Chandigarh: Max Hospital Mohali on Monday showcased its advanced AI and 3D technology in knee replacement surgery.
Talking to the media, Dr. Tarandeep Singh Gill, director–ortho & joint replacement said thatAI enables us to achieve a level of precision that was previously not possible, leading to better functional outcomes and faster recovery. This technology-driven approach is enhancing surgical precision, improving patient outcomes, and enabling faster recovery, said Dr Gill.
Chandigarh: Ahead of the Municipal Corporation Elections scheduled for December 2026, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) expanded its organisational presence by officially launching its Chandigarh Unit on Sunday.
The announcement was made by Trilok Tyagi, National General Secretary of the party, during a press conference held at Chandigarh Press Club. Several leaders and supporters also joined the party on the occasion. Tyagi was accompanied by Prabudh Kumar, National Secretary, Dilpreet Singh, State Convenor, Punjab, Vinay Pradhan, Incharge, J&K, OD Tyagi, State General Secretary, UP, Narinder Chikara, State General Secretary, Haryana and anjit Singh Mohali, State President, Punjab and others.
Addressing the media, Tyagi said the initiative was part of the party’s strategy to strengthen its organisational structure and expand its political footprint beyond its traditional strongholds. He said the party organisation is now active in 14 states across the country and will formally establish its organisational structure in Chandigarh, while special focus will also be placed on strengthening the party’s voice in Punjab.
He further informed that after its strong presence in western Uttar Pradesh, the party has expanded its base in Punjab and Haryana and is now looking to make its mark in Chandigarh. The party had recently contested elections on all seats in Jammu & Kashmir as part of its expansion strategy.
Regarding the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections, Tyagi affirmed that the party is preparing to contest the elections. He informed that a formal announcement of the executive body will be made soon and intensify the membership drive.
Raising issues related to Punjab, Tyagi said farmers suffered heavy losses during recent floods but have not yet received adequate compensation. He said the party will seek a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to raise farmers’ concerns and rights. He also expressed concern over the rising number of cancer cases in Punjab and said the government should address the issue on priority. In addition, he said the party will work towards promoting small-scale industries in the state to generate employment opportunities at the local level.
Those who joined the party on the occasion included Vidya Shankar Pathak, Ramayan Kushwaha, Uma Shankar Shukla, Sunil Kumar Pandey, Sudhir Goyal, Vikas Pathak and Harish Vashisht, along with several notable leaders from Azad Samaj Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.
Tyagi further said the party is also planning organisational expansion in the Union Territories of Puducherry and Ladakh. Responding to a question regarding the alliance with NDA and upcoming elections, he said organisational expansion is being handled by the party organisation, while alliance decisions are taken by the party leadership at the apex level.
The launch of the Chandigarh Unit is being seen as a key organisational expansion move ahead of the Municipal Corporation elections, with the party expected to build its base among urban voters, traders, employees and migrant communities from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana residing in Chandigarh.
RLD was founded in 1996 by former Union Minister Ajit Singh, son of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. Tyagi emphasised that the party’s core ideology focuses on farmers’ rights, rural development, social justice, federalism and secular politics.
Chandigarh: The continued non-implementation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles registered prior to April 1, 2019 is emerging as a serious issue, leading to duplication of number plates, misuse of vehicle identities and harassment of innocent citizens.
The absence of tamper-proof number plates has created opportunities for criminals to use cloned vehicle numbers and making it difficult for enforcement agencies to track vehicles involved in crimes.
International road safety expert Dr. Kamal Soi, Chairman, Raahat – The Safe Community Foundation and Society for Corruption Free India (SCFI) while addressing this issue during a press conference held at Chandigarh Press Club had expressed deep concern over the situation and termed it alarming for public safety and law enforcement.
Dr Soi is also a Member of the National Road Safety Council under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, where he contributes to road safety policy, transport reforms and accident prevention strategies across the country
He stated that today an innocent vehicle owner can receive a police notice or face legal trouble for a crime he never committed simply because his vehicle number has been duplicated and misused. He said this is not just administrative negligence but a serious injustice to law-abiding citizens.
Dr. Soi further pointed out that Punjab, being a sensitive border state, already faces serious challenges related to drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime. Such a weak vehicle identification systems directly compromise national security and public safety.
He also highlighted the unchecked proliferation of unauthorized dealers and illegal vendors who are openly affixing fake or non-compliant number plates. Duplicate number plates and HSRP-like plates are easily available through online platforms and local markets, defeating the purpose of a secure registration system.
According to him, this lack of enforcement has resulted in rampant duplication of vehicle numbers, criminals operating with cloned identities, harassment and legal trouble for innocent vehicle owners and loss of credibility of the vehicle registration system.
In a corrective step, the Transport Department has now expanded HSRP affixation for pre-2019 vehicles through authorized automobile dealers across the state via the SIAM digital platform.
Dr Soi advised that an applicant should visit the official website www.siam.in to enter their vehicle details, choose an authorized dealer and than select a convenient date and time slot. The payment must be made online to ensure transparency and avoid any cash dealings. Once the appointment is confirmed, the HSRP can be affixed at the selected dealership. This system is secure, transparent and effectively eliminates the role of illegal operators.
HSRP plates also incorporate retro-reflective technology that enhances visibility up to 200 meters at night, improving road safety.
Dr. Soi urged the Govt and enforcement agencies to take immediate and strict action, including crackdown on unauthorized dealers, monitoring online sale of duplicate plates, strict enforcement with penalties and time-bound implementation to achieve 100% HSRP coverage.
Zirakpur(Mohali): As a mark of collective commitment of Rotaractors and Rotarians, Rotary International President-Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola highlighted global priorities, stressing the need for fast-paced inclusive global development. Babalola was sharing his views with media persons along-with KP Nagesh, RI Director (2025–27), Bengaluru & District Governor-Elect (District 3080-India) Rtn. Dr. Rita Kalra on the occasion of the ‘Srijan 2026 – A New Beginning’, a landmark Presidents-Elect and Secretaries-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS/SELS)’ being held at Hotel Park Plaza, Zirakpur.
It is pertinent to state that Rotary International is a global service organization with over 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders in 45,000+ clubs worldwide. Founded in 1905, it focuses on humanitarian service, high ethical standards, and world peace.
Babalola said that Rotary as an organisation works for peace and called for an end of hostilities in West Asia. He said that the political leaders need to decide to end the war for the benefit of humanity. He said Rotary always helps people in war torn areas and works towards rehabilitating displaced communities. He added that Rotary enters after war ends and helps the people ravaged by violence.
Babalola, a Rotaractor since 1984 and a Rotarian since 1994, told media persons that Rotary’s strategic priorities included the global mission to end polio, expanding membership to 1.25 million members worldwide over the next five years and strengthening Global Grant partnerships focused on environment and sustainability, basic education and literacy, and disease prevention and treatment.
He added that the AI Functional Literacy for Youth project to equip young minds with digital and AI skills is being planned for tricity youngsters. He emphasized the need for innovation-driven service and stronger youth engagement.
Other regional initiatives, and forward-looking projects announced for the Chandigarh Tricity include women empowerment initiatives focusing on digital safety, vocational skilling and entrepreneurship; and the Happy Schools Initiative aimed at improving educational infrastructure.
Notably, the two-day flagship leadership event, organised by the Rotary International Districts 3080 and 3090, has brought together over 500 Rotary leaders from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
KP Nagesh, RI Director (2025–27), Bengaluru, said that significant health and environmental interventions were also showcased during the seminar including projects for the elimination of tuberculosis, cervical cancer awareness, mobile screening for non-communicable diseases, waste management drives and the development of Rotary nurseries to promote environmental stewardship.
The seminar, being organised under the leadership of District Governor-Elect Rtn. Dr. Rita Kalra (RI District 3080 India) and Rtn. Dr. Sanjay Kalra, along with Past District Governor (PDG) Arun Mongia, focused on equipping incoming Rotary leaders with the skills and vision required for the Rotary Year 2026–27.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rita Kalra said that the event is featuring breakout sessions, networking opportunities, fellowship interactions, and cultural evenings celebrating diversity and unity.
Dr Kalra, reflecting further, said that Srijan-2026 stands as a testament to Rotary’s commitment to leadership development, collaboration, and impactful service.
Distinguished Rotary leaders including Rotary International Director Elect (RIDE) Rtn. Gurjeet Sekhon, Past District Governor(PDG) Rtn. Shaju Peter, Regional Rotary Membership Coordinator (RRMC) Rtn. Dr. Dushyant Choudhary, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) Rtn. Dr. Pramod Kumar, Regional Web Master Rtn. Narender Rao, and Club & District Support (CDS) Rtn. Daman Bawega, contributed to the sessions, enriching the experience for participants.
In another development, the Department of Posts, Chandigarh Division, under the guidance of the Sh Kumar Sanjeev IPoS Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Chandigarh Division, released a Special Cover at GPO Sector 17, Chandigarh on PELS and SELS of Rotary International District 3080. On this occasion, Shri Brij Bhushan Rana, Senior Postmaster, GPO Chandigarh, Shri Kishori Lal, Incharge Business Parcel Centre(BPC) Chandigarh, and Dr Rita Kalra, District Governor 2026-2027 Rotary International District 3080, were present and released the Special Cover. Notably, the Special Cover will be displayed and made available for sale on 3rd and 4th April 2026 during the Rotary International District 3080 event PELS and SELS organized at Hotel Park Plaza Zirakpur by Rotary International District 3080.
Chandigarh:
A Single Theme Workshop on Neonatal Neurological Disorders will be held at the Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), on 4th and 5th April 2026. The workshop will be conducted by the Newborn Unit, Department of Pediatrics.
The workshop will be inaugurated by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER. The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee is Prof. Praveen Kumar; the Organizing Secretary is Prof. Sourabh Dutta; and the Joint Organizing Secretary is Dr. Jogender Kumar. Other faculty members include Dr. Naveen Jain from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Dr. Naveen Gupta from New Delhi; Prof. Deepak Chawla, Prof. Suksham Jain, and Dr. Supreet Khurana from Government Medical College, Chandigarh; and Dr. Sajan Saini, Dr. Bijaylakshmi Behera, Prof. Naveen Sankhyan, Dr. Arushi Saini, Dr. Anupriya Kaur, Dr. Chirag Ahuja, and Dr. Bharti Sharma from PGIMER.
Neonatal neurological disorders include diseases affecting the nervous system of newborns, primarily the brain. There was a time when the primary focus of newborn specialists was to save the lives of premature babies or full-term babies born with asphyxia. With significantly improved survival rates today compared to a few decades ago, the focus has shifted from mere survival to ensuring “neurologically intact survival.”
“Neurologically intact survival” refers to surviving into childhood and adulthood as a mentally and physically normal individual who can function independently and contribute to society. There is little value in expending enormous family and societal resources to save a newborn baby if the child grows up with severe disabilities such as intellectual impairment or cerebral palsy and remains dependent on caregivers throughout life.
A systematic analysis of data from low- and middle-income countries published in 2021, including India, reported that the average survival rate of babies weighing less than 1 kg was about 30%, with approximately 20% of survivors having abnormal neurological development. Data from major centers in India suggest that very to moderately premature babies have nearly five times the risk of brain disorders compared to full-term babies, and about 35–40% of babies weighing less than 1 kg either die or develop serious brain impairments.
Newborns are particularly vulnerable to neurological disorders because their brains are delicate. In premature babies, the brain is prone to internal bleeding due to fragile blood vessels, white matter damage due to inadequate blood supply or inflammation, and impaired growth and development. In full-term babies, brain injury may occur due to birth asphyxia, metabolic disturbances, or severe jaundice.
Significant advances have been made in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and follow-up of neonatal brain disorders in recent years. These include therapeutic hypothermia (external cooling of the brain) for selected asphyxiated babies, newer anti-epileptic medications, advanced ultrasound and MRI techniques, bedside EEG monitoring, improved recognition and prevention of factors leading to bleeding and white matter injury, diagnosis of complex metabolic disorders using sophisticated laboratory techniques, optimization of antibiotic duration for brain infections, and establishment of standardized follow-up protocols for early detection of cerebral palsy. Together, these advances have contributed to improved neurologically intact survival. Strategies to protect the vulnerable brains of premature babies begin well before birth and continue for months afterward.
Keeping these considerations in mind, the Neonatal Unit of the Department of Pediatrics has organized this two-day workshop dedicated entirely to neonatal brain disorders. The workshop will be highly practical and hands-on. It will include three practical workstations focusing on therapeutic hypothermia, EEG recording, and neuroimaging (ultrasound and MRI). There will also be six real-life clinical case discussions highlighting the management of newborns with serious neurological conditions.
The participants are pediatric specialists with a special interest in neonatal care. Lectures on the first day will cover the basics of neurological examination in newborns (which differs significantly from that in adults and older children), an approach to the stuporous neonate, and the diagnosis and management of brain injury due to asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, and white matter injury. The second day will include lectures on the management of neonatal seizures, hydrocephalus, preventive strategies, neonatal stroke, brain injury due to hypoglycemia or severe jaundice, and long-term follow-up.
Simple measures that the general public can adopt to promote neurologically intact survival include regular antenatal check-ups, adherence to medical advice during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, prevention of infections, and seeking immediate medical attention if a newborn shows abnormal movements, lethargy or severe jaundice.
Chandigarh:
Calling AMRIT Pharmacy a “big shot in the arm for patient care,” Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, today stated, “Ayushman Bharat is functioning like a 4×4 wheel drive, powering and sustaining the enormous patient load at PGIMER, while AMRIT serves as its backbone by ensuring affordability of treatment,” as he inaugurated the institute’s 14th AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy, the highest number of such outlets in any public sector hospital across the country.
The facility at Nehru Extension Block was inaugurated by Prof. Vivek Lal in the presence of Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics); Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research); Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director Administration; Prof. Sandeep Bansal, Additional Medical Superintendent; Heads of Departments, senior faculty, residents, nursing officers, and staff of PGIMER.
Rajesh Nair, Vice President, AMRIT Pharmacy, was also present on the occasion along with his team, underscoring the continued support and collaboration from the AMRIT initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Vivek Lal described the AMRIT initiative as a cornerstone of patient-centric care and highlighted its critical role in supporting beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat as he stated, “Every patient deserves assured quality and affordability. Through AMRIT, we are ensuring access to medicines from standard, reputed companies at significant discounts. This initiative has become a backbone of patient care,” Prof. Lal said.
Emphasizing the scale and pressure on services, Prof. Lal remarked, “ Ayushman Bharat is enabling access, supporting high patient volumes, and ensuring that financial constraints do not come in the way of treatment. AMRIT complements this by making medicines affordable and accessible.”
Highlighting expansion plans, Director PGIMER noted that with 14 AMRIT outlets already operational, PGIMER aims to establish 2 to 3 more outlets to further strengthen last-mile delivery of affordable medicines.
“In high-load areas such as cardiology and emergency services, AMRIT outlets are being positioned for 24×7 availability, with dedicated facilitation for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries. This is not a commercial activity—it is a patient welfare movement ensuring timely access to essential medicines,” Prof. Lal stated.
Describing AMRIT as a transformative initiative, he said, “This is among the best interventions for patients. We are grateful to the Government of India for promoting such a noble and enlightening movement that directly benefits the common citizen.”
Acknowledging operational realities, Prof. Lal emphasized continuous improvement as he stated, “No system is ever 100 percent perfect, but we are committed to ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability. Issues such as availability gaps and refund timelines are being actively addressed, and we are in communication with the Ministry to further streamline processes.”
Director PGIMER also underlined the need for robust systems to handle the ever-increasing patient influx. “Given the magnitude of patient load, we are ensuring optimal stocking and seamless functioning of AMRIT outlets so that patient care, particularly under Ayushman Bharat, remains uninterrupted.”
Reiterating PGIMER’s legacy, Prof. Lal noted, “Since 1963, PGIMER has stood as a pillar of patient care. The scale of services we provide is equivalent to the best in the world, and we continue to strengthen infrastructure and systems in line with national priorities.”
Speaking on institutional reforms, Director PGIMER added, “There are always invisible resistances to change, but we are moving ahead against the current. Many initiatives that once seemed difficult—such as expanding AMRIT into critical care areas—are now a reality. These are silent yet powerful transformations benefiting patients every day.”
Sharing future developments, Prof. Lal informed that the Hon’ble Union Health Minister will visit PGIMER on April 27, 2026, for the convocation ceremony. During the visit, major facilities including the Neurosciences Centre, Advanced Maternal and Child Health Centre, Critical Care Centre, and other key infrastructure projects are expected to be inaugurated , further augmenting patient care capacity.
Director PGIMER also appreciated the role of administrative and financial streamlining in enabling progress. “In recent months, financial processes have become smoother, enabling faster procurement and improved service delivery. This has directly supported the expansion and efficiency of AMRIT outlets,” he said.
The inauguration of the 14th AMRIT Pharmacy reinforces PGIMER’s leadership in advancing affordable healthcare, with AMRIT and Ayushman Bharat together acting as a strong, complementary system to support the growing patient load and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.
Chandigarh, March 28
The Spring Edition of CLF Literati 2026, organised by the Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS), unfolded to a jam-packed audience at Hyatt Centric, Sector 17, Chandigarh. The literary fiesta showcased a vibrant confluence of ideas, creativity and dialogue and brought together an eclectic mix of celebrated authors, poets, policymakers and thinkers for a day of stimulating conversations, cultural exchange and literary celebration.
Delivering the inaugural address, Dr Sumita Misra, IAS, Founder Chairperson of Chandigarh Literary Society and Festival Director, set the tone for the day by eloquently reflecting on the enduring power of literature.
Dr Sumita Misra in her inaugural address said, “Even in an age shaped by algorithms and artificial intelligence, literature reminds us that the human heart cannot be reduced to data. When poets, authors, and storytellers create, they express depths no machine can truly replicate.”
She added, “While technology continues to transform our world, literature remains irreplaceable in capturing human emotion—because storytelling and creative expression will always transcend algorithmic boundaries.”
A key highlight of the festival was the session ‘The Changing Face of Leadership, with Smriti Irani’, this saw the former Union Minister Smriti Irani discussing evolving leadership paradigms in an engaging conversation with Dr Sumita Misra. Smriti Irani shared some interesting personal anecdotes, including her insider experience working with PM Modi, especially during the COVID pandemic. She said that PM Modi has an inclusive leadership style, focuses on technology, and lays emphasis on innovation.
She recounted how under PM Modi’s leadership, during the pandemic, she got a lot of support for her out-of-the box thinking that helped in giving shape to an innovative effort to develop indigenous PPE kits, reducing costs dramatically, without additional government expenditure.
Another interesting session was that of ‘A World Adrift’, which featured local MP Manish Tewari in conversation with senior journalist Manraj Grewal Sharma, offering insights into contemporary global and political challenges. The discussion focused on the MP’s book ‘A World Adrift.’
In ‘Doordarshan Diaries: The Golden Era of Indian Television’ which celebrated nostalgia and media history with the well-famed news anchor and veteran journalist from the golden era of Doordarshan, Sheila Chaman. Sheila was engaged in conversation by Aradhika Sharma, as she elaborated on the charm and cultural impact of India’s iconic television era.
Literary exploration continued with ‘Opening the Chest of Stories’, featuring author Jonathan Gil Harris and Dr Urvi Sharma. The discussion explored the nuanced intersections of syncretic history and personal narrative in Jonathan’s latest book, ‘The Girl from Fergana’.
Young voices and contemporary relationships took centre stage in ‘Between Friendship and Forever,’ featuring IPS officer & author Arsh Verma and Sonia Chauhan in conversation with Dr. Jasmine Anand.
‘Book Buzz’ saw the launch of ‘Catharsis: A Symphony of Sighs’ by Mukul Kumar.
In ‘The Veil and the Sword,’ author Ranjit Powar discussed her book ‘The Veil and the Sword Women in the Court & Life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’ with Navneet Garewal.
Themes of love and emotional expression unfolded in ‘Heartbreak Unfiltered’ with Mills & Boon’s first Indian romance author, Milan Vohra in conversation with Annurani Sharma, and ‘Prem Geet aur Kahaniyan,’ where the critically-acclaimed poet and novelist, Geet Chaturvedi was seen in conversation with Shayda Bano.
The intersection of technology and future thinking was explored in ‘Craft and Creativity in the Age of AI,’ the session featured Victor Ghoshe and Affan Yesvi in conversation with Ivneet Kaur Walia.
The festival culminated with ‘Mehfil-e-Sukhan,’ a vibrant celebration of languages and cultural pluralism, featuring a multilingual poetry recital in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English by Dr. Madhav Kaushik, Kasturika Mishra, Savita Singh, Mukul Kumar, and Bubbu Tir, promising an enriching and inclusive cultural experience.
Over the years, the Chandigarh Literary Society has played a significant role in promoting literature, arts and culture in the ‘City Beautiful’ Chandigarh. CLF Literati has evolved into one of the most eagerly awaited literary festivals in the region, attracting distinguished writers and enthusiastic readers from not just the region but even other parts of India.
Chandigarh, March 26
Building on a successful first season, Highland Group has continued its partnership with Indian Premier League(IPL) cricket team Punjab Kings as the official real estate partner for IPL 2026—The announcement of continuation of partnership and its further reinforcement, was made during a press conference here, which was addressed by Highland Group’s Directors Vishal Goyal and Harjinder Singh Rangi, who were joined by Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings.
The group also unveiled ‘The Address of Kings’ campaign, which will bring leading lifestyle and sports creators to experience Highland’s projects before exclusive match-day interactions with players like Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh during IPL 2026. Details of the group’s upcoming project Highland Mayfields were also shared.
Speaking at the press conference, Director Vishal Goyal said, “Cricket has been a defining part of my journey, having played at the under-19 Ranji level, and it continues to shape how I view discipline, performance, and teamwork. This association with Punjab Kings is therefore deeply personal as well as strategic. The second-year association brings ‘The Address of Kings’ to life with ultra-luxury living at Highland Mayfields, Mohali. Through ‘The Address of Kings’, we are creating a bridge between the energy of the sport and the lifestyle we are building—one that reflects ambition, passion, and the spirit of Punjab.”
The highlight of the press conference was a peek given to media into Highland Group’s flagship project, Highland Mayfields, which is being positioned as a sports-centric residential development. The event also witnessed the formal launch of a high octane ‘anthem’ specially created by Highland Group for Punjab Kings.
Goyal emphasized that sports, particularly cricket, are deeply embedded in the philosophy of their flagship project, Highland Mayfields.
Director Harjinder Singh Rangi said, “Our collaboration is growing stronger, season by season. Through this, we aim to integrate the energy of professional sports into our residential ecosystem, making Highland Mayfields not just a place to live, but a vibrant community built around active lifestyles.”
He added, “This tie-up is about more than just two brands coming together—it is about representing Punjab & its culture on a larger stage. As two ‘Made-in-Punjab’ brands, we are building spaces that truly reflect the modern, high-energy identity of our home state.”
Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon, while welcoming the continued partnership, said, “We are delighted to extend our association with Highland Group. Partnerships like these help us deepen our connection with communities and create meaningful engagement beyond the field of cricket,” he said.
The company shared updates on the construction progress at Highland Mayfields, stating that development is progressing steadily as per timelines. Notably, Mayfields is a 15-acre low-density development in Sector 118, Mohali, offering exceptional privacy with just two residences per floor. The project combines the exclusivity of a villa with the advantages of a luxury high-rise. With expansive balconies, premium finishes, and over 85 world-class amenities—including three sprawling clubhouses, rooftop horizon pools, and skyscape gyms—Mayfields delivers a five-star living experience.
Looking ahead, Highland Group will roll out a series of integrated marketing initiatives with Punjab Kings during the IPL season under ‘The Address of Kings’ campaign, combining fan engagement, on-ground activations, and digital initiatives to deepen brand recall and community connect.
Chandigarh:
In a deeply moving tribute to the spirit of humanity and compassion, 16 brave-heart donor families were honoured at PGIMER for their extraordinary decision to consent to organ donation in the midst of their personal tragedy—an act that has impacted 80 lives, including giving a second lease of life to 52 patients suffering from end-stage organ failure and restoring sight to 28 corneal blind patients through organ and tissue transplantation at PGIMER.
The tribute ceremony was held during the inaugural session of SAMARTHAN 2026, a CME-cum-Workshop on Organ Donation and Transplantation organised by ROTTO North, PGIMER Chandigarh, which witnessed participation by over 200 delegates from the medical fraternity and civil society across the region.
The emotional felicitation saw the entire auditorium rise in a standing ovation, acknowledging the extraordinary courage and generosity of the donor families whose selfless decision transformed personal grief into a gift of life for dozens of patients awaiting transplants.
Paying rich tributes to the donor families, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest, said,“PGIMER owes its distinct place in organ transplantation to all the donor families. It would not have been possible to reach this far without the courageous decisions and selfless gestures of these families. There is no metric to measure such a magnanimous gift of life. It is deeply gratifying that the donor families trusted PGIMER with their noblest wish to save others’ lives and that the institute could live up to that trust.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anil Kumar, Director, National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, New Delhi, who attended as Guest of Honour, said that the only sustainable way to bridge the gap between organ availability and requirement is to create a culture of voluntary deceased organ donation. He emphasised that when society empathizes with patients waiting for organs and pledges for organ donation, countless lives can be saved. He also reiterated NOTTO’s commitment to strengthening awareness initiatives and engaging students as young ambassadors of change.
Lauding the spirit of generosity in the region, Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, Senior Regional Director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Chandigarh, highlighted that the spirit behind organising Samarthan 2026 is to disseminate correct information and further strengthen the movement for organ donation . She noted that nothing can be more motivating than the presence of brave-heart donor families, whose courageous decisions amidst immense grief inspire hope for thousands of patients waiting for life-saving transplants.
The brave-heart families honoured on the occasion included those of Sukhwinder Singh, 40 years, from Sunam, Sangrur; Jatinder Singh, 36 years, from Fatehgarh Sahib; Ravinder Singh, 36 years, from Chandigarh; Harpreet Kaur, 17 years, from Bassi Pathana; Navneet Thakur, 23 years, from Kangra; Major Singh, 54 years, from Rajpura, Patiala; Parveen Kumar, 44 years, from Panchkula; Naresh Kumar, 30 years, from Kaithal; and Raveesh Kunwar Malik, 36 years, from Zirakpur.
Also honoured were the families of Harpinder Singh, 40 years, from Anandpur Sahib; Gurnoor Singh, 18 years, from Ludhiana; and Davinder Singh, 36 years, from Ropar. Additionally, the families of Arshdeep Singh, 18 years; Balwinder Singh, 56 years; Pyar Chand, 44 years; and Biswanath Saw, 44 years from the Indian Army were also honoured for their inspiring contribution.
Earlier, setting the context, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent PGIMER, Head Department of Hospital Administration and Nodal Officer ROTTO North, stated that the objective of organising Samarthan 2026 is to build further impetus to ROTTO North’s agenda on organ donation while highlighting the critical enablers and coordinated institutional efforts that make organ donation and transplantation possible.
The inaugural session was followed by an academic workshop featuring eminent clinicians and experts, who deliberated on multiple facets of organ transplantation. The sessions focused on strengthening deceased organ donation programmes, improving coordination mechanisms and promoting awareness, leading to engaging discussions and meaningful knowledge exchange among participants.
Chandigarh:
Recognizing the growing burden of kidney diseases and the importance of early awareness on the occasion of World Kidney Day 2026, the PGIMER,
Chandigarh, decided to reach out to the people instead of people having to reach the hospital. The Director, Prof. Dr. Vivek Lal has always been a strong proponent of outreach campaigns for promoting public health. The Department of Nephrology therefore undertook a community outreach interactive initiative to spread awareness about kidney health.
The outreach programme was conducted at three locations: Panjab University, Chandigarh; Gian Jyoti Institute, Mohali; and Dadu Majra. The National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER, enthusiastically collaborated with the Department of Nephrology in conducting these activities.
At Gian Jyoti Institute, Mohali,
Prof. Dr. HS Kohli and the team of Department of Nephrology conducted an informative and interactive session with students. Prof. Kohli addressed the students on the increasing use of protein supplements and explained the types of supplements available in the market. He cautioned against adulterated or unregulated supplements that may potentially harm the kidneys and stressed the importance of a balanced and wholesome diet. He also warned against the indiscriminate use of over-the-counter painkiller medications. The team educated the youngsters on the early signs and symptoms of kidney disease and emphasized the importance of adequate hydration.
At Panjab University, PGIMER team interacted with students and spoke in simple and practical terms about maintaining kidney health through healthy lifestyle habits and avoidance of modifiable risk factors. They emphasized sustainable dietary practices and highlighted natural, balanced sources of protein rather than relying on unnecessary supplements.
Students across these institutions displayed enormous curiosity about kidney health, dietary practices, and protein supplements, leading to engaging discussions. In response to their questions, the team also discussed recent advances in kidney disease treatment and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in nephrology.
At Dadu Majra, Department of Nephrology PGIMER team, in collaboration with the Nursing teams lead by Dr. Sukhpal Kaur and Dr. Naina Singh, conducted a session addressing common questions regarding kidney health, lifestyle practices, and prevention of kidney disease beautified by hand made posters and slogans on kidney care.
The outreach programme witnessed enthusiastic participation and engagement. The large turnout and active interaction from students and community members made the World Kidney Day outreach initiative a meaningful and successful effort in promoting kidney health awareness.
