Category Archives: Chandigarh

Kumari Selja’s 64th birthday marked across Haryana with public service programmes

Chandigarh/24th, September

The 64th birthday of Sirsa MP, former Union minister, General Secretary of All India Congress Committee and CWC Member Kumari Selja was observed across Haryana on Thursday with enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to public service. Congress workers and supporters organised blood donation camps, havan-yajnas and various service activities in different districts. Fruits and sweets were distributed among elderly people, patients, needy persons and visually impaired children.

A large number of supporters from different parts of the state reached Kumari Selja’s residence at Dabda Chowk in Hisar. They presented flowers, bouquets and sweets and wished her a healthy and long life. Workers also cut a cake to mark the occasion. Congress leaders, office-bearers and workers organised programmes in New Delhi, Panchkula and other parts of the state.

Kumari Selja said her birthday was not merely an occasion for personal celebration but a day to reiterate her responsibilities and commitments towards the people. She said the biggest responsibility of a person in public life was to firmly raise the voice of every section of society and stand with those in need. She appealed to workers to continue working with dedication towards public service and the organisation.

Kumari Selja said she considered party workers her family and that the affection and sense of belonging had brought people from across the state to convey their wishes. She thanked workers, supporters and well-wishers for their affection on her birthday.

In Panchkula, MLA Chandramohan, former MLA Pradeep Chaudhary, former MLA Shamsher Singh Gogi, Sudha Bhardwaj, Shyam Sunder Batra, Narpal Singh Gurjar, Devender Singh, advocate Lal Bahadur Khowal and Arvind Sharma, among others, marked the occasion. A stream of birthday messages also continued on social media from the morning.

Birthday marked with havan and service activities in Sirsa

At the Congress Bhawan in Sirsa, a havan-yajna was organised for Selja’s long and healthy life. PCC delegate Rajesh Chadiwal said office-bearers of the party, members of the Legal Cell, Mahila Congress, District Youth Congress and NSUI participated in the rituals. Workers later cut a cake amid drum beats and distributed sweets. Fruits and sweets were also distributed at the leprosy ashram, Sanatan Dharam Temple and Bhai Kanhaiya Ashram.

MLA from Kalanwali Sheeshpal Keharwala, Virbhan Mehta, Gopiram Chadiwal, Surendra Bansal, Naveen Kedia, Raj Kumar Sharma, Ameer Chawla, Sandeep Nehra, Ratan Lal Gaidar, Ram Singh Solanki, Jagga Singh Brar, Randhir Singh, Krishna Phogat, Gurnam Singh Jhabar, Mandeep Singh Lakdawali, Durga Singh, Prof RC Limba, Naresh Darolia, Rajpal Bhambhu, Vijay Singh Ghotra, Pradeep Saini, Laduram Poonia and Satpal Mehta were among those present.

Khowal says Selja should serve Haryana as chief minister

Legal Department state chairman advocate Lal Bahadur Khowal said Kumari Selja had established a distinct identity through her public life, describing her as having an unblemished image, fearless personality and active approach. He said people of Haryana wanted to see her become chief minister of the state. He described her birthday as a day to reaffirm the commitment to social harmony, public service and the rights of weaker sections.

At the programme in Hisar, MLA Sheeshpal Keharwala, Chaudhary Jagannath, Advocate Lal Bahadur Khowal, Virbhan Mehta, Raj Kumar Sharma, Ashwini Sharma, Satendra Singh Adampur, Bhupendra Gangwa, Manoj Rathi, Mukesh Saini, Rajesh Chadiwal, advocate Chandra Harsh, Surendra Bansal, Krishna Phogat, Laduram Poonia and Sakshi Chaudhary, among a large number of supporters, were present.

Indian High Commissioner Hosts Dinner for Haryana Delegation in Kenya

Chandigarh, September 24:

Dr. Adarsh Swaika, Indian High Commissioner to Kenya hosted a dinner on Wednesday evening in honour of the Haryana Legislative Assembly delegation visiting Kenya to attend the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The dinner was hosted at India House in Muthaiga, Kenya.

Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora and other members of the delegation were present at the dinner. Several senior officials of the High Commission of India were also present on the occasion.

While welcoming the Haryana delegation, High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika said that it was a matter of great pleasure for him to host the dinner in honour of the delegation. During interaction a range of issues relating to parliamentary relations between India and Kenya, parliamentary systems, and the social and economic landscape of the two countries were discused.

Speaker Harvinder Kalyan thanked the High Commissioner and the officials of the High Commission for their gracious welcome, warm hospitality and meaningful interaction. He said that such exchanges provide an opportunity to understand the parliamentary systems and experiences of socio-economic development in different countries.

It may be mentioned that the CPA Conference was held in Cape Town, South Africa, following which the Haryana delegation undertook a study visit to Kenya. The delegation is currently in the final phase of its visit.

14 Written Objections Raised Within Election Commission Raise Serious Questions Over Transparency of Electoral Process: Rao Narender Singh

Chandigarh.

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narender Singh has expressed serious concern over a report published by The Indian Express regarding the alleged filing of at least 14 written objections over the past 10 months by two Election Commissioners against the decisions and functioning of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

He said the matter was not merely an internal disagreement within the Election Commission, but a matter of immense importance concerning the independence, fairness and transparency of the country’s electoral system. According to The Indian Express report, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi reportedly raised objections at least 14 times on various issues, including the addition and deletion of names from electoral rolls, changes in Form 6 and the management of electoral data.

Rao Narender Singh said that repeated written objections by two members of a constitutional body such as the Election Commission must be taken seriously. He said these objections should be subjected to an independent, impartial and transparent inquiry so that clear answers can be provided to the questions being raised among voters regarding the electoral process.

He said that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has for a long time been raising the issue of alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and what he has described as “vote theft.” He said the written objections reportedly emerging from within the Election Commission have made the questions being raised about the electoral process even more serious. The Congress has demanded an impartial inquiry into the entire matter.

Rao Narender Singh said that the Congress party will gherao the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, at 30 Bays Building, Sector 17, Chandigarh, at 1:00 PM on September 25, 2026, over this issue. Before the gherao, Congress workers will assemble at the Circus Ground, behind Sector 17 Bus Stand, in front of the Mini Secretariat, adjacent to the Fire Brigade.

Three Major Demands of the Congress
Rao Narender Singh said that the Congress party’s major demands are:
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar should be immediately removed from office and arrested.
The serious allegations being levelled against Gyanesh Kumar should be investigated impartially, and action should be taken in accordance with law on the basis of the findings of the inquiry.

The important election-related decisions taken during Gyanesh Kumar’s tenure should be independently reviewed.
He said the gherao, being organised by the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee, will be led by Haryana Pradesh Congress President Rao Narender Singh and former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Chaudhary Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Haryana Congress in-charge Sanjay Dutt will also be specially present.

AICC General Secretary and MP Kumari Selja, AICC General Secretary and MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, senior leader Chaudhary Birender Singh, permanent member of the Congress Working Committee and MP Deepender Singh Hooda, along with MPs, MLAs and senior party leaders, will also participate in the programme.

Rao Narender Singh appealed to all Congress MPs and MLAs, presidents of District and Block Congress Committees, AICC and PCC members, former Lok Sabha and Assembly candidates, party candidates in municipal elections, office-bearers of frontal organisations and departments, as well as senior party leaders and workers, to participate in the programme in large numbers.

He said, “This is not a fight of any one political party; it is a question concerning the protection of democracy, the Constitution and the voting rights of every citizen. Maintaining public trust in the electoral process is the foremost responsibility of the Election Commission. Therefore, the serious questions being raised must be addressed through an impartial inquiry and a clear resolution.”

PGIMER Sounds Alarm on Rising Dementia Burden; Stresses Early Diagnosis and Caregiver Support

On World Alzheimer’s Day, the Department of Neurology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, called for greater public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, stressing that early diagnosis has become increasingly important with the availability of newer disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in India.

At a press conference held today, senior faculty members Prof.Dheeraj Khurana, Dr. Sucharita Ray, Additional Professor and Dr. Karthik V.M, Associate Professor from Deptt. of Neurology and Prof. Indu Verma from Deptt. of Biochemistry highlighted the need for timely diagnosis, accurate identification of different causes of dementia, advanced diagnostic tools and stronger support systems for patients and caregivers.

Prof. Dheeraj Khurana highlighted that the treatment landscape for Alzheimer’s disease has changed significantly, making early recognition of symptoms more important than ever.

“With disease-modifying medicines now available for Alzheimer’s disease in India, early diagnosis has assumed greater importance. These treatments are most effective in the early, mild stages of the disease. Timely diagnosis allows us to assess treatment eligibility and also helps families plan care better and maintain the patient’s quality of life,” he said.

Prof. Khurana urged families not to dismiss persistent memory problems and changes in daily functioning as merely a normal consequence of ageing.

Dr. Sucharita Ray stressed that dementia is not a single disease and that identifying its underlying cause is essential for appropriate treatment.

“Dementia is a syndrome caused by several different diseases, and each patient needs to be evaluated carefully to identify the underlying cause. Early diagnosis can make a meaningful difference to treatment and care. At the same time, dementia is a family issue, not just a patient issue, and caregivers need our attention and support,” she said.

Highlighting the often-overlooked impact on caregivers, Dr. Ray said families caring for people with dementia frequently face substantial physical, emotional and financial stress.

“Caregivers carry a significant part of the dementia burden. Supporting the caregiver is therefore an essential part of supporting the patient,” she added.

A major development announced at the press conference was the Department’s plan to introduce a panel of body-fluid tests for Alzheimer’s disease.

Prof. Indu Verma said the advanced diagnostic facility would strengthen the Institute’s ability to identify Alzheimer’s disease more accurately and at an earlier stage. “The Department will shortly commence a panel of body-fluid tests for Alzheimer’s disease. These advanced investigations can facilitate more accurate and earlier identification of cases and may also help in monitoring treatment effects and assessing potential therapeutic interventions,” Prof. Verma said.

The move is expected to further strengthen the Department’s diagnostic capabilities in neurodegenerative diseases and support more precise evaluation of patients.

Drawing attention to the broader health challenges associated with dementia, Dr. Karthik emphasised that patients often have comorbid conditions, including depression, which need to be identified and addressed as part of comprehensive care.

“Dementia rarely affects the patient in isolation. Conditions such as depression can coexist with dementia and influence the overall course of care. At the same time, the impact is felt across the family, with caregivers often carrying a considerable burden,” he said.

The Department also announced that it is working on organisational changes to streamline dementia management pathways at PGIMER. A patient support programme is also being planned to provide patients and families with additional guidance and support.

Prof. Dheeraj Khurana said the initiatives are aimed at making dementia care more structured and patient-centred.

“Our focus is to streamline the dementia care pathway so that patients can move more efficiently from diagnosis to appropriate treatment and follow-up. We are also working towards a patient support programme that can provide families with greater guidance throughout this journey,” he said.

The Department of Neurology reiterated its commitment to improving dementia care through early diagnosis, newer treatment options, advanced investigations, multidisciplinary management and caregiver support.

On World Alzheimer’s Day, the Department appealed to the public to recognise persistent memory and cognitive changes early and seek medical advice rather than attributing them automatically to ageing.

Forest Hill Resort Honoured as Best Golf Resort

Chandigarh: Forest Hill Resort (FHR) has been conferred the “CHEFEX India Recognition for Best Golf Resort” at the CHEFEX India Recognitions 2026, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).

Birender Gill, President, Forest Hill Golf Resort, and Ms. Aman Ghumman, HR Head, WWICS Group, received the honour on behalf of Forest Hill Resort.

Reacting to the honour, Devinder Sandhu, Founder, Forest Hill Resort, said, “We are delighted to receive this honour. Forest Hill has always been envisioned as much more than a golf resort. We are positioning it as an eco-sanctuary where golf, nature, leisure and adventure tourism come together. Our endeavour is to create meaningful experiences for visitors while preserving and enhancing the natural environment of the Shivalik foothills.”

The award acknowledges Forest Hill Resort’s contribution to destination hospitality, leisure, golf tourism and experiential travel. Set in a picturesque natural setting near Chandigarh, FHR has developed a distinctive hospitality experience combining golf with a range of outdoor and nature-based activities.

The resort offers experiences including trekking, horse riding, boating, fishing, bird watching, camping and off-roading, while its focus on ecological conservation and rewilding further strengthens its identity as a nature and adventure destination.

The honour adds another distinction to Forest Hill Resort’s growing presence in the region’s hospitality and leisure landscape.

PGIMER Conducts Comprehensive Burn Management Course

Chandigarh:

The Centre of Excellence (Trauma & Burns), PGIMER, Chandigarh, organised a one-day Comprehensive Burn Management Course on September 19, 2026, under the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries (NPPMTBI) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The course was held at Lecture Theatre 1, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

A total of 55 medical officers from Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh were trained during the programme, making the course an important regional capacity-building initiative in comprehensive burn care. The programme focused on strengthening timely, standardised and coordinated management of burn patients from the initial assessment and resuscitation through definitive treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.

Dr. Atul Parashar, Head, Department of Plastic Surgery was the Course Director, along with a multidisciplinary faculty from PGIMER. The scientific programme addressed the complete spectrum of burn management, including triage and transfer protocols, early intravenous access and airway management, burn shock and resuscitation, wound assessment, inhalational burns, electrical burns, surgical and rehabilitation strategies, paediatric burns, unconventional burn injuries, and skin donation and banking.

A key feature of the programme was the practical exposure to the functioning of the Burn Centre. Participants undertook integrated Burn ICU and Skin Bank rounds, providing an opportunity to understand the workflow of a specialised burn service and the role of skin banking in modern burn care.

Participants also received practical training in airway management in burns and recognition of inhalational injuries; dressing selection, escharotomy and splintage; and case-based discussion on fluid calculation and wound assessment.The emphasis throughout the course was on early recognition, appropriate resuscitation, sound wound management, multidisciplinary coordination and continuity of care.Dr. Atul Parashar, emphasized the importance of strengthening capacity for timely and evidence-based burn care at different levels of the healthcare system. He highlighted the need for a standardised approach to the initial management of burn patients, early identification of airway and inhalational injuries, appropriate fluid resuscitation, wound care and coordinated multidisciplinary management.

The Comprehensive Burn Management Course reflects PGIMER’s continued commitment, through the Centre of Excellence (Trauma & Burns), to building regional capacity and supporting the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries.

27-Year-Old Road Accident Victim Becomes Organ Donor; Kidneys Give Second Lease of Life to Two Renal Failure Patients and Corneas Gift of Sight to Two More, thereby impacting Four Lives at PGIMER

For the family of 27-year-old Kuldeep Singh, the days following his road accident brought a grief no family is ever prepared to face. A young son and brother who had left home would never return. Yet, while struggling to come to terms with the sudden and devastating loss of Kuldeep, his family found the courage to make a decision that would allow a part of him to live on in others.

Expressing his gratitude to the family, Prof.VivekLal, Director, PGIMER, stated, “There are moments when no words can ease a family’s pain. Kuldeep’s family was facing the unimaginable loss of a 27-year-old son and brother, yet in that moment of profound grief, they found the strength to think of others. Their decision has transformed a personal tragedy into hope for other families. This is the extraordinary compassion that makes organ donation a true Gift of Life.”

A resident of Jagadhri, Yamuna Nagar, Kuldeep was admitted to PGIMER on September 15, 2026, after sustaining a severe head injury in a road traffic accident. He was initially taken to Civil Hospital, Yamuna Nagar, and subsequently referred to PGIMER. He was reportedly riding his scooty when he fell after encountering a speed breaker.

For his mother, Bira Rani, the reality of losing her son was devastating. For his younger brother, Parminder, the loss of his elder brother came as a profound shock that changed the family forever. In the midst of this overwhelming grief, the family was counselled about organ donation.

Following two assessments by the Brain Stem Death Certification Committee on September 17, brain stem death was certified as per established protocols. Despite their immense pain, the family consented to the donation of all organs and corneas.

Their decision meant that Kuldeep’s final act became a beginning for others. Both kidneys and corneas were successfully retrieved and transplanted at PGIMER, giving two renal failure patients a second lease of life, while two patients received the gift of sight through corneal transplantation.

Bira Rani, the bereaved mother, spoke of the pain of losing Kuldeep and the solace the family draws from his donation. She said, “It is impossible for us to accept that Kuldeep is no longer coming home. The house, the family and everything around us feels different without him. But when we think that his organs have given someone another chance to live and his corneas may help someone see, we feel that a part of Kuldeep is still with us. We want his life to carry a message of hope for others.”

For Kuldeep’s younger brother Parminder, the loss has also become a deeply personal call to prevent other families from suffering a similar fate. He said, “What happened to my elder brother should not happen to anyone else. I will work towards creating awareness about road traffic accidents and promoting road safety so that others can be protected from such tragedies.”

Ms. Swati Thapa, Transplant Coordinator, PGIMER, who counselled the family and facilitated the consent for organ donation, said, “Speaking to a family that has just lost a young son and brother is one of the most emotionally difficult moments in the organ donation process. Kuldeep’s family was going through immense pain, yet they showed extraordinary courage and compassion by thinking beyond their own grief and choosing to give others the gift of life. Their decision was not easy, but it was deeply selfless.”

Kuldeep, who worked in a steel factory, was the son of Late Shri Balwant Singh. His family had to confront the painful reality that their young son and brother would never return home. Yet, through their decision to donate his organs, they ensured that his final legacy would not be defined only by the tragedy that took him away, but also by the lives and hopes that his donation has touched.

Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, PGIMER, said, “For a family to think of saving other lives while dealing with the loss of their own loved one requires immense courage. Kuldeep’s family has shown remarkable humanity. Their decision has enabled both kidneys and corneas to be used for transplantation and has brought hope to patients who were waiting for it.”

The tragedy also highlights the devastating consequences of road traffic accidents, particularly when they claim young lives. PGIMER appealed to citizens to exercise caution on the roads, follow traffic rules and adopt safe riding and driving practices.

For Kuldeep’s family, the grief will remain and the empty space he has left behind cannot be filled. But through their extraordinary decision, they have ensured that his final legacy is not only one of loss, but also of giving — giving two patients a chance to live, giving two others the gift of sight, and giving meaning to a life that ended far too soon.

PGIMER’s Three-day conference on “Mastering the Precision and Newer Techniques in Joint Replacement” concludes successfully

Chandigarh: The Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026, organised by the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, under the aegis of the Arthroplasty Society of Tricity, concluded successfully today at The Lalit, Chandigarh. The conference was held from 17th to 19th September 2026 with the theme “Mastering the Precision and Newer Techniques in Joint Replacement.”

Calling the Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 a “hugely successful academic endeavour”, Prof.Vijay G.Goni, Organising Chairperson, said the three-day conference provided a meaningful platform for experts and young surgeons to exchange knowledge, discuss complex clinical situations and gain practical exposure to evolving arthroplasty techniques.

“The Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 has been a hugely successful academic endeavour, bringing together experts and young surgeons on a common platform for meaningful exchange of knowledge and experience. The combination of scientific deliberations, live surgical demonstrations, cadaveric training, hands-on learning and case-based discussions made the conference particularly enriching and relevant to contemporary arthroplasty practice,” said Prof.Goni.

The Organising Chairperson further elaborated, “The theme of mastering precision and newer techniques in joint replacement reflects the rapidly evolving nature of arthroplasty. Our objective was not only to discuss advances but also to provide participants with opportunities for practical learning and interaction with experts. I am pleased that the conference has successfully achieved this objective. Ultimately, the value of such academic initiatives lies in translating knowledge and skills into better and safer patient care.”

The event also featured the 3rd PGI Arthroplasty Course, offering participants comprehensive exposure to contemporary arthroplasty practices through live surgical demonstrations, a cadaveric workshop, hands-on learning, expert national and international faculty, and case-based discussions.

The three-day scientific programme covered a wide spectrum of topics in primary and revision arthroplasty, with emphasis on precision, newer surgical techniques, challenging clinical situations and decision-making in complex joint replacement procedures.

On the concluding day, academic sessions included challenging total knee and total hip replacement cases, anaesthesia for arthroplasty and the perioperative journey, variations in cocktail composition for total knee replacement in the Indian scenario, osteoporosis treatment and its relevance to arthroplasty, and joint preservation procedures.

A dedicated revision arthroplasty session focused on challenges in revision total knee arthroplasty following trauma, acetabular-side bone defect management and precision in implant removal. A case-based panel discussion on implant choices in revision total knee replacement, followed by a video demonstration of revision TKA, provided participants with practical insights into complex revision procedures.

The conference concluded with an Award Ceremony and Valedictory Session, marking the successful culmination of three days of academic deliberations, surgical learning and professional interaction.

Ather Energy Ltd. launches KONARC, its new e-scooter to make EV scooters mainstream in Punjab & Haryana

Chandigarh, September 19, 2026: Ather Energy, one of India’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, today announced the launch of its new electric scooter, Konarc™️, in Chandigarh, to take EV scooters mainstream in the country. Built on Ather’s new EL platform, Konarc has been engineered to offer a refined everyday riding experience, combining comfort, range, durability and ease of ownership.

Konarc is available across the S and Z product lines, with six variants offering IDC range options of up to 200 km. The Konarc will have a service interval to 10,000 km, which translates to approximately once a year for most riders, whichever is earlier. All Konarc variants are equipped with Ather’s fifth-generation BedrockTM battery, backed by a new 10-year/1,00,000 km,whichever is earlier, warranty with a minimum 70% state of health guaranteed at the end of the coverage period. The scooter combines Ather’s technology-led approach with features designed around everyday riding, including the new Advanced Electronic Braking System (AeBSTM), MagicKey, AutoPop and AirWalkTM.

Punjab continues to be an important market for Ather, with the company improving its market share from 7.9% in Q1 FY26 to 10.8% in Q1 FY27 recording 82% year-on-year growth (as per Vahan) and selling 1011 units (as per Vahan) during Q1 FY27. Ather currently has 10 Experience Centres & 9 Service Centres across Punjab, including 1 in Chandigarh, strengthening its retail and customer support network across the State. The company also has 52 LECCS fast charging points across Punjab, supporting the growing adoption of electric two-wheelers in the region.

In Haryana too, Ather improved its market share from 3.4% in Q1 FY26 to 8.5% in Q1 FY27 registering 174% year-on-year growth (as per Vahan) and selling 383 units (as per Vahan) during Q1 FY27. Ather currently has 8 Experience Centres & 8 Service Centres across Haryana, including 1 in Chandigarh strengthening its retail and customer support network across the State. The company also has 66 LECCS fast charging points across Haryana, supporting the growing adoption of electric two-wheelers in the region.

Hrishikesh Thite, VP Business, Ather Energy, said, “Punjab and Haryana are important markets in our journey towards making electric mobility more accessible to a wider set of riders. With Konarc, we intend to make EV scooters mainstream in India and the scooter has been designed and engineered to meet the needs of those buyers who are waiting to go electric. Features like the metal body, up to 200 km range, plush and comfortable ride, fast home charging, service interval of 10,000 kms and extended battery warranty of 10 years or 1,00,000 km (whichever is earlier) at 70% health guarantee are some of the fundamentals that matter to the buyers in this region. We see Konarc playing an important role in strengthening our presence here and accelerating the shift towards electric mobility in Punjab and Haryana”

Konarc has been engineered around the realities of Indian roads, with a focus on stability, comfort and everyday usability. It features a 14-inch front alloy wheel, 12-inch rear alloy wheel, 1,352 mm wheelbase and long-travel suspension at both ends. It is also Ather’s first scooter to feature metal panels on the rear side and a steel unibody chassis, while its sequential gear-drive transmission is designed to offer smooth and near-silent power delivery.

The scooter introduces a new suite of technology-led features designed to simplify everyday riding. AeBSTM, Ather’s in-house Advanced Electronic Braking System, dynamically adjusts braking force between the front and rear wheels based on road conditions, while also using regenerative braking to enhance braking performance and stability. MagicKey enables a keyless experience with SmartWake™️, automatic locking and remote scooter location. AutoPop provides convenient, hands-free access to the under-seat storage, while AirWalkTM uses mild assistive motor torque to make manually moving the scooter easier in tight parking spaces. Konarc also simplifies charging and ownership. It comes with an integrated onboard charger and charging cable, while the optional 450W offboard charger can work with the built-in 450W charger to deliver 900W through Combined Charging, reducing home charging time by up to half.

With Konarc, Ather continues to expand its product portfolio in Punjab, alongside the sporty Ather 450TM Series and the popular family scooter RiztaTM. The launch in Chandigarh marks another step in the company’s efforts to strengthen its retail, service and charging ecosystem in the state and bring its latest electric mobility solutions to a broader set of riders.

PGIMER Chandigarh Hosts Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 on Precision and Newer Joint Replacement Techniques

Chandigarh:

“Technology can assist doctors but can never substitute human experience, compassion and the emotional touch,”: Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER

“Compassion, integrity, ethics and a patient-centric approach are the core values that will continue to define the medical profession in the era of rapidly advancing technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” said Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh, while inaugurating the Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 as Chief Guest.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, PGIMER Chandigarh, is organising the conference under the aegis of the Arthroplasty Society of Tricity from 17–19 September 2026 at The Lalit, Chandigarh. The theme is “Mastering the Precision and Newer Techniques in Joint Replacement.”

Addressing distinguished medical professionals, senior specialists, young doctors and students, Prof. Lal emphasised the importance of keeping the patient at the centre of healthcare and adopting a comprehensive approach to clinical care as he stated, “It is important that we keep the patient in the centre of whatever we do. They are our biggest assets.”

Stressing that medicine cannot be practised in silos when patients require expertise from multiple disciplines, Director PGIMER said, “That is where the role of a neurologist, the role of an internist and the role of other domains of medicine comes into being. Medicine cannot be practised in silos when the patient requires a comprehensive approach.”

Speaking about the growing influence of AI in healthcare, Prof. Lal said technology should remain an aid to doctors and not a replacement for human experience and judgement.

“AI may help me, and it may be very good and fantastic, but I don’t think it can substitute for the experience of your hands, ” as hedescribed AI as a transformative technology while emphasising the need for responsible engagement with its implications.

Prof. Lal said that preserving the human dimension of medicine would become increasingly important as technology advances.

“If you want to maintain sanity in medicine, it is ultimately our emotional touch, our compassion, our patient-centric approach, and our alignment of thought and action towards the well-being of humanity.”

Director PGIMER also urged young doctors to focus on professional excellence, clinical skills and integrity rather than commercial considerations. “A fast buck comes fast and goes fast. It is better you calibrate your skills and hone your clinical skills so that patients come after you, rather than you going after patients.”

Calling medicine a noble profession, Prof. Lal said healthcare professionals have a responsibility towards society and must preserve the trust placed in them by patients.

Concluding his address, Prof. Lal reiterated the importance of maintaining compassion, integrity and ethics alongside scientific and technological progress as he said, “I see no reason why we should falter on the front of compassion, on the front of integrity and ethics.”

Earlier, Prof. Vijay G. Goni, Head, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, PGIMER Chandigarh, highlighted the evolution of contemporary arthroplasty and the growing role of personalised planning, precision surgery, navigation and robotics.

“Orthopaedic surgery now involves a much broader spectrum, including patient selection, personalised planning, precision surgery and enhanced recovery. We are witnessing the growing use of navigation, robotics and other advanced technologies for complex as well as primary procedures. But while technology and techniques continue to evolve, the central principle remains unchanged—the patient has to remain at the centre of everything we do.”

Prof. Goni said the conference provides a platform for experts and young professionals to exchange experience and discuss challenging cases.

“Over the next few days, we have brought together experts from different institutions and different areas of expertise to share their experience, discuss challenging cases, question established practices and, most importantly, learn from each other.”

Highlighting the practical component, Pro0f. Goni added, “Yesterday, we had a pre-conference cadaver workshop, where we conducted workshops on complex and primary surgery and also had exposure to robotics.”

The Annual PGI Arthroplasty Conference 2026 includes the 3rd PGI Arthroplasty Course, live surgical demonstrations, a cadaveric workshop, hands-on learning, expert national and international faculty and case-based discussions. The programme focuses on precision and newer techniques in joint replacement.

The scientific sessions cover contemporary approaches to total knee arthroplasty, personalised alignment, navigation, robotics, complex primary procedures, Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) for hip replacement and Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA). Hands-on training includes cadaveric and saw-bone based learning, including manual and robotic techniques.

Dr. Deepak, Organising Secretary of the conference, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the meeting and expressed his gratitude to the faculty and delegates for their participation. The conference has brought together distinguished faculty from leading institutions across India, along with international faculty from Australia and Afghanistan, providing a truly diverse platform for academic exchange and sharing of surgical experience. He said that the participation of senior experts, young surgeons and trainees would make the meeting an important forum for discussion, learning and collaboration in the evolving field of joint replacement.

The conference brings together experts from leading institutions across the various countries to  facilitate knowledge-sharing and practical learning, with emphasis on appropriate patient selection, personalised planning, surgical precision, evidence-based decision-making, enhanced recovery and long-term patient outcomes.