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Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Battling Cancer and Drug Abuse: PGIMER Conducts Health Camp in Ghabdan, Sangrur

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Sangrur: The Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER Satellite Centre, Sangrur, organized a comprehensive health camp at Village Ghabdan today, drawing participation from over 60 individuals. The camp focused on raising awareness about cancer and drug abuse, alongside offering free medical consultations and screenings.

The medical team comprised Senior Residents, Dr Giridharan (Community Medicine & SPH), Dr Bushra (Family Medicine), Dr Arti Gupta (Psychiatry), Dr Navdeep (Gynaecologist), and one Junior resident, Dr Sanjeev (ENT).  The Camp was led by Dr Har Ashish Jindal Assistant Professor,Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER Satellite Centre, Sangrur,.

Cancer and drug abuse pose significant public health challenges in Punjab. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP), the estimated number of cancer cases in Punjab in 2024 was 42,288. This is a 7% increase from 2021, when there were 39,521 cases. Simultaneously, substance abuse, especially among the youth, continues to be a pressing issue, necessitating urgent intervention.

The camp highlighted the importance of early detection in cancer management, emphasizing regular health check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and avoidance of risk factors like tobacco and alcohol. In addition, the team educated attendees about the harmful effects of drug addiction and the available de-addiction services, reinforcing the need for community support and timely medical assistance.

By addressing these dual health threats, the camp aimed to empower the community with knowledge and resources for prevention and early intervention. The Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, remains committed to advancing public health and promoting healthier communities through such outreach programs.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Lily Swarn’s “A Bejeweled Tiara” – A Powerful Testament to Love and Peace Through Poetry

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Chandigarh, February 25

Award-winning poet and author Lily Swarn unveiled her latest poetic masterpiece, A Bejeweled Tiara, a collection that celebrates the boundless power of love and peace. Marking her ninth book and fifth poetry collection, this work delves into the delicate emotions and profound truths of the human experience.

A Bejeweled Tiara is an ode to divine love, devotion, and the eternal force of affection, featuring reflections on Ishq e Haqiqi (love of God) and Ishq e Majazi (love for God’s creation). Through captivating verses, Swarn brings to life the legendary love stories of Layla Majnu, Heer Ranjha, and Mirza Sahiba, honoring the universality of love that transcends barriers.

In addition to its romantic essence, the book also carries a strong humanitarian appeal. The section Set the White Dove Free is a poignant call for a world without war, advocating peace and justice for the millions affected by conflict. Swarn’s words echo global concerns, shedding light on the struggles of war victims, including widows, orphans, and displaced individuals.

“Poetry has the power to heal and unite,” says Swarn. “A Bejeweled Tiara is my fearless expression of love, peace, and humanity—a voice against war and suffering.”

Having received over 70 national and international literary accolades, Lily Swarn is an International Beat Poet Laureate (India, 2023-2024) and a recipient of the Caesar Vallejo Award for Literary Excellence. Her poetry, translated into 21 languages, has left an indelible mark on the global literary scene.

A Bejeweled Tiara is more than a book; it is a symbol of hope and resilience. Readers are invited to embrace its message and spread its essence of love and peace across the world.

She was recognized by the World Union of Poets as Global Poet Encomium of Peace and Universal Love and World Institute Of Peace conferred the title of Global Icon of Peace on her in Nigeria. Lily is A Peace and Humanity ambassador for institutions in Peru, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

NMIMS Chandigarh Unveils Marathon Jersey as City Gears Up for the 2025 Half Marathon, Promoting Cancer Awareness and Early Detection

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Chandigarh, February 24, 2025 – Chandigarh is all set to witness an inspiring blend of fitness, awareness, and community spirit as NarseeMonjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)Chandigarh Half Marathon 2025, officially announced the much-awaited third edition of its annual Half Marathon earlier today at the Chandigarh Press Club. Scheduled for Sunday, March 9, 2025, this year’s event is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and the power of resilience.

The announcement was followed by the unveiling of the Jersey for the upcoming Marathon, in the presence of Prof.(Dr.) Rashmi Khorana Nagpal, Campus Director (I/C), NMIMS Chandigarh, Professor & Associate Dean, School of Law ; Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Associate Dean, Computer Engineering/STME, NMIMS Chandigarh; Dr. Ankita Bhardwaj, Program Chairperson, School of Commerce, NMIMS Chandigarh; and

Dr.Ashish Gulia, Director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, New Chandigarh.

Strengthening this mission, NMIMS Chandigarh has partnered with Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (Tata Memorial Center), Chandigarh, bringing together medical experts, cancer survivors, and the local community to spread awareness. The event is set to bring together around 1,000 participants inclusive of cancer survivors and individuals who have overcome serious illnesses, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

Speaking at the launch,Prof. (Dr.) Rashmi Khorana Nagpal Campus Director (I/C), NMIMS Chandigarh, Professor & Associate Dean, School of Law said, “The Half Marathon is a ‘Instilling the values of perseverance, awareness, and leadership in students’ event, and we are proud to make it an annual tradition. At NMIMS, we focus on holistic development, incorporating sports and personality-building activities alongside academics. As educators, we have a profound responsibility to foster awareness about the power of mental resilience and unwavering will in overcoming diseases like cancer. This marathon stands as a powerful testament to the unyeilding human spirit, perseverance, and the fight for survival

Dr Ashish Gulia, Director Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre said in his statement, “Health is an individual responsibility, and each person must prioritize their well-being. No infrastructure, however advanced, can replace the importance of personal health care. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy BMI are essential, as obesity is linked to fourteen different types of cancer. To promote awareness of the critical importance of health and cancer prevention, we have partnered with NMIMS to reach out to the communities of Chandigarh and Mohali, emphasizing the need for proactive health management and immune system support.”

Student Council members also shared their views at the press meet and informed that a core team of students has been made that will take care of the organisation of the half marathon. They informed that Hydration Points will be available after 1.5 km, 2.5 km, 6.5 km, and 8 km and timing chip mats will be installed at the start and end points. Two ambulance vans, along with nursing staff, physicians, and physiotherapists, will also be there to meet any medical emergency.

The NarseeMonjee Half Marathon has been an annual tradition, bringing together runners for a meaningful cause. This year’s event reaffirms the institution’s commitment to health, awareness, and the power of perseverance.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Mangda Jawab says Dr Kamal Soi – Road Safety Expert

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Chandigarh, February 24, 2025: Kamal Soi, Member of the National Road Safety Council, Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and Chairman of Raahat – The Safe Community Foundation, has raised serious concerns over the Punjab government’s move to take control of driving license (DL) and registration certificate (RC) issuance.

Addressing a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club today, Soi highlighted that 268 employees have already lost their jobs due to this transition. He referred to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on February 10, 2025, which mandates that the Transport Department will oversee the personalization of data, issuance, and distribution of final personalized smart cards post-supply.

Concerns Over Corruption and Inefficiency

Soi criticized the move, arguing that government control over a project previously managed by a system integrator will lead to increased corruption, inefficiency, and inconvenience for the public. He emphasized that system integrators bring in skilled professionals, including IT specialists and project managers, whose expertise is now at risk of being disregarded.

He said, over 5 lakh people in Punjab are waiting for DLs and RCs and are left in the lurch and are being subjected to inconvenience, which will only lead to corruption. Moreover Why driving tests are not being conducted by the government in Punjab”, he questioned.

“In a startling revelation, I had earlier addressed a press conference on February 7 about the public inconvenience due to delays in DL and RC issuance. It appears that in a hasty response, the Transport Department issued the RFP on February 10, 2025, for the selection of an agency to supply smart cards. However, the department has decided to manage critical functions of data personalization and distribution itself, which is a cause for major concern,” Soi stated.

Potential Failure of Implementation

According to Soi, this move could lead to complete failure and chaos at the implementation stage, as the Transport Department lacks the necessary expertise, infrastructure, and workforce. He pointed out that the department does not have access to NIC’s (National Informatics Centre) Vahan and Sarathi ecosystem, which is essential for data handling. Furthermore, critical steps such as data deployment in a print-ready format, quality control in DL/RC printing, and proper dispatch management require specialized expertise.

Need for Transparency and Efficiency

Soi warned that government involvement in issuing DLs and RCs could lead to conflicts of interest and favoritism, thereby reducing transparency and efficiency. He noted that private sector firms operate under competitive market forces and performance-based incentives, ensuring better accountability than government-managed operations.

He urged the Transport Department to reconsider its decision and amend the RFP to allow the selected agency to manage data personalization and issuance of smart cards. He also suggested that until a new vendor is appointed, the DL & RC project in Punjab should be managed by NICSI (National Informatics Centre Services Inc.), which has a credible track record in the transportation sector for over 25 years.

“The public should not suffer due to administrative inefficiencies. It is crucial that the government ensures a seamless, transparent, and accountable process for issuing DLs and RCs while also safeguarding employment for skilled professionals in the private sector,” Soi concluded.

Chandigarh

Over 90,000 school students visited Chhatbir Zoo in one year

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Chandigarh, February 22

In what can be termed as the growing interests of the student community in getting to know about the Wildlife of the State, the number of students visiting the Chhatbir Zoo under the Student Zoo Club has witnessed phenomenal increase.

          Due to the concerted efforts by the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the initiatives undertaken by the Forests & Wildlife Preservation Department under the guidance of Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, a total of 939 Government schools as well as 403 private schools have organized visits to the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park better known as the Chhatbir Zoo, revealed an official spokesperson.

          These visits were undertaken during the period between April 22nd, 2024 and January 18th, 2025 with the number of Government schools’ students pegged at 50,294 and that of the private schools’ students at 39,876.

          This huge number signifies the growing curiosity among the younger generation of Punjab about the diverse flora and fauna besides wildlife of the State and the significant steps taken by the State Government to inculcate a sense of empathy towards the wild animals as they are also an important part of the nature.

Chandigarh

Anjumanara Begum who started working on tracing paper from West Bengal becomes an inspiration for Women empowerment

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 Chandigarh, February 22

At the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Anjumanara Begum from West Bengal, has become an example of women’s empowerment. She is fulfilling Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. 

In 2002, at just 17 years old, Anjumanara participated in a handicrafts exhibition in Patna, where her weaving skills were recognized. Encouraged by this, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and made the khadi fabric business her profession. Today, her handcrafted garments are not only sold in India but also exported to the USA, UK, France, Iran, Iraq, and other countries. She feels proud to showcase her talent at the Surajkund Mela. 

In her village, Anjumanara started a small business with 10 women, making and selling women’s clothing, bedsheets, wall hangings, kurtis, jackets, and fabric-based decorative items. 

Anjumanara further shared that she took a Rs.10,000 loan from a gramin bank 13 years ago to start embroidery work on tracing paper and fabric frames using needle and thread. She repaid the loan on time and later took a Rs.25,000 loan, followed by another of Rs.50,000 to expand her work. In 2009, she received a major boost when Khadi Gramodyog provided her with a Rs.5 lakh loan, increasing her confidence and helping her grow her business further. 

Today, at 41 years old, Anjumanara leads the Dhanalakshmi Self-Help Group, empowering over 450 women in her village and nearby areas by helping them become financially independent. 

Bed sheets range from Rs.1,000 to Rs.60,000

Anjumanara makes beautiful bedsheets, priced between Rs.1,000 and Rs.60,000. One of her most popular designs depicts the life of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, which is in high demand. The women in her group also craft cotton and silk sarees, dupattas, kurtis, suits, kurtas, stoles, and blouses. Their finely embroidered sarees and suits are especially loved by customers.    

Anjumanara expressed her excitement about visiting Haryana and Mela for the first time. She said that attending the Surajkund Mela has been a wonderful experience, allowing her to learn about diverse cultures from across India. 

She extended her gratitude to Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and the state government for organising such a magnificent event, which she said she will always cherish.

Chandigarh

India is the best country in the world, no other country is as beautiful as India says Afghan artisans coming to Surajkund Mela

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Chandigarh, February 22

The love and admiration for India’s unity and peace are not just felt by its people but also by neighboring countries. This was evident from the experiences shared by Afghan artisans at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela. They said they would always remember their time here and believe that India is the best and the most beautiful country in the world.

At stall number FC-24, Asif Yaqubi, a young businessman from Afghanistan selling carpets and rugs, shared his thoughts. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, businesses are getting great support. He believes that neighboring countries should learn from India. Despite having so many different cultures and religions, people in India live together peacefully with their families. Women have complete freedom to grow and succeed in life. Asif said he has never seen a better country than India.

Asif runs a business named zulkarni and said that carpet making is a major industry in Afghanistan. Men, women, and even children weave carpets from sheep’s wool in their homes. These carpets are sold not just in India but also in Iraq, Qatar, Iran, Turkey, and China. Along with Asif, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Hakim, and Waheed Ahmadi have also come to the mela. Waheed has set up a jewelry stall. 

Waheed said that their carpets range from Rs.10,000 to Rs. 2 lakh. His grandfather, Mohammad Hassan, started the business, and the family has been carrying it forward. One of the most special items in their stall is a portrait of an Afghan woman, priced at Rs. 2 lakh. Asif said that making such detailed artwork takes almost a year.

Chandigarh

Efforts to be made to establish Industrial Township in Jatusana-Gurawada Area: Rao Narbir Singh

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Chandigarh, February 22

Haryana Cabinet Minister Rao Narbir Singh said that efforts will be made to establish an industrial township in the Jatusana-Gurawada area of Rewari. The goal is to develop the region similarly to Gurugram, providing increased employment opportunities for the youth in the area.

Minister Rao Narbir Singh made these remarks while addressing a gathering at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Gurawada, Rewari district.

He said that the current government has ensured employment opportunities in a transparent manner, without any kharchi-parchi. South Haryana, including Rewari and Mahendragarh, has benefitted greatly from these efforts. Many students from Rewari, including those from government schools, have secured prestigious positions, such as Class One officers.

He also mentioned that with the establishment of Gurawada School, local girls no longer have to travel far for education. The Minister said that efforts would be made to establish an examination center in Gurawada soon. In addition, other demands, such as setting up a solar plant in the area, will be addressed promptly. Since industries are a key driver of employment, efforts will be made to set up industrial units around Gurawada.

The Cabinet Minister highlighted that record-breaking development has taken place under the BJP government, and the pace of development will continue to accelerate.

Furthermore, he announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for children’s uniforms. The Minister also promoted environmental conservation by planting sapling in the school premises.

Chandigarh, Haryana

F2DF Model Will Directly Benefit Farmers of the State: Krishan Kumar Bedi

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Chandigarh, February 22

Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi said that farmers issues will be addressed through the F2DF model, meaning Factory to Direct Farmer and Farmer to Direct Factory. Under this initiative, goods will be purchased directly from farmers at the factory, and similarly, goods will be supplied directly from the factory to farmers, eliminating middlemen. The goods procured from farmers through the factory will then reach consumers, ensuring direct benefits for the farmers.

Bedi was speaking to the farmers after inaugurating the Kisan Mela in Narwana (Jind) today.

At the fair, farmers were provided with comprehensive information on everything from seed selection to market access, along with significant discounts on agricultural equipment. Stalls showcasing tractors, farming equipment, fertilizers, seeds, medicines, spices, and other food items were set up at the event. The Cabinet Minister also visited the stalls and interacted with the participants. Farmers took advantage of the fair to purchase farming-related equipment.

During his address, Cabinet Minister Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi assured farmers that they need not worry about crop damage due to hailstorms in the state. There is no requirement for farmers to approach any Patwari, as the government will conduct a special Girdawari to assess the damage. He said that no farmer would be left facing any issues, as the State Government stands firmly with the farmers.

He further stated that both the Central and State Governments are working together for the betterment of farmers. He highlighted that previous governments had provided minimal support to farmers, whereas the current government ensures that benefits directly reach farmers’ pockets. He also compared past policies, mentioning that earlier governments provided loans to farmers at an interest rate of Rs 2.50 per hundred, making it nearly impossible for them to repay the principal, with all the money spent on interest. In contrast, under the BJP government, late Prime Minister Sh Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first to connect farmers to nationalized banks with loans at a reasonable interest rate of 12 annas, greatly benefiting farmers and strengthening the farming community across the country.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana operated 595 buses to Prayagraj for Mahakumbh upto February 21: Transport Minister Anil Vij

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Chandigarh, February 22

Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij said that, to facilitate devotees attending the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the state transport department had operated a total of 595 buses from all districts upto February 21, with all buses running at full capacity. The transport department has recorded an average receipt of Rs. 43.85 per kilometer under this arrangement.

Vij said that the transport department had decided to introduce bus services due to the increasing number of devotees traveling to the Mahakumbh. As a result, the operation of buses was initiated. He said that a total of 595 buses have been operated.

The introduction of bus services from Haryana has greatly benefited devotees traveling to and from the Mahakumbh. Sh. Vij confirmed that Haryana Roadways will continue to run buses to Prayagraj until the end of the Mahakumbh.

Number of buses operated from various cities in Haryana to Prayagraj*

For the convenience of the public, 21 buses were run from Ambala, 24 from Narnaul, 80 from Delhi, 46 from Faridabad, 25 from Sonipat, 60 from Gurugram, 28 each from Jhajjar, Karnal, Palwal and Rewari, 18 from Fatehabad, Hisar and Rohtak, 19 each from Chandigarh and Kurukshetra, 14 from Bhiwani, 16 from Dadri and 15 each buses were run from Sirsa, Nuh, Panchkula, Panipat, Kaithal, Jind and Yamunanagar.