Chandigarh: In a first-of-its-kind initiative for Tricity food lovers, Indian cuisine is now available in a drive-thru format. Chandi Hospitality has officially launched Tricity’s first Indian cuisine drive-thru at Airport Road, G Block, Mohali.
The announcement was made by Sonu Chandi, CEO and Owner of Chandi Hospitality. He shared that the hospitality group has been successfully operating 15 restaurants across California, USA, for the past 19 years and is now expanding its footprint in India with modern and innovative dining concepts.
As part of this expansion plan, Chandi Hospitality has introduced “CurryLane Kitchen” along with its restaurant “Curry & Hops Brewing Co.” in Mohali. The initiative aims to provide travelers and local residents with quick, convenient, and authentic Indian meals while on the move. Until now, drive-thru facilities were largely associated with fast-food options such as burgers and pizzas, but this new concept brings Indian cuisine into the same convenient format.
Speaking about the concept, Sonu Chandi said that Indian food has always remained people’s preferred choice, but the absence of an Indian food drive-thru option often left commuters with limited alternatives during travel. The newly launched model combines authentic taste with speed and convenience.
To further elevate the culinary experience, Chandi Hospitality has onboarded Chef Adit Grover, formerly associated with The Oberoi Hotels, as Culinary Consultant. He has played a key role in curating the flavors and menu for both concepts, blending traditional Indian tastes with a modern presentation style.
The kitchen operations will be led by Executive Chef Heera , who has previously worked with several leading restaurants in New Delhi and brings extensive expertise in managing multi-cuisine operations. His experience and leadership are expected to deliver a diverse and high-quality dining experience across the menu offerings at CurryLane Kitchen and Curry & Hops Brewing Co.
Sonu Chandi further revealed that Chandi Hospitality is planning expansion across various cities in India in the coming years. The company aims to redefine the quick-service dining segment by combining Indian flavors with modern hospitality concepts.
Senior IAS officer and Secretary, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Shashi Ranjan Kumar, who is also an acclaimed author, visited Chandigarh for a special signing event of his latest literary work, The Decline of Hindu Civilization.
During his visit, the UPSC Secretary held an engaging intellectual session with renowned author and mentor Munish Jindal. The duo engaged in a wide-ranging discussion covering the nuances of governance, historical perspectives, and the current socio-cultural fabric of society.
On this occasion, Munish Jindal presented a copy of his widely appreciated book, Sadda Punjab, to the UPSC Secretary. In a reciprocal gesture, Shashi Ranjan Kumar presented his book, The Decline of Hindu Civilization, which offers a thought-provoking narrative on the accomplishments of a civilization and its gradual descent into obscurity.
While appreciating the academic rigor of Munish Jindal’s work, Shashi Ranjan Kumar remarked that Sadda Punjab holds the potential to serve as a “Gazetteer of Punjab” for researchers, scholars, and students. He noted that the book provides an exhaustive and authentic understanding of the history, culture, and socio-political landscape of the state.
Expressing his gratitude for the encouragement, Munish Jindal stated that such interactions with distinguished personalities—who contribute significantly to both public administration and literature—are deeply motivating. He added that such exchanges provide an intellectually enriching perspective for young aspirants and readers across the region.
Chandigarh: A comprehensive Fire Mock Drill was successfully conducted on 08.05.2026 at the Tulsi Das Library, PGIMER, Chandigarh, as part of the ongoing Fire Safety Week being observed from 4th to 10th May 2026. The exercise was organized by the Fire Section, Security Department, PGIMER, Chandigarh, in close coordination with Chandigarh Fire Services to strengthen emergency preparedness and reinforce fire safety protocols across the institute.
The mock drill witnessed the active participation of 124 personnel drawn from various departments, including Fire and Security, Library, Hospital Administration, Electrical Wing, doctors, students, Chandigarh Fire Services, Chandigarh Police, and other concerned officers and officials.
The drill simulated a real-time fire emergency scenario and included activation of fire alarms, live fire response, firefighting demonstrations, evacuation procedures, rescue operations, assembly and head count of evacuated personnel, followed by a lecture and practical demonstration on fire safety measures and emergency response techniques.
The exercise aimed to assess the readiness of stakeholders, improve interdepartmental coordination, and sensitize participants about timely response during fire emergencies, thereby ensuring a safer institutional environment at PGIMER.
Chandigarh: The ‘Legal Services Clinic’ set up by the State Legal Services Authority, UT Chandigarh in the office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Sector 30, Chandigarh was inaugurated today by Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court-cum-Executive Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority, UT Chandigarh.
Also present during the occasion were Hari Singh Grewal, District & Sessions Judge, Chandigarh-cum-Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh; Rajiv Tewari, Director Public Relations, Chandigarh; Akash Mittal, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Chandigarh Administration; judicial officers; panel advocates and para legal volunteers.
The inauguration marks a significant step towards strengthening legal aid mechanisms and ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for those who may not have the means to seek legal representation independently.
During the occasion, the chief guest distributed labour cards to the construction workers. Labour cards make the workers eligible for various government welfare schemes.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Sethi said that the initiative aims to provide immediate legal aid and advice to litigants having matters pending before or to be filed before the Assistant Labour Commissioner. The clinic has been established to ensure that workers, employers and other stakeholders receive timely legal guidance and assistance, thereby facilitating access to justice and promoting efficient resolution of labour-related disputes.
He further stated that the State Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh remains committed to its mandate of providing free and competent legal services to eligible persons and continues to take proactive measures to bridge the gap between the legal system and the public.
The Legal Services Clinic will provide on-the-spot legal consultation, guidance regarding legal rights and remedies, and assistance in navigating legal procedures. The clinic will be manned by panel advocates and Para Legal Volunteers of the District Legal Services Authority, U.T. Chandigarh.
One Para Legal Volunteer and two Panel Advocates have been deputed at this Legal Services Clinic to provide legal assistance, guidance, and support to the public regarding various legal issues and welfare schemes.
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious note of the alarming conditions in government primary schools in Nuh district — one allegedly operating from a cattle shed –and initiated suo motu proceedings.
Acting on news reports published on May 6, the commission sought detailed reports from the authorities. The HHRC observed that the conditions highlighted in the reports were extremely grave and prima facie amounted to serious violations of children’s rights to education, health, and dignified living.
According to the facts placed before the Commission comprising Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, several Government Primary Schools in the FerozepurJhirka area of District Nuh are functioning without proper buildings. Government Primary School, village Kubda Bas, is reportedly operating from a cattle shed where approximately 29 boys and 33 girls from Balvatika to Class III are studying. After school hours, cows and buffaloes are tied in the same premises and cattle fodder is also stored there. Despite cleaning of the premises, foul smell persists, adversely affecting the health and learning environment of the children. It has further been reported that the school is functioning only due to temporary permission granted by a private landowner, reflecting a complete absence of permanent government infrastructure. The school is reportedly one among at least nineteen (19) schools in this Haryana district adjoining Gurugram that are functioning without buildings.
Similarly, Government Primary School, village Kalu Bas, is functioning in an open field where about 45 boys and 50 girls are being taught in front of blackboards tied to trees. During the monsoon season, the entire field becomes muddy, while in winters the children are forced to study in hostile extreme condition of cold making learning highly unsafe. The Commission observed that such conditions amount to a serious compromise with the safety and dignity of children. The Full Commission headed by Justice LalitBatra and comprising Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia also expressed serious concern regarding acute shortage of teachers. Assistant Registrar of the Commission, PuneetArora, stated that all the concerned authorities have been directed to submit detailed reports on the points mentioned in the order at least one week prior to the next date of hearing on July 22 before the Haryana Human Rights Commission.
Mohali May 6: The I J Doda Foundation successfully organized a Climate Media Leadership Programme at Chandigarh University, aimed at promoting accurate and responsible reporting on climate issues in the media.
The programme was conducted under the Environment Education Programme with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and in association with the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology.
The one-day event witnessed active participation from journalism students, faculty members, and young media professionals. Sessions focused on data-driven reporting, understanding climate issues, and effectively communicating environmental concerns.
Held under the guidance of Satnam Singh Sandhu, the programme featured insights from experts including Dharminder Sharma IFS, Jonita Doda, and senior journalist Vijay Brar.
Experts highlighted Punjab’s pressing environmental challenges, including excessive groundwater depletion, rising air pollution levels (PM2.5), and polluted rivers impacting health and agriculture.
Jonita Doda emphasized that the way climate stories are reported directly influences public perception and policymaking, making responsible journalism crucial.
Chandigarh: Marking a significant milestone, PGIMER, Chandigarh, on Tuesday celebrated the second annual ‘Sarathi Day’, commemorating two impactful years of SARATHI (Students’ Alliance for Responsible Action to Transform Healthcare Institutes)—a pioneering volunteer-led initiative transforming patient care and accessibility at the Institute.
The event was graced by Rajesh Prasad H, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, as Chief Guest, and Prerna Puri, Secretary Education, Chandigarh Administration, as Guest of Honour. Also present on the occasion were Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research) and Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER.
Addressing a packed auditorium, Chief Guest Rajesh Prasad lauded SARATHI as a unique model blending service with experiential learning as he stated, “SARATHI stands on four powerful pillars—empathy, compassion, social responsibility, and experiential learning. In large hospitals, where navigating systems can be overwhelming even for the most privileged, these young volunteers become true ‘sarathis’, guiding patients with dignity and care. What they learn here is not just skill—it is a lifelong transformation of the heart.”
Emphasising the human dimension of service, the Chief Secretary added, “Compassion cannot be taught through books—it must be experienced and felt. Through SARATHI, these students are not only supporting patients but discovering the true essence of humanity. This initiative is shaping not just better healthcare support systems, but better citizens for the nation.”
Impressed by the scale and impact of the initiative, Rajesh Prasad H further remarked, “What began as a pilot at PGIMER has the potential to become one of the country’s largest social service movements. When youth energy is channelled towards service, healthcare experiences can be transformed across India.”
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, described SARATHI as a reflection of PGIMER’s institutional ethos of compassion, service, and patient-centric care as he stated, “Institutions are not built merely by infrastructure or technology; they are built on values, commitment, and service. PGIMER has sustained its journey from humble beginnings to a national institution of excellence because of the unwavering dedication of its healthcare professionals and SARATHI embodies these very values. ”
Fondly referring to the SARATHI volunteers as “Bravehearts,” Prof. Lal highlighted their developmental journey, stating, “These young volunteers are not merely assisting patients; they are learning humanity at its finest. By helping patients navigate one of India’s busiest hospitals, they are developing empathy, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to service. Years from now, they will look back at SARATHI as one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives.”
Acknowledging the role of school principals, teachers, nodal officers, and administrators, the Director expressed gratitude for their continued support in sustaining and expanding the initiative.
Speaking on the programme’s growing national footprint, Prof. Lal added, “What began as an initiative within PGIMER has now evolved into a people’s movement. SARATHI has demonstrated that when youth are guided with purpose and values, they can become transformative agents of change.”
Highlighting the operational impact of the initiative, Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, stated, “Strengthening healthcare systems is often discussed in terms of infrastructure, technology, and capacity expansion, but an equally critical question is the patient’s actual experience within hospitals. In large institutions like PGIMER, navigating services can be overwhelming. SARATHI was conceived to bridge the gap between availability of services and their accessibility in practice.”
Launched on 6th May 2024, SARATHI integrates student volunteers into hospital ecosystems to assist patients with non-clinical processes such as registration, diagnostics navigation, and movement across service points, and support for elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Elaborating on the scale of the initiative, Pankaj Rai noted that over 2,000 student volunteers have collectively contributed more than 1.24 lakh service hours, benefiting lakhs of patients and attendants.
Discussing the initiative’s policy relevance, Deputy Director (Administration) highlighted that SARATHI has received recognition from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as a replicable model for patient facilitation, and from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports under experiential learning frameworks.
Pankaj Rai added, “SARATHI is shaping a generation of socially responsible young citizens who understand that healthcare is a collective responsibility. In essence, SARATHI reminds us that true healing lies not just in treatment, but in making every patient feel supported, respected, and cared for.”
The programme featured a comprehensive overview of Project SARATHI, tracing its journey over the past two years into a structured patient-support system. A specially curated film showcased the initiative’s evolution and impact, followed by the felicitation of 25 partner educational institutions for their invaluable support, with principals, nodal NSS officers, and dedicated SARATHI volunteers (‘Bravehearts’) being honoured for their outstanding contribution towards improving patient experience at PGIMER.
Summing up the spirit of the initiative, Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), PGIMER, remarked, “SARATHI is compassion in action. It stands as a powerful testament to the potential of youth-led change and community partnerships in advancing health promotion and volunteerism.”
The event concluded with a renewed resolve to further strengthen and expand the initiative, deepening its impact across healthcare institutions nationwide.
Chandigarh: Leading multi-specialty healthcare provider, Park Hospitals on Monday announced the launch of Advanced asthma & allergy clinics at its hospitals in Mohali and Panchkula.
The launch of this advanced asthma clinic will benefit patients from Panchkula, Mohali, Chandigarh, Zirakpur, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Ropar, Nawanshahr, Patiala, Karnal, Kaithal, Solan, and Shimla for specialized asthma care. Addressing a press conference here today, Dr S K Gupta, Director & HOD – Pulmonology said that asthma continues to be a major public health concern in India, with over 34–35 million people affected, contributing to nearly 13% of the global asthma burden. Dr S U Lavasa, Senior Consultant – Allergy & Asthma highlighted that India has three times higher asthma-related mortality compared to the global average, reflecting gaps in early diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Hitesh Gour, Consultant – Pulmonology shared that asthma is a chronic disease affecting both children and adults, often triggered by dust, pollution, smoke, infections, and stress. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Dr S K Gupta further said that asthma is a lifelong condition in many patients, but with proper medical care and awareness, it can be effectively controlled. He emphasized that underdiagnosis and undertreatment remain major challenges in India, leading to avoidable complications and hospitalizations.
The services including respiratory allergy panel testing, fungal allergy (ABPA) work-up, lung function tests (spirometry), and advanced treatment options including immunotherapy and biologics will be available at the clinic. Tips to prevent asthma: · Identify asthma triggers – allergies, smoke, pets, dust mites · Stay away from allergens · Avoid smoke of any type · Prevent cold and infections · Allergy-proof your Home · Get your vaccinations done · Consider immunotherapy · Take asthma medications as prescribed · Follow your asthma action plan · Use a home peak flow meter
Chandigarh: Punjab Gaushala Mahasangh on Monday sought to ban the storage of wheat dry fodder (tudi) while demanding to ensure availability of dry fodder for cattle heads in the state.
Speaking to the media here today, Swami Krishnanand Maharaj, National Chairman-Gausewa Mission, said that Punjab is reeling under a severe crisis of wheat dry fodder. Some mills and factory operators have stocked tudi on a large scale, causing shortage. The situation is worsening day by day and can become a threat to the lives of thousands of cattle heads in the state , he said. He further stated that the administration and Punjab government would bear the moral responsibility for the deaths of cattle heads due to the non-availability of dry fodder. Swami further said that though the state government is collecting huge funds through ‘cow cess’, registered gaushalas are not getting any financial assistance. Maintaining the availability of dry fodder for cattle during this summer season is becoming a big challenge, due to which many cow shelters are facing financial and resource crisis, he asserted. The prices of tudi have gone skyrocket, due to which the financial burden on dairy farmers and cattle rearers has increased significantly, he said. Swami alleged that many cardboard factories, brick kilns, and coal boilers in Punjab have purchased large quantities of straw directly from farmers. As a result, cow shelters are unable to obtain straw, which they previously had readily available. “We request the Punjab Government to impose a ban on the purchase of tudi by factories and brick kilns to ensure gaushalas get it for their cattle heads.” We also demand that the amount of cow cess should be released to the gaushalas, he asserted. The failure of the Punjab government to meet our demands would leave only the option for us to stage a state wide protest , he said. We are giving the state government two days’ time to consider our demands, otherwise we will gherao the residences of the Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs of Punjab. If within two days the state government does not invite for the talk on our demands, then on coming Saturday, gausewaks and gaushala owners along with Shiva Nandis will march to gherao the residences in their respective districts, he maintained.
Livasa Hospitals has announced the appointment of Mr. Kamal Kant Gambhir as its Chief Financial Officer, further strengthening the leadership team as the hospital network continues its growth and expansion across North India. Mr. Gambhir brings with him over 35 years of rich experience in strategic finance, governance, business transformation, and leadership across healthcare, manufacturing, telecom, and multinational organizations. He has held key leadership roles with reputed organizations including SCL Lifesciences Limited as Chief Financial Officer and Gates, a US based multinational organisation, where he served as Senior Finance Director. Known for building robust financial systems, driving operational efficiency, and enabling sustainable business growth, Mr. Gambhir’s appointment comes at a significant time as Livasa Hospitals accelerates its expansion plans and strengthens its commitment to quality, affordable and patient-centric healthcare. Welcoming him to the organization, Mr. Anurag Yadav, Chief Executive Officer, Livasa Hospitals, said, “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Kamal Kant Gambhir to the Livasa family. His deep financial expertise, strategic perspective, and proven leadership track record will be invaluable as we continue to scale our network and build a future-ready healthcare institution.” A Chartered Accountant, Mr. Gambhir is also widely respected as a mentor and motivational speaker, with a passion for developing future leaders and contributing to social welfare initiatives. Livasa Hospitals is a multi-speciality tertiary care hospital network with 750+ beds across Mohali, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, and Khanna. Supported by 250+ experienced doctors and 40+ super specialities, the network is committed to delivering quality, patient-centric, and affordable healthcare. With upcoming hospitals in Ludhiana and other key locations, Livasa Hospitals continues to strengthen access to advanced healthcare across North India.
