Chandigarh, September 4: Senior BJP leader and former Chandigarh party president Sanjay Tandon met Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan at Panjab University (PU) on Friday and interacted with the Vice President on a range of issues concerning the university and the region. Tandon shared his views  on issues related to the varsity’s teaching and non-teaching staff and strengthening of leadership among others. Tandon and the Vice President also exchanged views on several  issues of national importance & matters concerning Punjab.

Chandigarh: Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Friday, with temples beautifully decorated and devotees gathering in large numbers to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.

Janmashtami, observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with devotion across the country.

Temples across the region resonated with devotional chants, bhajans and the sounds of conch shells as devotees celebrated Janmashtami with traditional fervour. Devotees observed fasts and offered prayers, while special pujas, kirtans, religious discourses and cultural programmes were organised at various religious places.

In Chandigarh, prominent temples witnessed a steady stream of devotees throughout the day. The temples were decorated with flowers, colourful lights and tableaux depicting episodes from the life of Lord Krishna. Children dressed as Krishna and Radha added to the festive atmosphere.

Devotees observed fasts and participated in celebrations that continued throughout the day, with preparations intensifying ahead of the traditional midnight celebrations marking Krishna’s birth. As evening approached, devotees gathered in larger numbers for special programmes leading up to midnight, when the birth of Lord Krishna was traditionally celebrated amid devotional singing, ringing of bells and chants.

Special prayer ceremonies, bhajan-kirtans and religious programmes were organised at temples in different cities and towns.

In several places, children dressed as Krishna and Radha added colour to the festivities, while devotees participated in devotional singing and religious discourses.

Markets and temple surroundings also witnessed festive activity, with stalls selling sweets, fruits, devotional items and decorative material. Security arrangements were strengthened at major temples and crowded religious sites to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.

The atmosphere turned particularly festive in the evening as devotees gathered in large numbers for special programmes leading up to midnight, when the birth of Lord Krishna was celebrated amid chants of “Hare Krishna” and “Nand Ke Anand Bhayo.”

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.