Chandigarh:

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, successfully organised a Mega Health Camp under the Government of India’s flagship Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan. The camp witnessed an overwhelming response from the community, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to strengthening women’s health and family well-being through early detection, preventive care, and awareness generation.

Adding a global dimension, a group of final-year medical students from Lund University, Sweden, currently on an elective training programme at the Advanced Paediatric Centre (APC), also participated. The delegation engaged with Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, and faculty teams, commending the camp’s scale, efficiency, and people-centric approach.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER,“The participation of international students underlines the global relevance of India’s health initiatives. At PGIMER, we are committed to strengthening women’s health, and it is gratifying to see our efforts being appreciated beyond borders. Such exchanges enrich both sides and strengthen our collective vision for healthier societies.”

Ms. Tilda Gunnarsson, a visiting student, observed, “The organisation and outreach of this camp are truly inspiring. Seeing long queues of women waiting patiently and the effort to address every concern was moving. PGIMER’s ability to combine compassion with efficiency is something we aspire to replicate in our healthcare system.”

Echoing her sentiments, Ms. Pavel Larsson added, “What impressed me most is how seamlessly awareness, screening, and treatment are integrated under one roof. The emphasis on women’s health empowers not only individuals but entire families. This is healthcare that is both accessible and deeply humane.”

In sync with their teammates, Ms. Maria Kökeritz and Ms. Mai Stensson shared, ““The energy, compassion, and commitment here are extraordinary. Few large-scale initiatives match such attention to detail. The focus on preventive care and early detection is particularly valuable. For us, this has been an eye-opening experience with lessons far beyond textbooks.”

The Lund University delegation, led by faculty from Skåne University Hospital, is in PGIMER from 15–19 September. Their elective focuses on paediatrics in low- and middle-income settings, offering exposure to diverse clinical presentations, healthcare priorities, and structured workflows in India. Their programme includes ward rounds, specialty clinics, academic sessions, and emergency care observation.

The collaboration, facilitated by Professors Arun Bansal and Sanjay Verma, seeks to foster cross-learning and strengthen global medical education. The visit not only highlighted PGIMER’s role in public health outreachbut also reinforced its position as ahub for international exchange and collaboration in healthcare.

The Mega Health Camp at PGIMER under Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan recorded an impressive turnout with a strong focus on women’s health. A total of 259 antenatal check-ups were conducted, along with 2,459 haemoglobin screenings and 690 breast cancer screenings. Preventive care remained central, with 901 diabetes, 1,079 hypertension, 77 cervical cancer, 238 oral cancer, and 378 sickle cell disease screenings. In addition, PGIMER also conducted , 94 major surgeries, and facilitated 450 blood donations through various camps today. In line with the objective of Govt. of India, Ayushman Bharat cards and ABHA ids were generated at the camp, reflecting PGIMER’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare and community outreach.

Chandigarh, September 17, 2025:

The Department of Sociology at Panjab University today hosted a seminar on “Clean and Safe Drinking Water: A Human Right” led by Mr. Paramjit Singh Rana, from Canada, an expert in environmental health and water management.

Mr. Rana began the seminar by explaining the differences between various types of drinking water, including tap water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, and underground water. He outlined the different values and uses of each type, stressing the importance of understanding the quality of water sources for effective public health strategies.

A significant part of his presentation focused on the degradation of water sources, particularly in areas like Cherapunzi, which receives the highest rainfall in the country. He highlighted how water quality in different regions across India has deteriorated over the last few decades due to rising levels of radiation and heavy metals, as well as inefficient sewage management systems.

The session, which was attended by over 40 students, was earlier inaugurated by Dr. Vinod Kumar, Chairperson of the Department of Sociology. The seminar focused on the crucial issue of water quality and its direct impact on public health and human rights.

Chandigarh, September 17, 2025

As part of Alumni Connect Series, the Department of Library and Information Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh, today organised a special lecture on “Education, Ethics & Professional Experiences in Library and Information Science”.

Mr. M. Lokendro Singh, an alumnus of the department and presently serving as Assistant Librarian at Manipur University, Imphal delivered the lecture. The lecture was attended by research scholars and students of the B.Lib.I.Sc. and M.Lib.I.Sc. programs.

Mr. M. Lokendro Singh emphasised that education in the modern era must move beyond textbooks to cultivate ethical reasoning and professional competence. He noted that while degrees provide technical expertise, ethics shape character and professional experiences build practical judgment, together forming the foundation of holistic growth. He highlighted how breaches of ethics affect both individual reputations and institutional credibility, urging students to imbibe values of honesty, accountability, and social responsibility.

Earlier, Prof. Rupak Chakravarty extended a warm welcome to the resource person.

Chandigarh, September 17, 2025

The Centre for Police Administration today organised the Induction cum Orientation Programme-Rookie 2025 for the new batch of First year students of Masters in Police Administration,at the Centre.

The programme commenced with an inspiring inaugural session with Professor BS Ghuman, former Vice Chancellor, Punjabi  University, Patiala as the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Mr. Manjeet Sheoran, SP Intelligence, Headquarters, SP EOW, Assistant Commandant General Home Guards, Communication in Chandigarh Police and Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Chairperson, Centre for Police Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh graced the occasion.

Chief Guest Prof. BS Ghuman emphasised the purpose of the Centre for Police Administration to link the theoretical perspectives of Police Administration with practical aspects of policing. He put forth that the purpose of induction has been to promote social cohesion and also to acquaint the students with their potential to seek life skills for greater sustainability in future. He mentioned the significance of upholding moral integrity and compassion towards human being, in course of pursuit of individual goals.

Mr. Manjeet Sheoran, SP, highlighted the significance of laws and rules i.e. BNS for creating an ideal society for coming generation. He stated the police, as a civil agency, consistently work towards creating more secure and livable social environment. This also calls for genuine compliance of rules by the citizens as well. He also spoke about the challenges faced by police administration in undertaking policing function.

Earlier, Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Chairperson, welcomed the esteemed guests for sparing their valuable time to share their academic and professional insight. He also stated the Induction Programme aimed to introduce the newly admitted students to the course that is a blend of public service, governance, and academic inquiry.

In Session two, Dr. L.S. Rana, Former Deputy Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Punjab, Guest of Honour shared his insight regarding relationship of forensic science with police administration. Dr. Hemant Kumar, DIG (Rtd.), BSF, Keynote Speaker motivated students about career orientation in police and other armed services.

Session three was graced by Dr. R.K. Sharma, former Professor of Public Administration, PU encouraged the students to define their vision and mission while pursuing the course of police administration. Dr. Parvesh Kumari, Inspector, addressed the students to be rule oriented and law-abiding citizens. She encouraged the students to lead a life with a well-defined purpose.

The Programme was attended by an approximate sixty participants including, the students of MA Ist & IInd year, faculty members i.e. Dr. Shaveta Begra, Dr. Satnam Singh, Dr. Daljit Singh and Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, research scholars and office staff.

Chandigarh, September 17, 2025

As part of the Orientation Week for the new batch of PG in Human Rights and Duties at Panjab University (PU), Founder of Coventurers and a seasoned professional Mr. Anas Shah Khan today delivered a lecture on “Social Entrepreneurship, Start-ups and Business Acumen: Empowering Human Rights for Social Change” at the Centre for Human Rights and Duties (CHRD), Panjab University.  

Mr. Khan delivered the lecture and inspired students to view human rights through the lens of innovation and enterprise. He shared his personal journey of building initiatives and collaborating with diverse organisations, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of working at the intersection of rights and entrepreneurship. Drawing on real-life examples, he explained how social entrepreneurship can transform everyday problems—such as inequality, unemployment, and injustice—into opportunities for dignity, livelihood, and sustainable impact. He underlined the importance of business acumen for social good, noting that financial management, communication skills, and teamwork are essential to sustaining meaningful change.

In his closing message, Khan urged students not to wait for perfect conditions but to begin with what they have, where they are: “Small sparks become big flames when hands join.” The lecture left the audience motivated, energised, and better equipped to connect human rights advocacy with entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat, Chairperson, Centre for Human Rights and Duties shared the lecture emphasised the start-up mindset: beginning small, experimenting, learning from failures, and scaling successful ideas.

Students were encouraged to think critically about problems in their own communities and to design small-scale pilot projects, even with minimal resources.

Chandigarh, September 17

Panjab University, Chandigarh today organised a lecture by Professor Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director of NABI, Mohali on “Innovate, Create, Transform: Empowering Youth through Biomanufacturing”. The lecture was organised by the Department of Biotechnology under the aegis of INSA Chandigarh Chapter.

Highlighting the BioE3 Policy (Education, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment), Professor Pareek underlined the pivotal role of biotechnology in the ongoing “era of Biorevolution”, urging youth to actively contribute as innovators and entrepreneurs. He explained its role in fostering sustainable solutions across healthcare, agriculture, and industry, while also serving as a roadmap towards India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 – a fully developed, self-reliant, and prosperous nation. He emphasised that public and private sector investments are driving the biotechnology ecosystem, opening immense opportunities for startups and young researchers.

The lecture was chaired by Professor Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER, SAS Nagar Mohali, who encouraged students to explore interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship. He stressed that institutional collaborations and incubation centres provide young scientists with platforms to transform ideas into proofs of concept.

Concluding remarks were given by Co-Coordinator of Chandigarh Chapter of INSA Professor R.C. Sobti, former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Lucknow, who reiterated the importance of the BioE3 framework in shaping careers in biotechnology. Professor Neena Capalash, Chairperson, Department of Biotechnology, delivered the vote of thanks.

Chandigarh, September 17

The camp, organised in association Akhil Bharatiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad under the guidance of Dr.Parveen Goyal, NSS, Programme Coordinator and Programme Officers Dr. Sonia Sharma and Dr.Neelam Goyal, began by celebrating National Engineers Day. The blood donation camp received encouraging response from the students and 41 Units of blood was donated.

Addressing the function, Director UIET Prof. Sukhwinder Singh appreciated for celebrating thus auspicious day. In his address Prof. Sukhwinder highlighted the importance of celebrating the Birthday of M. Visvesvaraya as National Engineers Day.

Prof. Prashant Jindal, Prof. Sarbajit, Prof.Mamta, Prof.Naveen Aggarwal and Dr. Gaurav Sapra addressed the students and told them the importance of Engineers in articulating the nation. They also motivated students for start ups.

Chandigarh: Panjab University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig released the special edition of the Department of Economics’ six-monthly newsletter, Arthashastrika. 

Covering the period from January to June 2025, this special edition also documents the renaming of Arts block III as Dr. Manmohan Singh Hall. The edition also highlights a range of activities over the past six months, including academic and cultural events, memorial lectures, Ph.D. viva examinations, department trip, farewell week, notable achievements, and national-level selections and placements.

On this occasion, Department’s Chairperson Dr. Smita Sharma informed that the department oversees four research centres and is actively looking forward to pursuing international Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).  

Editorial team of Arthashastrika was also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, September 17

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has said that the recent devastating floods have caused huge damage to farmers’ crops. Instead of providing relief to farmers in this difficult time, the government is entrapping them in the complications of the portal. In such a situation, it is the government’s responsibility to immediately take steps in the interest of farmers and provide proper compensation to the affected farmers at the earliest. 

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said that farmers are complaining that the portal created for flood victims neither has timely internet access nor is it functioning properly. At many places, the portal was found to be non-functional, and despite September 17 being the last date, farmers were unable to register their crops. On September 15, the server remained down the entire day. Kumari Selja said it is extremely unfortunate that when farmers urgently need support and relief, the government is shirking its responsibility. Kumari Selja said that the portals launched by the state BJP government can only succeed if internet services are improved. Compared to cities, the condition of internet facilities in rural areas is very poor. Farmers keep making rounds of CSC centers from morning till evening, only to be told every time that the server is down or the internet is not working. MP Kumari Selja said that the government should not take any step that troubles farmers. Paddy has been the most affected crop due to the floods, and insurance companies are reluctant to provide compensation for it. The government should also take action in this regard. 

Kumari Selja demanded that the government itself conduct a girdawari (crop damage assessment) and evaluate the actual damage caused by floods, provide immediate compensation to farmers without delay, postpone recovery of affected farmers’ loans for one year, bear the interest of this period itself, and instead of entangling farmers in portal-related technical issues, deliver relief and assistance directly to them. Kumari Selja said that the floods have dealt a severe blow to farmers’ livelihoods, and it is the government’s duty to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety of farmers’ lives and future.

Chandigarh/Bhogpur (Jalandhar), September 17:

The Food, Civil Supplies Minister & Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today formally commenced the paddy procurement season at Bhogpur Dana Mandi in Jalandhar district, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to lift every Single grain farmers’ produce.

Reviewing the procurement arrangements, the Minister said the State Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is determined to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement season for all the stakeholders.

Despite the challenges posed by recent floods, robust arrangements had been made across Punjab to ensure that farmers face no implications in selling their crops, added Mr. Kataruchak.

Addressing the media, Mr. Kataruchak noted that farmers’ welfare has always remained the top priority of the state during procurement seasons.

He informed that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy has been fixed at ₹2,389 per quintal, and the government has already secured Cash Credit Limits (CCL) worth ₹15,000 crore for September and ₹27,000 crore for October. He further said that adequate arrangements of bardana (gunny bags) have been made to avoid inconvenience to farmers.

This year, the target of 172 lakh MT paddy procurement was given to Punjab but arrangements have been made to procure nearly 190 lakh MT paddy.

The Minister assured that lifting and payment will go hand in hand, with prompt transfer of payments directly into farmers’ accounts. He directed officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Punjab Mandi Board, and District Administration to personally monitor operations in mandis to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The Punjab Mandi Board has operationalized 1822 Mandis/Purchase Centers to ensure smooth procurement besides ensuring the adequate arrangements with regard to electricity, clean drinking water and other amenities in the mandis.

During his visit, he also interacted with farmers Gurkirat Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Sukhraj Singh, who appreciated the swift procurement process in Bhogpur Dana Mandi. The Minister assured them that their payments would be made at the earliest. He also appealed to farmers to bring only fully dried paddy to the mandis, as higher moisture levels could hinder procurement.

Senior AAP leader Pawan Kumar Tinu, SDM Randeep Singh Heer, DFSC Harveen Kaur, and officials from various departments were also present on the occasion.