All posts by admin

PGIMER Hosts Comprehensive Diabetes Health Education Programme

Chandigarh: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, through its Department of Endocrinology and the CNE Cell, under the guidance of Prof. Sanjay Kumar Bhadada (HOD, Department of Endocrinology) and Dr. Navneet Dhaliwal (Joint Medical Superintendent), successfully conducted a comprehensive Diabetes Health Education Programme today to mark World Diabetes Day. The initiative was designed to empower Health Care workers by promoting awareness and enhancing essential self-care practices to manage the rising burden of diabetes.


The two-hour session, held at LT-1, featured a stellar line-up of leading endocrinologists, nursing educators, and specialists who delivered expert talks on critical aspects of diabetes management.
The educational sessions of the Diabetes Health Education Programme provided a comprehensive overview of holistic diabetes care, spanning from foundational understanding and prevention to advanced management of complications. Prof. Sanjay Kumar Bhadada initiated the core topics by focusing on “Understanding Diabetes: Myths vs Facts,” where he provided detailed explanations on the various types of diabetes, key risk factors, identification of early symptoms, and the dismantling of common misconceptions, setting a strong knowledge base for the healthcare workers. Following this essential foundation, the programme shifted its focus to complication prevention, with Dr. Linta Thomas (Senior Resident) delivering an important session on “Protecting the Heart, Kidneys, Eyes, and Nerves,” emphasizing strategies to mitigate the long-term systemic damage often associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Addressing demographic-specific concerns, Prof. Rama Walia presented “Diabetes in Women: Gestational and Beyond,” covering the unique challenges faced by women, particularly regarding gestational diabetes and its implications. The session then explored key diagnostic and monitoring tools, with Prof. Naresh Sachdeva clarifying the crucial “Role of lab investigations in Diabetes management,” explaining which tests are necessary and why.


A significant portion of the programme was dedicated to lifestyle interventions and acute management. Mr. B.N. Behera (Chief Dietician) shared expert insights into “Healthy Eating for Diabetes Prevention and Control,” outlining practical dietary modifications. This was complemented by Dr. Sunil Mishra’s session on the necessity of “Physical Activity in Diabetes Management.” Multiple sessions focused specifically on insulin therapy: Dr. Soham Mukherjee provided a general overview of “Diabetes and Insulin,” followed by two practical, essential sessions—Mr. Sunil Kumar (Nurse Educator CNE Cell) demonstrating the correct “Insulin injection technique,” and Mrs. Meenakshi Vyas (Nurse Educator CNE Cell) detailing proper “Insulin storage and transport.” Monitoring skills were reinforced by Dr. Rekha Rani Nar (Nurse Educator CNE Cell) presentation on “Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose: Why, When, and How,” providing clarity on using SMBG effectively. Addressing acute emergencies, Dr. Varun Singla covered “Hypoglycaemia: Prevention, diagnosis and Management.” Finally, special attention was given to lesser-discussed complications: Dr. Rimesh Pal spoke on “Diabetes and bone health,” and Dr. Ashu Rastogi and Dr. Benjamin collaborated on a detailed session on “Foot Care for People with Diabetes,” a vital aspect of preventing morbidity.
The programme concluded with an engaging Panel Discussion featuring Prof. Sanjay K Bhadada, (HOD Department of Endocrinology) Prof. Rama Walia, (Associate professor) Dr. Sukhpal Kaur(Principal NINE), Mrs. Jaspal Kaur(Chief Nursing Officer PGIMER) and Prof. Rimesh Pal, who addressed advanced clinical queries and best practices for diabetes care raised by the participating health care workers.
PGIMER reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continuously training health care professionals through evidence-based education, thereby strengthening the health system’s capacity to manage and combat diabetes effectively.

TARGET KILLING AVERTED AS PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS MP-BASED ILLEGAL WEAPONS SMUGGLING MODULE; ONE HELD WITH 9 PISTOLS

HANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, November 15:

          Acting on specific intelligence amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has successfully foiled a planned target killing by busting a Madhya Pradesh (MP)–based illegal weapons smuggling module with the arrest of one operative and recovered nine pistols from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          The arrested person has been identified as Arun Singh, a resident of village Naushehra Pannuan in Tarn Taran. The recovered pistols include seven .32 bore pistols and two .30 bore pistols along with magazines and five live cartridges.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the weapons were procured to execute a targeted killing arising from inter-gang rivalry in the region. Probe has also revealed that the accused was in contact with illegal weapon suppliers in Madhya Pradesh through social media platforms and was facilitating the flow of arms to criminals in Punjab to support unlawful activities, he said.

          Sharing operational details, he said that CI Amritsar had received a specific intelligence about the retrieval of a huge consignment of illegal weapons from Madhya Pradesh. Acting swiftly, police team of CI-Amritsar intercepted the suspect from near HP Petrol Pump situated on bypass road nearby village Ghanupur Kale and recovered the cache of illegal weapons from his possession, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is in progress to uncover the entire supply chain and identify additional operatives involved. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          In this regard, A case FIR No. 68 dated 15-11-2025 has been registered under sections 25 and 25(1)(a) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

317 kilometres of roads connecting Sri Anandpur Sahib being upgraded at a cost of ₹100 crore: Harbhajan Singh

Sri Anandpur Sahib/Chandigarh, 15 November: Punjab Government is undertaking extensively infrastructure development in Sri Anandpur Sahib as part of preparations for the historic 350th Martyrdom Centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O reported that 317 kilometres of roads connecting Sri Anandpur Sahib are being upgraded at a cost of ₹100 crore, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted movement for the large number of devotees expected to arrive.

Along with this, the city’s internal network of 127 kilometres of roads is also being constructed and repaired with an outlay of ₹49.32 crore.

Minister further informed that work on the crucial Sri Anandpur Sahib–Garhshankar road, worth ₹13 crore, is progressing swiftly as part of the ongoing infrastructure enhancement.

He said that Sri Anandpur Sahib is witnessing significant technological enhancements aimed at improving public convenience and city aesthetics. A total of 750 new energy-efficient lighting poles have been installed across the city, ensuring brighter illumination with reduced electricity consumption. These developments are paving the way to give Sri Anandpur Sahib a distinguished identity as a “White City.”

 In addition, warning traffic signals and road-safety systems have been put in place to ensure smooth traffic management during the peak days of the celebrations.

To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims expected during the Shaheedi events, Punjab Government has established a fully equipped Tent City, now ready with all essential facilities.

 Minister announced that online booking for the Tent City will be completely free, enabling devotees to plan their pilgrimage without any financial burden. To honour this sacred occasion, four grand Nagar Kirtans will be organised, led by esteemed saints and spiritual leaders. The state government and district administration are jointly working to provide every possible facility to the visiting sangat.

He said that special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha scheduled for 24 November will be dedicated to the revered Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Reviewing the ongoing arrangements, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O confirmed that all works are progressing on time and will be completed well before the event. Punjab Government aims to ensure that every devotee visiting Guru Nagri during these historic celebrations experiences seamless services, complete security, and a profound spiritual atmosphere.

HARJOT BAINS FLAGS OFF 3RD BATCH OF 72 TEACHERS TO FINLAND FOR WORLD-CLASS PEDAGOGY

Chandigarh, November 15:

In a major push to transform classroom learning and to integrate global best practices into education system, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains flagged off 3rd batch of 72 primary cadre teachers for 15-day training at University of Turku, Finland. The cohort includes Block Primary Education Officers (BPEOs), Centre Head Teachers (CHTs), Head Teachers (HTs) and ETT teachers, who will immerse themselves in Finland’s world-renowned pedagogical approaches.

While addressing the media here at MGSIPA after flagging off the teachers’ batch, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that this batch will take the total to 216 teachers who have  imbibed Finland’s pedagogy excellence, showcasing Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to education transformation. He also announced the forthcoming fifth batch of 50 Headmasters who will undergo an intensive leadership training program at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, from December 15th to 19th, 2025.

Elaborating about the one of the most extensive educator capacity-building initiatives in the country, the Education Minister informed that 234 Principals and Educational Administrators have been trained in advanced administrative and academic leadership in Singapore. 199 Head Masters have honed their strategic and managerial skills at IIM Ahmedabad. 144 Primary Teachers have completed an immersive training in Finland so far.

He said these teachers selected on merit are expected to act as “Master Trainers,” cascading their acquired knowledge and skills to their peers upon their return, thereby creating a multiplier effect throughout the state’s educational system.

S. Harjot Singh Bains stated, “This is not just a training program. It’s a mission to transform Punjab’s future.  By exposing our teachers to the finest educational ecosystems in the world, from Finland’s collaborative learning models to IIM Ahmedabad’s strategic leadership frameworks, we are ensuring that our students receive an education that is future-ready, holistic and at par with global standards. The ripple effect of these trained educators will be felt in every classroom across the state.”

Administrative Secretary School Education Ms. Anindita Mitra, Director SCERT Ms. Kiran Sharma and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.

PGIMER Shines at DHR-ICMR Summit 2025, Sweeps National Honors for the 2nd Year in a Row

Chandigarh:

To recognize the Excellence in the area of Health Research, PGI was awarded several awards for promoting Health Research during 2nd DHR- ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit 2025 organized by Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi on 13.11.2025.

The event was held to celebrate 114th anniversary of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The PGI was recognized and awarded under “Institutional Excellence Recognition: Extramural Institute: Overall PE” . On behalf of PGIMER, Chandigarh Dr Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research) received the award from Ms Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Government of India and Professor Vinod Paul, Member of NITI Aayog.

Dr Madhumita Premkumar, Department of Hepatology received the recognition award under the category of Publication (Public Health/Clinical) Extramural in the whole country on her publication on Hepatitis C. Dr Varinder Garg received recognition and award under the category “Innovation Excellence Recognition: Patent-Extramural”. His innovation “Quantitative Sensory Testing System Thereof” has been developed in collaboration with Panjab University. Chandigarh. of

This is the second consecutive time that the PGI has been awarded at DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit. The ICMR has approved 47 research projects this year for medical research at PGIMER, Chandigarh.

BJP Manipulated Votes to Win Bihar Elections: Rao Narendra Singh

handigarh/Faridabad, November 15. Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Rao Narendra Singh accused the BJP of manipulating votes to secure victory in Bihar after allegedly “stealing the mandate” in Haryana. He claimed that 65 lakh voter names were deleted and 21 lakh new names were added in the guise of SIR (Systematic Identification of Roles) ahead of the Bihar polls—yet the Election Commission has provided no explanation. “The Election Commission is functioning as the BJP’s B-Team,” he charged.

Rao alleged that open violations of the Model Code of Conduct took place during the Bihar elections, but the Election Commission failed to take any action. He further said the BJP was “tampering with EVMs, manipulating votes, and even interfering with battery units to steal governments.”

Rao was addressing Congress workers on Sunday during the “Vote Chor – Gaddi Chhod”  campaign event held in Faridabad. He said the BJP intends to change the Constitution, while Congress leaders such as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi are fighting to protect democracy. “We must stand united and firm in this struggle,” he said. He added that Congress would never allow any tampering with or dilution of the Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and shaped by India’s freedom fighters.

“Congress has a history of fighting, not bowing,” he said, urging party workers to take the fight against “vote theft” to every booth, village and household so that people understand the reality of the BJP.

1.52 lakh fake votes detected in Faridabad: Rao

Rao claimed that 1.52 lakh bogus votes were detected in Faridabad district alone—58,476 in Prithla, 23,500 in NIT Faridabad, 14,365 in Badkhal, 10,765 in Ballabgarh, 10,523 in Faridabad Assembly segment, and 34,443 in Tigaon.

Several senior Congress leaders were present at the event, including co-incharge Jitendra Baghel, district president Baljit Kaushik, MLA Raghubir Tevatia, former MP Avtar Bhadana, former Badkhal candidate Vijay Pratap, Rohit Nagar (Tigaon), Parag Sharma (Ballabgarh), PCC delegates Priyanka Aggarwal and Yogesh Dhingra, district in-charge Sudhir Chaudhary, HPCC Vichar Vibhag chairman Vinod Kaushik, women district chiefs Sunita Fagna (Faridabad) and Savita Chaudhary (Palwal), as well as several other prominent leaders and a large number of party workers.

Sharp Questions Raised Against the Election Commission

Rao intensified his attack on the Election Commission, calling it the BJP’s “B-Team.” He alleged that ₹10,000 was transferred to women voters in Bihar as an inducement—an open violation of the election code. “Even free train travel was arranged from several states to transport people to Bihar during elections, but the Election Commission did not take any action,” he said.

BJP Illegally Formed Government in Haryana: Rao

Rao accused the BJP of forming an “illegitimate government” in Haryana in 2024 by “stealing the mandate” from the Congress. He claimed that in his own constituency, Narnaul, 85 of 155 booths recorded EVM battery levels at 99 percent, which he flagged to the Returning Officer. “They dismissed it citing technical reasons,” he said.

BJP Leaders Now Predicting Election Results in Advance

He also questioned how BJP leaders appeared to know the Bihar results beforehand. “Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted that the Mahagathbandhan would be wiped out by the afternoon of November 14. Haryana CM Nayab Saini also claimed that arrangements were in place and the BJP would return to power. How did they know in advance?” Rao asked.

People Suffering Under 11 Years of BJP Rule

Rao further said that in 11 years of BJP rule, every section of society is suffering. “The poor are becoming poorer, while corporate houses like Adani and Ambani continue to grow richer,” he said. He added that Haryana tops the unemployment charts, whereas the Congress government earlier undertook massive development works across villages. He listed projects including the medical university in Mewat, and medical colleges and power plants in Sonipat and Karnal.

PGIMER Hosts Comprehensive Diabetes Health Education Programme

Chandigarh: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, through its Department of Endocrinology and the CNE Cell, under the guidance of Prof. Sanjay Kumar Bhadada (HOD, Department of Endocrinology) and Dr. Navneet Dhaliwal (Joint Medical Superintendent), successfully conducted a comprehensive Diabetes Health Education Programme today to mark World Diabetes Day. The initiative was designed to empower Health Care workers by promoting awareness and enhancing essential self-care practices to manage the rising burden of diabetes.


The two-hour session, held at LT-1, featured a stellar line-up of leading endocrinologists, nursing educators, and specialists who delivered expert talks on critical aspects of diabetes management.
The educational sessions of the Diabetes Health Education Programme provided a comprehensive overview of holistic diabetes care, spanning from foundational understanding and prevention to advanced management of complications. Prof. Sanjay Kumar Bhadada initiated the core topics by focusing on “Understanding Diabetes: Myths vs Facts,” where he provided detailed explanations on the various types of diabetes, key risk factors, identification of early symptoms, and the dismantling of common misconceptions, setting a strong knowledge base for the healthcare workers. Following this essential foundation, the programme shifted its focus to complication prevention, with Dr. Linta Thomas (Senior Resident) delivering an important session on “Protecting the Heart, Kidneys, Eyes, and Nerves,” emphasizing strategies to mitigate the long-term systemic damage often associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Addressing demographic-specific concerns, Prof. Rama Walia presented “Diabetes in Women: Gestational and Beyond,” covering the unique challenges faced by women, particularly regarding gestational diabetes and its implications. The session then explored key diagnostic and monitoring tools, with Prof. Naresh Sachdeva clarifying the crucial “Role of lab investigations in Diabetes management,” explaining which tests are necessary and why.


A significant portion of the programme was dedicated to lifestyle interventions and acute management. Mr. B.N. Behera (Chief Dietician) shared expert insights into “Healthy Eating for Diabetes Prevention and Control,” outlining practical dietary modifications. This was complemented by Dr. Sunil Mishra’s session on the necessity of “Physical Activity in Diabetes Management.” Multiple sessions focused specifically on insulin therapy: Dr. Soham Mukherjee provided a general overview of “Diabetes and Insulin,” followed by two practical, essential sessions—Mr. Sunil Kumar (Nurse Educator CNE Cell) demonstrating the correct “Insulin injection technique,” and Mrs. Meenakshi Vyas (Nurse Educator CNE Cell) detailing proper “Insulin storage and transport.”

Monitoring skills were reinforced by Dr. Rekha Rani Nar (Nurse Educator CNE Cell) presentation on “Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose: Why, When, and How,” providing clarity on using SMBG effectively. Addressing acute emergencies, Dr. Varun Singla covered “Hypoglycaemia: Prevention, diagnosis and Management.” Finally, special attention was given to lesser-discussed complications: Dr. Rimesh Pal spoke on “Diabetes and bone health,” and Dr. Ashu Rastogi and Dr. Benjamin collaborated on a detailed session on “Foot Care for People with Diabetes,” a vital aspect of preventing morbidity.
The programme concluded with an engaging Panel Discussion featuring Prof. Sanjay K Bhadada, (HOD Department of Endocrinology) Prof. Rama Walia, (Associate professor) Dr. Sukhpal Kaur(Principal NINE), Mrs. Jaspal Kaur(Chief Nursing Officer PGIMER) and Prof. Rimesh Pal, who addressed advanced clinical queries and best practices for diabetes care raised by the participating health care workers.
PGIMER reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continuously training health care professionals through evidence-based education, thereby strengthening the health system’s capacity to manage and combat diabetes effectively.

CLF Literati 2025, from Nov 21-23, Curtain Raiser Press Conference Held to Share Details of Literary Fiesta

Chandigarh, November 15

Dr Sumita Misra, IAS, Chairperson, Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) & Festival Director, CLF Literati 2025(Chd. LitFest) held a curtain raiser press conference to give a low down on the upcoming CLF Literati 2025(Chd. LitFest) taking place from November 21 to 23. Dr Misra informed that the literary fiesta is being organised by CLS and that on Nov 21 a cultural evening will be held to mark the start of the festival. She said that the literary discussions will take place from Nov 22-23 at the Lake Club with the serene Sukhna Lake in the backdrop.

Dr Sumita Misra said, “This year’s celebration of literature, ideas and imagination is themed ‘Worlds Within Words’. As many as twenty-seven (27) authors, poets, ad-film makers & artistes will take part in interactive sessions over two days. The festival will feature fifteen (15) thought-provoking sessions, four (4) book launches and one creative writing workshop.”

“We have planned an interesting line-up of authors from across India and one from Australia who will be seen in discussion with well-established interlocutors on issues that continue to shape contemporary discourse,” added Dr Misra.

Among the most anticipated names at this year’s festival is Prahlad Kakkar, the advertising filmmaker and ad guru, known for iconic Ad Campaigns. Also joining the stellar line-up is acclaimed actress and poet Sandhya Mridul among other well- known names from the literary and art world.

A cultural performance ‘Saaz Au Aawaaz’ by renowned artiste Bhuvan Sharma on the evening of Nov 21 at Rani Laxmi Bai Bhawan, Sec 38 will kick-start the lit fest.

The literary exchanges will begin on Saturday, Nov 22 with a welcome address by Dr. Sumita Misra, followed by an opening address by Sh. Madhav Kaushik, President, Rashtriya Sahitya Akademi. Post this the following interactive sessions will be organised:

In ‘The Power of a Story: Advertising Insights’ Prahlad Kakkar will be engaged in a conversation by writer Aradhika Sharma; In ‘Indian Democracy: Evolving Polity and Public Discourse’ Shahid Siddiqui former MP known for his memoir ‘I, Witness: India from Nehru to Narendra Modi’; Rasheed Kidwai known for books like ‘24 Akbar Road’ & ‘The House of Scindias’, and award winning journalist Neerja Chowdhury will be interacting with veteran journalist Ramesh Vinayak; In ‘Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution’ Deep Halder acclaimed author, known for his books ‘Blood Island, Bengal’, and ‘Being Hindu in Bangladesh’; and author & researcher Rami Desai , will have a tete-a-tete with senior journalist Kartikey Sharma.

The Day 2 of the festival shall witness two book launches ‘The Silent Brave’ by Mehak Grover and ‘The Legend of Sanjhi-Giri’ by Manju Jaidka.

This will be followed by a session ‘Shabd Ki Sugandh: Hindi Sahitya Ka Naya Daur’ in which Madhav Kaushik, poet and biographer Chandra Trikha and motivational speaker & writer Chandra Shekhar Verma will engage in a conversation with senior journalist Shayada Bano; in ‘Dil De Kaagaz Utte: Navi Leher De Kalamkaar’ , Manmohan Singh (IPS) Retired & an acclaimed & award winning poet and author-poet Bubbu Tir will interact with author Ravee Pandher; in ‘Chandigarh: The City That Is, and That Wasn’t’ architectural historian Rajnish Wattas will be seen in conversation with historian & author Rajiv Lochan; Dr. Sumita Misra a celebrated poet will be seen in conversation with journalist Manraj Grewal in ‘She Writes, She Leads: Statecraft & Stanza’; and in ‘Untamed Silences: The Many Lives of Sandhya Mridul’, Sandhya Mridul will be in conversation with writer and poet Sonia Chauhan.

In the evening of Nov 22, CLS in collaboration with ‘Nritya Praangan’, Bhavan Dancing Courtyard will present ‘Swarit Mudrayen’ a Bharatnatyam presentation by disciples of Dr Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Sec 27.

On Day 3 – Sunday, Nov 23 the final day the festival, the fest will start with a ‘Creative Writing Workshop’ by Sonika Sethi and Deviyani Singh; ‘Spiritual Chords: Stories of Change and Choice’ shall see Shalini Modi who has written book ‘Rasas in Divine Relationships and Immortality: A Boon or a Curse’ and Krishnapad Das Krishna – a spiritual mentor with The Akshaya Patra Foundation in conversation with Annurani Sharma a bilingual poet, writer, and devotional singer; ‘Roots and Recipes: A Wellness Conversation’ shall showcase a discussion between Rujuta Diwekar India’s leading nutritionist and public health advocate in conversation with academic and author Urvi Sharma; ‘Bihar Diaries and Ground Zero: Real Heroes, Real Stories’ will present Amit Lodha the IPS officer who’s bestselling work ‘Bihar Diaries, Life in the Uniform, and Police Affairs’ was made into a popular OTT series and former national hockey player Veena Raman who is the wife of the late IPS officer Vijay Raman and has co-authored his memoirs, in conversation with IPS officer & author Arsh Verma.

These sessions will be followed by the launch of two books – ‘Life, Love and Us’ by Sonia Vashisht Oberoi and ‘Echoes of the Soul’ by Ravee Pandher.

Post the book launches, the sessions planned are ‘ India Through Memory and Travel’ which will see Sean Doyle an Australian author interacting with poet Sunaina Jain; ‘Telling Tales, Touching Lives’ will witness Shobha Tharoor an award-winning author and Mona Verma – another award-winning author in conversation with Sonika Sethi; ‘Saaz Aur Sama: The Art of Qawwali’ will see Classical Dancer & Creator of Sufi Kathak, Manjari Chaturvedi; founder-director of Rhyvers Publishing Group & Sufi Columnist Affan Yesvi and a sufi musician, popularly known as ‘Prince of Qawwali’- Dhruv Sangari – in conversation with poet, translator, and researcher Dr. Vishakha Goyal; ‘Seedha Samvaad’ will showcase a discussion between prolific Hindi writer Balram and Vijay Kapoor a renowned poet, storyteller & playwright; ‘From Krishna to Chanakya: Retelling Bharat with a Twist’ will present English fiction author, Ashwin Sanghi in conversation with Aradhika Sharma the author of ‘Sunita Williams: Astronaut Extraordinaire’.

The festival will conclude with the CLF Literati Awards Ceremony in which CLF Literati Awards will be presented to winners in the Fiction & Non-Fiction categories of both English and Hindi by Dr. Sumita Misra and Team Literati.

The Books Short Listed For CLF Literati Awards:

In English Non- Fiction

‘Ahimsa: 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization’ by Devdutt Pattanaik (Harper Collins Publishers India); ‘The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India’ by Gopalkrishna Gandhi (Aleph Book Company); ‘In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines’ by Najma Heptulla (Rupa Publications India); ‘Another Day in Landour: Looking Out from My Window’ by Ruskin Bond (HarperCollins Publishers India) and ‘A Wonderland of Word: Around the Word in 101 Essays’ by Shashi Tharoor (Aleph Book Company).

In English Fiction

‘Unknown City: A Novel’ by Amitabha Bagchi (HarperCollins Publishers India);‘Rosarita Pan’ by Anita Desai (Macmillan India);‘The Comeback: A Novel’ by Annie Zaidi (Aleph Book Company); ‘The Ayodhya Alliance: Bharat Collection 8’ by Ashwin Sanghi (HarperCollins Publishers India) and ‘Whistles of the Siphoong: Tales from the Bodo Heartland’ by Rashmi Narzary (Om Books International)

In Hindi Fiction/Non-Fiction

‘Shubh Din’ by Balram (Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd); ‘Kaamnaon Ki Munder Par’ by Geetashree (Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd) and ‘Shea Butter’ by Kaifi Hashmi (Lokbharti Prakashan)

Punjab Government Issues Legal Guardianship Certificates to 67 Adults with Special Needs: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, November 14:

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking significant steps for the welfare of adults with special needs. As part of these efforts, 67 adults with special needs have been issued Legal Guardianship Certificates within the past one month.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that legal guardianship is an authorised legal mechanism under the National Trust Act, 1999, aimed at ensuring the welfare, protection, and empowerment of adults with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, and Multiple Disabilities. Under this Act, a responsible guardian is legally appointed for adults who are unable to independently manage essential daily tasks due to their disabilities. This guardianship enables smoother decision-making, documentation processes, banking, healthcare-related procedures, and access to various government schemes.

The Minister further added that a legal guardian may be a parent, sibling, close relative, or a responsible person associated with a registered social service organisation, and such appointments are approved through the designated committee.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that these certificates bring a transformative change in the lives of persons with special needs, as they provide legal protection, safeguard their rights, and ensure easier access to government facilities and services.

She also highlighted that the Punjab Government has implemented several schemes and extensive support facilities to connect persons with special needs to the mainstream and to improve their overall quality of life.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has issued clear instructions that no person with special needs should be left behind and that comprehensive support must be provided at every level.

THREE OPERATIVES OF GANGSTER MODULE HELD WITH TWO SOPHISTICATED PISTOLS

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, November 14:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar, in a joint operation with Counter Intelligence Pathankot,  has busted a gangster module with the arrest of three operatives and recovered two .30 bore Star-mark pistols along with two magazines and 15 live cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Yusuf Masih alias MP, a resident of Dharamkot Bagga in Batala, Samuel Masih alias Ankit alias Anki, a resident of Pinda Rori in Batala and Sahibjit Singh alias Sabhi, a resident of Haruwal in Batala. Apart from recovering two weapons, police teams have also impounded their Maruti Swift car, bearing registration number PB02DQ0314, which they were using to carry out criminal activities.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were acting on the directions of Armenia-based wanted Gangster Raja Haruwal, who arranged the delivery of the recovered weapons. The module used to transport weapons and money, besides, conducting recce of multiple targets for extortion, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to identify forward and backward linkages in this case to dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that acting on a specific input, police teams have apprehended the accused persons from the Batala area after recovering weapons from their possession.

          The AIG said that all three arrested persons carry a criminal background with cases, pertaining to abduction, attempt to murder, and possession of illegal weapons, registered against them across Batala, Gurdaspur and Amritsar.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 67 dated 13.11.2025 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.