Students climb Mt. Everest, add a slew of records to their name

Students climb Mt. Everest, add a slew of records to their name

MUNISH DHIMAN  15th Jun 2013

Above: Students on their climb to the summit. | Below: At the base camp even students from the Lawrence School Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh, registered a series of first-time-ever feats after climbing the highest mountain peak in the world, Mount Everest. Each member has created the record of being in the list of top 10 youngest people to climb Mt. Everest. The Sanawar boys have become the first ever school team to climb Mt Everest, while Raghav Joneja has become the youngest Indian and the second youngest in the world to climb Mt Everest. Ajay Sohal has become the youngest from Himachal Pradesh, and the second youngest Indian, to climb Mt. Everest. Fateh Singh Brar has become the youngest from Punjab to climb Mt. Everest. Shubam Kaushik has become the youngest from Haryana to climb Mt. Everest. "We would never have accomplished this without the help of our parents, school fraternity, and the sherpas. It was not individual but collective effort and team work that helped us achieve this feat. We are really grateful to our friends and all the well wishers who stayed in touch with us and kept encouraging us through Facebook," said the boys while interacting with Guardian20. About the whole operation, Col. P. S. Grewal, expedition coordinator, said, "During the training phase 12 students were trained, out of which 7 were selected for the summit. Though everyone was lucky, Hakikat Singh had to abort his trek mid-way as he complained of chest pain due to some fault in his oxygen cylinder. This achievement has changed their outlook towards life." { Each member has created the record of being in the list of top 10 youngest people to climb Mt. Everest. The Sanawar boys have become the first ever school team to climb Mt Everest, while Raghav Joneja has become the youngest Indian and the second youngest in the world to climb Mt Everest. After arriving at the Nepal base camp at a height of 17,500 feet the team surpassed camp 2 and 3 situated at a height of 21,500 and 23,500 feet respectively and finally made it to camp 4, at a height of 26,500 feet, which is the last camp before the summit, and eventually reached the peak on 21 May. "The students have not only brought laurels to the school but have made India proud by this achievement. It is a matter of national pride. All of them are in the 15-17 year age group. They underwent a basic and advanced mountaineering training initially at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, and I believe it was their strong will power and hard work that helped them reach the top," said Praveen Vashisht, the headmaster of Lawrence School. While describing the experience, a student said, "Adventure sports are a part of the school curriculum and we have attended various camps and have done trekking, skiing etc. Before going to the expedition we were not nervous but were eager to accomplish it at the earliest. The medical hazards were always there in our mind but with apt planning, ensuring minute specifications, and with the help of experienced sherpas who carried our oxygen cylinders, and expensive mountaineering clothing this became possible." Adding further to the achievement Col. Grewal, said, "This expedition gave the boys an appropriate platform to explore their talent. Such exposure has never been provided by any other school. It taught them to love Mother Nature, besides imbibing in them team spirit and camaraderie. It made them responsible to make decisions under real situations. It taught them to live in harmony with the forces of nature." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/students-climb-mt-everest-add-a-slew-of-records-to-their-name

One man’s mission to teach mural art

One man’s mission to teach mural art

MUNISH DHIMAN  15th Jun 2013

Bharat Rawal with one of his creations | Photo: Deepak Chauhan harat Rawal, a Pune-based self-taught architect, artist, sculptor has decided to dedicate his time and craft towards furthering the art for art's sake dictum. He has been conducting free professional 3D mural art workshops for the last 30 years on modern trends in mural design. He has been travelling across the country for the sake of teaching and training students, artists, designers and first-time enthusiasts. "Yes, anybody can become a mural artist in less than 10 days. There is no rocket science involved; the art form though necessitates a creative mind, hard work and zeal to learn. With easy techniques, proper training sessions and guidance anybody can become a good mural artist," said Rawal, during the 10-day open to all workshop, he organised in Chandigarh. Teaching has been Rawal's passion and under his guidance one can learn the techniques of creating various murals. Rawal's workshops are free of cost where participants pay only for the material which is provided by the artist himself. He says, "Not all the material which is used during the workshop is available at one shop. By providing material to the students a lot of time is saved and the prices are lesser than the market prices." The course consists of three levels — the basic, advance and specialisation and anybody can join the workshop as age is no bar and no art background is mandatory. http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4863411155221353651#editor/src=dashboard

People’s expectations from the budget

People’s expectations from the budget

23rd Feb 2013

Adarsh Ramakrishnan,  Lawyer, Delhi I think that this year the budget should reflect the UPA's understanding that they have made several mistakes in their current term. It should show their pro-activeness in fiscal policy making and also continue combating inflation. Even though this is the last budget before the elections, I would like it if the decisions are aimed at correcting the economic conditions right now. Amar Mudi,  Government Employee, Delhi Right now the common man wants the government to take some measures to reduce inflation. Moreover, while there has been increase in inflation, there hasn't been a similar increase in incomes. As a result, the government needs to revise and reduce the income tax slabs that are in place right now. Further, the government needs to encourage FDI and other investments in order to create more jobs. Avni Singhal,  Student, Delhi Inflation needs to be curbed. As students, we rely on our pocket money to get through the month, but with the inflation in food prices, commodities and even stationery, it is really hard to sustain that. Our education system doesn't make it easy to work while studying and as a result, the burden is on our parents. Judhajit Sengupta,  Market Research Analyst, Delhi I hope that the Finance Minister, in the upcoming budget, does not increase the slabs for the employed class. I would also like it if the finance ministry takes some serious steps to reduce government expenditure. Also, I would appreciate it if some reforms can be introduced to reduce the exhorbitant home and automobile loan rates that are prevailing in the coutry. Nishtha Arora,  Working Professional, Delhi The price of general day-to-day commodities has gone up due to inflation. As a result, we can buy almost 20% less than what we could have earlier with our incomes. I think that this year's budget should focus primarily on addressing this issue, either by bringing down inflation, or by taking measures to increase the income of the masses. Ajay Aggarwal,  Pharmacist,Chandigarh Local players in the pharma business hope that the VAT on the medicines is brought at a common level, which is 5% in Chandigarh and 6.05% in Punjab. VAT in Chandigarh on food items is around 12.5 % whereas in Punjab it is around 13.75%. This should also be brought to a common level. We want more regularisation of the rates and the taxes. Amit Sethi, Student, Chandigarh I expect the government to focus on infrastructure development and reduction of administrative delays. Improvements in these two aspects will help foster India's reputation as a futuristic growth economy, which is prepared for serious investments by foreign investors and companies. I also expect the government to focus on reduction of fiscal deficit for enabling a stable economic environment. While doing so, we should not compromise on the capital spending but should curtail wasteful subsidies and welfare spending. Priya Changol,  Service, Chandigarh I expect that there should be an increase in exemption limit on income-tax. I think that the slab of tax free income has not moved in line with real inflation. The current basic exemption limit of Rs 2 lakh should be increased to at least Rs 3 lakh, while the limit for women should go up to Rs 3.5 lakh. Also I am hoping that the rate by which the salary of a common man hikes matches the inflation. P. Vatsayan, Entrepreneur, Chandigarh I expect that the budget will allow for a conducive framework for the early stage entrepreneurial eco-system along with the increased allocation for risk capital. The time has come for the Indian economy to provide for a stronger framework for student entrepreneurship and for setting up innovative and technological ventures. Sureshtha,  Housewife, Chandigarh Increasing gas prices, food prices, cosmetics, education for kids, household items, medicines, eating out and even entertainment are scaling new heights. I really wish that the FM presents a proposal that will bring down the prices of all the goods that directly affect the household budget. — Compiled by Prasid Banerjee & Munish Dhiman http://www.sunday-guardian.com/business/peoples-expectations-from-the-budget-2

It felt like I had the life of a mermaid

Deepshikha It felt like I had the life of a mermaid 8th Jun 2013 Deepshikha | Actor Q. Describe a recent vivid dream you had. A. I'm running on the top of a hill before I jump into the sea. All the fish start swimming with me and I swim across the sea happily. It felt like I had lived the life of a mermaid during that swim. Q. Name two things which you'd call comfort food. A. Dal khichdi and Subway sandwich. Q. Name a book which you were sad to finish. A. Discover Your Destiny by Robin Sharma Q. Name an occasion where you thought, "I'm lucky to have witnessed this. A. When my mother met the late Rajiv Gandhi, I was with her. He spoke to me, too, and gave me motivating advice. I am lucky that I met such a wonderful person. Q. If you were marooned on a deserted island, name three things you'd like to have with you? A. My books, my phone and my music. Q. If you absolutely had to live somebody else's life for a day, who would it be? A. I don't want to live anyone else's life as I am very content with mine. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/it-felt-like-i-had-the-life-of-a-mermaid

Chopra launches Splitsvilla 6

Chopra launches Splitsvilla 6

MUNISH DHIMAN  1st  Jun 2013

Sherlyn Chopra at the launch Photo: Vinay Kumar herlyn Chopra, who made news with her nude Playboy cover feature, and her role inKamasutra 3D, was in Chandigarh for the formal launch of the MTV Splitsvilla season 6 at the Pewter Room. While talking about her Playboy Bunny experience, Chopra said, "Playboy was the first major break for me, as nothing was happening in my life before that. Hugh Hefner and Playboy have changed my life altogether, thereby pushing me to a higher pedestal of fame. Though the magazine is not out, Hugh has great expectations from the edition in terms of its release with an Indian face appearing on the cover page." About Splitsvilla season 6, Chopra said, "Honestly speaking, I have never followed the show. I am supposed to judge the participants on the hotness quotient angle." Chopra has big of making it to Hollywood. She said, "I am a wee bit crazy about Bond girls and would love to be one of them someday. The simple reason for my being inclined to them is that they are hot, fast and no-nonsense." Adding further about Splitsvilla, she said, "This season is going to be spicier and hotter and I am pretty excited about it." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/chopra-launches-splitsvilla-6

Delivering unique wedding styles

Delivering unique wedding styles

MUNISH DHIMAN  8th Jun 2013

Shagun Bawa and Nanaki Singh with their creations tarted by childhood friends Shagun Bawa and Nanaki Singh, Pattaree is a start-up in Chandigarh that offers gift-wrapping services with a wide range of unique and personalised wedding accessories and trousseau packaging. Besides jewellery boxes, customised shagun boxes, vanity cases, wari suitcase, wedding trunks, brocade boxes, and shagun lifafas, the duo offers off-beat 'Just Married' play cards and much more. Singh is a qualified architect and has earned an MBA from Texas, while Bawa has done her masters in Computer Science from England. After spending more than 3-4 years abroad, both returned home to settle down. It all started when Singh and Bawa wanted to make something unique and exclusive for a friend's wedding. The effort proved successful and people really appreciated what they came up with. The duo then took to designing wedding accessories formally and within a span of nine months, they have established a formidable clientele both in India and abroad. Singh says, "We wanted to be entrepreneurs as it feels really good to be your own boss. Also the need to do something artistic and different was always there." Bawa adds, "The kind of feedback and appreciation that we receive helps us grow further and also inspires us to continue what we are doing. And it feels really nice when your work gets recognised." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/delivering-unique-wedding-styles

Summer jobs, besides warming the pocket, also better resumes

Summer jobs, besides warming the pocket, also better resumes

MUNISH DHIMAN  8th Jun 2013

Sumit Rana, a student of SGGS Khalsa College, Chandigarh, working at Nandos | Photo: Deepak Chauhan   eferred to as short-term experiments in employment, summer jobs not only provide monetary gains, but also help in augmenting skills for youngsters. Guardian20spoke with some young people in the city who are utilising their vacation by doing summer jobs. Shivani, a post graduate mathematics student at DAV College, Panjab University is waiting for her result and is working with an international call centre. She says, "Getting a summer job has become a challenging task as most employers are not really keen on employing someone for a short span; especially for the jobs that need adequate training session i.e. call centres. Call centres pay 5000-15000 rupees, which is a handsome amount for a fresher. But toughest part is to convince them that you are looking for a career in the field and will work with them for at least a year." Ritika Gosain, a mass communication student at Guru Nanak Dev University, working as a trainee consultant with an immigration company says, "I started doing summer jobs after my class 12th exams as I wanted to get some hands-on experience. Another reason behind taking up a job was that I get bored during vacations. I don't miss even a single day now and try searching for a job as soon as my exams get over." Mansi Gupta, an MBA student at Lovely Professional University, working as a sale and marketing intern at a retail store, says, "Summer jobs are a great idea to keep us engaged and add up to our skill set. It acts as the first corporate encounter which could be really helpful for our future ahead. Generally, youngsters opt for summer jobs to earn some pocket money and sometimes it's just for keeping yourself busy. Wherever training is not required and a fresher can work from the first day makes for good summer job options. Employers also get cheap resource and a chance to identify a good future employee." "During summer vacations the only thing that gets to us is the unavailability of things to do. Hanging out with friends frequently is difficult because of the heat and there is not much to do at home. Hence this is the ideal time to take up a summer job. Besides adding some cash to your wallets, it also adds to your resume," says Priya Changol, an engineering student at Chitkara University who is working as an intern (software developer) with an IT company. Subigya Basnet, a civil engineering student at Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, did his summer job with Omaxe Ltd as trainee for construction supervision, says, "My stint asan intern with Omaxe was a great learning platform. I got great exposure to the professional world and learnt the practical aspects of construction, work ethics in the construction industry, besides getting familiar with the work culture, team spirit, time management skills etc. I believe interns can act as good resources for corporate concerns, as competent individuals can be hired by the company later." Durlabh Singh, franchisee owner/ development agent, Subway, Chandigarh believes, "We always look for students who come to us for jobs during vacations. I ask my staff to stay in touch with students who are interested in working part time. There are some students who have been coming to us regularly for the past two three years during vacations. They basically fill the gap when our regular staff is on annual leave. Being in Subway is encouraging for them as besides earning money, these students get experience which they can utilise later for better professional options." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/summer-jobs-besides-warming-the-pocket-also-better-resumes

The Deols visit town to promote YPD sequel

The Deols visit town to promote YPD sequel

MUNISH DHIMAN  8th Jun 2013

(L-R) Bobby Deol, Dharmendra and Sunny Deol The roaring line "Kutte kameene mein tera khoon pee jaunga" brings vivid images of a strapping young celluloid star of the 70s, Dharmendra. The septuagenarian actor was here in Chandigarh to promote upcoming film Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. He was accompanied by sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol. Donning a spotless white shirt, black jacket, black pants and slippers that spoke volumes for his legendary simplicity and humility, Dharmendra greeted the media with a broad smile on his face. He went nostalgic recounting his childhood days. He said, "I am a good human being because of my father and so are my sons and other members of the family. My father always advised us to be a good human being first and the rest is secondary." About his new film, he said, "Since sequels are the latest trend in the film industry, we decided on this. Our emotionally charged movie Apne had touched everybody's heart. We made them cry in the film. Now we want to make them happy, with a double dose of laughter. There is gainsaying the fact that Cinema has undergone a complete transformation, ideologically speaking. But I feel that commercialisation has gradually grabbed the centre stage in all kinds of industries today of which the film industry is an integral part". There is gainsaying the fact that Cinema has undergone a complete transformation  — Dharmendra In all probability, he may be venturing into the Punjabi film industry in a big way as he has certain unnamed projects in the pipeline. Bobby Deol looked absolutely comfortable in his Capri and hoodie. Known for his huge collection of goggles and trendy caps, Bobby was keenly watching a cricket match in his room when this correspondent called on him. About his interest in the game, he said, "Sports really attract me a lot and Golf is one game that I am crazy about because it feels so good to walk on the lush green fields." Further about the movie, he added, "We have sincerely done our part and our sole aim remains providing entertainment to our audience and produce something that earns them good cheer." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/the-deols-visit-town-to-promote-ypd-sequel

A new film on students’ politics

A new film on students’ politics

MUNISH DHIMAN  8th Jun 2013

Gul Panag at the launch | Photo: Munish Dhiman The thought of a Punjabi movie conjures up images of comic punches, laced with earthy romance. But, with Gul Panag stepping into the scene with Sikander, a path-breaking film based on student politics that is a way different from the run of the mill rom-com genre, things are surely going to change. Presented by Catrack, the film is all set to hit screens worldwide on June 21, 2013. Panag plays the lead opposite actor Kartar Cheema, who was earlier seen in movies like Yaar Anmulle and Tere Naal Love Ho Geya. Panag is also the co-producer of this movie which has been produced by Poonam Pawar. Elaborating on her role, Panag told Guardina20, "I play the role of an idealist named Beant, who is pursuing her Ph.D. She is someone who holds out that the scepticism among today's youth is deep-rooted in the new-age political milieu. She is someone who judges the palpable insensitivity of educational institutions. She has immense clarity between the right and the wrong. It's really difficult to visualise the real character because most of us do not possess that kind of clarity in our thoughts." Jatinder Mauhar, who earlier directed Mitti, has directed the movie and most of the shooting has been done at Panjab University, Chandigarh. The movie revolves around Sikander, a boy hailing from a small village in Punjab, who gets involved in students' politics. The movie is a face-off as to how students coming from divergent backgrounds are involved in college/university-level politics. Treading on a chartered track, Sikandar's character is all set to unravel the shady dealings prospering under the garb of politics in educational institutions. Cheema, who plays the title role Sikander, said, "The role is definitely a challenging one that shares a close link with my real life as I have keenly observed politics during my college days. Being my first movie with Gul, I was a bit nervous initially but she has been really supportive." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/a-new-film-on-students-politics

Kaler’s husky tones carry him to new success

Kaler’s husky tones carry him to new success

MUNISH DHIMAN  8th Jun 2013

Kanth Kaler | Photo: Munish Dhiman anth Kaler hails from Nakodar in Jalandhar district and has come a long way to establish himself as the peoples' singer. The singer recently launched his latest album Armaan in Chandigarh. "I feel that the husky element in my voice and my tone is indeed a boon in disguise. This is an asset in a sense that has made me what I am today. And, if I ever think of changing it, I stand to lose my identity," said the singer during the launch of the album. Kaler's new album Armaan is a rich collection of myriad melodies. The album has been meticulously created and crafted. With a soulful music score, the album is an amalgamation of romantic, sad, emotional tunes, besides liturgical compositions. The album has been produced by Pinky Dhaliwal who is all praises for the singer. He says, "There is no denying the fact that the benchmarks in music are taking a backseat in the present milieu where many dominant factors have come into play. But, who is to be blamed for the denigration?. There are several other singers who made significant contributions to the field but slipped into oblivion unsung." All the songs are close to Kaler's heart, but when asked about choosing the best among the compositions from the album, he promptly adds, "The track Maape, penned by Angrej Chandi, is the one which is close to me. It is the terse and telling tribute to one's parents with an underlying message. It is in the form a yearning to be closer to one's parents forever." Kaler, while elaborating about the musicians and music of the album, told Guardian20 that one of the finest musicians based in Mumbai had scored music for the album. He adds, "It was like a pilgrimage for me to work with the musicians who had had the privilege of working with the legends, like Lataji, Rafiji, Kishore da and other contemporary singers." The album has in all 9 tracks, including Chhalla, Ik mera dil, Armaan, Akhiyan, Dil, Maape, Ishq Garibi, Truck and Teri Daya Mehar. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/kalers-husky-tones-carry-him-to-new-success

Mann launches his latest album

Mann launches his latest album

MUNISH DHIMAN  1st Jun 2013

Yograj Singh & Sharry Mann he trend of singers taking to acting has been dominating the Punjabi film industry for quite some time now. But, for those who have forayed into it successfully, it has been a winning deal. Sharry Mann, who shot to fame with his maiden album Yaar Anmulle is the latest to take the leap. Mann enjoys a huge fan following in the Punjabi heartland for his thematic and songs and is pretty optimistic of getting the same support for his acting career. Mann is debuting with Oye Hoye Pyaar Ho Gaya, the music of which was released in the city by Mann, Yograj Singh, and Binu Dhillon. Niharika Kareer also debuts with this film as the female lead. Kareer has done a number of Tamil films and is all set to venture into the Punjabi film industry. The film is set to hit the big screen on June 14, and the cast includes Yograj Singh, Sharry Mann, Niharika Kareer, Binu Dhillon, Bhotu Shah, Sardar Sohi and Rana Ranbir. Mann, while speaking to Gardian20, said, "I am really excited about my debut venture. This had never been a dream but thankfully whatever I have tried my luck in, has fortunately turned out well. I am pretty sure that my fans would extend their love and support tpwrds my new venture." Veteran actor Yograj Singh said, "Punjabi cinema has undeniably come a long way and has made throbbing strides in the world of glamour and carved out a distinct space for itself. On watching the movie I must say that Aditya has done great work and, of course, Sharry's acting is commendable. He is yet another super star in the making." About the movie, stand-up comedian Binu Dhillon, said, "There is no denying the fact that most movies have similar comic characters to present, but this movie brings in a whole new shade of comedy in a new format. I may add that though it is reflective of a typical rom-com genre, it has a different story to narrate.". http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/mann-launches-his-latest-album