27-12-03

Vinod Shah At Sarjan: Painter Vinod Shah's exhibition of paintings will be held at Sarjan Art Gallery from December 28 to January 9, 12 noon to 8 p.m. Shah studied and taught at MS University's Faculty of Fine Arts. He retired a few years back.

23-12-03

Planet M At Baroda: Baroda is now the 22nd Indian city – and the first in Gujarat – where Planet M has opened shop for the young music fan. It has three listening posts and a 'M Stage' for live performances. Spread over 800 sq ft in the TNW premises on Old Padra Road, the shop has 3,000 music and 1,800 VCD/DVD titles. The promoters say that Planet M will not only be a music shop but also a hangout for the young.

Export-Import Course: A short-term course on export-import management organised by the Indian Institute of Export is scheduled to begin in January. Classes will be held three days a week. For further information ring up +91-265-2362570.

Saree Exhibition: Eternal Mystique presents an exclusive collection of designer sarees, kurtis, unstitched salwar suits, bags and crochet accessories. December 24-25. At Trisha Gallery.

19-12-03

Community Reserve At Wadvana: Gujarat's forest department has recently proposed to turn the picturesque wetland of Wadvana, 50 km from Vadodara, into a community reserve. Wadvana is a massive wetland which is host to 27,000 birds who migrate here for the winter. Some of these birds belong to at least 60 exotic species. As a community reserve the wetland will be protected and also be properly opened for visitors.

Harsiddhi Temple Renovation: On the banks of the Mahi River and about 30 kms from Baroda, near village Akalbara, there is an old temple of goddess Harsiddhi (Vahanvati Mataji). This temple is believed to be more than 250 years old. The old construction was made by lime cement and flat bricks. Hundreds of pilgrims from Baroda and abroad visit this temple every Sunday. With the help of the local gram panchayat, Jagdish Vaghela, Manubhai Padhiyar and Rajendra Thakore from the village have begun renovation of this temple. The new temple will be have a rest room for visitors, 24-hour watersupply and a small garden near the bank of river Mahisagar. The funds for renovation are collected by a committee of local people from village Akalbara and the devotees from Baroda district. If you want any more information about this temple, you may contact Jagdish Vaghela <jm_vaghela@yahoo.com> or call mobile number 9824433755 or, if in USA, ring up 305 591 8200 (Extn. 580).

Gujarati Play: Abhnav Art Academy will stage 'Haila Ramila Pachhi Aavi', a Gujarati play starring Dimple Shah, at Gandhi Nagargruh at 9 p.m. on December 17 and 18.

16-12-03

Petrol & Diesel Cost More: Petrol and diesel prices have increased from 16th December. Petrol prices in Baroda have gone up from Rs. 34.65 to Rs. 35.71 per litre and the diesel prices from Rs. 22.44 to Rs. 23.56.

Laboratory Technology Course: The Ambalal Sarabhai Foundation (ASF) will start a new batch of the Medical Laboratory Technology course from January. Students who have cleared 12th standard with science and science graduates are eligible. For admission contact the ASF office in Bombay Shopping Centre, Race Course Circle, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Fashion Wear Exhibition: An exhibition of western wear for women has been organised by Bar Code. It includes a range of trendy blouses, trousers, skirts and dresses. December 19-20. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Trisha Gallery.

Handcrafted Crystal: Diamond Crystal has organised an exhibition featuring a complete range of 30 percent handcrafted crystal (in collaboration with Georgian Crystal, Derby, UK). December 22-23. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Trisha Gallery.

12-12-03

Insurance Advisor's Feat: Barodian Mehul Shah has become the first life insurance advisor of a private company in the city to qualify for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) – an association of nearly 30,000 of the world's best life insurance and finance services professionals from 74 countries. Shah, an investment consultant, achieved the distinction of selling more than 125 policies since the beginning of the year and this put him in the league of high-profile MDRT qualifiers.

Handicrafts & Handloom Exhibition: Sponsored by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Organised by Gramin Hastkala Vikas Samiti, Agra. Parsi Agiari Ground, Sayajigunj. 12th to 21st December. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Paintings Exhibition: An exhibition of recent paintings by Amarnath Sharma – 'Altitude of Destination' – will be on from 15th to 26th December (but not on Sunday) at Sarjan Art Gallery. 12 noon to 8 p.m. The exhibition will be closed on Sundays. Sharma is an alumnus of the MSU Faculty of Fine Arts.

10-12-03

VMC May Privatise Atithi Gruhas: The 17 community halls, atithi gruhas and lawns of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) are a financial and administrative burden on the civic body. Hired out to citizens for social functions, these facilities are not particularly viable as things stand. Which is why VMC has decided to consider privatisation of the facilities. A firm of chartered accountants – Shah, Mehta & Bakshi – has made some recommendations on how the privatisation can be done in phases. One of the suggestions is that the facilities should also be made available for sales events, exhibitions, business meetings and training camps so that private operators may be able to earn the profits from which they can properly maintain them. To being with, the community halls at Subhanpura and Akota may be leased out on a three-year basis.

More Convicts, More Jails: The Gujarat government will build three new district jails and increase the capacity of existing jails. The three new district jails are planned for Bhuj, Gandhidham and Gondal. The capacity of Baroda Central Jail and Sabarmati Central Jail will be increased. The entire project, due to be completed by the end of 2008, will cost Rs. 650 million. About 25 % of the expenditure will be borne by the central government. A separate section is planned for women convicts at Sabarmati Central Jail and Rajkot District Jail. Till now, only the Baroda Central Jail has the facilities to accommodate women convicts.

Exhibition Of Kurtis: J&S, a designing and tailoring shop, will exhibit an exclusive collection of kurtis at Trisha Gallery. December 12-13. 10 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Palitana Siddhshetra: Hariom Gujjar's exhibition of photographs captures the various aspects of Palitana. Vithi Art Gallery, Karelibaug. Till December 12. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

08-12-03

Polluted Baroda: Over the past months the Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) in Baroda has reached an abnormally high level. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB says that the RSPM level in the city is 67 per cent higher than the national average. A major source of RSPM is vehicular emission. The city has recorded an increase of 52,000 vehicles during the last. GPCB statistics show that 680,000 vehicles and major industries surrounding the city belch out 200 tonnes of pollutants every year. About 90 per cent of the vehicles run one petrol account for 64 per cent of the city's pollution and the industries contribute 29 per cent.

Electricity Entrepreneurs: Stalls in three major vegetable markets in Baroda – at Sama, Karelibaug and Ellora Park – are supplied electricity by private 'generator' entrepreneurs. The lights in the stalls are connected to high-powered generator sets kept nearby. Such a facility reduces the vegetable vendors' dependence on lanterns and other light sources. They pay about Rs. 8 to Rs. 10 per day for the service. The supply beings at 6.30 p.m. and is on till 11 p.m. About 300 stalls happily use this facility.

Pratap Theatre: The temporary closure of Pratap Theatre after a complaint by the Entertainment Commissioner for the alleged selling of fake tickets has inconvenienced cinema lovers. The blockbuster film 'Kal Ho Na Ho' is meant to running here, besides Inox Multiplex and Chandan Multiplex. For many people, the theatres are closer to where they live and far less expensive compared to the multiplexes (specially for new releases). The dejected fans can only hope that the theatre will re-open soon.

Book Exhibition: The National Book Trust (NBT) will hold a book exhibition on NBT publications from December 11 to 15 at Manubhai Towers, Sayajigunj. The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

05-12-03

MSU Honorary Degrees: The MS University Senate has passed the Syndicate proposed names for the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. The Senate approved the names of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, social reformer Nanaji Deshmukh, scientist R.A. Mashelkar (Director General of Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research) and Gujarati literateur Rajendra Shah.

Jewellery Exhibition: By R's Xclusives. Exhibition-cum-sale of imitation fashion jewellery blending traditional and contemporary style. Trisha Art Gallery. December 5-6. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Handcrafted Furniture: Amiti Bazaar presents an exhibition and sale of handcrafted furniture, dhurries and furnishings. Sienna Art Gallery. December 10-15. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Paintings Exhibition: A group of seven artists Bakulesh Joshi, Shilpa Joshi, Satyendra Tiwari, Manish Mehta, Anuj Kumar Poddar, Hina Poddar, and Mohan Bhoya will exhibit their works at the Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University. The exhibition is an expression of ideas of people working in different fields. December 10-15. 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

28-11-03

Battle Against Mosquitoes: A new method of using bacteria called 'bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (BTI) will soon be used by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) in the battle against the rising cases of malaria and dengue. BTI is a bacterial larvicide that kills immature mosquitoes or 'wigglers' by destroying the internal abdominal organs of the larvae. It is a cost-effective and environmentally safe means of pest control compared to mosquitocides like DDT and malarial oil. It is not harmful to humans, pets or other organisms. It is being sprayed in a few areas of the city as part of a pilot project.

Children's Book Fair: Organised by Maneesh Bookshop. November 28 to December 7, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. At Manubhai Towers Basement, Sayajigunj.

Yoga Seminar: 10, the Health Spa, is organising a seminar on yoga at Prusti, opposite Haridham Society, Manjalpur, from December 1 to 6.

Punjabi Food Festival: Ongoing at Havmor Restaurant, Sayajigunj.

Model Hunt: 'Bodize In Motion – A Model Hunt 2003' will be held at Trimline Club on 29th November. It is being organised by Folio INC – The Finishing I'ecole and Spin Academy. Spin Academy is a dance and fitness academy which organises classes in many cities of Gujarat. The event will have three titles – Mr. 2003, Ms. 2003 and Mrs. 2003. For 'Mrs. 2003' the contestants are as old as 50 years.

27-11-03

BARC Entrusts Project To MSU: The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) have asked MSU to handle a project concerning nuclear safety. MSU's Mechanical Engineering Department has been able to quantifying the physical discrepancies that may arise in a nuclear reactor. Taking a cue from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident where the loss of coolant was the cause, the department is conducting a two-phase study on the depressurisation factors that could affect a nuclear reactor's safety. The MSU team has carried out the first phase of the simulation, generally done on special  software using miniature models. The project cost is estimated at Rs. 5 million. The first phase of the simulation model is complete and has cost the department Rs 14.82 lakh.

Students In Primary Schools: The Vadodara district panchayat has launched a drive to determine the actual number of students in 2,000 primary schools. It seems that there have been complaints that the schools were inflating the number of students to ensure postings for teachers in their preferred places. Officials in the panchayat said that the number was being inflated so that the number of jobs for teachers could increase and some teachers who have not been getting postings in the area of their choice could get them.

23-11-03

MSU Project Studies Depression: One out of every four women in Baroda suffers from depression while one out of every ten men is prone to it. This is indicated by a pilot study conducted by the Women's Studies Research Centre (WSRC) of MS University. The two-year research project ('Mental Health & Aging: Focus On Women With Depression') began in August 2003 and the US-based Nirman Foundation is funding it. The study will analyse the prevalence of depression among older women and men. Data from public and private hospitals and clinics in six cities of Gujarat – Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Vadodara, Surat – will be compiled.

21-11-03

British County Invites Business Interests: In the county of Leicestershire in the United Kingdom, 37 languages from different parts of the world can be heard. But Gujarat is the second most spoken language and the county is home to about 75,000 Gujaratis who play a major role in the country's economy and politics. Leicestershire wants to have more trade links with Gujarat and Maharashtra and a high-profile delegation led by the county's Mayor Ramnik Kavia, a person of Indians origin, visited Baroda recently and gave Barodians some idea about the business opportunities there and the advantages of being based in the county. The delegation had been invited by the Federation of Gujarat Industries.

Music On Canvas: Exhibition of recent paintings by Gajendra Shah. Sarjan Art Gallery, November 24 to December 5 (except Sunday). 12 noon to 8 p.m.

20-11-03

Pushpabaug Will Live On: The historically significant but now dilapidated Pushpabaug Bungalow in the Faculty of Fine Arts at MS University has been granted a new lease of life by the University Grants Commission (UGC). A proposal by the faculty for the restoration of the building has been accepted and UGC has sanctioned Rs. 1.8 million for the project. The building was once the residence of the acclaimed novelist R.V. Desai, almost a century ago. The Faculty of Fine Arts was established in it in 1949.

New CNG Stations In City: In order to increase the compressed natural gas (CNG) users from 300 to 3,000 in nine months, the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) will set up four more stations at new sites in Baroda: near GSFC, on Ajwa Road, near HPCL Karelibaug and near BPCL Makarpura. One CNG station already exists in the city at Nizampura. The four new stations should be ready by December 2004. According to GAIL, the output of one kg of CNG is on an average 1,25 times better than a litre of petrol. While a km in a petrol-driven vehicle costs Rs. 2.10, it is only 61 paise in a CNG vehicle. Baroda has a vehicle population of about 647,000. The cost of conversion to CNG for cars is between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000, and it is between Rs. 350,00 and Rs. Rs. 550,000 for diesel-driven buses.

Sprucing Up R.C. Dutt & Old Padra Roads: If things move according to plan, public-private partnership may be set in motion to develop and partly privatise R.C. Dutt Road and Old Padra Road. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) intends to develop both roads with proper parking facilities, pedestrian spaces and other amenities on the lines of the C.G. Road in Ahmedabad. To raise the resources for the project VMC may lease out parking and advertising rights.

Auction Of VMC Plots: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) will organise a public auction for 99-year leases of its commercial plots on November 28. There are 15 plots which have been chosen in areas like Gotri, Jetalpur, Saiyed Vasna Road. The plots will be leased at Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 6,000 per sq mt. The auction will be held at Sardar Patel Planetarium at 12 noon. Details can be obtained from Land Records Department (Commercial), Room No. 138, VMC Office, Khanderao Market.

Heritage Walk: Museum Association of Gujarat, in association with Chhaap (an artists' co-operative) and Friends of Museum (FOM) will conduct a Heritage Walk on November 23. The walk will start from Mandvi Gate and cover the lesser-known but historically important places within the walled city area: Vithal Mandir, Jagmahal Ni Pole, the unique Deepmala that was lighted daily during the Gaekwad reign, Vayudev Mandir, the old mint near Sayaji School, Ambe Mata Temple and Jumma Masjid which houses the largest copy of the Quran in Asia. The organizers hope that the walk will be then taken up and conducted on a regular basis by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation.

Multi-Sports Stadium: The Indian Olympic Association (IOC)  may help the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) with the latter's plans to set up a multi-sports stadium on New Sama Road. IOC has said that assistance will come from the National Sports Authority. The proposed stadium will be spread over an area of 310,000 sq ft and it will have sections for table tennis, badminton, volleyball, athletic events, etc., as well as training and hostel facilities for sportspersons. The present stadium at Akota often serves as a venue for non-sporting activities.

Fine Arts Fair: The MS University Fine Arts Faculty Fair will be 'revived' after a gap of five years. It was last held in 1998. The fair will be held on December 25 and 26. Faculty students will display their works and the funds generated out of the sales will go into a corpus which will be used for student welfare. The fair is expected to raise about Rs. 500,000 through the sale of works of artists and students.

Punjabi Marriage Meet: The Punjabi Biradari has planned a marriage meet on December 14 at Old ONGC Officer's Club, Baroda. Those who wish to participate may contact 2641943, 2644414, and 2793526 before November 30.

Skating Medal: Sonali Nigania of New Era School, Nizampura, has won the gold medal in the National CBSE Skating Championship held in Chandigarh recently.

11-11-03

IT Award For Collectorate: The Vadodara District Collectorate has received an award from the Indian government for exemplary implementation of the e-governance initiative. The citizens' service center has computerised almost all its services, including issuing affidavits and caste and domicile certificates. The centre has earned over Rs. 500,000 in revenue in the last six months and hopes to recover the Rs. 3 million invested in it in the next two years.

Table Tennis Tournament: The National Ranking Table Tennis Championship 2003 will be conducted at Bal Bhavan by the Table Tennis Association of Baroda from November 12 to 16. Players from more than 28 states are expected to participate in six major events like men's and women's singles, junior boys and girls' singles and sub junior boys' and girls' singles.

08-11-03

Vocal Recital: Rasikapriya has organised a Carnatic vocal recital by Gayatri Sankar (disciple of Lalgudi Sri Jayaraman and staff artiste with All India Radio, Chennai) accompanied by S.V. Ramachandran on violin and Rajesh Srinivasan on Mrudangam at 6 p.m. at Utkarsh Vidyalaya Gujarati Medium School, Gadapura, on November 8.

Counselling Sessions: Baroda Management Association (BMA) has arranged counselling sessions for admission to Australian universities and colleges. November 8, 15, 22, 29.

The Dispensary That Prem Built: This is the modest dispensary which has been set up by a city based charitable organisation – Prem Trust – at Sundarpura, 18 km from Baroda. This small dispensary is the only such facility for about 40,000 people living in 14 villages in a 6 to 8 km radius around Sundarpura – Alamgir, Vohragamdi, Dhanyavi, Raghupura, Patarveni, Sanvad, Shahpura, Hansapura, Fatehpura, Salad, Runwad, Ajitpura, Ravhipura and Meghakui. Believe it or not, the nearest doctor is 7 km away and the nearest government facility is 5 km away. Prem Trust started this activity in April 2003 and has already treated about 1500 patients, even though it can afford to run only 3 days a week, and that too for only 2 hours daily. The trust takes the honorary services of a Baroda based doctor and receives co-operation from SSG and Jamnabai Hospitals. Patients are charged no consulting fees, and they pay only Rs. 5 per day for medicines which the trust provides. If you would like to assist the trust in any way, please write to the Managing Trustee, R.C. Dimri <rcdimri@yahoo.co.in>

03-11-03

US Grant For Champaner: The ancient site of Champaner-Pavagadh will receive a US grant of $20,000 for its preservation. The grant will be given to Heritage Trust, a Vadodara based NGO. Champaner-Pavagadh is on the World Monument Fund's list of 100 most endangered heritage sites and is also India's only nomination to Unesco's World Heritage Site for 2004. The site has 36 monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India out of the 120 important structures identified here. About 2.2 million visitors come here every year, but few are aware of its historical importance. Most people visit the temple atop Pavagadh.

01-11-03

A Billion Thanks: Hi, I don't have words to express my feelings towards this site. Billions of thanks. You know through this site I met my friend's parents in USA after 16 years. 16 years before we had somehow parted from each other and with the help of this one they found me and called me and we met. Vaishali Patel <Vipvaishu2003@aol.com>

31-10-03

Low-Cost Effluent Treatment: A Baroda based small-scale unit – Orient Silk Industries – has been able to has been able to turn its effluents into a usable commodity by recycling them. They received help on this project from Gujarat Life Sciences, an organisation that installed bio-towers in the unit. Bio-towers are microbe coated packed beds and seem to solve the problems created by effluents. The effluents are passed through a series of bio-towers in which microbes are specifically introduced to break down the chemical composition. The towers with microbe coated beds degrade the pollutants in water and make it suitable for reuse. Bio-towers cost about Rs. 150,000. The unit has reduced its expenses by at least 40 per cent per month. The towers do not require maintenance.

A Message For MSU Techo Alumni: I graduated from MSU Techo (Mechanical, 1998) and am currently working with Wipro Technologies. It is my sincere effort to bring all MSU engineers at one common place to share their views. Since long back, I was feeling that there is no way that all MSU engineers can interact or share their experience with freshers or their batch mates. It will be much more helpful to students who are currently studying or just passed out. Please invite all your friends to use this group irrespective of branch and passing year. This is the only way we can bring all alumni of MSU Baroda to interact through one instrument. Networking of the best minds on this wonderful planet is my passion. Please contact Bharat N. Khokhani <khokhani.bharat@wipro.com>

28-10-03

New Waste Disposal Site: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has given permission for the development of a landfill site for solid waste disposal at Jambuva near Makarpura. Solid waste management now seems to be a priority concern and VMC has allocated Rs. 540,000 for the development of this new site. At present, solid waste is dumped at many open plots, like the ones at Munjmahuda, Chhani and Makarpura, and not much attention is paid to adhering to health norms or to the treatment of the waste. A Surat based consultant has been selected to prepare the plans and study the possible effects on the nearby localities.

24-10-03

BSNL Launches New Services: Vadodara Telecom District of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) has begun two new services for its customers – Direct Internet Access Services (DIAS) and a cheque-drop facility for paying bills. DIAS provides Internet on a landline telephone without the need of a modem. The cheque-drop facility, initially available at Alkapuri exchange, is for paying bills anytime. DIAS will be initially available for customers in Sayajigunj, Fatehgunj, Karelibaug, Panigate and Subhanpura.

Incentive For Octroi Staff: Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has proposed a financial incentive scheme for its employees to get better results. The scheme, for those working in the octroi department, has been put up by the Municipal Commissioner before the Standing Committee for approval. It proposes that a percentage of octroi collection be given to the checking squad as well as other staff in the department. All the department staff may get to share one per cent if they achieve the octroi collection target of Rs. 1,300 million for year 2003-04. And if they cross Rs.1,400 million the staff may share two per cent of the total amount.

All Talukas Online: After having computerised the entire land record data, the Vadodara District Collectorate has now initiated steps to make all the 12 talukas online. Vadodara will be the second district after Narmada where land records have been computerised. The details of 1,549 villages and 658,244 landowners will be available through this. The records cannot be tampered with and every detail required for a land deal will be available. The data will be updated every 15 days.

22-10-03

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer: MS University's Department of Metallurgy has acquired an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The instrument, costing Rs. 3 million, was obtained under a special assistance programme of the University Grants Commission. It is the fourth in a series of high-cost instruments that the department has acquired over the past few years, the other three being X-ray diffractometer, thermal analysis system and scanning electron microscope. Though meant for research by faculty members and students, it will add to the department's capacity to attract more funds by way of consultancy and sample analysis for industry. The scanning electron microscope, purchased last year, has already earned about Rs.100,000 for the department.

Think Tank Launched: The 'Baroda Forum for Policy Analysis' was launched on 21st October 2003 in Baroda. Some say that it is the city's first think tank on national and international policies, though many are not quite clear about the exact definition of a think tank. The forum will provide a platform to the city's intelligentsia from various walks of life to share ideas and give concrete suggestions on issues that are of relevance to society. The inaugural lecture of the forum was delivered by Professor Stephen Cohen, a fellow of the Brookings Institute, Washington. The forum has been promoted, among others, the former head of the Political Science Department of MS University, Professor Dilip Mohite.

Rangoli Exhibition: The Swastik Rangoli Kalakar Group has organised a rangoli exhibition from 22nd October to 6th November, 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon and 5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., at Kirti Mandir.

Basil Wins Football Trophy: Basil School, Baroda, has won the Rev. Bro. Bois Football Trophy for the second time in the All Gujarat Inter School Junior Football tournament held in Ahmedabad recently. In the finals Basil defeated St. Xavier's School, Kalol (2-1). Basil captain Aftab Memon was selected best player of the tournament.

18-10-03

Air Show: The Indian Air Force will present an air show and a static exhibition at Vadodara airport on October 23. The air show, to be held for the first time over the Vadodara skies, will begin at 9 a.m. Modern front-line fighter aircraft, including Mig-21, Mig-23 and Mig-29 will fly in formations. An Avro transport aircraft and a Chetak helicopter will also participate in the show. The grand finale will include a display by the famed 'Surya Kiran' team and an enthralling display by the IAF's skydiving team 'Air Devils'. This will be followed by a static display of the IAF's weapons systems. The air show precedes an open recruitment rally for selection in both technical and non-technical trades for airmen to be held at Air Force Station, Makarpura, from October 31 to November 3. Youth in the age group of 16 to 22 from Gujarat can take part in the recruitment rally.

Crowded City: Of the 390,000 property units in the city of Vadodara, almost 95,000 are categorised under encroachments and illegal constructions. That is almost one-fourth of the city. Which means that every fourth person in the city is an encroacher. Living in Vadodara can be equated to sharing your space with 600 people per hectare. For those who are not aware of the national average, it is 275 people per hectare.

Course In Women's Studies: The Women's Studies Research Centre at MS University will begin its fourth inter-disciplinary course in women's studies from November 18. This short-term part-time postgraduate course will cover key issues in the area of women's studies. Graduates in any discipline and those working with NGOs with at least HSc and two years' experience are eligible for the course. The last date for submitting the form is November 10. For further details contact the course co-ordinator at the Women's Study Centre.

Home Dιcor: Yamini, the chain of home textile stores, is holding a cushion mela at Aayatna. Silks with gilt prints, sequin work, embroidery, cords and tassles, zari block prints on Maheshwari fabrics and crushed tissues are some of the items on display. October 15-25.

14-10-03

NGO Collects Rs. 37 Million For SSG Hospital: Efforts made by the Holy Care Project to renovate and maintain the buildings of the century-old Sir Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital have resulted in contributions of Rs. 37 million from the NRI alumni of the Baroda Medical College. The project was launched by an NGO, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, in 1999. The SSG Hospital caters to 1,168 outpatients and 1,023 in-patients daily. The NGO has successfully completed the first phase of the project with 15 out of the 50 wards being renovated. On completion of the project, the 37-acre SSG campus will not only have modern wards but also a greener ambience. The total project estimate is Rs. 120 million and the NGO has tried to enlist the support of NRI alumni, local donors and the Gujarat government. Over 1,400 NRI alumni of the Baroda Medical College have contributed Rs. 37.6 million, which is about 25 per cent of the total cost, and the Gujarat government may bear 50 per cent of the expenditure. Project Director Piyush Shah says that the balance 25 per cent is expected from generous donors. The trust has employed volunteers to maintain cleanliness in all the renovated wards. It has also tied up with companies who donate detergents, disinfectants and floor scrubbers. It would be great if you too could chip in with your contribution to help the effort along. If you are interested, please write to Piyush Shah <ssgh@holycare.org>

'Privatisation' Of R.C. Dutt Road: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has proposed the idea of transferring the maintenance, operation and management of R.C. Dutt Road to private operators. The civic body has already received five proposals from private bidders in response to an advertisement inviting expression of interest. The plan is at a nascent stage as the feasibility is yet to be worked out. The plan also involves widening of the existing 18-metre road to 30 metres.

11-10-03

New Art Gallery: The Bayer ABS Art Gallery, which will open on Old Padra Road on October 17, may possibly be Baroda's largest art gallery. It is built at two levels and has extensive wall space and an open courtyard for sculptures. It is designed by architect Karan Grover and promoted by Rakesh Agarwal. The first show, 'Mappings', from October 17 to November 3, will feature a dozen well-known Indian contemporary artists.

Barodian Selected For Skating Meet: Iti Gandhi of Baroda, a first-year BBA student at MS University, has been selected for the In-line World Speed Skating Championship to be held in Venezuela from November 1 to 9. Iti learnt skating at the age of 11 and she has participated in major ranking championships in roller speed skating.

Santoor Concert: Spic Macay presents a concert by santoor player Pandit Omprakash Chourasiya. Home Science Faculty Auditorium, 7.30 p.m., October 12.

Designer Collection: Wild Flower Designer presents an exhibition of ethnic, western and fusion designer creations by Priyanka Bapna, Aashima Belapurkar and Shilpa Yohan. Trisha Gallery, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 13 to 16.

Shaam-E-Hyderabad: Culinary delicacies of the chefs from Taj Banjara, Hyderabad. At Taj Residency, Baroda. October 10 to 20. 7.30 p.m. onwards.

09-10-03

Hyderabadi Food Festival: October 9 to 23. Buffet Dinner from 7 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. At Kala Ghoda Restaurant, Sayaji Hotel. Also live Ghazals & Shayaris.

Sari Exhibition: Kanchul boutique presents an exhibition of a wide range of saris including Pochampallis, Tusser silks and creeps with 'dhabu' print and 'upada' saris with real gold embellishment. Till October 11.

Prints & Weaves: Aseel presents an exhibition of fabrics from all over India. Also crochets, gold jadao imitations, wall pieces, terracotta gift articles and Japanese paintings. At Piccadilly, Jetalpur Road, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 13-14.

Diamond Jewellery: Manek Gem-Art International has organised an exhibition-cum-sale of real diamond jewellery at Trisha Gallery. October 11 and 12. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Rajasthani Bhojan Mahotsav: This food festival is on at Hotel Surya till October 10. Also Rajasthani puppet show and Kutchi dances by folk artistes.

07-10-03