Chandigarh: October 24

The Centre of Excellence (Trauma & Burns), PGIMER, Chandigarh, conducted an Immediate Trauma Life Support and Burn Management (ITLS & BM) training course for 57 doctors from Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh on October 24, 2026. The course was conducted under the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries (NPPMTBI) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The programme aimed to reduce preventable deaths and complications arising from trauma and burn injuries by strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals, standardising care protocols and improving the delivery of care within hospitals. The course was led by Dr. Atul Parashar, Course Director, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery, PGI, Chandigarh, and Nodal Officer of the Centre of Excellence (Trauma & Burns), PGIMER. Dr. Nidhi Bhatia from the Department of Anesthesia was Course Co-director, while Dr. Ankit Dadra served as Course Coordinator. The training focused on a systematic approach to the initial assessment and management of trauma and burn patients.

Dr. Atul Parashar said that, according to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) data, in 2025 more than five lakh people were involved in serious road accidents and 1.87 lakh people lost their lives—an average of 512 deaths every day, or 21 every hour. He also highlighted that close to one lakh people suffered burn injuries requiring hospital admission, with mortality exceeding 30 per cent.

The Immediate Trauma Life Support and Burn Management course covered triage, disaster preparedness, traumatic brain injuries, musculoskeletal trauma and burn management. Knowledge sessions were complemented by hands-on training in essential emergency procedures, including airway management, intercostal drain insertion, intraosseous access and haemorrhage control. Through focused lectures, interactive learning and practical skill stations, the programme sought to strengthen participants’ clinical competence and preparedness to manage trauma and burn emergencies effectively, with the broader aim of reducing preventable morbidity and mortality.

The programme reaffirmed the commitment of PGIMER’s Centre of Excellence (Trauma & Burns) to supporting national efforts to improve trauma and burn care through capacity-building and training of healthcare professionals.

Srinagar (Garhwal), October 23: The 13th convocation ceremony of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University will be held on December 1, 2026. According to a notification issued by the University Registrar, eligible candidates will be able to register online to attend the ceremony from October 23 to November 10, 2026.

Students who have successfully completed postgraduate (PG) programmes during the 2025–26 academic session across the university’s three campuses will be eligible to receive their degrees after submitting the prescribed online application. In addition, PhD scholars who have already been awarded their doctoral degrees or whose viva voce examinations have been completed by November 20, 2026, will also be eligible to receive their degrees at the ceremony.

All university gold medal winners for the 2025–26 academic session will be awarded their degrees and medals in person during the ceremony. The registration fee for attending the convocation has been fixed at ₹1,500 per candidate. Applicants can register through the university’s online portal at https://online.hnbgu.ac.in .

According to the notification, all PG and PhD candidates attending the ceremony in person must participate in the rehearsal scheduled for November 30. Convocation attire will be distributed from 10:30 a.m. on the day of the rehearsal at the Department of Computer Science on the university’s Chauras campus.

The university has advised candidates to enter their names in English capital letters, exactly as recorded in their examination records, and to ensure that all required information is filled in correctly. Incomplete or incorrectly filled application forms will be rejected. Candidates opting to participate in the ceremony online will receive their degrees by post after the convocation.

The university has advised candidates to regularly visit its official website, https://www.hnbgu.ac.in , for the latest updates regarding the convocation ceremony and rehearsal.

Kasauli, Oct 24: At the 15th Khushwant Singh Lit Fest in Kasauli, former Army Chief Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd.), in conversation with Kishalay Bhattacharjee, said abolishing AFSPA alone would not resolve conflict; addressing its root causes was essential.

Highlighting changing civil-military relations, he noted that people in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East, who once fled at the sight of military vehicles, now approach soldiers to greet them—reflecting growing trust in the Army.

Naravane also discussed his books, The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries and The Cantonment Conspiracy, and his forthcoming sequel.

Educationist and Wife of Sonam Wangchuk Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo accused the Centre of giving Ladakh “step-motherly treatment,” warning that political neglect was fuelling unchecked mining and land mafias, threatening the region’s fragile ecology. In conversation with Sunetra Choudhury during The Art of Disagreement session, Angmo said that while she and Sonam Wangchuk remained in touch with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), meaningful change required broader social and education reforms, not just a minister’s resignation. Criticising the political use of religion, she said Sanatan Dharma’s principles of tolerance and compassion had been misrepresented. Questioning India’s claim to be a Vishwaguru, she called for greater public accountability and an end to divisive politics. She added that Gen Z was increasingly moving beyond caste and religious divides, prioritising humanity, inclusivity and compassion.

Innovator Sonam Wangchuk who joined the session online said “Saving Ladakh is saving India.”  Environmentalist Dr. Ravi Chopra and former bureaucrat Avay Shukla warned of the Himalayas’ worsening ecological crisis during the session. They flagged unchecked mining, excessive construction and climate change, calling for ecologically sensitive development and greater local participation.

Former R&AW chief A.S. Dulat described ‘Dhurandhar’ as propaganda during a session titled A General and a Spy: The Kashmir Files. In conversation with journalist Sunetra Choudhury, Dulat and Maj. Gen. Ranjan Mahajan discussed Kashmir’s political realities and prospects for peace. Dulat stressed dialogue with Kashmiris over Pakistan, while both speakers emphasised that force alone cannot resolve the issue and that lasting peace requires equality and dialogue.

Veena Naravane and General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd.) engaged with students at the KSLF 2026, discussing grief, resilience and personal growth. Veena highlighted how children’s stories help young readers process loss, while General Naravane urged students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes and cultivate discipline and self-belief.

In a session titled Dystopia in an AI World, Mandira Shah encouraged students to reflect on AI’s impact on creativity, privacy and independent thinking. The discussion highlighted the need to balance technological progress with human values.

 Environmental journalist Bahar Dutt and author Nikhita Singh highlighted sustainable living, responsible tourism and conservation at KSLF 2026. Dutt stressed the need for ecologically sensitive development in mountain regions, while Singh discussed how folk narratives and traditional art can inspire environmental awareness and protect cultural heritage.

Author Pooja Poddar Marwah, in conversation with Shinie Antony, explored parent-teen conflicts in a session titled It’s Teen Time, Bro. Drawing on everyday family disagreements, she stressed empathy, open communication and mutual respect as keys to bridging generational divides.

Rajeev Budhiraja and Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.) discussed governance reforms and India’s growth potential during India Unplugged: Governance for Growth at KSLF 2026. Budhiraja highlighted institutional bottlenecks and the need for accountable leadership, while Shukla called for defence modernisation, investment in AI and deep technology, and stronger indigenous capabilities.

Other notable sessions included The Founder’s Office, featuring Sarthak Ahuja in conversation with Sam Tully; Me & Maa, with actress Divya Dutta; and Manipur: Stories the Fire Could Not Burn, featuring Hoihnu Hauzel in conversation with Preeti Gill. Gillian Wright, Sam Tully and Hartosh Singh Bal also interacted with Rekha Khanna during a session titled No Full Stops.

Kasauli, October 24: At the 15th Khushwant Singh Lit Fest in Kasauli, former Army Chief Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd.), in conversation with Kishalay Bhattacharjee, said abolishing AFSPA alone would not resolve conflict; addressing its root causes was essential.

Highlighting changing civil-military relations, he noted that people in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East, who once fled at the sight of military vehicles, now approach soldiers to greet them—reflecting growing trust in the Army.

Naravane also discussed his books, The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries and The Cantonment Conspiracy, and his forthcoming sequel.

Educationist and Wife of Sonam Wangchuk Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo accused the Centre of giving Ladakh “step-motherly treatment,” warning that political neglect was fuelling unchecked mining and land mafias, threatening the region’s fragile ecology. In conversation with Sunetra Choudhury during The Art of Disagreement session, Angmo said that while she and Sonam Wangchuk remained in touch with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), meaningful change required broader social and education reforms, not just a minister’s resignation. Criticising the political use of religion, she said Sanatan Dharma’s principles of tolerance and compassion had been misrepresented. Questioning India’s claim to be a Vishwaguru, she called for greater public accountability and an end to divisive politics. She added that Gen Z was increasingly moving beyond caste and religious divides, prioritising humanity, inclusivity and compassion.

Innovator Sonam Wangchuk who joined the session online said “Saving Ladakh is saving India.”  Environmentalist Dr. Ravi Chopra and former bureaucrat Avay Shukla warned of the Himalayas’ worsening ecological crisis during the session. They flagged unchecked mining, excessive construction and climate change, calling for ecologically sensitive development and greater local participation.

Former R&AW chief A.S. Dulat described ‘Dhurandhar’ as propaganda during a session titled A General and a Spy: The Kashmir Files. In conversation with journalist Sunetra Choudhury, Dulat and Maj. Gen. Ranjan Mahajan discussed Kashmir’s political realities and prospects for peace. Dulat stressed dialogue with Kashmiris over Pakistan, while both speakers emphasised that force alone cannot resolve the issue and that lasting peace requires equality and dialogue.

Veena Naravane and General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd.) engaged with students at the KSLF 2026, discussing grief, resilience and personal growth. Veena highlighted how children’s stories help young readers process loss, while General Naravane urged students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes and cultivate discipline and self-belief.

In a session titled Dystopia in an AI World, Mandira Shah encouraged students to reflect on AI’s impact on creativity, privacy and independent thinking. The discussion highlighted the need to balance technological progress with human values.

 Environmental journalist Bahar Dutt and author Nikhita Singh highlighted sustainable living, responsible tourism and conservation at KSLF 2026. Dutt stressed the need for ecologically sensitive development in mountain regions, while Singh discussed how folk narratives and traditional art can inspire environmental awareness and protect cultural heritage.

Author Pooja Poddar Marwah, in conversation with Shinie Antony, explored parent-teen conflicts in a session titled It’s Teen Time, Bro. Drawing on everyday family disagreements, she stressed empathy, open communication and mutual respect as keys to bridging generational divides.

Rajeev Budhiraja and Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.) discussed governance reforms and India’s growth potential during India Unplugged: Governance for Growth at KSLF 2026. Budhiraja highlighted institutional bottlenecks and the need for accountable leadership, while Shukla called for defence modernisation, investment in AI and deep technology, and stronger indigenous capabilities.

Other notable sessions included The Founder’s Office, featuring Sarthak Ahuja in conversation with Sam Tully; Me & Maa, with actress Divya Dutta; and Manipur: Stories the Fire Could Not Burn, featuring Hoihnu Hauzel in conversation with Preeti Gill. Gillian Wright, Sam Tully and Hartosh Singh Bal also interacted with Rekha Khanna during a session titled No Full Stops.

Chandigarh, October 24, 2026: Artificial Intelligence (AI) must serve as a tool to enhance human intelligence rather than replace creativity, ethical judgement and compassion, eminent architect, educationist, author and philosopher Dr Surindera Singh Bhatti said while delivering the 18th First Friday Forum (FFF) Oration. The event also witnessed the launch of eight books authored by Dr Bhatti, the felicitation of five distinguished personalities for their contributions to education, science, art and literacy, and the donation of 24 books for libraries being established across Punjab.

Delivering his oration titled “Education and Artificial Intelligence: From Knowledge to Awakening”, Dr Bhatti described AI as “Frozen Human Intelligence” and emphasised that technological advancement must remain guided by human values. While acknowledging AI’s potential to accelerate research, process information and improve productivity, he stressed that its true worth depended on the wisdom, imagination and ethical responsibility of those using it.

Advocating his philosophy of Holistic Humanism, Dr Bhatti called for integrating Humanities, Art, Science and Technology to create a more meaningful educational system. He said education should move beyond the accumulation of knowledge and specialised skills to nurture creativity, critical thinking, compassion and responsible citizenship.

A major highlight of the programme was the release of eight books authored by Dr Bhatti. Chief Guest Prof Dr RS Bawa, former Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor of Chandigarh University and Advisor to its Chancellor, released The Muse of Metaphors, while Prof Dr IS Dua, former Chairman of the Department of Botany, Panjab University, released Dr Surindera Singh Bhatti (Architect, Poet, Educator, Artist, and Mystic).

Renowned artist and art educator Prof Prem Singh released My Bosom Buddy, while Engineer ML Garg, known for his efforts to establish libraries and promote literacy across Punjab, released Holistic Humanism. Prof Swati Behl Uppal, Principal of the University Institute of Architecture, Chandigarh University, released FUTURELIGHT.

Sardar Jasjyot Singh Almast released Wayward Verses (Covid-19 Creativity in Poetry), architect Surinder Bahga released Town Planning and Architecture in India, and Bengaluru-based architect Navita Singh, an alumna of Chandigarh College of Architecture, released Architecture and Art during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Reign.

In an environmentally conscious initiative, the books were presented in reusable zip-lock pouches instead of conventional decorative wrapping paper, highlighting the importance of reducing waste through simple, sustainable practices.

The Forum also honoured five distinguished personalities for their contributions to their respective fields. The awards were jointly presented by Dr Bhatti, founder of the First Friday Forum, and Mrs Rita Bhatti.

Prof Dr RS Bawa was honoured for Excellence in University Education and Institution-Building, while Prof Dr IS Dua received recognition for Research in Botany and Popularisation of Modern Biology. Prof Prem Singh was felicitated for Art Education, Practice and Promotion, and Engineer ML Garg for Establishing Libraries and Dissemination of Literacy. Prof Swati Behl Uppal received the Architectural Education and its Outreach Award.

In a significant gesture supporting the spread of literacy, Dr Bhatti presented 24 of his books to Engineer Garg for the libraries he is establishing across Punjab. The initiative underscored the Forum’s belief that knowledge becomes truly valuable when shared for the benefit of society.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Dua drew upon his more than four decades of experience in plant sciences to highlight the interconnectedness of life and the importance of ecological sensitivity. He also advocated using AI to expand access to knowledge while preserving human creativity and critical thinking.

Prof Swati Behl Uppal emphasised the need to integrate theory, practice, research and teaching in architectural education. Acknowledging Dr Bhatti’s mentorship, she appreciated his efforts in establishing the First Friday Forum as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and intellectual exchange.

In his concluding address, Chief Guest Prof Dr RS Bawa recalled his association with Dr Bhatti dating back to the 1980s and appreciated his contribution to architectural education and mentorship. He particularly highlighted Dr Bhatti’s efforts to encourage architecture students to develop independent thinking and confidence through public presentations.

Another notable announcement came from architect Surinder Bahga, who informed the gathering that Dr Manita Saxena, Principal of IPSA, Indore, had established a dedicated Dr SS Bhatti Section in the institution’s library. The collection, comprising Dr Bhatti’s books, magazines, manuscripts and other scholarly material, is reportedly valued at approximately Rs 10 lakh. A short video showcasing the collection was also screened.

The programme brought together academicians, architects, scientists, artists, writers, educationists and students. Prof Deepika Gandhi delivered the welcome address, while Harshika Agarwal, Manan Rajput and Navjot Kaur conducted the proceedings. Prof Manisha Jindal and her students provided organisational support.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Engineer Anil Sharma. The 18th First Friday Forum reaffirmed the importance of bringing together technological progress, education, creativity and human values for the advancement of society.

Chandigarh, October 24: Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the historic land of Rakhigarhi represents India’s ancient civilisation, knowledge, skills and rich cultural heritage. The archaeological remains discovered here provide insights into human life and an advanced urban system dating back thousands of years. Preserving this heritage and bringing its historical significance to national and international attention is the collective responsibility of all, he said.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar was addressing an international conference organised as part of the International Rakhigarhi Festival at Rakhigarhi village in the Hansi district on Saturday.

Welcoming historians, archaeologists, academicians, administrative officers and other dignitaries from across the country, as well as those participating from abroad through video conferencing, he said such events provide experts with an opportunity to share their research and experiences. This helps promote a broader understanding of Rakhigarhi’s historical significance and spread awareness about its heritage.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar further said that Haryana’s identity is rooted not only in agriculture, sports and the contribution of its soldiers to the service of the nation, but also in its rich folk culture and historical heritage. The state’s ragini traditions, folk songs, traditional cuisine and rural lifestyle reflect its distinctive cultural identity. Rakhigarhi is an important part of this heritage, and continuous efforts should be made to establish its recognition at the national and international levels.

He urged young people to remain connected to their cultural roots while advancing in modern education, science, technology and innovation. He said students should visit historical sites such as Rakhigarhi so that they can better understand the history they study in books through archaeological evidence.

At the international conference, CM’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Chairman of the Haryana Traders Welfare Board Sh. Rajesh Thakral, Chairman of the Haryana Warehousing Corporation Sh. Ramkishan, archaeologist Dr. Kuldeep Agnihotri and several other scholars shared their views and highlighted the significance of Rakhigarhi.

Earlier, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar visited the exhibition stalls set up by various departments and industries.

Assembly Deputy Speaker Sh. Krishan Lal Middha Also Visits the Festival

Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Sh. Krishan Lal Middha also attended the International Rakhigarhi Festival. During his visit, he explored an exhibition featuring ancient artefacts of the Harappan civilisation recovered during excavations at Rakhigarhi. He also visited stalls set up by various departments, self-help groups and entrepreneurs to learn about the products and activities on display.

Interacting with stall operators, he said the attractive exhibition of indigenous products at the festival was playing an important role in realising Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting the adoption of indigenous products. Such events provide a valuable platform for local artisans, entrepreneurs and self-help groups to promote and sell their products.

CM’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti Also Shares His Views

OSD to Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, said the state government was working in a planned manner to establish Rakhigarhi on the global tourism map and develop it as a major centre for ancient civilisation and heritage tourism.

Rakhigarhi is an important archaeological site of the Harappan civilisation, and special attention is being given to its conservation, expansion of basic infrastructure and tourism development to enhance its historical and cultural recognition at the national and international levels.

He said the seven-day International Rakhigarhi Festival was being organised with the objective of bringing history, archaeology, art, culture and public participation together on a common platform.

Former Deccan University Vice-Chancellor Appreciates the Festival

Former Vice-Chancellor of Deccan University and renowned archaeologist Dr. Vasant Shinde appreciated the organisation of the International Rakhigarhi Festival while addressing a press conference at Rakhigarhi during the event.

He said the Saraswati-Sindhu civilisation was among the world’s oldest civilisations, with evidence suggesting that it dates back approximately 8,000 years. From the early development of urban life to social organisation and cultural traditions, this civilisation has made a significant contribution to human history.

He added that several aspects of the lifestyle and traditions of the people of the Harappan civilisation continue to be reflected in society even today.

Chandigarh, October 24: The High-Powered Works Purchase Committee (HPWPC), chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, approved development works with a total negotiated value of ₹219.91 crore during its meeting held in Chandigarh today. Through negotiations, the state government achieved savings of ₹18.81 crore against the quoted amount of ₹233.68 crore, ensuring economical utilisation of public funds. Local Bodies Minister Sh. Vipul Goel was also present in the meeting.

The approved Urban Local Bodies projects cover municipal solid waste management, road construction and repair, water supply, sewerage, drainage, street lighting, green belts, parks and other urban infrastructure across the state. Of the 13 Agendas presented in the meeting, 11 were passed while two were deferred.

The committee approved ₹18.70 crore for processing daily generated municipal solid waste in the Narnaul cluster, covering Narnaul, Mahendragarh, Kanina, Nangal Chaudhary and Ateli Mandi. The municipal solid waste processing project in Gurugram was approved at a negotiated cost of ₹38.79 crore, while a similar project at Partapgarh village in Faridabad was approved for ₹17.14 crore.

The committee also approved project for shifting of milk dairies in Hisar. It also approved a project for the upgradation, repair and maintenance of green belts and parks, including parks in newly approved colonies and parks for persons with special abilities.

A banquet hall in Ward No. 20 of Municipal Corporation Panipat was approved at a cost of ₹17.94 crore. The construction of a model road from Agra Chowk to the end of Shardhanand Park on both sides in Palwal was approved at ₹9.28 crore.

The committee also approved construction of an office building for Municipal Corporation Faridabad at Ballabgarh. Works for the augmentation of water supply, sewerage, drainage and street lighting in Sihi village, Ward No. 39, Faridabad, were approved at ₹17.77 crore. Similar works in Bhudena village, Ward No. 35, Faridabad, were approved at ₹13.85 crore.

The rebuilding and repair of road carpeting in Sirsa city, where roads had been dug up for laying a stormwater drainage system, was approved at a negotiated cost of ₹13.29 crore.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the quality of development works and their timely completion are the top priorities of the state government. He directed the concerned departments and executing agencies to ensure that all projects are completed within the stipulated time frame without compromising on quality.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Yash Pal, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Shimla: “Osteoporosis can affect a person’s mobility and independence, particularly when fractures involve the hip, spine or wrist. Recognizing risk factors and taking steps to protect bone health can help reduce the impact of the condition.”
Dr. Tarandeep Singh Gill, director–orthopaedics & joint replacement at Max Hospital, Mohali said, “Osteoporosis occurs when bones become less dense and structurally weaker, making them more likely to break. While bone density naturally changes with age, osteoporosis involves a greater loss of bone strength than expected.”
The risk of osteoporosis increases with age, particularly after menopause in women. However, it can affect both men and women, Dr Gill informed.

“Other factors that may increase the risk include; previous fractures following minor trauma, family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures, low body weight, lack of physical activity, inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may also increase the risk.”

Talking about improving bone health, Dr. Gill, said that bone health is influenced by nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle and overall health. Some measures that can support healthy bones include: consuming adequate calcium and vitamin D as advised by a healthcare professional, taking part in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities, maintaining a healthy body weight and taking steps to prevent falls, particularly among older adults
Although ageing is an important risk factor, osteoporosis should not be considered an unavoidable part of growing older. Bone health deserves attention throughout life, particularly when risk factors are present.
Early assessment can help identify people at increased risk and provide an opportunity to take appropriate measures to protect bone strength, said Dr. Gill

Chandigarh:

“Donor families display extraordinary courage when, amid profound grief, they decide to give others the gift of life. Their sacrifice is the foundation of this movement, and we must acknowledge them with the deepest gratitude,” said Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh, while addressing as Chief Guest at the CONTINUUM – The Continuity of Life as Chief Guest. The CME-cum-training programme was organised by ROTTO North in association with the Department of Hospital Administration at the APC Auditorium, PGIMER, today.

Paying heartfelt tribute to donor families, Prof. Lal highlighted the importance of coordinated teamwork among clinicians, nursing officers and transplant coordinators in advancing transplantation services. Emphasising the need to transform organ donation into a wider societal movement, Director PGIMER said, “We must take this movement beyond hospital walls and engage communities, including villages and panchayats, to build greater awareness and encourage organ donation.”

Prof. Lal further observed that transplant coordinators are indispensable to the donation process and that strong collaboration among healthcare teams has been central to PGIMER’s achievements in transplantation. He called for sustained efforts to strengthen awareness and ensure that the generosity of donor families translates into more lives saved.

Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, Chandigarh, as Guest of Honour on the occasion emphasised that organ donation must be treated as a collective institutional responsibility rather than the task of any single department. Highlighting the complexities of deceased organ donation, Prof. Ashok Kumar said, “Timely identification of potential donors, brain-stem death certification, seamless interdepartmental coordination and sensitive communication with grieving families are critical to a successful donation pathway. A systematic approach and collective efforts are essential to improve donor conversion and strengthen the donation process.”

Reinforcing the programme’s focus on translating knowledge into action, Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, said, “Through CONTINUUM, we aim to strengthen the preparedness of resident doctors and nursing officers and translate knowledge into action. We envision monthly training programmes to foster continuous learning and build a sustainable culture of deceased organ donation at PGIMER.”

A key highlight of the programme was the felicitation of the family of Surinder Kaur, a young organ donor, in recognition of their courageous decision to give others the gift of life amid profound personal grief. Their presence served as a poignant reminder that organ donation can transform loss into hope and offer a second chance to patients awaiting transplantation.

Sharing the family’s sentiments, Jaspal Singh, Surinder Kaur’s uncle, said, “Losing a loved one is an irreplaceable loss, but knowing that her organs could help others live has given our grief a deeper meaning. We hope her gift inspires more families to choose organ donation and allows their loved ones’ lives to continue through others.”

Adding a deeply moving cultural dimension, students from the Institute for the Blind presented a special tribute dedicated to organ donation, conveying a powerful message of empathy, humanity and the enduring impact of giving life to others. The performance brought together the spirit of service and the message that the gift of life transcends barriers.

The programme also witnessed the unveiling of a training compendium on organ donation, marking an important step towards structured learning and capacity-building among healthcare professionals.

The event was attended by heads of departments, senior faculty members, resident doctors, nursing officers and other hospital staff, reflecting the multidisciplinary commitment essential to strengthening donor identification, certification, and coordination and transplantation outcomes.

The inaugural session was followed by scientific sessions featuring experts from PGIMER’s clinical and academic departments, covering critical aspects of deceased organ donation and transplantation.

Prof. Rajesh Chhabra, Head, Department of Neurosurgery, spoke on Prognostication and Potential Donor Identification, while Prof. Ashish Sharma, Head, Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, addressed From Donor to Recipient: Evolution, Allocation and Transplantation. Prof. Y.S. Bansal, Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, discussed the Medico-Legal and Ethical Aspects of organ donation, and Prof. Kajal Jain, Head, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, delivered a session on Donor Optimisation.

Dr. Aastha Takkar Kapila, Additional Professor, Department of Neurology, discussed Brain-Stem Death: Diagnosis and Certification, highlighting a crucial component of the deceased organ donation pathway.

The session on Organ Donation and Transplantation in India was delivered by Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, and Transplant Coordinators Dr. Navdeep Bansal and Dr. Parul Gupta, addressed Hospital Donation Pathway and Workflow and Creating an Enabling Environment for Organ Donation: The Resident’s Role and respectively.

Expressing gratitude on the occasion, Ms. Saryu D. Madra, Consultant (IEC/Media), ROTTO North, PGIMER, said, “Organ donation is not merely a medical process; it is a profound expression of humanity that transforms grief into hope and gives others a second chance at life. Through collective commitment, awareness and compassion, we can ensure that the legacy of every donor continues to live on through the lives they help save.”

The programme was smoothly conducted by Dr. Kamaljeet Deswal and Dr. Parul Gupta who served as Masters of Ceremony, ensuring a seamless flow of proceedings.

The ROTTO North team played a key role in coordinating and facilitating CONTINUUM, bringing together clinical experts, transplant coordinators and frontline healthcare professionals to strengthen knowledge, collaboration and preparedness for deceased organ donation.