Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced a significant increase in milk procurement prices for farmers associated with Milkfed Punjab (Verka), declaring it as a decisive step to strengthen the rural economy and ensure better returns for dairy producers across the state. The revised rates, effective from April 1, 2026, are expected to directly benefit lakhs of farmers while triggering a broader rise in procurement prices across the dairy sector.
In a statement, Chief Minister’s Office stated, “In another major pro-farmer initiative, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced an increase in the milk procurement price for farmers associated with Milkfed Punjab (brand Verka).”
The CM Office added, “These rates will be effective from April 1, 2026. This will increase the Milk Procurement price by ₹10 to 15 per Kg Fat. The decision aims to ensure better remuneration for dairy farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and reinforce the cooperative dairy structure in Punjab.”
In consonance with the directions of the Chief Minister this move has been taken by Milkfed to safeguard the interest of farmers and dairy producers, who are the backbone of Punjab’s rural economy.”
Around 2.5 lakh dairy farmers who are part of Milkfed family will immediately get the benefit of increased payments. This price enhancement will improve the economic viability of dairy farming and will actually benefit nearly 30 lakh milk producers of Punjab, as all other companies and Institutions which procure milk will have to increase their procurement rates so as to match those of Milkfed’s.
Pertinently, Milkfed Punjab is North India’s leading Milk Cooperative with majority share in packaged milk and milk products. Being the leader in the industry in this part of the country, the raising of milk procurement prices by Milkfed will have a spiralling effect and lead to additional infusion of ₹100 crore per month in Punjab’s rural economy.
A Single Theme Workshop on Neonatal Neurological Disorders will be held at the Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), on 4th and 5th April 2026. The workshop will be conducted by the Newborn Unit, Department of Pediatrics.
The workshop will be inaugurated by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER. The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee is Prof. Praveen Kumar; the Organizing Secretary is Prof. Sourabh Dutta; and the Joint Organizing Secretary is Dr. Jogender Kumar. Other faculty members include Dr. Naveen Jain from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Dr. Naveen Gupta from New Delhi; Prof. Deepak Chawla, Prof. Suksham Jain, and Dr. Supreet Khurana from Government Medical College, Chandigarh; and Dr. Sajan Saini, Dr. Bijaylakshmi Behera, Prof. Naveen Sankhyan, Dr. Arushi Saini, Dr. Anupriya Kaur, Dr. Chirag Ahuja, and Dr. Bharti Sharma from PGIMER.
Neonatal neurological disorders include diseases affecting the nervous system of newborns, primarily the brain. There was a time when the primary focus of newborn specialists was to save the lives of premature babies or full-term babies born with asphyxia. With significantly improved survival rates today compared to a few decades ago, the focus has shifted from mere survival to ensuring “neurologically intact survival.”
“Neurologically intact survival” refers to surviving into childhood and adulthood as a mentally and physically normal individual who can function independently and contribute to society. There is little value in expending enormous family and societal resources to save a newborn baby if the child grows up with severe disabilities such as intellectual impairment or cerebral palsy and remains dependent on caregivers throughout life.
A systematic analysis of data from low- and middle-income countries published in 2021, including India, reported that the average survival rate of babies weighing less than 1 kg was about 30%, with approximately 20% of survivors having abnormal neurological development. Data from major centers in India suggest that very to moderately premature babies have nearly five times the risk of brain disorders compared to full-term babies, and about 35–40% of babies weighing less than 1 kg either die or develop serious brain impairments.
Newborns are particularly vulnerable to neurological disorders because their brains are delicate. In premature babies, the brain is prone to internal bleeding due to fragile blood vessels, white matter damage due to inadequate blood supply or inflammation, and impaired growth and development. In full-term babies, brain injury may occur due to birth asphyxia, metabolic disturbances, or severe jaundice.
Significant advances have been made in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and follow-up of neonatal brain disorders in recent years. These include therapeutic hypothermia (external cooling of the brain) for selected asphyxiated babies, newer anti-epileptic medications, advanced ultrasound and MRI techniques, bedside EEG monitoring, improved recognition and prevention of factors leading to bleeding and white matter injury, diagnosis of complex metabolic disorders using sophisticated laboratory techniques, optimization of antibiotic duration for brain infections, and establishment of standardized follow-up protocols for early detection of cerebral palsy. Together, these advances have contributed to improved neurologically intact survival. Strategies to protect the vulnerable brains of premature babies begin well before birth and continue for months afterward.
Keeping these considerations in mind, the Neonatal Unit of the Department of Pediatrics has organized this two-day workshop dedicated entirely to neonatal brain disorders. The workshop will be highly practical and hands-on. It will include three practical workstations focusing on therapeutic hypothermia, EEG recording, and neuroimaging (ultrasound and MRI). There will also be six real-life clinical case discussions highlighting the management of newborns with serious neurological conditions.
The participants are pediatric specialists with a special interest in neonatal care. Lectures on the first day will cover the basics of neurological examination in newborns (which differs significantly from that in adults and older children), an approach to the stuporous neonate, and the diagnosis and management of brain injury due to asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, and white matter injury. The second day will include lectures on the management of neonatal seizures, hydrocephalus, preventive strategies, neonatal stroke, brain injury due to hypoglycemia or severe jaundice, and long-term follow-up.
Simple measures that the general public can adopt to promote neurologically intact survival include regular antenatal check-ups, adherence to medical advice during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, prevention of infections, and seeking immediate medical attention if a newborn shows abnormal movements, lethargy or severe jaundice.
Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh on Wednesday evening, terming it a “cowardly and deeply disturbing assault on democratic values.” He stated that such incidents not only threaten the safety of political workers but also strike at the very foundation of India’s democratic framework.
Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, Tandon squarely blamed the AAP government for its “complete failure to take decisive and effective action against anti-social and extremist elements.” He said that repeated warnings about rising threats have gone unheeded, emboldening those who seek to disrupt peace and stability in the state. “The AAP government has done nothing vital to check the growing influence of disruptive forces. Their inaction has created an environment where such nefarious activities can take place with alarming ease,” Tandon asserted in a statement. Reiterating the BJP’s firm resolve, he emphasized that the party will not be intimidated by such attacks. “This nefarious assault on a democratic political party will not be allowed to succeed in its criminal intent under any circumstances. Our commitment to serve the people and uphold democratic principles remains unshaken,” he said. Tandon also called upon law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift, transparent and thorough investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. He urged the Punjab government to rise above political considerations and take immediate, concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and political institutions.
Theme: “Autism Beyond the Clinic: Lived Experiences of Families Through a Social Pediatrics Lens”
Chandigarh: The Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER Chandigarh, marked World Autism Awareness Day 2026 with a meaningful and inclusive program, reaffirming the global message “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.” The event celebrated not just awareness, but the richness of human diversity and the importance of creating a truly neuroinclusive society.
The program was graced by Dr. Sanjay Jain, Dean, PGIMER Chandigarh, as the Guest of Honour, who emphasized the need for early identification, inclusive education, and strengthening support systems for children with autism and their families.
The event brought together a multidisciplinary team including Pediatric Neurologists, Pediatricians, Psychologists, educators, and community stakeholders—highlighting the importance of collaborative care in addressing autism.
Distinguished attendees included Abha Sharma Joshi, President, Rotary Club Chandigarh; representatives from Chandigarh Citizen Foundation (CCF) led by Col (Dr.) Dev; Prof. Ambuj, Government College; Kavita Das, Former Principal, St. John’s High School and currently Director Principal, GD Goenka School, Mohali; Neha, Primary School Teacher; and Geeta, Head of the Special Cell at Bhawan Vidyalaya. The event also saw active participation from members of the Rotaract Club, AIMS Mohali, along with residents, nursing staff, psychology students, parents, and community members.
A key highlight of the program was the “Voices of Autism” Parent & Caregiver Story Circle, where mothers and caregivers shared their lived experiences. Their narratives reflected the realities of navigating multiple therapies, making continuous educational accommodations, and accessing specialized healthcare services. The discussions brought attention to the significant parental stress, often compounded by complex caregiving demands, financial strain, and persistent social stigma.
In a particularly inspiring moment, a young adult with autism—born at PGIMER—shared his journey and achievements. He now runs a YouTube channel, “Cricket Ki Awaaz,” and expressed his willingness to connect, answer queries, and build friendships, symbolizing hope, ability, and inclusion.
Experts emphasized that autism must be understood beyond the clinic, with a focus on inclusive classrooms, supportive families, and compassionate communities that celebrate differences rather than stigmatize them.
The event also featured a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing unity, joy, and the celebration of diversity. Participants came together in a spirit of togetherness, reinforcing the message that every individual is unique and valuable.
The Rotaract Club, AIMS Mohali, reaffirmed its commitment to building a neuroinclusive society, pledging continued efforts toward awareness, acceptance, and community engagement.
The program concluded with a collective call to action—to move beyond awareness toward acceptance, inclusion, and celebration of diversity, ensuring that every individual with autism is valued and empowered to thrive.
Bellary, April 1, 2026: As India’s top kabaddi players come together for a high-performance Strength & Conditioning camp, the focus is clearly shifting towards a more scientific and structured approach to preparation – one that goes beyond traditional training methods, especially with key international competitions like the Asian Games on the horizon.
For all-rounder Aslam Inamdar, the evolution of kabaddi has made strength and conditioning an essential part of the game. With the sport becoming faster and more physically demanding, the margin for error has reduced significantly. “The S&C aspect is very important in kabaddi today. If your base is not strong, injuries are bound to happen. Training, recovery, and understanding your body all play a big role in performance,” he said.
He also spoke about how such initiatives are helping players better understand the demands of modern training. “I would like to thank AKFI and Mashal Sports for organising a camp like this and helping players understand the importance of the S&C system.”
This growing emphasis on physical and mental readiness is echoed by Naveen Kumar, who highlighted the demands of maintaining peak performance across multiple camps and competitions. “In a camp setup, you have to give 100 percent every single time. Physically, it can be challenging, but mental fitness plays a big role. If you are mentally strong and disciplined, your body responds accordingly,” he noted.
For Naveen, consistency remains the biggest challenge at the elite level. “When you have multiple camps and competitions, maintaining that level non-stop is tough, but that’s what is required at this level,” he said.
For Pushpa Rana, one of the key takeaways from the camp has been a deeper understanding of her own body and the role of science in improving performance. From injury prevention to recovery techniques, the exposure to structured training methods is helping athletes build longevity in the sport. “We are understanding our body much better – what our weaknesses are and how to work on them. Things like recovery and proper training methods are helping us improve and stay fit for the long term,” she said.
Having already experienced the highs and challenges of the international stage, Pushpa also highlighted her continued ambition. “In 2011, I played in the Asian Games and won a silver medal. Later, in 2023, I was part of the team that won gold. I worked very hard for that, but I got injured at that time. So now my next target is the Asian Games and winning gold again,” she shared.
She also highlighted how awareness has evolved with access to better support systems. “Earlier, we didn’t always know the right way to deal with things like muscle tightness or recovery. Now, with proper guidance, we are learning how to take care of our bodies better,” she added.
Together, these perspectives underline a broader shift in Indian kabaddi—where performance is no longer driven by skill alone, but by a combination of fitness, recovery, discipline, and a deeper awareness of the body.
Chandigarh: Digestive health concerns are rising across India, driven by fast-paced lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and sedentary work routines. Despite the growing prevalence of digestive problems, awareness about serious gastrointestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer remains low.
To better understand how people interpret digestive symptoms and when they seek medical help, Merck Specialities Pvt. Ltd. supported a nationwide perception audit through the Lifestyle & Digestive Health Awareness Survey. The survey assessed how individuals respond to symptoms such as irregular bowel movements, acidity, and blood in stool, while also identifying awareness gaps and behavioural patterns that may delay timely medical consultation and diagnosis.
The findings were shared at a press conference addressed by Dr. Rakesh Kapoor, Prof. and Unit Head, Dept. of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh; Dr. Jatin Sarin, Director – Medical Oncology, Livasa Hospital, Mohali and Chandigarh Cancer & Diagnostic Center, Sector 33, Chandigarh; and Col. Dr. Gurjeet Singh Chowdhary, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Indus Superspeciality Hospital, Phase-1, Mohali, who emphasised the urgent need for greater awareness and timely medical consultation for digestive health symptoms.
Colorectal cancer is emerging as a growing health concern in India, driven by unhealthy diets, obesity, and low awareness about gut health. Although largely preventable and treatable when detected early, many cases are diagnosed late due to delayed screening and poor awareness of symptoms. March is observed globally as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and against this backdrop, the nationwide survey uncovered worrying trends in digestive health awareness and lifestyle habits.
The nationwide survey collected responses from 10,198 individuals aged between 25 and 65 years across 14 major Indian cities, including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune. The findings reveal several concerning patterns in digestive health behaviour and awareness. Over 80% of respondents self-medicate for digestive issues such as acidity, indigestion, or constipation instead of consulting a doctor. More than 65% of respondents reported experiencing irregular bowel movements. Over 50% consume outside or packaged food at least three times a week, with 28.1% eating outside almost daily. Only 45.2% reported exercising regularly, while 54.8% said they do not exercise at least three times a week. 39.9% reported tobacco consumption, which is a known risk factor for gastrointestinal diseases. 40% of young respondents ignored symptoms and reported digestive irregularities but did not consult a doctor, assuming it was due to lifestyle habits. Most importantly, over 80% of respondents were unaware that blood in stool can be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer.
As the campaign gathered momentum across Chandigarh, the city-specific survey findings exposed a worrying lack of awareness around digestive health and colorectal cancer.
The city-specific analysis for Chandigarh included 624 participants, comprising 287 male and 333 female respondents, across age groups 25–35 (162), 36–45 (266), 46–55 (144), and 55 years and above (52). The findings revealed that over 81% of respondents fail to recognise blood in stool as a warning sign of colorectal cancer, indicating low awareness. Equally concerning is the delay in seeking medical help, with over 85% of respondents opting for over-the-counter solutions or lifestyle changes if their bowel habits changed for a few weeks (constipation or loose motions), while only 14.4% would consult a doctor. Digestive symptoms were widely reported in the city, with 60.5% of respondents experiencing irregular bowel movements and 81.5% reporting a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation at times, which often remains unaddressed. Lifestyle risks were also evident, with around 78% frequently consuming outside or packaged food, while only 44.3% reported exercising regularly, indicating a lack of consistent physical activity among a large section of the population.
Tobacco consumption continues to be a concern, with 37.2% of respondents reporting usage. Another major issue is self-management of symptoms, with over 85% managing gastric issues through self-medication or home remedies for problems such as acidity, gas, or indigestion, while only 10.4% seek medical advice. When it comes to more serious symptoms, 39.2% admitted they would consider self-medication even in cases of blood in stool, reflecting a concerning gap in urgency despite a potentially serious warning sign. Barriers to seeking medical care were also highlighted, with lack of time being the primary reason (33.1%), while fear (26.7%) and embarrassment (22.9%) also contributed significantly, showing that hesitation often delays care.
Awareness levels remain low, with 79% unaware that serious digestive diseases can exist without pain, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis. Family history was reported by 23.6% of respondents, including conditions such as bowel cancer, polyps, or inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. Despite this, hereditary risk continues to remain under-recognised and under-discussed.
Dr. Rakesh Kapoor, Prof. and Unit Head, Dept. of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, said, “Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and often begins as small growths called polyps that can gradually become cancerous if untreated. Risk factors include unhealthy diets low in fibre, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and age. Don’t miss symptoms such as persistent bowel habit changes, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early through screening methods such as colonoscopy.”
Dr. Jatin Sarin, Director – Medical Oncology, Livasa Hospital, Mohali and Chandigarh Cancer & Diagnostic Center Chandigarh, explained, “Data from Chandigarh shows that many people tend to ignore early digestive symptoms and delay visiting a doctor. Instead, they often rely on self-medication, which can hide the real problem and postpone diagnosis. Signs like ongoing changes in bowel habits or blood in the stool are commonly overlooked, even though they can be early warnings of colorectal cancer. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention and better treatment outcomes.”
Col. Dr. Gurjeet Singh Chowdhary, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Indus Superspeciality Hospital Mohali, highlighted that poor lifestyle habits play a major role in the rising incidence of colorectal cancer. He said, “Frequent consumption of processed or outside food, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and obesity can increase the risk. Adopting healthier habits such as a fibre-rich diet that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc., along with regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and undergoing routine screening — can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and improve overall digestive health.”
Calling AMRIT Pharmacy a “big shot in the arm for patient care,” Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, today stated, “Ayushman Bharat is functioning like a 4×4 wheel drive, powering and sustaining the enormous patient load at PGIMER, while AMRIT serves as its backbone by ensuring affordability of treatment,” as he inaugurated the institute’s 14th AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy, the highest number of such outlets in any public sector hospital across the country.
The facility at Nehru Extension Block was inaugurated by Prof. Vivek Lal in the presence of Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics); Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research); Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director Administration; Prof. Sandeep Bansal, Additional Medical Superintendent; Heads of Departments, senior faculty, residents, nursing officers, and staff of PGIMER.
Rajesh Nair, Vice President, AMRIT Pharmacy, was also present on the occasion along with his team, underscoring the continued support and collaboration from the AMRIT initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Vivek Lal described the AMRIT initiative as a cornerstone of patient-centric care and highlighted its critical role in supporting beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat as he stated, “Every patient deserves assured quality and affordability. Through AMRIT, we are ensuring access to medicines from standard, reputed companies at significant discounts. This initiative has become a backbone of patient care,” Prof. Lal said.
Emphasizing the scale and pressure on services, Prof. Lal remarked, “ Ayushman Bharat is enabling access, supporting high patient volumes, and ensuring that financial constraints do not come in the way of treatment. AMRIT complements this by making medicines affordable and accessible.”
Highlighting expansion plans, Director PGIMER noted that with 14 AMRIT outlets already operational, PGIMER aims to establish 2 to 3 more outlets to further strengthen last-mile delivery of affordable medicines.
“In high-load areas such as cardiology and emergency services, AMRIT outlets are being positioned for 24×7 availability, with dedicated facilitation for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries. This is not a commercial activity—it is a patient welfare movement ensuring timely access to essential medicines,” Prof. Lal stated.
Describing AMRIT as a transformative initiative, he said, “This is among the best interventions for patients. We are grateful to the Government of India for promoting such a noble and enlightening movement that directly benefits the common citizen.”
Acknowledging operational realities, Prof. Lal emphasized continuous improvement as he stated, “No system is ever 100 percent perfect, but we are committed to ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability. Issues such as availability gaps and refund timelines are being actively addressed, and we are in communication with the Ministry to further streamline processes.”
Director PGIMER also underlined the need for robust systems to handle the ever-increasing patient influx. “Given the magnitude of patient load, we are ensuring optimal stocking and seamless functioning of AMRIT outlets so that patient care, particularly under Ayushman Bharat, remains uninterrupted.”
Reiterating PGIMER’s legacy, Prof. Lal noted, “Since 1963, PGIMER has stood as a pillar of patient care. The scale of services we provide is equivalent to the best in the world, and we continue to strengthen infrastructure and systems in line with national priorities.”
Speaking on institutional reforms, Director PGIMER added, “There are always invisible resistances to change, but we are moving ahead against the current. Many initiatives that once seemed difficult—such as expanding AMRIT into critical care areas—are now a reality. These are silent yet powerful transformations benefiting patients every day.”
Sharing future developments, Prof. Lal informed that the Hon’ble Union Health Minister will visit PGIMER on April 27, 2026, for the convocation ceremony. During the visit, major facilities including the Neurosciences Centre, Advanced Maternal and Child Health Centre, Critical Care Centre, and other key infrastructure projects are expected to be inaugurated , further augmenting patient care capacity.
Director PGIMER also appreciated the role of administrative and financial streamlining in enabling progress. “In recent months, financial processes have become smoother, enabling faster procurement and improved service delivery. This has directly supported the expansion and efficiency of AMRIT outlets,” he said.
The inauguration of the 14th AMRIT Pharmacy reinforces PGIMER’s leadership in advancing affordable healthcare, with AMRIT and Ayushman Bharat together acting as a strong, complementary system to support the growing patient load and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.
A programme to celebrate Rajasthan and Odisha Foundation Day was held at Punjab Lok Bhavan, where the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, along with his wife Smt. Anita Kataria, attended as the Chief Guest. He extended warm greetings to the people of both states, stating that Rajasthan is known for its bravery and courage, while Odisha is admired for its devotion and spirituality. Together, they reflect India’s shared identity. He also highlighted the role of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat in promoting cultural exchange, better understanding, and unity among different states.
The Rajasthan presentation included an address by Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, followed by “Desert Symphony” featuring traditional instruments. Folk and classical performances such as Angi Ger, Bhawal, Kathak, Seharia Swang, Ghoomar, and Kalbelia showcased the vibrant culture of the state.
The Odisha presentation included a speech by Dr. R. K. Rathoo, a lively Sambalpuri folk performance, and a live portrait painting of the Governor by Mr. Shani Dhanuk, which added an artistic touch. These presentations highlighted cultural exchange and the spirit of national integration.
The Governor conveyed a message of humanity, urging people to rise above ego and anger. He emphasized that the spirit of humanity is deeply rooted in India’s soil. Referring to the teachings of Lord Mahavira, particularly in the context of Mahavir Jayanti, he highlighted the values of forgiveness, non-violence, and harmony.
Speaking about Rajasthan, the Governor noted that the state is known for its rich history, forts, folk traditions, crafts, cuisine, and warm hospitality. He referred to heritage sites such as Kalibangan and famous forts like Chittorgarh and Amer, along with well-known dances like Ghoomar and Kalbelia, which represent Rajasthan’s cultural richness.
Referring to Odisha, he said the state has a proud cultural and historical legacy. He highlighted the heritage of Kalinga, the Jagannath Temple, the Konark Sun Temple, Odissi dance, tribal traditions, literature, biodiversity, and the state’s role in India’s freedom movement and economic growth.
The Governor said that celebrating foundation days together promotes mutual respect and understanding among states. He emphasized that India’s strength lies in its diversity and that such programmes help strengthen national unity. He called upon citizens to draw inspiration from the rich heritage of both states and work together for a strong and progressive India.
Also present on the occasion were Cabinet Minister, Punjab, Shri Gurmeet Singh Khuddian; MLA Dr. Nachhatar Pal; Additional Solicitor General of India Shri Satya Pal Jain; Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab Shri Vivek Pratap Singh; Home Secretary Shri Mandip Singh Brar; Director General of Police, Chandigarh, Dr. Sagarpreet Hooda; Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh, Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav; Shri Shivdular Singh, Secretary, Red Cross, Punjab; Smt. Priyadarshini Thakur, IAS (Retd.); former Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla; and other distinguished guests.
According to Sanatan Dharma today is a day dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu. On paying obeisance to the deity on this day, one’s desires get fulfilled and this also helps cleanse oneself of any sins. To mark the day Purushottam Das Rungta Charitable Trust organised a ‘Community kitchen’ or ‘Ann Bhandara’ as part of its endeavour to do something for society and also in honour of Lord Vishnu. This was the Trust’s 209th Community Kitchen. “Putting up a community kitchen or ‘ann bhandara’ on this auspicious occasion is a good way to pay tribute to Lord Vishnu, as through a community kitchen, one feeds the needy and this is considered a very noble deed,” said Amitabh Rungta, Founder, Purushottam Das Rungta Charitable Trust. Trust members actively participated in organizing the ‘community kitchen’ and made a significant contribution to its success.
Chandigarh, March 29 — Haryana Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishan Kumar Bedi, stated that the state government is committed to providing every citizen with education, healthcare, and security as a matter of priority. Haryana is achieving new milestones in the field of education.
Mr. Bedi was speaking as the chief guest at a program held on the 40th Foundation Day of Jain Public School in Rewari on Sunday.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the government is working to provide all essential facilities to citizens in the country and the state. He added that the Haryana government is working to ensure that every citizen of the state has access to education, healthcare, and security. He mentioned that today, both government and private institutions in the state are being provided with better infrastructure, and students are being given necessary facilities as required. The government’s aim is that not a single child in the state should be deprived of education.
On this occasion, he also assured that the demands raised by the school management committee would be fulfilled. He encouraged the school’s talented students by distributing awards and certificates of appreciation.
