Taiwan Photo Exhibition in Delhi

A picture is worth a thousand words. In order to promote cultural exchange between India and Taiwan, the Taipei Economic & Cultural Center (TECC) showcased 'Taiwan Plugging into the World' in a photo exhibition at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi from October 15-17, 2008.

Over the past half century, Taiwan has created an economic miracle thanks to its emphasis on education and economic policies that promote entrepreneurship. Transforming from an agrarian past and cultivating people skilled in technology, the nation has built upon technologies provided by advanced nations and become a highly competitive leading force in the manufacturing of high-tech products.

Aside from technology, in which it enjoys an advantage, Taiwan has also been working to protect the environment so it may achieve sustained development.

This 40-photo exhibition introduces digital life in Taiwan and the production, R&D, implementation, and promotion of related technologies. "It is hoped that by seeing these images, people around the globe may gain a better understanding of Taiwan, one of Asia's most advanced e-economies," said Andrew Cheng, TECC's Information Director.

CIL Foundation Day

The Centre of Indian Languages (SLL&CS), Jawaharlal Nehru University celebrates its foundation day on 31 October, 2008. The Centre came into being with the appointment of its first faculty member's Prof. Savitri Chandra Shobha and Prof. S.R. Kidwai on 28 October, 1974. Prof. Namwar Singh took over as first Chairperson of the Centre from 12 November, 1974. Since then Centre has had twenty Chairpersons and hundreds of its alumni have reached the higher echelons of Indian society in the field of education, culture and administration. Beginning Started with courses in Hindi and Urdu, the Centre now has included Tamil also in its academic programmes. Chairs in Marathi, Assamese and Bengali are in the process of being filled. Government of Punjab is actively thinking of instituting a chair for Punjabi as well in the Centre, which may be upgraded to the level of School in near future.
The Centre honoured its first faculty member Prof. S.R. Kidwai and the first Chairperson Prof. Namwar Singh on this occasion. The Rector, Prof. R. Kumar, honoured these scholars. The Alumni Association the Centre planned an alumni seminar on the theme of “Common Tradition of Urdu-Hindi literature and Culture” which was organized on this occasion, chaired by Prof. Mohamad Hasan, Professors Emeritus; Prof. Namwar Singh, Prof. Emeritus and Prof. Varyam Singh, Dean SLL&CS. Eminent scholars from Centre participated in this seminar, including Prof. Kidwai, Prof. Manager Pandey, Prof. Purshottam Aggarwal (member UPSC), Prof. Asghar Wazahat, eminent Hindi writer, Prof. J.M. Parakh (IGNOU), and Urmilesh (noted journalist). A poetry symposium was organized, chaired by the eminent Hindi poet and Professor Emeritus of CIL, Kedar Nath Singh.

(Chaman Lal, Chairperson, Centre of Indian Languages, SLL&CS)

Annual Yoga Competitions 2008

Ms Sangeeta Tyagi, Research Scholar emerged the 'Champion of Champions' when she was adjudged the best amongst the champions in other age groups during the IX Annual Yoga Competitions 2008 on Sunday, 7 September, 2008. The competition like each year was conducted in four following categories Women-below and above 35 years and Men-below & above 40 years. A total of 36 participants took part in the competition.

The prizes were given away by the Associate Dean of Students, Prof. Sachidanand Sinha, who along with other spectators was very impressed by the demonstration by the elite yogis.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. B.B. Bhattacharya was kind enough to visit the competition for an hour in the morning and blessed the participants.

(Umesh Babu, Incharge, Yoga Kendra)

How To Become A World Champion

The Badminton Club had a perfect finale to their two-week long Coaching Camp when, by chance, Mrs. Judy Hashman, former World Champion and holder of 17 All England WORLD TITLES, who was on a personal visit to Delhi, agreed to address the members of the Badminton Club and other sports clubs on 30 September, 2008.

In her inspirational talk she narrated details of her journey to the top of the world badminton, how she stayed on top, her practice schedules, the motivation and desire to excel, the balance she maintained between studies and play and later, the family and play.

Judy Hashman, who besides Badminton also excelled in tennis, squash, lacrosse, field hockey and basketball at National and State level, listed five qualities essential to reach top level in any sport namely: patience, honesty, desire, dedication and observation. Mrs. Hashman, who has been included in the 'Guinness Book of Records' and is the in five 'Halls of Fame' and author of 3 books on Badminton, blessed the youngsters for their efforts.

The function was attended by a big group of students, besides Mrs. Damayanti V. Tambay, Dy. Director, PE and Dr. Vikram Singh, AD, PE.

7th Delhi State Yoga Championship

The Sports Office, JNU and the Delhi State Yoga Association jointly organized the 7th Delhi STATE YOGA CHAMPIONSHIP on 7-8 October 2008. Prof. R. Kumar, Rector, graced the occasion and inaugurated the competition on 7 October 2008. He emphasized the importance of yoga in the modern day stressful life and highlighted the role of Asanas in the lifestyle management. A total of 280 male and female participants from different Delhi schools and colleges participated in the competition in the various age categories. The highest participation was seen in the boys and girls sub-junior and junior age groups. Around 18 well qualified and experienced officials judged the competitors at three different platforms. The exceptionally flexible performances in different difficult asana enthralled the audiences. First 6 rankings were awarded in each age category. Ms. Damayanti V. Tambay addressed the gathering and gave away the certificates and medals to the winners in the closing ceremony on 8 October. Dr. Vikram Singh, Assistant Director, PE lauded the enthusiasm of all the participants and motivated the youngsters to take up yoga holistically. In the end, Sh. Ajay Shastri, Secretary General, Delhi State Yoga Association and Sh. Umesh Babu, Yoga teacher, JNU thanked the officials and participants for their cooperation and for assisting in the smooth conduct of the championship.

(Damayanti V. Tambay, Dy. Director, PE)

Street Plays on Gender Awareness

Each team of the GSCASH year after year has dealt with the processes of enquiry for cases filed and tried to reach out to the community in various ways. The community participation normally has the greatest impact in making any campus - a gender-sensitive one. As JNU started growing, making the community active and participatory has become the greatest challenge.

When people from different backgrounds meet in the campus, problems arise from lack of awareness of norms of egalitarian gender relations. The support groups are far and few. It is part of the mandate of GSCASH not only to redress sexual harassment after it occurs but to try and create conditions that it does not occur.

The GSCASH attempted to implement such a measure through organising a series of street plays for 3 consecutive days on 17-19 October, 2008. Based on past experiences, GSCASH in collaboration with the students fixed the themes of the plays after several serious discussions and deliberation. The director of the street play is Shri Lokesh Jain, who has put in enormous effort and time in getting the students ready with conviction and passion over the past few weeks.

(Mondira Dutta, Chairperson, GSCASH)

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