Mohali May 6: The I J Doda Foundation successfully organized a Climate Media Leadership Programme at Chandigarh University, aimed at promoting accurate and responsible reporting on climate issues in the media.
The programme was conducted under the Environment Education Programme with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and in association with the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology.
The one-day event witnessed active participation from journalism students, faculty members, and young media professionals. Sessions focused on data-driven reporting, understanding climate issues, and effectively communicating environmental concerns.
Held under the guidance of Satnam Singh Sandhu, the programme featured insights from experts including Dharminder Sharma IFS, Jonita Doda, and senior journalist Vijay Brar.
Experts highlighted Punjab’s pressing environmental challenges, including excessive groundwater depletion, rising air pollution levels (PM2.5), and polluted rivers impacting health and agriculture.
Jonita Doda emphasized that the way climate stories are reported directly influences public perception and policymaking, making responsible journalism crucial.
Chandigarh: Marking a significant milestone, PGIMER, Chandigarh, on Tuesday celebrated the second annual ‘Sarathi Day’, commemorating two impactful years of SARATHI (Students’ Alliance for Responsible Action to Transform Healthcare Institutes)—a pioneering volunteer-led initiative transforming patient care and accessibility at the Institute.
The event was graced by Rajesh Prasad H, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, as Chief Guest, and Prerna Puri, Secretary Education, Chandigarh Administration, as Guest of Honour. Also present on the occasion were Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research) and Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER.
Addressing a packed auditorium, Chief Guest Rajesh Prasad lauded SARATHI as a unique model blending service with experiential learning as he stated, “SARATHI stands on four powerful pillars—empathy, compassion, social responsibility, and experiential learning. In large hospitals, where navigating systems can be overwhelming even for the most privileged, these young volunteers become true ‘sarathis’, guiding patients with dignity and care. What they learn here is not just skill—it is a lifelong transformation of the heart.”
Emphasising the human dimension of service, the Chief Secretary added, “Compassion cannot be taught through books—it must be experienced and felt. Through SARATHI, these students are not only supporting patients but discovering the true essence of humanity. This initiative is shaping not just better healthcare support systems, but better citizens for the nation.”
Impressed by the scale and impact of the initiative, Rajesh Prasad H further remarked, “What began as a pilot at PGIMER has the potential to become one of the country’s largest social service movements. When youth energy is channelled towards service, healthcare experiences can be transformed across India.”
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, described SARATHI as a reflection of PGIMER’s institutional ethos of compassion, service, and patient-centric care as he stated, “Institutions are not built merely by infrastructure or technology; they are built on values, commitment, and service. PGIMER has sustained its journey from humble beginnings to a national institution of excellence because of the unwavering dedication of its healthcare professionals and SARATHI embodies these very values. ”
Fondly referring to the SARATHI volunteers as “Bravehearts,” Prof. Lal highlighted their developmental journey, stating, “These young volunteers are not merely assisting patients; they are learning humanity at its finest. By helping patients navigate one of India’s busiest hospitals, they are developing empathy, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to service. Years from now, they will look back at SARATHI as one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives.”
Acknowledging the role of school principals, teachers, nodal officers, and administrators, the Director expressed gratitude for their continued support in sustaining and expanding the initiative.
Speaking on the programme’s growing national footprint, Prof. Lal added, “What began as an initiative within PGIMER has now evolved into a people’s movement. SARATHI has demonstrated that when youth are guided with purpose and values, they can become transformative agents of change.”
Highlighting the operational impact of the initiative, Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, stated, “Strengthening healthcare systems is often discussed in terms of infrastructure, technology, and capacity expansion, but an equally critical question is the patient’s actual experience within hospitals. In large institutions like PGIMER, navigating services can be overwhelming. SARATHI was conceived to bridge the gap between availability of services and their accessibility in practice.”
Launched on 6th May 2024, SARATHI integrates student volunteers into hospital ecosystems to assist patients with non-clinical processes such as registration, diagnostics navigation, and movement across service points, and support for elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Elaborating on the scale of the initiative, Pankaj Rai noted that over 2,000 student volunteers have collectively contributed more than 1.24 lakh service hours, benefiting lakhs of patients and attendants.
Discussing the initiative’s policy relevance, Deputy Director (Administration) highlighted that SARATHI has received recognition from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as a replicable model for patient facilitation, and from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports under experiential learning frameworks.
Pankaj Rai added, “SARATHI is shaping a generation of socially responsible young citizens who understand that healthcare is a collective responsibility. In essence, SARATHI reminds us that true healing lies not just in treatment, but in making every patient feel supported, respected, and cared for.”
The programme featured a comprehensive overview of Project SARATHI, tracing its journey over the past two years into a structured patient-support system. A specially curated film showcased the initiative’s evolution and impact, followed by the felicitation of 25 partner educational institutions for their invaluable support, with principals, nodal NSS officers, and dedicated SARATHI volunteers (‘Bravehearts’) being honoured for their outstanding contribution towards improving patient experience at PGIMER.
Summing up the spirit of the initiative, Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), PGIMER, remarked, “SARATHI is compassion in action. It stands as a powerful testament to the potential of youth-led change and community partnerships in advancing health promotion and volunteerism.”
The event concluded with a renewed resolve to further strengthen and expand the initiative, deepening its impact across healthcare institutions nationwide.
Chandigarh: Leading multi-specialty healthcare provider, Park Hospitals on Monday announced the launch of Advanced asthma & allergy clinics at its hospitals in Mohali and Panchkula.
The launch of this advanced asthma clinic will benefit patients from Panchkula, Mohali, Chandigarh, Zirakpur, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Ropar, Nawanshahr, Patiala, Karnal, Kaithal, Solan, and Shimla for specialized asthma care. Addressing a press conference here today, Dr S K Gupta, Director & HOD – Pulmonology said that asthma continues to be a major public health concern in India, with over 34–35 million people affected, contributing to nearly 13% of the global asthma burden. Dr S U Lavasa, Senior Consultant – Allergy & Asthma highlighted that India has three times higher asthma-related mortality compared to the global average, reflecting gaps in early diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Hitesh Gour, Consultant – Pulmonology shared that asthma is a chronic disease affecting both children and adults, often triggered by dust, pollution, smoke, infections, and stress. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Dr S K Gupta further said that asthma is a lifelong condition in many patients, but with proper medical care and awareness, it can be effectively controlled. He emphasized that underdiagnosis and undertreatment remain major challenges in India, leading to avoidable complications and hospitalizations.
The services including respiratory allergy panel testing, fungal allergy (ABPA) work-up, lung function tests (spirometry), and advanced treatment options including immunotherapy and biologics will be available at the clinic. Tips to prevent asthma: · Identify asthma triggers – allergies, smoke, pets, dust mites · Stay away from allergens · Avoid smoke of any type · Prevent cold and infections · Allergy-proof your Home · Get your vaccinations done · Consider immunotherapy · Take asthma medications as prescribed · Follow your asthma action plan · Use a home peak flow meter
Chandigarh: Punjab Gaushala Mahasangh on Monday sought to ban the storage of wheat dry fodder (tudi) while demanding to ensure availability of dry fodder for cattle heads in the state.
Speaking to the media here today, Swami Krishnanand Maharaj, National Chairman-Gausewa Mission, said that Punjab is reeling under a severe crisis of wheat dry fodder. Some mills and factory operators have stocked tudi on a large scale, causing shortage. The situation is worsening day by day and can become a threat to the lives of thousands of cattle heads in the state , he said. He further stated that the administration and Punjab government would bear the moral responsibility for the deaths of cattle heads due to the non-availability of dry fodder. Swami further said that though the state government is collecting huge funds through ‘cow cess’, registered gaushalas are not getting any financial assistance. Maintaining the availability of dry fodder for cattle during this summer season is becoming a big challenge, due to which many cow shelters are facing financial and resource crisis, he asserted. The prices of tudi have gone skyrocket, due to which the financial burden on dairy farmers and cattle rearers has increased significantly, he said. Swami alleged that many cardboard factories, brick kilns, and coal boilers in Punjab have purchased large quantities of straw directly from farmers. As a result, cow shelters are unable to obtain straw, which they previously had readily available. “We request the Punjab Government to impose a ban on the purchase of tudi by factories and brick kilns to ensure gaushalas get it for their cattle heads.” We also demand that the amount of cow cess should be released to the gaushalas, he asserted. The failure of the Punjab government to meet our demands would leave only the option for us to stage a state wide protest , he said. We are giving the state government two days’ time to consider our demands, otherwise we will gherao the residences of the Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs of Punjab. If within two days the state government does not invite for the talk on our demands, then on coming Saturday, gausewaks and gaushala owners along with Shiva Nandis will march to gherao the residences in their respective districts, he maintained.
Livasa Hospitals has announced the appointment of Mr. Kamal Kant Gambhir as its Chief Financial Officer, further strengthening the leadership team as the hospital network continues its growth and expansion across North India. Mr. Gambhir brings with him over 35 years of rich experience in strategic finance, governance, business transformation, and leadership across healthcare, manufacturing, telecom, and multinational organizations. He has held key leadership roles with reputed organizations including SCL Lifesciences Limited as Chief Financial Officer and Gates, a US based multinational organisation, where he served as Senior Finance Director. Known for building robust financial systems, driving operational efficiency, and enabling sustainable business growth, Mr. Gambhir’s appointment comes at a significant time as Livasa Hospitals accelerates its expansion plans and strengthens its commitment to quality, affordable and patient-centric healthcare. Welcoming him to the organization, Mr. Anurag Yadav, Chief Executive Officer, Livasa Hospitals, said, “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Kamal Kant Gambhir to the Livasa family. His deep financial expertise, strategic perspective, and proven leadership track record will be invaluable as we continue to scale our network and build a future-ready healthcare institution.” A Chartered Accountant, Mr. Gambhir is also widely respected as a mentor and motivational speaker, with a passion for developing future leaders and contributing to social welfare initiatives. Livasa Hospitals is a multi-speciality tertiary care hospital network with 750+ beds across Mohali, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, and Khanna. Supported by 250+ experienced doctors and 40+ super specialities, the network is committed to delivering quality, patient-centric, and affordable healthcare. With upcoming hospitals in Ludhiana and other key locations, Livasa Hospitals continues to strengthen access to advanced healthcare across North India.
Committed to safety, hygiene, purity of ingredients and healthy cooking mediums, Back To Source has unveiled a distinctive range of traditional Indian summer coolers and fermented probiotic beverages, to beat the scorching summer heat. The unique beverages were showcased at BTS’s Sector 66 outlet in Mohali’s Jubilee Junction.
Sharing details with the media, Puja Aggarwal, Founder Director, Back To Source and Operations Head Dhruv Ahluwalia, spotlighted the brand’s philosophy of clean, mindful eating rooted in natural and time-tested ingredients.
Puja Aggarwal said, “We have designed the beverages to counter the intense North Indian summer, the newly introduced drinks combine hydration, nutrition, and digestive benefits. The highlight offerings include the Gond Katira Almond Milk Cooler, Jowar Badam Milkshake, and Pineapple Tepache.”
Puja informed that the Gond Katira Almond Milk Cooler, is inspired by age-old Indian remedies, and uses soaked edible gum combined with fresh almond milk and natural sweeteners to deliver a cooling and nourishing experience. “Similarly, the Jowar Badam Milkshake blends millet-based milk with almonds to provide steady energy without heaviness, making it ideal for hot weather conditions. Pineapple Tepache, a lightly fermented beverage made using pineapple peels, adds a naturally fizzy and refreshing global touch to the unique summer cooler options,” added Puja.
While holding an informative session on the importance of gut-friendly and hydration-focused drinks in summers, Puja said, “Our focus has always been to go back to ingredients and practices that our bodies understand. With these summer coolers, we are reviving traditional wisdom like gond katira and millet-based drinks in a way that fits into today’s lifestyle. These beverages are not just refreshing but are designed to naturally cool the body, support hydration, and promote overall wellness during peak summers.”
Alongside beverages, Back To Source showcased a carefully curated summer menu featuring light, easily digestible, and nutrient-rich dishes. The offerings include fresh seasonal salads, barley salad, avocado chickpea salad, avocado toast, and lighter versions of popular items like pizza and kathi rolls. Chef-special additions such as kurkuri bhindi and faluda kulfi further enhance the seasonal appeal.
Speaking at the interaction, Dhruv Ahluwalia emphasized the importance of balance in summer dining. “We have consciously designed our menu to be gut-friendly and hydrating. From minimal oil usage to incorporating seasonal produce and natural ingredients, every dish is crafted to ensure it is light on the stomach while still being satisfying and flavorful. Our aim is to offer food that energizes rather than weighs you down,” he said.
Back To Source’s summer offerings also include refreshing beverages like Fresh Mango Mojito and Strawberry Mojito, complementing the newly launched drinks. However, the core focus remains on traditional and fermented beverages that deliver functional benefits such as improved digestion and enhanced hydration.
Highlighting the brand’s larger vision, Puja Aggarwal added, “At Back To Source, we believe food should be simple, real, and restorative. By bringing together traditional ingredients, fermentation techniques, and mindful preparation, we aim to restore trust in what we consume daily.”
The media interaction concluded with a tasting session, allowing attendees to experience the newly launched beverages and summer menu first-hand. The initiative reinforces Back To Source’s commitment to redefining everyday dining through a wellness-focused approach that blends tradition with contemporary preferences.
The 5th Edition of the IGU North Zone Sub-Junior and Junior Feeder Tour has officially kicked-off today at the picturesque Forest Hill Golf & Country Club, located on the outskirts of Chandigarh. Renowned for its undulating fairways, rolling hills, swales, and strategically placed water bodies, the course at Forest Hill Golf & Country Club is presenting a challenging yet inspiring test for budding golfers, pushing them to bring their best game forward.
B.S. Gill, President, Forest Hill Golf & Country Club, said, “The course at Forest Hill Golf & Country Club, with its natural undulations and thoughtfully designed challenges, is truly testing the skill, temperament, and adaptability of these young golfers. It is encouraging to see the level of talent on display, with players rising to the occasion and showcasing their potential.”
“This tournament provides us with an excellent platform to identify and nurture promising talent who can progress to higher levels in the sport,” added Gill.
The tournament features six age categories, with competitions held separately for boys and girls. Below are the Day 1 (May 2) standings:
In Category A (15–17 Years) -Boys: Samriddh Chand Thakur with a score of 68 was ranked 1, Aryaman Magotra with a score of 73 got rank 2 while Anmol Singh with a score 74 rank 3.
In Girls Combined Category A (15–17 Years) & B (13–14 Years): Anushka Singh Malik (A) with a score of 74 got rank 1, Ojaswini Mahajan (B) with a score of 79 rank 2 and Kinjal Gupta (A) with a score of 87 rank 3.
In Category B (13–14 Years) – Boys: Devvrat Singh Rajawat with a score of 68 got rank 1, Mannanpreet Singh with a score of 69 rank 2, and Vansh Sethia with 73 rank 3.
In Category C (11–12 Years)- Boys: Pratham Vir singh with a score of 63 got rank 1, Samarjot Singh with 73 rank 2 and Viraj Sehgal, with 74 rank 3.
In Girls: Aarushi Sharma with a score of 68 got rank 1, Pranjal Narwal with 75 rank 2 and Vrinda Saini with 77 rank 3.
In Category D (9–10 Years) – Boys: Rudra Sharma with a score of 60 got rank 1, Maahir Singh with 61 rank 2 & with Taanush Kumar 62 rank 3.
In Girls: Maansvi Rathor 64 got rank 1, Aarshiya Hooda 67 rank 2 and Mahira Sharma 72 rank 3.
Notably, category A-D golfers played 18 holes while category E & F golfers played 9 holes.
In Category E (7–8 Years) – Boys: Shabd Aggarwal and Viraj Krishan Chaudhri with 32 got joint rank 1 and Jordan Savio George with a score of 35 rank 3.
In Girls: Shanya Jain, Anveshikha, Sanchita Singh Rathore with a score of 39 got joint rank 1.
In Category F (Below 7 Years) – Boys: Saveer Singh Pruthi 34 got rank 1, Yuvaan Aggarwal 44 rank 2 and Zorawar Singh Bajwa 57 rank 3.
In Girls: Saira Uppal 46 topped the chart in her category.
The two-day tournament, scheduled for May 2 and 3, has attracted over 100 young golfers from across the country, marking a strong start to this prestigious developmental event. The tournament will conclude today, with the final round expected to deliver exciting finishes across all categories.
Chandigarh-May 02, 2026: Taking suo-motu cognizance of an extremely sensitive matter, the Haryana Human Rights Commission has issued comprehensive directions to the State’s health and administrative machinery to ensure the protection of the dignity of the deceased and the rights of their families.
The matter was registered as a suomotu case by the Full Commission, comprising Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, based on a news report published on January 30, 2026, titled “Woman dies in hospital, cash-strapped kin take body home on cart.” The report highlighted that a 35-year-old woman, Anuradha, died during treatment at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital, Faridabad, and due to financial constraints, her family had to transport her body home on a motorized cart. This incident not only shook public conscience but also raised serious questions about the State’s responsibilities.
In its order dated February 02, 2026, the Commission observed that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution extends beyond mere existence and includes the right to dignity even after death. The Commission noted that the incident reflects a broader systemic deficiency, where economically weaker sections are unable to access essential services even after death.
The Commission directed the State Government to formulate a comprehensive policy for free transportation of deceased persons for poor families, on the lines of free ambulance services provided to pregnant women.
During the hearing held on April 04, 2026, the Full Commission reviewed reports received from various authorities. It was informed that a free hearse vehicle is available at Civil Hospital, Faridabad through the Red Cross Society; however, due to lack of awareness and procedural knowledge, the family could not avail the service.
The Full Commission, headed by JusticeLalitBatra, expressed serious concern over the matter and issued the following important directions:
Hospital staff must be sensitized, particularly towards poor and illiterate individuals, and extend full assistance in availing hearse services.
Contact details of hearse services must be prominently displayed in all government health institutions for easy public access.
At least one functional hearse vehicle must be ensured in every district and stationed within hospital premises for immediate use in emergencies.
As per the report received, 12 out of 14 deep freezers at Civil Hospital, Faridabad are functional, while two are under repair. A proposal to establish a modern cold room for preservation of bodies is also under consideration.
The Commission also emphasized the need for police security outside mortuaries to prevent any illegal activities, tampering of evidence, or other untoward incidents. The Health Department and Police Department have been directed to coordinate and make necessary arrangements in this regard.
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has sought detailed reports from all Civil Surgeons across the State, specifying whether hearse services are available in their respective districts and whether such services are operational within hospital premises.
Assistant Registrar Dr.PuneetArora informed that the concerned authorities have been directed to submit detailed reports on all the above aspects at least one week prior to the next date of hearing, i.e., August 13, 2026.
The Commission’s order clearly underscores that in a welfare state, it is unacceptable for the dignity of a citizen after death to depend upon their economic condition. Upholding the dignity of the deceased is both a constitutional and moral obligation of the State.
Chandigarh, May 1— The Haryana Government has dismissed Rajesh Sangwan, Controller Finance and Accounts, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, in connection with a financial scam. The action has been taken under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India.
A government spokesperson informed that Rajesh Sangwan was arrested on March 14, 2026, by the Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in a case registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The investigation has revealed serious charges including misuse of government funds, criminal conspiracy, and fraud.
The probe has uncovered that the case involves a well-planned, multi-layered financial scam, wherein government procedures were manipulated and public funds were diverted through fraudulent banking transactions into accounts and entities linked to the accused and his associates. This scam has caused significant financial loss to the state.
The spokesperson further stated that, considering the gravity of the case, the state government has handed over the detailed investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Taking cognizance of the available evidence and the seriousness of the allegations, Rajesh Sangwan has been dismissed from service under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India.
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working rapidly for the overall development of the state. In pursuance of this objective, Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today held an important meeting with officials of the Defence Services Welfare Department at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, regarding the early commencement of restoration work of the historic Sainik School Kapurthala building.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department, Sumer Singh Gurjar, Director Brig. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) and Group Captain and Principal, Sainik School Kapurthala, I. Manoj Menon, were present.
During the meeting, officials briefed the Minister in detail about the present condition of the Sainik School Kapurthala building, the restoration plan, and the progress of the project. Administrative issues related to the school and budget matters were also discussed.
During the meeting, Minister Mohinder Bhagat directed the officials to immediately prepare a comprehensive plan for the restoration of the historic Sainik School Kapurthala building. He said that a detailed list of the required funds should be prepared and submitted at the earliest.
The Minister further stated that no shortage of funds required for the restoration of the school would be allowed. He directed that coordinated action be initiated with the Public Works Department for the project. He also warned that strict action would be taken against officials showing negligence or causing unnecessary delays in the work.
Officials present in the meeting assured the Minister that all works would be completed within the stipulated time and the required action would be initiated immediately.
