Chandigarh/Ateli.

A Block Congress Conference was held today in Ateli under the chairmanship of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narender Singh. The conference began with floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries.

On the occasion, Congress leaders and workers remembered Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence and public service, as well as Lal Bahadur Shastri’s ideals of simplicity, honesty and service to the nation.

The conference discussed various public-interest issues in detail, including farmers, youth, unemployment, inflation, the health and education systems, crime, social security schemes, and strengthening the Congress organisation up to the booth level.

Every Booth Should Be a Centre of Congress Strength and Every Worker Should Become the Voice of the People: Rao Narender Singh

Addressing the workers, Rao Narender Singh said that the real strength of the Congress lies in its organisation and workers. Strengthening the organisation up to the booth level, maintaining direct communication with every worker and remaining continuously active among the people are the party’s priorities.

He said that an organisation cannot be strengthened by becoming active only during elections. Congress workers must remain among the people in villages and at the booth level, share their joys and sorrows, and raise their issues continuously. Every booth should become a centre of Congress strength and every worker should become the voice of the people.

Rao Narender Singh said that “responsibility with accountability” is equally important in the organisation. Every office-bearer must discharge their responsibilities with full sincerity and dedication.

He said that he has completed one year as Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President and that this achievement belongs not to any one individual but to the cooperation and hard work of lakhs of Congress workers across the state. He said, “This would not have been possible without the support of all of you.”

He called upon workers to strongly raise every issue concerning students, farmers, labourers, traders, employees and ordinary citizens through the organisation. He said that the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” (Students’ Voice) campaign must be taken to every village and booth.

Despite the Announcement of an MSP/Assured Price of ₹2,900, Why Are Farmers Struggling in Mandis?

Rao Narender Singh questioned the government over the procurement of bajra, saying that farmers work day and night to produce their crops, but are facing difficulties when it comes to selling their produce in the mandis.

He said that the government has stated that an amount of ₹2,900 per quintal would be ensured for bajra under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, but farmers are facing difficulties regarding procurement and the actual sale price in the mandis.

He said farmers have complained that bajra is being sold at around ₹2,200–2,300 per quintal, compared with the announced amount of ₹2,900. The government must therefore clarify how and within what time farmers will receive the benefit of the announced amount.

He said farmers are facing problems related to shortage of fertilisers, crop procurement, payments and remunerative prices. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that farmers do not have to wander from one mandi to another to sell their crops and that they receive a fair price on time.

Agniveer Scheme Raises Questions About the Future of Youth

The Pradesh Congress President also raised questions regarding the Agniveer scheme.

He said that recruitment into the armed forces is not merely a means of employment for Haryana’s youth, but an opportunity for national service, honour and a stable future.

He said that after a limited period of service, uncertainty regarding the future arises for young people. The youth of Haryana work hard with the dream of joining the armed forces and want a secure and dignified future, not uncertainty.

He said that a large number of young people in the state are looking for employment and are being forced to migrate in search of better opportunities. The government should take concrete steps towards ensuring permanent employment opportunities and future security for the youth.

“Why Is the Hospital in the Health Minister’s Own Constituency in Such a Condition?”:

Rao Narender Singh

Rao Narender Singh questioned the government over the healthcare situation in Ateli, saying that the MLA from the Ateli Assembly constituency is the Health Minister in the Haryana Government.

He said that despite this, complaints have emerged regarding shortages of doctors, nursing staff and essential paramedical personnel at hospitals in the Ateli area. Patients are being referred to larger hospitals because they are unable to receive adequate treatment locally.

Rao Narender Singh said, “The job of a hospital is to treat patients, not to repeatedly refer them elsewhere.”

He said that thousands of people from Ateli and surrounding areas have to travel to cities such as Narnaul, Rewari, Gurugram and Delhi for serious illnesses or treatment. This places an additional financial burden on poor and middle-class families.

He said that the people of Ateli need doctors in hospitals, not speeches; they need better treatment, not announcements. The government should provide adequate doctors, nursing and paramedical staff, medicines, essential equipment and better healthcare facilities at the hospital.

Government Must Answer for Incidents of Crime, Extortion and Kidnapping for Ransom

Rao Narender Singh also questioned the government over the law-and-order situation in the state.

He said that incidents of crime, extortion and kidnapping for ransom are creating concern among ordinary citizens and traders.

He said that the government must ensure accountability regarding law and order and provide ordinary citizens with a safe and fear-free environment.

Inflation Has Disrupted the Budget of Ordinary Families

Rao Narender Singh said that from food items to household necessities, ordinary families are continuously facing economic pressure. He also raised issues concerning the alleged increase in the price of oil supplied through government ration depots, matters related to ration cards and BPL cards, and the rising cost of cooking gas.

He said that there should be no reduction in benefits related to ration and social security for poor families. He also demanded that shortages of teachers in schools and availability of medicines in government hospitals be addressed.

Congress Will Continue Its Struggle on the Issues of “Vote Theft” and “Donation Theft”

Rao Narender Singh said that transparency in the electoral process and the rights of voters are paramount in a democracy. He said that the Congress would continue to raise issues related to voters’ rights.

He also referred to recent political issues, including “vote theft,” “donation theft,” the FIR against Rahul Gandhi, and the purification programme associated with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and said that the Congress would continue to raise its voice on these issues through democratic means.

He said that transparency and accountability are essential on every issue being raised among the public, including questions concerning donations made in the name of the Ram Temple and matters associated with them.

Resolve to Strengthen Congress

 Organisation at the Village and Booth Level: Lalit Yadav

MLA Lalit Yadav congratulated Pradesh Congress President Rao Narender Singh on successfully completing one year as Pradesh Congress President. He questioned the working style of the incumbent MLA and also alleged neglect of the constituency.

He called upon workers to establish direct communication with the people by going from village to village and booth to booth. He said that issues such as the farmer’s crop, employment for youth, ration for the poor, treatment for patients, education for students and security of ordinary citizens would form part of the Congress’s organisational struggle.

He said that a strong organisation, active workers and continuous struggle on public issues are the strength of the Congress. Congress workers will remain among the people and continue to strongly raise their rights and problems.

On the occasion, District President Satbir Jhukia, former CPS Anita Yadav, Naresh Malik, Ramesh Malik, Deepak Lamba, National Coordinator of Kisan Congress Krishan Rao, Mahila Congress President Dr. Raj Sunesh, Totaram Kohli, Block Presidents Sumer, Dilip, Manpal, Yadav, Sudhir Kumar, Vikram Singh, Rajkumar, Ram Roop, Yadvinder Rao, Surender Parashar, Ajit Yadav Sumer, Hoshiar Singh, Master Dharmender, Senior Vice-Chairman of the SC Department Anil, Vice-Chairman of the SC Department Amar Singh, Kamlesh Saini, Anuj Jangra, Mahender Rata, Ram Avtar, Rekha Dahiya, Tejpal, Tarun Yadav, Ramesh Thekedar, Rajan, Sandeep Bewal, Balwant Mohanpur, Bajinder Garhia, along with party workers and a large number of Congress workers, were present.

Chandigarh, October 2, 2026: A delegation of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employees of Panjab University met senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon at his Sector 18 residence and thanked for taking up the issue of timely payment of salaries of MTS employees.

The delegation, led by Sagar Dravid, thanked Tandon on behalf of the entire MTS employee community for addressing their concerns and raising important issues related to the welfare of the employees.

Speaking on the occasion, Tandon said that timely payment of salaries was a basic necessity for employees who depend on their monthly wages to meet their household expenses.

“I am happy that the concerns of the MTS employees are going to be addressed and that they will receive their salaries on time. These employees work with dedication and depend on their monthly wages for the needs of their families. Ensuring timely payment of their salaries is therefore a matter of priority,” Tandon said.

It is worth noting that Sanjay Tandon had met PU Vice Chancellor Prof Meenakshi Goyal, urging her to ensure  that the university’s MTS employees get their salaries by the 7th of every month.

He added, “I will continue to raise issues concerning the welfare and dignity of contractual and other employees. No worker should have to face financial hardship because of delays in receiving the salary that they have earned through their hard work.”

Tandon also thanked the MTS employees for expressing their confidence in him and assured them of his continued support in taking up genuine issues concerning their welfare with the appropriate authorities.

CHANDIGARH: The 19th Global Youth Peace Fest (GYPF2026) opened today at GGDSD College, Sector 32C. It brought young people from six countries onto one campus with one urgent question: how do we turn peace from an idea into a daily practice? Organised by Yuvsatta (Youth for Peace) in collaboration with GGDSD College, the day moved from cooperative games in the morning to a packed stadium at night, with difficult conversations on gender, HIV stigma and climate in between. The festival runs until 2 October, Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence.

Delegates had arrived a day earlier for a “Culture Without Borders” exchange that included the Rock Garden, a walk at Sukhna Lake and a Global Friendship Dinner. This morning began with ice-breaker cooperative games led by Mr. Ajatshatru of Play for Peace, India. The games were designed to dissolve the distance between strangers before the formal Inaugural Ceremony.

The inaugural dignitaries were Mr. Jitender Bhatia, Finance Secretary, GGDSD Managing Committee; Dr. Ajay Sharma, Principal, GGDSD College; Mr. Dev Tyde, Senior Gandhian Activist; Rev. Fr. Kirialdeniyage Antoney Lakshman, Rector, St. Nicholas’ International College, Negombo, Sri Lanka; Mr. Mohammed Shahnaz Bin Mawardi, Head Delegate, Ministry of Youth & Sports, Government of Malaysia; Mr. Jadzreill Bin Jaafar, International Youth Centre, Malaysia; Mr. Deepak Dhiman, Senior Journalist; and Dr. Krishna Athal, Executive Director, YUVA, Mauritius.

“It is a matter of pride for GGDSD College to host young people from across borders on one campus,” said Dr. Ajay Sharma, Principal, GGDSD College. “When students from different countries listen to each other, peace stops being a textbook idea and becomes lived experience.”

“For thirty-six years, Yuvsatta has believed that youth are not just the future but the present of peace building,” said Mr. Pramod Sharma, Founder, Yuvsatta. “GYPF brings them together to turn values into action.”

Day 1 highlights

Girls’ leadership at the centre of the room. A fishbowl dialogue on gender equality and girls’ leadership was chaired by Ms. Shabina Ali of the Centre for Peace & Spirituality (CPS) International, Kolkata, and co-chaired by Dr. Nidhi Choudhary of GGDSD College. It was an open circle in which anyone could step in and take a seat. The speakers were three young women leaders from Malaysia: Ms. Mirsha Naresh Kumar and Ms. Nur Najwa Hussein, both Gold Award recipients of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and Ms. Saba Sharma, winner of the ASIAN Girls Human Rights Award.

Schools take the floor. Student teams tested their arguments on the Sustainable Development Goals at the 4th Inter-School SDGs Youth Parliament Trophy. The judges were Dr. Krishna Athal (YUVA, Mauritius), Mr. Ajatshatru (Play for Peace, India) and Mr. Tan Lit Voon (Malaysia). Dr. Ajay Sharma and Mr. Pramod Sharma presented the prizes. The winning schools are:

1. St. Nicholas’ International College, Negombo, Sri Lanka,

2. Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Gurdaspur

3. Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Hoshiarpur

4. Chitkara International School, Chandigarh

5. Mount Carmel School, Chandigarh

#BreakFree: facing HIV stigma head-on. In the “Walk in My Shoes” empathy exercise, delegates stepped into the lived experience of people living with HIV. A youth dialogue followed, chaired by Mr. Sandeep Mittal, Deputy Director, Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society (CSACS), and co-chaired by Mr. Jitender Dahiya, Deputy Director (IEC), CSACS. Moderated by Dr. Krishna Athal (YUVA, Mauritius), the panellists included Mr. Muhammad Raif bin Kamarul Anwar (Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia), Ms. Nurul Qistina Balqis Binti Radzuan (Universiti Utara Malaysia) and Ms. Dinesha Fernando (St. Nicholas’ International College, Sri Lanka). Delegates then gathered for a group photograph with the Red Ribbon #BreakFree banner. A voluntary HIV testing and counselling camp and a Peace Wall ran through the day, turning awareness into action.

Youth voices on a warming planet. A session on climate justice and climate-resilient cities heard from Mr. Soyed Zhadul Alom Opu (Youth Foundation of Bangladesh), Mr. Dev Desai (Gujarat Sarvodaya Mandal, Ahmedabad) and Ms. Tengku Saidatul Najihah (Malaysian Youth Exchange Alumni Association). At lunch, a “Human Library” let delegates interview prominent participants as living books. The Global Youth Marketplace and Success Stories Showcase then featured Ms. Esther Ezhilnanggai (MAGAA, Malaysia), Mr. Laxman Gole (Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal) and Dr. Krishna Athal (YUVA, Mauritius).

Peace under stadium lights. The day ended with a Special Evening of Sports, Music & Cultural Exchange. Delegates first travelled together to the Ministry of Sports, the Tricity’s largest sports hub, in SAS Nagar, Punjab. From there they went to the NAMO Cricket League at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula, a grassroots movement of more than 3,200 teams and 50,000 players from Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand. The evening brought together live cricket, a performance by a renowned Punjabi singer and a shared dinner.

Dr. Ajay Sharma, Mr. Jitender Bhatia and Mr. Pramod Sharma presented the prizes.

Partners

International and national partners of GYPF2026 include Chitkara University; the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society (CSACS); the International Youth Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; St. Nicholas’ International College, Sri Lanka; the Youth Foundation of Bangladesh; YUVA Mauritius; AIHM, Chandigarh; and the World Assembly of Youth (WAY).

Coming up on Day 2: Gandhi Jayanti

On 2 October, delegates will begin at 6:30 am with tree plantation at AIHM 42 and a clean-up drive at Mini Lake. The rest of the day brings the GYPF Action Lab with 90-second youth pitches, the adoption of the Chandigarh Youth Peace Declaration 2026, a reflection circle titled “What Changed in Me: I am the CHANGE”, and the GYPF Youth Leadership Awards & Recognition Ceremony.

Chandigarh, September 29 Nexus Elante, in a meaningful initiative to raise awareness around childhood cancer and show solidarity with children undergoing treatment, in collaboration with Access Life Assistance Foundation, illuminated its iconic “I Love Chandigarh” landmark in the mall courtyard in gold.

Held as part of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, observed every September, the initiative used the symbolic golden illumination to spread a message of hope, strength and support for children battling cancer and their families.

The initiative also brought together children undergoing treatment, their parents, Access Life volunteers, caregivers and students at Nexus Elante. Beyond raising awareness, the gathering aimed to create a positive and joyful experience for the children, who spent time together and enjoyed a movie away from their regular treatment routines.

Through the initiative, Nexus Elante and Access Life came together to draw attention to the realities faced by children and families affected by cancer, while creating a space that encouraged empathy, togetherness and positivity. The golden landmark served as a visible reminder of the importance of standing alongside young cancer patients and supporting them through their treatment journey.

The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of Nexus Elante and Access Life to creating greater awareness around childhood cancer and bringing moments of hope and joy to children and families navigating the challenges of cancer.

Chandigarh, September 29 2026: Christian pastors and leaders gathered across national borders on Thursday for an international program addressing human rights, religious freedom, and the essence of faith. Pastors in New Delhi participated in person at Statesman House, while Christian leaders from other countries joined online from their respective locations, in a program organized with the support of the Beautiful Bridge Project.

The event, held in two parts — a general session on human rights and religious freedom, followed by a regional session on the essence of faith — brought leaders together to reflect on the responsibility of faith communities to protect human dignity, uphold religious freedom, and respond responsibly when fundamental rights are at stake.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the case of Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in South Korea, whose pretrial detention has drawn attention in South Korea and abroad. Citing a September 10 Grit Daily News report, speakers distinguished between guilt — to be determined through evidence and due process — and the separate question of whether continued detention is necessary and proportionate given the defendant’s age. The report noted the detention warrant’s publicly reported rationale centered on concerns about evidence destruction, without citing flight risk or danger, and that Kenyan religious leaders and scholars have endorsed a petition asking UN bodies to conduct a humanitarian review of the case.

Pastor Subhash Chandra Yadav of Assembly Believers Church addressed the humanitarian dimension of the case, noting that acknowledging Lee’s age, history as a Korean War veteran, and interfaith work does not place him above the law. He urged consideration of alternatives to detention — such as bail, residential restriction, or medical accommodation — that could protect the judicial process while preserving human dignity.

Participants also reflected on religious freedom more broadly, stressing that fundamental rights must apply equally, including to minority or controversial religious groups, and that disagreement with a group’s theology should not determine how its members are treated under the law.

Organizers described the gathering as part of an ongoing effort — not a one-time event — to build communication and cooperation among Christian leaders across countries, and said they intend to continue hosting international conversations on religious freedom, human rights, and persecution.

The message from New Delhi was summarized as: religious freedom is a fundamental human right; human dignity must be protected equally; justice must be grounded in evidence and due process; and faith leaders have a responsibility to stand peacefully and responsibly for the rights and dignity of others.

Chandigarh: To mark World Heart Day on Monday, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali, hosted a heart health awareness event to highlight the importance of caring for one’s heart.

The event featured an insightful heart health awareness session by doctors from Max along with preventive health messages, an engaging RJ-led interaction, audience participation activities, a comedy performance and a themed photo booth.
Blending awareness with entertainment, the initiative encouraged the audience to view heart health not just as a medical priority, but as an essential part of living a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life.

Dr. Simmardeep S. Gill, Director & COO– Hospital Operations, Max Hospital said, “Healthcare goes beyond the walls of a hospital. Through initiatives like this, we aim to build meaningful connections with the community and create greater awareness around preventive health. We remain committed to being an active partner in building healthier communities.”

Chandigarh, September 27

Young swimmers showcased their talent, confidence and competitive spirit at ‘Aqua Velocity’, a swimming competition organised by Built For Speed NGO at the All Weather Swimming Pool, Sector 23, Chandigarh, on Sunday.
The event brought together young schoolchildren across different age categories and witnessed enthusiastic participation, with parents cheering the budding swimmers from the sidelines.

Aqua Velocity was organised with the objective of encouraging participation, confidence and competence in swimming and providing children with a positive, encouraging and well-structured platform to experience competitive sport at an early age.
The competition was attended by Dr. Rakesh Malik, Director, Sports and Physical Education, Panjab University; Dr. Mahender Singh, Joint Director, Sports Department, UT Chandigarh; Paramjit Singh, Senior Swimming Coach, UT Chandigarh; and Chahat Arora, swimming coach and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardee, Punjab and Sharanpreet Singh, swimming coach and incharge of Sector 23 pool.
Speaking on the occasion, Anish Zakhmi, General Secretary, Built For Speed NGO, said the organisation’s vision extends beyond organising individual sporting events.

“Our long-term objective is to identify and support promising and committed young athletes. We want to move beyond short-term participation and create a system where children receive appropriate support at different stages of their sporting journey — from discovering an interest in sport and developing fundamental skills to progressing towards competitive performance,” he said.
He added that competitions such as Aqua Velocity can help children overcome hesitation, understand healthy competition and develop discipline and sportsmanship while enjoying the experience of participating in organised sport.
Built For Speed NGO plans to expand the initiative by organising similar competitions in other disciplines, including athletics and lawn tennis, with the larger objective of nurturing sporting talent and promoting a culture of excellence, participation and sportsmanship across the Tricity region.

The organisation also aims to create more opportunities for young athletes to test their abilities in a supportive competitive environment and, over time, help talented and dedicated children progress to higher levels of sport.
Winners: Divyana Bhandari won the Girls U-17 50m Backstroke with a timing of 42.63 seconds, while Aditya Karakoti topped the Boys U-14 50m Butterfly in 31.33 seconds. Aaynee Singla secured first place in the Girls U-12 25m Butterfly with a timing of 22.93 seconds. In the Boys U-10 25m Freestyle, Gursanjam Maan finished first in 17.12 seconds, while Elawarbir Singh Gill won the Boys U-8 25m Freestyle in 22.11 seconds. Arnika Katoch emerged winner in the Girls U-8 25m Freestyle, clocking 21.00 seconds.
Among the other podium finishers, Gunroop Kaur (55.87 sec) and Salamatt Brar (01:06.42 min) secured second and third positions respectively in the Girls U-17 50m Backstroke. Nimish Sharma (32.50 sec) and Aryan Deodhar (34.73 sec) finished second and third respectively in the Boys U-14 50m Butterfly.

In the Girls U-12 25m Butterfly, Yaavi Shah (23.15 sec) finished second and Anahita Chauhan (23.79 sec) third. Ayaan Bishnoi (18.46 sec) and Piyush (18.53 sec) secured second and third positions respectively in the Boys U-10 25m Freestyle.
Arhaan Singh (23.12 sec) and Karambir Singh (23.71 sec) finished second and third respectively in the Boys U-8 25m Freestyle, while Mira Gupta (21.86 sec) and Saira (24.10 sec) secured second and third positions respectively in the Girls U-8 25m Freestyle.

Girls – U-17 (50 m Backstroke)

1. Divyana Bhandari — 42.63 sec — 1st
2. Gunroop Kaur — 55.87 sec — 2nd
3. Salamatt Brar — 01:06.42 min — 3rd

Boys – U-14 (50 m Butterfly)

1. Aditya Karakoti— 31.33 sec — 1st
2. Nimish Sharma — 32.50 sec — 2nd
3. Aryan Deodhar — 34.73 sec — 3rd

Girls – U-12 (25 m Butterfly)

1. Aaynee Singla — 22.93 sec — 1st
2. Yaavi Shah — 23.15 sec — 2nd
3. Anahita Chauhan — 23.79 sec — 3rd

Boys – U-10 (25 m Freestyle)

1. Gursanjam Maan — 17.12 sec — 1st
2. Ayaan Bishnoi — 18.46 sec — 2nd
3. Piyush — 18.53 sec — 3rd

Boys – U-8 (25 m Freestyle)

1. Elawarbir Singh Gill — 22.11 sec — 1st
2. Arhaan Singh — 23.12 sec — 2nd
3. Karambir Singh — 23.71 sec — 3rd

Girls – U-8 (25 m Freestyle)

1. Arnika Katoch — 21.00 sec — 1st
2. Mira Gupta — 21.86 sec — 2nd
3. Saira — 24.10 sec — 3rd