How Chandigarh is avoiding drunk-driving arrests

How Chandigarh is avoiding drunk-driving arrests MUNISH DHIMAN  21st Sep 2013 Illustration: Apeksha Gupta | Dev Kabir Malik Design e were returning to Chandigarh after a friend's birthday bash at a beer café in Panchkula. We had conveniently forgotten that drinking and driving is an offence. Suddenly, without much warning or deliberation, our friend who was driving took a detour that would add an additional four kilometers to our journey. "I just received an update that there's a 'drunk driving naka' ahead on this road," he causally informed us. This timely information proved accurate and saved us from being fined. But who told him about the 'naka' and what were his sources? "Humne apne jaasoos sheher ke kone kone mein faila rakhe hain (We've our detectives in every nook and corner of the city...)," he smirked, before revealing to us the details of a group called 'Chandigarh Info' on WhatsApp where they share information about such nakas. This group has helped smart youngsters avoid chaotic traffic and even police 'chalans'. Though Whatsapp is similar to any other group-chat application, the difference is that the number of members in a Whatsapp group is restricted to 50. They can share information through texts, voice messages, photos, videos, audios etc. The founder of the group, 26-year old Rhydham Aggarwal, who works as a senior marketing official, says, "The idea behind this group was to skip nakas, especially the 'Overspeed' and the 'Drunk Driving' ones. Most of the members in the group are marketing people who they keep traveling in the city throughout the day. As soon as any of the members come across any such naka, they update it on the group so that the information can help other members to stay safe if they have consumed liquor above permissible limit." Of late, the Chandigarh Police has been tightening its grip over drunk driving and has been carrying various drives. Most of these police checks take place in the evening. Interestingly enough, this has affected the pattern of liquor consumption in the city, with the result that more and more people are opting for beer over other forms of alcohol.  Of late, the Chandigarh Police has been tightening its grip over drunk driving and has been carrying various drives to make it a safer city. Most of these police checks take place in the evening. Interestingly enough, this has affected the pattern of liquor consumption in the city, with the result that more and more people are opting for beer over other forms of alcohol. Sale of beer has increased significantly over the past couple of months. Suraj Partap Singh Sidhu, Managinig Partner, Ooze beer café, says, "The alcohol content in whiskey or other liquors is more than 40% whereas in beer it accounts 3.7%-8%. This is the main reason why people are switching from whiskey to beer during day time as you can enjoy your glass of beer without the worry of being caught at a naka. The beer market is increasing at the rate of 200%." Others, though, believe that this is simply a misconception. "Yes, the sale of beer during the day has increased. But just because the alcohol content in beer is less, doesn't mean that this will decrease one's chances of being caught. People consume beer in larger quantity than whiskey or other alcohols also because it is affordable and is ready to drink. You don't have to look for seltzers or mixes," adds the store keeper of a Liquor Wine and Beer Shop in sector 30. Reaching home safely without attracting fines remains the top priority and such groups definitely come of help. So the next time you receive a message, don't ignore it as it may save you well in time! http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/how-chandigarh-is-avoiding-drunk-driving-arrests

Dhadi Sufi legend in need of help

Dhadi Sufi legend in need of help MUNISH DHIMAN  21st Sep 2013 Idu Sharif du Sharif, the Chandigarh-based folk singer and Sangeet Natak Akademi award winner, is one of the best known names when it comes to the Dhadi tradition of Sufi folk music. Despite his success, his future seems bleak at the moment. Sharif belongs to the Bhai Mardana lineage of musicians and hails from Naloda, a nondescript hamlet in Patiala, Punjab. Coming from a humble background, he used to drive a horse cart to earn his livelihood. Playing the sarangi had been his passion since birth, and he continued to play it in his leisure time. After marriage, Sharif shifted to Manimajra, Chandigarh. His talent was noticed by a North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) official who arranged for him to perform in front of an audience, thus setting off Sharif's musical career. Though he started performing in 1984, it was his performance at the 'Apna Utsav' programme held at New Delhi in1986 which earned him some serious recognition. He was able to travel throughout the country and do various shows, spreading greater awareness about Dhadi Sufi music. In his best years, from 1986 to 2005, Sharif travelled abroad on multiple occasions for performances. When he needed financial support, BKN Chhiber, the then Governor of Punjab, awarded him a stipend of Rs 5,000. However, after the first payment, the stipend never reached him again. "I was sent from one department to another in the name of escalating my application but my repeated requests for monetary help remained unheard. I can't sing now after a paralytic attack and my life has become a burden to me," Sharif told Guardian20. He also said that he never received an acknowledgement for the letters he sent to the President's office, Governor's office and other authorities. A paralysis attack in 2011 has made the situation worse — after more than a year of treatment, he has exhausted his personal savings. He is dependent on his children who are not in a condition to support him. Sharif, though, would rather not complain about them. "I am 70 years old and I need their utmost attention. But I don't blame them for not supporting me as they are not finally stable and thus cannot help me," he says. Sharif also feels that his talents have been taken for granted. "Many approached me to sing in Punjabi films but none of the requests materialized. I did a song for the movie Tera Mera Ki Rishta, and after that I was approached several times. However, everyone expected me to perform for free," he rues. This is the plight of a decorated artist, a crusader of the Sufi Dhadi form of music, who has been awarded by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who has performed and received accolades from politicians including Late Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Sukhbir Singh Badal. Is anyone listening? http://www.sunday-guardian.com/artbeat/dhadi-sufi-legend-in-need-of-help

The Roadie-maker in an all new avatar

The Roadie-maker in an all new avatar

MUNISH DHIMAN  21st Sep 2013

Raghu Ram is blunt and brutal demeanor sends shivers down the spine of those who come to audition each year for MTV Roadies. Raghu Ram, the brain behind one of the most successful reality shows on Indian television visited Chandigarh for matters that did not involve the popular show. He came to announce his debut Punjabi film Love Yoou Soniye This news did raise many eyebrows, but Raghu will be seen in an all new avatar very soon, speaking Punjabi and adding some uproarious elements in the upcoming film, where he shares the screen with actors Karanvir Bohra, Teejay Sidhu besides established actors like Vindu Dara Singh and Upasna Singh. "I never plan what I do in life but yes, whatever comes my way I grab it and give my 100 per cent," retorts Raghu when asked if he had ever planned on working in a Punjabi film where he will wear a turban and flaunt a beard. Raghu is enthusiastic to do more movies, he adds, "I will definitely do a movie if I have an offer. Why will I say no? If anybody is stupid enough to cast me, I'll be intelligent enough to grab the opportunity." Though absolutely confident about his acting skills the next edition of Roadies isn't sure for him. He asserts, "My crew will be there, but I don't know whether I'll be doing the next edition of Roadies or not?" On special request to sing he breaks the monotonous session with a beautiful tribute to Shiv Kumar Batalwi with Maye Ni Maye, Main Ek Shikra Yaar Banaya and leaves everyone awe-struck with his hold over the Punjabi language as well as over the sur. Raghu is also working on a book which is the chronicle of Roadies. Raghu talks about the role of Karanvir Bohra's brother in the movie and character. "I have several Punjabi friends including Ranvijay, one of my best buddies. Besides personal experience I have closely observed Punjabis professionally as well as I've been visiting Chandigarh for a decade now. My character displays the vibrant, larger than life, selfless and helpful traits of Punjabis, which they are known for," further elaborates he about his character. About the USP of the movie, lead actors, producers and real life couple Karanvir Bohra and Teejay Sidhu, say, " We have kept the language as easy as possible as most of the movies use a dialect that becomes incomprehensible for the audience in places like Mumbai and other metropolitan cities. Besides the language the characters in the movie are genuine, vivacious and entertaining." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/the-roadie-maker-in-an-all-new-avatar

High spirits and fashion with FTV

High spirits and fashion with FTV

MUNISH DHIMAN  21st Sep 2013

Models at the FTV event odels from Fashion TV walked the ramp holding vodka bottles in their hands at a party organized by Kristal Spirits India Pvt. Ltd in Chandigarh recently. Chandigarh, is becoming the favourite destination for investors across the globe because of its well planned tourist attractions like the Sukhna Lake and Rock garden to name a few. Magnetized by the potential of the market here, Michel Adam Lisowski, Founder of FTV, brought Fashion Vodka to India. Chandigarh has become the second place in the world where Fashion Vodka is being bottled. Kristal Spirits India Pvt. Ltd announced the launch of Fashion Vodka Party Collection in India and also initiated the first F party of the country in Chandigarh that received an overwhelming response. "FTV has a great fan following and the beverages by FTV have also got an overwhelming response across the globe. With this national launch the company aims to capture 20% market share in the premium vodka segment over next three-four months," Arun Aditya Singla, Managing Director, Kristal Spirits tells Guardian20. The platform became launch pad for Chandigarh based designer Gunjan whose collection was showcased by the international models. Overjoyed Gunjan says, "Indian youth is fashionable, stylish and confident and all these characters exemplify my collection." On the same lines Rahul Kashyap, CEO, Kristal Spirits adds, "This Fashion Vodka Party Collection is for those who are trendy, socialize, enjoy partying and seek a fashionable yet elegant lifestyle. Our promotional activities will replicate the theme of the brand 'Elixir Of Fashion' and all the company activities will bring new meaning to fashion in the country." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/high-spirits-and-fashion-with-ftv

Kapoor’s the new hero in town

Kapoor’s the new hero in town

MUNISH DHIMAN  21st Sep 2013

Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D’cruz | Photo: TS Bedi ueled with lively energy, he entered the hall and before settling down for a formal interaction, he picked up a bucket of popcorn kept on his table and said, "Anyone wants these popcorns coz I am on a strict diet these days!" This was actor Shahid Kapoor's first reaction at a party— held for the promotion of his upcoming film, Phata Poster Nikla Hero— for which he was accompanied by director Rajkumar Santoshi and actress Ileana D'Cruz. About his character Shahid says, "I play the character of Vishwas Rao, a fake cop who aspires to be an actor. I never got a chance to do an out-and-out comic role as Rao is a funny and mad character. I've been a great fan of Santosji's comedy movies right from Andaaz Apna Apna, and when he told me about this character I had no other options than to accept." Off late, Salmaan Khan, Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar have been seen in dominant cop roles, and a comparison with their acting would be the first reaction of any fan. But Kapoor is unperturbed about such comparisons. He affirms, "Comparisons are part of life and roles are always compared, but it barely matters to me. I believe if you are coming up after a huge gap you need to put the best foot forward and give your best shot. Comparing Vishwas Rao's character with Dabangg and Singham is not apt, as Rao is a pseudo cop who yearns to be an actor and evades scuffle. Have you ever seen a cop in any of the films doing Pole Dance?" he jests. Kapoor mentioned that little work was required on his character, for the director wanted him to be himself. "No homework or practice is done for the character but that's what my director and choreographer wanted— spontaneity in the character. So if there're any flaws, you know better whom to blame?" The actor is keen to do Punjabi films and asserts that if that happens, father Pankaj Kapoor will be happiest. Shahid has been selective with his work but how difficult is it to pick one, out of the many offers? To this question, he promptly replies, "During my encounter with Shah Rukh Khan in a flight once I asked him the same question and he told me to invest in people. He said that he selects his films after considering the director, producers and the co-actors, and this statement has helped me a lot in the selection process." Dressed in a jump suit, the actress from the Barfi, Ileana D'Cruz, kept a smile on her face throughout the session and while shared her experience on the sets and about her character. "Contrary to my role in Barfi, my character in this movie is bubbly and chirpy. I wanted to do a complete comedy movie and this was the best offer to showcase the funny side of me." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/kapoors-the-new-hero-in-town

Tulip Joshi- Reflection of Myself

Tulip Joshi

I feel lucky to have seen the Internet era

14th Sep 2013

Tulip Joshi | Actor Q. Describe a recent vivid dream you had. A. I never remember my dreams. Q. Name two things which you'd call comfort food. A. Cheese and croissants. Q. Name a book which you were sad to finish. A. Pride of Lions by Vinod Shankar Nair. Q. Name an occasion where you thought, "I'm lucky to have witnessed this." A. I feel lucky that I witnessed the rise of computers and the age of Internet. Q. If you were marooned on a deserted island, name three things you'd like to have with you. A. Water, music and my phone. Q. If you absolutely had to live somebody else's life for a day, who would it be? A. No one in the whole world; I am happy the way I am!

RJs talk about assuming a voice of familiarity

RJs talk about assuming a voice of familiarity MUNISH DHIMAN  14th Sep 2013 R to L: RJ Meenakshi, RJ Laila and RJ Manav | Photos: Vinay Kumar arlier, the voices of announcers like Ameen Saini, Vijay Vashisht, Bano Pandita and others would keep listeners glued to their radio sets. Many get nostalgic on just hearing 'Ye Akashwani ka Chandigarh Kendra hai'. Today's announcers, better known as the Radio Jockeys (RJs), are more interactive, casual and pleasing in style. Guardian20 caught up with RJs of different radio stations in the region who have not only made a place for themselves in the field but have also left a perceptible mark in people's hearts. In her show Salaam Chandigarh RJ Meenakshi talks about hot topics of the nation including controversies. She says, "Politics, music and films are not the only topics that a listener wants to hear in various shows. As RJs we delve directly into people's lives and discuss even their personal problems including family troubles, love and even sex." Meenakshi's earlier show Naughty Confessions, touched the pinnacle of success. She reminisces, "Despite being a late night show, the call flow was huge and the response was overwhelming because everyone loves gossip. Listeners wanted to hear callers' confessing about their relationships with cousins or other women. There were housewives' confessing about wanting to have a relationship with other men." As RJs we delve directly into people’s lives and discuss even their personal problems including family troubles, love and even sex.  —RJ Meenakshi RJs try different tactics to elevate their ranking and popularity. RJ Pankaj says, "Radio has become a potent entertainment source where interpretation rules the roost. The vast spectrum of audience that a radio station caters to includes people from all the sections of society. Our motto is not just to entertain them but to guide them, give our suggestions and give them quality information. Today when radio has become an integral part of everyone's life an RJ has become like a part of the family. This makes us feel more responsible towards our listeners." RJ Pankaj Maturity, ground work and a lot of experience is required to produce any live show as otherwise the results may be embarrassing. RJ Manav, who hosts the show Dil Chahta Hai, believes, "An RJ is the face of a radio station. An RJ's job is really challenging as you have to take care of a lot of things as a single mistake may backfire. We have to be very particular about our statements and words. We can't force our decisions on someone and we can't be judgmental either. It is important to be proactive and keep everything on your tips. Your pace and prescience to deliver a thought effectively determines your career." Today there are numerous renowned names including Ayushmann Khurrana, Nikhil Chinappa et al who have tried their hands in RJing as well and credit some part of their success to this mode of entertainment. The industry is growing by the day. With the announcement of the 3rd phase of radio broadcasting, more than 800 radio stations are expected to be launched across the country. This will open employment opportunities for more than 60, 000 people. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/rjs-talk-about-assuming-a-voice-of-familiarity

Reflection of Myself- Arjan Bajwa

Arjan Bajwa

I dreamt that I was flying a Sukhoi Su-27

31st Aug 2013

Arjan Bajwa | Actor Q. Describe a recent vivid dream you had A. It may be the result of the many documentaries I've been watching on airplanes recently. I dreamt that I was in the cockpit of a Sukhoi Su-27 and flying it over the seas. Q. Name two things which you'd call comfort food. A. Rice and cheese. Q. Name a book which you were sad to finish. A. Cosa Nostra by John Dickie Q. Name an occasion where you thought, "I'm lucky to have witnessed this." A. It was when my father was elected the Mayor of Delhi. Q. If you were marooned on a deserted island, name three things you'd like to have with you. A. A mobile phone with a charging point, something to eat and a weapon. Q. If you absolutely had to live somebody else's life for a day, who would it be? A. I wish it happens and if it does I would love to be Barack Obama.

Rahul visit helps NSUI win Panjab University polls

Rahul visit helps NSUI win Panjab University polls

MUNISH DHIMAN  7th Sep 2013

NSUI supporters taking out a victory rally post their win | Photo: T.S. Bedi he Congress party may be having hard time at the national level but the Congress affiliated National Students Union of India (NSUI) created history in the annual student union elections of the Panjab University (PU). Chandan Rana, NSUI presidential candidate, won the election by more than 800 votes. By bagging two posts of President and Joint-Secretary, NSUI made a noticeable impact in the election. Arch rivals Students' Union of Panjab University (SOPU) and Panjab University Students' Union (PUSU) tasted defeat for the first time. This was also the first time that the erstwhile foes had come together after several decades to oppose the NSUI. The NSUI presidential candidate Chandan Rana was supported by HIMSU, a student front from Himachal Pradesh. Rana defeated Satwant Singh who was backed by PUSU- Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)-Indian National Student Organisation (INSO)-National Students Organisation (NSO) alliance with a margin of 838 votes. "We managed to maintain peace but the Student Council as well as the Panjab University Students Union supporters have alleged that there was mass scale violation of the election code. But as the counting reached mid way it was clear that NSUI was going to win the President's post," said a University official, who declined to be named. Right from the beginning both SOPU and PUSU were not confident about a win. Hence they chose alliances for enhancing their prospects. Nevertheless, it could not show any positive results as the presidential candidates of these two parties failed. It is worth mentioning that candidates of INSO and ABVP, who had joined hands with PUSU to contest the polls, won the posts of secretary and vice-president respectively. A jubilant Chandan Rana "We've seen the popular parties PUSU and SOPU dominating the elections for a long time but both failed to show any major impact in the elections this time. Hopefully we'll be able to see some positive change otherwise even these newly elected campaigners will not last," said Swati Sharma, a law student. PUSU-alliance backed candidate, Disha Arora, won the post of Vice-president and Abha Sharma of the same alliance won the post of General Secretary. The post of joint secretary was won by Sunny Mehta of the NSUI. Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Panjab University in 2011 is supposed to have been the game changer for the university elections. NSUI's win clearly displays Rahul's dominance over the young brigade as NSUI is a national-level students' party backed by the Congress. Both PUSU (constituted in 1977) and SOPU (constituted in 1985) possess enormous political clout in the university elections. PUSU has contributed 9 presidents while SOPU has contributed six. In the history of Panjab University elections, both are considered as the most successful student political organisations. But the Gandhi effect has dealt a major blow to these regional organisations. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/rahul-visit-helps-nsui-win-panjab-university-polls

Young writers tap into youth issues to reach new readers

Young writers tap into youth issues to reach new readers

MUNISH DHIMAN  31st Aug 2013

Tishaa Khosla ollowing Chetan Bhagat's success writing light reads aimed at young readers, a whole crop of young writers writing for an audience their age has emerged. Guardian20caught up with some of these teenage authors in Chandigarh. Sumrit Shahi's first book, Just Fiends, hit the market when he was only 17. His next, A Lot like Love and A Li'l like chocolate, was released last year, and the 20-year-old is now working on the sequel to Just Friends. Just Friends has sold more than one lakh copies so far while A Lot like Love and A Li'l like chocolate has sold more than 40,000 copies in less than a year. "There's been a huge transformation in my life. My Facebook account has become messier, my wallet heavier and my friends know me now as the guy who wrote a book," Shahi beams. Shahi is currently dabbling in writing for television. Is writing a book easy? "Yes it is, but writing the end is the most challenging part. You know you're bidding adieu to a world you created. There is also pressure to make the ending an unconventional one. Honestly, nobody wants to be conventional these days!" he says. Tishaa Khosla wrote her first book, Pink or Black, at the age of 18 and so far over 1 lakh copies have been sold. The sequel, Pink or Black 2, launched last year, is also doing well. Khosla is busy working on her third book, and she loves reading Jane Austen. "I think my aim is to keep youngsters interested in reading books, not just my books, but books in general," she says. Today’s young authors may not write well in terms of vocabulary or from a literary point of view, but they connect well with the youth.  — Hardeep Singh Chandpuri Finding a publisher, though, remains a challenge. Hardeep Singh Chandpuri, Founder, Ferntree Publishing, believes, "It takes a lot to be a writer and there is no second thought to it. Today's young authors may not write well in terms of vocabulary or from a literary point of view, but they connect well with the youth. They pick up the same situations, they talk a similar language, they craft plots that appeal to young readers and that's how they gain in popularity. Despite the trend, selecting a book for publication remains a tough call because you cannot pick anything and everything as the name of your publishing house is effected by the outcome. You have to be selective and very honest with the decision." Sumrit Shahi [L]; Nikhil Mukhija Toeing the same line, Sumita Misra, Chairperson, Chandigarh Literary Society, says, "This indeed is an encouraging trend as children today don't want to be 30-40 years old to achieve in life. Today's generation is confident and knows how to make the reader relate to their stories. I believe scientists, authors and poets are most creative and productive in their youth. Books by these young authors are received well as the reader too wants to read something that is an interpretation of his own life, written in a casual speech." Nikhil Mukhija, who wrote his first book at 20, wants to be taken seriously as a writer and wants to write about more than love and friendship. "I want to write an intense research based novel on a serious subject. It could be about terrorism or prostitution. I am inspired by Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Paulo Coelho's Eleven Minutes," he toldGuardian20. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/young-writers-tap-into-youth-issues-to-reach-new-readers

Girl Star Awards seek to empower the female child

Girl Star Awards seek to empower the female child

MUNISH DHIMAN  31st Aug 2013

Award winners with Pawan Kumar Bansal and other dignitaries he Chandigarh-based NGO, Yuvsatta, seeks to promote peace and non-violence with its annual Peace Festival that includes students from more than four dozen countries. The NGO has been dedicatedly working across sections of society for more than 16 years to create awareness against many social evils through a repertoire of activities. Yuvsatta promotes environmental and health awareness, motivates under-privileged children to study and join sports and also empowers women for socio-economic equality. They recently organized a new initiative, 'Girl Star Awards' where 15 girls from different fields were awarded for their contribution in their respective fields. The 'Girl Star Award' is an endeavour to create a girl-friendly environment in schools, colleges and society and also to give them a chance to explore their talent. "This platform has been designed so that girls could find equality in society with equal opportunities through their talent and capabilities. Even in today's era girls continue to suffer injustice and biased behavior despite the high literacy rate," said Pramod Sharma, Coordinator, Yuvsatta. Ishita Uppal was awarded for being the youngest ever social worker in India. She started at the tender age of 10 and is today a class 11 student of Government Model senior Secondary School, Sector-16. She is also the brand ambassador from Haryana state against female foeticide. For nearly six years Ishita has been delivering lecturers at various places against female foeticide. "This award is more than an honour for me. I believe we must not wait for someone to initiate or take the first step if we need a change. We must dedicate ourselves for a cause if we really want the society to revolutionize," she said. Other awardees include Pragati Trikha, Namrata Singh, Komal Kohli, Jaswinder Kaur,  Jaspreet Kaur Rishi, Anu Yadav, Shrishti Asthana, Manveen Sarna, Balwinder Kaur Noori, Anjum Moudgil, Aishna Vashisth, Sonal Asgotraa, and Wamiqa Gabbi. While presenting the awards, Former Minister of Indian Railways, Pawan Kumar Bansal, said, "By showing confidence in realizing their goals, these brave girls have not only proved their mettle but have also set example for others to follow in their footsteps. The achievements of these girls will inspire many more for ages to come." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/girl-star-awards-seek-to-empower-the-female-child