost effective package of services directed towards assessing and matching students with the philosophy, requirements, academic offerings and resources of the British, American and NZ Universities.
Students are assisted in entire application process, from identification of programs of study to actual enrolment, through experts who apart from being thoroughly familiar with Indian, British, American and New Zealand educational systems are ideally equipped to assist students to go through the maze of British, American and New Zealand education process.

Bristol turns into Santa’s inn for X-mas celebrations



Week long X-mas celebrations start at Santa’s inn in Bristol
Catch the Christmas festivities at Santa’s inn in Bristol Hotel
Mouth watering Christmas delicacies await at Santa’s inn in Bristol

Chandigarh, December 24
Catch the festivities of Christmas Yuletide at Santa’s inn in Bristol Hotel and Resort amidst grandeur of the festivity season and mouth watering delicacies.
The entire place has been converted into Santa’s inn with the largest Christmas tree in region and a big star donning atop. At menu would be Santa’s favorite food and drinks and a vibrant carnival coupled with joy rides, fun games and many more attraction for kids.
“Christmas is a time for great food. Not many families eat together these days. Christmas dinner is a great time to spend time with family members who you may not often see. Its rightly said that The tree is up, the lights are aglow, it's time to celebrate with folks we know ,” said Mr. Sunny Virk, MD, Bristol Hotel & Resorts
He added that with this concept in mind, a visual treat, the Santa’s inn, would be abuzz with activity and tastiest of delicacies. The menu for week long celebrations from December 24 till the dawn of new year would be Cheery Hot Chocolate, The Best Cinnamon Bread, Pear Mouse, Mrs. Claus’s Favorite Lime Pie, Ho-Ho-Holiday Omlet, Starry Biscuits, Chocolate Chip Pie on a Cloud, Rudolph’s Peanut Butter Oat Treats, Fantastic Fudge, Crunchy Paprika Chicken and Chocolate-dipped Apple Slices.
Mr. RS Rawal, CEO, Bristol Hotel & Resorts said, Christmas celebrations are incomplete without a Christmas tree. Santa’s in would house the largest tree in region plump with gifts, toys and chocolates for children.
Santa himself would be round the corner playing with children and loading his favorite child with surprise gifts. Glittering stars, bells painted gold and silver, candy sticks, tinsel, balloons and ornaments from glass, metal, wood and ceramic would find their way out of Santa’s bag into children’s hands.

Anees School holds annual function


7th annual function of Anees School held

Mohali, December 23
The seventh annual function of Anees School, sector 69 Mohali was held today with grandeur and enthusiasm.
District Education Niranjan Singh was chief guest at the occasion. Addressing the students he exhorted efforts of school authorities in imparting quality education to students as well as inculcating moral values in them.
School director, Aneet Goel welcomed the chief guest, parents and other spectators. He said that school was committed to giving the best to its students.
“The prime duty of an educational institute is to ensure that all its students become good citizens for better tomorrow of country. At Anees School we encourage students to find the real heroes in themselves,” he said.
The cultural event started with class third students presenting Saraswati Vandana. Students of play way classes participated in a glittering ramp show showcasing the best of dresses and attitude.
LKG students participated in rain dance flaunting colorful umbrellas. The legend of Goldilocks and Three Bears came alive on stage with students enacting in the play.
UKG students presented in Barbie dance all decked up as Barbie dolls. Class one students gyrated in Arabian dance and class second and third students presented in Sweetness of Salt play. The Rajasthani folk dance of classes fourth and fifth participated with foot tapping music drew big applause.
The burning issue of global warming too was highlight in a play wherein students of classes fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth put across the message with an appeal to save mother earth.
Students of classes seventh and eighth danced on drum beats of giddha and bhangra.
Prize distribution function was held at the end. Director Aneet Goel gave vote of thanks and the function concluded with national anthem.

Groversons open one-stop lingerie shop


Groversons open first flagship lingerie store in Mohali
Experience the perfect fit with Groversons’ lingerie shop at Mohali
Groversons brings Indianised western design lingerie under one roof

Mohali, December 22
Groversons Group, the leading and one of oldest group in lingerie manufacturing, has come up with its exclusive lingerie shop bringing comfort and unheard range of designs under one roof.
Manufacturers of premium brands like Paris Beauty, Paris Beauty Premium, Miss-t, Poem, Sparsh, Sunaina etc, the group has been serving women across all the ages from comfort conscious grannies to fashionista teens since 1953.
Mr. Rakesh Grover, Managing Director, Groversons Group inaugurated the North India’s first exclusive Groversons Lingerie Outlet today in phase 5 Mohali.
Later, addressing media persons, Mr. Rakesh Grover said the group plans 15 exclusive outlets in Punjab that will serve 18 to 80 years population. Products are reasonably priced between Rs 50 to Rs 500 to cater every economic strata of society.
”Established in 1953 the group has come a long way with an annual turnover of Rs. 100cr and an ISO 9001:2000 Certifications. We have strong distribution base having presence Pan India. Around 250 distributors/ channel partners are associated with group directly and products are available at 12000 retail counters and leading chain stores,” he said.
Store will have coordinated sets of fancy bras, panties, slips, camisoles and sports bras. The best of cotton fabric has been used to suit the Indian climatic conditions.
Snuggly fitting and contour hugging lingerie has been designed to fit every need of individual from full coverage, deep neck, halter neck, under wire, pushup to molded, seamless, balconet, plunge, convertible and even nursing bras.
The sensuous and stylish products target at young generation, but at the same time serves its older genre that has been using Groversons products for past many decades.
S. Kulwant Singh Choudhry, owner of the Franchisee outlet in Mohali, that is already offering wide range of lingerie at its outlet Choudhry Plus - Lingerie store in Phase 7 Mohali, was also present at the inaugural ceremony.
Sh. Achal Bhutani, Director Marketing Groversons Group, Sh. Ashok Khurana, Director, Siddhartha Trade Links Pvt. Ltd. and Sh. RK Singla Director Aarsons Retails accompanied Rakesh Grover during the inaugural ceremony.
Inaugural offer – A gift on the purchase of Rs 500 or above

ASHMIANS CELEBRATE A GREEN CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA"




Mohali December 22. Christmas, the festival of joy was celebrated with great fervor and gusto at Ashmah International School. The school was decked up with the festive lights, festoons, balloons and ribbons. Little Ashmians had decorated the christmas tree very creatively and had come dressed in bright and colourful party dresses.
The highlight of the day was a play based on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. The play motivated the students to follow the teachings of the Christ and lead a virtuous, action oriented and meaningful life which are the underlined ideas in all the religions.
As the little ones were dancing to the tunes of jingle bells, the young Ashmians asked Santa for a novel gift of freeing the planet Earth from all its problem of globle warming.
Santa distributed saplings as gifts, to the students and told them that planting the trees would get our planet rid of all its problems..
Principal, Mrs.Roopinder Ghuman appreciated the efforts of the students and added that this green Christmas celebration was a conscious eggort towards sensitizing the young minds about our responsibility towards our planet.
Director, Mr.J.S.Kesar, wished the staff, students and their parents a Merry Christmas,a nd a joyous beginning of the New Year that brings hope for the environment.
Prizes were distributed to the little children dressed as Santas. The fairy distributed gifts and presents to the students. Overall, it was a celebration with lots of fun, joy and a message to go green!

Christmas celebrations held at The British School


X-mas celebrations held at The British School

Chandigarh, December 22
Carol singing highlighted the Christmas celebrations at The British School, sector 44 Chandigarh.
Students of foundation years 1, 2 and 3 presented carols infused with enthusiasm and Christmas celebrations. Principal Mona Shri Sethi, principal, The British School, Chandigarh told students about the significance of Christmas and birth of Lord Jesus in a stable at Bethlehem. She dwell on the fact that how the festival is celebrated alike by Indians irrespective of religion.
Students presented melodious carols and sung their way into the heart of spectators. Students of class foundation year 1, 2 and 3 presented play Original Nativity.
The school choir presented carols Silent night, Way in a manger, Half the herald and Joy to the world. The students of foundation year 1, 2 and 3 presented poetical recitation. The spectators and parents gave a huge applause to brilliant performance.
Best performers of the event were awarded with appreciation certificates. The programme culminated with Santa – the Father Christmas giving away gifts and presents to the children.

Gadkari's appointment as BJP president hailed

New Delhi, December 21
Sh. Amit Thaker, the national president, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha has hailed the appointment of Sh. Nitin Gadkari as National President of Bharatiya Janata Party.
Hailing the appointment, Thaker said that Gadkari has made mark in the political arena. "Gadkari's USP is his development based politics that includes sewa and vikas. The service and development has remained core of his political career. Such works have paved way for better public service and expanded the party popularity amongst masses giving it a wider base," he said.
Thaker appreciated Gadkari for being associated with grass level movement of the party. He added that the concepts of PPP public private partnership and BOT built operate and transfer are Gadkari’s brainchild, which have now been replicated all over the country in most of the public utility construction avenues.
“The Bandra-Worli sea link in Mumbai, which has made many social thinkers an apostle of the technology involved in project, too is Gadkari’s initiative. He is a true leader not only in terms of mass following but also has an in-depth knowledge of administration and effective use of technology for public benefit,” Thaker said.
Emphasizing Gadkari's main contribution in the form of his pilot project, "what after 12th", Thaker said that this apolitical project has largely helped youth to decide its career direction after completing senior secondary class. Camps held under this project have acted as great career counselors for students and more than 5000 students have already been benefited through a series of these camps.
He added that it matter of great pride that an office bearer of youth wing has become the national president of BJP. "Gadkari's elevation as president has once again proven that there is no place for dynastic politics in BJP. Any Indian who joins BJP and works hard can reach the top as did Mr Gadkari and prior to him people like Sh. Rajnath Singh and Sh. Vankaya Naidu have arose in same way," he added.

Jungle book comes alive at The Millennium School Annual Fest




Mohali, December 20
The Jungle book became alive at The Millennium School, Mohali during the annual day celebrations of the pre-nursery wing of the school here today.
The winter Sunday morning turned warm with fascinating drills and races based on the animal theme wherein little ones of the pre-primary section presented the items.
Addressing the parents at the occasion, Principal Komal Singh welcomed them. She said, “This year the animal kingdom has been selected as the core theme of the annual day celebrations that has given a new edge to the function. Children have not only enjoyed imitating and dressing up as their favorite animals, but have learnt a lot in the process,” she added.
Beginning with a march past led by Muskan of KG holding the school flag, playful bunny rabbits, colorful butterflies, majestic elephants, dancing peacocks and roaring tigers made their way past their parents in a colorful array.
The students of KG presented a dance number “We Want to Move”. Tiny tots dressed in vibrant attires presented delightful drills utilizing their props effectively and to the fullest.
Students participated in races that suited the animals they were representing. The show ended with a ‘jungle dance’ in which Tarzan and Jane accompanied by all the animals danced straight into the hearts of the audience.
The colorful event culminated with The Millennium School song and national anthem, sung by all students and parents.

Anee’s School introduces Smart Mom-Smart Kid first time in India


Anee’s School launches Smart Mom-Smart Kid

Mohali 20 December. Juggling with your kids, their studies, job and house have you ever wished of magic wand to be a smart mom? Your wish has now come true with Smart Mom-Smart Kid concept initiated at Anee’s School.
Smart Mom is a wonderful one-year program is specially designed for the mother of today’s generation wherein we believe that a mother is the best teacher. The programme trains moms on skills required today from being a good manager to emotional bank of your child.
The programme is brain child of Director of the Anee’s School Mr. Aneet Goel, who has widely trotted the globe and has developed this concept with his team of freelance technocrats, academicians, psychologists, engineers, doctors, head of schools and parents, based on their experiences with the children.
He observed that there are certain skill sets, which differentiate an average mother from a smart mom. “This was researched 6000 mothers of various age groups and cultures, across many countries of the world. We scientifically examined and rationally sought the answer to becoming a smart mom and drew inference that there are certain skills, which, if acquired, can make an average mother a smart mom.
First of its kind combo of smart mom-smart kid program, the concept is already creating waves in the education circle. This program also prepares a mother for entrepreneurship and a smart kid for successful & happy life. It would help mothers be ready to take on the challenge of next generation parenting, challenging kids and social stance. Registration for the programme is open and classes are schedule from January.
It concentrates on smart development of a kid along with mother and has also developed smart kid program for kids of age group 2-4.5 years, which will gradually move up to 16-year age group.
Smart kid program is also based on extensive research of five years wherein children will not only be trained to hone skills, but their multiple intelligence levels would be suggested only after assessing their natural inclination.
Every child’s intelligence would be individually assessed. “We believe in natural intelligence and inculcating intelligence by imparting children lessons in special modules,” he added.
Every Smart Mom Smart Kid learning center will have a gym instructor, aerobics and yoga instructor, intelligence trainers, personality trainers. For the first learning center in India, Anee’s School, trainers have already been appointed for first batch of 45 Smart Mom Smart Kids. This program has very limited seats in its premier edition.
Technical Wing of this smart program is well coordinated with inputs from many countries and has central hub at Canada. Smart Mom’s first batch of mothers will roll from Anee’s School Sector 69, Mohali.

Alliance Française - The British School hold Bonjour India fest



Indo-French grandeur comes alive at Bonjour India
Bonjour India delivers spectacular performances

Chandigarh, December 19
Indo-French grandeur came alive during the Bonjour India fest held by l’Alliance française de Chandigarh in association with The British School, Chandigarh.
Aimed at strengthening the Indo-French ties, Bonjour India fest marked cordial relationship and cooperation between the two countries. Bonjour India established an exhilarating platform for showcasing the various facets of Indian and French contemporary creation.
Chief guest at the occasion Vinod Kalia, deputy director tourism Chandigarh said that the fest has aptly served its purpose of bringing the two great nations closer. “The fusion performances showcased during the event were right depiction of how two cultures meet and melt,” he said.
Mr. Christian Flores, Director, Alliance Française, Chandigarh said that the Embassy of France in India and Cultures France is organizing this fest across 18 cities in India. Mona Sri Sethi, Principal, The British School, Chandigarh added that fest has woven many colors of the two countries together.
Students of The British School presented vibrant and lively European Polka dance. Alliance students presented a repertoire of French and Indian performances.
Alliance student Avtansh played Chak De India song on a casio piece. Another student Jasleen played soft rock and country songs including Degeneration, La Liste and Liberta with guitar in English, French and Hindi. Band of Hari and and Sukhmani gave special performance knotting Indo – Western music together. Celebrations culminated with a thumping and foot tapping DJ dance party.
Dept. of Tourism Chandigarh Administration, ICCR and ITFT supported the event.

Creativity steals the show at Shemrock School pre-school exhibition


Shemrock School holds pre-school exhibition

SAS Nagar, December 19
Creativity stole the show at Shemrock Senior Secondary School pre-school exhibition held today at the school campus.
Pre-schoolers in age group of above 2 years (nursery), above 3 years (LKG) and above 4 years (UKG) put up an exhibition rotating around different themes.
Principal Air Comd (retd) SK Sharma said that at Shemrock pre-schoolers are taught on lines of play way method instead of burdening them with conventional way of teaching.
“To give students a taste of reality, the project on hospital involved actually setting up hospital scene and ditto was done for fruit shop and other parts of exhibit. In a way the event a guaranteed workshop for pre-schoolers,” he added.
Every class room was given different theme such as alphabets and words concept as modern teaching methods, eat healthy stay healthy, birthday celebrations, seasons, transportation, animal kingdom (zoo), unity in diversity, art and craft and first aid.
The zoo was brought alive with small animals, while students bought fruits at eat healthy stay healthy stall and miniature transport systems were put up-to play and learn.
Instead of remaining mere spectators, the tiny tots remained part and parcel of the entire enthusiastic activity. Being a part of their concerned projects, they detailed visitors about concepts of their exhibition and its intricacies involved.
Students also sang a choir highlighting jubilant mood.

Former PEC students from overseas participate in alumni meet



400 PEC alumni converge at alma mater

Chandigarh, December 19
More than four hundred alumni of Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh converged at their alma mater at alumni meet organized by Punjab Engineering College Old Students’ Association (PECOSA) in association with PEC University of Technology.
PECOSA president, Dr. Dharinder Tayal welcomed the PEC alumni on occasion. He said it was momentous occasion for PEC to have its former students converge in such a large number. “Today’s participants of event include alumni members settled in India as well as abroad. Most of them are participating with their families,” he said.
Chief guest at the occasion was Pawan Kumar Bansal, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources. In his presidential address Pawan remarked PEC as a prestigious landmark in field of engineering.
“The institute has illustrious Alumni including astronaut Kalpana Chawla and Madan Lal Singla who is leader of the team that designed the Chandrayan Probe. I appeal the alumni to support social, economic and academic causes of the college in best possible way,” he said.
PEC Director, Dr. Manoj Datta gave a presentation about ongoing projects of the college. He sought help of the alumni association for earmarking special funds for the projects.
The alumni meet hosted a unique my story sessions wherein three distinguished alumni shared their success story with others.
Chairman Central Electricity Authority Rakesh Nath, noted TV and Film Personality Jaspal Bhatti and founder Mobile Next Romi Juneja shared their success stories woven with incidents from their lives.
Chairman Board of Governors Sh. Chander Mohan Padam Shree Awardee, who is also former Vice Chairman Punjab Tractors Ltd too addressed the gathering.
The current batch of PEC students honored alumni with mementoes presented to the golden jubilee year batch 1960, 1975, silver jubilee batch 1985 and 1995.
PECOSA General Secretary Anurag Aggarwal proposed a vote of thanks.
The entertaining evening was packed with live music, dance, cultural program, fireworks, cocktails, dinner and fellowship followed at Cricket Grounds, PEC.
Games and other activities were concurrently held for children and spouses at the venue and special raffle prizes were announced in the auditorium.

312 students to fly to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK



312 students embark for higher studies abroad with WWES

Chandigarh, December 18
Three hundred and twelve students from Punjab, seeking higher studies abroad, embarked for pursuing their dreams through World Wide Education Services WWES.
In a press statement issued here today Devinder Sandhu, senior director, WWES said that these students would be leaving for Canada, Australia, New Zealand and UK for the January/ February 2010 intake. They interacted with expert of WWES, the overseas education division of WWICS, as part of a pre departure counseling session organized today.
“We at WWES have a success rate of 93 percent and aim at not just helping the student with career counseling but also with visa filing, interview preparation, pre-departure counseling etc,” he added.
WWES even assists in post-grad work permit on course completion as well as help the student in filing application for permanent residency, if he or she wishes to settle there. Sandhu added that till now as many as approx. 12,000 students have sought study visa through WWES to destination countries like Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Cyprus, Ireland and Switzerland in the past few years.
Students opting for streams like mechanical engineering, IT, management studies, tourism and hospitality, bio and health sciences, nursing, fashion designing, law, public relations and mass communication had a rewarding acclimatization exercise during the session.
During the session students openly discussed various points and queries. Sahar, AGM, WWES enlightened the young minds and covered vital information pertaining to destination countries like climate, clothing, accommodation options, transportation, banking services, driving license, health and accident insurance, traveling tips, luggage packing tips, food and emergency medicines, important document which could be carried along, brief on arrival formalities and other do’s and don’ts.
Promising students of WWES will be embarking upon higher studies at some of the most prestigious international institutions like Georgian College-Canada, George Brown College-Canada, Centennial College-Canada,, Seneca College-Canada,, Sheridan College-Canada, Red Rivers College-Canada, Thompson Rivers University-Canada, Natcoll Design Tech.-New Zealand, Universal College of Learning-New Zealand, International College of Auckland-New Zealand, Whitireia Community Polytechnic-New Zealand, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE-Australia, University of Sunshine Coast-Australia, Canterbury Institute of Tech.-Australia, Boxhill Institute of TAFE-Australia, AYR College, Scotland, Swansea Metropolitan University-UK, Guildford college-UK, Birmingham College-UK, Halifax University-London, University of Brighton, etc.
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Bonjour India fest of France on Dec 19


Bonjour India to celebrate Le Corbusier’s city
Alliance Française- The British School to hold Bonjour India fest

Chandigarh, December 17

Cementing the Indo-French ties, l’Alliance Française de Chandigarh in association with The British School are celebrating Bonjour India fest marking the cordial relationship and cooperation between the two countries on December 19.

Addressing media persons today the Mr. Christian Flores, Director, l’Alliance Française, Chandigarh and Ms.Mona Sri Sethi, Principal, The British School, Chandigarh said that BONJOUR INDIA Festival of France is an 18-city mega festival, organized by the Embassy of France in India and Cultures france.

Flores said that Bonjour India seeks to establish an exhilarating platform for showcasing the various facets of Indian and French contemporary creation. Bonjour India will reach out to audiences across Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kochi, Mumbai, Mysore, Nashik, Pondicherry, Pune, Trivandrum and Varanasi.

“The city beautiful Chandigarh is Le Corbusier’s city and is very dear to us. Highlighted replica of Eiffel tower would remain attraction piece during fest with parts of Paris and France coming alive,” he added.

Mona Sri Sethi revealed that festival will be a riot of colors with cultural programme. Students of The British School will present vibrant European Polka dance. Alliance students Avtansh will play a casio piece, while another student Jasleen will play soft rock and country songs with guitar in English, French and Hindi.

Band of Hari and & Sukhmani will deliver special performance weaving Indo – Western music together. Celebrations will culminate with half hour DJ dance party.

Former PU don first director of Rayat campus Ropar


Prof. Bedi joins as first ever director Rayat campus

Mohali, December 17

In its effort to grant financial and administrative autonomy to its three campuses, the Rayat-Bahra Group appointed its first ever director Prof. S.C. Bedi, former Panjab University Chandigarh don as the campus director of Rayat Centre of Excellence, Ropar Campus.

Speaking at an impressive function meant to induct new campus director, the Group Vice-Chairman Mr. Gurvinder Singh Bahra said that group’s initiative comes as a part of concept of granting financial and administrative autonomy to three campuses.

“This pivotal appointment aims at improving the efficiency in view of exponential expansion of adding additional campuses and universities to its existing educational empire,” Bahra said.

He highlighted the group policies, new MOUs signed and also elaborated concept of campus director with roles and responsibilities.

Bahra added that recent advertisement for this position has attracted as many 300 applications including those of top level bureaucrats and academicians, which made the choice very difficult.

During the ceremony new director Prof. Bedi was inducted. Prof Bedi has served in the Department of Physics, PU Chandigarh for nearly four decades in various research and teaching positions. He had held the post of Director of University Centre of Instrumentation and Microelectronics for term of three years.

He has to his credit a large number of publications in international journals and has held assignments as visiting scientist and visiting professor in Universities in Sweden, and Germany in several spells.

During his tenure he organized prestigious events like All India Vice-Chancellors’ Conference, Congregation of the Indian Academy of Sciences and above all the Indian Science Congress. He hosted Indian Science Congress with Prof. R.C. Sobti, the present Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University.

He resigned from the last assignment as professor of physics in July 2008 to join the Rayat-Bahra Group as Director (academics) in the corporate office. He headed concurrently various institutes of the group as Director-Principal before being appointed as the Director of RIEIT, Railmajra.
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Schedule Caste leader oppose dilution of reservation



Mishra commission report re-ignites reservation debate

CHANDIGARH: December 16, 2009
Speakers at a discussion organized by the Anusuchit Jati Arakshan Bachao Manch have opposed the dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Tribe reservation share by the inclusion of those members who converted to Islam or Christianity.
According to the speakers, the report of the National Commission on Religious and Linguistic Minorities headed by Justice Ranganath Mishra submitted to the government in May 2007, has recommended an additional 15 per cent reservation for religious minorities. Speakers were drawn from a varied political bureaucratic spectrum.
Opening the discussion held at ICSSR Seminar Hall at Panjab University here today, Mr Ram Nath Kovind, Ex MP (Rajya Sabha), said that the government has not tabled the report in Parliament as it is yet undecided about its far reaching consequences. Secondly, the report is not unanimous. One of its members, Ms Asha Das, wrote in here dissenting note that converted people should not be given reservation only because they originally belonged to the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. He said that the basic criteria for inclusion in the Scheduled Caste were untouchability. After creation of the list in 1935, the demand for inclusion of religious minorities was rejected by the government and National Commission on Scheduled Castes.
Mr. K. S. Raju, retired IAS Officer, found no problem with the recommendation as long as the current proportion was maintained. Any additional reservation can be given to anyone outside this limit.
Mr S C Tulsi, Ex Secretary, said that implementing Mishra Commission recommendations is a complex and exhaustive process and would take years for implementation that too only after it is passed by parliament, so, need not worry it will have no bearing on the current reservation scene. He said that the quota could not be taken out of the existing SC/ST reservation.
Mr T R Sarangal, senior IAS Officer, however, welcomed any proposal to include “our brethren” from other religions. “We have no religion, we are all converts,” he said.
Retracing the history of reservation, retired IPS officer of Haryana cadre, Mr H R swan, said that untouchability was only a tradition of Hindus and Muslims, Christians could not come under the Scheduled Castes under any criteria. He said that in the past the leaders of both the Muslims and the Christians have said that they did not want any special treatment. He, in fact, called for legislation for reservation in the private sector.
Opposing the move, Mr Som Prakash, retired IAS officer, said that it has only become a political issue and the Muslims and Christians have in the past have opposed their inclusion in the reservation list on the ground that they have no untouchability.
IAS officer R K S Pawar supported reservation for converts but called for increasing the quota based on proportional representation in the population. He also called for legislation for reservation in the private sector.
Manch convener Vijay Sampla argued that the members of the Scheduled Castes who converted to Christianity or Islam did so for getting more facilities, especially better education for their children. “How can our children, who go to ordinary schools, compete with the Christian children who received better education merely by the virtue of belonging to a religious group?” he asked.
Winding up the discussion, Mr Niranjan Singh, IAS, suggested that there was a need to intitutionalise the forum and meet more regularly. Looking at the views expressed at the meeting, he suggested the formation of a sub-committee to discuss in detail the effects of the Mishra Commission report. He said the three main principles that emerged from the discussion are that present reservation should not be diluted; there should be no reservation within reservation: and that reservation should be based on proportion.
He also called for making reservation in private sector mandatory by law.

Heritage status for Amritsar: Sampla, Joshi backs Sidhu

Bhagwan Valmiki closely related to Amritsar, Sampla, Joshi
Sampla,Joshi reiterates Sidhu’s demand pf heritage status for Amritsar

Chandigarh, December 15
Supporting the demand of M.P. Navjot Sidhu for giving heritage status to Amritsar, senior BJP leader and chairman Punjab Khadi Board, Vijay Sampla and National Media Incharge of BJP Youth wing Vineet Joshi stated that center government should yield to Sidhu’s demand without giving a second thought to it.
In a joint press statement issued here today Sampla and Joshi stated that every religion and caste’s devotion is associated with the holy city of Amritsar. Besides being an epicenter of divinity for the Sikh brethren, Bhagwan Valmiki had his ashram in Amritsar and Goddess Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush too in Amritsar.
Sampla and Joshi added that granting heritage status would run a spirit of happiness in the crores of devotees of Bhagwan Valmiki. Centre government’s denial in imparting heritage status to this historic and religious city would mean turning Nelson’s eye to people’s devotion in the place and would be a great injustice.
They both reiterated that center government should immediately accept the demand and make an announcement in this context. The duo called upon all the political parties to rise above their political differences and unite to demand special status for the holy city that has been birth place of Khalsa.
Besides being a centre of divinity, Amritsar holds great historical importance. The city has given several freedom fighters to the country in its zest for independence. Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar has a very significant place in our freedom struggle.

Mokeynastix comes to The British School


Education movement Monkeynastix starts first centre in north India

Chandigarh, December 14
South Africa’s unique movement education programme, Monkeynastix has introduced its first-ever centre in north India at The British School, Chandigarh.
Addressing media persons today, Mona Sethi Principal, The British School, Chandigarh said that meant for children between 2.5 to 8 years age group, Monkeynastix is a movement of education for healthy living, aimed at improving physical, motor, cognitive and intellectual development of children, through use of senses and bodies. The British School, Chandigarh is hosting evening classes at the school for children from other institutes as well.
Qualified Monkeynastix trainers, Mr & Mrs. Dr. Hemesh Lakhani, in collaboration with The British School Chandigarh are holding these classes. The programme lays foundation of healthy minds, bodies and habits in chidlren.
A group of tiny tots, already taking classs under Monkeynastix, presented their spectacular performance. Mona Sethi said that the performing group has shown neater handwriting, ability to sit on a chair and focus on desk work, improved concentration and ability to follow demonstrations and auditory instructions.
Lakhani said that the programme as been designed by specialists, endorsed by therapists and teachers. “It works on the principle that when a child is moving, co-ordination between eyes, feet and hands is needed. Today children are living in smaller environments with limited access to gardens and play areas with too much time in front of TV screens, instead of moving,” he said.
Monkeynastix is a holistic combination of creativity, music, storytelling with training in flexibility, balance, strength, agility, co-ordination and body awareness.
Every class is for 30 minutes comprising of warm up session, stretch and tone and the main activity of day. Specialized designed equipment for children has been imported from South Africa.
Each child receives a Monkeynastix Sticker at the end of each class as a reward to build self esteem and confidence. A certificate is given at the end of each term and a medal at the end of the year.

Over 1000 students appear for AIEEE mock test at Rayat-Bahra

1000 students undertake AIEEE mock test

Ropar, December 13
Over 1000 students appeared for the AIEEE 2009 mock test at Rayat-Bahra campus in Rail Majra Ropar.
Those scoring meritorious positions at the mock test were honored at the occasion with prizes. Aspirants in engineering courses, only those with +2 non-medicals / medical with mathematics, appeared for the exam.
The vice-chairman Rayat-Bahra group S. Gurvinder Singh Bahra said that after the success of January 2009 mock test, the institute decided to hold a mock test to give aspirants and opportunity for self evaluation and introspection.
“Mock test was also meant to educate the students about AIEEE so that maximum number of students appears for main exam without nay kind of fear. Those students who have not opted for any kind of coaching till date could gear themselves with some crash courses,” Bahra said.
The mock test proved boon for financially unsound students, who could not take coaching from private coaching centers. It was a golden opportunity for them to study the pattern of the actual exam. No registration fees were charged from the students and they were provided with transport facility at key points.
The meritorious students have been offered scholarships. Besides this the top scorers were honored with prizes like laptops, LCD televisions, DVD players, mobile phones, colored printer/scanner/copier etc).
Similar mock test would be conducted on December 20 at Rayat-Bahra Hoshiarpur campus and on January 10, 2010 at Mohali campus.

Small Wonders School kids present Odyssey 2009


Odyssey 2009 enthralls audience
Odyssey 2009 presents riot of colors

Panchkula, December 12
The Indradhanush Auditorium came alive with vibrant and colorful performances of students of Small Wonders School, Chandigarh at their annual day celebrations Odyssey 2009.
A potpourri of various cultures, Odyssey 2009 enthralled the spectators that appreciated performances with loads of applause and clapping. Addressing gathering at the event, school director Sandeep Singh said that Odyseey 2009 was a product of continuous hard work and commitment of students and teachers. He added that Odyssey-2009 was a cultural presentation that reminds us of living in different forms but pursuing the same goals.
Chief guest of the event was the chief administrator, GMADA V. P. Singh, while guest of honor was Achla Dogra the principal of, GCG, sec-11, Chandigarh. Principal Heena Sharma read out the annual report highlighting achievements of the school.
Event began with students of class-3 playing Alladin, Jasmine and Gennie taking audience around the world in two hours by presenting dances of various countries.
Students of Nursery-1 and Nursery-2 presneted Aerobics, while play class 1 and play class 2 danced on Ibiza. The tiny tots of LKG-1 gyrated to the music of Arabic dance and play class 3 and play class 4 presented a riot of colors with Colors of Brazil. Class 1 B presented tribal dance inspired by Zulu traditions from Africa.
Class 1 A students waltzed to the gentle moves of Ballroom dance depicting the Victorian era. Nursery 5 students presented a unique Incredible India programme that was salute and celebration of the success of India at the Oscars. Students of LKG 2 presented cowboy dance representing the country side folks.
A Punjabi marriage depicting the zest and zeal for life and celebrations by students UKG 3 and UKG 4 drew huge applause from the crowd. Little UKG 2 students turned pirates in search of treasure in Treasure hunters of the Carribean.
Students of UKG 1 presented Hip-Hop dance – a cultural movement and an artistic commitment to seize freedom from oppressive social conditions. Kids from Nursery 3 and Nursery 4 presented a spectacular choreography on environmental theme save the earth.
Students of class II presented the much acclaimed fusion - East meets West. It featured the dance heritage of India with Bharatnatyam as the classical dance which has retained its pure form and western dance characterized by great diversity and change.
The programme concluded with Heal the world spreading important message that culture transcends boundaries and can get us all together. Children gave a message saying the time was ripe to shed our differences and get together to save the planet and heal the world and make this planet a better place to live in.

52 CIIS students ready to sail abroad


52 CIIS students ready to sail abroad
52 CIIS students join parent extension campuses
52 CIIS students join parent campuses abroad

Jalvehra (Fatehgarh Sahib), December 11
Fifty-two students of CIIS are ready to join their parent universities’ and colleges’ campuses abroad after completing their first year course at CIIS.
These students were awarded certificates at a specially convened ceremony at CIIS’s main campus in Jalvehra here today.

Bhagat Taggar, President-CIMT-Canada, Chief Commissioner Office - Ontario Human Rights Commission, Canada and senior director, Devinder Sandhu, CIIS educational services and society presided over the function.

While addressing the occasion, Devinder Sandhu, said that CIIS has an extensive collaborative framework with renowned institutes abroad. “This framework provides students with flexible option of taking transfer to parent campuses after the mandatory first year in CIIS. About 550 students have already taken transfer to their overseas parent campuses till now and these 52 are ready to join,” he said.
The outgoing 52 students were awarded certificates in streams of creative design, aeronautical, automotive engineering et al.

During their course of learning the students have had the exposure to be taught by foreign faculty from Canada and New Zealand.

CIIS (part of Continental Group of Institutes) in India, is an extension campus of the reputed Georgian College Ontario, Canada & Thompson Rivers University, Canada.
CIIS has also established tie-up with Universal College of Learning (UCOL), New Zealand, Ayr College, Scotland, Red rivers College, Manitoba, Canada, Natcoll-New Zealand, University of Brighton- UK, Sheridan College, Canada.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Theme-based Crystal Bar forays into resto-bar arena in Chandigarh



Crystal Bar comes to titillate palate
World Coastal food finds new home at Crystal Bar

Chandigarh, December 10
Amidst aura of crystals, the coastal grilled food coupled with fantastic dining experience, waits at the Crystal bar, sector 26 Chandigarh.
Crystal Bar has world coastal grilled foods on its palate for the food connoisseurs. Set amidst the world of crystals with Swarovski, glass and mirror work and the aura of light (aqueous blue) donning interiors of the restaurant food aficionados can savor dishes doled out by finest chef from Delhi.
“We realized the thirst (for change) in the city and came up with our Crystal Bar where dining amidst richly decorated glasswork area would be an experience to remember,” said Mr Munish Bajaj, director, the brains behind Crystal Bar.
Bajaj added that the finest of chefs from Delhi have hand woven the menu to present a complete masterpiece. The entire interiors have been designed to help visitors relax. “We have played with color theme of blue and metal. The combination of Swarovski lights and chandeliers with plush blue furniture infuses an infectious zeal,” Bajaj added.
The music seen will be mostly electronic, house, asian underground, drum & base, Dubstep, techno, minimal and fusion act and live visuals will be held time to time.
Soups on menu are Consomme ala polo and summer minestrone (traditional Italian soup with ripe vegetables). The salad lovers have an array of options to choose from including Caeser salad, mascarpone grilled chicken salad, classic salami Olivet pasta salad, Tuscan tuna salad and fresh green with choice of dressings of blue cheese, honey mustard, 1000 island, sun dried tomato and Basil, parmesan peppercorn, balsamic vinaigrette.
The appetizers include shrimp cocktail, fried shrimp, smoked salmon, fresh tuna, chef fish, chicken sauté, chicken and mushroom patties, Greek shish Kabab, Crostini (veg / non veg), button mushroom, fried tortellini, cottage cheese and mozzarella rolls, nacho salsa Mexicana and marinated olives.
Entrees (from the coast) include grilled trout/ pomfret, grilled tuna , grilled fish, grilled Norwegian salmon.
Yummy prawns can be had as shrimp crepe and grilled jumbo prawns. Grill lamb chops, rack of lamb and Penne Bolognese would tease the palate. The regular chicken is up for servings as chicken paprika, grill chicken and grill drumsticks.
The vegetarians too have delights in form of grilled vegetables, grilled cottage cheese steak, fried tortellini, ravioli, manicotti, Aglio E Olio and Fettucccine Alfredo.
Mouth watering desserts include Tiramisu, double chocolate cheese cake, crepes (chocolate crepe and Rum and raisin crepe), pancake with peach/ apricot/ apple sauce, apple cinnamon pie and home made ice cream.

Adopt the right way to immigration, WWICS

Beware of unscrupulous agents promising funds and jobs, WWICS
Don’t adopt unethical means to seek visa, says WWICS

Chandigarh, December 10. The recent incidence of hundreds of Indian students flocking South Hall Gurudwaras in UK seeking shelter and food in absence of sufficient funds has once again highlighted the need to choose ethical means.
In a press statement issued here today Lt. Col. B.S. Sandhu, Chairman & Managing Director, World Wide Immigration Consultancy Services (WWICS) stated that some immigration consultancy companies and agents are misguiding the students that no funds are required to study or reach UK. Whereas the fact of the matter is that settlement funds are required when a student reaches UK. Some agents are fooling innocent students that they can easily manage without the funds; they may work there and earn the fee in UK. These unscrupulous consultants are befooling in lieu of money and actually leaving them in a piquant situation on landing the foreign shores.
“The plight of such students, who have gone to UK through unscrupulous agents, without having requisite funds for boarding, lodging and education, gets miserable. This is highly unethical as such agents not only sap the entire life’s savings of the students’ parents but also leave them helpless,” Sandhu added.
He stated that at WWICS students are discouraged from adopting unethical means to seek visa. “We know if a non deserving student who may get visa by hook or crook and may be successful in reaching UK but he cannot survive. Lack of required skills and minimum financial capacity would only bring harassment and a bad name to our company. We need to ensure that the students who move not only to UK but any destination country are able to cope academically and are capable of supporting themselves financially. Students are innocent and get swayed away by attractive advertisements promising visas without funds, committing financial assistance or free air-tickets etc. There have been many such students who come to WWICS and World Wide Education Services (WWES), the overseas education division of WWICS for some discounts and financial assistance but we turn them down and guide them not to opt for shortcuts. The parents should be more cautious while taking the decision of sending their child to another country and choose the right channel instead of going through misleading shortcuts,” said Col. Sandhu.
At WWICS, we educate the students and inform them of the consequences, challenges and opportunities awaiting them instead of just getting the visa stamped on their passport. The aspiring immigrants are given pre-departure orientation that upgrades their skills like accent neutralization and communication skills. Col. Sandhu added that before a student lands in foreign country, he or she should be well versed with the job opportunities available as per ones caliber. WWICS & WWES sensitize them about the job environment and equips them as per job requirement of UK so that when they are equipped with the requisite skills. Students are also updated about jobs available in market so that they don't find any problem in getting one.
The post landing care is WWICS’s USP. Company’s representative receive them at the airport, take them to transit accommodation, help them in getting accommodation on rent, guide them in applying for social security number and opening of bank account.
The consultancy works with few select institutes/ colleges/ universities of international repute that enables immigrating students to intelligently select avenues as per their caliber and monetary health.

People walk to: know and conquer cancer



CACI meet concludes with walkathon

Chandigarh, December 9
Hundreds of people walked during cancer awareness walkathon held by cancer Sahayta Sahyog to raise awareness on “know cancer to conquer it”.

Ace shooter and Olympian Abhinav Bindra flagged off the rally from Hotel Taj, while Jean Rodrigues, wife of Governor Punjab and UT administrator led the entire team walking for cause of creating awareness on cancer.
Prof RC Sobti, V.C. PU, Dr Raj Bahadur, Director GMCH-32, Mrs Savta Bhatti and Sanju Loria Vice President (global operations) esYs India Pvt. Ltd also participated in Walkathon.

Participants of the event were from wide range of ages and economic backgrounds. It was a motley mix of long term survivors of cancer, youth groups, fitness groups, active retirement groups, esteemed members of the medical fraternity, leading oncologists, and high network individuals from the tri-city.

Renu Saigal, President, Cancer Sahayta Sahyog said that the Walkathon aimed at creating awareness on disease and to mobilize broad-based community support for this important social cause.

Referring to the latest alarming data disclosed by World Health Organization (WHO), Sanju Loria Vice President (global operations) esYs India Pvt. Ltd said that if the awareness regarding the Cancer didn’t reach the masses speedily, there is a strong possibility of more than 2 crores of the world’s population falling prey to this dreaded diseases by end of 2030. He added that the situation will be worse for India and other developing nations who don’t have enough resources to tackle it.

Senior oncologist at Fortis Hospital Dr Rajiv Bedi read a pledge along with the tri-city denizens to root out cancer from the region.

The walkathon culminated at sector 17 plaza with the participants pledging their full support for cause of society. It was felt that greater know –how is the safest bet against cancer.

Saroj Khan’s Dance Academy now in Chandigarh



Saroj Khan to open Dance Academy in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, December 7
The dancing queen and famous choreographer Saroj Khan has brought the Bollywood dancing right in the city for UT denizens with her Saroj Khan Dance Academy.
Collaborating with the Leo 1 Production (India) Ltd the dance academy would be operational by December end. Addressing media persons here today Khan said that the academy would satiate desire of those vying to master the Bollywood dances.
She added that during shows she has seen inexperienced candidates turning up and making themselves a laughing stock. “Our academy would train students in such a way that they stand unique from the crowd,” added Saroj, the winner of three National film Award for Best Choreography and eight Filmfare Best Choreography awards. She opined that the vibrant people of Chandigarh had the right moves and talent to be dancers.
Sandeep Shukla, Chairman, Leo 1 Production (India) Ltd revealed that besides Bollywood dancing, the aspirants can also undergo training for classical, folk and western dances from Saroj Khan, The classical would include Bharatnatyam, while folk dances include bhangra and giddha and western includes Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, salsa etc.
He added that aspirants would not only be taught dancing but will be trained to the level of reality shows. Saroj Khan would screen each applicant for different dance courses. Shukla said that as aspirant would be admitted only after he or she has undergone screening wherein his or her body rhythm would be studied.
“Based on screening performance, Saroj Khan would recommend the course needed for aspirant. This would aide to know whether an applicant needs primary course or an advanced one,” he added.
The producers of famous Dance India Dance reality show, Leo 1 Productions India Ltd, would air the show from December 18 onwards on Zee TV.
Paramveer Singh of Leo one Production (India) Ltd was also present at the media briefing.

Gurukul Global School distributes woollies to 400 students


Private schools should adopt students under SSA, Rodrigues
Governor distributes woolens to 400 underprivileged children

Chandigarh, December 8
Gen (retd) S F Rodrigues, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh distributed woolens to four hundred underprivileged children of GMHS-26. Gurukul Global School has adopted these 400 students of GMHS-26 under Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). Jean Rodrigues presided over the function.
Speaking at the occasion Gen Rodrigues exhorted the efforts of Gurukul Global School management that felt the need of poor children and provided them woolens. Calling up other private institutes to indulge in similar philanthropic activities, Rodrigues added that adopting underprivileged children is like giving back to the society what we have taken from it in our lifetime.
Principal of the Gurukul Global School, Aruna Bhardwaj said that that they provide curricular and co- curricular support to children studying under Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in GMHS-26.
Speaking on the occasion Home secretary, Ram Niwas said that adopting students under SSA also aides in overall development of the poor children, who otherwise do not have access to good quality of life.
“Healthy interaction with students of other schools inculcates confidence amongst them. It also serves as an opportunity for the students of private schools to have larger picture of life at the other side of fence,” he added.
DPI (school) Sunil Bhatia delivered a vote of thanks. He thanked Gen Rodrigues and Jean Rodrigues for sparing their valuable time to be amongst the poor children and a team that was trying to make sincere efforts in making a change. He bid the Gurukul Global School, Chairman, Dr VD Singh and his team all the best for all its future endeavors.

Control and combat cancer pandemic, CACI


CACI stresses on Charter of Rights for cancer patients
CACI’s eighth general body meet held
CACI emphasizes on awareness and early cancer diagnosis

Chandigarh, December 8
The eighth general body meeting of Cancer Care India (CACI) emphasized on need for awareness and early cancer diagnosis to mitigate the cancer pandemic in country.
Stressing for the need of charter of rights for cancer patients, the delegates of various non-governmental organizations working for cancer patients felt that cancer patients be given legal right to early diagnosis, informed treatment, second opinion, medical leave, lien on job, medical insurance and travel insurance.
Cancer Sahayta Sahyog hosted the meeting of around 12 NGOs from various parts of country that evolved a comprehensive plan to control and combat pandemic of cancer.
The president of Cancer Sahayta Sahyog Renu Saigal said that plan would be handed over to concerned health authorities. “It has been proven that well conceived and appropriate strategies can lower cancer incidence despite various constraints,” she added.
Delegates passed resolutions focusing on awareness and early diagnosis, prevention and increased participation of NGOs role in cancer control bodies.
CACI laid main thrust on awareness and early diagnosis by providing affordable and easy access to cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. The resolution also underlined dire need of rehabilitation, palliative care, CME of general practitioners so as to save precious lives and co-ordination of primary, tertiary and specialty hospitals.
Emphasis was also laid on research to determine cause of cancer in certain geographical regions, like Bathinda belt and to take appropriate remedial measures.
CACI members resolved to carry out awareness drives in their respective states for prevention that would ask masses to adopt life style changes, ensure smoke and tobacco free environment as many cancers can be prevented by reducing decreasing exposure to carcinogens.
Delegates pressed urgency for their representation on national and regional cancer control programmes. It was decided that the organizations would ask for an increased participation cancer control programmes of central govt. and also of their respective state governments
It was felt that Punjab government’s measures of providing free cancer treatment for school children, free bus concession and declaring cancer as a notified disease needed to be replicated all over India.
Delegates of Cancer Sahyog, Can Support and Roko Cancer (all from Delhi), Sahayta Cancer Sahyog Chandigarh; Cancer Concern Society Dehradun, Can Stop Chennai, Hitaishini Kolkata, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan Patna, Sankalp Chattisgarh, Karuna Care Foundation Ahemadabad, V Care Bombay and Deepshikha Guwahati participated in the meeting.
Later in the evening at home science college cancer survivors presented a fashion show and cancer afflicted children performed dance medley. Sahayta’s patron and supporter, Jean Rodrigues, wife of Governor Gen (retd) S F Rodrigues, presided over the cultural programme.
Cancer Awareness Walk will be held on Wednesday at 10.30 am. Olympian Abhinav Bindra shall flag it off, while Jean Rodrigues and R C Sobti would be our guests of honor. Eminent citizens, doctors, survivors will join the walk.

Strong India Must for survival of civilised world says Bhagwat


RSS public function in city draws elites in large number

Chandigarh December 6. The twin tasks of strengthening the country and integrating Indian society are essential for survival civilised world and Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh is committed to these tasks. RSS Sarsanghchalak Sri Moharao Bhagwat said this today in his first public programme in the city beautiful as the new RSS Chief.

Addressing thousands of RSS workers and enlightened citizens in the exhibition ground in sector 34 Sri Bhagwat said survival of the world requires a tolerant and sensitive approach for which neither the doctrinaire liberals or left ideologies nor the religions that believe in the dictum of “we alone hold the true knowledge” are equipped.

He said, the votaries of socialism and capitalist haven have not been able to deliver on their promises nor growth of science and technology has brought peace of mind to humanity. Stressing the need of an inclusive approach to humans and all living beings as well as the environment He said as the oldest civilization India has to show the way to the world as it has the civilisational experience to do this. Our civilisation teaches us to care for Jal, Jan, jangal and Jaanvar (water, humans, animals and jungles) while other civilisations treat nature a resource for reckless consumption which is the cause of the environmental crises facing the world today.

He said hardline ideologies, whether political or religious, are at the root of almost all problems of the world today. These are not prepared to accommodate the true freedom of thought and action to all. On the other hand Indian thought has always been accommodating all religious beliefs even agnosticism.

Explaing the action plan of the RSS in furthering this process, Sri Bhagwat said RSS has been working to integrate Indian society for the last 84 years and has been striving to make society free from considerations of caste with a value system aimed at bringing togather all sections of society for common good of all. Referring to the physical and intellectual activity at the beginning of the programme he said we have adopted an exercise regimen but we are not a fitness club, the fitnes activities are need of all and these ensure bonding.

Stressing upon the need to involve the entire society in the process of strengthening India he said RSS is not going to monopolise the task of making India strong - the role of RSS is to start the process of sensitizing the society about the challenges it is faced with. Citizen's pride in their identity as Indians and the urge to do their best for the country will ensure that society meets the challenges.

Talking about the need to strengthen India Sri Bhagwat said experience in Uganda, Fiji and recently in Australia has shown that Indians are not safe anywhere, unless we make India strong we can not be safe.

A large sized portrait of Dr BR Ambedkar (whose birthday was celebrated all over India today) adorned the dais. Sri Bhagwat quoted Dr Ambedkar and Dr Verghese Kurian (of Amul fame) to underline the need to strengthen India by character building of Indians.

The RSS programme was attended by a large number of enlightened citizens of Chandigarh from various walks of life. Senior RSS functionaries Dr Bajrang Lal Gupta, Sita Ram Vyas, Brij Bhushan Singh Bedi and Kartar Singh adorned the dais.