Chandigarh, December 7

Haryana’s Public Works and Public Health Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said there will be no compromise in the quality of drinking water and roads as these are public facilities directly connected to the common people.

He said the officers should ensure that people get clean drinking water and the quality of the roads should be such that they do not break easily.

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa was holding a meeting of district officers of both the departments in Kaithal today. He said the central and state governments led by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini have a clear policy that there should be no compromise on quality in any development work. Gangwa said he himself can also visit to inspect roads, drinking water supply centres or STPs in any village or city anytime. He directed officials to improve the system in time, and if any negligence is found, strict action will be taken.

He also instructed the officials to prepare the estimate of the roads which are in bad condition. These will be included in the Budget and completed. He said people’s problems should be resolved by immediately hearing their complaints, adding that to make the image of the department more clean, work will have to be done at the ground level. The public has given us an opportunity to serve, so we should fulfill our responsibilities honestly. He directed officials not to leave the construction of roads incomplete.

He said the officials should keep in mind that even if the agency takes the tender at a rate lower than the prescribed rate, it is its duty to ensure quality. Quality will not be compromised at any level. If flaws are found after taking the tender at a lower rate, the agency and the officials concerned will be responsible for that.

While giving instructions to officials of the Public Health Engineering Department, he asked officials to ensure the provision of clean drinking water in the homes of people. He said estimates should be made keeping the future in mind. Be it STP or drinking water project, cleanliness has to be ensured by inspecting the filters and other machinery from time to time. He also assured fulfilling the needs mentioned by the officials for roads, drinking water supply and STP projects in the district soon.

Chandigarh, December 7

The Department of New and Renewable Energy, Haryana, in collaboration with HREDA, has announced the invitation of applications for the State Level Energy Conservation Awards for the year 2023-24. Eligible institutions are encouraged to apply by December 13, 2024. Award recipients stand to receive up to Rs. 2 lakh in recognition of their efforts.

An official spokesperson said that these prestigious awards are presented to institutions that demonstrate outstanding achievements in energy conservation. This includes contributions from industrial, commercial, governmental, institutional, and residential sectors that employ advanced technology and energy-efficient practices. The awards also recognize innovative projects in energy conservation, the use of new technologies, and research and development initiatives. Additionally, institutions that excel in research and innovation in areas such as energy efficiency, waste-to-energy conversion, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management are eligible for consideration.

For detailed guidelines and further information on the application process, applicants can visit HAREDA’s official website at www.hareda.gov.in or reach out to the Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chief Project Officer of their respective district.

IEP Chandigarh

Trauma Anaesthesia Group PGIMER Chandigarh under the aegis of The Society of Trauma Anaesthesia and Critical Care (STACC), organised its inaugural workshop titled “On Arrival to Trauma Bay Nerve and Plexus Block.” here at Lecture Theatre 1, PGIMER in Chandigarh. Organizing chairperson Prof (Dr) Kajal Jain said, “This one-day interactive course focused on early acute pain management for trauma patients on arrival to the hospital , emphasizing clinical skills enhancement through engaging hands-on sessions and live demonstrations utilizing ultrasound based nerve blocks .”

Dr Jain said, “This workshop aims to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for delivering on arrival pain management in critically injured whilst awaiting definitive management in Trauma emergency. By focusing on nerve and plexus blocks, we are enhancing our ability to provide effective analgesia right at the moment it’s needed most.”

She further said that the day’s schedule included a variety of conferences comprising  informative talks from renowned speakers in the field of trauma anaesthesia, including hosting International faculty via Telemedicine department PGIMER Chandigarh .Dr Arun Nagdev from University of California (online), discussed “Mastering Superior Pain Control in Trauma Bay; Indications, Techniques, and Set Up for Regional Analgesia.” And Dr. Vimi Rewari from AIIMS, delivered insights on “Emergency Regional Blocks and the Critical Polytrauma Patients: Challenges & Solutions.”

Dr Jain said that the participants engaged in breakout sessions for hands-on practice, including a live demonstration of perineural catheter placement for prolonging analgesia in upper limb injuries as well as placement of ultrasound guided epidural catheter placement for rib fractures led by Dr. Siva Shanmugam from MGMCRI, Puducherry.

Chandigarh: The day 2 of the 1st GIOS Conference, themed “Bridging Horizons: Integrative Approaches to Upper Gastrointestinal and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Malignancies,” marking  the formal inauguration of the Conference, commenced with great enthusiasm at Hotel Radison, Mohali. Under the auspices of the Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, this pioneering event brings together experts from various disciplines to address the pressing issues surrounding gastrointestinal malignancies.

At the formal inauguration, the Chief Guest of the event, Padma Shri Prof. Y.K. Chawla, Former Director, PGIMER, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing cancer. “This conference serves as a platform for dialogue and learning. It enables us to share knowledge and collaborate, to ensure that best practices are disseminated throughout our healthcare community,” he stated.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER as Guest of Honor, delivered an impactful opening address. “Kshushra Samhita and Charak Samhita have long been forgotten in our medical discussions today,” he pointed out. “We must reconnect with our ancient wisdom while tackling current challenges. Cancer is a devil that we must fight by addressing its root causes—primarily lifestyle choices such as tobacco use and diet. We need to spread awareness from grassroots to schools and remind everyone that prevention is our best strategy.” His words resonated with participants, underscoring the urgency of education and prevention in mitigating the risks associated with cancer.

Prof. Rakesh Kapoor, the Organizing Chairman articulated his vision for the conference: “The Conference arks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of knowledge and collaboration in the fight against gastrointestinal cancers. This conference is not merely a gathering; it’s a commitment to bridging the gaps in our understanding and treatment approaches. Together, we can create a multidisciplinary network that will enhance patient care.”

A significant highlight of the inaugural day was the release of a book, ‘Millets : Orphan Crop in Pearl Shell: Health Benefits Revisited authored by Prof. Rakesh Kapoor by the dignitaries. Highlighting the nutritional value and health benefits of millets, Prof. Kapoor reiterated, “Incorporating millets into our diets can play a vital role in prevention and management. This publication is an essential resource for both healthcare professionals and the public in advocating for healthier lifestyles.”

Detailing about the other proceedings, Dr Divya Khosla, Organising Secretary stated, “The day witnessed engaging session focusing on “Diagnostic Approaches” to Esophageal, GE junction, and Gastric Cancers. Esteemed speakers, including Dr. Jimil Shah and Dr. Ritambhra Nada, shared insights on the role of gastroenterologists in early detection, as well as the latest developments in cancer classification systems and key biomarkers. 

In parallel sessions, the emphasis shifted towards surgical and neoadjuvant strategies, featuring presentations by Dr. Harjeet Singh and Dr. Rajesh Panwar on current practices and advances in surgical management for esophageal and gastric cancers, respectively. The weight of conversation highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in optimizing patient outcomes.

With a smooth transition to radiotherapy strategies, Dr. Shagun Misra delivered an inspiring talk on technological innovations in radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. 

Chairpersons like Dr. G.K. Rath and Dr. Seema Arif emphasized the pressing need for continuing education to navigate complex treatment pathways.

Afternoon sessions saw a dynamic exploration of pancreatic and cholangiocarcinoma management. Dr. Surinder Rana provided an overview of endoscopic techniques, while Dr. Vikas Talreja discussed the Asian landscape of cholangiocarcinoma. The insightful “Multidisciplinary Tumor Board” discussion enabled professionals to address challenging cases collaboratively, assessing holistic treatment strategies while managing frail and comorbid patients. 

Chandigarh

Governor Punjab and Administrator Union Territory Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria distributed prizes to the winning teams of “National Group Song Competition”.

Under the Sanskar Projects, Bharat Vikas Parishad Chandigarh organized its annual program of patriotic and national love songs in Hindi and Sanskrit, “National Group Song Competition” on 8 November at Lakshmibai Mahila Bhawan Sector 38. In this, teams from 10 schools of Chandigarh presented one patriotic song each in Hindi and Sanskrit. These 10 teams were selected from the competitions held in five zones of Bharat Vikas Parishad Chandigarh in which 33 teams participated. In this competition, the team of CLDAV School Sector 7 came first, the team of Government Adarsh ​​​​Uchch Madhyamik Vidyalaya Sector 22A came second and the team of Government Adarsh ​​​​Uchch Madhyamik Vidyalaya Sector 53 came third. Three renowned music experts of the city evaluated the teams and declared the results of the teams for the first, second and third positions.

On this occasion, Sh. Kataria symbolically handed over uniform sweaters to five school children. Similar sweaters will be given to the remaining 700 children by Bharat Vikas Parishad by visiting schools. On this occasion, Sh. Kataria praised the wonderful work of service and values ​​of Bharat Vikas Parishad, Chandigarh. He emphasized on inculcating the spirit of love and devotion towards the country in children. Children should make charity an important part of their lives so that we can create a world in which everyone serves the society selflessly.

 Kataria said that the feeling of patriotism is hidden behind every song of the book Chetna Ke Swar of Bharat Vikas Parishad. Children should hum these songs, this will awaken the feeling of patriotism in them. The Governor explained the five principles of Bharat Vikas Parishad, namely Sampark, Sahyog, Sanskar, Seva and Samarpan. Service comes from sanskar and this is what Bharat Vikas Parishad teaches. He specially mentioned the contribution of Bharat Vikas Parishad’s 220 bedded hospital in Kota and Bharat Vikas Parishad’s diagnostic center running in Indira Holiday Home in Chandigarh in the field of service. Bharat Vikas Parishad has 1650 branches and about one lakh members all over India. Its objective is to create a “healthy, capable, cultured” India, which it has been trying to do since 1963 through various projects of service and culture.

Present on the occasion were Smt. Prerna Puri, Education Secretary UT, Sh. Suresh Jain, National Organization Secretary, Sh. Ajay Dutta, Director of Chandigarh Charitable Diagnostic Center, Sh. PK Sharma, President, Bharat Vikas Parishad Chandigarh, Sh. Bhupinder Kumar, General Secretary, Bharat Vikas Parishad Chandigarh, besides a large number of members of Bharat Vikas Parishad Chandigarh, about 100 students and teachers.

Chandigarh, November 9

The Day 2 of AWWA Literature Festival ‘Abhivyakti 4.0’ began on Saturday with an insightful keynote address by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Guest.

 Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa, SM, Chief of Staff, Western Command, Chandimandir, welcomed Shri Kataria on his arrival in the august presence of senior Army officers, former Chief of Army Staff General VP Malik, and others. Shri Kataria took a round of the exhibition where several organizations aided by AWWA have exhibited their products, Shuchi Katiyar, Regional President AWWA was also present with the Governor. The Governor later also took a round of the area where arms and weapons have been put on display.    

Meanwhile, the governor in his address expressed pride in witnessing the unifying power of literature that transcends boundaries and brings diverse literary voices onto a shared platform. The governor said that literature connects India’s past with the present and also provides an outlook for the future. He complimented Army officers, their wives and even children for producing some very good quality literature in form of various books. He said what literature can give to the future generations will be decided by what type of writings, stories, journalism, poetry etc. our litterateurs are presently engaged in.        

Meanwhile, one of the highlights at the Main Venue of ‘Abhivyakti 4.0’ was a thought-provoking panel discussion on the theme ‘From Battlefields to Bestsellers,’ which captivated the audience. The panelists were Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh (Retd), Mr Shabbir Boxwala, Mr Shiv Aroor, Mr Rahul Singh, and Captain Sajita Nair (Retd).  

The discussion, which was moderated by Mr Vivek Atray, IAS (Retd), delved into the unique journeys of authors whose experiences in the armed forces have shaped their literary voices, bridging the worlds of military and literature.

The panel discussion on ‘Pride in Uniform: Celebrating Army Wards’ Achievements’ served as a tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of individuals raised in military families. The session brought together – actor Pooja Batra, Major Mohammad Ali Shah (Retd), budding authors Aashna Lidder and Karunya S Bisht. The discussion explored how values imbibed in an army setting contributed to the personal and professional success of army wards across various fields. The discussion was moderated by Ganiv Chadha Panjrath.

Moderated by Hardeep Singh Chandpuri, a panel discussion on ‘Publishing Pathways: Navigating the Industry’ explored and dissected the multiplicity of challenges and opportunities in publishing industry with a special reference to women writers with army background.

At Sambandh Lawns the venue 2 of ‘Abhivyakti 4.0’, an engrossing panel discussion took place on the topic of ‘Growing Up with Stories: The Power of Children’s Literature’. Another panel discussion on ‘Verses of Modern India: The Poet’s Voice Today’ captured the essence of India through the voices of its modern poets. In another session, Anisha Koti Bhaskar shared her insights on storytelling by visual narration with a special reference to graphics and illustrations.

At the Author’s Lounge, the audience enjoyed book reading, signing and meeting authors whose books were launched on the day. Some of the books launched on Day 2 of Abhivyakti 4.0 were ‘Military History of the Sikhs’ by Col DS Cheema. Col Cheema’s book was unveiled by the Governor. Other books launched included ‘Semi:Colon’ by Tamanna Kaur Cheema and ‘Rudhira’ by Dr Sanjhna Nayarr.