CHANDIGARH, November 8:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 252nd day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 292 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 71 drug smugglers after registration of 50 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 35,737 in 252 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 841 grams heroin, 508 intoxicant pills and Rs 22,300 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 100 Police teams, comprising over 800 police personnel, under the supervision of 62 gazetted officers have conducted 292 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 296 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 32 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh/Sri Anandpur Sahib, November 8:

Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal Chief Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh said that to commemorate 350th martyrdom anniversary of Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, religious events will be held at Guru Ka Bagh Chhauni Buddha Dal Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25 as per Gurmat Maryada. Sri Akhand Path Sahib will begin on November 23 and the Bhog will be offered on November 25. A Sarab Dharam Sammelan will also be held in the Chhauni On November 23 in which prominent personalities of all religions will participate.

Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh, Chief of Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal, also held a meeting with the Advisor of Tourism Department Punjab, Mr. Deepak Bali and the officials of the administration at Guru Ka Bagh Chhauni Buddha Dal today. After the meeting Baba Balbir Singh said that along with the martyrdom commemorative events, the centenary of the Guruta Gaddi Diwas of the tenth Guru, Sahib-e-Kamal Shiri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is also being celebrated. He said that all religious functions are being organized by the Punjab government at Guru Ka Bagh Cantonment Buddha Dal as per the Rehat Maryada. He said that on November 24, the Sish Bhent Yatra will begin from Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib to Kiratpur Sahib by all Nihang Singh organizations, which will be conclude at Gurdwara Sish Ganj Sahib Sri Anandpur Sahib.

While giving information about the outline of the entire event, Mr. Deepak Bali, Advisor, Tourism Department, Punjab, said that Sri Akhand Path Sahib will begin on November 23 at Guru Ka Bagh Cantonment Budha Dal, which will be completed on November 25. He said that for the first time in North India, a drone show dedicated to the life of the ninth Guru will be organized with 500 drones at Virasat-e-Khalsa Sri Anandpur Sahib. The drone show will be held daily from November 23 to November 29. For the free and comfortable stay of the devotees from November 19 to November 29, three huge tent cities are being built in which all possible facilities will be provided to the devotees.

He said that on November 20, a light and sound show dedicated to the unparalleled martyrdom of Guru Sahib is also being organized at Charan Ganga Stadium. He said that from November 23 to November 25, there will be Gurmat Samagam at Guru Ka Bagh Cantonment Budha Dal, in which Mahan Kirtan Darbar, Sarbat De Bhale Di Iktatrata, Sarb Dharam Sammelan, Dhadi Kavishri Darbar and renowned Kirtani Jathas will delight the Sangat with Gurbani Kirtan. On this occasion, he reached the Chhauni venue and reviewed the arrangements while directing the concerned officials to complete all the arrangements within the time.

On this occasion, SDM Jaspreet Singh, DSP Jashandeep Singh Mann, Bhupinder Singh Chana Superintendent Engineer Tourism Department, SHO Danishveer Singh, Nihang Singhs and other officials were also present.

CHANDIGARH/MOGA, November 8:

In a swift and efficient operation, the Punjab Police has nabbed the person involved in the theft of de-addiction medicines from the Moga Civil Hospital, which occurred on the night of Diwali, informed Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh here on Saturday, while lauding district administration and police for the quick breakthrough in the case.

 Addressing a press conference here, Dr Balbir Singh termed the theft as a serious crime and assured that the strictest legal action will be taken against the accused. “The accused involved in stealing narcotic tablets from the Moga Civil Hospital have been arrested within days of the incident. I commend the Moga District Administration and Police for their efforts,” said the Health Minister.

He reiterated that under the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, a policy of zero tolerance is being followed against drug traffickers.

 Dr Balbir Singh highlighted that the state government’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign is proving to be a milestone in eradicating the menace, with effective results now becoming visible. He informed that nearly 20,000 individuals have given up addiction since the campaign was launched.

 Giving details of the case, the Health Minister said that on the night of Diwali, de-addiction medicines were stolen from the Moga Civil Hospital. A total of 10,150 stolen tablets were recovered, while 850 tablets had already been sold by the accused.

 The Minister was accompanied by Dharmkot MLA Devinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhos, Deputy Commissioner Sagar Setia, SSP Ajay Gandhi, and officials from the Health Department.

 Dr Balbir Singh also outlined the government’s broader efforts to strengthen health infrastructure, including the recruitment of 1400 doctors, the ongoing process to hire 1000 more nurses, and the availability of 350 types of free medicines in hospitals. He added that the de-addiction centre at Kot Ise Khan has been upgraded with all facilities, leading nearly 1,000 individuals have successfully undergone de-addiction treatment.

Chandigarh, November 8:

Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains and Advisor to Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Mr. Deepak Bali, on Saturday, extended invite to Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, head of the Radha Soami Satsang Dera Beas, for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

While extending the invitation, S. Bains also urged Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon to participate in the “Sarb Dharm Sammelan” scheduled for November 23 at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Sammelan is designed to echo Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s eternal message of protection of dharm (faith & righteousness) and promoting universal brotherhood.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the participation of esteemed spiritual figures from diverse faith is crucial to making the event a true testament to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s legacy.

Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon graciously accepted the invitation, while acknowledging the universal and unparalleled sacrifice and enduring legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji.

Chandigarh, November 8:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government organized mesmerising Light and Sound Shows on Saturday at Batala, Faridkot, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur as part of the ongoing celebrations commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. A large number of devotees attended these events with great enthusiasm and reverence.

A spokesperson of the government informed that Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk attended the show held at ITI Batala, while Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan participated in the event organized at Nehru Stadium, Faridkot, along with a large gathering of devotees.

Similarly, the Light and Sound Shows held at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sports Stadium, Fazilka, and at the Multipurpose Outdoor Stadium, Lajwanti, Hoshiarpur, witnessed the participation of local MLAs, dignitaries, and the sangat.

The shows featured advanced laser lighting and 3D projection technology to depict the life, teachings, and supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for the protection of faith and righteousness. The Sangat appreciated the Punjab Government’s initiative, remarking that such efforts would inspire the younger generation to follow the path shown by the revered Guru.

It may be recalled that earlier, on November 4, similar Light and Sound Shows were successfully organized in Patiala, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Pathankot.

The Punjab Government will continue this series of events with the next round of Light and Sound Shows scheduled for Monday, November 11, at Amritsar, Ferozepur, Sangrur, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar.

 “The spirit of medical science must always be anchored in ethics. In an age where technology can outpace morality, where commercial pressures can blur the line between service and profit, your integrity will be your compass,” said Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Hon’ble Governor of Haryana, delivering the Convocation Address at the 65th Convocation of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India), hosted by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, today.

The event marked a moment of pride and reflection in India’s medical academic journey, bringing together approximately 300 leading physicians, researchers, and academicians to celebrate knowledge, excellence, and service to humanity. Prof. Ghosh graced the ceremony as Chief Guest, with Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, as Guest of Honour. Dr. Digambar Behera, President, NAMS (India), alongwith  Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Dr. Radha Kanta Ratho, Dean (Academics), PGIMER, Chandigarh, senior faculty, and NAMS Fellows and Members from across the country.

Congratulating the new Fellows and Members, Prof. Ghosh urged them to uphold compassion and conscience as the bedrock of their profession. “Every prescription you write, every diagnosis you make, and every experiment you conduct must be guided by your moral compass,” he said. Lauding NAMS as “the moral and academic conscience of India’s medical fraternity,” he reminded the gathering that the physician’s duty extends beyond science to service, humility, and empathy.

“Medicine,” he said, “is not merely a science of curing the body but a dialogue with the human soul. It demands intellect guided by empathy and progress rooted in ethics.” Calling for holistic medical education, he urged doctors to see patients not as cases but as lives filled with dignity and hope. “Every consultation is an act of trust. Every patient we serve is a teacher. Medicine, in its highest form, is a moral art.” He concluded with a timeless appeal: “The white coat is not a symbol of privilege but of service. Wear it with humility and let every heartbeat you heal remind you of your duty to humanity.”

Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul commended NAMS for six decades of uniting medical excellence with social responsibility. He emphasized that the journey to Viksit Bharat 2047 must begin with a Swasth Bharat, observing, “Health is the true engine of development. A healthy nation builds human capital, drives productivity, and sustains progress.”

He urged NAMS to evolve as a dynamic think tank for healthcare policy and innovation. “NAMS must become a hub for actionable research and policy insights shaping the future of Indian medicine,” he said. Dr. Paul announced a renewed focus on strengthening organ transplantation across government medical colleges: “Every citizen deserves access to life-saving transplants. Let us resolve that within three years, fifty kidney and twenty liver transplant teams will be created in public institutions.”

Highlighting the importance of Family Medicine as the backbone of healthcare, Dr. Paul stated, “While specialization has advanced, we must not lose sight of general practice. Family medicine ensures continuity of care from childhood to old age.” He also underlined the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence, urging NAMS to lead indigenous, ethical innovations. “India must not remain a consumer of AI but emerge as its creator — developing patient-centric solutions that serve humanity.” Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he concluded, “All power is within you; you can do anything and everything. Let us channel that power toward realizing a healthy, equitable Bharat.”

In his Presidential Address, Dr. Digambar Behera, President, NAMS (India), reflected on the Academy’s illustrious journey since its inception in 1961. “This Convocation is both a celebration of excellence and a reaffirmation of our mission to advance medical education, research, and policy for national welfare,” he said. Tracing the growing trajectory of NAMS, Dr Behera highlighted that the Academy today has over 1,100 Fellows, including two Bharat Ratnas, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 53 Padma Shri awardees.

He reiterated that NAMS continues to serve as the conscience-keeper of Indian medicine, shaping public health policy and nurturing future leaders through initiatives such as Navigate for postgraduate mentorship, research fellowships, and the Annals of the National Academy journal. “As we move toward Viksit Bharat 2047,” he affirmed, “the Academy will continue to integrate science with service, ensuring that knowledge forever serves humanity.”

Earlier, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, expressed immense pride in PGIMER hosting this landmark convocation, describing it as a moment of collective achievement for the institute and the nation.

Prof. Lal highlighted PGIMER’s pivotal role in advancing equitable healthcare, with over 70% of admissions under Ayushman Bharat, and free kidney, heart, and knee transplants for eligible patients.

“Every rupee we receive, we convert into many more for the benefit of society. For every five lakhs invested, we return fifty lakhs’ worth of care to the community. That is the power of compassion, efficiency, and dedication.,” he said, underscoring the Institute’s compassion-driven efficiency. “PGI has come of age — strong, responsive, and ready to serve the nation in every crisis. We remain steadfast in our commitment to service, knowledge, and humanity.”

This year’s Convocation marked a significant milestone with the conferment of Fellowship upon 45 distinguished academicians, Membership to 100 accomplished professionals, and Associate Fellowship to 14 emerging leaders in the field of medicine and allied sciences. The ceremony also celebrated the contributions of three eminent women scientists, whose exemplary achievements have advanced the frontiers of healthcare research, and seven Professors Emeritus, honoured for their lifelong dedication to teaching, innovation, and public service. Together, these inductees embody the Academy’s enduring mission to recognize excellence, inspire future generations, and uphold the highest ideals of medical science in service of the nation.

The Convocation opened with a grand academic procession led by the President and office bearers of NAMS, symbolizing the continuity of India’s scholarly tradition. Newly elected Fellows and Members were conferred with scrolls, recognizing their contributions to education, research, and clinical excellence. The solemn oath-taking ceremony reaffirmed professional ethics and the timeless bond between science and service.

The 65th Convocation of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) thus stood as a testament to India’s enduring commitment to blend science with service, innovation with empathy, and knowledge with purpose — ideals that define both NAMS and PGIMER.

Chandigarh, November 8, 2025 – Displaying best skills, precision and true martial spirit Punjab once again proved its dominance by clinching the overall Gatka championship at the 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games–2025 here held at Bengaluru City University campus, Karnataka. Haryana secured the runner-up position making the event a gripping showcase of India’s traditional martial art Gatka which was one of the key attractions of the Pythian Games.

Over two days of intense and thrilling bouts Punjab’s boys and Haryana’s girls demonstrated unwavering focus and masterful martial technique to claim the top titles in their respective categories. The Haryana boys and Punjab girls finished runners-up while Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh shared third place among the boys and Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh jointly secured third place among the girls events.

The Gatka competition was inaugurated by Bijender Goel, founder of the Modern Pythian Cultural Games and Chairman of the Pythian Council of India amidst great enthusiasm and vibrant traditional performances. Later, the semifinal bouts were inaugurated by B.H. Anil Kumar, IAS, Chairman of the Organising Committee of 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games.

The final Gatka bouts on the concluding day were inaugurated by Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) who praised the Gatkabaz for displaying exemplary sportsmanship and discipline. He remarked that the performances reflected the living legacy of martial heritage where courage and grace go hand in hand.

The ceremony was graced by Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, Jaspreet Singh Saini, Aarthi Diwan, Sreejith Surendra and coach Venugopal Velloli (Bengaluru) and senior Gatka officials including Jagdish Singh, Harnam Singh, Harsimran Singh, Amritpal Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Sharry Singh, Narinderpal Singh, and Aman Singh Chhattisgarh.

Girls’ Results : 

In the Gatka-Soti team event, Haryana’s Ashmeet Kaur, Jaskirat Kaur, and Arjmeet Kaur clinched the gold medals while Punjab’s Damanpreet Kaur, Ramanpreet Kaur and Pavneet Kaur took silver. The Chandigarh team of Guramanpreet Kaur, Navdeep Kaur and Ravneet Kaur and Andhra Pradesh’s Badepalli Deek Shitha, Kadiyala Bala Chandana Priya and G. Deephi shared bronze medals.

In the Gatka-Soti individual event, Pavneet Kaur (Punjab) won gold, Harmanpreet Kaur (Chandigarh) took silver while Badepalli Deek Shitha (Andhra Pradesh) and Kashmir Kaur (Haryana) jointly claimed bronze.

In the Farrie-Soti team event, Haryana’s Ekamjot Kaur, Arjmeet Kaur and Harsimarpreet Kaur secured gold medals. Chandigarh’s Jeenal, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jashanpreet Kaur earned silver while Punjab’s Mehakdeep Kaur, Ramandeep Kaur and Prabhleen Kaur and Chhattisgarh’s Nidhi, Vidhi and Dimple jointly bagged bronze.

In the Farrie-Soti individual event, Gursimran Kaur (Punjab) clinched gold followed by Arjmeet Kaur (Haryana) with silver while M. Dhathri Moghadaramma (Andhra Pradesh) and Jashanpreet Kaur (Chandigarh) shared bronze.

Boys’ Results :

In the Gatka-Soti individual event, Jaskirat Singh (Haryana) emerged gold medalist, Arshdeep Singh (Punjab) claimed silver and Prabhasees Singh (Punjab) with Jagjot Singh (Uttarakhand) shared bronze.

In the Gatka-Soti team event, Uttarakhand’s Rajwinder Singh, Jagjot Singh and Abhijot Singh stormed to gold followed by Punjab’s Narinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh and Prabhasees Singh with silver. Haryana’s Rajbir Singh, Simranpreet Singh and Armandeep Singh and Chhattisgarh’s Gurpreet Singh, Gurjot Singh and Samrath Singh took bronze medals.

In the Farrie-Soti individual event, Varispreet Singh (Haryana) won gold, Jaskaran Singh (Punjab) secured silver while Hardeep Singh (Telangana) and Abhijot Singh (Uttarakhand) shared bronze medals.

In the Farrie-Soti team event, Punjab’s Gursharan Singh, Amanpreet Singh and Jaskaran Singh bagged gold, Haryana’s Ajaypal Singh, Sehajpal Singh and Samarjeet Singh claimed silver while Chandigarh’s Satwant Singh, Manpreet Singh and Bahadur Singh and Haryana’s Anmoldeep Singh, Jaskirat Singh and Varispreet Singh took bronze medals jointly.

Chandigarh, November 8:

In a major milestone, the paddy arrival throughout the mandis is inching towards the coveted 150 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) mark. The arrival till date  has crossed the 144 Lakh Metric Tonne mark with over 125 LMT lifted.

Terming the accelerated pace of procurement and lifting as testimony to the farmer friendly policies of the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the necessary arrangements have been made in the mandis with a view to ensure that no stakeholder whether the farmers, Commission Agents (Arhtiyas), Labourers don’t encounter any difficulty. As far as procurement is concerned, more than 140 LMT of paddy stands procured.

Coming to the payments  front, the amount in excess of Rs. 32000 Crore stands credited into the accounts of the farmers, said the Minister exhorting the farming community to bring dry produce in the mandis so as to derive full worth of their crop which they have produced with so much hardwork.

Chandigarh, November 8: Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij, said that India’s development gained real momentum with Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister, and the entire nation is blessing him from the depths of its heart.

While Speaking at Ambala Cantt Railway Station on today, where he welcomed the newly started Vande Bharat Express running from Firozpur to Delhi via Ambala Cantt, the Minister said that the high-speed service will save passengers valuable time and make their travel more convenient. He said that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains, one of which will connect Firozpur to Delhi through Ambala Cantt. This train will cover the distance from Firozpur to Delhi in just six and a half hours, helping people save time and manage their work more efficiently,” Sh. Vij said.

During the ceremony, Energy Minister Anil Vij, Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma, and Ambala Mayor Shailaja Sachdeva welcomed the Vande Bharat Express and flagged it off from Ambala Cantt. The Minister also greeted passengers on board with roses as a gesture of goodwill.

Speaking to the media persons, Sh. Vij said that the Prime Minister has launched four Vande Bharat Express trains today — connecting Banaras to Khajuraho, Lucknow to Saharanpur, Ernakulam to Bengaluru, and Firozpur to Delhi. Reminiscing about the evolution of Indian Railways, the Energy Minister said that “There was a time when coal-powered ‘chhuk-chhuk’ trains used to run. I was born and brought up in a railway colony, so I have witnessed the transformation of our railways closely. Back then, by the time you reached Ludhiana from Panipat, your clothes and face would be black with soot. But today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Indian Railways has reached a world-class standard comparable to international rail networks.”

“Not a single drop of tea spilled in the high-speed train”- Vij

Sh.Vij further shared his personal experience from an earlier journey on the Vande Bharat Express with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He said that “The train runs at a speed of 160 km per hour, and when I travelled from Ambala to Delhi, I was served tea onboard — not a single drop spilled during the entire journey. That’s the quality and stability of this train,” he said. He added that the train is fully air-conditioned, equipped with comfortable coaches, and offers excellent food and modern passenger amenities, marking a new era of rail travel in India.

The program at Ambala Cantt Railway Station was attended by Divisional Railway Manager Vinod Bhatia, Banto Kataria, Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, and a large number of BJP leaders and party workers.