Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh

Chief Secretary KAP Sinha reviews preparations for the Shaheedi Shatabdi Samagam at Sri Anandpur Sahib

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Chandigarh/Sri Anandpur Sahib, November 13

Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha on Thursday reviewed the preparations related to the Shaheedi Shatabdi Samagam of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib. On this occasion, he directed the administrative officers to ensure that all necessary arrangements for the convenience of devotees are completed on time.

He informed that on November 22, four Nagar Kirtans will arrive at Sri Anandpur Sahib, while on November 23, the Akhand Path Sahib will commence at Guru Ka Chhaoni, Buddha Dal. During this period, a Sarv Dharam Sammelan (Interfaith Conference) will also be organized where the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann would also be present

The Chief Secretary said that from November 23 to 29, a spectacular drone show with 500 drones will depict the life, teachings, and lasani shahadat of Guru Sahib. In addition, a Light and Sound Show will be organized on November 20 at Charan Ganga Stadium, while the Bhog of the Akhand Path Sahib will take place on November 25.

The Punjab Government will also organize guided tours and heritage walks to enable devotees to learn about the historical sites associated with Guru Sahib. The Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and MLAs will participate in the “Sees Bhent Nagar Kirtan” being carried from Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib to Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

Furthermore, a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha will be held on November 24 at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the arrangements for the Tent City being set up for the devotees and directed that the repair and renovation of all roads leading to Guru Nagari be completed on time.

He said that the Punjab Government is making every effort to make the Shaheedi Shatabdi Samagam a historic and memorable, ensuring that every devotee experiences convenience, safety, and spiritual fulfillment. He also instructed officials from various departments to work with a spirit of service and leave no stone unturned in providing facilities to the people.

During a special meeting held today in the Virasat-e-Khalsa conference hall, Shri Abhinav Trikha, Secretary, Tourism, briefed the Chief Secretary in detail about the preparations being made by the Punjab Government for the Shaheedi Samagam of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Guru. Deputy Commissioner Shri Varjeet Walia also apprised about the arrangements being made in Sri Anandpur Sahib over the last three months.

On this occasion, several senior officers were present, including Additional Chief Secretary Sports Saravjit Singh, Special Chief Secretary Local Govt Tejvir Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Parliamentary Affairs D.K. Tiwari, Secretary Tourism Abhinav Trikha, Secretary Public Relations and Punjab Mandi Board Ramvir, Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, Paramvir Singh IAS, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana, Hargunjeet Kaur, Komalpreet Kaur, Sakshi Sahni,  Chanderjyoti Singh, Abhimanyu Malik, Jaspreet Singh, Harpreet Singh, Himanshu Agarwal, Himanshu Jain, Sandeep Hans, Paramvir Singh, Amarpreeet Kaur Sandhu, Puneet Kumar, Sandeep Goel, Gauri Prasher Joshi, Ojashwi Alankar, Sandeep Garha, Manjit Singh and other officers.

Chandigarh

IPR Minister Harjot Singh Bains condoles untimely demise of Senior Journalist RN Kansal

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Chandigarh, November 13:

Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today expressed profound grief over the untimely sad demise of RN Kansal, Senior Journalist of TV9Bharatvarsh and Zee News.

As per reports, Mr. Kansal, 53, met a tragic accident near village Sajuma in Sangrur district while driving his car. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter and mother.

While acknowledging Mr. Kansal’s extensive contribution in the main stream media, S. Bains shared his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family. He prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

Chandigarh

TWO OPERATIVES OF JAGGU BHAGWANPURIA GANG HELD WITH TWO PISTOLS IN BATALA

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CHANDIGARH/BATALA, November 13:

          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, Batala Police has apprehended key associates of foreign-based gangster Amrit Dalaam of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang, and recovered two foreign-made .30 caliber pistols along with live cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Vijay Masih, a resident of Satkoha in Batala and Malkit Singh, a resident of Naharpur Khaddar in Batala.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that both accused were tasked by gangster Amrit Dalaam to carry out target killings. Both the arrested accused have a criminal background with cases of the Attempt to Murder, NDPS Act, and Arms Act registered against them, he said.

          The DGP said that accused Malkit Singh was also involved in a firing incident with rival gang members at Kalanaur Bus Stand in August 2025 and had been absconding since. Further investigation is underway to uncover the entire network and its backward and forward linkages, he said.

          Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Border Range Sandeep Goel said that during the operation, accused Malkit Singh attempted to flee police custody and opened fire on the police party using a hidden weapon. He was overpowered after a brief exchange of fire, he said, while adding that the accused has sustained a bullet injury and is undergoing treatment at local hospital.

          Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Batala Suhail Qasim Mir said that acting on a reliable inputs the police team has apprehended Vijay Masih and recovered foreign-made .30 bore pistol along with three live cartridges from his possession. Based on disclosures made by Vijay Masih, the police also apprehended his associate Malkit Singh, who is a dangerous criminal closely linked with gangster Amrit Dalam and the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria network, he said.

          In this regard, two separate cases— FIR no. 156 dated 12.11.2025 under section 25 of the Arms Act and FIR no. 157 Dated 13.11.2025 under sections 109, 221 and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 25 of the Arms Act— have been registered at Police Station Sekhwan in Batala.

Chandigarh

Grand Finale of Sardar Bhagwant Singh Memorial Basketball Trophy Held

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Chandigarh, November 13, 2025: The Sardar Bhagwant Singh Memorial Basketball Trophy, organized by Vivek High School, Mohali, concluded at Sector 42 Sports Complex, Chandigarh. Throughout the tournament, players showcased remarkable enthusiasm, teamwork, and sporting excellence.

The chief guest for the final matches was Vikramjeet Singh Mamik, Administrator of Vivek High School, who congratulated the winning teams and lauded the players’ dedication and discipline.

In the Boys U-17 category’s final match Vivek High School, Mohali defeated Vivek High School, Chandigarh 53–43. Aditya scored 24 points for the winners, while Veer Hriday scored 16 for the runners-up.

In the Girls U-17 category GNPS, Chandigarh triumphed over KV High Ground School 51–43. Sukhman scored 26 points for the winners, and Seerat scored 21 for the runners-up.

Meanwhile, in the finals of the Under – 14 Boys St. Kabir School, Chandigarh beat Strawberry Fields School, Chandigarh 45-38. Main scorer for the winning team was Vardan – 27 while the main scorer for the runners-up was Riyansh – 15.

In the final of Under -14 Girls Sacred Heart School, Chandigarh triumphed over Learning Paths School (LPS), Mohali 32-19.  Callista with 09 points scored highest for the winners while for the runners-up Khushnoor scored 16 points.

The result of Boys U-12 went in favour of YPS, Mohali who’s cagers outplayed Vivek High School, Mohali 22–8 to lift the trophy. Samarth with 20 points was the highest scorer for the winners and Vedant with 6 points was the best scorer for the 1st Runners-up.

In the Girls U-12 category Learning Paths School, Mohali secured a victory over YPS, Mohali with a score of 20-6. Vanisha scored 10 points for the winning team and Liana scored 3 points for the 1st runners-up.

In the Boys U-10 category Saupin’s School, Chandigarh emerged as champions and in the U-10 Girls segment LPS, Mohali were the winners. The U-10 tourney was played on the league format and the matches for U 12, 14 and 17 on the knock-out format.

After the finals, an award ceremony was held to felicitate the winning teams. Principal Jaswinder Gandhok of the host school, Vivek High School, Mohali, and Administrator of Vivek High School, Vikramjeet Singh Mamik, presented trophies, cash prizes, medals, and certificates to the winners across various categories. In total, cash prizes worth ₹2,70,000 were distributed among boys and girls across all age groups.

Vikramjeet Singh Mamik said that the tournament serves as a unique platform for aspiring basketball players who wish to pursue the sport as a career. He added that more than 73 teams from leading schools across the region participated in this inter-school basketball tournament.
Notably, prizes were also given for man-of-the-match  in the finals of different age categories for both boys and girls. Moreover, ‘player of the tournament’ award was also given under all age groups for both boys and girls. 

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Ninth PGI Gastrointestinal Emergencies Update to be held from Nov 14-16

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Chandigarh: The Department of Gastroenterology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is organizing the 9th  PGI Gastrointestinal (GI) Emergencies Update from November 14 to 16, 2025. This national-level academic event will bring together leading gastroenterologists, physicians, and trainees from across the country for focused discussions and hands-on learning on the theme of Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

The conference aims to enhance understanding and promote evidence-based management of emergencies related to the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Gastrointestinal emergencies are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and timely, goal-directed intervention during the crucial early hours can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The scientific program will cover a wide range of emergency conditions, including gastrointestinal bleeding, acute pancreatitis, complicated gallbladder disease, and complications of liver failure such as bleeding, infection, and hepatic encephalopathy. Dedicated sessions will also address intestinal obstruction, severe inflammatory bowel disease, corrosive ingestion, and critical care management of patients in the intensive care unit.

Speaking about the event, Prof Usha Dutta, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that the ninth edition of this program reflects the department’s sustained commitment to bridging the knowledge gap between frontline doctors managing emergencies and specialists in the field. “Our goal is to empower the first-contact physicians with the skills and confidence needed to handle GI emergencies effectively and improve patient outcomes,” she said.

Gastrointestinal bleeding—a common but potentially life-threatening emergency—will be one of the key focus areas. Experts will discuss the causes, including peptic ulcers, esophageal tears, and variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease, as well as the latest endoscopic techniques and therapeutic tools available for effective management.

Acute pancreatitis, another major GI emergency, will be covered extensively. This condition, often triggered by alcohol intake, gallstones, or high lipid levels, requires prompt recognition and early intervention, particularly in the first 72 hours. Sessions will address preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management protocols.

The conference will also feature deliberations on liver-related emergencies, including acute liver failure, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (infected ascites), and renal and cerebral complications of chronic liver disease. Other topics include acute severe ulcerative colitis, biliary obstruction and cholangitis, and foreign body ingestion—all of which demand timely, multidisciplinary management.

A hands-on training workshop will be held on November 14 2025 at Hotel Radisson RED, Mohali, led by Prof. S.K.Sinha, Dr. Jayanta Samanta, Dr. Abhirup Chatterjee. Participants will receive practical training through simulated models and case-based discussions. A special session on POCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasound) will also be conducted to help residents and trainees enhance bedside diagnostic and procedural skills essential for managing GI emergencies.

The Organizing Chairperson of the conference is Prof. Usha Dutta, with Dr. Vishal Sharma and Dr. Jimil Shah served as Organizing Secretaries. The faculty includes distinguished experts from across India who will share the latest insights, research findings, and best practices in the management of gastroenterological emergencies.

Patients with gastrointestinal emergencies are often critically ill and require rapid, standardized care. This conference aims to provide a platform for meaningful knowledge exchange between experts and young physicians, ensuring that cutting-edge evidence and practical expertise translate into better patient outcomes. With rapid advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, such programs play a vital role in keeping healthcare professionals updated and prepared to deliver high-quality emergency care.

Chandigarh, Haryana

M3M Foundation Tops Gurugram’s Philanthropy Charts with Rs 70 Crore Social Investment; Featured on EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025

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Gurugram, 12 November 2025 :  In FY 2024–25, M3M Foundation invested an impressive ₹70 crore in high-impact programmes, positioning itself among India’s foremost private philanthropy contributors. M3M Foundation proudly announces its inclusion in the prestigious EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, recognising a total social investment of ₹70 crore during the review period. This milestone places M3M Foundation at the forefront of philanthropic activity in Gurugram, contributing a significant share to the city’s cumulative giving of ₹90 crore — marking Gurugram’s highest philanthropic contribution this year. With the Foundation’s work guided by Dr. Payal Kanodia, daughter of Shri Basant Bansal, alongside Trustees Shri Basant Bansal and Shri Roop Bansal, M3M Foundation solidifies its commitment to catalysing large-scale social impact across education, health, livelihoods, environment, and sports.

“We believe that education is the first multiplier of change” said Dr. Payal Kanodia. “Our strategic investments aim to create pathways that strengthen communities—through quality learning, health access, environmental resilience, and inclusive sports. This recognition reflects our deep resolve to transform potential into possibility”.

Alongside legacy business enterprises like Ashirvadam NGO (Ashok Soota), Jindal Steel and Power (Naveen Jindal & family), Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw), CESC (Sanjiv Goenka & family), Micro Labs (Dilip Surana & Anand Surana), Muthoot Finance (George Jacob Muthoot & family), and Ashraya Hastha Trust (K. Dinesh), M3M Foundation, led by Dr. Payal Kanodia, Shri Basant Bansal and Shri Roop Kumar Bansal, has earned its place among India’s top 10 philanthropists with a ₹70 crore contribution recognised on the EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 who donated between INR 50 Cr – INR 100 Cr.

Ranked No. 7 on EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 nationally among philanthropists who donated between INR 50 Cr – INR 100 Cr. By channeling ₹70 crore of focused capital within Gurugram and beyond, the Foundation exemplifies how regional anchors can power India’s expanding philanthropy ecosystem, contributing meaningfully to the nation’s collective giving of ₹10,380 crore in 2025.

With a strong emphasis on education-led giving, the Foundation continues to align with national priorities through initiatives in school enablement, teacher capacity building, digital learning, and scholarships—empowering communities with the tools to thrive.

Beyond education, M3M Foundation’s work spans migrant-worker welfare (through cooked meals and health services), wildlife conservation and water security (Tipeshiwar, Kolhu Chaur), sports and inclusive athletics (para-athlete partnerships), and artisan livelihoods (Sea Buckthorn enterprise in Nubra).

With its inclusion in the EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, M3M Foundation stands as a powerful example of outcome-driven giving rooted in purpose and impact. Under the leadership of Dr. Payal Kanodia, alongside Shri Basant Bansal and Shri Roop Bansal, the Foundation is poised to deepen its interventions and widen its footprint across India. Going forward, M3M Foundation aims to scale education access and quality through digital platforms and “school-plus” models, strengthen sustainable livelihoods by linking skilling and entrepreneurship to market access, expand wildlife conservation efforts into new regions such as the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, and build inclusive sports ecosystems to nurture India’s next-generation champions. As Dr. Kanodia aptly states, “This is not simply an accolade—it is a reminder of our responsibility. Philanthropy must not stay static; it must grow, adapt and deliver. We are ready for the next chapter”.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

COLORS presents “Tu Juliet Jatt Di” – Ek new-age kahani jaha likhe jayenge pyaar ke naye rules!

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Chandigarh, November 2025: College is usually where love stories begin with friendships, crushes, canteen banter, and late-night confessions. However, COLORS’ latest offering Tu Juliet Jatt Di completely flips the narrative where a marriage happens first… then they go to college… and then love happens! This new-age campus romance follows two opposites whose lives are set to collide in the most unexpected way. Set against the lively backdrop of Chandigarh Prime University, this love story is filled with chemistry, chaos, and charm — turning ‘never’ into ‘forever.’ Meet Nawab (Syed Raza), a wealthy, carefree Jatt who lives life on his own terms – bold, spontaneous, and allergic to commitment. Heer (Jasmeet Kaur) is his complete contrast: ambitious, disciplined, practical, and determined to build a better future for her mother. Love is not a priority for her – it’s not even on the schedule. But when circumstances force them into marriage before college life even begins, the journey that follows is emotional, humorous, and full of unexpected sparks. Because sometimes, love doesn’t start with a feeling – it starts with fate.

Ahead of the show’s premiere, the lead cast- Sangita Ghosh, Jasmeet Kaur, and Syed Raza visited Chandigarh to celebrate the spirit of young love with students. The actors joined an engaging interaction at Underpass, Sector 17, where students came together to share their ‘Never Se Forever’ love stories, participate in a lively flashmob, and enjoy impromptu jamming sessions. The evening was filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt conversations as the cast connected with fans, bringing alive the show’s youthful energy and romantic essence.

Sameer Gogate, Business Head, Jiostar says, “At COLORS, we’ve always strived to bring stories that are bold, raw, heartfelt, and zinda-dil — narratives that strike a chord with audiences across generations. ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ perfectly embodies that spirit. It captures the pulse of today’s youth while staying rooted in the vibrant culture of Punjab. More than just a campus romance, it’s a celebration of resilience, identity, ambition and young love — a reflection of how today’s generation balances ambition, friendship, dreams, and responsibility in their journey of growing up.”

Producer Sargun Mehta from Dreamiyata Entertainment says, “College is where identities are built – where you figure out who you are, who you refuse to be, and what you’re willing to fight for. With ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’, we wanted to explore a kind of love that is unusual, inconvenient, and transformative. Heer and Nawaab don’t complete each other; they challenge each other. The college romance unfolds in Chandigarh, a city that has given me so much love in my own journey. This is our fun and light-hearted take on love in which enemies become classmates, classmates become unexpected allies, and every test teaches a lesson no textbook can cover.”

Essaying the role of Nawab, Syed Raza says, “Usually, college is where love stories begin, with crushes, canteen banter, and late-night confessions. But Tu Juliet Jatt Di flips the script completely and that’s what makes the show so unique and unpredictable. Nawab is a guy who lives by his own rules. For him, college was supposed to be about fun, freedom, and fame until the studious Heer rattles him in a way no one ever has. ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ is love in reverse, unpredictable, and refreshingly real.”

Taking on the role of Heer, Jasmeet Kaur says, “This show exquisitely captures the tug-of-war between responsibility and emotion, logic and heart. It’s about how life doesn’t always ask for your permission before turning upside down, and in that chaos, you might just find something real. ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ doesn’t pretend that love is easy or picture-perfect — and that’s what makes it real. Heer is a girl who lives by plans and priorities; love was never on her timetable. Suddenly finding herself married to someone like Nawab—impulsive, unpredictable, and everything she isn’t—throws her world off balance. What I love about her is that she stands her ground: sharp, ambitious, and unafraid to call out nonsense, even when it comes from her own husband.”

Taking on the role of Gulaab, Sangita Ghosh says, “I’m portraying Gulaab – a mother whose love knows no boundaries and no brakes. She’s used to being the centre of every room she walks into and expects everyone, including her son, to move in her orbit. In protecting him from every scolding, failure, and harsh realities, her love has turned into control. What makes the character fascinating is that she believes every act of manipulation comes from love. As Nawab steps into college life with dreams, freedom, and love, Gulaab’s fear of losing influence deepens. It’s a story today’s youth will relate to – the tug between freedom and family expectations. Gulaab may be flawed and obsessive, but her heart beats only for her son and I hope viewers will feel the emotion behind every action that she takes.”

Juliet aur Jatt keh rahe hain never… par kya kismet isse bana degi forever? Dekhiye ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ 17th November se har raat 7 baje, sirf COLORS aur JioHotstar par

About ‘COLORS’:
COLORS is a prominent Hindi general entertainment channel within the JioStar network. Launched on July 21, 2008, the channel offers a rich blend of emotions and variety, delivering content that resonates deeply with its viewers. From fiction and format-based shows to reality TV and blockbuster movies, the channel offers varied ‘Jazbaat Ke Rang’. COLORS is dedicated to promoting cohesive viewing, through shows such as Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav, Binddii, Mangal Lakshmi, Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki, Manpasand ki Shaadi, Pati Patni Aur Panga, Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment, Bigg Boss, and Khatron Ke Khiladi amongst others.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Capacity Building Plan launched for Officers and Officials of Haryana Vidhansabha Secretariat

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Chandigarh, November 10
A comprehensive Capacity Building Plan for officers and employees of the Haryana Legislative Assembly was formally launched at the Assembly premises on Monday.

The event was marked by an inaugural ceremony, where Speaker Shri Harvinder Kalyan and Shri Manoj Yadava, Director General of the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), presented an outline of the training programme. HIPA will serve as the nodal agency for the initiative and establish a dedicated wing for legislative training.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said that the Assembly is carrying forward several initiatives started in the past, in collaboration with the Lok Sabha, while also introducing new measures to enhance the quality of work. Drawing an analogy to the operation of a transport service, he emphasized that as members of a great institution, everyone bears unique responsibilities, and the Assembly’s success depends on the collective fulfillment of these roles.
He further remarked, “Government work is divine work, and it must be performed with complete dedication.” Comparing the institution to a family, he noted that the head of a family remains committed to the welfare of all members, and collective effort, discipline, and a sense of responsibility are key to progress.
Kalyan described the capacity building initiative as a concrete step aligned with the Prime Minister’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, aimed at fostering efficiency and dynamism in institutional work culture.

He added that efforts are underway to strengthen the Assembly’s Research Wing and to contribute meaningfully to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘One Nation, One Legislature Framework.’ He acknowledged the guidance of Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla in ensuring the systematic execution of these reforms.
Through this capacity building programme, officials of the Legislative Assembly Secretariat will gain deeper insights into legislative processes and become better equipped for transparent, technology-driven operations. The initiative seeks to enhance administrative efficiency, transparency, and technological competence among officers and staff.

“An administration can only remain effective when it embraces continuous learning, innovation, and accountability,” Kalyan observed, adding that the Assembly is not just a center of legislative activity but also a laboratory for good governance, accountability, and public service excellence.
HIPA Director General Shri Manoj Yadava said the training programme will make the Secretariat’s work processes more structured and outcome-oriented. Special sessions will cover topics such as administrative leadership, communication skills, decision-making, and digital management. He clarified that the pre-training assessment should not be seen as an exam but as an evaluation tool to design more effective training sessions. The event saw enthusiastic participation from officers, and the Assembly premises resonated with the spirit of good governance and administrative empowerment.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Assembly Secretary Rajiv Prasad extended a vote of thanks to all dignitaries, officers, and media representatives.
Later, addressing the media, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said the initiative would prove to be a milestone in transforming the Haryana Legislative Assembly into a modern, technology-enabled, and efficient institution.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh Literary Society announces the Longlist for CLF Literati Awards 2025

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Chandigarh, November 9– Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) has announced the longlist for the inaugural CLF Literati Awards 2025, instituted to honour outstanding works of fiction and non-fiction in English and Hindi. Festival Director Dr. Sumita Misra informed that the CLF Literati Book Awards aim to celebrate creativity, originality, and the cultural impact of contemporary writing in India. The longlist features an impressive line-up of celebrated authors and emerging voices whose works reflect the depth and diversity of Indian literary expression.

“Literature shapes how we see our world and ourselves,” said Dr. Sumita Misra, Chairperson, CLS. “Through the CLF Literati Awards, we aim to honour stories and ideas that enrich our collective imagination and uphold the spirit of creative excellence.”

The awards are part of the 13th edition of the Chandigarh Literature Festival – Literati 2025, to be held on November 22–23 at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh. “We received 350+ entries from all leading publishers all over India,” added Dr Sumita Misra.

A distinguished jury will evaluate the long-listed titles to select the shortlist and ultimately the winners, who will be felicitated at the festival with a cash award, citation, and trophy.

CLF Literati Book Awards 2025 – Longlist

In the English Non-Fiction category, the longlisted authors include Ajay Bisaria for Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan (Aleph Book Company); Alka Pande for Devi and Her Avatars (Rupa Publications India); Amitabh Kant for How India Scaled Mt G20 (Rupa Publications India); Amitav Ghosh for Wild Fictions: Essays (HarperCollins Publishers India); Amrita Shah for The Other Mohan in Britain’s Indian Ocean Empire: A Personal Journey into History (HarperCollins Publishers India); Devdutt Pattanaik for Ahimsa: 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization (HarperCollins Publishers India); Gopalkrishna Gandhi for The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India (Aleph Book Company); Ira Mukhoty for The Lion and the Lily: The Rise & Fall of Awadh (Aleph Book Company); Najma Heptulla for In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines (Rupa Publications India); Peter Heehs for The Mother: A Life of Sri Aurobindo’s Spiritual Collaborator (HarperCollins Publishers India); Pushpesh Pant for From the King’s Table to Street Food: A Food History of Delhi (Speaking Tiger Books); Ramachandra Guha for Speaking with Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism (HarperCollins Publishers India); Ruskin Bond for Another Day in Landour: Looking Out from My Window (HarperCollins Publishers India); Shashi Tharoor for A Wonderland of Word: Around the Word in 101 Essays (Aleph Book Company); and Stephen Alter for The Cobra’s Gaze: Exploring India’s Wild Heritage (Aleph Book Company).

In the English Fiction category, the longlist features Amarjit Sidhu (A River Runs Back, Speaking Tiger Books); Amitabha Bagchi (Unknown City: A Novel, HarperCollins Publishers India); Anita Desai (Rosarita, Pan Macmillan India); Annie Zaidi (The Comeback: A Novel, Aleph Book Company); Anuradha Marwah (Aunties of Vasant Kunj, Rupa Publications); Ashwin Sanghi (The Ayodhya Alliance: Bharat Collection 8, HarperCollins Publishers India); Bhaichand Patel (Across the River, Speaking Tiger Books); Farrukh Dhondy (Deccan Queen Take Two, Om Books International); Hamish Morjaria (The Curse of Muziris, Pan Macmillan India); Jeet Thayil (The Elsewhereans: A Documentary Novel, HarperCollins Publishers India); Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri (Swallowing the Sun: A Novel, Aleph Book Company); Manjul Bajaj (Once Upon A Summer, HarperCollins Publishers India); Rashmi Narzary (Whistles of the Siphoong: Tales from the Bodo Heartland, Om Books International); Shabir Ahmad Mir (The Last Knot, Pan Macmillan India), and Stephen Alter (The Greatest Game: Being the Further Adventures of Kimball O’Hara, Aleph Book Company).

The Hindi Fiction/Non-Fiction longlist includes Anju Ranjan (Sheetal Dhoop, Vijaya Books); Anurag Anant (Muhavare Ki Maut, Lokbharti Prakashan); Balram (Shubh Din, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.); Geetashree (Kaamnaon Ki Munder Par, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.); Kaifi Hashmi (Shea Butter, Lokbharti Prakashan); Manoj Kumar Pandey (Pratiroop, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.); Padmaja (Main Koi Aur, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.); Renu Behl (Raat Ka Chautha Pahar, Educational Publishing House); Kailash Wankhede (Ujla Andhera, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.), and Yatish Kumar (Borsi Bhar Aanch, Radhakrishna Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.).

Chandigarh

Energy Minister Anil Vij orders strict action against agents involved in illegal trafficking to Russia 

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Chandigarh, November 9 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij has directed the police to take strict action against two agents who allegedly sent two youths from Ambala Cantt’s Defence Colony to Russia through illegal means.

Sh.Vij was redressing the grievances at his residence in Ambala Cantt. A complainant from Defence Colony stated that two agents from Panjokhra Sahib and Dayalbagh lured him with a promise to send him to Georgia and demanded Rs. 5 lakh. The complainant paid the amount, but instead of sending him to Georgia, the agents first sent him to Mecca. Later, they illegally sent him to Russia on a tourist visa, where he was arrested by local authorities. He was imprisoned for nearly two months before being deported back to India. He alleged that the agents cheated him of around Rs.8.5 lakh.

Similarly, another youth also accused the same agents of illegal trafficking and fraud. He said that after reaching Russia, he did not receive the promised work permit. When he contacted the agents, they threatened him, and soon after, Russian police detained and deported him back to India. He claimed to have been cheated of approximately Rs. 9 lakh.

Taking serious note of both incidents, Minister Sh. Anil Vij instructed the police to start an immediate investigation and take stringent action against the culprits.

During the grievance hearing, several other complaints were also presented before the Minister. Sh. Anil Vij directed the concerned departments and officers to take immediate and effective action.