‘Connected Classroom’, Dell’s IT Solution to Modern Education

Growing up in the digital age, youth today have the opportunity for greater access to technology and information than any previous generation. They have the whole world at their fingertips. And to enhance and equip students and teachers with 21st century skills to compete in today’s global economy, Dell launched ‘Purpose-built Latitude-2100 notebook’, a new range of solutions in India, christened “Connected Classroom”, which is targeted at the education sector to help schools hold classes using the latest technology.

“The idea behind the Dell Connected Classroom is simple, through its ability to stimulate learning on multiple levels; technology can enhance the classroom experience for both teachers and students”, said the Director of Solutions Marketing-Public Sector (APJ), Kriti Kapoor.

It is currently available in the US, UK, Mexico, Brazil, China, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. And it focuses on the sectors like education, defence, healthcare and government through its public division, which was created in November, 2009.

Prof. Marmar Mukhopadhyay (a moderator, policy maker, planner, author, researcher), addresses the reporters saying. “The agenda is to generate ‘Thinking based learning’, as it is crucial to bring about a positive turmoil in our new emerging India. Introducing technology in classrooms will certainly take away the fear factor and generate confidence. But we have to be extremely cautious about introducing any technology that encourages spoon-feeding as it will make our next generation incompetent.”

Explaining which Prof. M M Pant, member of Board of Management, IIT, Delhi, said, “Thinking and Computing are complementary components that has helped in growing from Agricultural economy to Knowledge economy, it enhances the ability to formulate new problems by thinking and then find new solutions for them.”

The company is working towards active and interactive participation of the government, community, teachers, students and their parents; it is in discussion with schools, both private and public, for deployment. The cost of the solution would start at about Rs 3 lakh per classroom for a 24-student set-up.

“The education vertical is going to be a key area of focus for Dell in the current financial year. Through this solution, we are increasingly focusing on providing mobility and the education sector will look at strengthening that position. There are currently 1.3 million schools in India with ICT penetration of approximately 14%, out of 7% of India’s population going online, 44% of these netizens are students”, estimated Dell India General Manager (Public Division), Neeraj Gupta.

“Textual knowledge integrated with technology can become standardized global education, no one can replace the teacher but technology can serve as an effective tool and an added advantage for better learning and understanding process”, concluded Dr. Shyama Chona, Renowned Educationist.

World of Ephemeral Pleasures

An experience of Divinity in its simple elegant form has been presented through a very opulent and graceful advance by the artist, Megha Joshi, who has attempted to capture the essence of the nature during the season of Hanami by blending the cultures and traditional arts of India and Japan. Presented by the Mirart Fine Arts “Golden Spring” an exhibition of Japanese Art to be held till 15 May at ‘ai’, MGF Metropolitan Mall, Saket, has put forth a universal idea through simple elements of nature.

It all began when Megha, who practiced more in the conceptual space with sculptures and installations which is a genre of complex art, open to various interpretations and discussions was posed with a challenge by Meera Kakar, the curator, to embrace a new style and approach to creating by fusing the aesthetic art of the Land of the Rising Sun with the sumptuous tradition of India. She accepted it and after a lot of research, produced a very delicate and oriental form of art that has the golden base and fabric textures of Japan unified with the spring aroma of India.

Exhibited at a perfect location like ‘ai’, a very prestigious Japanese restaurant in Delhi, the exhibition imposes an ambience where art and gastronomy has been fused together. Here golden spring fabric designs with Sakura (cherry blossom), kimono, and leafy textures embracing the magnificence of new life surrounds you on one hand and the delectable summer Japanese menu of ‘ai’ comes as a complete delight on the other.

The Chef De Cuisine, Vikram Khatri, indulges in the process of feeding all your senses and presents an enchanting round of cuisines where there is Cold Mushroom soup with mixed green salad, appealing Tuna Maki rolls with Wasabi (horse radish), fresh ginger and Soya sauce. Then accompanies the Miso soup with Bonita flakes and tofu, along with the mouth-watering Ceviche (sea food) with Okinawa chilies and yuzu sauce. For the main course comes the luscious Terriyaki chicken, Garlic fried rice and Rayu noodles with spring onions and sesame seeds. To top it up is the delicious green tea ice-cream and the green tea opera cake which makes it all in all a truly heavenly experience.

“It has been a meditative journey, from unlearning the complex modern theories of ideas to concentrating on a Zen-like approach towards creating aesthetics and imbibing the simple classic beauty of Japanese motifs which are so humble and genuine”, says the vibrant artist who now works upon a 300kg sculpture on social networking culture. She adds, “This is my first individual approach, and I am happy to have shared it with Meera, who inspired the whole secular decorative tradition”.

A very confident Meera appreciatively says, “The inherent beauty spontaneously inspires you to embrace the splendor of life around you. The spiritual spirit around the luxurious warming, envelopes the senses at the first sight, therefore making the entire approach more philosophical and divine”.

Mistress of Colours

Along with innocence in eyes, simplicity in expressions and vivacity in her smile, Salvya. S. Raj, a student of class VIII of Rani Public School, Vatakara, talks about her recent achievements in water colour painting.

The daughter of Mr. Sasidharan. C (Inspector in CRPF) and Mrs. Samja. K. K was awarded the first prize in the International Art & Craft Contest 2009-10 conducted by Pidilite Industries Limited. It was selected among seven lakh candidates from all over the world. She also bagged the fifth prize in the International Painting competition on ‘Climate Change’ conducted by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Her entry was selected among 2.4 million entries from more than 100 countries and has now been selected as an E-Card.

After all the recognitions, filled with excitement the artist from Tellicherry, Kannur, Kerala welcomes all to her First exhibition “Let us be Green” at Travancore Art Gallery, Kasturba Gandhi Marg from 6 to 8 May at 5:30pm onwards. It will be inaugurated by Hon’ble M. O. S Agriculture, Government of India, Prof. K. V. Thomas and the Guest of Honour will be Film Director, Shri. Sasi Paravoor.

The admirer of the works of Milind Mulick and Sadu Aliyur says, “Never mind if you have to face great difficulties in life, one must be determined to struggle and flourish their talents to success.” She adds, “When I start painting I tend to get so deeply involved that I forget the world around me, my love and passion for art has given me a distinct identity.”

[Our Mistress of Colours has also achieved the CCRT National Scholarship in Painting, first prize and the Best Artist award 2009-10 in the All Kerala Painting Contest conducted by Thapasya-Kadalundi. The winner of more than 25 gold medals most humbly says, “I want to thank my parents and my art teachers Santhosh Chirakkara and Lohithakshan (Gitanjali) to whom I owe all my success.]

Our Mistress of Colours at such a tender age, through her paintings has taken a massive leap to grow awareness globally about saving our Earth from the devastations of climate change and global warming. All her creations portrays the images of lush green sceneries, glittering streams, smoke free surroundings putting forth the message of how magnificently beautiful our world would be if its made pollution-free. The winner of more than 25 gold medals most humbly says, “Through the medium of colours I want to reach one and all and urge them to contribute their part to save our nature, our home.”

‘I am Kalam’- The Voice of the Deprived

“It is essential that we enlighten and create widespread awareness of education among all sections of society particularly in rural areas and among the urban poor”, a quotation of former President of India, A P J Abdul Kalam, that sparked the idea of “I am Kalam”, 87-minute Hindi feature film.
An inspiring production of the Smile Foundation and Eleeanora Images Private Limited, “I am Kalam”, with a budget of 2.1crore will have its world premiere at the Marche du Film at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival starting on May 12.

Producer and Director, Nila Madhab Panda, who made over 60 short films, documentaries, television drama and films for national broadcasters, the BBC, Discovery Channel and NGC, now makes his ‘feature film debut’. He has indulged in a very interesting star cast making the film a perfect performer’s piece. It includes the brilliant and heart-touching acting of Delhi slum boy Harsh Mayar who is in the title role of a young Dhaba (road side food joint) boy (Chhotu), veteran Bollywood and international actor Gulshan Grover (as Bhati the Dhaba owner), child actor Hussan Saad of Delhi 6 fame (as Prince Ranvijay), French actress Beatrice Ordeix, FTII-trained Pitobash and Meena Mir. Bidhu Bhushan’s.

Coinciding along a time when the Child’s Right to Education Bill has passed this sensitive film, shot in Bikaner, is not only on the plight of the underprivileged millions deprived of education, but also about how the privileged class can play a role in their upliftment.
The film strikes a chord with an engaging, entertaining and fast-paced narrative like a contemporary fable. The film is about the world of Chhotu, who starts referring himself as Kalam. Chhotu’s life takes an unexpected turn as he befriends Prince Ranvijay, whose father, is an erstwhile “king” of a princely state where Chhotu goes to deliver tea. Both kids bond big time, and Chhotu starts getting his education informally. Does Chhotu achieve his dream finally; is what the film all about? Chhotu represents millions of other kids who could become many Kalams, but for the unfortunate circumstances they find themselves in.
“The film has a universal appeal and a sense of purpose. I believe that the more local you get, the more global your access will be. I have explored the people’s basic needs and problem of the marginalized, as they are purposeful and exciting along with cinema for children and family; a genre that is much neglected in world cinema and more specifically in Asia”, says Madhab.

“‘I am Kalam’ is a story of struggle that I have faced and observed since my own childhood. The film celebrates the survival of the human spirit against overwhelming odds”, concludes the Director who now works upon his next release “The Curse of the Rat Eaters”. Barbara Brocholli (producer, James bond) would be organizing a screening in UK with special dignitaries from UK industries.

Party of Pals at the Patio

Dyal Singh College
The Hangout: first floor terrace
Rush hour: Break time

What's to Love:
Dyal Singh College is a sanctum place surrounded by many well known places of Delhi, on one side it has Indian Habitat Centre, Indian International Centre and Lodi Garden and on the other side Khan market, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium. Even Central Plaza (CP), South Extension, Ansal Plaza and India Gate are not too far away.

Though a lot of its areas for lawns have now been occupied by the construction work for the metro-rail and Common Wealth Parking there is a lot more to explore. When asked about their famous hangout a unanimous roar arise “the roof top patio next to the Geography Department”. Students of numerous departments can be seen walking a scholarly walk in the corridors next to it chatting away cheerfully. Completion of assignments, sharing of tiffins, singing practices along with the melodious tunes of Guitar, gossiping gangs of gorgeous girls and good-looking guys can be caught here and there, making the porch an entirely merry-making hotspot.

This place gives an overview of the basketball court so the spectators can have a better view of the games and it also provides a scarce view of the amphitheatre thus, they can see the practises of plays, dances and other events taking place.
Being an open area this place is an obvious hangout for all students in winter and spring as they can sit here with friends and enjoy the Sun’s warmth whereas in summers they head indoors to the empty class-rooms. This balcony is well connected to the corridor as well as the staircase, commonly called the “Khopcha” by the inhabitants. In between classes, friends or couples maybe found here sharing a special moment.

“Our khopcha is our ‘staircase of happiness’ where we have stolen a quick moment of mischief, a moment of chit-chat, a moment of embarrassment when caught by teachers for bunking classes and many more”, echoed Krishna, a final year student of B A (Honours) Geography.

Gaurav Sikka says, “During our first year we used to sit on the terrace and discuss our plans to teach the underprivileged children living in the slum next to Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium.”

“You can see the students preparing for the fest ‘Dharini (The Earth)’ on the veranda, making posters and pamphlets for events like ‘Green Parliament’.” Proposed Lisa.

What’s not to be:

Ask them again and again and they will only have praises for their well chosen spot, only one drawback is that during summers it gets a bit to hot to hang around.

Alternatives:

All the well known places mentioned in the beginning are the alternatives other than that, students can be seen in the cafeteria, canteen, football ground, the paranthewala at the entrance gate and the amphitheatre.

Indian Penchant in a Platter

Conjuring up the traditional taste of Indian origin in the midst of the hustling bustling streets of the South extension market is an unprecedented gastronomical extravaganza – ‘Tasveer’, an up market fine dining Indian restaurant at E-12 Gourmet Gallery, provides a complete Indian cultural expedition. Tasveer is owned by Anish, Siddharth and Ayush who also own Café Morrison and Shooters.
The word “Tasveer” is a Hindi word which means a ‘picture’ or a ‘portrait’, the true experience of Tasveer begins with the entry to the restaurant, decorated in a simple yet aesthetic manner; the restaurant features some very beautiful photographs presenting an ethnic touch exude a feeling of nostalgia and style. Blended with the slow classical music played in the background and dimly lit surroundings, Tasveer is the perfect portrait for a beautiful romantic evening.
While conversing with the chef Mr. Ashok Kumar I decided to taste his special recommendations. The connoisseur presented a variety of dishes beginning with the starters there were popular mouth-watering delicacies like Murgh tikka lababdar, Tandoori Jhinga, Tandoori Pomfret, especially Bano kebab, a slightly spiced, well marinated kebab covered inside a veil of egg white giving a light and healthy snack for the health conscious ones. Tasveer has a lesser known treat for the vegetarians too, called ‘Tandoori Fruit Chaat’, an Indian Tandoori delightful blend of fruits like apple, lichi, pineapple, sweet potato with paneer, and the refine taste of our traditional spices smoothly mellows in mouth leaving a long lasting essence.

Talk of the main course and you can see the chef smiling, as he brings forth the Chef’s special “Mutton Combination” a blend of mutton with Lauki, sounds bizarre, well on the contrary it’s the favourite of the ones who have tasted it. Concerned about the health cognizant it’s a cuisine of heavy mutton with light Lauki providing a healthy nutritious diet that doesn’t makes you lethargic rather energetic. The palate produced the gastronomic trademark Mutton Rogan Josh, Jhoomta Kukkad and Murgh Peshawari and the famous Dum Aloo Kashmiri, with its inescapable aroma of red kashmiri chilies, powdered cashew and cardamoms, the Paneer Khatta Pyaaz, had a thick tomato red gravy with a tint of lemon flavour. The hot creamy Lucknowi tadka style Dal Makhni and the Hyderabadi biriyani came as a pleasant surprise for any gourmand. Backed by the Chocó pastry and kesar-kulfi as dessert it gifts an entirely Nawabi experience.

Mr. Siddharth Talwar, the co-owner of Tasveer says, “Delhi has always been a mix of cuisine, culture and heritage. Tasveer endeavors to bring together some well known and some not so well known classics of Indian cuisine, so to feel the essence of this culinary experience, to celebrate the richness, the mystical flavours and the aromas of the Indian cuisine, a visit is a must.” A meal for two would comprise to about Rs.1000 plus taxes.

Hub of Benign Bonds

Kalindi College
The Hangout: Stairs at the Office flipside
Rush Hour: the lunch time

What’s to love:

Amid the serene residential colony of East Patel Nagar resides this hub of activity where pretty girls live their dream. Kalindi, situated a few step from a gurudwara is not very far away from the buzzing avenues of Karolbagh Market on one hand and the East Patel Nagar market on the other.

Among the many places to throng, the staircase on the backside of the office building is a unanimous choice. The canteen and a Nescafe shop are next to these stairs. Sheltered well away from the class rooms it’s an ideal hangout for students, who can be seen gathered in groups to enjoy hot Maggie with cold coffee or ice tea. During cooler months girls sit in the lawn surrounded with colourful flowers in front of it to feel the warmth of the sun.

“We have shared many lovely moments here at our ‘Nescafe adda’. Nervous revisions before the exams, chit-chats over chowmine, sipping of hot coffee while making future plans and many more”, says Shipra, a final year BA (H) Journalism student.

“The vacant auditorium and the sports ground are also favoured by some”, proposed Shivali.

The lawn at the entrance of the college is another popular spot with the girls where students of different courses come together. Some are seen finishing assignments, some strengthening their bond of friendship and some making promises of love over phone. Sometimes even classes are also conducted here.

What’s not to be:

Being the favourite place of all, the entire place is usually very crowded. Being shaded by trees, bird-droppings are another problem. At times birds can be seen hopping around the place nibbling the left over. During summers the cemented stairs become very hot and is not that much of a hotspot then.

Alternatives:

During summer most end up in common room and empty class-rooms.

Rest prefer to hangout in the “Standard” a refreshment outlet in Patel Nagar market or the Café Coffee Day, Nerula’s and Mc Donald’s near Rajendra Prasad metro-station. The “aloo-chatwale ka thela” is another much-loved select.

When the mood is set for a window shopping moment along with catching a bite here and there the boulevard of Karolbagh market is the first and the foremost pick.