Latest news with #Nandita
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
PU forms committee to draft constitution for student council
Chandigarh: Responding to a formal proposal by Panjab University Campus Students' Council (PUCSC) vice president, the university vice chancellor has ordered to set up a five member committee to draft a written constitution for the student body — the first such attempt in the council's history. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Student council vice president Archit Garg, in a letter dated May 27, urged the Vice Chancellor to constitute a drafting committee to address what he described as a "crisis of representation, accountability, and legitimacy." He pointed out that the Council operates without a defined legal or procedural framework, reducing it to a "ceremonial body: visible, but voiceless; elected, but toothless." Acting on this proposal, the university has formed a five-member committee chaired by Professor Nandita from the Department of Education. The other members include Professor Sukhbir Kaur, former DSW (Women) from the Department of Zoology; Professor Ashok Kumar, former associate DSW from the Hindi Department; Professor Jagtar Singh, former DSW from the Department of Biotechnology; and an Assistant Registrar from the DSW office. Professor Nandita has previously chaired high-level committees — examining the functioning of the DSW office, and that framed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for student activities and institutional coordination. The SOPs were in the news earlier this month following new proposals restricting star nights, PUCSC involvement in official events, and introducing clearer rules for student trips — moves that followed the death of student leader Aditya Thakur on campus in March. "The idea is to build clarity and safeguards through proper documentation. A constitution will help define structure without undermining student expression. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We will consult widely before drafting," said Professor Nandita. The PUCSC was formed in the 1970s but has never had a written constitution. The newly formed committee is expected to hold initial consultations before submitting a draft. BOX- Call for student voices in process Welcoming the formation of the committee, Archit Garg said it was a step in the right direction but stressed that students must be given an active role in the drafting process. "Those who have been part of the council and understand its ground functioning must be roped in. Student representation on the committee is essential for legitimacy and accountability," he said. Students oppose proposal to rename PU A proposal to rename Panjab University as Punjab and Haryana University, supported by Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, has triggered strong opposition from many students. The suggestion was made in a letter from the Punjab University Campus Student Council (PUCSC) president Anurag Dalal to the Vice Chancellor, leading to widespread reaction across the campus and beyond. Several student groups and former student leaders took to social media to express their outrage. SATH, a student organisation, described the proposal as an attack on Punjab's heritage and identity, underlining Panjab University's origins in Lahore as central to its history. The group urged political parties in Punjab to come together to protect the university's name and its connection to Chandigarh. In addition to SATH, other student leaders including Saksham Sharma of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Kanwar Inder Pratap Singh of the Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) also spoke out against the proposal. Former PUCSC member Karan Randhawa joined them in criticising the suggested name change on social media, calling it inappropriate and stressing the importance of preserving the university's identity. While the proposal has received political backing from Deepender Hooda, many students and members of the university community remain opposed, emphasising the cultural and historical significance of the university's current name. They argue that Panjab University's name reflects its legacy and strong ties to Punjab, which should not be altered. The debate over the proposed name change continues to spark discussion among students, political figures, and other stakeholders, with many calling for the preservation of the university's historic identity.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
The return of rattan: Why your wardrobe (and your home) wants cane back
Nandita is among the most respected Interior Designers in Bangalore and is the founder of The Studio by Nandita Manwani - a design & interior -works studio focused exclusively on lifestyle-based Residential Interiors. Nandita's work has featured across various national and international print & digital media. She was recently ranked among the top women interior designers in Bangalore and as one of the top upcoming interior designers in India. Her work has won the Best of Houzz acclaim for the last 3 years in a row and she is recognized amongst the top Interior Designers to follow by the magazine. Curating homes with designs that nurture life and allow families to grow and flourish has been Nandita's passion, much more than just a profession. LESS ... MORE It's 2025, and your grandparents' furniture just became cooler than your modular flat pack bookshelf. Yes, I am talking about the humble, creaky, once-dismissed rattan and cane furniture that is now storming back into homes with all the grace of a well-aged classic and the flair of a design-literate Instagram influencer. Once relegated to the dusty corners of the storeroom or mistaken for relics of an outdated aesthetic, rattan and cane are now at the heart of modern interior styling. Especially when it comes to wardrobes, these airy, tactile textures have become both a nostalgic nod and a bold design choice. A brief history of Rattan: From pickle storage to Pinterest Ask anyone over 50 and they'll recall the unmistakable feel of cane chairs, or the rattan-front cabinet that housed decades-old pickle jars and rationed snacks. For a while, such pieces became outdated—pushed aside by sleek, glossy modular furniture with names that sounded like IKEA pseudonyms. But design is always cyclical. What was once 'outdated' is now 'vintage', and what was 'basic' is now 'bespoke'. Rattan and cane are the darlings of this revival—not just because they look good, but because they feel good. Their tactile texture, airy weave, and eco-cred make them irresistible in an era craving warmth, sustainability, and a little soul in our spaces. The rattan renaissance: What is available in the market today? With popularity comes options—and confusion. Today, the market is flooded with: – Raw rattan rolls – pure, natural, and perfect for DIY projects. – Synthetic rattan – weather-resistant, low maintenance, but a bit too 'plastic' for purists. – Rattan-textured laminates – all the visual appeal, none of the soul (or breathability). – Engineered cane panels – crafted to be fuss-free and ready-to-install. The offerings multiply weekly. It's like a new fashion drop—except it's for your wardrobes. So, which should you choose for your home? – If you want authenticity: Go for natural cane or rattan webbing. It brings texture, breathability, and depth. – If you're afraid of maintenance: Sandwich the cane webbing in glass. Though the Shutter weight will still need to be handled. – If you want drama without effort: Consider textured laminates or synthetic cane for the visual effect without the upkeep. Here's a Design Tip: Mix and match! Use real cane for a statement wardrobe or headboard and go plain for secondary cabinets – this will highlight the units and balance the woody, mellow theme. Where cane & rattan work best – Wardrobe shutters: A dream combo of style and airflow—especially in warm, humid climates. – Room dividers & screens: Light filters through them like magic. – Kitchen cabinets: Not all the Kitchen shutters. Think rattan-front pantries with warm lighting. – Vanity units: One can bring a spa-like vibe with cane-front drawers. – Headboards: Though this will sag with time, but it accentuates the warm fulfilling theme right into the bedroom. What NOT to Do with rattan – Avoid untreated cane in wet areas. – Don't overstretch the weave. – No cheap staples or flimsy frames. – Say no to synthetic if you crave authenticity. – Use a sturdy material for the frames, else it will bend – Teak or sheesham Wood works best. – Don't rattan-ify everything. The final word: Nature's comeback kid Rattan shutters aren't just a style statement—they're a cultural return. A small rebellion against flat-pack, modular fatigue. A reminder that textures matter. That furniture can feel as good as it looks. And in an age where everything's algorithm-generated and factory-made, choosing something that's hand-woven, naturally grown, and beautifully imperfect… feels like a luxury in itself. So whether you're renovating your home or just replacing that boring wardrobe shutter, consider rattan—not just for its looks, but for the story it brings with it. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
PU panel pushes for audit checks in hostel allotments
Chandigarh: A committee formed by Panjab University has recommended a set of standard operating procedures ( SOPs ) to regulate hostel allotments, introducing an audit mechanism to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely processing. The committee, headed by Prof Nandita Singh, submitted its report on April 30 amid long-standing concerns over misuse of hostel facilities and non-transparent practices. The SOPs, if implemented successfully, will apply to all 18 hostels — eight for boys and 10 for girls — which have a combined capacity of about 7,800 students. With over 16,000 students enrolled, the reforms aim to address the acute shortage of on-campus accommodation. "These SOPs were the need of the hour and are aimed at making allotment transparent, merit-based, and accountable. They are aimed at ensuring that deserving students are not displaced by informal or ad hoc practices," said Prof Nandita. A central recommendation is the formation of an audit or standing committee to oversee hostel allotments as per the university's hostel handbook. This committee will monitor allotments through the HMS (hostel management system) portal, verify room availability, and conduct periodic visits to hostels to ensure compliance. The panel also flagged the misuse of rooms allotted on a "guest basis" — a category intended for temporary needs but often used by student leaders to house their associates. To curb this, the SOP mandates that all guest basis allotments be made only through the HMS portal and be fully visible on it. The SOPs further say that hostel admission must be completed within 48 hours of departmental admission. Daily charge allotments, including medical and need-based cases, will be capped at 5% of total hostel capacity. Students must apply for extensions two weeks before expiry of their current term, and a separate DSW office committee will review such requests — prioritising students from over 500 km away, if recommended by their department and warden. All hostel blocks and rooms must be listed on the portal, with unusable ones clearly marked. Departments must verify student categories at the time of form submission, with no changes allowed afterward. Weekly updates to the portal and staff training for the HMS system are also mandated. The Computer Centre shall help students and wardens to view allotment status, merit lists, and waiting lists through individual logins. Feedback forms will also be collected from hostel residents. Committee members included former DSW (Women) Prof Neena Caplash (Biotechnology), Prof Namita (Human Rights and Duties), Vice-Chancellor nominee Prof Dinesh Kumar (Laws), Associate Prof Vishal Sharma (Forensic Science), Assistant Professors Nishima Wangoo and Harbhinder Singh (UIET), and Computer Centre officials Anil and Mamta. If fully implemented, the SOPs could mark a major step in ending opaque hostel practices and restoring fairness in allotments — placing merit, not influence, at the centre of campus housing. BOX: Key recommendations: • All hostel allotments strictly through HMS portal • Audit committee to verify online allotments and room availability • Guest basis rooms only via portal; misuse flagged • Hostel admission within 48 hours of departmental admission • Daily charge allotments capped at 5% • No category changes after form submission • Weekly portal updates and staff training mandated • Feedback forms to be collected from residents Chandigarh: A committee formed by Panjab University has recommended a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to regulate hostel allotments, introducing an audit mechanism to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely processing. The committee, headed by Prof Nandita Singh, submitted its report on April 30 amid long-standing concerns over misuse of hostel facilities and non-transparent practices. The SOPs, if implemented successfully, will apply to all 18 hostels — eight for boys and 10 for girls — which have a combined capacity of about 7,800 students. With over 16,000 students enrolled, the reforms aim to address the acute shortage of on-campus accommodation. "These SOPs were the need of the hour and are aimed at making allotment transparent, merit-based, and accountable. They are aimed at ensuring that deserving students are not displaced by informal or ad hoc practices," said Prof Nandita. A central recommendation is the formation of an audit or standing committee to oversee hostel allotments as per the university's hostel handbook. This committee will monitor allotments through the HMS (hostel management system) portal, verify room availability, and conduct periodic visits to hostels to ensure compliance. The panel also flagged the misuse of rooms allotted on a "guest basis" — a category intended for temporary needs but often used by student leaders to house their associates. To curb this, the SOP mandates that all guest basis allotments be made only through the HMS portal and be fully visible on it. The SOPs further say that hostel admission must be completed within 48 hours of departmental admission. Daily charge allotments, including medical and need-based cases, will be capped at 5% of total hostel capacity. Students must apply for extensions two weeks before expiry of their current term, and a separate DSW office committee will review such requests — prioritising students from over 500 km away, if recommended by their department and warden. All hostel blocks and rooms must be listed on the portal, with unusable ones clearly marked. Departments must verify student categories at the time of form submission, with no changes allowed afterward. Weekly updates to the portal and staff training for the HMS system are also mandated. The Computer Centre shall help students and wardens to view allotment status, merit lists, and waiting lists through individual logins. Feedback forms will also be collected from hostel residents. Committee members included former DSW (Women) Prof Neena Caplash (Biotechnology), Prof Namita (Human Rights and Duties), Vice-Chancellor nominee Prof Dinesh Kumar (Laws), Associate Prof Vishal Sharma (Forensic Science), Assistant Professors Nishima Wangoo and Harbhinder Singh (UIET), and Computer Centre officials Anil and Mamta. If fully implemented, the SOPs could mark a major step in ending opaque hostel practices and restoring fairness in allotments — placing merit, not influence, at the centre of campus housing. BOX: Key recommendations: • All hostel allotments strictly through HMS portal • Audit committee to verify online allotments and room availability • Guest basis rooms only via portal; misuse flagged • Hostel admission within 48 hours of departmental admission • Daily charge allotments capped at 5% • No category changes after form submission • Weekly portal updates and staff training mandated • Feedback forms to be collected from residents
Express Tribune
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Nandita Das links up with Nadia Jamil, more
The Faiz Festival held in Lahore on Sunday brought together a number of stars in celebration of literature and art. Indian filmmaker and actor Nandita Das flew to attend the event, marking her return to the city after five years. In a carousel shared by Amar Khan on Instagram Monday, Nandita posed together with Amar, Samiya Mumtaz, and Nadia Jamil. "There are days when I feel absolutely blessed and lucky to be in the company of the greats - powerhouse artists and the purest of souls. This night was all about music, poetry, and Faiz," Amar wrote, expressing her deep admiration for the artists she posted photos with. Even Nadia Jamil reflected on the night as she shared a collection of photos with "soul sister" Nandita on Instagram. "What a fun, love-filled day of catching up and connecting. Time flowed effortlessly. I realised I need to find a way to go to India to meet my loved ones more often!" she wrote. "Some relationships and people are too precious. From khussas to trying on Kabuli jewellery to matching outfits, and homemade food, lemongrass tea, meeting the kids and listening to their life stories, and Nuri's singing. Not enough time. I wish we lived closer. Love you, beautiful friend," she concluded. The Faiz Festival also invited the support of notable artists, such as Usman Peerzada, Samina Peerzada, and Atul Tiwari. In a post shared to Instagram on Wednesday, Nandita expressed her enthusiasm at attending an event that brings together artists from both sides of the border, "Art and artists can heal and build bridges even when there are deep wounds and opaque walls." Followers were in awe of the surprise meetup, expressing fondness for each actor in the comments section. "So much talent in a single frame!" a user enthused, whereas others noted that the photo was brimming with power and beauty.
