Chandigarh, September 25: Thousands of Haryana Congress workers and leaders staged a massive protest today at the State Election Commission office. Police, present in large numbers, stopped the Congress members, who had arrived to gherao to the office, using barricades and force.

Water cannons were also deployed against them in a dangerous manner. Several Congress leaders and workers sustained injuries due to police high-handedness. Police detained a large number of party leaders and workers and took them to the police station. The protesters raised slogans to condemn the dictatorial attitude of the police and the government.
The protest was led by the party’s state in-charge Sanjay Dutt, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and state Congress president Rao Narendra. Also present on the occasion were MP Deepender Singh Hooda, Jaiprakash JP, Varun Mulana, Satpal Brahmachari, and Karamveer Baudh, along with various MLAs, former MLAs, district presidents, office-bearers, and senior leaders.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated that public trust in the Election Commission’s functioning has eroded, with revelations about it surfacing one after another. “Following Rahul Gandhi’s statements, media reports have now made it clear that the BJP formed governments in several states, including Haryana, by stealing votes,” he stated.
“Media reports clearly indicate that Gyanesh Kumar treated the Election Commission as his personal fiefdom to aid the BJP. He completely disregarded the other two Election Commissioners as well. Under these circumstances, Gyanesh Kumar has no right to continue in his post, he must resign immediately,” he added.

Hooda noted that the Congress had raised several questions with the Election Commission following the Haryana election results but has received no response to date. “For instance, on the night of the 5th, the Commission announced a voter turnout of 61.19% for Haryana. However, the figure was raised to 65.65% the following day, and further increased to 67.9% on the 7th, just a day before the vote count. It is baffling how the vote count could rise so significantly overnight,” he said.
The Leader of the Opposition stated that Rahul Gandhi had also exposed irregularities in the voter lists, backed by evidence. “The extent of the manipulation was such that, in some places in Haryana, 501 votes were registered against a single house; elsewhere, 223 votes (or in some instances, 100 votes) were created using the photograph of the same woman. Furthermore, 22 votes were registered using the photograph of a Brazilian model,” he pointed out.

“These are merely a few examples; the actual scale of the manipulation involves hundreds of thousands of votes. Electoral irregularities occurred not only in the constituencies where the Congress lost but also in those where it won. Otherwise, Congress MLAs would have secured victories with much larger margins,” he noted.
Hooda remarked that the BJP did not merely steal votes in Haryana but effectively stole the entire government through such tactics. “This amounts to a subversion of the country’s democracy and Constitution. The Congress will raise its voice against this on every platform,” he said.

Chandigarh:

“Academic collaboration is strengthening radiology education and translating advances in imaging into better patient care,” Prof.Akshay Kumar Saxena, Head, Radiodiagnosis & Imaging, PGIMER,

The longstanding academic collaboration between three premier medical institutions—AIIMS New Delhi, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi, and PGIMER Chandigarh—will continue with the 5th AIIMS–MAMC–PGI Series: Course on Musculoskeletal and Breast Imaging, being hosted by PGIMER on September 26–27, 2026.

Addressing the media at a curtain-raiser programme today, Prof.Akshay Kumar Saxena, Professor & Head, Department of Radiodiagnosis& Imaging, PGIMER, said, “The AIIMS–MAMC–PGI teaching course is a unique academic tradition built on the shared commitment of three premier institutions to excellence in radiology education. This edition brings together contemporary knowledge, practical case-based learning and multidisciplinary perspectives in musculoskeletal and breast imaging. Our endeavour is to strengthen the academic foundation of young radiologists while also helping practicing clinicians incorporate newer developments into diagnostic decision-making and patient care.”

The AIIMS–MAMC–PGI Teaching Course Series was initiated in 1996 with the vision of creating a strong academic platform for knowledge exchange, postgraduate teaching and professional development in radiology. Earlier editions were organised in 2000, 2005, 2013 and 2020. The present fifth edition marks another milestone in this enduring academic association.

The two-day course will focus on musculoskeletal and breast imaging, two dynamic and clinically important areas of modern radiology. Rapid advances in imaging technology, image-guided interventions, artificial intelligence, radiomics and functional imaging have considerably expanded the role of radiology—from diagnosis to treatment planning, intervention and multidisciplinary patient management.

Detailing on the highpoints,Prof. Mahesh Parkash, Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis& Imaging, PGIMER, said, “The strength of the AIIMS–MAMC–PGI series lies in its collaborative academic spirit and meaningful exchange of knowledge. This edition provides an opportunity for faculty, practicing radiologists and postgraduate residents to learn together, discuss challenging cases and engage with evolving concepts in musculoskeletal and breast imaging. Such platforms are essential for fostering continuous learning and ensuring that postgraduate training keeps pace with the rapidly changing landscape of modern radiology.”

The programme has been designed with contributions from faculty members of AIIMS, MAMC and PGIMER and will combine didactic lectures, multidisciplinary case-based discussions, film-reading sessions, a resident quiz and practical clinical insights. The sessions will address both established imaging principles and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on their application in routine clinical practice.

Highlighting advances in breast imaging, Prof.VeenuSingla, Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis& Imaging, PGIMER, said, “Breast imaging is evolving rapidly with the integration of advanced imaging techniques, image-guided biopsy and artificial intelligence. AI-assisted technologies can support radiologists in analysing breast imaging, identifying areas requiring closer evaluation and improving the precision and efficiency of image-guided procedures. Modern biopsy techniques also enable more targeted tissue sampling with fewer needle insertions, making procedures more patient-friendly.”

Prof.VeenuSingla further said, “These technologies also have an important role in teaching and training residents by helping them understand imaging findings and build confidence in interpretation. However, AI should remain an aid to clinical expertise and not a replacement for the radiologist. Alongside technological advances, awareness of breast cancer warning signs and timely medical evaluation remain equally important, as early detection and appropriate diagnosis are central to effective patient care.”

The course is expected to bring together radiologists, postgraduate residents, faculty members and clinicians from across the country, providing a platform for academic interaction, professional exchange and collaborative learning.

With a special focus on postgraduate education, the programme will also offer practicing radiologists and clinicians an opportunity to update their knowledge of emerging imaging techniques and understand their practical clinical applications.

The continuation of the AIIMS–MAMC–PGI Teaching Course Series underscores the enduring value of academic collaboration among leading medical institutions and their shared commitment to excellence in medical education, continuing professional development and patient-centred care.

Chandigarh/24th, September

The 64th birthday of Sirsa MP, former Union minister, General Secretary of All India Congress Committee and CWC Member Kumari Selja was observed across Haryana on Thursday with enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to public service. Congress workers and supporters organised blood donation camps, havan-yajnas and various service activities in different districts. Fruits and sweets were distributed among elderly people, patients, needy persons and visually impaired children.

A large number of supporters from different parts of the state reached Kumari Selja’s residence at Dabda Chowk in Hisar. They presented flowers, bouquets and sweets and wished her a healthy and long life. Workers also cut a cake to mark the occasion. Congress leaders, office-bearers and workers organised programmes in New Delhi, Panchkula and other parts of the state.

Kumari Selja said her birthday was not merely an occasion for personal celebration but a day to reiterate her responsibilities and commitments towards the people. She said the biggest responsibility of a person in public life was to firmly raise the voice of every section of society and stand with those in need. She appealed to workers to continue working with dedication towards public service and the organisation.

Kumari Selja said she considered party workers her family and that the affection and sense of belonging had brought people from across the state to convey their wishes. She thanked workers, supporters and well-wishers for their affection on her birthday.

In Panchkula, MLA Chandramohan, former MLA Pradeep Chaudhary, former MLA Shamsher Singh Gogi, Sudha Bhardwaj, Shyam Sunder Batra, Narpal Singh Gurjar, Devender Singh, advocate Lal Bahadur Khowal and Arvind Sharma, among others, marked the occasion. A stream of birthday messages also continued on social media from the morning.

Birthday marked with havan and service activities in Sirsa

At the Congress Bhawan in Sirsa, a havan-yajna was organised for Selja’s long and healthy life. PCC delegate Rajesh Chadiwal said office-bearers of the party, members of the Legal Cell, Mahila Congress, District Youth Congress and NSUI participated in the rituals. Workers later cut a cake amid drum beats and distributed sweets. Fruits and sweets were also distributed at the leprosy ashram, Sanatan Dharam Temple and Bhai Kanhaiya Ashram.

MLA from Kalanwali Sheeshpal Keharwala, Virbhan Mehta, Gopiram Chadiwal, Surendra Bansal, Naveen Kedia, Raj Kumar Sharma, Ameer Chawla, Sandeep Nehra, Ratan Lal Gaidar, Ram Singh Solanki, Jagga Singh Brar, Randhir Singh, Krishna Phogat, Gurnam Singh Jhabar, Mandeep Singh Lakdawali, Durga Singh, Prof RC Limba, Naresh Darolia, Rajpal Bhambhu, Vijay Singh Ghotra, Pradeep Saini, Laduram Poonia and Satpal Mehta were among those present.

Khowal says Selja should serve Haryana as chief minister

Legal Department state chairman advocate Lal Bahadur Khowal said Kumari Selja had established a distinct identity through her public life, describing her as having an unblemished image, fearless personality and active approach. He said people of Haryana wanted to see her become chief minister of the state. He described her birthday as a day to reaffirm the commitment to social harmony, public service and the rights of weaker sections.

At the programme in Hisar, MLA Sheeshpal Keharwala, Chaudhary Jagannath, Advocate Lal Bahadur Khowal, Virbhan Mehta, Raj Kumar Sharma, Ashwini Sharma, Satendra Singh Adampur, Bhupendra Gangwa, Manoj Rathi, Mukesh Saini, Rajesh Chadiwal, advocate Chandra Harsh, Surendra Bansal, Krishna Phogat, Laduram Poonia and Sakshi Chaudhary, among a large number of supporters, were present.

Chandigarh, September 24:

Dr. Adarsh Swaika, Indian High Commissioner to Kenya hosted a dinner on Wednesday evening in honour of the Haryana Legislative Assembly delegation visiting Kenya to attend the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The dinner was hosted at India House in Muthaiga, Kenya.

Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora and other members of the delegation were present at the dinner. Several senior officials of the High Commission of India were also present on the occasion.

While welcoming the Haryana delegation, High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika said that it was a matter of great pleasure for him to host the dinner in honour of the delegation. During interaction a range of issues relating to parliamentary relations between India and Kenya, parliamentary systems, and the social and economic landscape of the two countries were discused.

Speaker Harvinder Kalyan thanked the High Commissioner and the officials of the High Commission for their gracious welcome, warm hospitality and meaningful interaction. He said that such exchanges provide an opportunity to understand the parliamentary systems and experiences of socio-economic development in different countries.

It may be mentioned that the CPA Conference was held in Cape Town, South Africa, following which the Haryana delegation undertook a study visit to Kenya. The delegation is currently in the final phase of its visit.

On World Alzheimer’s Day, the Department of Neurology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, called for greater public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, stressing that early diagnosis has become increasingly important with the availability of newer disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in India.

At a press conference held today, senior faculty members Prof.Dheeraj Khurana, Dr. Sucharita Ray, Additional Professor and Dr. Karthik V.M, Associate Professor from Deptt. of Neurology and Prof. Indu Verma from Deptt. of Biochemistry highlighted the need for timely diagnosis, accurate identification of different causes of dementia, advanced diagnostic tools and stronger support systems for patients and caregivers.

Prof. Dheeraj Khurana highlighted that the treatment landscape for Alzheimer’s disease has changed significantly, making early recognition of symptoms more important than ever.

“With disease-modifying medicines now available for Alzheimer’s disease in India, early diagnosis has assumed greater importance. These treatments are most effective in the early, mild stages of the disease. Timely diagnosis allows us to assess treatment eligibility and also helps families plan care better and maintain the patient’s quality of life,” he said.

Prof. Khurana urged families not to dismiss persistent memory problems and changes in daily functioning as merely a normal consequence of ageing.

Dr. Sucharita Ray stressed that dementia is not a single disease and that identifying its underlying cause is essential for appropriate treatment.

“Dementia is a syndrome caused by several different diseases, and each patient needs to be evaluated carefully to identify the underlying cause. Early diagnosis can make a meaningful difference to treatment and care. At the same time, dementia is a family issue, not just a patient issue, and caregivers need our attention and support,” she said.

Highlighting the often-overlooked impact on caregivers, Dr. Ray said families caring for people with dementia frequently face substantial physical, emotional and financial stress.

“Caregivers carry a significant part of the dementia burden. Supporting the caregiver is therefore an essential part of supporting the patient,” she added.

A major development announced at the press conference was the Department’s plan to introduce a panel of body-fluid tests for Alzheimer’s disease.

Prof. Indu Verma said the advanced diagnostic facility would strengthen the Institute’s ability to identify Alzheimer’s disease more accurately and at an earlier stage. “The Department will shortly commence a panel of body-fluid tests for Alzheimer’s disease. These advanced investigations can facilitate more accurate and earlier identification of cases and may also help in monitoring treatment effects and assessing potential therapeutic interventions,” Prof. Verma said.

The move is expected to further strengthen the Department’s diagnostic capabilities in neurodegenerative diseases and support more precise evaluation of patients.

Drawing attention to the broader health challenges associated with dementia, Dr. Karthik emphasised that patients often have comorbid conditions, including depression, which need to be identified and addressed as part of comprehensive care.

“Dementia rarely affects the patient in isolation. Conditions such as depression can coexist with dementia and influence the overall course of care. At the same time, the impact is felt across the family, with caregivers often carrying a considerable burden,” he said.

The Department also announced that it is working on organisational changes to streamline dementia management pathways at PGIMER. A patient support programme is also being planned to provide patients and families with additional guidance and support.

Prof. Dheeraj Khurana said the initiatives are aimed at making dementia care more structured and patient-centred.

“Our focus is to streamline the dementia care pathway so that patients can move more efficiently from diagnosis to appropriate treatment and follow-up. We are also working towards a patient support programme that can provide families with greater guidance throughout this journey,” he said.

The Department of Neurology reiterated its commitment to improving dementia care through early diagnosis, newer treatment options, advanced investigations, multidisciplinary management and caregiver support.

On World Alzheimer’s Day, the Department appealed to the public to recognise persistent memory and cognitive changes early and seek medical advice rather than attributing them automatically to ageing.

Chandigarh: Forest Hill Resort (FHR) has been conferred the “CHEFEX India Recognition for Best Golf Resort” at the CHEFEX India Recognitions 2026, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).

Birender Gill, President, Forest Hill Golf Resort, and Ms. Aman Ghumman, HR Head, WWICS Group, received the honour on behalf of Forest Hill Resort.

Reacting to the honour, Devinder Sandhu, Founder, Forest Hill Resort, said, “We are delighted to receive this honour. Forest Hill has always been envisioned as much more than a golf resort. We are positioning it as an eco-sanctuary where golf, nature, leisure and adventure tourism come together. Our endeavour is to create meaningful experiences for visitors while preserving and enhancing the natural environment of the Shivalik foothills.”

The award acknowledges Forest Hill Resort’s contribution to destination hospitality, leisure, golf tourism and experiential travel. Set in a picturesque natural setting near Chandigarh, FHR has developed a distinctive hospitality experience combining golf with a range of outdoor and nature-based activities.

The resort offers experiences including trekking, horse riding, boating, fishing, bird watching, camping and off-roading, while its focus on ecological conservation and rewilding further strengthens its identity as a nature and adventure destination.

The honour adds another distinction to Forest Hill Resort’s growing presence in the region’s hospitality and leisure landscape.

Chandigarh:

The Centre of Excellence (Trauma & Burns), PGIMER, Chandigarh, organised a one-day Comprehensive Burn Management Course on September 19, 2026, under the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries (NPPMTBI) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The course was held at Lecture Theatre 1, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

A total of 55 medical officers from Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh were trained during the programme, making the course an important regional capacity-building initiative in comprehensive burn care. The programme focused on strengthening timely, standardised and coordinated management of burn patients from the initial assessment and resuscitation through definitive treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.

Dr. Atul Parashar, Head, Department of Plastic Surgery was the Course Director, along with a multidisciplinary faculty from PGIMER. The scientific programme addressed the complete spectrum of burn management, including triage and transfer protocols, early intravenous access and airway management, burn shock and resuscitation, wound assessment, inhalational burns, electrical burns, surgical and rehabilitation strategies, paediatric burns, unconventional burn injuries, and skin donation and banking.

A key feature of the programme was the practical exposure to the functioning of the Burn Centre. Participants undertook integrated Burn ICU and Skin Bank rounds, providing an opportunity to understand the workflow of a specialised burn service and the role of skin banking in modern burn care.

Participants also received practical training in airway management in burns and recognition of inhalational injuries; dressing selection, escharotomy and splintage; and case-based discussion on fluid calculation and wound assessment.The emphasis throughout the course was on early recognition, appropriate resuscitation, sound wound management, multidisciplinary coordination and continuity of care.Dr. Atul Parashar, emphasized the importance of strengthening capacity for timely and evidence-based burn care at different levels of the healthcare system. He highlighted the need for a standardised approach to the initial management of burn patients, early identification of airway and inhalational injuries, appropriate fluid resuscitation, wound care and coordinated multidisciplinary management.

The Comprehensive Burn Management Course reflects PGIMER’s continued commitment, through the Centre of Excellence (Trauma & Burns), to building regional capacity and supporting the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries.

For the family of 27-year-old Kuldeep Singh, the days following his road accident brought a grief no family is ever prepared to face. A young son and brother who had left home would never return. Yet, while struggling to come to terms with the sudden and devastating loss of Kuldeep, his family found the courage to make a decision that would allow a part of him to live on in others.

Expressing his gratitude to the family, Prof.VivekLal, Director, PGIMER, stated, “There are moments when no words can ease a family’s pain. Kuldeep’s family was facing the unimaginable loss of a 27-year-old son and brother, yet in that moment of profound grief, they found the strength to think of others. Their decision has transformed a personal tragedy into hope for other families. This is the extraordinary compassion that makes organ donation a true Gift of Life.”

A resident of Jagadhri, Yamuna Nagar, Kuldeep was admitted to PGIMER on September 15, 2026, after sustaining a severe head injury in a road traffic accident. He was initially taken to Civil Hospital, Yamuna Nagar, and subsequently referred to PGIMER. He was reportedly riding his scooty when he fell after encountering a speed breaker.

For his mother, Bira Rani, the reality of losing her son was devastating. For his younger brother, Parminder, the loss of his elder brother came as a profound shock that changed the family forever. In the midst of this overwhelming grief, the family was counselled about organ donation.

Following two assessments by the Brain Stem Death Certification Committee on September 17, brain stem death was certified as per established protocols. Despite their immense pain, the family consented to the donation of all organs and corneas.

Their decision meant that Kuldeep’s final act became a beginning for others. Both kidneys and corneas were successfully retrieved and transplanted at PGIMER, giving two renal failure patients a second lease of life, while two patients received the gift of sight through corneal transplantation.

Bira Rani, the bereaved mother, spoke of the pain of losing Kuldeep and the solace the family draws from his donation. She said, “It is impossible for us to accept that Kuldeep is no longer coming home. The house, the family and everything around us feels different without him. But when we think that his organs have given someone another chance to live and his corneas may help someone see, we feel that a part of Kuldeep is still with us. We want his life to carry a message of hope for others.”

For Kuldeep’s younger brother Parminder, the loss has also become a deeply personal call to prevent other families from suffering a similar fate. He said, “What happened to my elder brother should not happen to anyone else. I will work towards creating awareness about road traffic accidents and promoting road safety so that others can be protected from such tragedies.”

Ms. Swati Thapa, Transplant Coordinator, PGIMER, who counselled the family and facilitated the consent for organ donation, said, “Speaking to a family that has just lost a young son and brother is one of the most emotionally difficult moments in the organ donation process. Kuldeep’s family was going through immense pain, yet they showed extraordinary courage and compassion by thinking beyond their own grief and choosing to give others the gift of life. Their decision was not easy, but it was deeply selfless.”

Kuldeep, who worked in a steel factory, was the son of Late Shri Balwant Singh. His family had to confront the painful reality that their young son and brother would never return home. Yet, through their decision to donate his organs, they ensured that his final legacy would not be defined only by the tragedy that took him away, but also by the lives and hopes that his donation has touched.

Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, PGIMER, said, “For a family to think of saving other lives while dealing with the loss of their own loved one requires immense courage. Kuldeep’s family has shown remarkable humanity. Their decision has enabled both kidneys and corneas to be used for transplantation and has brought hope to patients who were waiting for it.”

The tragedy also highlights the devastating consequences of road traffic accidents, particularly when they claim young lives. PGIMER appealed to citizens to exercise caution on the roads, follow traffic rules and adopt safe riding and driving practices.

For Kuldeep’s family, the grief will remain and the empty space he has left behind cannot be filled. But through their extraordinary decision, they have ensured that his final legacy is not only one of loss, but also of giving — giving two patients a chance to live, giving two others the gift of sight, and giving meaning to a life that ended far too soon.

Chandigarh: The Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026, organised by the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, under the aegis of the Arthroplasty Society of Tricity, concluded successfully today at The Lalit, Chandigarh. The conference was held from 17th to 19th September 2026 with the theme “Mastering the Precision and Newer Techniques in Joint Replacement.”

Calling the Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 a “hugely successful academic endeavour”, Prof.Vijay G.Goni, Organising Chairperson, said the three-day conference provided a meaningful platform for experts and young surgeons to exchange knowledge, discuss complex clinical situations and gain practical exposure to evolving arthroplasty techniques.

“The Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 has been a hugely successful academic endeavour, bringing together experts and young surgeons on a common platform for meaningful exchange of knowledge and experience. The combination of scientific deliberations, live surgical demonstrations, cadaveric training, hands-on learning and case-based discussions made the conference particularly enriching and relevant to contemporary arthroplasty practice,” said Prof.Goni.

The Organising Chairperson further elaborated, “The theme of mastering precision and newer techniques in joint replacement reflects the rapidly evolving nature of arthroplasty. Our objective was not only to discuss advances but also to provide participants with opportunities for practical learning and interaction with experts. I am pleased that the conference has successfully achieved this objective. Ultimately, the value of such academic initiatives lies in translating knowledge and skills into better and safer patient care.”

The event also featured the 3rd PGI Arthroplasty Course, offering participants comprehensive exposure to contemporary arthroplasty practices through live surgical demonstrations, a cadaveric workshop, hands-on learning, expert national and international faculty, and case-based discussions.

The three-day scientific programme covered a wide spectrum of topics in primary and revision arthroplasty, with emphasis on precision, newer surgical techniques, challenging clinical situations and decision-making in complex joint replacement procedures.

On the concluding day, academic sessions included challenging total knee and total hip replacement cases, anaesthesia for arthroplasty and the perioperative journey, variations in cocktail composition for total knee replacement in the Indian scenario, osteoporosis treatment and its relevance to arthroplasty, and joint preservation procedures.

A dedicated revision arthroplasty session focused on challenges in revision total knee arthroplasty following trauma, acetabular-side bone defect management and precision in implant removal. A case-based panel discussion on implant choices in revision total knee replacement, followed by a video demonstration of revision TKA, provided participants with practical insights into complex revision procedures.

The conference concluded with an Award Ceremony and Valedictory Session, marking the successful culmination of three days of academic deliberations, surgical learning and professional interaction.