Chandigarh, August 7

St Kabir Public School has taken its flagship inter-school quiz championship, Pantomathics, to the national stage with the successful conduct of its first-ever All India Edition, marking a major milestone in the competition’s six-year journey.
The championship attracted 1,229 two-member teams from 486 schools across India. Following nationwide online preliminary and zonal rounds, the top 16 teams, representing Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal and Jharkhand, competed in the Grand Finale held in Chandigarh on August 6–7 for the Pantomathics-2026 title and a prize pool of Rs 2 lakh.
Announcing the winners, Gurpreet Bakshi, Chief Administrator, St Kabir Public School, said the overwhelming response to the first national edition reflected the growing enthusiasm among students for knowledge-based competitions.
Cambridge Court High School,Jaipur won the Pantomathics-2026 title, the school was represented by Medhansh Vaddadi and Atharv Gauttam.   Satish Chandra Memorial School from Chakdaha(WB) finished as 1st runner up with Jayabrata Ghosh and Ainak Chowdhary representing the school.  

St Anthony’s Sr Sec School took the 2nd runner up spot and the school was represented by  Pavitra Jain and Saanvi Bhatia.  
Bakshi said, “What began as a regional initiative has today evolved into a truly national championship. Our vision is to make Pantomathics one of India’s most respected school quiz competitions, inspiring students to think critically, stay curious and learn beyond the classroom.”
Sapna Katoch, Principal, St Kabir Public School, said the championship reflected the school’s long-standing commitment to nurturing curiosity and holistic learning. “Pantomathics began with a simple vision—to nurture curiosity and celebrate the joy of learning. Seeing it grow into a national championship is a proud milestone for our school.

Beyond competition, it has become a platform where young minds from across India connect, exchange ideas and celebrate the spirit of knowledge together,” she said.
Organised in collaboration with Nexus Consulting, one of India’s leading knowledge and engagement companies, the championship featured questions spanning Current Affairs, Science, Technology, History, Geography, Sports, Literature, Entertainment, Arts and General Knowledge, testing not only factual knowledge but also analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Semi-Finals and Grand Finale were conducted by renowned quizmaster Venkatesh (Venky) Srinivasan, co-founder of Nexus Consulting, who has been associated with Pantomathics since its inception.

Widely regarded as one of India’s foremost quizmasters, Srinivasan has also worked on marquee knowledge properties such as Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) and Wheel of Fortune, besides conducting hundreds of educational, corporate and public quiz events across the country through Nexus Consulting, the championship’s knowledge partner since its inception.
Speaking on the occasion, Srinivasan said, “Pantomathics celebrates curiosity as much as knowledge. The quality of participation this year was exceptional, and the move to a national format has significantly elevated the championship. It is heartening to see talented students from across India compete on one platform. Pantomathics has all the ingredients to emerge as one of the country’s premier school quiz championships.”
Bakshi added that St Kabir Public School hosted the travel, accommodation and hospitality of all finalist teams, enabling students and teachers from different parts of the country to interact, exchange ideas and build lasting friendships. This year’s edition also featured a Teachers’ Invitational Written Quiz, reinforcing the school’s belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit.

Chandigarh: A society is not defined solely by its economic growth or technological advancement. It is equally measured by the compassion, empathy, and solidarity its people display during life’s most difficult moments. Among the traditions that have long reflected these values is the collective participation in funeral processions and last rites. Today, however, many believe this spirit of community is gradually fading.

Generation Z has earned appreciation for speaking out on issues of public importance. In recent months, young people have emerged as a powerful force for social and educational reforms. They have participated in protests against examination paper leaks, demanded accountability from authorities, and called for stricter action against those responsible for undermining the integrity of examinations. Such civic engagement reflects a strong sense of awareness and a willingness to fight for transparency and fairness in the education system.

Similarly, members of Generation Alpha are beginning to raise their voices on issues affecting education. In different parts of the country, including Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, Gaya in Bihar, and States such as Rajasthan and Maharashtra, students have participated in campaigns and demonstrations seeking better school infrastructure, adequate classrooms, improved sanitation and drinking water facilities, and the appointment of qualified Science teachers. Their growing civic consciousness deserves appreciation and encouragement.

Yet, while younger generations are increasingly active in demanding reforms, the same spirit of social responsibility should also extend beyond public protests. Strengthening social bonds, preserving cultural traditions, and standing with families in times of grief are equally important responsibilities. A generation that can lead movements for justice can also lead by example in preserving the values of compassion, service, and collective responsibility.

One noticeable change in recent years is the declining participation of young people in funeral processions and last rites. In earlier generations, it was customary for at least one member from almost every household to accompany the deceased on the final journey. Young people would help carry the bier, assist with funeral arrangements, gather firewood where required, and remain with the bereaved family throughout the cremation. These were not merely religious customs but expressions of humanity, empathy, and community service.

There was a time when funeral processions truly reflected community solidarity. In most villages, it was common for 60 to 70 people—and often more than a hundred—to accompany the deceased. Neighbours, relatives, friends, and even distant acquaintances would set aside their daily routines to stand beside a grieving family. Their presence conveyed a simple but powerful message: no one should face grief alone.

Few years ago, during a personal interaction, the Principal of DBS College, Dehradun, Prof. O.P. Kulshreshtha, shared similar concerns about what he perceived as a declining interest among young people in participating in funeral processions and last rites. He observed that while today’s youth enthusiastically attend birthday celebrations, social gatherings, and events commemorating various international days, their participation in the final rites of relatives, neighbours, and members of the community appears to be diminishing.

According to Prof. Kulshreshtha, this is more than a change in social habits—it reflects changing priorities. Celebrating life’s achievements is important, he said, but standing with families during moments of loss is equally significant. Funeral rites are not merely religious ceremonies; they are expressions of respect, empathy, and social responsibility. A balanced society is one in which the younger generation values both occasions of celebration and moments that call for compassion and solidarity.

Another concern that deserves attention is the apparent difference in community participation based on a family’s economic status. In many places, funeral processions of affluent families attract large gatherings, while those of economically weaker families often witness far fewer attendees. Although this may not be true everywhere, such instances raise an important question: should compassion ever depend upon wealth or social standing? Every individual deserves dignity in death, and every bereaved family deserves the support of its community.

One personal experience strengthened this concern. A few years ago, when one of our relatives, a government engineer, suffered paralysis, nearly a dozen family members came together and contributed around Rs 5 lakh within an hour towards his medical treatment. It was a remarkable example of family unity and collective responsibility. Everyone recognised that supporting a relative in distress was a shared obligation.

With that experience in mind, I expected the same spirit of togetherness when two relatives from economically weaker backgrounds passed away. I believed the family would once again come forward—not only by contributing towards the funeral expenses but also by standing beside the bereaved family during their most difficult hours.

Unfortunately, that expectation was not fulfilled. Although around 10 to 15 adult male members of our extended family live in the village, many of them employed in government service, only a limited number actively participated in the funeral and last rites. There appeared to be little collective effort to ensure that the ceremonies were conducted with the dignity and support the grieving families deserved. The experience was particularly painful because the deceased belonged to poor households that needed emotional and practical assistance the most.

This is not about blaming individuals. Rather, it prompts a broader reflection: Have we become more willing to support people when there is hope of recovery, but less willing to stand with families when there is nothing to gain except the fulfilment of a moral and social responsibility? Compassion should not end when life ends.

The final rites of a person are more than rituals; they represent society’s last expression of respect, gratitude, and solidarity. No family—especially one facing economic hardship—should feel isolated during such moments. If communities can unite to save a life, they should also unite to honour a life.

Modern lifestyles, migration, demanding careers, and changing social patterns have undoubtedly altered traditional ways of living. Yet these changes should not diminish the values that have long held families and communities together. A person’s final farewell should continue to be an occasion when society comes together to offer dignity, comfort, and support, irrespective of wealth or social status.

As India moves towards becoming a developed nation, material progress must be accompanied by moral and social progress. The younger generations have already demonstrated their ability to drive meaningful change in public life. They now have an equally important opportunity—to preserve the timeless values of empathy, community service, and collective responsibility. A truly progressive society is one that not only celebrates success together but also stands united in moments of grief, ensuring that no one walks their final journey alone.

Chandigarh: Reinforcing its position as the country’s foremost institution in deceased organ donation, ROTTO North, PGIMER Chandigarh scripted history by winning the prestigious National Award for Best Regional Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) for the third consecutive yea r, completing a remarkable Hat-trick and securing its fourth overall national title since the inception of the award in 2019.

The coveted honour was conferred during the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day celebrations held at the iconic Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, under the aegis of the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

The award was presented by Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare , who congratulated the award-winning institutions for their outstanding contribution towards strengthening India’s organ donation movement and promoting ethical, transparent and equitable organ transplantation across the country.

The other esteemed dignitaries present on the occasion included Punya Salila Srivastava Secretary, MoHFW Government of India, Vijay Nehra, Addln. Secretary MoHFW Govt. of India, Dr. Loveneesh G. Krishna DGHS, MOHFW, Govt. of India and Dr. Anil Kumar, Director NOTTO.

The award was received on behalf of PGIMER by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh, along with a senior delegation comprising Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, Prof Dheeraj Khurana, Dept of Neurology, Prof. Hemant Bhagat, Dept of Anaesthesia and Intensive care, Dr. Vijay Tadia Nodal Officer ROTTO North and Ms. Saryu D. Madra, Consultant (IEC/Media), ROTTO North, PGIMER.

Expressing his happiness over the recognition, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, stated,” “Receiving this prestigious national recognition for the third consecutive year is a proud moment for the entire PGIMER family. It reflects our sustained commitment to advancing organ donation and transplantation through excellence in patient care, innovation, and teamwork. This honour belongs to our dedicated healthcare professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Above all, it is a tribute to the donor families whose extraordinary courage and generosity continue to transform loss into hope and save countless lives.”

Prof. Lal further underpinned,” PGIMER designated as Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO North), remains committed to strengthening the organ donation ecosystem across northern India through mentorship, capacity building, professional training, institutional collaboration, and the promotion of ethical best practices. Our mission extends beyond coordination—we strive to empower every State and transplant centre to build sustainable and efficient transplant programmes. This recognition reinforces our responsibility to continue leading with excellence, collaboration, and compassion for the benefit of patients awaiting the gift of life.”

The national event witnessed participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Secretaries and senior officers from States and Union Territories, heads of leading healthcare institutions, transplant professionals, donor and recipient families, transplant coordinators, NGOs and civil society organizations working to advance organ donation across India.

The ceremony featured several deeply moving moments that underscored the true spirit of organ donation. Among those felicitated was the family of Major Singh, whose selfless decision to donate organs after his demise gave a new lease of life to multiple recipients. Equally poignant was the recognition accorded to the family of a young burn survivor who received life-changing skin donation, highlighting the transformative impact of tissue donation in restoring hope and healing to patients with severe burn injuries. These stories served as powerful reminders that every donation transcends grief to create new beginnings.

With this latest recognition, ROTTO North, PGIMER Chandigarh has now won the National Best ROTTO Award four times, including an unprecedented hat-trick of three successive victories for th years of 2023,2024 and 2025 and one earlier in 2019, firmly establishing itself as the national leader in organ donation coordination and promotion. The Institute has also previously received multiple national recognitions for excellence in deceased organ donation, reflecting its sustained commitment to advancing transplantation services and strengthening the organ donation ecosystem in the country.

Designated as the Regional Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO North) in 2015, PGIMER has been entrusted with coordinating and promoting organ donation across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territories of Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Through capacity building, policy support, public awareness, professional training and seamless inter-state coordination, ROTTO North continues to set national benchmarks in deceased organ donation while inspiring thousands to pledge the gift of life.

Other honours under the ROTTO North network included SOTTO Rajasthan, which received the national award for Best IEC and Awareness Activities, and DMC Ludhiana, Punjab for exemplary performance in transplantation, reflecting the growing momentum of organ donation initiatives across northern India under the guidance and coordination of ROTTO North, PGIMER Chandigarh

Chandigarh, August 3

In a proud moment for India’s education and fashion fraternity, Dr. Neha Miglani, Founder of the Institute of Fashion & Communication Technology (IFCT), has been honoured with the prestigious “Excellence in Global Fashion Education Award” at the Leadership Summit & Icons 2026. The award was given by Governor of Punjab and the Administrator of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria.
The award recognises Dr. Miglani’s exceptional contribution to fashion education, her visionary leadership, and her unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals. Through her pioneering work at IFCT, she has empowered aspiring designers, media professionals, entrepreneurs, and creative minds by providing industry-driven education that combines innovation, practical learning, and global perspectives.

Receiving the honour, Dr. Neha Miglani said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. This award belongs to every student, faculty member, colleague, and well-wisher who has been part of the IFCT journey. It inspires us to continue redefining fashion and creative education by empowering young talent with knowledge, innovation, and global opportunities.”
Under Dr. Miglani’s leadership, IFCT has emerged as a progressive institution that bridges academic excellence with industry relevance. The institute continues to create opportunities for students through experiential learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, industry collaborations, fashion events, media projects, and international exposure, helping them build successful careers in the creative economy.
The recognition bestowed upon Dr. Neha Miglani reflects not only her personal achievements but also the growing impact of IFCT in shaping the future of fashion, design, media, and communication education in India. The honour further reinforces the institute’s commitment to delivering world-class education and creating globally competent professionals capable of leading the creative industries of tomorrow.

Chandigarh/Rewari

Under the series of organizational meetings being held across Haryana, AICC In-charge for Haryana Affairs Sanjay Dutt and Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh addressed a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Rewari Rural District Congress on Sunday. They later held detailed interactions with senior leaders, office-bearers, and party workers from the Rewari, Kosli, and Bawal Assembly constituencies to discuss strategies for making the organization more active and stronger at the booth level.

Earlier, on Saturday evening, both leaders also attended the meeting of the Rewari Urban District Congress Executive Committee, where they held extensive discussions on the party’s upcoming organizational programmes and public outreach campaign.

Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Dutt said that the Congress is not a party that reaches out to the people only during elections but stands with them and fights for their rights under all circumstances. He stated that the BJP government has remained completely insensitive to issues concerning farmers, youth, employees, and ordinary citizens. He emphasized that the Congress would strengthen its organization down to the booth level and empower every party worker to become a voice for resolving people’s problems through sustained public struggles.

He further said that farmers in Haryana are facing a severe crisis due to inadequate prices for their crops, shortage of fertilizers, poor irrigation facilities, and below-normal rainfall. Instead of providing relief, the government is merely making claims. He asserted that addressing farmers’ concerns should be the government’s highest priority.

HPCC President Rao Narendra Singh said that sanitation workers across the state are on strike over their long-pending demands, but the government has failed to respond seriously to their grievances. As a result, the poor condition of municipal services is causing hardship to the general public. He affirmed that the Congress firmly stands for the legitimate rights of employees as well as the convenience and welfare of the people.

Referring to the AIIMS project in Rewari, Rao Narendra Singh said, “The failure to complete an important project like AIIMS on time reflects the government’s administrative inefficiency. The people have been waiting for quality healthcare facilities for far too long. The BJP government must explain when the people of Rewari and South Haryana will finally receive world-class healthcare services.”

He urged party workers to take the BJP government’s anti-people policies and the state’s pressing public issues to every village and every booth while effectively communicating the Congress party’s pro-people vision and commitment to public welfare.

Among those present on the occasion were former Minister Captain Ajay Singh Yadav, AICC Secretary and former MLA Chiranjeev Rao, Rewari Rural District Congress Committee President Subhash Chhawri, Rewari Urban District Congress Committee President Praveen Chaudhary, former Minister Dr. M. L. Ranga, Jagdish Yadav and Jaswant Singh Bawal along with several Congress office-bearers and party workers.

Chandigarh:

Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh, organized the Nasha Mukti Yuva for Viksit Bharat pledge ceremony on Sunday, August  02, 2026, in the college auditorium. The event was attended by Director Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Puneet Chawla, the Associate Deans of Student Affairs (ADSA), faculty members, and students.

The programme began with the Nasha Mukti Pledge, where participants pledged to stay away from substance abuse and spread awareness about its harmful effects. This was followed by the online address of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, who emphasized the role of youth in building a drug-free India and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He highlighted the Kashi Declaration as a roadmap for a youth-led movement against substance abuse and appreciated the efforts of My Bharat volunteers in promoting awareness throughout the country.

The programme also featured a Nukkad Natak presented by students of the National School of Drama (NSD)and volunteers, highlighting the social impact of drug abuse and encouraging healthy, addiction-free lifestyles.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a renewed commitment from the participants to support the Nasha Mukti Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign and promote a drug-free society.

Chandigarh, August 1: Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari today inaugurated a newly established computer lab at Dev Samaj College for Girls in Sector 45, Chandigarh, as part of his efforts to promote the development of the education sector. Tewari had sanctioned a grant of approximately Rs 10 lakh from his MPLADS fund for setting up the facility.

Addressing the gathering, Tewari said that the development of education has always remained one of his key priorities. He said an educated person is better equipped to fulfil his or her responsibilities towards the family and society. He appreciated the significant contribution being made by Dev Samaj College for Girls towards promoting girls’ education.

He said the newly established computer lab would prove highly beneficial for the students and provide them with better opportunities to develop their digital and technical skills. He also appreciated the college management committee and the entire staff for their contribution towards women’s empowerment through education. He said women today are playing an important role in every sphere of society.

Tewari also visited the newly established computer lab and interacted with the students, taking feedback about their educational needs and facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Chandigarh Congress President H.S. Lucky said that the Congress has always emphasised strengthening education and empowering the youth. Referring to the NEET paper leak issue, he said that the voice of the youth cannot be suppressed and that the Congress party stands firmly with the young people of the country.

Among those present on the occasion included, College Principal Neeru Malik and Chandramukhi Sharma, besides other members of the college management and staff.

Mohali

A Suvidha Centre was established adjacent to the Civil Dispensary in Phase 11 a few years ago for the convenience of local residents. The centre provided valuable services to the residents of Phases 10 and 11, Sectors 66 and 48-C, as well as nearby areas. Residents were able to get their routine government-related work completed at the Suvidha Centre located close to their homes.

A delegation led by Councillor S. Amarjit Singh met the MLA, S. Kulwant Singh, and requested that the closed Phase 11 Suvidha Centre be reopened and dedicated once again to public service so that residents would not have to travel long distances to avail themselves of essential government services.

The delegation informed the MLA that the Suvidha Centre earlier provided more than 300 public services relating to approximately 28 government departments. These included the issuance of residence certificates, caste certificates, pension-related documents, passport services, Aadhaar card services, affidavits, and several other essential citizen services. At present, only three Suvidha Centres are operational in the entire city, causing inconvenience to a large number of residents.

Responding to the delegation, the Hon’ble MLA S. Kulwant Singh assured them that necessary steps would be taken to restart the Phase 11 Suvidha Centre at the earliest for the convenience of the public.

Besides Councillor S. Amarjit Singh, the delegation comprised S. Charanjit Singh, S. R.P.S. Saini, Shri Suresh Bhanot, S. Hakam Singh, S. Umrao Singh, S. Surinder Singh, S. Karam Singh, Shri Dinesh Kumar, S. Hardev Singh, S. Gulzar Singh, and S. Arvinder Pal Singh, S. Narinder Pal Singh .