AMRITSAR:

In less than a week, Amritsar has had a brush with terror twice. Soon after a crude bomb was found in the Sultanwind area, the police came across 1.8 kg of explosives, along with a detonator, in an abandoned car near the railway station.

The Amritsar police are planning to install 250 CCTV cam­ eras in the city. To begin with, 100 cameras will be put up in the first phase.

Talking to HT, Amritsar Police Commissioner Varinder Kumar said they were reassessing the key locations. Asked whether the decision was prompted by the recent recovery of explosives, he said, “We had been planning this since long, but there is a greater sense of urgency now. CCTV cam­ eras are the need of the hour because it is not possible to man every location.”

The Police Commissioner said though they had set no deadline for the installation of CCTV cameras, their effort would be to have them in place at the earliest.

“We might seek assistance from some private firm after submitting the proposal to the police headquarters,” said a police official.

SOURCE-HT

Arguments and fights that psychologists term sibling rivalry in fact become an integral part of our adult life. Western culture has an obsession with sibling rivalry that began with the story of Cain and Abel and was elaborated by Freud, who labeled and dwelt on the competition between siblings for parental love and attention. Sibling rivalry usually starts right after, or before, the arrival of the second child and often continues throughout child­ hood.

A hand-made poster proclaiming, “Keep out” with my sister’s name written below it had adorned my room wall for years. I vividly remember the spitting competition my sister and I had, only we did not spit into the air but at each other.

Brothers and sisters spend more time together during childhood than with their parents. What matters more is that as constants in our lives, siblings provide a reference against which to judge and measure ourselves.

They know us in a unique way during childhood and share a history that can bring understanding and a sense of perspective in adulthood. With time, siblings become our best friends, our partners in crime.

As a little girl in school whenever I was asked if I missed the presence of a brother in my life I replied, ”No, my sister’s punches more or less make up for the absence of a brother.”

As we grow older the bonds of a sibling become stronger. A common background, upbringing and values contribute to this factor. Then as we move apart in terms of distance, the heart grows fonder. The same person, who fuelled an allergic reaction in us, is missed sorely and deeply.

I personally experienced this fact when my sister left for Oxford recently to pursue a course in economics. During childhood, we form attitudes that last a lifetime. Growing up with another person makes us see life from a larger perspective and at times from another person’s point of view.

These days a new breed of couples is emerging belonging to the double income single kid bracket. They are the men and women who are highly ambitious and believe in getting the best that life has to offer to them.

But this trend breeds super brats since parents direct all their attention and love on one child.

Children without siblings have trouble adjusting to the fact that life, unlike their par­ ents, doesn’t readily come for­ ward to satisfy all their wants. It is actually ironical arid sad that these couples themselves enjoyed the comfort of a live­ in best friend all their life but are depriving their own kids of the same:

Alas, these kids will never know how it feels to have an in-house support system, laugh at common childhood memories, share secrets and get punched in the nose!

AMRITSAR: In the present times, when terrorism has become the single most destructive factor for the world, Tiny Tots of class –I of  DAV public school prayed for peace to prevail on their annual day and  took the audience on a tour of “Priceless India“(Amulya Bharat), reiterating the  spirit of Patriotism among all.

Dedicated to the revival of patriotic spirit in the new generation as many as 515 tiny-tots of the school presented a thought provoking one hour presentation highlighting the glory of India with its rich cultural heritage.

Earlier the function was inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr Vimal Setia state additional commissioner transport, Chandigarh and warmly welcomed by DAV Public School Principal Mrs Neera Sharma who read the annual report of the school in the presence of Dr Neelam Kamra Principal BBK DAV College, Amritsar.

The function started with Tiny-tots presentation of an impressive narrative, song, drama with semi classical dance tracing the folk and cultural history of India throughout the length and breadth of the country.

From Kashmir to Kanya Kumari in the south and from Assam to Gujarat the students presented various landmarks of India interspersed with folk music and dance followed by narrative explaining the importance of the place.

While the  song “Bomroo” brought out the beauty of Kashmir in the backdrop of ‘shikaras’, ‘house- boats’ and flower girls of the beautiful valley considered heaven on earth, the ‘Braj Ki Holi’ scene added color and rhythm to the folk dances of Uttar Pradesh.

A scene of “Sabramati Ashram” denoted Gujarat as the birthplace of greats like father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. Punjab’s ‘Gidda’ added much merriment in the backdrop of ‘Phulkari’ making and butter-churning scenes of rural Punjab while the “Behu’ folk dance of Assam matched steps with Goa’s famous carnival , Rajasthan’s “Ghumar peacock dance” and Orissa’s Jaganath Yatra exhibiting the emotional and spiritual spirit of India .

The curtain was brought down on the song and dance extravaganza with the unfurling of tricolor flag, whose colors were described glowingly as that denoting sacrifice (saffron) peace (white) prosperity (Green). Similarly various Indian symbols such as lotus, tiger and peacock were explained through interesting narrative.

Ushering in new hope for present and future energy needs as Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy on Tuesday inaugurated the   2 MW Solar Power Plant proposed to be expanded to 5 MW in District Amritsar, in the presence of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal and local MP Navjot Singh Sidhu.

The plant set up by Solar Company Azure Power in IPP Mode in the decrepit village Awan about 40 Kms from Amritsar city was a scene of activity since early morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abdullah said it was the first step of India towards a future of renewable energy taken by Punjab Government in fulfilling the target of producing 20,000 MW Solar Power by year 2020 under its Solar Mission plan. He further added that India was committed to the production of clean energy power to save future generations from the effects of global warming.  He said that his Ministry was targeting to produce 1300 MW power from new energy sector within next three years. Abdullah assured positive response to the demand of Deputy Chief Minister to enhance subsidy of Solar Tube wells for Punjab.

Welcoming Dr. Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister, and Badal assured him that this experiment of Awan would be soon replicated in total border belt of Punjab with three Solar Power Plants of 10 MW each in each border district. He informed that Punjab has already achieved 282 MW in Renewable Power Sector and was aiming to increase it to 700 MW by the year 2011. He said that State has an ambitious programme to produce 300 MW power from 20 million tonnes rice husk, through 28 biomass plants being set up in Punjab. About the present plant he informed that the first solar plant would provide electricity to approximate 42 villages and help light up 4,000 rural homes while eliminating as much carbon dioxide pollution, close to 53500 trees do annually.

Demanding restoration of enhanced subsidy on Solar Tubewells to the previous rate of Rs. 1.80 lac instead of present rate of Rs. 50,000, Badal said that farmers of Punjab, despite 50s percent deficient rains in Punjab have produced record 150 lac tonnes paddy for the national pool, spending over additional Rs. 3000 crores on diesel.  Mr. Badal said that as Punjab farmers were performing the national duty, the New Energy Ministry should immediately sanction enhanced subsidy of Rs.1.80 lac for new 10,000 tubewell connections in Punjab.

Vishavjit Khanna, Secretary, Science Technology and Environment informed that PEDA was performing pioneering role in attracting entrepreneurs in clean power sector. He said that PEDA has come out with zero cost models to provide efficient street lights in all urban areas of Punjab.

T.P.S. Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer, PEDA informed that Punjab under the NRSE Policy-2006 has achieved a total installed generation capacity of 282 MW and it is proposed to increase this capacity to a total of 700 MW by the end of the 2011.

Expressing his commitment to expand this 2 MW Plant to 10 MW, Inderpreet Wadhwa, CEO, Azure Power said that his company has already received sanction for 5 MW plant and has applied for expanding it into 10 MW.

AMRITSAR:

The exhibition was inaugurated by Governor of Panjab His Excellency General (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues at Chandigarh Carnival on 28 November 2009. Later, the exhibit was extended by another 15 days on his request to take it to the door steps of all the educational institutions and public places. The exhibit is now touring different parts of Chandigarh to reach out to as many people as possible.
This mobile exhibition has already received a huge applause at many prominent educational institutes and public spots in the city. The exhibition has so far visited the Government Museum, Panjab University, Govt. College Sector 46, S.D. College, St. Peters School, Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden and the State Library Sector 34 and Sector 17. The exhibition plans to visit Government College for Men Sector 11, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College Sector 26, Government College Sector 42, Shivalik School Sector 41 in the coming days. Over 25,000 people have visited the exhibition in 15 days and we have still 3 days to go.

Davinder Pal Singh, Executive Director of Panjab Digital Library told that the exhibition is showcasing select digitized pieces of art and text from different manuscripts. With such events PDL wishes to bring awareness among the masses through wider public contacts. This endeavor emphasizes on the need for preservation of heritage, more particularly, the digital preservation and the role a common man can play in it. Everyone is encouraged to come and appreciate the myriad colors of our common ancestral treasures and spare a thought for their preservation.

PDL is a non-profit NGO that has launched the first comprehensive digital library on Panjab and its rich literature and art. It has been working in digital preservation of such literature since 2002. So far the organization has digitized over 3 million folios from about 3300 manuscripts, and roughly same about of books, apart from a good number of periodicals, old newspapers, pictures, and coins and historical records. Its major clienteles include institutions like Kurukshetra University, Government Museum and Art Gallery, Panjab Languages Department, SGPC, DSGMC, Chief Khalsa Diwan and Panjab Virasat Charitable Trust.

PDL recently came up with first online digital library of the region www.panjabdigilib.org that is showcasing rare manuscripts, newspapers and other things.

AMRITSAR:Two top Skaters of Delhi Public School, Amritsar who brought laurels to the state and the school were honored with a special announcement at the glittering “Scholar Badge ceremony” held at school premises today. Tanveer Minhas of class 12th won 2-silvers in Road Race and Rink Race –II while Anmoldeep Singh of class-7 clinched the bronze medal in Road Race at “C.B.S.E. National Roller Skating Championship” held at KB DAV Sr. Sec. Public School, Chandigarh that concluded recently. Earlier too the duo had made the school proud and  won a gold medal each  at “55th Punjab School Games Roller Skating Championship” held at Patiala .

During the ceremony, the School Principal Mrs Sangeeta Singh extended a warm welcome to Chief Guest Dr. Jaspal Singh, HoD – Deptt of Law, GNDU who presented the prizes amongst excelling students. With them she welcomed the Guest of Honour Mr. Sandeep Khosla, Commandant ITBP.

The ceremony commenced with the rendition of Holy Scriptures, Lighting of the lamp of knowledge by the distinguished guests. A short cultural programme enthralled audiences with a play of western instrumental music band followed by a heavy dose of laughter on poems at the “Hasya Kavita Ghosti” by five students. A Solo Musical performance drew the curtains to the show.

Amongst the students honored with “Scholar Badges”  the ‘Highest Achiever Trophy’ (Academics and co-curricular )  was bagged by Rajdeep Singh while ” All Rounder  Trophy’  was won by Gurain Kaur Madaan while Ramnik Kaur and Suraj Bajwa won the CBSE science merit award.

While the “High Achiever Trophy” in ‘French’ went to Snehal Kumar the winner of the ‘Late Shri Amarjeet S Virk Trophy’ was bagged by Shahbaz Waraich.

As many as 36 students were given 100 % attendance awards, while 55 students scoring above 80% from class VI to X were declared ‘Scholars’. Five students got “Blue Blazers” for remaining scholars for 3-consecutive years.

Mr. J. S. Virk and Mr. Parminder Singh, a Telecom engineer and country head of Canada based Bridgewater system, a software company were prominent guest on the occasion.

Students feel a Need to sensitize society towards ‘underprivileged’

AMRITSAR: Students of D.A.V. Public School took out a rally   today in Amritsar to observe the “World Human Rights Day” holding placards in favor of Human Rights and raising slogans like “Dignity & Equality for all “, “Equal rights for Women and child “, “Freedom, Equality and Brotherhood”.

While the rally aimed to create awareness about the dignity of all Humans irrespective of caste, creed, sex, color or region as incorporated in the Indian Constitution, a dire need was felt to be especially sensitive towards the ‘Rights of Underprivileged’ and measures to safeguard these. This was strikingly evident in the student’s ‘group discussions’, ‘dramatization’ and posters– that drew powerful color lines to denote the plight of the neglected strata of our society.

School Principal Mrs. Neera Sharma on the occasion reminded the students that before claiming one’s rights they need to become law abiding and responsible citizens and emphasized the need to inculcate sense of duty and responsibility for all citizens which would in great measure eliminate discrimination.

The day commenced in school with articles read out by teachers about Human Rights with special emphasis on “Child Rights” their enforcement and measures to be adopted to stop their violation, as  enshrined in the UN Charter . Students also came up with innovative short speeches and specially drafted poems on the sanctity of Human Rights amongst all Humanity, bringing home the message of Equality and Dignity for all.

While a group of 40 students rallied carrying placards, students of Middle level actively participated in poetry recitation, poster making, Caption writing, and Quiz on the theme of Human Rights. Senior students took part in a passionate Group discussion on the topic ‘A Discrimination-Free Society’. Following which students took a pledge to raise their voice against injustice in all walks of life and together build bridges and destroy walls of discrimination, in Society.

Dr Jatinder claimed in their research the genotoxic effects of roadside surface soils of six junctions in Amritsar including areas of Chheharta, GND University, Putlighar, Railway Station, Crystal Chowk and Bus stand .

Alarmingly, it was found that all samples collected from these areas were ‘genotoxic’ indicating high level of pollution.

Dr. Saroj Arora, Head of the Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences said that the research paper was jointly authored by Dr. (Mrs.) Avinash Kaur Nagpal, Professor and two students Miss Rajneet Kour Soodan and Miss Dipakshi Sharma of the same department.

The Fellowship Certificate of MSET and FICCB was also presented to Dr. Jatinder Kaur on the occasion.

Amritsar:

These were the excerpt of the address of Mr Gurjeet Sekhon Director NIIT during a seminar on “New Technologies for Higher Placement Quotient” held at the local institute, on range of technology programs to be started from January 1st,especially designed for engineering students and engineering graduates as Industrial project training  and for upgradation of skills, for an added edge in the employment sector .

The director further advised Young adults to strategize at early stages of education to gain an edge over others by learning skills other than academic curriculum to meet requirements in the profitable job sector. He informed that technologies like JAVA-, NET–internet programming languages also used in mobile game technology, Oracle –data based management system, Solaris, Web.2–a language for web data storage management used in Banks , Government  and private concerns , besides Cisco were some of the courses that merely take 2 to 6 months for upgradation.

Interestingly, A multi-media power point visual presentation synchronizing actual application of these programmes in various sectors, made the seminar more lively.

The director further explained that the  advantage lies in the fact that these programmes are backed & co-designed by major IT’s players  Sun -Microsystems, Microsoft, Adobe, EMC, Oracle, CISCO besides others  and each of these programs was mapped to international certifications, giving the students a global edge over their peers during placements.

Apart from this   Students get courseware along with certification from the above Top companies with the benefits of 40 % concession coupon for International exams with additional benefits of Industrial Visits to Chandigarh/Delhi and Virtual Resume.
This too spells an added advantage as Programs are backed with Placement assistance from NIIT’s National Placement Network. Besides which they get an additional benefit of 4-weeks complimentary classes in resume making, personality development, and personal appearance and interview skills.

Students from noted institutes in this region have benefited immensely from the programs with hundreds of students gaining entrance in the upgradation modules of NIIT including those from — Thapar University and SHK college Patiala, GNDU, Amritsar, Lovely University, Jalandhar, Riat Engg College, Nawashehar, Global Instt of Engg &Tech, Verka , Asr Engg Colleg and Sai Techologies both at Manawala, Sri Sai College , Badhani. Baba Kuma Singh Instt, Attari, Khalsa College , Amritsar, SBS College Ferozpur, Baring College , Batala besides others.

After undergoing upto 6-months Diploma Trainings, students can become eligible for specialized jobs in Banking sector, Defense & security agencies, aeronautical, retail sector, travel& tourism, education, insurance, online retail, web development, pharmaceuticals, Research & Development etc. as Windows Programmer, Web application Developer, Distributed Application Developer, System Support Technician, Server Administrator, Network Administrator, Business Intelligence Developer, Data warehouse Developer etc.

In year 2008-09 over 20,000 students trained by NIITs were placed  nation-wide  with over 2000 in Top 20 DQ—(Data-Quest-Magazine) companies world over including companies like Wipro, Accenture, HCL, HP, Infosys .

The local NIIT director informed  that in the present year NIIT has  entered into Placement partnership with ICICI & HDFC Banks, ICICI Securities, Kotak-Mahindra, ICICI Lombard, Yes Bank, American Express Bank, Axis Bank, Bank Of America, Max New York insurance,  Airtel, Reliance, Colgate, Intel , Motorola,  to name a few of the 5000 placement partners.

AMRITSAR:

Talking to HT, Dr B. David Burke, director, Humanities Centre, Elgin Community College, USA, said that after completing education, the talent from India should return back to serve it. “We do not want India to lose their best talent. Although intelligent people from India are doing very well in the USA, but still India is not been able to get the benefit from them;’ he said. Dr Burke also expressed the need to balance the number of Indian students migrating to the USA “Every year nearly 95,000 students from India go to the USA, but the number of those coming back is nearly 2,000 only,” he said.

Sharing his view, Oliver Duchatelle, attached for University and Scientific Cooperation, French Embassy, said, “The French government wants to encourage Indian students to study in France, but they do not wish to promote brain drain from India.”

”Although, the French President has desired that the number of Indian students migrating to France should be nearly 4,000 every year, but we do not want to focus only on quantity. Since India has huge potential, we want to ensure that best students go there,” said Oliver.

He said that the French government was equally keen on sending French students to India for education. “Our

focus is not only to increase the number of Indian students moving to France, but the same number should also move from France to India. That is why we are looking at long-term exchanges and ensuring MoUs in this regard,” he said.

About the difference between the education systems in India and the USA, Dr Burke said, “In US, it is easy for colleges to add new departments, keeping the core curriculum intact. But in India, the bureaucratic interferences are more!’

Another major difference pointed out by Dr Burke was the disparity in evoluation system. “In contrast to the pattern of yearly examination in India, grades are given to students in US colleges. Each faculty member sets his own pat­ tern of testing students. Even in the same course, the evoluation pattern could be different,” he said.

On Indian education, Prof Geshe N. Samten, Vice­ Chancellor, Central University of Tibetan Studies, Varanasi, said, “We are still at the same level that Britishers had set for us.” “Though, we are following western countries in terms-of courses and forgetting our own traditions, but foreign students coming to India, visit our universities to know our ancient traditions;’ he said.

SOURCE-HT