Roving Eye

Courtyard of a common manThe first thing that strikes you about this bunch is their total selflessness and businesslike attitude. Their g...

Courtyard of a common man
The first thing that strikes you about this bunch is their total selflessness and businesslike attitude. Their group leader says, 8220;please don8217;t put any name for it is the forum, not the names, that should come out.8221; And you know they mean business then. It is the best thing that has emerged on the otherwise dry Panjab University campus where intellectual and cultural happenings are a rarity. So when Abhimanch, the group formed by the first and second year students of the Department of Chemical Engineering, staged its second venture, there were many who took notice of it. To name a few, Vinay Vadhera, the city8217;s mask man who had designed a beautiful logo for the group,8220;I took a liking to them because they meant what they said. Though none of them has any background in theatre, look at the way they could grip us.8221;

So, Abhimanch has come to stay. For how long? 8220;As long as we can. Even after passing out of the department, we will serve Abhimanch though the mantle will be given to the next crop.8221; Formed on March 12 this year, the group aims at the common man.8220;Ours is not the elitist high art but one that works towards the problems faced by the common man. Abhimanch is rather the courtyard of the common man. Art is never passive for it has an active role in highlighting the ills of the society and offering solutions.8221;

Though the core group of Abimanch consists of five, it has volunteers aplenty. But mind you, it is not a hobby. 8220;Only those with vision and commitment can become a member8221;. They tried out their launch at the Cyanide 99 and the response was reassuring. So now they intend to involve student bodies and spread out to inter-university organisations and into other artistic areas, like literary activities, as well. 8220;We will organise play-writing and poetry competitions.8221; Here is wishing them well.

Bazm adorns a new look
The famous Bazm8217; of Shivalik View, to celebrate its new look has organised an Indian Food Festival from May 1 to 15 99. Besides its regular menu, a new range of dishes would be available in the restaurant.

Satish Chandra, MD, CITCO said that the decor and the food had been done all over again to cater to the needs and taste of everybody.

While retaining its choicest Indian cuisine, also on the offer will be the appetizing drinks from the Bar and snacks from the Coffee Shop. Chandra was particularly enthusiastic about their brave new concept of offering food from all the kitchens and the Bar at the central point, Bazm. 8220;The underlying idea of this concept is to serve our clients in comfort even when they are engrossed to meet deadlines at work or excited to meet that someone special8221;.

The Coffee Shop, famous for its authentic South Indian cuisine 8211; dosas, idlis and vadas has now proudly listed on its menu, Bombay8217;s famous pao bhaji and the Inter-Continental range of pizzas, burgers, shakes, sandwiches, minimeals, etc.

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According to Dharam Vir Singh the Executive Chef 8220;we have been very particular about low-fat food. The snacks are not oily as they are marinated with curd and slow cooked in the tandoor.8221; According to him leeks, parsley and celery have been used in Continental food for the first time in the city. Also available for the first time are raan, a large variety of tandoori kebabs, cold soups and new desserts.