Chandigarh, December 16

In a significant move aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the Finance Department has granted approval to the Health and Family Welfare Department’s proposal to fill 1,568 vacant positions of ANMs and Staff Nurses under the National Health Mission (NHM).

Giving further details on the recruitment drive, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema revealed that the approval covers the filling of 729 vacant positions of ANMs against a total of 2,000 sanctioned posts, and 839 vacant positions of Staff Nurses against 1,896 sanctioned posts. He emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring that healthcare services are not hampered due to staff shortages and has therefore prioritized filling these contract-based vacancies.

Highligting the financial commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government toward this initiative, the Finance Minister disclosed that the total annual financial implication for these recruitments is estimated to be Rs 48.88 crore. Break-ups of the expenditure indicate an annual cost of Rs 18.98 crore for the ANM positions and Rs 29.90 crore for the Staff Nurse positions. He specified that under the approved pay structure, the monthly remuneration has been fixed at Rs 21,700 for ANMs and Rs 29,700 for Staff Nurses.

Finance Minister Cheema further informed that to ensure merit and transparency, the recruitment process is proposed to be conducted through a written examination administered by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot. He added that the Finance Department has accorded this approval with the stipulation that the Administrative Department ensures necessary concurrence from the Personnel Department regarding these appointments.

Underscoring the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing healthcare and education, the Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that with this decision, the state government is poised to strengthen its healthcare workforce, ultimately leading to improved healthcare services for the people of Punjab. He said that the filling of these vacancies will undoubtedly enhance the state’s ability to provide effective and efficient healthcare facilities, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens.

Chandigarh, December 16 – Haryana’s Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that the Pradhanmantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana will be expanded across the state in the form of a campaign so that Haryana emerges as the leading state in the country in implementing this scheme and rooftop solar systems are installed in the maximum number of households. In this regard, Sh. Vij said that monitoring committees will be constituted by the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam to ensure rapid expansion of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

Sh. Vij was chairing a review meeting today in Chandigarh with senior officers of the Energy Department regarding the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

The Energy Minister directed officers that monitoring committees should be formed by both power distribution corporations to speed up the expansion of the scheme, so that complete information related to the installation of rooftop solar systems under the scheme is readily available. He further instructed that an online system be developed to ensure real-time availability of information regarding solar systems installed at each household, so that it can be clearly tracked how many rooftop solar systems have been installed so far in different divisions, circles, and other units.

*Explore possibilities of appointing a dedicated agency for installing rooftop solar systems in the state – Vij*

During the meeting, the Energy Minister also directed officers to explore the possibility of appointing a dedicated agency to install the maximum number of solar systems in Haryana. He said such an agency could be engaged to cover as many eligible households as possible for the installation of rooftop solar systems, thereby promoting green energy and connecting a larger number of people with the scheme. He added that such an agency could install rooftop solar systems at the homes of eligible beneficiaries and help expand the reach of the scheme extensively.

*A revolving fund of Rs.200 crore to accelerate the expansion of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana – Vij*

Sh. Vij said that a revolving fund could be created for this purpose. Officers informed the Energy Minister that Rs.100 crore each would be allocated to the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam, and that government approval for this allocation has already been obtained. With the availability of this fund, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana will be expanded at a much faster pace.

During the meeting, the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department, Sh. Shyamal Misra, assured the Energy Minister that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana would be rapidly expanded and closely monitored. Sh. Misra stated that the scheme would be implemented through a target-based approach. In response, Sh. Vij directed officers to also utilize digital advertisements and other promotional tools to expand the scheme, so that more and more people become aware of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

*At present, power distribution corporations are installing around 3,000 rooftop solar systems per month*

During the meeting, Principal Secretary Sh. Shyamal Misra informed the Minister that currently around 3,000 rooftop solar systems are being installed every month by the power distribution corporations. He stated that under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, solar systems are to be installed in approximately one crore households, for which a provision of around Rs.75,021 crore has been made. The scheme was launched on February 13, 2024.

He further informed that during the years 2025–26 and 2026–27, the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam has set a target of installing rooftop solar systems in 1 lakh households, while the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam has set a target of installing 1.22 lakh rooftop solar systems. He added that under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, eligible beneficiaries with an annual income of up to Rs.1.80 lakh are provided a subsidy of Rs.60,000 by the Central Government and Rs.50,000 by the State Government for installing rooftop solar systems of up to 2 kilowatts—amounting to a total subsidy of Rs.1.10 lakh.

Present on the occasion were Principal Secretary of the Energy Department Sh. Shyamal Misra, Managing Director of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Sh. Maniram Sharma, Director of the Department of New and Renewable Energy Smt. Sangeeta Tetarwal, along with other senior officials of the department.

Chandigarh:

City Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla and MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, today inaugurated an Aspirational Public Toilet at the Sector 28-C Market, Chandigarh. The facility has been developed by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

The public toilet at Sector 28-C Market is part of the Aspirational Toilet initiative being implemented across multiple sectors of the city to enhance public sanitation infrastructure and provide clean, safe, and user-friendly facilities for citizens and visitors.

The newly inaugurated facility has been developed with a strong focus on hygiene, inclusivity, and safety. Separate toilet facilities have been provided for differently-abled persons, along with emergency sensors to enhance user safety. The toilet has also been designed to be child-friendly.

All Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) guidelines have been strictly adhered to. The facility is equipped with modern amenities such as a sanitary napkin vending machine, incinerator, hand dryers, and other hygiene-support systems. Special signage in Braille script has been installed for blind and visually impaired persons, along with tactile tiles to facilitate easy movement within the premises.

The toilet has also been provided with assured water supply and power backup to ensure uninterrupted services for users.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla stated that the Aspirational Toilet initiative demonstrates the Municipal Corporation’s commitment to strengthening public sanitation and providing dignified, accessible, and citizen-centric amenities, especially in busy market areas.

She emphasized that such initiatives contribute significantly to improving public hygiene, promoting cleanliness, and enhancing the overall quality of urban life in Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, December 15: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while inaugurating the second phase of the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Associates (CMGGA) 2025 in Sonipat today, said that this occasion is not just the launch of a programme, but a commitment to carry forward a new tradition of good governance in Haryana. He stated that governance is not merely about law and order, but an art of touching people’s hearts and understanding the pulse of society. Good governance is established when every citizen—farmer, labourer, youth, and women—feels that the government is their own. Transparency, accountability, and timely service are the core pillars of good governance.

The Chief Minister said that the CMGGA programme, launched in 2016, was inspired by the idea of how educated and energetic youth can be integrated into the mainstream of governance. This is not a job, but a process of transforming youth into “change-makers.” So far, more than 175 associates have been part of this programme, who visit villages, suggest solutions based on dialogue, and strengthen the foundation of real good governance on the ground.

Referring to Haryana’s historical and cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said that the 4,600-year-old civilization of Rakhigarhi is proof of the prosperity of this land. Through CMGGA, more than 70 percent of associates are still actively engaged in policy research, the social sector, and development work. Under ‘Antyodaya Saral,’ more than 600 government services have been made available online, while over 85 percent of families have been successfully registered under the ‘Parivar Pehchan Patra.’ Under the ‘Saksham Haryana’ campaign, nearly 14 lakh children are benefiting from improved education.

Providing details of the new format of CMGGA-2025, the Chief Minister said that the mantra of this phase is—“Innovation has happened, now it is time for implementation.” This time, Global Village Foundation has joined as the implementing agency and Rishihood University as the learning partner. A total of 27 associates will work on priority areas such as rural development, policy research, governance, climate policy, and data analytics. These candidates are from premier institutions like TISS, IIMs, and IITs, and have work experience in organizations such as NITI Aayog.

Chief Minister Sh. Saini said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047. Haryana is moving rapidly in this direction with the goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy and generating new employment opportunities. This is not just economic expansion, but an agenda of human development.

Addressing the associates, he said that they should not view this opportunity merely as a certificate or a stepping stone in their careers, but as a mission of nation-building. Work with dedication, take every responsibility seriously, never compromise on truth and transparency, and always keep the spirit of innovation alive. Challenges will arise and mistakes may happen, but true leadership lies in learning from them and moving forward. Quoting the message of the Gita, he said, “Perform your duty without worrying about the outcome.”

The Chief Minister called upon everyone to work together through CMGGA-2025 to make Haryana a stronger, more prosperous, educated, healthy, secure, and well-governed state. With the resolve of a developed India, the time has come to move forward rapidly in the direction of building a developed Haryana.

On this occasion, BJP State President Mohanlal Badoli, MLA Krishna Gahlawat, MLA Pawan Kharkhoda, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Yashpal Yadav, Chairman of Global Village Foundation Sumit Kumar, Former Railway Minister and Chancellor of Rishihood University, Sh. Suresh Prabhu, CEO of Rishihood University Sahil Aggarwal, and several other dignitaries were present.

Youth must ensure their role in realizing good governance

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also met separately with all the selected Chief Minister’s Good Governance Associates. He interacted with them, took their introductions, and congratulated them for working in Haryana. He said that the objective of the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Associates Programme (CMGGA) is to ensure the participation of youth in realizing the Chief Minister’s vision of good governance. This programme is not merely a fellowship or employment opportunity, but a powerful process to develop youth as “change-makers.” He said that all good governance policies of the government must be taken from the district level to the sub-division, block, and village levels. While challenges will arise, success belongs to those who face challenges and move forward. He emphasized that everyone must work with the spirit of Antyodaya. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also shared his experiences and handed over appointment letters to the associates.

Chandigarh, December 15, 2025: JSW MG Motor India today announced the launch of the All-New MG Hector, marking a significant step forward in bold design, unrivalled comfort, pioneering technology and dynamic driving experience in the SUV segment. The All-New Hector features a striking exterior with a new front and rear bumper design, an all-new grille design, new alloy wheels, and offers two new colours – Celadon Blue and Pearl White. The interiors sport Dual Tone Ice Grey Theme in the 5-seater trim and Dual Tone Urban Tan for the 6 and 7-seater trims, creating a more premium and inviting cabin ambiance. The All-New MG Hector range comes at a starting price of INR 11.99 lakh (Ex-Showroom) for limited units only.

The All-New MG Hector features the new Aura Hex Grille, a bold hexagonal structure that symbolises strength and precision. Adding to its confident road presence are the newly designed Aura Sculpt Bumpers at the front and rear, shaped to deliver a muscular, assertive stance from every angle. The SUV also sports the dynamic Aura Bolt Alloy Wheels, strong and expressive alloys designed to convey power even at standstill. Two contemporary new exterior colours, Celadon Blue and Pearl White, further elevate its modern design appeal, making The All-New Hector more stylish and attention-grabbing than ever.
The plush interiors of the All-New MG Hector will now offer two new colour themes- Dual Tone Urban Tan for the 6 and 7-seater variants, inspired by modern urban aesthetics to create a warm, upscale, and inviting ambiance, and Dual Tone Ice Grey for the 5-seater variant, featuring a sleek black-and-grey palette that delivers a refined and tech-forward environment. The theme and interiors are further elevated with Hydra Gloss Finish Accents, with hydrophobic black-blue inserts that add depth, elegance, and long-lasting durability. Complementing this elevated design are fabric inserts on the seats and Leather Pack*: dashboard, doors and console, Front Ventilated Seats, Telescopic & Tilt, Adjustable Steering and 6-Way Power Adjustable Driver Seat, enhancing comfort while maintaining a perfect balance of craftsmanship and everyday practicality.

The All-New Hector’s infotainment experience with its largest-in-segment (14-inch) HD portrait touch screen receives a significant performance boost through Smart Boost technology, offering enhanced processing for a smoother, faster, and seamless interface. The system’s responsiveness ensures an effortless and premium digital experience. Adding to this is the all-new and first-in-segment i-SWIPE Touch Gesture Control, enabling intuitive multi-touch operations such as two- and three-finger swipes for AC, music, and navigation. The innovative Digital Bluetooth® Key and Key Sharing capability* along with Predictive Maintenance Alerts, a first in the segment, Remote AC Control, offers enhanced convenience. This smartphone-like interaction elevates convenience and driving pleasure. The Full Digital Cluster with a 17.78 cm Embedded LCD Screen provides a modern and intuitive driver interface.
Speaking on the launch, Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The Hector was our maiden nameplate and quickly became synonymous with the MG brand, emerging as one of India’s most loved SUVs with 1,50,000 customers since its debut. With the All-New MG Hector, we take this legacy a notch higher by enhancing its design, comfort, and technology, offering an unmatched value proposition. We believe truly advanced mobility should not be an exclusive luxury reserved for the few. With this superior package, The All-New MG Hector will further democratize technology while setting a new benchmark for what a premium SUV can deliver.”

The All-New Hector also elevates safety and convenience for its users with the 360° HD Camera with Wheel View, offering complete surround visibility along with tyre-level perspective to simplify tight parking and manoeuvring. This also boosts practicality and visibility while ensuring complete surroundings awareness right down to the tyre level. The All-New Hector also comes loaded with standard safety features such as ABS, EBD, ESP, TCS, Hill Hold Control and Brake Assist. With these enhanced features and 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol engine (CVT & MT) offering 143 PS Power and 250 NM Torque, make The All-New Hector more stylish, intelligent, powerful and future-ready than ever.

Launched in 2019 as India’s First Internet Car, the MG Hector continues to raise the bar with a compelling combination of tech, safety, and style. It boasts best-in-class features such as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, an immersive 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD infotainment system, 8-colour Ambient Mood Lighting and MG’s advanced i-SMART connected technology with 70+ features, and an advanced ADAS suite, offering a truly intelligent and distinctive driving experience. For added convenience, The All-New Hector also features Push Button Engine Start/Stop with a Smart Key and Anti Theft Immobilisation. It also offers automatic powered tailgate, air purifier with PM 2.5 filter, rain sensing wipers, Remote Control for Audio, AC & Mood Light in i-Smart App and front parking sensors. Available across multiple trims and seating configurations, The All-New Hector delivers enhanced comfort, smarter convenience, and elevated safety – making it a compelling choice for today’s SUV buyers.

The All-New Hector can also be purchased at 100% On Road Price funding with a tenure up to 84 months / 7years. Additionally, customers can also avail 100% funding support on the accessories of the new SUV.

The All-New Hector comes with the unique car ownership program “MG SHIELD,” offering after-sales service options. Customers will also benefit from the standard 3+3+3 package, including a three-year warranty with unlimited kilometers, three years of Roadside Assistance, and three labour-free periodic services. The owners of The All-New Hector can also customize their coverage by extending the warranty or roadside assistance or opting for the Protect plans, the company’s pre-paid maintenance packages for added peace of mind and a stress-free ownership experience.

Below is the Price List of Petrol variant and the Diesel variant of The All-New Hector will be introduced next year (2026).

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, December 15:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive against terrorism and organised crime launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police, in close coordination with central agencies, has successfully intercepted and arrested two gangster-turned-terrorists linked with the banned terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) immediately upon their arrival in Mumbai, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Sajan Masih, a resident of Veroke in Gurdaspur and Sukhdev Kumar alias Munish Bedi, a resident of Lahori Gate in Amritsar. Both the accused persons have a substantial criminal history, with multiple cases of murder, attempt to murder, arms and explosives, and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) registered against them at various police stations of Batala and Amritsar.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that both the arrested accused persons were the important nodes of Pak-based ISI-supported Harvinder Singh alias Rinda and USA-based detained BKI-operative Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia. “They (arrested persons) were operating from overseas locations, including Dubai and Armenia, while attempting to orchestrate criminal and terror activities in Punjab,” he said, while terming it as a big success of the Punjab Police.

          Pertinently, as part of this sustained efforts, Punjab Police has got issued Look Out Circulars (LOC) and Red Corner Notices against various wanted criminals, who have taken shelter at foreign lands, which helped in tracking both the criminals.

          The DGP said that preliminary investigation has revealed that accused persons were part of a network involving BKI, responsible for several grenade attacks on police stations in Amritsar and Batala, and the killings of Hardeep Singh of Jourrian Kalan and Kiryana store owner Ravi Kumar of Dera Baba Nanak. Accused Sajan Masih was also coordinating with another key associate, Shamsher Shera alias Honey, currently based in Armenia, he said.

          Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that acting on specific intelligence inputs developed in close coordination with central agencies, a joint team of the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar and Counter Intelligence, Pathankot, swiftly dispatched to Mumbai and took both criminals into custody, as soon as they landed.

          The AIG said that both the arrested persons were actively involved in providing logistical support, funding channels, and strategic direction to their foot soldiers operating in Punjab.

          Meanwhile, both accused have been arrested in connection with FIR No. 47 dated 25-08-2025 registered under sections 25, 29 and 30 of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.

New Delhi/Chandigarh, December 15

Aam Aadmi Party Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, raised several pressing issues and demands for grants while speaking on the Supplementary Demands in Parliament.

Meet Hayer demanded that Anganwadi workers and helpers be regularised and that the meagre honorarium paid to them be increased. He also demanded that, in addition to the announced ₹1,600 crore flood relief package for Punjab, an additional ₹20,000 crore be given to compensate for the actual losses suffered by the state due to floods. Citing population growth, in the absence of a census, he also demanded the immediate issuance of new ration cards under the Public Distribution System. He further stated that grants in sports should be allocated to states based on their sporting performance.

Taking a dig at the “Viksit Bharat” model, Meet Hayer said that India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries on the Global Hunger Index. He said Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in child development, yet they are subjected to exploitation. The Centre provides only ₹4,500 to workers and ₹2,250 to helpers. He demanded that the government increase their honorarium, fix a permanent salary, and regularise their services.

Referring to the devastating floods in Punjab, the AAP MP said the state suffered financial losses amounting to ₹20,000 crore and that the basic infrastructure was badly damaged. He said the Prime Minister had announced a flood relief package of ₹1,600 crore for Punjab, but nothing has been received so far. He demanded that the Centre immediately release ₹20,000 crore along with the announced flood package.

Raising the issue of the shortage of ration cards under the Public Distribution System, Meet Hayer said that due to COVID, the census was not conducted in 2021 and there appears to be no possibility of it being conducted in the near future either. He said that according to the 2011 census, 1,41,45,000 ration cards were issued in Punjab, whereas due to population growth, the number of families below the poverty line has also increased, necessitating an increase in the number of ration cards in the state.

Highlighting discrimination against Punjab in sports grants, Meet Hayer said Punjab was sidelined in the Khelo India grants, while Gujarat was given crores of rupees in 2024. He said that Gujarat did not win a single medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, whereas eight players from Punjab won medals in hockey. He added that Punjab has villages like Sansarpur that have produced multiple medal-winning athletes from a single village. He demanded that sports grants be allocated to states based on their sporting performance. He further said that India is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, but the Central Government has not made any demand for sports in the supplementary grants this time.

Chandigarh, December 15:

To protect wildlife in Punjab and to curb crimes related to it, under the directions issued by the Chief Wildlife Warden Punjab Shri Basanta Raj Kumar, IFS, Shri Satinder Kumar Sagar, IFS (Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife); and Shri Vishal Chauhan, IFS (Conservator of Forests, Parks and Protected Circle), and following the zero-tolerance policy against wildlife crime, the Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Division Phillaur, Shri Vikram Singh Kundra, IFS, constituted a team on the basis of secret information regarding trafficking of wildlife parts.

The team was formed under the leadership of Shri Jaswant Singh, Range Officer, Jalandhar, and included Nirmaljit Singh (Block Officer), Malkiat Singh (Forest Guard), Navtej Singh Bath from Jalandhar Range, and Ranjit Singh (Block Officer), Bobinder Singh and Ranbir Singh Uppal from Kapurthala Range.

The team laid a trap in Nakodar, where one of the team members acted as a customer and struck a deal with the trafficker. At the spot, Bony Arora, son of Bharat Bhushan, resident of Nakodar, arrived to deliver the material and was immediately arrested by the team. From his possession, two cut pieces of sambar antlers, six pieces of “hathajodi,” and the parts of a wild cat were recovered.

During interrogation, Bony Arora disclosed that this material had been sent to him by Shivam Gupta, son of Gulshan Rai, resident of Nakodar, who runs a shop named “Durga Dass Pansari.” The team immediately conducted a raid at Shivam Gupta’s shop and questioned him. He admitted that he was involved in the business of wildlife parts and that he himself had sent the material to Bony Arora for delivery. He further disclosed that he purchased this material from Deepak alias Kala, son of Vijay Kumar Gupta, resident of Nakodar, District Jalandhar, who runs a shop named “Valaiti Ram Pansari and Grocery Store” in Nakodar.

The team immediately raided the shop of Deepak alias Kala and recovered two cut pieces of sambar antlers and one “hathajodi” from his possession. During interrogation, Deepak alias Kala admitted that he had supplied this material to Shivam Gupta.

The team arrested all three accused along with the recovered items and produced them at Police Station Nakodar, where an FIR was registered against them under the relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Amended 2003).

On this occasion, Range Officer Shri Jaswant Singh stated that trading in wildlife parts is a punishable offence, and no person involved in such illegal activities will be spared. Strict legal action will be taken against them, and further investigation is ongoing to identify other accused connected with this case.

Chandigarh:

Well-known authors of children’s books and renowned storytellers are participating in the ‘Paper Trails Literary Fest- 2025’ organised by FirstSteps School at the school’s Sec 26 premises.

The children’s literature writers and storytellers interacted with the media on the side-lines of the lit fest which is on till Dec 17. Those who spoke to reporters included prolific children’s literature writer Asha Nehemiah, Meghaa Gupta whose children’s books have been critically acclaimed, Vidya Mani – who creates children’s books and magazines for publishers and the versatile writer & storyteller Shyam Madhavan Sarada Aka Greystroke.Deeptha Vivekanand a renowned storyteller too was present.  The children’s literature experts were joined by Japji Cheema, Chairperson, FirstSteps School, who shared the school’s perspective on the lit fest. The school’s Principal, Jasbir Kaur also interacted with the media. 

Japji Cheema said, “This Literary fest aims to bring books, authors, and young readers together, turning solitary reading into a shared experience. The festival will see story telling sessions, illustration activity for book covers, book readings and more, by leading children’s literature authors and storytellers.”

Principal of the school Jasbir Kaur said,“We are an International Baccalaureate(IB)school. We move beyond rote memorization to deep conceptual understanding and real-world application. The lit fest is an activity in the direction of making children aware about the importance of reading & writing through interactions with real world experts. I am happy to announce from this platform that we are soon coming up with an IB School in Panchkula too.”

Asha Nehemiah who has authored a bevy of children’s books like ‘The Rajah’s Moustache’; ‘Granny’s Sari’; ‘Mrs Woolly’s Funny Sweaters’; ‘Thieves and AHA! Adventures’ among many more shared her views about the importance of lit fests focused particularly on children.

Meghaa Gupta who is known for her history series on Independent India published by Penguin Random House expressed her joy at being a part of ‘Paper Trails’.

Vidya Mani who is an editor and children’s writer, runs a content and design studio called ‘Melting Pot’. She has edited children’s magazines like Chatterbox, Quest, Junior Quest, Hoot and Toot. Vidya spoke about her interactions with children about the importance of literature to build a strong foundation.  

Shyam Madhavan Sarada Aka Greystroke who is an illustrator, cartoonist, art director, publisher and his book Wailers Three, published by Pratham Books, is a CBSE recommended reader for English for the Kendriya Vidyalaya schools. An established writer & storyteller he said that the lit fest is a great way to popularise the habits of reading and writing among young learners.

On Dec 15, Vidya and Greystroke conducted a magazine illustration workshop. There was story telling by Deeptha Vivekanand – a professional storyteller and educator On Dec 16 Kapil Pandey, an international storyteller, will conduct a storytelling session. On Dec 17 Greystroke will do a story-telling workshop and Dec 17 itself Punjabi day will also be observed. Asha Nehemiah and Meghaa Gupta too conducted literary sessions during the festival. Shiraz Saini, a multifaceted and naturally gifted storyteller, too participated in the lit fest.

It is noteworthy that school students have participated in poetry and writing activities all month long and have also prepared a showcase to exhibit their enquiry cycle based on literature. What’s more, a Travelling Children’s Bookshop by Funky Rainbow has put up books – especially of the authors, illustrators and storytellers visiting the school for the lit fest.