30-12-02

ShefJan Exhibits Paintings: Shefali Chauhan of ShefJan Designs has organised a paintings exhibition at Shrishti Art Gallery, Hotel Welcom Group, R C Dutt Road, Baroda between January 02 and January 05, 2003. Timings will be 10.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Part-time Course in Vaastu Shastra: Baroda Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, M S University will conducts in Vaastu Shastra, Jyotish, Palmistry, Vedic Mathematics from January 2003. The new courses will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Worskshop On Oil Painting: Venus Academy of Fine Arts will organise a workshop on oil painting from January 01, 2003. Interested participants can contact at: 30, Ishwar Nagar Society, Water Tank Road, Behing Charbhuja Complex, Karelibaug between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

29-12-02

Surgical Ward Inaugurated: Health & Family Welfare Minister I K Jadeja inaugurated a newly renovated surgical ward at the SSG Hospital on 29th December 2002. The inauguration took place in the backdrop of the renovation going on in the hospital and the Medical College attached to it. The renovation is being jointly carried out by the State Government and the medical college alumni settled in US and the HolyCare Project. SSG has 42 wards and 32 operation theatres, out of which 12 wards have been already renovated and the work is on in others as well.

28-12-02

Bright School Students Win Prizes: Bright School students recently received awards both at the international as well as State level. At the international level, Paushak Parith, a class VI student, received appreciation award for participating as junior ambassador in the 14th Asian Pacific Children Convention held at Japan. At the State-level, Astha Jain, a class VII student, stood second in the Inter School Yogasana competition. Nikita Shah won second prize in the Inter School Debate competition and also declared Wonder Miss 2002 and awarded first prize. Sikha Desai and Tanmay Dave, 3rd and 4th standard students respectively, won second prize and silver medal in the Fancy Dress competition organised by Face to Face.

MacDonald’s Comes To The City: ‘Foodmania’ has arrived in Vadodara. The MacDonald parlour in the city will be formally launched at Inox Multiplex on December 31. MacDonald’s menu is designed to suit the Indian palate, where the vegetarian and non-vegetarian food will be cooked separately. The company is also planning to introduce a lot of other activities to set themselves rolling. The company is working with local farmers to develop technology and expertise to provide quality products to the customers. Incidentally, this is MacDonald’s second venture in the state after Ahmedabad.

Kite Flying Competition: The Indian Express and Oswal Threads have jointly organised a Kite Flying competition on 4th January, 2003 at Polo Ground at 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Entry fee will be Rs. 50.00. First prize will be Rs. 2500.00 while second prize winner will get Rs. 1500.00. Consolation prizes of a Free T-Shirt & Cap will be given to every participant. Registration will be done on 30th December 2002, 31st December 2002 & 1st January 2003 between 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. Registration will be on first come first served basis. Interested persons can contact The Indian Express, 503, Gunjan Towers, Off. Alembic-Gorwa Road, Subhanpura, Vadodara – 390 0023, Phone: (0265) 2284407, 2284401 or at Chitra Agency, 17, Navrang Complex, Navrang Cinema Compound, Raopura, Vadodara, Phone: (0265) 2438104.

Where Will You Boogie 31st December, This Year: Barodians are all set to set the ball rolling for 2003. And there are plenty of opportunities to boogie away the blues of the past year and bring in the new one with a bang. Dine-n-dance seems to be the keyword this year too, have a wonderful dinner at a hotel and then dance to the tunes of the DJ. Private parties are also in fashion where the Barodians will be rocking with music and masti. For those who cannot afford these passes, the multiplexes have come to their rescue where Event management companies and hotels will make sure that people have their fill of fun. Chandan Multiplex will have the party troopers dancing to the tunes of DJ Rizvi and a huge projector will screen the dancing live. At Inox, DJ Valentine is coming all the way from Mumbai to entertain Barodians. Welcom Hotel, Vadodara is also bringing a dance troupe ‘hip-hoppers’ from Mumbai with a DJ and vocalist. As usual, Trimline Club is offering a dine-n-dance affair with DJ Rishabh, bon-fire and fireworks. For a quiet dinner and soft live music lovers, Nanubhai Leisure World has organised a ghazal programme for a complete family entertainment. Hakuna Matata has also come up with dine-n-dance theme with state-of-the-art music system, pulsar lights that flicker in tune with music lasers and ultra-violet lights. Revival Hotel and Tropicana are also all charged up to greet the New Year in style.

25-12-02

Baroda Students Selected: Two school children from Baroda and a Science instructor form Bal Bhavan have been selected to participate in the national conference for the young environmentalists to be organised in Delhi between December 26-28. The selected children are Sonam Gupta and Ravi Badania and they will present papers on ‘Climatic changes’ at the conference.

Exhibition of Paintings: Sarjan Art Gallery has held an exhibition of paintings by Santosh. The exhibition began on December 25, 2002 and it will continue until Saturday, January 4, 2003. The timings are 12 noon to 8 p.m. (Sunday Closed) and the venue Sarjan Art Gallery, Hobby Centre, Niharika - 1, Vishwas Colony, Alkapuri, Vadodara 390 007.

Darshan On CD: Ahmedabad based Sparsh Creations has introduce a video CD on ‘Shreeji Darshan’ for ‘darshan’ of Lord Dakor. Various rituals in the temple along with festivals like Tulsi vivah, Janmashtami, Fagni Poonam, Holi and Dhuleti, etc have been recorded on the CD. A Photograph of the deity will be given free along with CD during the Bhagwat katha, which concludes on December 28.

Flavor Restaurant: Flavor Restaurant has come up with an unusual event called ‘Family Event of Baroda’. It starts from 25th to 30th December 2002, 8.00 p.m. onwards where different contests are organised for kids as well as adults. On 25th, there will be ‘Fancy Dress Competition’ for children below 12 years of age, ‘Just-A-Minute’ game show will be held on 26th, Housie will be played on 27th, Antaxari will be organised on 28th, one can take part in ‘Boogie-Woogie’  on 29th and on 30th, ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’ with professional orchestra & anchors will be held. For details contact (+91-265) 2644976, 2649053, 2642068. Venue will be Flavor Restaurant, Near Akashwani, Makarpura Main Road, Vadodara 390 009.

Masala Mami: Abhinav Arts Academy presents a play Masala Mami produced by Kaustubh Trivedi, directed by Vipul Mehta and written by Jayesh Mehta. The lead role is played by renowned actress Sarita Joshi. The play is on 5th & 6th January 2003 at Gandhinagar Gruh 9.00 p.m. onwards. For group bookings, please contact (0265) 2434517, 2423147.

21-12-02

Forms For Convocation: December 24 is the last date for receiving the application forms for degree and post-graduate diploma for annual convocation in M S University. The convocation is likely to be held in January 2003.

Punjabi Winter Food Festival: 7.00 p.m. to 11.30 p.m., at Rangoli Restaurant. Rangoli promises to treat you with taste of Punjab this winter guaranteed to send the taste buds tingling from head to toe. Contact (0265) 2794040, 2791144, 2795623.

Vadodara Celebrates Christmas: Christmas is a time for love & fun and a chance to share and care for everyone. Many city restaurants, hotels, cakes shops and gift shops are gearing up to satisfy the merry Barodians with Christmas special delicacies and parties.

• The Goodies Cafeteria has brought Christmas Specials like Stockings, Bon Bons, Plum Cakes, Santa Cakes, Snowman Cakes, Christmas Tree Cakes, Yule Logs, Christmas Pudding, Lemon Rolls, Snow Cups, Chocolates, Desserts, Cocktail Snacks, Mince Pies, and many more delicacies.
• Muffins of Express Hotel has come up with the novel idea of getting the photos clicked with Santa by a professional photographer. Here variety of delicious bakery products are also available.
• Sweetness of Tropicana introduced Original Christmas Plum cakes along with Banana Muffins, Cheese cake, Tarts, Chocolate Wedges, Doughnuts, Mince Pie, Praline Souffle, Chocolates, etc. Tropicana has also organised a dance party with DJ Rizvi along with dinner on 25th December, 8 p.m. onwards. Gala Christmas buffet dinner will be laid at the Early Bird coffee shop. Tickets are available at Fridgetemp (Fatejgunj, OP Road, Karelibaug), The Shoppe (Alkapuri), Tropicana (Akota), Hotstuff (Sama Road). For details, please contact (0265) 239330, 2395559.
• Sayaji Hotel has organised a Chirstmas Party for kids on 25th December at 3.30 p.m. onwards. Children can have loads of fun with live orchestra, gifts from Santa Claus, goodies to eat, dance party, Christmas tree, etc. and prizes to be won for Best Dancers and Best Fancy Dress. Contact or call Sayaji Hotel at (0265) 2363030 for bookings.
• Inox is buzzing with activities this week. Apart from meeting Santa Claus on the 24th and 25th evenings, the DJ will belt out favourite numbers from Friday to Sunday between 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. for the Barodaians. One can win a romantic getaway to Goa for two by participating and winning in two mega contests. You can even get your profile sketched by a professional artist. Some interesting and exciting contests like "Know Your Better Half Better" and ‘Arm Wrestling’ are organised for adults along with magic shows and Puppet shows for the kids. Contact or call Inox Multiplex at (0265) 2388888 for bookings or enquiry.
• Pizza Inn has organised a Christmas Party and it has come up with Tallest Santa. The festival begins from 22nd December. Dance Party will be on 25th December, 6 p.m. onwards. Entry pass costs Rs .150/- per head. For more details and bookings, please contact (0265) 2327555, 2327666.
• Nanubhai Leisure World, on Christmas Day ‘Jingle Rhymes’ will greet you with live music renditions from DJ Francis. Decorated to give an Xmas ambience, here you will be entertained with Carol singing and various Christmas celebrations. Food will be served via a special counter where you can pick and pay for your grub.
• Revival Hotel brings in Father Christmas at the very entrance to greet the kids, entertain them and then the child gets to pick from chits that can give you a 10 to 100 % discount on meals at Revival.

20-12-02

10 Vadodara Kids Bag Prestigious Art Awards: Paintings of 10 students of the city-based Hobby Centre bagged awards at the country’s most prestigious children’ competition – Shankar International Children Competition (SICC). The winners are Keta Patel, Kesha, Anuj, Karan, Kruti, Harshal, Krittika, Esha, Vedika, and Fathima. President Abdul Kalam will present these kids the award on January 17. The award instituted in 1949 gained worldwide recognition since it was the brainchild of renowned cartoonist Shankar and Pandit Nehru, who felt the need to population child art. The competition, which draws nearly 1,60,000 entries in paintings and writings (essays & poems) each year from 150 countries, is judged by an international Jury who pick the best 800 among for the awards. The prestigious awards comprise of a Shankar’s gold medal for the best entry in writing, 24 Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial gold medals and 400 silver medals. Besides there are 400 other common awards. A compilation of all prize winning entries – Shankar’s children Art number – would be released as souvenir.

Children’s Book Fair: Nutan Baal Shikshan Sangh has organised a children’s book fair at Lok Sevak Mandal, Prayer Hall, Lal Bahadur Shastri Vidyalaya, Vadodara, on December 21 to 23 at 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The topics shall range from children’s health to education and shall be available in both English and Gujarati.

Atelier 2221 Show at Nazar: Atelier 2221 is bringing a large show of original prints to Vadodara at the Nazar Art Gallery that is scheduled to begin on December 20. Participating printmakers include Manjula Padmanabhan, Himmat Shah, Manu, Madhavi and Manisha Gera Baswani, Kavita Jaiswal, Sheela Makhijani, Suhas Nimbalkar and Yusuf. The show ends on December 28.

Inox Is Celebrating This Week: Inox is buzzing with activities this week. Apart from meeting Santa Claus on the 24th and 25th evenings, the DJ will belt out favourite numbers from Friday to Sunday between 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. for the Barodians. One can win a romantic getaway to Goa for two by participating and winning in two mega contests. You can even get your profile sketched by a professional artist. Some interesting and exciting contests like "Know Your Better Half Better" and ‘Arm Wrestling’ are organised for adults along with magic shows and Puppet shows for the kids.

Sayaji’s X’Mas Party: Sayaji Hotel has organised a Chirstmas Party for kids on 25th December at 3.30 p.m. onwards. Children can have loads of fun with live orchestra, gifts from Santa Claus, goodies to eat, dance party, Christmas tree, etc. and prizes to be won for Best Dancers and Best Fancy Dress. Contact or call Sayaji Hotel at (0265) 2363030 for bookings.

19-12-02

Three-Day Fiesta For Kids: Face to Face, an education management company, has organised a three-day state-level mega event – Chandan Fiesta – at Vishal party Plot in Ellora Park from December 20-22. Around 125 schools from all over the State are expected to participate in 25 different competitions. The competitions will include quiz, dance, card making, orchestra, drama, etc. A health quiz has also been organised in co-ordination with Baroda Heart Institute (BHI). A special event will be held on the concluding day where around 1,000 participants will light candles for peace and harmony in Gujarat.

Open Baroda Drawing Competition: The Indian Express has organised an Open Baroda Drawing Competition on 22nd December 2002. Registration will be done on 19th, 20th & 21st December between 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. at The Indian Express, 503, Gunjan Towers, Off Alembic-Gorwa Road, Subhanpura, Vadodara – 390 023. Phone: (0265) 2284407, 2284401. Venue for the competition will be New Era School, Nizampura. Baroda. The participants are expected to report at 9.30 a.m.

Diamond Exhibition: Now Barodians can see the famous diamonds, albeit their replicas, at a grand exhibition of the world’s top 51 diamonds from December 22 to 29, to be held at Damodardas Jewellers showroom in Alkapuri Arcade. The exhibition has been brought to the city by DeBeers. The top 51 diamonds are scattered in about 18 countries and their replicas have been produced by the efforts of DeBeers. Some of the diamonds on display includes The Kohinoor, The Hope, The Star of Africa, The Moon of Baroda, The Nepal, The Nizam, The Florentine, The Golden Madras, etc. This is the first time such an exhibition is being organised in Vadodara. It will be a rare opportunity for the people to see the replicas of such famous diamonds. These replicas too are equally expensive and priceless.

18-12-02

Another Café Chain In City: After Barista, now it is Café Coffee Day - a Bangalore-based retail chain of cafes, to reinforce the coffee culture in city. It plants to open two café outlets in Vadodara - one Inox multiplex and another at Sayajigunj. The coffee, according to Mukherjee, will be priced between Rs. 16 to Rs 60. CCD currently owns and operates a total of 65 cafes in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Pune, Mangalore and Chikmagalur. The next in line after Vadodara will be Ahmedabad and Surat.

Scanning Electron Microscope To Be Installed At MS University: MSU vice-chancellor K.C. Upadhyaya will formally install a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) at the Department of Metallurgy in the Faculty of Technology and Engineering on December 23. The hi-technology equipment costs Rs. 62 lakh and it is being installed to give a fillip to research and academic activities in the department. The twin-machine – SEM and E-DAX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis) – is used to give three dimensional metal samples and spot x-ray analysis of phases present. This machine will boost academic activities of students and faculty. As the microscope helps in failure analysis of metals, the faculty expects to get many samples from the industry.

Free Medical Camp: A free PAP Smear camp for women will be conducted at Bhailal Amin general Hospital on December 22. About 50 people will be tested on a first come first serve basis. Interested persons can contact Parul Mehta at OPD between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. before Saturday or call 2380300.

Bodhi: Bodhi introduces its Winter Collection. Pure Woollen, Pashmina & Embroidered Shawls, Stoles, Jackets, etc. are at display at Bodhi, Abhishek, Akshar Chowk, Old Padra Road, Baroda. Phone: +91-265-2324268.

17-12-02

Table Tennis Competition: The Indian Express & Baroda Dairy have jointly organised an Inter School Talent Championship Trophy 2002 – 2003 in which Table Tennis Competition will be held on 19th December 2002. Registration will be done on the spot. The interested participants are requested to report at Kendriya Vidayalaya (O.N.G.C), O.N.G.C. Colony, Makarpura Road, Baroda at 9.00 a.m.

Nanubhai Leisure World Celebrates Its 1st Anniversary: It has been a year since Nanubhai Leisure World was inaugurated. In the event of its first anniversary, this leisure world has come up with many celebratory offers for the Barodians. Lunch & Dinner will be served at Sea Lounge Restaurant. Nanubhai Leisure World offers 30% discount during lunch Hours and take-away orders & 25% discount during dinner hours. This offer is valid till 30th December. On 25th December, a Christmas night will be celebrated with D.J. Francis. Kids can have a blast on 29th December with Kids Carnival. In this Carnival, kids can take part in Wedding Dress Competition. Magic Show, Cartoons, Surprise Gifts & Dance have also been organised for the children. For adults, there is 31st December (New Year’s Eve) to celebrate with live Ghazzal, Orchestra, Antakshari, Live Barbeque Counter & Elaborate Buffet with Bon Fire. For bookings, you may please contact Nanubhai Leisure World, Opposite Mehsananagar Garba Ground, Nizampura. Baroda. Ph: (0265) 2777272, 2777193 (Mob.) 98980-23667.

14-12-02

Digital Canvases: Baroda graphic designer Jayesh Kansara is showing his digital canvases titled ‘The Supreme Power of Aum’ at the Amrut Wadi, Besides Gopi Cinema from December 21 to 31, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jayesh and his wife, both graduates from MSU’s Faculty of Fine Arts, run art classes for children and also train professionals in the applied arts.

Diamond Exhibition: Exhibition of Exclusive Real Diamond Jewellery of Manek Gem – Art International has been held at WelcomHotel ‘Shikhar’ Hall, Alkapuri, Baroda on December 14-15. Ph: +91-265-2330033. From 10.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Christmas Party: Shishu Sanskrutik is organising ‘Christmas Party’ for children from the age of 2 to 16 years on December 25 from 3.00 to 8.00 p.m. at Vishal Party Plot, Behind Atmajyoti Ashram Road, Baroda. Passes are available at Vanijya Bhavan, G/F, Opp. Marble Arch, Baroda. Ph: (+91-265) 2330661-2330662, and at The Shoppe, Siddharth Complex, Alkapuri, Baroda. Ph: +91-265-333620 from December 10 to 22 from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

13-12-02

Peaceful & Enthusiastic Voting In Vadodara: The morning of 12th December saw a large number of voters trickling into polling stations. Voters from all communities responded to their civic duties by casting their mandate. In many areas like Alkapuri and Old Padra Road, voters across different income groups came to vote. The enthusiasm to vote cut across the age barrier as large number of senior as well as young citizens came to polling stations. It was evident that for many youngsters, it was their first time they cast their mandate. An estimated 63.72 % voters exercised their franchise. The voting procedure was overall peaceful. Now, the Gujarat awaits 15th December for the results of these polls.

Vocal Recital: Young vocalist, Manjiri Asnare Kelkar from the Jaipur gharana will present a classical music recital under the auspices of Komal Nishaad at the Concert Hall, Music college on December 14, 8.30 p.m. onwards.

Artistic Touch: Paintings, digital prints, monoprints and etches by a young artist Keta Patel is organized at Sarjan Art Gallery. Inauguration of the exhibition will at 10 a.m. on December 14. Timing: 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The exhibition will be on till December 24.

Fun With Food: Caribbean and Karavalli cuisine are the latest features of Sunday buffet at Surya Palace. Delicacies from the West Indian islands, such as Bahaman chicken rice, Bahamian fried chicken, jerk lamb, chutney rice, fried bananas and Karavalli delicacies such as Malavani chicken, mutton vindaloo, Manglorean fish curry, Malabar paratha appam can be enjoyed. Timing 12.00 noon to 2.30 p.m. This cuisine will be served till the end of December.

Mirch Masala: Punjabi specialities at Mirch Masala like the every popular makki-di-roti and sarson-ka-saag keeping in tune with the current flavor. The special cuisine also features the spicy hare lahsun ki sabji and baigan ka bharta. The menu will be on till the end of the season.

Beauty Seminar: Renowned Delhi based beautician Mitali Giri will demonstrate machine-less face-lifting, cocktail racial, silver racial and give tips on skin and hair care through Ayurveda at Vanijya Bhavan on December 19. The programme also includes a demonstration on advanced hair styling techniques by Jyoti Popat. Timing 1.00 - 5.00 p.m.

12-12-02

Export Management Course: The Indian Institute of Export Society will start 48th batch of P G Diploma in Export Management course from December 16. The classes will be conducted three days in a week in the evening. Further details can be available on 0265-2362570.

Exhibition On Ceramics: A three-day exhibition of ceramics by Panthini will be held at Nazar Art Gallery, GF/12-Ivory Terrace, R.C. Dutt Road from December 12. The exhibition will open at 6.00 p.m.

Lecture On Vegetables, Orchards On December 14: Community Science Centre (CSC) will organise a lecture on ‘Vegetables and orchards’ as part of the Garden Club meeting on Saturday at 3.00 p.m. The lecture will be delivered by Haribhai Patel at CSC, DDE–ORG system, Sarabhai premises, Wadi Wadi.

10-12-02

Elaborate Security Arrangements For The Elections: Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful polling at 2,628 polling booths spread over 13 assembly constituencies in Vadodara city and district on December 12. The nine-hour polling will begin at 8 a.m. Three constituencies fall in the jurisdiction of Vadodara city and ten are in rural areas. Police officials said that a total of 40 companies of central para-military forces, including Border Police (ITBP), apart from five companies of special Reserve Police, one company of Border Wing Home Guards, 2,000 Gram Rakshak Dal and more than 4,000 local police will be on poll duty. Para-military forces will be patrolling sensitive areas in rural and urban pockets to instill a sense of confidence among the people and enable them to cast their votes freely and fearlessly, while remaining forces will man election booths. Out of a total of 2,628 booths, 1,321 booths have been identified as sensitive in rural and urban areas. Vadodara Police said effective steps will be taken to ensure that election passes of peacefully and stern action will be taken if anyone is found indulging in violence and interfering with the electoral process. The counting of votes cast through electronic voting machines will take place on December 15.

09-12-02

VCare Sets Up 3 Bird Shelters: VCare has set up three bird shelters for housing and treating injured birds at Lakdikui village Jaspur, Vadodara. The cages were inaugurated by Mahendra Vyas, Chairman, Allocation & Communication Services, United Way of Baroda (UWB) on December 7. The project is financed by UWB.

TATA Launches Phone Services: TATA Teleservices Ltd. (TTSL) launched its telephony services at Vadodara on December 7 under the brand name of ‘TATA Indiacom’. The services were inaugurated Ranjitsinh Gaekwad. The company promises value for money as well as guaranteed customer satisfaction on all its products. The products include CDMA based mobile service, fixed wireline services among others. About Rs 10,000 million are expected to be invested over a period of next five years, to build a world class network in the state.

15-Day Workshop For Women: The Department of Home Science has conducted a 15-day training workshop on ‘How To Start a Day Care Centre’ beginning from December 9 till December 24 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Pragati Centre, Faculty of Home Science. Those interested can contact Darshini Durkal on +91-265-2336397.

07-12-02

Exhibition-Cum-Sale Of Rajasthan Handicrafts: Huge display of Rajasthan Handicrafts & Handlooms is on at L.M.P. display centre, Opp Arts college, Sayajigunj, Baroda. Upto 10th December, 2002 between 10 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. The exhibition will remain opened on Sunday.

06-12-02

Men's Wear Exhibition: A collection of latest fashion for Indian men by Nikita Zaveri will be displayed at Trisha Gallery. An exclusive range of embroidered kurtas, sherwals, full sets (with/without jackets) in a wide range on cottons and silks will be displayed. Timings: 10 a.m. to 8.00 a.m.

Peace Seminar In Vadodara: After Sadbhavna, now the international conference on "Anekanta: A dialogue on human concerns" will be held in Vadodara from December 6 to 9 at Pratap Vilas Palace. This is an effort to give the world a new concept to curb violence in all forms. Over 40 delegates from across the globe are expected to participate in the event.

Khordad Creations: An unusual exhibition of hand embroidered Parsee Sarees 'garas', Borders 'kores' and salwar sets will be displayed from December 6 to 8 at Maher Villa, Opp. Model Farm, Near Shastri Bridge, Baroda. Phone: 2351688 between 10 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.

05-12-02

Health Quiz To Be Organised By BHIRC: Health Quiz has been organized for all schools of Baroda by Baroda Heart Institute & Research Centre on December 20, 21 and 22. Registration is open for 8th to 12th standard students. All schools are requested to send their names for registration before 10th December. For more details, contact 44, Haribhakti Colony, Old Padra Road, Vadodara 390 007. Phone: +91-265-2322021, +91-265-2325444. Fax: +91-265-2351091. E-mail: info@bhirc.com. Website: www.bhirc.com

04-12-02

Ban On Smoking In Public Places: Earlier the Railway Board had banned on smoking on any railway premises anywhere in India. Some time back state government banned smoking in public places such as auditoria, hospitals, health and educational institutions, libraries, court buildings and public conveyances. And now police commissioner Tuteja has declared that the ban will come in force which comes under Vadodara city’s jurisdiction from December 1-31.

Bright School Awarded ISO Certification: Bright School at Karelibaug and Vasna has been awarded ISO 9001 – 2000 certificate for its educational processes, teachers, staff, administration, co-curricular activities and the quality of education. Tejas School was the first school in Vadodara to be awarded this certificate.

Book On Gujarat Released: Information Department has published a book, which covers culture, history and other important datas of Gujarat. Schools, Universities and Libraries can avail this book free of cost from District Information Office at Kothi, but they will need to furnish a letter requesting the same from the principals, vice-principals, vice-chancellors or head of the institutions.

It’s Theatre Time In Vadodara: 
A string of Gujarati plays at Vadodara this month:

• Mansi Arts presents Vat Thi Kaho Ame Baira Na Gulam on December 16-17 at Gandhi Nagar Gruh at 9.15 p.m. Staring Amit Divetia and Sachi Joshi.
• Gujarati Comedy Parnu To Enej Parnu written by Bakul Tripathi will be staged at C.C. Mehta auditorium, 7.00 p.m. onwards on December 19. This play is based on French Comedy by Molliere.
• Urvish Pathak’s Patta Ni Jod on December 20 at C.C. Mehta Auditorium.

Coming up soon in January, Barodians can enjoy following plays:

• Natyotsav will present a comedy play Shadi@barbadi.com starring Paresh Raval on January 04, 2003.
• Abhinav Arts Academy will present Sarita Joshi as Masala Mami in Shadi@barbadi.com, directed by Vipul Mehta
• Jaydev Arts will bring an emotional play Bani Rahiye Ek Mek Na starring Rasik and Ketki Dave.
• Havey To Lila Laher Chhe will be presented by Harin Thakar starring Muni Jha, Surbhi Jhaveri and Hemant Jha.
• A crackjack comedy Chhanu Ne Chhapnu Kai Thay Nahi will be brought by Sanjay Goradia starring Dilip Joshi, Dimple Shah and Pranoti Pradhan.

English Drama: Tathagat presents Dr. Fausting in the last week of December, directed by Jairam Poduval. This drama is based on Christopher Marlowe’s 16th century play Dr Faustus.

29-11-02

A barodian to take part in squash championship: Vadodara’s Yashvardhan Singh Gohil, a first year student of St Stephens College, Delhi, will participate in the 12th Junior World Open Squash Championship to be held at Chennai from December 3 to 12. He has won many important championships in under-19 category. In the forthcoming World Championship, he will play against Kuwaiti player in the first round.

Art Exhibition: An art exhibition will be held at Nazar Art Gallery on December 4 to 7. The art works of three young contemporary artists – Vinod Patel, Alok Bal and Jagannath Mohapatra will be displayed to showcase their ideological similarities.

Book Fair: A book fair of latest collection of English & Gujarati books has been organised at Gunjan, 201, BBC Tower, Above ICICI Bank, Sayajigunj, Baroda. This fair will continue till December 8. Timings: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Children Book Fair: Maneesh Book Shop has organised a Children Book Fair where one can get unique range of foreign books, educational toys, games and puzzles at discounted rates. This fair will continue till December 8. Timings 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Venue: Manubhai Towers, (basement) Opp. MS University, Sayajigunj, Baroda. Ph: 2363270.

29-11-02

Now, Booking Railway Tickets Is Just A Click Way: The residents of Vadodara and Ahmedabad can now book their tickets on the Internet. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is launching online booking system on December 1, where IRCTC’s online service will be made available only on registration at the site www.irctc.co.in. The customer will have to create a login user name and password before undertaking transactions. This facility will make booking easier for the citizens. However the tickets will have to be reserved at least 3 days in advance. The mode of payment is through credit card. The officers of IRCTC claim that the system is very safe as the site is VeriSign secured and the credit card information, (which is to be entered in the registration form), will pass through an electronic payment gateway of ICICI Bank for confirmation of the payment. They also confirm that the service is full proof and credit card numbers would not be saved in their database and all the information will be sent to the ICICI bank who will take care of all the financial transactions. Confirmed tickets will be home delivered through courier, as there is no provision for personal collection. The courier service is presently available at Chennai, Mumbai, Banglore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and Vadodara. In addition to the Railway fare, the customer will have to bear a service charge of Rs. 30 per ticket for sleeper/ordinary chair car classes and Rs. 50 per ticket for upper classes (regardless of number of passengers on the ticket). They will levy an additional cost of 1.8% on the value of transaction for Credit Card transactions. In cases of cancellation, the customer will have to approach any Passenger Reservation System (PRS) where cancellation ticket shall be issued while cash refund will be made thorough payment gateway to the customer’s credit card bill.

How To Book Your Ticket Online:

• Log on to www.irctc.co.in.
• Create user name and password.
• Go to "Plan my travel and book tickets" page.
• Click on "Book ticket".
• Refer to various options in "Show route", "Show availability" "Boarding point" and "Get fare".
• Fill in personal details like passenger name, age, sex and berth preference.
• Select credit card type and enter details.
• Click on "Buy option"
• Make note of transaction ID and PNR number displayed.
• Quote ID and PNR while collecting tickets by courier.

Exhibition-Cum-Sale: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School will hold an exhibition-cum-sale of Bhavan’s Publications (covering history, culture, philosophy, Bhagwad Gita, epics, classics, biographies, autographies, children books, etc.) in the school auditorium from December 1-5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Peace Festival: Sadbhavna has organised a peace festival for Barodians. Following programmes will be conducted under these festivals:

• Live Concert by Indian Ocean
  Venue: Patel Estate, VIP Road, Near L&T Circle, Baroda
  Date & Time: 1st December 2002, 7 p.m. onwards.
• A play ‘Par Hame Khelna Hai’ directed by Dr. Mohan Agashe
  Venue: C.C. Mehta Auditorium, MS University, Baroda
  Date & Time: 3rd December 2002, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
• A play ‘Dost Chokkas Ahin Ek Nagar Vastu Hatu’ by Saumya Joshi
  Venue: C.C. Mehta Auditorium, MS University, Baroda
  Date & Time: 6th December 2002, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

The entry is free for all and entry is allowed on first-come, first-serve basis.

Sitar Recital: Swar Vilas has organised a sitar recital by Ustad Shahid Parvez at the Darbar Hall from 8.30 p.m. onwards on December 4.

Gujarati Comedy Play: Gujarati Comedy ’Parnu To Enej Parnu’ written by Bakul Tripathi will be staged at C.C. Mehta auditorium, 7.00 p.m. onwards on December 19. This play is based on French Comedy by Molliere.

Bird Watching: Gujarat Adventure Club has organised a two 2-day bird-watching camps for children at Nal Sarovar on December 11-12 & 21-22. Almost 250 varieties of migratory birds visit this location during winters. Campers will also get an opportunity to observe bio-diversity, including 72 types of herbs. Those interested may please contact Hasmukh Pathak at Gujarat Adventure Club, Patanjali Apartment, behind Foods and Drugs laboratory, Nizampura. Phone: +91-265-2789613.

28-11-02

Children’s Play: Manish Tekrawala’s play, ‘Tarzan In Town’. Gandhinagar Gruh, 3.00 p.m., 1st December.

26-11-02

Public Holiday On Election Day: As many as 1,682 candidates have filed their nominations for the 182 seats for the 12th December Gujarat assembly elections. The BJP fielded its candidates for all the 182 seats, while the Congress has left one seat each for the CPI (Jamnagar) and the CPI-M (Bhavnagar). To ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, the Election Commission has appointed election observers for the various districts. For the 13 seats in the Vadodara district, five observers have been appointed. They will be in the city till November 29, and again between December 5 and15. Three of the observers will be staying at the Circuit House (telephone numbers: 2320291, 2321248, 2320463) and two will be staying at the GSFC Guest House (telephone number: 2272451, extension 2977). The state government has declared a public holiday on December 12.

SSC & HSC Exam Schedule: The examination committee of the Gujarat Secondary Education Board (GSEB) has announced that the SSC and HSC board exams for 2003 will begin from March 25. An estimated 1.075 million students will appear for the class 10 and 12 board exams.

Seminar On Home Remedies: Retired Officers’ Forum will organise a two-day national seminar-cum-workshop on ’Be Your Own Doctor’ in February. The thrust of the seminar will be on home remedies, in addition to various natural remedies like yoga, naturopathy, intake of wheat-grass, etc. Interested senior citizens should contact the seminar co-ordinator, M.D. Sharman (telephone: +91-265-2713444) for further details.

25-11-02

Election Briefs: The last day for filing nominations for elections to the 182-member Gujarat assembly is November 25, followed by scrutiny of papers on November 26. The last day for withdrawal of candidatures will be November 28 and the counting of votes cast through electronic voting machines will take place on December 15. The nine-hour polling on December 12 will begin at 8 a.m. The number of voters will be 32.8 million, the number of polling booths will be 38,000, and 200,000 officials will be on poll duty. The security personnel: 60,000 policemen and 400 companies of paramilitary forces. The election expenditure: Rs. 400 million.

New Apollo Tyres Plant: Apollo Tyres Limited is coming up with an ultramodern truck radial-tyre facility at its Waghodia plant. The foundation stone for the new plant was laid on 23rd November. The investment on this plant will be Rs. 2000 million. Apollo has entered into a technical alliance with the German tyre maker Continental AG, which will relocate its plant and machinery from its facilities worldwide to the Waghodia plant. The plant will have the capacity to produce 400 tyres a day, and this will be scaled up to 1500 tyres a day in the second phase. Production is expected to begin in April 2004.

21-11-02

Ayurvedic Bidis: At the Aryakanya Ayurvedic College in Baroda there is talk of an ayurvedic bidi that may cure respiratory ailments. It is claimed that smoking these bidis (which do not carry the statutory warning) is not injurious to health. After the recent experiments elsewhere with coffee gutkha, bidis without tobacco may give the tobacco market an interesting new product. Over 35 medicinal herbs are used to make the bidi. The smoking therapy is scientifically termed Prayogic Dhum Varti. The herbs are rolled into Timru or Asotar leaves to make them look like bidis. The price: Re. 1 each. The bidis are claimed to be useful to patients suffering from cough, cold, asthma, mouth ulcers, toothache, bleeding gums, foul breath or a respiratory problem. The method of treatment is important and needs supervision. It is also recommended to women and children, but not pregnant women, diabetic patients and people with cardiac disorders. It is claimed that it does not harm the passive smoker. Doctors do not claim that the therapy has a complete cure because much depends on the immunity level of the individual.

Swami Dayanandaji’s Discourses: Shruti Mandir, Vadodara, has organised discourses in English by Pujya Swami Dayanandaji at Gandhinagargruh from November 24 to 30, from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

20-11-02

Gujarat Elections: The Election Commission has issued the notification for elections to the 182-member Gujarat assembly. The last day for filing nominations will be November 25, followed by scrutiny of papers the next day. The last day for withdrawal of candidatures will be November 28 and the counting of votes cast through electronic voting machines will take place on December 15. The nine-hour polling on December 12 will begin at 8 a.m.

SAAJ Exhibition & Sale: Sienna Gallery, Near HDFC Bank, Alkapuri, 6th & 7th December, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Traditional artefacts and handicrafts in wood, brass and metal. A range of exquisitely carved home decor items and a wide array of silks. For details, contact Hema Shah.

Workshop On Warli Paintings: The workshop will be held on 24th and 25th November, to increase awareness about the folk art of Maharashtra. Venue: 203, Signature-1, Urmi Char Rasta, Productivity Road, Baroda. Ph: +91-265-2517322. Contact: Sunil Jigyasu <suniljigyasu@yahoo.com>

19-11-02

Gas Leakage At Gujarat Refinery: One person died and seven others became ill after a leak of hydrogen sulphide gas at a Gujarat Refinery plant in Baroda around midnight on Sunday. Two contract labourers, whose condition is believed to be serious, are being treated at Bhailal Amin Hospital, while the others were treated at the Gujarat Refinery itself.

Zeenat Aman In Baroda: Zeenat Aman, the heartthrob of the 1970s, turns 50 on 19th November. She is now stepping onto the stage for the first time, in the Hindi play Chupke-Chupke directed by Ramesh Talwar. The play’s world premiere will be held in Vadodara on November 23, at Gandhinagar Gruh. After travelling to Kolkata and the US, the play will reach Mumbai in May 2003.

16-11-02

1500 Cops For A Cricket Match: With around 1,500 police personnel to be deployed at the IPCL Stadium for the fifth one-day cricket match between India and the West Indies on 18th November, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) is taking no chances as far as security is concerned. Some of the ‘arrangements’:

• Police have urged people to turn up at the venue two hours before the match.
• Spectators will have to pass through metal detectors twice at the stadium. Metal detectors have been installed at all the 11 gates.
• The police team: 1 Police Commissioner, 4 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 8 Assistant Commissioners of Police, 23 Police Inspectors, 80 Police Sub-Inspectors, 900 policemen, 5 companies of State Reserve Police Force (SRP), Plus policemen in plain clothes among the spectators, Plus a ring of policemen near the boundary line who will face the spectators.
• Private security guards of the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) will also be at the gates.
• Police have installed low-intensity electricity wires around a small section of the stadium adjacent to Undhera village to check illegal entry.
• There will be a ban on taking food packets and water bottles into the stadium.
• Nets have been fixed from the roof down to the metal wire mesh, creating a shield around the field.
• The stadium will have a large number of closed circuit television cameras to monitor crowd behaviour.
• Video photography will be done, both as a deterrent and as a means to book troublemakers.

A Different Kind Of School: Inaugurated recently at Navrachana Higher Secondary School by the Navrachana Education Society, the Nav Prerna Shiksha Kendra is a new centre of education for underprivileged children. Trustee Tejal Amin says that the project’s objective is to take education at the doorstep of children who cannot afford going to schools. Children will be divided into three groups – Abodh (ignorant), Probodh (aware) and Subodh (proficient). The school will provide textbooks, notebooks, pencils and meals everyday to the students for a token amount of Rs. 50 per month and Rs. 100 as an annual payment. Admission will be open to children in the age group of 5-16 years. The school has so far enrolled 50 students from in and around Sama village.

14-11-02

Precautions For One-Day Match: With memories of Jamshedpur, Nagpur and Rajkot fresh in their minds, Baroda Cricket Association officials are taking extra care to ensure that the Indian versus West Indies one-day cricket match here on 18th November takes place peacefully. Among the security measures are a large number of CCTVs installed in all the galleries to keep a close watch on all the spectators at the IPCL stadium. Nets will be put up so that excited spectators cannot throw anything on to the ground. All policemen on duty have been strictly instructed to face the crowd and not the ground.

12-11-02

Ticket Sales For One-Day Match: Tickets for the 5th one-day International cricket match between India and West Indies on November 18 at Baroda will be sold on Friday (15th November) at Shreyas School between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ticket prices: Rs. 2,500, Rs. 1,500, Rs. 800, Rs. 600, Rs. 500, Rs. 300 and Rs. 150.

11-11-02

Ayurved Centre Conducts Research On HIV-AIDS: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has given the go-ahead to Baroda’s RNP Ayurved Hospital in Karelibaug to treat HIV-AIDS patients as well as undertake further research in developing a long-term treatment for HIV-AIDS. This centre works in collaboration with Surat based Sant Shree Mahakal Puri, an Ayurved centre which has the support of WHO and NACO for the treatment of HIV and research on it.

Divya Milan: Vyakti Vikas Kendra has organised a special ‘Divya Milan’ evening for all ‘The Art of Living’ members at Navlakhi Compound, Rajmahal Road from 7 p.m. onwards on November 20. Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar will address the meet, which is open for all. On November 21 he will meet students at the MS University campus.

09-11-02

Phone Numbers Change From November 10: Telephone numbers in 14 revenue districts of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Gujarat will change from November 10. BSNL has decided to change the fixed phone numbers by pre-fixing ‘2’ to the old number. In the first phase, the phone numbers will change in Jamnagar, Amreli, Junagadh, Porbandar, Anand, Nadiad, Baroda, Bhavnagar, Godhra, Dahod, Bharuch, Rajpipla, Valsad and Navsari. In Nadiad taluka, ‘25’ has to be pre-fixed to the old phone number. There will be no change of numbers for services available on 100, 101, 197 and 180. Changed number information will be available on ‘197’ as well as ‘1951’, ‘1952’ and ‘1953’ wherever the service is available. For some rural exchanges, the number changed may not follow the above pattern. For knowing the changed numbers in such cases, BSNL has requested subscribers to contact ‘197’ of the district concerned. The telephone numbers of Mumbai are also being changed on November 10 with ‘2’ being pre-fixed to all old numbers.

08-11-02