Chandigarh

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Thursday launched the “Swachh Ward Ranking 2026” initiative of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, calling for collective efforts by citizens, elected representatives, officials, sanitation workers, RWAs, market associations, educational institutions and other stakeholders to make cleanliness a sustained public movement.

Addressing the gathering, Kataria said that the Swachh Ward Ranking 2026 is not merely a competition among wards, but an initiative aimed at creating a new culture of accountability, public participation, healthy competition and scientific waste management in Chandigarh. He said that the identity of the “City Beautiful” is defined not only by its architecture, greenery, wide roads and planned sectors, but equally by cleanliness, civic discipline and responsible behaviour towards public spaces. He emphasised that Chandigarh’s beauty is a legacy, while preserving and enhancing it is the responsibility of the present generation.

The Governor said that a city does not become clean on its own and sustained cleanliness requires the combined efforts of the Municipal Corporation, sanitation workers and citizens. He urged residents to make source segregation, responsible waste disposal and cleanliness of public spaces a daily habit.

Referring to the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, he said cleanliness must move beyond being a government programme and become a personal value and social behaviour. He also called for greater adoption of the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, promoting composting, recycling, reuse and the concept of Waste to Wealth and Circular Economy, with the ultimate objective of minimising waste reaching final disposal sites.

Sh. Kataria highlighted that the Swachh Ward Ranking would bring the cleanliness assessment down to the ward, neighbourhood, market, park, street and household level. He appreciated the transparent, objective and evidence-based assessment framework and evaluation parameters, covering door-to-door waste collection, source segregation, cleanliness of public spaces, management of bulk waste generators, control of single-use plastic, public toilets, zero-waste initiatives, scientific waste management and citizen participation. He said the ranking should measure the entire waste-management chain—from generation, collection and segregation to transportation, processing, recycling, reuse and final disposal—and should be based on actual outcomes rather than photographs or paperwork alone.

He directed the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh to explore possibilities for conducting the swachh ward rankings two times in a year if not possible for conducting it monthly.

The Governor urged councillors to act as the “key facilitators” of the campaign in their respective wards and bring together officials, sanitation workers, RWAs, market associations, schools, youth organisations and citizens. He also called upon schools and colleges to turn students into “Swachhta Ambassadors” who can carry the message of responsible waste management to their homes and communities. Appreciating the role of sanitation workers, he stressed that their dignity, safety, training, protective equipment and health protection must be ensured, while mechanisation and modern technology should be promoted for hazardous sanitation work. 

Chandigarh:

The Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) North), PGIMER, Chandigarh, organised an Organ Donation Awareness Session at the Office of the Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, Chandigarh, under the nation wide campaign f India’s ‘Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyan’.

The programme received an overwhelming and encouraging response, with 30 out of 50 participants, representing 60 per cent of those attending the session, coming forward to pledge their organs for donation. The impressive participation reflected the commitment of the CCA office towards supporting the noble cause of organ and tissue donation and demonstrated how workplaces can play a significant role in building awareness and inspiring meaningful public participation in the organ donation movement.

Leading by example and becoming the first person to pledge his organs, Vijendra Narain Tandon, Controller of Communication Accounts, Punjab, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, appreciated the initiative undertaken by ROTTO North, PGIMER and shared that the cause of organ donation had personally inspired him and that he felt strongly about encouraging his officers and staff to understand the importance of donation and come forward to support this noble humanitarian cause.

Speaking on the occasion, Tandon said,”Organ donation is one of the noblest forms of service to humanity. I was personally inspired by this cause and felt that our staff should also have an opportunity to understand its importance and come forward. The response today has been extremely encouraging. With 30 out of 50 participants pledging their organs, our office has demonstrated that when awareness is combined with collective commitment, it can make a real difference.”

The fact that 60 per cent of the participants came forward to pledge their organs emerged as the defining highlight of the programme. The response from the CCA office demonstrated how government institutions and workplaces can lead from the front in creating awareness, dispelling misconceptions and encouraging employees to become ambassadors of a humanitarian cause.

Saryu D. Madra, Consultant, IEC Media, ROTTO North, PGIMER, while deliberating on the importance of communication and awareness in the organ donation movement, emphasised that effective information, meaningful dialogue and personal engagement are essential to converting awareness into informed action.

Madra said, “Organ donation is a decision that has the potential to extend far beyond the individual donor and can create a lasting impact on recipients, their families and society at large. Awareness is the first step towards action. Every informed pledge has the potential to become a message of hope and a life-changing gift for someone waiting for a transplant.”

The session also focused on the need to move beyond myths and hesitation and encourage open conversations about organ donation within families. Participants were urged to discuss their wishes with their loved ones, as family communication plays an important role in ensuring that an individual’s decision regarding donation is understood and respected.

Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, PGIMER, said that awareness, informed decision-making and active public participation are the key pillars of strengthening the organ donation movement.

Dr. Tadia said, “The response at the CCA office is truly encouraging. Thirty pledges from 50 participants mean that 60 per cent of those attending have taken a conscious step towards giving the gift of life. This is exactly the spirit that the ‘Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyan’ seeks to foster. ROTTO North is committed to taking the message of organ donation to workplaces, institutions and communities so that more people understand that one informed decision can transform several lives.”

The programme concluded with a highly engaging question-and-answer session, during which participants actively interacted with the ROTTO North team and sought clarification on various aspects of organ and tissue donation. The interactive session provided an opportunity for participants to address their queries, clarify misconceptions and gain a better understanding of the donation process.

The ‘Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyan’ continues to serve as an important Government of India initiative and a significant platform for ROTTO North, PGIMER, to strengthen public awareness, promote informed decision-making and encourage greater participation in the organ and tissue donation movement.

Chandigarh, 31 August 2026:
The Department of Otolaryngology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER),
Chandigarh, achieved a significant milestone today by successfully performing simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation in a seven-month-old infant.
The procedure is among the youngest reported simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantations performed in India and represents an important advancement in early hearing intervention within the public healthcare system . The surgery was led by Prof. Ramandeep Singh Virk. The audiology and rehabilitation team comprised Prof. Sanjay Munjal, Dr. Parul Sud, Dr. Anuradha and Mr. Drepath. The anesthesiologist was Dr. Nitika Bansal, and the ENT residents supporting the case were Dr. Anupriya, Dr. Bhisham and Dr. Narayana. Operating theatre technical support was provided by Mr. Sahi Ram and Ms. Shivnoor Gill.
This achievement carries an important message for parents and healthcare professionals that hearing loss in infants and young children is a developmental emergency that requires timely identification and intervention. Although hearing loss is an invisible disability, delaying its treatment can profoundly affect a child’s speech, language, learning and overall development.
Early hearing screening, accurate diagnosis, timely cochlear implantation when indicated, and consistent post-implant rehabilitation can provide children with the best opportunity to develop age-appropriate listening and communication abilities.
PGIMER remains committed to advancing comprehensive cochlear implant and auditory brainstem implant care through early diagnosis, specialised surgical expertise, objective intraoperative assessment, evidence-based programming and long-term auditory rehabilitation.

Chandigarh: A research report documenting cases of husband and intimate partner murders and suicides among men in India was unveiled at the Ekam Nyaay Dialogue, Chandigarh, with Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal calling for a serious national discussion on establishing a National Commission for Men as an institutional mechanism for research, prevention, legal awareness and support.

The report, “Husband Murder by Wife & Suicide by Men – A Research Report and Analysis on Incidents Reported in the Media in the Years 2024 and 2025,” has documented 244 husband/intimate partner murder cases in 2024 and 419 in 2025, while recording 277 husband/intimate partner suicide cases in 2024 and 426 in 2025. The report is based on incidents identified through media reports and highlights the need for better data and a deeper understanding of issues affecting men. 

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal said the discussion was not about creating a contest between men and women but about ensuring that genuine concerns of every citizen are heard.

“Can there be true justice if some voices are still unheard? This is not a question of taking away anyone’s rights, and it is certainly not a question of standing against women. India has made important progress in protecting women’s safety, dignity and rights, and that progress must continue. But in this journey towards justice, genuine concerns relating to men cannot be ignored. We need a serious, sensitive and institutional conversation around these issues.” 

Dr. Mittal said the numbers should not merely become statistics but should lead to better questions about prevention, mental health and access to support.

“Behind every number is a person, a family and a story. These numbers remind us that men’s safety, mental health and well-being also need our attention. We need to ask whether our sons and young men can speak about failure, relationship problems, financial pressure or emotional stress, and whether they can access counselling without fear or judgement. Sometimes a person does not need a courtroom first; he may simply need someone to listen.” 

He said a National Commission for Men should not be created merely as another grievance forum but as a national platform that can listen, understand, support, research, recommend and reform. Such an institution, he said, could bring together researchers, legal experts, counsellors, social workers and policymakers to systematically study issues affecting men. 

“A National Commission for Men should never become a platform for men versus women. It should not be against any existing women’s institution, and it should not weaken the rights of women. Its purpose should be to understand the problem properly and find the right solutions. It can help with genuine grievances and legal issues, improve legal awareness, support counselling and mental health, study family disputes and parental alienation, examine domestic abuse and violence against men, and understand the reasons behind suicides among men.” 

He also stressed that the proposed Commission should have a strong focus on prevention. This could include early identification of distress, counselling, family support, legal guidance, professional referrals and mediation in appropriate cases. The objective, he said, should be to address problems before they escalate into irreversible tragedies. 

Dr. Mittal said the proposed Commission must also focus on children and families. He advocated examining stronger principles of shared parenting and meaningful access to both parents where there are no safety concerns, describing this not merely as a father’s-rights issue but as a child-rights issue. 

Chandigarh:  Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare but its growing power must be accompanied by ethics, accountability, clinical judgement and human compassion said Prof Vivek Lal ,Director, PGIMER, while addressing the Sixth Foundation Day of the Department of GI Surgery,HPB and Liver transplant PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Delivering the keynote address as the Chief Guest, Prof Lal described AI as “the new nuclear power”, emphasising that its enormous potential can benefit patients only when harnessed responsibly and judiciously. “AI is the new nuclear power. If nuclear power is used in the wrong way, then you are going to have Hiroshima and Nagasaki soon. Ethics is absolutely mandatory if we have to use AI for a good cause, for an enlightened purpose,” Prof Lal said.

He underlined that AI should be regarded as a powerful aid to clinical decision-making rather than a substitute for the experience and judgement of doctors. Recalling his own long clinical experience, *Prof. Lal described himself humorously as a “dinosaur” who continues to believe in “NI—Natural Intelligence.”* He said that the rigorous training and experience acquired at PGIMER give its doctors an important advantage. Experience is something that AI cannot replicate. It kicks you, it hits you hard and it hits you where it hurts the most—and you gain experience from it,” he remarked.

 Prof. Lal also raised an important emerging ethical and legal question concerning AI in healthcare: when an AI-assisted clinical decision goes wrong, who bears responsibility? Referring to a recent legal matter in which questions had arisen regarding the possible use of AI in a clinical case, he said such situations underline the need for clear ethical and accountability frameworks as AI becomes increasingly integrated into medicine.

“ Everyone uses AI in one form or the other, but we have to understand how to evaluate it rationally. Gulam na bano AI ke—do not become a slave to AI,” he cautioned.

At the same time, Prof. Lal acknowledged that AI offers clinicians a significant technological edge. Referring to AI-generated visualisations and applications demonstrated during the programme, he observed that the technology is already making an impact on modern healthcare and surgical practice. However, he stressed that the strongest outcomes would emerge from the combination of advanced technology with sound clinical foundations and experience.

Chandigarh:

As part of the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight 2026, the Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, organised a series of awareness activities across educational institutions and workplaces to promote eye donation and sensitise the public about its vital role in restoring vision to individuals suffering from corneal blindness.

The activities included an awareness talk at Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26, Chandigarh, an awareness session for employees of Canara Bank Regional Office, Manimajra, and a Poster Competition at Manav Mangal Smart School, Mohali, organised in collaboration with Lions Club Chandigarh Central.

 Around 100 students participated in the awareness programme at Guru Gobind Singh College. The session was conducted by Dr. Byanjana, Asheet Parihar and Mukesh Verma from the Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER. The participants were informed about the importance and process of eye donation, including how donated corneas can help restore vision. The speakers also addressed students’ queries and encouraged them to spread awareness about eye donation within their families and communities. Informative pamphlets were distributed among the participants.

A similar awareness session was organised for around 50 employees of Canara Bank Regional Office, Manimajra. Conducted by Dr. Indu, Asheet Parihar and Mukesh Verma, the session focused on encouraging participants to support the cause of eye donation and become advocates for the movement. Awareness material containing essential information about eye donation was also distributed among the employees.

To engage the younger generation through creative expression, a Poster Competition was organised on 26 August 2026 at Manav Mangal Smart School, Mohali. A total of 14 schools and 74 students participated in the competition, presenting meaningful and informative posters highlighting the message and importance of eye donation.

The activity aimed to encourage school students to understand the value of eye donation and inspire them to become ambassadors for the cause. The winners of the competition will be felicitated during the Closing Ceremony of the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight on 5 September 2026 at the Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Through these activities, PGIMER continues its efforts to create greater awareness about eye donation and motivate students, employees and the wider community to pledge their eyes after death, thereby contributing towards the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating corneal blindness.

 The 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight is being observed from 25 August to 8 September 2026.

Chandigarh: The 6th Prof. B. L. Talwar Oration, organised by the Department of GI Surgery, HPB & Liver Transplantation, PGIMER, Chandigarh, brought together faculty, former professors, surgeons, students and delegates to celebrate the enduring legacy of Prof. B. L. Talwar and reflect on the evolving landscape of surgical education. The oration was delivered by Dr. R. A. Sastry, KIMS Hospitals, Hyderabad, on “The Teacher Lives On: Surgical Wisdom from Prof. B. L. Talwar in the Digital Era of AI and Simulation.”

Delivering the oration, Dr. R. A. Sastry reflected on his nearly five-decade association with PGIMER, describing his return to the Institute as “not merely an honour, but a kind of homecoming.” Recalling his formative years under Prof. Talwar, he said, “This institution shaped me. It shaped my worldview, my craft and my character.”

Remembering Prof. Talwar as a demanding yet deeply committed mentor, Dr. Sastry recalled his philosophy of academic freedom. He further described the mentorship that shaped his surgical career, saying, “He let me struggle, but never let me fail. A young surgeon does not need protection from difficulty. He needs protection from catastrophe, and he provided exactly that.”

Dr. Sastry emphasised that the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara transmitted a form of surgical wisdom that cannot simply be captured in textbooks or technology. “These were not instructions. They were insights. This is tacit knowledge—the kind only a guru can transmit,” he said.

Addressing the growing role of artificial intelligence in medical education, Dr. Sastry acknowledged its potential in simulation, literature synthesis, conceptual learning and skill development, but cautioned against allowing it to replace human mentorship.

“AI can teach technique. It can simulate complexity. It can predict outcomes. But AI cannot teach judgement, courage, compassion, ethics and humility. It can guide the hand, but only a teacher can shape the surgeon.”

Calling for a balanced approach, Dr. Sastry, said, “Technology should not replace the teacher. It should liberate the teacher.” He added, “The future surgeon is not the one who avoids AI, nor the one who blindly embraces it, but the one who uses it as an aid.”

Concluding his address, Dr. Sastry paid tribute to the enduring influence of Prof. Talwar and urged the next generation to preserve the culture of mentorship. “A true teacher never dies. He lives on in every surgeon he trained, in every decision we make and in the culture of the institution.” He called upon students to “seek wisdom, not just information; seek character, not just competence.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, paid a heartfelt tribute to the Institute’s founding generation and particularly remembered Prof. B. L. Talwar was a legendary surgeon whose humility, commitment to patients and dedication to students continue to define the ethos of PGIMER.

“The glory that we have and that we bask in today is because of these founding fathers. What they gave us as a heritage is something we can never repay; we can only acknowledge it again and again,” Prof. Lal said.

Reflecting on the values of the founding generation, Director PGIMER added, “They loved PGI, they loved their patients and they loved their students. Everything stopped when it came to patient care, and everything came to a halt when it came to educating their students.”

Highlighting Prof. Talwar’s humility, Prof. Lal recalled encountering him standing patiently in a bank queue after retirement. “He was a legendary surgeon, but his greatest virtue was his humility. People who are humble are very strong,” he remarked.

Prof. Lal emphasised that the legacy of such pioneers must be carried forward through action and institutional values. “These orations must be followed in the true spirit of the iconic personalities whom we remember.”

Introducing the orator, Prof. Rajesh Gupta, Head, Department of GI Surgery, HPB & Liver Transplantation, described Dr. R. A. Sastry as one of the pioneers of gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery in India. He highlighted Dr. Sastry’s distinguished association with PGIMER, where he completed his MS in Surgery and received the prestigious Institute Medal for Excellence, followed by advanced training in laparoscopic surgery and liver surgery and transplantation.

Prof. Gupta noted that Dr. Sastry subsequently established the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, where he served as Head and later Dean. Highlighting his academic contributions, he noted that Dr. Sastry has authored more than 60 high-impact international publications, contributed to national and international books and held leadership positions in professional surgical associations.

“Professor Sastry belongs to a generation that established our specialty and shaped its academic and professional foundation. His contributions have influenced the growth of the discipline and continue to inspire successive generations of surgeons,” Prof. Gupta said.

Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean Academics, PGIMER, appreciated the oration as a meaningful continuation of the Institute’s academic tradition and highlighted the significance of distinguished alumni returning to their alma mater as leaders and teachers.

“Perhaps there is no greater satisfaction for an academic institution than to see its students returning as leaders and teachers in their own right,” Prof. Jain said.

The 6th Prof. B. L. Talwar Oration reaffirmed PGIMER’s commitment to preserving the values of surgical excellence, mentorship, humility, ethical practice and patient-centred care, while embracing the opportunities offered by modern technology and artificial intelligence.

Chandigarh / 29th, August.

The Sirsa MP, Former Union Cabinet Minister, General Secretary of All India Congress Committee and CWC Member Kumari Selja expressed serious concern over rising unemployment and the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Haryana, saying the twin challenges were creating an atmosphere of insecurity and uncertainty, particularly among the state’s youth.

In a statement, Kumari Selja said reports of murder, robbery, extortion, ransom demands and other criminal incidents were emerging regularly from different parts of Haryana. The growing confidence of criminals, she said, was making ordinary citizens and members of the business community feel increasingly insecure.

“The government must move beyond political statements and take immediate, effective measures to strengthen law and order and restore people’s confidence in their safety,” she said. Kumari Selja said concerns over law and order were not limited to Haryana, with questions also being raised in Uttar Pradesh and other BJP-ruled states. Serious incidents reported from Delhi also demanded accountability from the government, she said. Kumari Selja said the situation in Haryana was particularly worrying because, besides reported cases of murder and ransom, complaints were emerging about people allegedly remaining silent even after receiving threats or ransom demands because of fear. The alleged trend of “silent extortion”, she said, should be treated as a serious warning by the government and police administration.

“If people are hesitant even to approach the police because of fear, it raises serious questions about the law-and-order and intelligence mechanisms,” Kumari Selja said, urging the government to strengthen intelligence networks and take decisive action against criminal groups.

The Congress leader also linked the state’s unemployment situation with growing social uncertainty. She said a large number of posts remained vacant in government departments, while recruitment processes were not moving at the required pace. Young people, she added, were being forced to wait for years while preparing for examinations and recruitment drives.

“Instead of providing permanent and dignified employment, promoting temporary and contractual arrangements is unfair to the future of Haryana’s youth,” she said. Kumari Selja stressed that recruitment should be transparent, time-bound and free from discrimination. Young people, she said, must receive equal opportunities for education, skills development and employment. She clarified that unemployment should not be simplistically equated with crime, as not every unemployed young person turns towards criminal activity. However, prolonged unemployment, economic insecurity and frustration can create adverse social conditions. Therefore, improving law and order and creating employment opportunities must go hand in hand, she said.

Kumari Selja questioned the government’s response at a time when citizens were worried about their safety, traders were allegedly facing threats and ransom demands, and young people were struggling to find employment. Kumari Selja demanded stronger police and intelligence mechanisms, strict action against organised crime and ransom networks, and adequate protection for citizens and traders willing to report threats. She also called for transparent and time-bound regular recruitment against vacant government posts. People now need concrete action on the ground, not announcements, Kumari Selja said, adding that Congress would continue to raise the issues of public safety, employment and social justice.