February, 2002

27-02-02

Seminar on Union Budget 2002-2003 & Central Excise-Customs: By Yogen Mahadevia (Advocate & Legal Advisor). 7th March, Hotel Holiday Inn, 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Organised by Indian Institute of Materials Management. For details: +91-265-359060/353410.

E-Governance In Gujarat: The Gujarat government headquarters in Gandhinagar can now reach out to (and vice versa) all the 225 talukas in the state. The Gujarat State Wide Area Network (GSWAN) has started operations and in the first phase 25 district headquarters and 225 talukas have been connected through a network of optic fibre cables to the Sachivalaya and ministers’ residences at Gandhinagar. Gujarat is the first state in India to have Internet Protocol (IP) based wide area network (WAN) supporting voice, video and data simultaneously. The second phase of GSWAN will see Intranet and Internet connectivity reaching out to 32 government offices in each of the 25 districts.

Kathak Performance: Kathak dancer Pt. Jagdish Gangani and his troupe will perform Kathak in the distinct Jaipur Gharana style on 28th February. The dance programme is being organised by Kathak Darshan. Jagdish Gangani teachers in the Performing Arts Faculty at MS University. The dance performance will be held at the C.C. Mehta Auditorium.

Raku Workshop: Raku is a very unique ceramic firing process. The result is a wide range of beautiful colours, lustres and patterns which are revealed on the surface of the piece. The workshop (conducted by Ruchita Shaikh) is in collaboration with Vadodara Centre for Contemporary Fibre/Textile Arts. Venue: 201, 2nd floor, Sainath Avenue, Fatehgunj, Vadodara. 4th to 13th March, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Silk Painting & Batik Workshop: By Chetna Mehta, a professional artist, designer, instructor and consultant who has achieved excellence in silk painting, surface design and stained glass using a variety of techniques. Currently residing in USA, her wearable art has been sold through Freehand, Artscape & Garendo galleries. This workshop is in collaboration with Vadodara Centre For Contemporary Fiber/Textile Arts. Venue: 201, 2nd floor, Sainath Avenue, Fatehgunj, Vadodara. 24th to 30th March. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Hand Papermaking Workshop: Conducted by Anupam Chakraborty in collaboration with Vadodara Centre For Contemporary Fibre/Textile Arts. Venue: 201, 2nd floor, Sainath Avenue, Fatehgunj, Vadodara. 23rd to 28th March. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Traditional Block Making & Printing Workshop: This workshop will give an insight into the history of block making and printing. Conducted by Damodar Gajjar in collaboration with Vadodara Centre For Contemporary Fibre/Textile Arts. Venue: 201, 2nd floor, Sainath Avenue, Fatehgunj, Vadodara. 1st to 10th April. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Natural Dyes Workshop: Conducted by Shruti Nelson, in collaboration with Vadodara Centre For Contemporary Fiber/Textile Arts. Venue: 201, 2nd floor, Sainath Avenue, Fatehgunj, Vadodara. 11th to 18th April. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Theatre Workshop: This workshop will be an unusual journey taken by the participants towards the understanding of the origins of masks, explored through theatrical experiences, where the mask becomes a tool for self realisation and self discovery. Conducted by Arun Agnihotri, theatre artist, in collaboration with Vadodara Centre For Contemporary Fiber/Textile Arts. Venue: Baroda Printmaking Workshop, Purshottam Estate, Karelibaug, Near Telephone Exchange, Baroda. 20th to 27th April. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For further details, please contact:
Ms. Vinita Patil
ArtCore – The Contemporary Art Gallery
Mezzanine Floor, Panorama, R. C. Dutt Road, Alkapuri, Baroda 390 005.
Ph: 91-265-321438, 91-265-782465. E-mail: artcoreartgallery@yahoo.com 

26-02-02

A Royal Wedding: Maharaja Sayajirao III’s great grandson Yuvraj Samarjitsinh and Rajkumari Radhika Kumari of Wankaner, the grand-daughter of the 95-year-old Maharaja of Wankaner, Pratapsinh Jhala, will be married on February 27 at New Delhi. The baraat comprising of 108 members left for Delhi on 25th. The newlyweds will return to Baroda on March 3 and the Laxmi Vilas Palace grounds will be the venue for a reception to be hosted by Samarjitsinh’s parents, Maharaja Ranjitsinh Gaekwad and Maharani Shubhanginiraje. The magnificent gates of Laxmi Vilas Palace have already been illuminated and decorated colourfully. Fourteen years earlier, Samarjitsinh’s elder sister Alaukika Raje was married to the then Yuvraj of Jasdan in Saurashtra. The youngest daughter Anjana married in 1999.

25-02-02

Dalsukh Prajapati Wins In Sayajigunj: The counting is over for the Sayajigunj Assembly seat. The total votes cast were 152,027. Here’s the tally:

Candidate	Party	Votes	%
Dalsukh Prajapati	Congress	77,229	50.80
Jeetendra Sukhadia	BJP	54,685	35.97
Jaspal Singh	Samajwadi Party	6,980	4.59
Dr. Jatin Modi	NCP	4,687	3.08

23-02-02

Sayajigunj By-election: The by-election on 21st February saw a turnout of 38.66 per cent. The district’s electoral authorities are now preparing for the counting which will take place on Sunday, 24th February. Of the 393,000 registered voters, 152,000 actually turned out to vote. Out of 202,000 male voters, 84,000 voted; out of 190,000 female voters, 67,496 voted.

22-02-02

Sevasi Vav Workshop: Heritage Trust has organised a ‘Sevasi Vav’ Workshop for school children in co-ordination with the CCRT, New Delhi. The Workshop will be held from February 25 to 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. About 250 children are expected to participate in the trust’s ‘Children in Conservation’ initiative. Vavs (step-wells) are important architectural water structures that should be re-used as water sources and conserved ‘in use’ as heritage monuments.

Museum Exhibits On CD-ROM: You will soon be able to ‘take away’ a part of the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery (BMPG) on a CD-ROM that will feature the exhibits of the European Art Gallery in detail. The EAG CD-ROM will be launched by the end of March 2002.

20-02-02

STD Services Affected: Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD) services were affected in Makarpura following a technical flaw in the area’s FETEX exchange. Almost 10,000 lines were affected. Bharat Sanchar Nigam said that a technical fault hampered the outgoing STD facilities in the 64, 65, 361, 362, 363, 79 and 57 numbers. Attempts were on to contact experts from Japan as the FETEX machine had been installed by a Japanese company.

Burglary At MSU Chemistry Lab: Burglars broke into the chemistry laboratory of the Faculty of Science of MS University last week and took off with material worth Rs. 16,000. The booty included 80 copper tubes, copper wire and four camera zoom lenses.

18-02-02

Baroda In Ranji Finals: Baroda, the defending Ranji Trophy cricket champions have made it to the finals for the second year in a row as the five-day semi-final match against Punjab ended in two-and-a-half days at the GSFC grounds at Vadodara. Scores: Baroda (222 all out and 233 all out), Punjab (237 all out and 82 all out).

‘Creative’ Crime: The octroi department of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) recently intercepted a postal department van and recovered electronic goods worth Rs. 450,000. The goods were to be offloaded at a godown on the Rajmahal Road. The van had managed to jump the octroi naka as it was an official vehicle with a sign of ‘on duty’ on it.

IT Exhibition At Baroda High School: The Alkapuri branch of Baroda High School will organise a two-day programme on Information Technology titled ‘e for Education’ on February 23 and 24, 4 p.m. onwards. The inaugural session will include a lecture by the Vadodara district collector on ‘E governance’.

Presentation Of Technical Papers: MS University’s Faculty of Technology & Engineering, will organise a two-day national level technical paper presentation meet, FOOTPRINTS-20002 from March 1. About 50 engineering colleges and institutes from all over India will participate in the event. Students will present technical papers on diverse subjects: earthquake related structures, impact of terrorist attacks on software industries, information technology, computer engineering, biomedical imaging, ancient structures, etc.

Vasad Panchayat Goes Online: Vasad’s 500-plus NRI families will now find their hometown just a mouse-click away. Vasad Gram Panchayat has gone online with its website www.vasad.com. It will keep them informed about the developments back home and take care of their problems pertaining to land and other minor issues. Eighty per cent of Vasad’s inhabitants have relatives abroad.

Monoprint Workshop: March 1 to 7, 2002, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This intensive workshop will allow students to fully explore monotype printmaking. You’ll finish the week with an entire portfolio of prints. Kavita Shah, a printmaker, will conduct the workshop. Advance registration is required. Contact: Chhaap Baroda Printmaking workshop, C/o. Tetra Track, Purshottam Estate, Bahucharaji Road, Karelibaug, Baroda 390 018. Fees: Rs. 1000.

15-02-02

Champaner Festival: Eminent danseuse Chandralekha along with the Dhrupad singers, the Gundecha Bandhu of Bhopal, will perform her masterpiece of choreography, Sharira-Shakti Ascending, at the third Champaner Festival at Champaner-Pavagadh on February 16. The festival is organised by Heritage Trust, Baroda, the Department of Culture and the Archeological Survey of India. Before the performance, an exhibition will be inaugurated which documents 110 heritage monuments of Champaner-Pavagadh.

Paintings With A Needle: Exhibition of patchwork paintings by Saroj Rathod and Pravina, organised by Vadodara Centre for Contemporary Fiber/Textile Arts. February 20 to 28. Nita Thakore, who runs the Centre, has included Saroj in the exhibition she is curating for the European Patchwork Meet at Alsace, France, in September 2002.

Kantibhai Kapadia’s Sculptures: An exhibition of sculptures by Kantibhai Kapadia will be inaugurated by eminent sculptor, Mahendra Pandya at the Sarjan Art Gallery on February 17. One of the city’s seniormost artists, Kantibhai was born in 1911 at Gandevi, studied sculpture at the J.J. School of Art and was among the first teachers to join the newly created Faculty of Fine Arts at MS University of Baroda in 1952, He became the Head of the Sculpture Department in 1970. He has also worked extensively with museums on various projects. His work in Baroda can be seen in the garden in front of the University Office; titled Totem Pole, it is a 15-foot sculpture. The exhibition will be on till February 22.

Shooting Competition: On February 17, Baroda Rifle Club has organised a rifle shooting competition in the memory of Ramdas Halwai. The contest will be held from 8.30 a.m. For details and competition forms, contact the club office at the Police Parade Ground.

13-02-02

Asaram Bapu Discourse: Over 1.2 million devotees are expected to attend Asaram Bapu’s ‘Dhyan Bhakti Yog Satsang Varsha’ programme at Navlakhi Compound from February 14 to 17 (two sessions daily, 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon and 3.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.). The huge pandal can accommodate up to 1.5 million devotees. It is spread over many acres and has a 120 feet by 40 feet dais. Those sitting at the end of the pandal will be able to watch Asaram Bapu on television; 350 TV sets will be installed. About 300 Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation buses have been arranged to bring devotees from different locations to the venue, 10,000 volunteers will render their services and 50,000 people will be served free meals daily.

Award For Priti Desai: For her work in the field of child life care, USA based Priti Desai has been awarded the Alumni Achievement Award for 2000-2001 by MS University’s Department of Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS). A director at Kennedy Krieger Institute, USA, who promotes specialised care for sick children in hospitals, she obtained her Masters in Child Development from MSU and works as a child life specialist at several medical centres. She is currently a visiting lecturer at the HDFS Department.

MSU Studies Mango Pickles: Gujarat based manufacturers export 15,000 tonnes of pickle annually. These pickles are the subject of a special study that is under way at MSU. Madhav Agro Foods has sponsored the study. To ensure that the pickles are as per international, the Home Science Department will test the quality of the mango pickle in oil and the use and efficacy of the preservatives used in them.

MSU Holds Online Examination: MS University moved towards paperless examinations by recently launching of its first online examination system. Developed by its computer centre, it is a web-based programme that sets multiple-choice questions to students and gives instant results. In the inaugural examination, students from the management faculty gave their internal examination for the computer network and data communication subject.

Punjab-Baroda Cricket Match: Ranji Trophy Champions Baroda take on Punjab in the five-day semi-final which begins at Vadodara on 13th February. Baroda Team: Jacob Martin (Captain), Connor Williams, Tushar Arothe, Nayan Mongia, Atul Bedade, Ajit Bhoite, Zaheer Khan, Rakesh Patel, Shekhar Joshi, Valmik Buch, Sudeep Kale, Rakesh Solanki, Irfan Pathan (Jr.), Yusuf Pathan. Punjab Team: Vikram Rathore (Captain), Ravneet Ricky, Munish Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Mongia, Pankaj Dharmani, Harbhajan Singh, Navdeep Singh, Vineet Sharma, Harish Puri, Ajit Uniyal, Sandeep Sawant, Gagandeep Singh, Ankur Kakkar, Harkishan Kali.

VMC Can’s Afford Its Swimming Pools: In a financial squeeze, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is thinking of handing over its swimming pools to private parties. There are three pools: at Sardar Baug, at Lalbaug and the Rajiv Gandhi swimming pool.

Congenital Defects: The Department of Plastic Surgery at SSG Hospital and Jeevan Akshay Charitable Trust have launched an awareness campaign to dispel ignorance about congenital defects. To start with, a booklet (‘Plastic Surgery Parichay Pustika’) by Dr. Yogesh Bhatt has been released. An operation camp for cleft lip and other related disorders will be organised from March 1 at the hospital. Donors should contact Jeevan Akshay Charitable Trust at 301-302, Payal Towers, Sayajigunj, or ring 362027/362261.

Police Use Computer Images: The Baroda city police is now using computer generated images to create the various possible faces that can be used by an accused. They are taking the help of professionals working in private digital laboratories.

Tribute To A Sangeet Ratna: A two-day programme in memory of Sangeet Ratna Mawlabakhsh, the first principal of the Faculty of Performing Arts, was organised at MSU on 9th and 10th February. Mawlabakhsh (1833-1896) was the first principal of the Music College or the Gyan Shala as it was known then and was the first musician in the India to introduce music as a course for study in an educational institute.

2D & 3D Papermaking Workshop: Organised by Vadodara Centre for Contemporary Fiber/Textile Arts. Conducted by Anupam Chakraborty. February 12 to 18. Two batches, morning and afternoon. For details, contact Nita Thakore (Ph: 792973/700435). Web: www.nitathakore.com.

BHU Foundation Day: The Vadodara Chapter of Banaras Hindu University Alumni Association (BHUAA) will celebrate the BHU Foundation Day on Vasant Panchami on February 17 at 6.30 p.m. at ONGC Officers’ Club, Makarpura. All the alumni have been requested to contact BHUAA vice president N.L. Singh (785586, 783924).

Saree Exhibition: An exhibition of embroidered and block printed salwar-kameez and sarees in khadi and cotton will be held at Alkapuri Arcade Shop No. 24. February 19-20, 10 a.m. onwards.

Crafts Festival: At Aditi Art Gallery, Race Course Circle. Organised by North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Co-operative Ltd. The festival showcases items like wooden bamboo carvings, fashion jewellery in cane and bamboo hand-knotted woolen carpets, jute based items, Assam and Manipuri silks and cotton sarees, quilts, tribal shawls and other products. February 4 to 18.

Arthur Miller’s Play: The Faculty of Arts at MS University will stage an Arthur Miller play in its bid to raise funds for the conservation and restoration of its historic building as well as the dome, which is the second largest in Asia. The play, ‘The Crucible’, which is to be staged on February 24 and 25 at the C.C. Mehta Auditorium, will be directed by Rani Dharker.

04-02-02

Nursery Convention: An All India Nurseryman Convention (organised by Indian Nursery Association, Baroda Agro Horticultural Committee and non-governmental agencies) will be held at the D.N. Hall of MS University from February 16 to 18. A flower, fruit and vegetable competition and exhibition will also be held. Those interested in participating should ring up 772113 and 776612.

Senior Citizens Fair: The Gujarat Senior Citizens Federation is organising a non-governmental organisation’s fair in the ground opposite Laxmi Vilas Palace between February 8 and 10. The federation will highlight the problems faced by senior citizens. Senior citizens’ organisations, old-age homes and day-care centres can send their entries to Manubhai Shah at 12, Nilkanth Society, Race Course, for display at the stall.

01-02-02

Air Commodore Ganesh: Air Commodore D.N. Ganesh assumed the command of Air Force Station, Baroda from retiring Air Commodore M. Dutt. Air Commodore Ganesh was commissioned in the flying branch of the Indian Air Force in 1972.

Kids Astronomy Conference: The Amateur Astronomers’ Association of Vadodara and Sardar Patel Planetarium (SPP) are organising a ‘Kids Astronomy Conference – 2002’ at the SPP premises in Sayajibaug on February 9 and 10. Interested students can register their names at SPP before February 3 between 6.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m.

Gujarati Book Fair: February 1 to 11. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. At BBC Tower, Sayajigunj.

NGO Fair: The Gujarat Senior Citizens Federation will participate in the NGO Fair of United Way of Baroda from February 8 to 10. The federation will highlight the problems faced by senior citizens. Senior citizens’ organisations, old-age homes and day-care centres can send their entries to Manubhai Shah at 12, Nilkanth Society, Race Course, for display at the stall.

Meet Anandajit Ray: Students of the MSU Fine Arts Faculty’s Art History Department organise a regular Saturday afternoon art event called ‘Meet the Artist’. The programme is open to all interested persons and is held at 2.30 p.m. at the main hall of the department. The artist featured on 2nd February is Anandajit Ray.

Education Seminar: A seminar organised by Marconis Institute on admissions in USA covering bachelor’s and master’s courses and scholarships. At Hotel Yuraj, February 2, 10 a.m. onwards.

Devotional Tunes: A Bhajan Sandhya has been organised at Astika Samajam Hall, Ayappa Mandir at 4.30 p.m. on February 2 and at IPCL Temple Complex at 9.30 on February 3. Guruji Tiru S. Raghavan will perform.

American Folk Songs: On February 6, James Durst, an America folk singer, composer and guitarist will present ‘Songs For A Small Planet’ at Holiday Inn. The programme has been organised by the American Centre, Mumbai, and the Bhasha Research & Publication Centre, Baroda.