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Fifty students were given cheques of Rs 2,000/- each, as a one time educational scholarship, by the Muttock students' body at Chabua on Monday. The association's leaders are seen in the picture along with a section of the beneficiaries. – AT Dibrugarh Photo
Wakf scholarships
GUWAHATI, June 2 – The Assam Wakf Board has invited applications from intending candidates for scholarships, an official press releases stated.
Those who passed technical diplomas Higher Secondary and High Madrassa in 2006-2007 can apply for the same. Those students who have secured more than 60 per cent marks and whose guardians' annual income is not above Rs 50,000 are eligible for the scholarships.
The release further stated that those who had applied earlier, need not apply again.
'Education loan formalities to be simplified'
SINGAMPUNARI (TN), May 11 (PTI): In a move to simplify education loan formalities, six to seven banks in the country would provide "Online loan application" facility from this academic year, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said.
Inaugurating the 1327th branch of the Oriental Bank of Commerce here today, he said the facility will be extended to all the banks in the course of this year itself.
The nationalised banks in India created a world record in the last financial year when they provided education loan to 12,51,692 students to the tune of Rs.19,771 crore, he said.
"It is world record that a country holds. In no country such a large number of students have been given education loan. I am not including the education loan extended by the private banks when I mention it is a world record.It is also a historic achievement. The loans help the middle class and poor people," Chidambaram said.
The government had given strict instructions to provide loan for all students who had secured seats in higher educational institutes and people should utilise the facility, he said.
The scholarship for pursuing school education after the eighth standard, which was planned for one lakh students for this year, would be extended to two lakh students next year, the Finance Minister said.
The scheme was being introduced for the best and meritorious students who could not pursue their education. The Rs.6000 per year scholarship scheme for poor meritorious students was decided during the cabinet meeting held on May 9.
Besides, he said, a separate pre-matric scholarship for the wards of those engaged in "menial jobs" to pursue higher education or ITI or diploma courses was also being implemented.
Revamping education system
— Dr Jyotish Goswami
In a rapidly changing economy like ours individuals need to be self directed and adaptable to find the best feet between their values, interest, needs, abilities and the economic opportunities that exist around them. We have noticed that flexibility and job security are seen as important features of the new work environment. Hence career guidance is the need of the hour to reverse the situation retaining our traditional values. There is need for revamping the education scenario to reorient ourselves to local and global perspective. In any developing country, education is primary for development of human capital towards desired ends as well as investment and accumulation of human capital is the main engine of growth.
In order to need the continuing need of updating curriculum new degree level courses like Mass Communication and Journalism, BSc (IT), BCA, MCA, MBA, MSc (IT), B Tech, M Tech, Microbiology, Hotel Management, Hospital Management, E-Commerce learning Tourism Foreign Trade Business Law, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Mechanical, Architecture etc) Biotechnology, Insurance and Risk Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Corporate Business Management, Financial Management, Budgeting and Tax Planning, Project and Design Management, Company Secretary, Chartered Accountant, Entrepreneurship etc should offer to bridge the gaps in demand and supply of quality with wide range and bring in the flexibility needed to cope with market requirements.
Every teacher should make all efforts to visualise a goal to see the taste of 'success' of imparting true education embedded with knowledge and value. It is the responsibility of a good teacher to bring out the hidden talent in the students to lead the students on the path of wisdom and translating their dream in to reality. The need of the Government is to develop human resources. More stress is now given an cost benefit analysis (CBA) for the requirement as well as evaluation of performance/job evaluation of man power because it is the crucial time for inflow and outflow of raising of funds by an organisation. Therefore input output analysis on all the activities should be properly assessed to minimise the cost of labour service because global economic scenario has thrown up new challenges before the world economy.
The main objective of an institution is to ensure the availability of right people for right job at right times so that the organisational goal can be effectively achieved which is relevant to the need of the global economy and their quality compared favourably in the light of ongoing changes in higher education at the international level. Good studets without adequate and appropriate knowledge and without worthy teacher can hardly synchonise to produce the output in the form of pass outs which is the serious problem throughout the country. Therefore it is high time to select the best qualities and highly motivated manpower who are able to equip the organisational/institutional needs at the micro and macro levels.
True education should be enable students acquire a holistic approach which coupled with inner merit will transform them in to better citizens with grater vision, deeper sense of ethics and a large amount of social responsibility. All this depends on the role and importance of teachers and educational institutions. A good teacher does not just teach, but inspires his students with his teachings and philosophy.
To achieve success the entire teaching community must strive for effective teaching and using positive reinforcement for acquiring indepth subject knowledge. Swami Sukuabhodananda said, 'The heart of education is the education of heart'. Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Group emphasised that 'Success will come only if you venture and win'. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, said that our universities and centres of excellence are falling behind the best in the world both in terms of human capital and in terms of physical infrastructure.
It is important to realise that we live in a fast changing world. India now spends greater proportion of its GDP on education than does China. Yet educational outcomes are far superior in China than in India. The results of the survey reveal that 91 per cent of China's adults are literate against 61 per cent in India. Fifiteen per cent of China's population aged 19-23 is enrolled in college for higher education against 7 per cent in India. Needless to mention that Indian education is not producing outcomes proportionate to public expenditure. Teacher's salaries take-up almost the whole of the educational budget.
The eleventh plan has started on a note of robust growth in education and health infrastructure which are the most important social sector reform. Sarva Siksha Abhijan will be provided Rs 13100 crore, the mid-day will be provided Rs 8000 crore and secondary education will be provided Rs 4554 crore out of the current budget as major thrust of Chidambaram's mission in coming decade. The Finance Minister has given a hike of 17 per cent to higher education, 20 per cent to elementary education and secondary education but the highest gainer in the UGC with a 36 per cent hike in allocation for creating 16 Central Universities.
The Prime Minister has made more than a modest allocation for three new IITs, five IIMs, two IISERs and two SPAs. However, Finance Minister Chidambaram chose remain silent that 'the thumb role is that any developing nation whould set wide 6 per cent of its GDP for education. Even with the new allocation we will not touch 4 per cent of its GDP'. The total allocation for education in this year's Budget in Rs 34400 (2008-09) crore, an amount that has gone up by 20 per cent from last year (2007-08) which was Rs 28,674 crore.
There could be a large number of young people who had joined colleges and universities and came out with or without degrees and remained unemployed for long periods. Many of them would, therefore be looking for opportunities to pursue technical or vocational training that might equip them with marketable skills and help them join the work force.
The government is encouraging privatisation of education because of the fact that privatisation has increased competition among different institutions and each of them tries to provide the best infrastructure and quality teaching staff with good quality education. Even their pay scale is less as compared to their qualification. Former HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi remarked in the UNESCO world conference, 'institutions of higher education should make effort to raise their own resource by enhancing the fees levels, encouraging private donations generating revenues through consultancy and other activities'. He further said that 'It is not only justifiable but desirable to raise money from private sources in order to case pressure on public spending'.
The Government should provide good quality education at reasonable minimum cost as well as offer direct financial support in terms of scholarship, partial financial assistance and education loan to poor, backward and meritorious students. We are aware that technical, medical, business education and information technology become more important because of the fact that it has the potential to make the education scenario more powerful, relevant and accessible on the core competencies like skill, knowledge and attitude to commit the challenge in front of us to improve quality education.
(The writer is Principal, West Guwahati Commerce College).
Meritorious students felicitated
From Our Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, April 21 – Prahari, a leading socio-cultural organisation of Sivasagar felicitated 28 meritorious students that received 'Safura merit scholarship 2007' in a meeting held in Rongpurjyoti Club recently. Two students Bhaswati Das and Neha Saikia received Rs 500/- each and certificates while 26 other received certificates and other gifts from guests Gahin Gogoi, Rajen Sarmah, Sankat Ali, Gangadhar Chetia and Manoj Borthakur.
Gohin Gogoi, Headmaster Rupahi High School, presided over the meeting.
Prasenjit Borthakur, Dilip Bora and Jyoti Rajkhowa spoke on the objectives and explained about various welfare activities 'Prahari' is associated with.
Prahari, they informed, is organising health camp, SHGs' entrepreneurship development campaign, doing Micro Insurance projects in association with LICI and cultural and educational programmes through out the year.
US Foundation award for science students
By A City Reporter
GUWAHATI, March 22 – The United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) has announced the 2009 International Fulbright Science and Technology Award for outstanding foreign students for PhD study at top US institutions in science, technology and engineering.
The award is sponsored by the US Department of State and is a prestigious scholarships in science and technology. The eligible field of study for the award includes Aeronautics and Astronomics/Aeronautical Engg., Astronomy/Planetary Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences/Engg. (electrical, chemical, civil, mechanical, ocean and petroleum), Environmental Science/Engg., Geology/Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Information Sciences/Engg., Materials Science/Engg., Mathematics, Neuroscience/Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Oceanography and Physics.
Meritorious students felicitated
From Our Correspondent
JAMUGURIHAT, Feb 29 – APHEEL, a premier socio-economic and educational voluntary organisation of northern Assam, Sootea recently felicitated the meritorious students of the area at a meeting held at Istantik Sootea. The special felicitation function for the year 2006-07 held under the presidentship of Dilip Bhowmik, a retired teacher, was attended by more than 500 people including a few intellectuals, teachers and journalists.
The Jogeswar Hazarika - Ketaki Ozah memorial trophy for primary school section was awarded to Tridisha Bora, Himanta Borkakati, Anubhuti Nanda, Abhinav Kaushik, Prajnamita Saikia, Madhurya Bora, Nayanjyoti Goswami, Ghana Bhuyan, Gayita Bhuyan, Basabi Bordoloi, Lakshyajyoti Lahkar, Kanakanjyoti Barua, Upasana Barua, Upasana Koch and Juri Borkakati of Bhaskarjyoti Adarsha Vidyapith Sootea for obtaining primary scholarship, for ME scholarship Karuna Kalita of Sootea Balika MV, Bitopan Hazarika of Khanaguri Senior Basic, Jimi Borgohain of Sootea Moktab.
The APHEEL Educational trust award were bagged by Priyansu Saikia, Pritam Agarwala, Pankaj Pritam Bora, Sayed Mubin Hussain of Sootea HS School, Jitasree Ozah, Nazrana Khatun, Priyanka Bora, Subarna Roy, Suman Barua of Sootea Girls High School, Chimpi Barua, Lakshirani Saikia, Sumanta Bora, Rituparna Das, Puja Mazi Ozah, Manoj Saikia, Bharati Devi of Bhaskar Jyoti Adarsha Vidyapith, Karabi Devi of Pub Sootea High School, Parthapratim Kalita, Bhaskar Sarma, Bharati Devi, Jinku Devi of Nagsankar High School for obtaining first division in HSLC examination. Chimpi Barua of Bhaskarjyoti Adarsha Vidyapith and Bhaskar Sarma were awarded Dimbeswar Hazarika and Satya Bora memorial trophy respectively for securing highest aggregate marks in the HSLC examination and for securing 1st division in HSSLC examination, Kirtinath Barua and Parvati Barua memorial award were awarded to Nayanjyoti Mandal, Dharmistha Bora, Kankita Borkataky, Kakali Barua, Puspaja Krishna, Pinki Kalita, Jonmani Das, Munmee Pathak of Sootea HS School and Chandra Saikia, Dharmeswari Saikia memorial award for highest aggregate marks were awarded to Mukti Upadhyaya of Sootea college for boys and Puspaja Krishna of Sootea HS School for girls.
The function was anchored by Girish Saikia, secretary APHEEL. It may be mentioned here that the APHEEL is rendering creditable service in the field of education, health and culture of the area for the last few years.
Science talent search exam for NE students
GUWAHATI, Feb 29 – Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS) programme since 1992, has expanded its activity of motivation, identification and nurture of young talented high school science students in the north eastern region and is awarding scholarship to high school students of this region, which has become the most prestigious scholarship in this region.
Currently, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has approved to extend this project for undergraduate students from this region. Hence, from this academic year, JBNSTS is gong to conduct talent search test for the 1st year undergraduate science, medicine and engineering students of the North Eastern Region along with its talent search test for the school students.
Regarding Junior Scholarship, Science students of Class XI who have passed class X or equivalent from a school of north eastern region are eligible to apply and they have to appear in written tests. A selected numbers of candidates will be called for the second phase written test. Candidates will be given scholarship of Rs 300/- pm and book grant of Rs 750/- at a time. Other 100 scholarships will be of Rs 200/- and Rs 150/- pm. Duration of all the scholarships is two years.
For Senior Scholarship, first year students of any institute or college registered in the north eastern region, studying Basic Science/Medicine/Engineering and have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from any school of north eastern region, are eligible to apply. They have to appear in a written test. A selected number of candidates will be called for interview. The Senior scholar will be given a sholarship of amount Rs 500/- pm and Rs 1000/- pa book gant. the duration of senior scholarship for Basic Science, Medicine, Engineering is 5,4½ and 4 years respectively.
The last date of application (Senior and Junior) is September 30, 2008.
Forms can be obtained from JBNSTS office, 1300 Rajdanga Main Road, Kolkata 700 107 or it can be downloaded from the website: www.jbnsts.org. This was stated in a press release.
RBI's Young Scholars Award
GUWAHATI, Jan 7 – The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is launching the RBI Young Scholars Award Scheme to generate interest and spread awareness about the Indian banking sector and RBI, a press release said.
Under the scheme, the RBI will select a maximum of 150 young scholars through a countrywide competitive examination and award scholarship. Selection test will focus on the role and functions of RBI and banks in India and will be held in English as well as in all major regional languages. Selected candidates will be required to work on projects in select offices of RBI for 2 to 3 months and will be paid a consolidated stipend of Rs 7,500 per month during the duration of the project.
RBI will assist outstation awardees in getting accommodation. The awardees shall have no claim for an appointment in the RBI.
New approach needed for Management students
By A City Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Dec 3 – MBA aspirants of the city were introduced to a multi-disciplinary approach in management education by the Delhi Business School (DBS) on Monday, which also announced scholarships for girl students of the State.
An official of the group, Suresh Yadav gave a presentation before the aspiring youths highlighting the new concepts in business education.
"The world business scenario is changing and it is time now to change the conventional definition of management," Yadav, told media persons asserting that pure academic skills alone are not enough to get students the right lead.
Yadav further said that for students in this line, it was necessary to imbibe life skills, which polish a true character, complete with qualities like commitment, hard work, sincerity, team spirit, strategic thinking and current awareness that unlock minds from conditioned attitudes.
He said that in today's era, specialization played an important role in elevating one's career and informed that DBS, through industry interaction and study of market conditions, had formulated subjects to give students the dual advantage in specialized subjects.
He said that the scholarships for girl students were introduced to motivate the fairer sex to join the management stream. The scholarships would be between Rs 5000 to 40,000.
Govt plea on exam schedule
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Dec 1 – State Government spokesman and Education Minister Ripun Bora today urged the students organisations and political and social organisations not to disturb the schedule of the annual examinations of the schools and other examinations meant for the school students beginning from December 3, with any agitational programme. Official sources said quoting Bora that he had urged the organisations to refrain from all such activities during the period considering the future of the young generation of the State's people. He also made an appeal to all sections of the people to extend all sorts of cooperation to the authorities in holding the examinations in a peaceful atmosphere.
It needs mention here that the annual examinations of the schools from the LP level to the high school level will be held between December 3 and 11. Following this, the scholarship examination of the LP schools is scheduled to be held between December 15 and 20.
The State-level National Talent Search Examination is scheduled for December 16.
'New generation should be taught to respect mother tongue'
By A City Reporter
GUWAHATI, Nov 25 – The Surendra Nath Bezboruah Centenary Trust Merit Scholarship 2007-08 was conferred to Jyotibikash Sarma of Bidyabhaban Nityananda High School, Barpeta on Friday for securing highest marks in Assamese, in the High School Leaving Certificate Examination, SEBA.
The SN Bezboruah Centenary Trust conferred the scholarship for the sixth time to the meritorious student after the completion of the centenary year in 2002. The scholarship consists of a citation and a sum of Rs 10,000.
Speaking on the occasion as a chief guest, veteran journalist Radhikamohan Bhagawati lauded the effort of the Bezboruah family to encourage the new generation to do well in their mother tongue Assamese. "A part of the population in the State have started neglecting the necessity of learning the Assamese language, which I believe, is a criminal negligence that may lead the whole society towards destruction," he said.
"The new generation should be taught to respect their mother tongue, as the mother tongue as a best medium of primary learning is a proven fact worldwide," he added.
In his presidential speech, Sapun Duwara, Academic Officer, SEBA, spoke about the different plans to be initiated by the SEBA in the next year to do away with the curricular differences between the English medium and the other mediums of education. "A new commitment to the Assamese language is the need of the hour and parents and teachers of the students can play a major role in this regard," he added.
Earlier, president of the trust, DN Bezboruah, described the objectives of the meeting.
Expressing his gratitude to the trust, Jyotibikash Sarma, now a student of the Cotton College, said that this scholarship is a great morale booster for him. Other participants of the function also expressed their views on the occasion.
DIPHU, Oct 15Mongol Sing Timung, executive member (EM), KAAC, said that "To build a well-developed society we need education and it also plays pivotal role in our economic development."
He also appealed to the teachers and students to co-operate for better results.
He further informed that the KAAC has already announced Rs 50 thousand to those who pass the preliminary examination of Union Public Service Commission and a scholarship to the Medical and Engineering aspirants. Hence, they must avail it, Timung said.
Meritorious Sivasagar students feted
From Our Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Oct 11 – Laksminath Bezbarua Sishu Bhawan, which was established here in 1955 is one of the best primary schools of the State in terms of meritorious students wining the primary scholarships every year.
It is also heartening for the staff and the guardians of the school to note that the government this year has recognised ti as a category 'A' school in the State. Headmistress, Rumena Begum and the president of the school management committee Bhaben Handique received certificate of excellence from Education Minister Ripun Bora on October 4.
In keeping with the spirit of that achievement and to felicitate the 12 students who won primary scholarship this year, a largely attended public meeting was held in the school premises on October 6 which was presided over the Pratima Buragohain, principal of Lachit Borphukan College. Abdul Zelil, DEEO and Inspector of School Sivasagar inaugurated the meeting and urged upon all concerned to carry forward, the good work. Guna Barua senior journalist, recollected the days of hard work during the initial stages and that one of the Headmistress Ily Barua was awarded the President's Medal. Sonaram Baruah, former principal Sivasagar Girls' College, lauded the staff for working dedicatedly.
Manoj Borthakur, subject teacher, Fuleswari Girls' HS in his speech said that it is a myth that only in English medium schools the language can best be learnt. Rather in today's multi-lingual society, English can be learnt better in vernacular schools with proper aptitude and teaching learning techniques.
LP scholarship winners Kaushik Bora, Yashmin Ara Rehman, Subhrajt Bora, Mridupawan Gogoi, Rhisov Dutta, Arindum Debadutta, Shymalima Saikia, Thinkoo Deb, Kongkon Saikia, Violina Cheita and Parismita Chutia were felicitated with gamosas and presents. Two retired teachers Sarala Khound and Putali Goswami were given formal farewell and the members of the teaching staff were also felicitated by the organising committee.
Nat'l cultural scholarship for Dibrugarh girl
From Our Staff Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Sept 28 – The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has announced a scholarship of Rs 14,400 to Kashmiri Rajkhowa, a student of Class VIII of Niranjan Children Home, Dibrugarh for her outstanding performance in the cultural talent search held at Don Bosco School, Guwahati recently.
Kashmiri who was selected for her performance in classical borgeet received her first scholarship cheque for the month of September recently. The scholarship is awarded for specialized training in the field of borgeet.
State students opting for foreign colleges
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 17 – Away from the public eye, an increasing number of talented youths of Assam are applying for seats in universities and colleges abroad. Significantly many of them are being accepted, some even getting full scholarships.
The reasons for moving to foreign climes could be attributed to better knowledge about courses offered by universities based in USA, UK and Australia, which are the prime attractions for students of India. Many of the universities have provided local centres with information.
But the biggest possibilities have opened up with the internet use coming of age in Assam. Students from various parts of the State now surf the net looking out for different courses offered by foreign institutions.
Several internet cafes in the city reported that a good number of young people use the net to acquire information about foreign universities. Most of them download and print application forms from cafes.
Parikshit, an undergraduate student who is familiar with websites of quite a few foreign universities prefers the internet because personnel from the universities could be accessed very easily. "They are prompt in their response and also very precise."
The availability of flexible bank loans have encouraged a number of students even from middle class families to apply for seats in foreign universities. "They are a confident lot and have no problems of loans knowing that they would be able to repay it after getting a job," said S Sharma, a senior manager with a nationalised bank.
The motivation to seek education abroad stems from the belief that a British or American or Australian degree would enable better job opportunities. Assurances that immediately after completion of education they would be able to work for some time in the country of their study also attract some students.
Interestingly, most of the students seeking admissions in institutions abroad have background in information technology or business management. Very few students apply for courses in liberal arts or humanities.
Some students speaking to this reporter revealed that they would seek to go abroad not just to earn a degree, but to gain 'exposure', which they believe would give them a better footing in their later life.
But there have also been occasions when foreign education has boomeranged on some students. There have been cases of exorbitant charges being levied by some foreign universities for courses, which could be pursued at much lesser cost in India.
Gohpur lad carves a niche in hoteliering
From Our Correspondent
MANGALDOI, Sept 12 – Misled into believing that hoteliering is not a dignified job, the Assamese are not interested in the hotel management business.
So observed Yasobanta Mahanta of Gohpur, who has been living in Austria for the last 18 years and has been the managing director of Dorg Park Hotel (4 star) in the foreign country. He did his PG in Hotel Management in Salzburz. He subsequently secured an NEC scholarship for his sojourn outside Assam.
Mahanta (44) maintained that without development of the tourism industry and communication network, the prospect of growth of the Hotel Management business in the North East is bleak.
He observed that unless Assamese youth shed their inferiority complex, making it big in any field will be an uphill task. Just simple course on hoteliering at Guwahati or Kolkata will not deliver the goods, he claimed. The students should be provided with practical training in the department of skills he added.
BIC seminar on prospects of studying in UK
By A City Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 7 – The fast changing identity of the world from a vast entity to a global village has given a flight to the imaginations of the students, who aspire to become global citizens by passing out from an internationally accepted institution.
"Studying in international colleges and universities is no more an elite affair with the number of scholarships and bank loans available. The only thing a student needs to know is the proper way of approaching things," said Victor Rao of British Council, Kolkata.
Rao, speaking at a seminar on 'Studying in UK', organised by British Information Centre, Guwahati highlighted the nitty-gritty of studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK.
Explaining about how to fill up the form, how to apply for the postgraduate courses in the UK, how to write the application, how to get the students' visa, how to go and adjust there and more, he said that lots of opportunities are awaiting the Indian students in the UK.
"Last year, around 17,000 students went to study in the UK and this year also, the number would be similar, if not more," Rao said "The Eastern zone of British Council itself, has recorded a 35 per cent increase in the number of applications for students visa," he added.
"Apart from a few scholarships like the Chevning or the Common Wealth, most of the scholarships are given only after the university accommodates the students," said Ranjinee Phukan, Officer In Charge of the BIC, Guwahati. "The scholarships are subject specific and university specific and the students also get work permit for one and two years after completing their studies," she explained.
Explaining it further, Rao said that, "studying in UK has become more lucrative for the international students for the fact that it makes them global citizens, who can work in any part of the world. The postgraduate courses provided there are of one year duration and the student can work for 20 hours a week during their full time courses."
Under the Fresh Talent scheme in Scotland, the student is eligible for 2 years work permit, whereas under the SEGS scheme in UK, an overseas student can get one-year work permit after the course.
Moreover, if the spouse of the student is working without a work permit in the UK, their children can get free education in the UK up to 16 years.
"Apart from the tuition fees, the average living cost in the UK is 6,600 pounds per year and if the student opts for working 20 hours a week, which means 1,040 hours in an year at the minimum wage of 5 pounds per hour, it will almost cover the living cost," he added.
"Further information and counselling for the courses and opportunities available in the UK is available at the British Information Centres," he added.
The BIS is an extension of the British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata, which provides information on the UK. All the services provided here, including the Internet facilities, are free of cost.
IT potential in NE immense
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 5 – The Information Technology (IT) industry should not be misled by the false portrayal of the North East as a region beset with terrorism and insurgency. Large swathes of the region have impeccable law and order situation and the Department for Development of the North Eastern region (DoNER) and the states of the region should take appropriate measures to dispel such notion from the minds of the potential investors. This was the observation made in a sectoral summit organized by the DoNER recently.
The summit observed that the IT industry is growing at an overwhelming pace and India has established its position as one of the world leaders in the offshore market. Availability of skilled manpower is one of the keys to the growth of the industry and the North East, which is rich in English-speaking educated manpower, can form the backbone of the industry in the days to come. The region has the potential to attract IT industries and such industries should also take advantage of the availability of human resources to set up industries in the region.
The summit was of the view that the States of the region should make endeavours to develop themselves as the preferred destinations for the IT industry by creating the right environment and taking up appropriate policies. Quality infrastructure must be created to develop the region as a viable and attractive destination and the states must give priority to the use of IT to list the quality of life of the people, particularly of the rural areas. The states should take appropriate measures for promotion of local entrepreneurship in the IT sector and a scholarship based system for identifying, nurturing and promoting IT talents should be introduced.
However, as on date, some drawbacks affected the development of adequate IT trained manpower in the North East. The summit observed that the number of individual Internet connections in the region is only about 50,0000, which is woefully inadequate. The bandwidth connectivity in the region is poor and the cost is very high compared to the rest of the country. But the Government is planning to cover all the states of the region with state-wide area network scheme 2Mbps connectivity by March, 2008.
The summit observed that the North East region does not have adequate training facilities in IT and related skills. Even the private institutions are not adequate in numbers and they cover only the cities and towns, as a result of which, the youths of the rural areas have very little opportunity to get training in IT. The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has helped three states in setting up IT parks in Guwahati, Imphal and Gangtok with assistance from the NEC, but the number of such parks is still insufficient and there is urgent need for setting up of more such parks in the region. The total export of IT related products from the region is insignificant so far.
There is a link between the IT and hospitality industries, but that has not been utilized properly in the North East and the states should try to develop both IT and tourism infrastructure side by side, the summit observed.
Sports scholarship
GUWAHATI, July 25 — The State Sports Council of Assam (SSCA) will distribute scholarship forms for the sports persons who have shown proficiency in the state or national level tournaments. The SSCA secretary Dhruba Hazarika in a release said that those who have won gold or silver medals in the individual or team events in the state and national level sports meets may apply for the scholarship collecting forms from the SSCA office in the RG Baruah Sports Complex here before August 20.
Financial aid distributed among needy students
From A Correspondent
JAMUGURIHAT, July 14 – 'Vision North East India', a prominent socio-economic voluntary organisation of Sonitpur formed last year under the initiative and guidance of Padma Hazarika, MLA, Sootea constituency distributed financial aid recently among more than seven hundred poor, needy students of Sootea constituency.
These students of Sootea Nagsankar, Rangachakuwa, Chariduar and Jamugurihat, who had passed last HSLC and HSSLC examination, but found it difficult to persue higher studies because of financial constraints were given the aid by chairman-cum-managing director of the 'Vision' Padma Hazarika at a meeting at Bapuji Bhavan, Jamugurihat, which was presided over by Madhab Ozah and attended by Divyajyoti Nath, Nitumani Bora, secretary and executive director respectively of the 'Vision'. An amount of Rs 7 lakh was distributed, it is learnt.
Felicitation: Bhaswati Sarma, Bhargav Kalita and Kaushik Kashyap Saikia, who secured primary scholarship from 267 Kanchantola Bori LP School in 2006 were warmly feted on June 30 in a public meeting held at the school premises presided over by Golap Kalita, president of the school managing committee (SMC).
The function was attended by Lokeswar Barua, Rosha Rajkhowa, two retired officers of the education department, Lalit Barua, founder headmaster of the school, Bidyawati Devi, retired headmistress of the school, a large number of guardians, SMC members, teachers, students of the school and a few leading citizens of the area. The students were warmly and publicly feted by presenting them with certificate of merit, two books and two fountain pens each.
NRL awards Rs 10.51 lakh worth scholarships to 275 students
From Our Correspondent
DERGAON, July 13 — As a part of the community development works Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) introduced two scholarship schemes namely Gyandeep and Prerana in 2006. This time the scholarships were awarded to 275 meritorious students of more than 25 schools within 10 km radius of NRL sites on Sunday. The Prerana scholarship is for girl students of class-VIII to IX who have good result in the school exam, while Gyandeep includes the first division holders of HSLC and HSSLC exam from the schools of the area. The scholarships for 2007 were awarded on Sunday in a meeting held at Ponka Rupram High School. In the meeting a total of Rs 10.51 lakh were paid to 275 students. Among them 225 girl students received Prerana scholarship while 50 students received the Gyandeep scholarship.
In Gyandeep scholarship 26 first division (HSLC) holders received Rs 10,000 each, Rs 12,000 each by 3 star holders and Rs 15,000 each by 20 1st division holders while Rs 17,000 by one star mark holders in HSSLC exam.
The meeting was inaugurated by DK Goswami the general manager NRL and welcome address was offered by Biswadeep Baruah, senior manager. Kajal Saikia, senior manager NRL anchored the programme,
Golaghat DC Dipak Kr Goswami and inspector of schools K Ahmed also spoke in the meeting.
It is pertinent to mention that Rs 6.78 lakh were awarded for the scholarship in 2006. A total of Rs 1.12 crore were spent for the development of the students of the areas in the last three years.
Unemployed youths to set up
From Our Correspondent
UDALGURI, July 4 – A group of enthusiastic educated unemployed youths of Orang in Udalguri district is going to start an institution of higher education under the name and style Lakshmi Nath Bezbarua College from the current academic session. Disclosing this to the mediapersons, Naba Kumar Deka, secretary of the college development committee said that the college will have +2 HS courses in Arts and Commerc streams along with Three Years Degree Courses in both streams. The formal opening of the college is scheduled on July 19 next, the secretary said.
The LNB College has a number of features which includes technical and vocational courses, free courses for BPL students, annual seminars on state, national and international events, annual workshops on concerned subjects, regular time based training for the students of the technical and vocational courses.
The college authority has decided not to observe the government and non-government holidays. The college will have a library where students will have a compulsory access for their betterment in academic line, a botanical garden and children park for recreation in natural environment. The college will hold monthly unit tests, terminals and test examinations as per the academic calendar of the college, AHSEC and GU.
Moreover, the academic line of the college is featured with scholarships for brilliant students. Three brilliant students will be selected for Sahid Sambadik Bota every year.
LNB College is the result of the untiring efforts of 15 poor educated unemployed youths of Orang area with the help of the local people who encouraged them in this noble endeavour.
NGO's bid to promote education in Barak Valley
From Partha Sarkar
SILCHAR, June 13 – Barak Education Society (BES), is a non-government organisation that came into existence on February 21, 1997 with the motto 'Knowledge, Excellence and Morality'. It is basically to provide education to the poor people in the Barak Valley. This is perhaps the only NGO dedicated to education in the valley.
BES is a non political, non-communal, socio-educational, welfare organisation. In course of time, the society spread its activities over three districts of Barak Valley. More than 400 people from different walks of life and irrespective of religion, caste, sex and language have accepted the membership of the society.
The objective of the society is to work for the promotion of quality education and encourage students and youths towards achieving excellence in their respective disciplines. It also works to create environmental and health awareness among the mass people.
Since inception, the society has been organising different programmes to achieve its objectives. Merit test is an important activity which is encouraging meritorious students at school level. The society conducted Barak Valley Level Merit Test Examination in 1999, 2000 and 2003. The first 20 position holders in these examinations were awarded one-time scholarship and prize along with merit certificates at the annual conferences held at Asigganj in Karimganj district.
The central executive committee has started a scholarship scheme for extending financial aid to needy, meritorious students at school level. The scholarship is known as Mayeennul Haque Choudhury Memorial Talents Scholarship. The scheme has been operational since 2005.
BES has started career guidance and information centre for students, guardians and educated unemployed youth desiring to get guidance and information on career development and job prospects. The society has also started the unique programme of recognition of ideal teachers on the occasion of Teachers' Day every year. This year, two teachers were selected for such recognition.
Abdul Hassan Choudhury, secretary said "We are dreaming high and trying to benefit poor people in terms of education, health and social studies. BES has always believed in collaborative works through sharing of knowledge and experience and welcomes any thought provoking suggestions, from other co-workers of the society which are an asset for us. We believe that together we are strong and can really make an exception."
Flying start for Hatsingimari school
From Our Correspondent
HATSINGIMARI, June 12 – Sarbojanin Hatsingimari Jatiya Bidyalaya, which is a private school administered by a managing committee formed by local people, has achieved the distinction of cent percent pass in the HSLC examination, the results of which were declared recently.
This is the first batch to have appeared in the HSLC examination from the school, where out of 26 students, 11 secured first division, 14 second division and only one passed in the third division. Out of 11 first division, Jahanur Rahman Sarkar (85%) achieved distinction with letter marks in all subjects, while four students namely Atiquzzaman (81%), letter marks in five subjects, Anarul Islam (76%), letter marks in three subjects. Abu Md Iftikar Rahman (76%), letter marks in four subjects and Moniruzzaman (77%), letter marks in two subjects secured star marks.
The school also achieved the glory in lower primary scholarship examination 2006 in which six students, namely Arifa Nasreen Akand, Saheba Khatun, Wasima Karim, Momtaz Begum, Biju Sarkar and Lahita Bala Hajong secured scholarships which was declared just a few days back.
The local people have apreciated the performance of the school in the HSLC and scholarship examinations which they feel is the result of the dedication of the teachers. The teachers of the school receive only Rs 500 to Rs 1000 as salary.
IOC sports scholarship
By our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI, May 27 — The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has initiated a scheme of providing scholarship for the sports persons of junior level.
Informing this, Jatin Mahanta, general manager of the IOC (AOD) said that this year 55 sports persons from all over the country have been selected for the scholarship. They will get Rs 5000 per month for two years. On the selection criteria, the OIL officer said that the applicants should atleast represent the State in the national level tournament.
The IOC officials further intimated that they have published advertisement in newsapapers for applications. This year no Assam sportsperson was selected for the scholarship.
APA scheme for BPL students
GUWAHATI, May 6 – Assam Professional Academy, an ISO 9001: 2000 certified academic institute of the city, as part of its social commitments, has introduced a scheme for Below Poverty Line (BPL) students of the State under which such students will be provided financial help, academic guidance and assistance in job placements, a press release said.
The BPL students seeking to pursue various vocational and professional courses in the institute will be eligible for such financial and job placement assistance, the release said. The institute has also introduced many other student welfare schemes such as free accident insurance cover upto Rs 1.5 lakh, concessions in admission fees for girl students, monthly stipends and scholarships for meritorious students, free sessions on spoken English, the release added.
Bangkok tech institute to join Tribune Edufest
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, April 17 — One of the best institutes in the world - Asian Institute Of Technology (AIT), Bangkok — will be participating at the Assam Tribune Edufest'07. With its participation, students from the North-east will be able to know more about the institute and also apply for the 2007 session.
"Students will now have the opportunity to apply for the 2007 Masters in Engineering programmes as well as MBA programmes in different fields like International Business etc," the organizers said.
The participation of the AIT is also being seen bestowing the status of an international brand on the Assam Tribune Edufest'07.
"Edufest has become a very strong brand in just over four years, both amongst colleges as also the student community. The fact that the AIT has chosen to participate in this exhibition for the first time in India through the Assam Tribune Edufest is a recognition of the Guwahati Career Fair as one of the premier fairs in the Indian sub-continent besides of the North-east being a supplier of real talent to one of the premier institutions of Asia," the organizers said.
The AIT, which offers only Masters programmes in various fields, boasts of alumni who are placed across the world. Its students are picked up by the biggest names in the industry all over the world and it boasts of an excellent track record in placement. Several students from the North-east have passed out of this institution and got international placements.
Set up in 1959 through grants from various governments from across the world, the AIT gives out various scholarships schemes to some deserving students and many students from Assam have got scholarships this year too.
Devasish Thakur, a passout of the AIT who is currently based in Dubai, said that during his studying days getting reliable information on institutes like the AIT was tough. "But now thanks to Edufest, students of Assam and the North-east can easily obtain information on various aspects of studying abroad, especially quality institutes like the AIT," he said.
Ripunjoy Das, another former student of Cotton College who is doing his Masters in Information at the AIT has been floored by the opportunity to be in a class where students from 40 different countries are his classmates. "The International nature of the AIT is one of its major advantages with students from Europe and North America besides Asia coming in big numbers," the organizers said.
NGO's bid to empower deprived girl students
By Our Correspondent
GUWAHATI, March 26 – In a rare philanthropic gesture, New Delhi based Rai Foundation (RF), an NGO having the largest network of professional colleges with courses in media, finance, management, fashion, hospitality, tourism, engineering, design and aviation, has decided to award 200 scholarships under its GirlGenius (for poor girl) and GiftedGirl (for orphan girl) schemes.
The full scholarships by RF, which is committed to women's empowerment, entitle girl students of inadequate financial background who have passed senior secondary school examination under a recognised board, to pursue study in any undergraduate or postgraduate course at Rai Foundation.
An eminent jury will select the scholars from nationwide nomination by schools, colleges and NGOs, informed RF general manager Arvind Dhar here today.
Dhar said that the foundation has already started series of counselling sessions in Northeast and has covered Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, while in Guwahati, the counselling is being held at Swahid Dilip Chakraborty Road here tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in view of the increasing demand for management graduates and professionals as thousands of jobs are created every year, Rai Foundation is striving its best to bridge the gap between industry expectations and students' aspirations through their world-class educational infrastructure and industry interface, Dhar added.
KD Saikia memorial scholarships presented at Sonari College
From Our Correspondent
SONARI, March 7 – The educational scholarships of the Kamala Das Saikia Memorial Charitable Trust were presented in a meeting held at Sonari College auditorium recently. The charitable trust was established with a fund of rupees five lakh and five thousand by educationalist Jibendra Kumar Saikia in memory of his wife late Kamal Das Saikia, the then principal of Sonari College. Bhaskarjyoti Sharma of Cotton College and Basabi Baruah of Tinsukia College were presented the meritorious scholarship, while Md Nasiruddin Ahmed, best graduate of Sonari College (2006) was awarded a gold medal in the meeting.
Dr Prabin Gogoi, Head, Deptt of Education, Dibrugarh University and Sarat Borkatoky, vice-chairman, State Planning Board and president, governing body of Sonari College attended the meeting as distinguished guest. Dr Rajen Tamuli, principal, Sonari College inaugurated the meeting which was presided by Numesh Shyam, chairperson of the Trust.
Addressing the meeting, Jibendra Kumar Saikia, secretary of the Trust explained the aims and objectives of the trust. He said the educational scholarship would be presented annually to two meritorious students of HS examination of the State of Assam who hail from the weaker section of the society and a gold medal would be awarded to the best student of Sonari College. He said the trust was established on February 16, 2005 in memory of Kamal Das Saikia with the object to establish, maintain and give scholarships and render other kind of aids to students; to promote, establish, support for the promotion of women welfare; to grant relief and assistance to the needy victims during natural calamities; to grant aid for social and cultural activities.
Suresh Das, retired principal in-charge of Sonari College, Gada Chutia, senior journalist and Gunalata Saikia, a member of the trust also addressed the meeting, while Juga Saikia, another member of the trust offered the vote of thanks.
The trust was established with Numesh Shyam as chairman, Jibendra Kumar Saikia as secretary, Dr Rana Konwar, Manik Baruah, Juga Saikia, Gunalata Saikia and Jayanta Jeevan Saikia as trustees.
GTEC admission procedure simplified
By A City Correspondent
GUWAHATI, March 6 – The Ganadipathy Tulsi's Jain Engineering College, popularly known as GTEC in Vellore, has announced that it has simplified its admission procedure to accommodate more students from other States.
Chairman of the institution HM Jain on Friday said before mediapersons in Guwahati that the college, affiliated to Anna University, approved by AICTE, New Delhi and ISO 9001-2000 certified, has been charging only government recommended fees and no capitation fee.
"The college also offers merit scholarships to deserving students and tuition fee of students who scores above 95 per cent is exempted," said Jain.
Jain further said that the emphasis of the college authorities has been on ensuring holistic development of the students. " At GTEC we inculcate moral, ethical and professional values in every student and the willingness to challenge assumptions and think critically," he claimed.
Six city students conferred scholarships
By A City Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 – As a pioneering example of the corporate social responsibility, Bharati Foundation, the social responsibility wing of Bharati Enterprises, awarded scholarships to six students from Guwahati on February 22. The recipients of a bright future prospects in form of these scholarships are from three leading institutes, IIT Guwahati, Assam Institute of Management and Dept of Business, Gauhati University.
The recipients of this scholarship are Vishal Bhola and D Ashok Kumar from IITG, Anubhas Gogoi and Mallika Sarma from AIM and Supratim Goswami and Jyotsna Hazarika from Gauhati University. Chaques of Rs 25,000 were conferred to each of the students from these institutes by the chief operational officer of the Bharati Airtel Ltd of Northeast, Atul Chaturvedi.
The scholarships were given to the students under a scheme of the Bharati Foundation for academically bright students, pursuing higher studies but with limited financial resources with them. The scholarships are given to the students excelling in the field of management, engineering and agriculture.
Call for AICTE recognition to technical courses
By A City Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 3 – Searching for the right way to avail reliable IT training in the region, a symposium titled, 'A new approach to put Northeast on the IT map – the role of education' was organised in the city today. The symposium, jointly organised by Cosyne and Cyber Learning in association with STPI, DOEACC, AMTRON, NEITA and Press Owners' Association, dwelt on several aspects and shortcomings of the technical education in the region.
During the discussion, stress was given on the recognition of all the technical courses by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to make the certificate and diploma courses authentic.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Mendinaro Imcha, president of the Cosyne Enterprises said that the right IT training and certification should lead towards creating economic opportunities for the youth. A scholarship, worth Rs 5crore was also announced by Cyber Learning on the occasion.
Sofura scholarships '06 declared
By A City Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Feb 1 - Sofura, the children magazine has announced its primary and middle school merit scholarships for the year 2006. Of the 6071 children who appeared for the primary scholarship, 705 cleared the exams, and out of the successful ones, 150 have been selected for special scholarship and 655 for general scholarship.
For the middle school scholarship, 8015 took the test, and 1708 cleared it. Of the successful children, 100 have been selected for special scholarship and 1608 for the general scholarship.
Mriganka Bhattacharya, who topped the list of children selected for the primary scholarship would receive the Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia memorial award that carries Rs 5000 and a certificate, whereas Urbashi Bordoloi, who topped the middle school scholarship list, would receive the Jyotirmoy Devi memorial award that carries a computer and a certificate.
The scholarships would be distributed to the successful children on February 25 at a function to be held at Kalaguru Bishnuprasad Rabha Hall, Cotton College.
Reputed coaching centre to set up unit in Dibrugarh
From Our Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Dec 31 – Career Point, a distinguished coaching institute in the country has identified Dibrugarh as an ideal place for tapping the potentials of students of the region and grooming them for various entrance examinations.
As heralds of success, having outstanding success rate in IITJEE, AIEEE, AIPMT, Career Point has decided to launch its coaching centre in Dibrugarh by 2007.
Considering the economic position of the people of the region, the fees for the courses will be subsidized, according to Mani Kakati, the Centre Director. Moreover, in order that no deserving candidate is deprived, Career Point will also offer special scholarships to meritorious students.
Ever since Career Point was incorporated, its performance in preparing and guiding medical and engineering aspirants is noteworthy. The objective of the Career Point is to enable each students achieve success in IITJEE, AIEEE, AIPMT, Assam CEE etc. Career Point has to its credit a team of outstanding coaching faculties having its own methodology and a stimulating academic environment. Career Point believes that a student's primary need is effective guidance, which would create motivation and instill courage and confidence to face the academic challenge.
For every course Career Point has a strategic and a well-charted programme, which aims at harnessing the maximum strengths and energies of the students and honing their skills in an organised manner. Going by the success rate of the coaching institute, the opening of the branch at Dibrugarh is likely to aid medical and engineering aspirants of Upper Asom.
Guwahati, Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Cardigans distributed among students
From Our Bureau
DIBRUGARH, Dec 19 — As part of its social and welfare activities, the Ladies Association, Digboi, recently distributed about 200 cardigans to the students of 3 LP Schools in and around Digboi. The schools were No. 4 Golai LP School, No. 3 Golai Assamese LP School and Shishu Prathamik Hindi Vidyalaya. Most of these children belong to the weaker sections of society and the sweaters would be of immense help in the winter season. It is hoped that this gesture would also motivate the children to attend school regularly.
It may be mentioned that the Ladies Association, Digboi is an organisation of the wives of officers of IOCL(AOD). The association has been active since early seventies and the members have since then been rendering their voluntary service in various social and cultural activities in and around Digboi. Under the leadership of present chairperson Ankita Sarma, the association has tried to improve the quality of life of the community. For women who wish to earn their own livelihood, the association has provided free sewing machines, so that they can support their families. The Ladies Association, Digboi has also helped students from economically backward families to pursue higher education by providing one time scholarships to such bright students to help them meet the expenses of books and tuitions.
Guwahati, Friday, December 1, 2006
OIL awards to students
From Raju Moni Gogoi
DULIAJAN, Nov 30 – Oil India Ltd organised the OIL awards and OIL Merit Scholarship, 2006 and awarded 231 meritorious students of HSSLC and HSLC examinations from OIL operational area here at a function recently at Duliajan Club auditorium.
The premier oil company which has been awarding one-time scholarships to meritorious students from OIL operational area in 10th and 12th standard examinations, this year 21 ranks holders awarded Rs 10,000 each alongwith an appreciation letter by the company's chairman-cum-managing director. Another 193 students selected accrding to merit were awarded with Rs 5000 and 17 meritorious sons and daughters of OIL employees with Rs 2000 each.
While delivering the chief guest's lecture, S N Bora, group general manager of OIL told the gathering that the company is shortly starting a free coaching course by engaging a renowned coaching agency to impart coaching to meritorious aspiring students for all national and State-level competitive examinations with due preference to students from the OIL operational area. OIL has considered this endeavour for the benefit of the aspiring students of the State, Bora added.
Guwahati, Sunday, November 26, 2006
Surendranath Bezboruah memorial scholarship awarded
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Nov 25 – Anjan Jyoti Nath of Tihu Jatiya Bidyalay was presented with the fifth Surendranath Bezboruah memorial scholarship at a function held at the Lakshmiram Baruah Sadan on Friday evening.
The scholarship, instituted by the Surendranath Bezboruah Trust, is given annually to the student securing the highest mark in Assamese in the High School Leaving Certificate Examination (HSLC). This year it also coincided with the birth centenary of the Late Bezboruah.
Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, litterateur Atulananda Goswami said that such scholarships would inspire students to strive for excellence in their mother tongue. "Having been bestowed with the honour, young Anjan Jyoti will have more responsibilities in the future," he said.
Educationist Basistha Dev Phukan, in his speech, expressed concern at the overall lack of interest of the Assamese people in their mother tongue, and said that it was a distressing trend having ominous forebodings for the future of the language. He also took serious note of the errors in language appearing everyday in Assamese newspapers.
Anjan Jyoti, while accepting the scholarship, thanked the Trust for the noble endeavour and said that it would serve the student community in good stead. He also enthralled the gathering with his beautiful rendering of the song, Bilat tirebirai padumar pahi oi, patat tirebirai pani…, penned by the great poet, Kamalananda Bhattacharya.
The scholarship consists of a citation and Rs 10,000 in cash.
DN Bezboruah, former editor of The Sentinel, gave an account of the background of the award, while recollecting the late Surendra Nath Bezboruah's contributions.
The function was chaired by Mahsin Ali, former Secretary of the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA).
Meera Das Chaliha memorial function at Kalakshetra
By A City Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Oct 23 - In memory of Late Meera Das Chaliha, the first woman in the State to earn her Bisharad in classical music, a music programme is going to be held at Kalakshetra here on October 25.
Fans and admirers would pay tribute to the late soul, which would be followed by rendering of songs composed by Meera Das Chaliha.
Veteran singers will be attending the function, which will see the inmates of Snehalaya performing a chorus befitting the occasion.
The scholarship instituted in memory of Meera Das Chaliha would also be given at the function.
Guwahati, Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Scholarships to meritorious students
GUWAHATI, Oct 10 – Three students from Asom were selected for the Dharam Hinduja merit-cum-Means Scholarships recently for their meritorious performance in the HSLC exam conducted by the SEBA in 2005, informas a press release.
The students – Mahesh Kalita (Shankardev Sishu Niketan, Rangiya), Anupjyoti Deka (Don Bosco High School, Tezpur) and Anamika Sarma (Axam Jatiya Vidyalaya, Noonmati) were selected after an interview held in Guwahati recently. The three awardees will get monthly scholarship of Rs 1000 from June, 2005 till they complete their first degree, informs a delayed press release.
Guwahati, Thursday, October 12, 2006
Joint efforts stressed to mould children's personalities
From Our Correspondent
SIPAJHAR, Oct 11 – The 8th annual award of Ataram Kalita, Purnima Kalita Memorial Education Trust was, presented to Manimugdha Saikia, a student of Dhankhunda LP School who topped in the LP School scholarship examination in Hazarikapara centre at a function held at Doulguri LP School on October 7. The teachers of Dhan Khunda LP School was also felicitated on the occasion.
Alhaj Ajmal Hussain Kasimi, teacher, Sanoa High Madrassa who graced the occasion as distinguished guest in an elaborate speech stressed on the joint efforts of parents, guardians, teachers and society in moulding the childrens personality and to make them worthy citizens. Furthermore he also highlighted his experience of pilgrimage to haj.
Addressing the function as appointed speaker Chandradhar Sarma Sastri, teacher, Gandhi Smriti Higher Secondary School, Hazarikapara called upon the students to be disciplined with a spirit of competition and also lauded the efforts of the trust in this regard. Rabindra Kalita and Dimabeswar Saikia also spoke on the occasion.
The prizes of drawing competition organised by the trust were distributed in the function. Earlier Paban Kalita read out the secretarial report. Presiding over the function Lok Nath Baruah in his speech blamed the general social atmosphere for the deterioration in standard of education.
Sale centre: The sale centre of agriculture products of self help groups under Luit par Farmers Club was recently inaugurated by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Darrang Prakash Bhattacharya at Bhebarghat.
The function organised on the occasion was attended by Loken Das, district development Manager, NABARD, Dr Hira Hazarika Sub divisional veterinary officer, Dr Baizur Ali, Dr Paresh Das, Sulabh Sarma and Nripen Deka, Branch and deputy branch manager, Asom Gramin Vikash Bank, Bordoulguri branch, District agriculture officer, Darrang and leading industrialist Rajib Deka.
The Luitpar Farmers Club has already formed 30 self help groups among poor farmers in char areas and stressed on more agriculture products by using scientific methods and also on dairy farming which bring more incomes to farmers. It also set up one veterinary sub centre at char area.
Guwahati, Thursday, September 28, 2006
NRL's community devp prog lauded
From Our Correspondent
BOKAKHAT, Sept 27 – The 3 MMTPA capacity Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), that started commercial operations from October 2000 has been contributing towards community development programme (CDP) as a part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR). The NRL has till now pursued its CDPs with a holistic approach which are "carefully planned, zealously executed and sensitively nurtured". The huge profit making PSU has already given relief and succour to a great number of institutions, organisations and has been focusing on capability development of the beneficiaries in various genres like self-employment, education, health, health infrastructure and a multitude of social activities.
Although the NRL is engaged in carrying out a wide range of socio-economic activities in the State, the main thrust of its CDP is the socio-economic welfare of the people residing in the vicinity of the refinery. The principle has been that the NRL earmarks around 60 per cent of the budgeted amount for community development for the people residing within a radius of 10 kms of the refinery and the balance 40 per cent for the rest of Asom. Recently to assess the outcome of its efforts in that direction and in order to give a further boost to its ongoing community development initiatives, an independent social audit of the CDPs was carried out between March-May, 2006 by the Guwahati based Centre for Development and Peace Studies (CDPS), a non-profit making research centre. The CDPS was also to delve deeper into whether the ongoing initiatives are on the right track. The study was also aimed at finding whether alternative programmes, replacing some of the existing programmes can meet the expectations of the target groups in a more effective manner.
Among the major findings of the CDPs mention may be made of the people's interest in agro-allied activities including those of fishery and piggery and people's want of provision of pure drinking water. Besides, the education sector enjoys the maximum feel good factor as NRL has already provided financial assistance to a number of colleges and schools of the vicinity.
Abiding by the recommendations of the CDPS on principle, the NRL has sought to prioritise and channelise its already existing community development schemes. For example, the recommendations of providing a ring well in each of the villages is an extension of NRL's initiative of providing clean potable water in the NRL neighbourhood. The NRL has already taken steps to provide a one-time grant to village committees for proper upkeep of the motors and other accessories associated with the ring wells. Similarly, CDPs's recommendation of carrying out a detailed census of schools/colleges in the vicinity of the refinery has been welcomed by the NRL management after findings showed that its initiatives in the education sector has generated maximum goodwill in the neighbouring villages.
Providing merit scholarship to girl students and thereby encouraging women education, giving a boost to Self Help Groups for multi-cropping, marketing of agricultural and handloom products etc. are the other recommendations on which the NRL has already done commendable work which it plans to carry forward to encompass a wider cross-section of people from the neighbouring villages.
Among the success stories of the NRL that CDPs has listed for special praise, mention may be made of its thrust on the lot of the women weavers of Panka and the facelift of the Pankagrant Rupram Hazarika High School due to the good results brought by NRL's special financial assistance.
Inspired by all these stimulating results and after paying regard to the recommendations of the CDPs besides being committed to its avowed aims, the NRL has renewed its CSRs and charted its future road map which naturally passes through the heartland of the people of Asom in general and those of the neighbouring villagers in particular.
Guwahati, Saturday, September 9, 2006
Kunjalata Mahanta Foundation awards presented
From Our Correspondent
KALIABOR, Sept 8 – In a simple but solemn function organised here recently at Kaliabor Girls' HS School, Hatbor, in the presence of distinguished educationists, teachers and students, the 12th annual Kunjalata Mahanta Foundation awards were distributed to the meritorious students of Kaliabor for their achievements in the results of HSLC HS and BA for the year 2005.
The function was chaired by Manasjyoti Boruah SDO(C) Kaliabor and president of the KMF. The function was started with a Borgeet presented by Priyadarshi Mahanta. Atul Ch Goswami, ex-MLA, lighted an earthen lamp in front of the portrait of Dr S Radhakrishnan on the occasion while DN Mahanta also lighted a lamp at the portrait of Kunjalata Mahanta on the occasion of KMF awards distribution day.
Dr Hiranya Kr Chaliha, principal, Kaliabor College and secretary KMF welcomed the guests teachers students and offered his best wishes to the respected teachers on the occasion and explained the main objective of the function and norms of KMF for getting the annual awards. Nripender Kr Mahanta, deputy commissioner, tax department elder son of Kunjalata Mahanta in his brief speech on behalf of the family welcomed the gathering and offered his best wishes to the teachers and award winning students. He was also grateful to the KMF board for the management of the trust since inception.
In this connection, it may be mentioned that the family members of Kunjalata Mahanta donated a sum of Rs 1 lakh to institute this KMF award in 1994 in the sweet memory of their beloved mother with the purpose of distributing scholarships to the meritorious students of Kaliabor for their achievements in their exam right from HSLC to BA. The annual awards recipients of KMF for the year 2005 are – Hridoy Mahanta-HSLC, Sacred Heart HS, Jakhalabadha, Smt Kabita Bora-HSLC, Kaliabor Sishu Bidyapit, Kuwaritol, Smt Rekha Moni Bora-HS(Arts), Kaliabor Girls HSS, Hatbor, Smt Sumi Bhuyan-BA, Kaliabor College.
Guwahati, Friday, September 8, 2006
UK educational fair from today
GUWAHATI, Sept 7 – The second 'Study in UK' educational fair organised by the British Council will be held at Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok on September 8 and 9, a press note said.
The exhibition will bring leading representatives of British universities and colleges who will disseminate information on the courses and the application processes to the students. Leading agents who represent around 50 different universities in the UK will also be present. Details about undergraduate and post graduate courses, besides specialisations like MBA, BBA and engineering programmes will also be discussed.
Interactive seminars to provide information about studying and living in the UK, scholarship opportunities and details abut visa procedures will also be given. Facts about the Scottish Fresh Talent Initiative Scheme under which students can work for two years in Scotland, as also the SEGS scheme will be provided.
Over the last few years the interest in British education has grown considerably in North East India, the release claimed. Every year the percentage of students choosing UK as their destination of further education in this region has 'increased, it added. Over 16,000 students went to study in the UK last year. As UK academic and professional qualification has won global acclaim, around eight lakh international students are currently enjoying the benefits of UK education.
While entry to the fair is free, more details may be had by ringing up 9830304590, or contacting Marina Gandhi, Head, Education UK, British Council, East India, the release concluded.
NEC scholarship
Sir,–Through the columns of your esteemed daily I would like to throw light on the scholarships to engineering students.There is a scholarship called NEC scholarship for students of only circuit branches(like electronics,commputer science, information technology) and architecture but not for students who are from core branches(like mechanical, civil and electrical). This scholarship was introduced probably when the fees of circuit branches were more than the core branches. But now it has been years since fees of all the branches have been equalised but it seems the students taking admission in core beanches are not benefited at all. I would like to request the NEC to treat all the students equally.– Yours etc., Abhinandan Choudhury, Digboi.
Guwahati, Monday, July 10, 2006
Women NGO's cash awards to kids
From Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, July 9 – ETA Social Helpline, an all-women NGO, is making all-out efforts to encourage children to perform better.
The NGO has recently distributed cash awards to 145 brilliant students, who have performed outstandingly in its Mathemetical Brilliant Search annual examination. Thangjam Tanuja, a member of ETA, said the main objective of the NGO is to encourage the children. It encourages them by giving scholarship and cash awards. ETA conducts two competitive examinations s annually.
Established in 2003, ETA is an organisation formed by seven educated girls who refused to sit idle despite unemployment.
Guwahati, Monday, June 19, 2006
Merit scholarship
Sir,– Every year the State government awards merit scholarships to students showing good results in the HSLC and HSSLC, SLC examinations. It is an important incentive to students.
Unfortunately, the scholarships are not disbursed in time. Often the fund allotted for scholarship is misused in some way or the other. The office of the Director of Education is entrusted with the responsibility of sending the scholarships to respective students. But employees dealing with the work are very callous and indifferent to the welfare of the students. They withheld the payment of the scholarships as long as possible. As a result a large number of meritorious students are deprived of the benefit.
Most of the students who were entitled to scholarships on the basis of HSLC examination 2001, have not received their scholarships yet. Same is the case with the students of Higher Secondary course.
According to existing rules students are entitled to merit scholarship (HSLC) when the annual income of the parents/guardian does not exceed Rs 25,000. But as per the present price index a family can hardly meet the cost of basic needs with this amount. The government should reconsider the matter and raise the ceiling of parents' income to at least Rs 50,000 per annum. —Yours etc., K KHANIKAR, Court Road, Golaghat.
Guwahati, Saturday, June 3, 2006
PM's scholarship scheme for ex-CPF wards
GUWAHATI, June 2 – The office of the Group Commandant, Central Industrial Security Force, Bamunimaidan, Guwahati, has invited applications from eligible candidates for the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for the academic year 2006-07, a press release said.
The scheme is open only for the widows and unmarried wards of ex-personnel of Central police forces (CPF). However, subsequent marriage wouldnot disqualify a person. Only the following persons will be eligible for the scholarships widows of ex-CPFs and their widows upto the rank of inspector only; wards of widows of ex-CPF personnel who have died in harness due to causes attributed to government services and widows of ex-CPF personnel died in harness.
The scholarship is meant for medical/dental/veterinary/engineering/MCA, MBA and other professional/programme recognised by the concerned government regularly body for the programme such as AICTE, UGC and Medical Council of India. The amount of scholarship will be Rs 1250 for boys and Rs 1500 for girls per month.
The applicant should have got at least 60 per cent marks at the 10+2 level for the initial sanction of the scholarship and 50 per cent marks subsequently for renewal. All candidates should send their applications to the Group Commandant, CISF GP, Hqrs, 11 MRD Road, Bamunimaidam, Guwahati so as to reach by June 5, 2006.
Guwahati, Tuesday, May 30, 2006
ST scholarship
Sir, – Through your esteemed daily. I would like to draw the attention of authority concerned, that scholarship of ST students have not been received by the students studying in various educational institutions of the State for the last 3 years.
It is a fact that students are studying in higher educational institutions belonging to low economical background. In these days of increasing cost of living where prices are alarming the poor students can hardly afford the basic educational requirements. The only way left is getting the scholarship money regularly and timely.
If this situation continues, in the coming year it is obvious that a large number of tribal students coming from rural areas for higher education will drop out. – Yours etc. – LOLIT CHANDRA DEORI, Kanoi College, Dibrugarh.
Guwahati, Sunday, May 28, 2006
Wards of soldiers, ex-servicemen to get scholarships
SHILLONG, May 27 – Wards of serving soldiers and former servicemen who died in harness will be given scholarships for pursuing studies at different levels.
The wards of serving soldiers studying in various professional institutions will be given Rs 10,000 a year, while undergraduates will get Rs 1,500 and those who are in classes VIII to XII will get Rs 800 a year. For those pursuing postgraduate studies, the scholarship will be Rs 5,000 a year. Students who scored 45 per cent marks and were wards of soldiers who died in harness will get scholarships of Rs 2,500 a year for classes I to VI, Rs 4,000 for classes VII to XII and Rs 10,000 for those pursuing graduate studies and Rs 15,000 a year for postgraduate studies.
For those in professional courses, scholarships for tuition fees would be in the range of Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 a year, said a press release. – PTI
Guwahati, Friday, May 19, 2006
Scope for Indian scholars in Canada highlighted
From Our Correspondent
SILCHAR, May 18 – Under the auspices of the Indo-Canadian Study Centre of Assam University, Silchar, a four-day-long workshop on 'Partnership for peace and progress against calamities and chaos: Canadian and Indian perspective' was recently held in collaboration with the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, New Delhi and Indian Association for Canadian Studies.
Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, Prof Subhas Chandra Saha, inaugurated the workshop by lighting the lamp. Attending the workshop's inaugural function as chief guest, the chief of the public affairs, Canadian High Commission, Nadia Scipio del Campo said that she would uphold Assam University as a model before the Canadian universities. Nadia compared the multi-cultural scenario of both India and Canada and spoke on the biodiversity of both the countries. Indian researchers, scholars and students can utilise the academic facilities of Canada through fellowships, exchange programmes and other options available, Nadia pointed out. She said that the political system of both India and Canada have extreme similarities and both countries are also the members of Commonwealth. Giving some information regarding immigration to Canada, Nadia social that 2,50,000 around the world immigrate to Canada every year and 50 million foreign nationals visit Canada every year, she added that one Canadian in four has French as their mother tongue, close to one Canadian in three speaks French and one in six Canadian is an immigrante Nadia informed that one of thirty Canadians of the South Asian origin and remarkably half of the population of Toronto city is born outside Canada, she added. Canada has 250 newspapers in ethnic languages. She informed that approximately 2000 Indian students go to Canada every year getting fellowships, scholarships and other assistance for academic research and study and to pursue higher education.
In his inaugural address, Vice-Chancellor Prof Saha also highlighted the multi-cultural diversity of both India and Canada. He urged the students of north-eastern region particularly Assam University to pursue research and study on Canadian literature, ethnic issues, bio-diversity and other relevant issues. He said that the Assam University is the only university of the region which has Indo-Canadian Study Centre and hoped that the students and academicians will take its advantage.
Dr Sarmistha Roy, director of Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, New Delhi, Dr Chandramohan, former president of the Indian Association for Canadian Studies and Dr Sunil Sondhi of Delhi University spoke in the workshop as resource persons. Prof Avik Gupta, who is the chairman of the workshop summed up on the concluding day and the member secretary Dr Dipendu Das offered vote of thanks.
Some resolutions were adopted in the concluding session. A total of 45 college and university teachers from the various parts of Assam and Mizoram took part. VC Prof Saha gave away the certificate on the valedictory meeting to the participants.
Earlier, Nadia inaugurated the Canadian Study Corner at the Central Library of Assam University and donated various books on Canada.
Guwahati, Saturday, May 6, 2006
Scholarships for HS, degree students
GUWAHATI, May 5 – Jeewan Ram Mungi Devi Goenka Public Charitable Trust is providing scholarships for candidates of Asom and Meghalaya, informs a press release.
Applications are invited from the candidates under the following categories: (a) The scholarship can be availed by students desirous to pursue technical education. This is open for post-Class XII level (technical degree or diploma course in any field) students. Preference will be given to students who want to be self-employed (electric mechanism, plumbing, car-pantry, etc) in future accepting the challenge of dignity of labour. The scholarship will cover the tuition fees for the entire course and a book grant of Rs 5000. Total number of scholarships is three. (b) Open scholarship can be availed by economically handicapped students. Students from any discipline (Arts, Science, Commerce) may apply. Only financially poor students who need genuine support to pursue their course of studies will be considered. These scholarships are open to Higher Secondary and graduation level students. The scholarship will cover the tuition fees for the entire course along with a book grant. Total number of scholarships is five.
Students should apply in plain paper stating percentage of marks obtained in last examinations appeared, family background and parents'/family income, course pursuing at present and duration of the course, tuition fees paid per month/per annum and age and address for communication.
For genuinely needy students, the trust may also consider reimbursement of admission fees paid or to be paid to the institute by the student. Students who want to take admission in different courses during 2006-07 may also send advance applications for consideration. The decision of the selection committee formed by the trust will be final.
All applications should reach the following address: JRMD Goenka Public Charitable Trust, Kelvin Cinema, Tokobari Road, Guwahati 781001, Asom by May 20, 2006.
Guwahati, Thursday, May 4, 2006
Gouri T Khaund award for students
GUWAHATI, May 3 – Gouri Tahbildar Khound Memorial Trust has announced an award of Rs 6,000 to be utilised for scholarship to students securing highest aggregate marks in Higher Secondary School leaving examination, conducted by Assam Higher Secondary Education Council, from Cotton College every year in both science and art streams.
A memorial trust press release said the trust was formed in 2002 by Dr Robin Khound, presently based in New York in the memory of his wife late Gouri Tahbildar Khound who was professor of Chemistry in Assam Engineering College.
Guwahati, Sunday, April 30, 2006
Scholarships for study on peace, conflict resolution
GUWAHATI, April 29 –Like previous years, this year also Rotary International is offering scholarships for study on World Peace and Conflict Resolution.
The scholarship will be offered for studies leading to masters degree on World Peace and Conflict Resolution in seven leading universities in USA, UK, Argentina, Australia and France. Candidates of all professions or vocation are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Rotary Club of Dispur invites applicants for a walk-in interview on May 3 at 3 pm at Down Town Hospital, Dispur, Guwahati. For details, interested candidates may contact Dr R K Kalita at 98640-12858 and A K Hazarika at 98640-12619, a press release said.
Guwahati, Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Sureswar Gohain award presented
GUWAHATI, April 10 – Rajkumar Sureswar Gohain Memorial Award for academic excellence was presented at a function held on April 6 on Blue Pine School premises, Chandmari, to commemorate the 25th death anniversary of the eminent educationist and Gandhian. The award, which carries a cash amount of Rs 5 thousand and a certificate, was presented to Suman Paul of IIT, Kharagpur for securing the highest mark in Chemistry in the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination in the year 2005, conducted by Assam Higher Secondary Education Council.
The function was presided over by Hema Kakati, an eminent social worker of Kasturba Trust. Speaking at the function as the chief guest, Hema Bharali, a social worker, paid rich tributes to Late Gohain for his selfless and dedicated service in the field of education and social works.
Presenting the award, Prof Purnananda Gogoi, a noted educationist and former Head of the Chemistry Department, Cotton College, recalled Late Gohain's deep sense of conviction towards education and humanitarian works. He urged the youths to imbibe the ideals of Late Gohain.
Earlier, Dr Rajkumar Prodyot Gohain, general secretary of the Society, explained the objectives of the Society and informed that besides the memorial award, the Society is awarding scholarships to poor and meritorious students of Asom regularly for pursuing higher education. This was stated in a press release.


text:
Tammy Ashton
Tammy Ashton Poems
- My Mother Died Today My mother died today I don't know what ...
- Beautiful Girl Beautiful girl why are you so cruel Perfect ...
- Broken I am broken Broken beyond repair
- Where Is Love walk down the street I see
- Time Machine 'I did'nt mean for it to happen.' 'It just ...
- My Muse Where are you my muse? Why do you leave me? Why ...
- My Aunt Ophelia I close my eyes I see your face I see you...
Click here to add this poet to your My Favorite Poets.
Quotationsmore quotations »
'''You can lead a human to knowledge but you can't make him think'?''unknown
'''I bow to no one and I beg for nothing'''Tammy Ashton
'''It is pivotal to our happiness that we try to hold on to the wonder and awe of a child seeing the world for the first time. I am glad that I can still find joy in a pinwheel or bubble gum.'''Me
Comments about Tammy Ashtonmore comments »
Jaime Deguello
Love your poetry and youre not to bad either. :)
Ayodele Williams
Read your poem more like an irony i.e. how can something so good be also bad. It creates a perspective situation and a divide between good and bad. By and large its a good piece.
My Mother Died Today
My mother died today
I don't know what to feel
I am lost
I am angry
I am grieving
Too many words unspoken
Too many harsh words said
Too many apologies not given
Too many secrets kept
No time for her redemption
No place for me in her heart
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Rating: PG-13
Liam Neeson as Dr. Martin Harris
Diane Kruger as Gina
January Jones as Elizabeth Harris
Aidan Quinn as Martin B.
Bruno Ganz as Ernst Jürgen
Frank Langella as Rodney Cole
Sebastian Koch as Professor Bressler
Olivier Schneider as Smith
Stipe Erceg as Jones
Rainer Bock as Herr Strauss
Mido Hamada as Prince Shada
Clint Dyer as Biko
Karl Markovics as Dr. Farge
Eva Löbau as Nurse Gretchen
Helen Wiebensohn as Laurel Bressler
Merle Wiebensohn as Lily Bressler
Directed by Jaume Collet-Sera
Special Features:
Liam Neeson: Known Action Hero – Discover how the star of Unknown solidifies his action star status
Unknown: What Is Known? – Investigate the characters and plot of this international thriller
Digital Copy Of Feature Film
Other Info:
Widescreen (2.40:1)
DTS-HD MA 5.1 Sound
French and Spanish Languages
French and Spanish Subtitles
Running Time: 113 Minutes
The Details:
The following is the official description of the film:
"The star of 'Taken' and 'The A-Team' jumps back into action with brute force! Liam Neeson plays Dr. Martin Harris, who awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife (January Jones) suddenly doesnt recognize him and another man (Aidan Quinn) has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired and on the run. Aided by an unlikely ally (Diane Kruger), Harris plunges into a deadly mystery forcing him to question his sanity, his identity and just how far hes willing to go to uncover the truth."
"Unknown" is PG-13 for some intense sequences of violence and action, and brief sexual content.
To say "Unknown" is similar to "The Bourne Identity" is a big understatement. They're very, very similar. Both films feature a character with amnesia being pursued by highly trained killers. Both films feature European locations. Both films have….well, I don't want to get into spoilers. Suffice it to say that if you watch "Unknown," you'll feel like you've seen it before. It's one part "Frantic" and two parts "The Bourne Identity."
All that being said, if anyone can get you to watch a clone of "The Bourne Identity," then it's Liam Neeson. He continues his thriller career with "Unknown" and sells it for all he's worth. And he does a pretty good job of it. Even when you start to think you've got the plot figured out, you're still willing to follow Neeson for the ride. He handles the drama and action equally well. He's well supported by Diane Kruger, Frank Langella, and Bruno Ganz. January Jones has taken a lot of heat recently for a 'wooden' performance in "X-Men: First Class." While I didn't see it there, I have to say she is pretty dull in "Unknown," especially alongside the likes of Neeson.
If you're wanting to see some great action scenes or if you're a fan of Liam Neeson, then you'll want to check out "Unknown." It's not his best film, but it is entertaining.
There are only two short bonus features on this Blu-ray and they're both 'making of' featurettes. Most interesting among them is Neeson recounting a story of being a boxer and getting knocked out during a match. He couldn't remember about 4 minutes of his memory and it prompted him to give up boxing. It also served as inspiration for his role in "Unknown."