IEP Chandigarh

The Division of Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical care at PGIMER, Chandigarh organized a Walkathon on March 24, 2024, to raise awareness about Head Injury, its Prevention, and the importance of Primary Care. The event took place at Sukhna Lake and was attended by 70-80 doctors including Prof. Y Narayana, Head, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive care along with senior faculty members , who actively participated and advocated for the prevention of Head Injury throughout the walk.

The Walkathon was organized to commemorate Head Injury Awareness month and aimed to educate the general public about the early signs and symptoms of Head Injury, which should not be ignored. The event also highlighted the significance of immediate transfer to the hospital for vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, who experience a fall and hit their heads. The importance of wearing helmets for both drivers and pillion riders was emphasized during the event.

To engage the audience and further reinforce the importance of Head Injury prevention, resident doctors carried out a skit at the entrance of Sukhna Lake. The skit portrayed three common scenarios of children and the elderly falling and hitting their heads, demonstrating the need for immediate medical attention. The event was a success with approximately 100 attendees who enthusiastically supported the cause.

India is facing an increasing burden of Head Injuries, with road traffic accidents primarily affecting the younger population, especially males, during evening and night hours (approximately-66%). The statistics reveal that pedestrians (26%), two-wheeler riders (31%), pillions (12%), and bicyclists (8%) are most at risk. Major behavioral factors contributing to Head Injuries include not wearing helmets, driving under the influence of alcohol, over-speeding, and reckless overtaking. Head Injury is currently one of the leading causes of death and disability in India.

Prof Nidhi Panda, Head of the Division of Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical care, spoke about the event and emphasized the significance of Head Injury awareness. She said, “March 20th marks World Head Injury Awareness Day every year. The need of the hour is to raise awareness about Head Injury, its symptoms, and the importance of immediate assistance during the Golden Hour, which can save many lives. This Walkathon is an attempt in that direction, and I hope this message reaches the public at large.”

The Division of Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical care at PGIMER, Chandigarh remains committed to promoting awareness and educating the public about Head Injuries, their prevention, and the significance of timely medical care.

IEP Chandigarh

Not all love stories unfold in the quintessential way of “ek ladka aur ladki mile aur pyaar ho gaya”, some find their way through unforeseen situations, chaos, and emotional turmoil. Jab Mila Tu on JioCinema is one such slice-of-life drama series that explores a unique journey of love and friendship in today’s day and age. Streaming for free from 22nd January 2024, Jab Mila Tu is a 24-episode series, with four episodes premiering every week. Directed by Lalit Mohan, created by Nisheeth Neelkanth and Harjeet Chhabra and produced by Two Nice Men, Jab Mila Tu will also be available in Tamil, Kannada, and Bengali. Following the excitement with the premiere of the initial episodes, the lead actors Mohsin Khan, Eisha Singh, Pratik Sehajpal and Alisha Chopra visit Chandigarh to express gratitude and talk more about their characters and the show.

Set against the scenic and lively backdrop of Goa, Jab Mila Tu is about Maddy, a maverick superstar singer, and Aneri, a passionate chef, who are forced to come under one roof owing to an unforeseen situation. What follows is a series of confusion, peppered by moments of laughter. Aneri cleverly uses social media to spin fake love stories, while Maddy, not one to be outdone, hires an actor to entangle her in a fabricated romance. However, destiny has its own plans – Jab They Collide, Hoga ek Mad Ride! A rollercoaster of laughter, romance, and unexpected twists awaits, keeping the viewers hooked from the very first episode.

Mohsin Khan shares about his role as Maddy and says, “Maddy is a passionate, larger-than-life character who is also dealing with emotional upheavals off-stage. Jab Mila Tu is about a refreshing young romance that gives me an opportunity to connect with the Gen-Z’s and understand their idea of love – off-beat yet refreshing. I couldn’t have asked for a better place than Chandigarh to connect with the youth and experience the refreshing vibe. Getting into the skin of Maddy’s character has been exciting. The moment I knew I was playing a musician, the first name that came to my mind was the legendary Jim Morrison. He has been such an inspiration. I also lost about 12kgs to portray Maddy with absolute authenticity.”

Eisha Singh commented, “There’s always a certain charm in portraying a character who, in many ways, mirrors my life – finding happiness in simple things and enjoying every moment, like Aneri finds joy in baking. Through the course of the show, all of us felt like we’re hanging out with friends with such a positive vibe all around. Similar was my experience of being in Chandigarh. There was positivity all over in the air, people and the food. The audience will also feel similar energy and will surely be entertained. Being a part of this adventure is something I’ll always cherish.”

Pratik Sehajpal, on portraying the quirky character Jigar, shares, “With Jab Mila Tu, I discovered a whole new side to myself. My character keeps a perfect balance of being the Dilli ka ladka who is smart, unafraid, and someone who can be intense, and not be swayed by emotions. The essence of the chaotic love story made me say yes to the script, as I had never done something like this before. It felt challenging at first, but as the show progressed, I have had the time of my life playing Jigar. Playing this role has been a joyful experience, and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the laughter and surprises we have in store for the show! At times even I was surprised with the spontaneous performance which arose during the middle of a scene. Organically and on the basis of my own personal experiences, along with the priceless insights, ideas and vision of our great Director Lalit sir and the writer cum producer Neeshith sir, Jigar came into existence. From staying hungry for 24 hours plus on several days and abstaining from even having water to look chiselled multiple times and to actually grab onto the accent and body language and tone, Jigar was born. I’m as excited as everyone else is to watch the magic. Sharing this experience with the people of Chandigarh has been fantastic and felt like another experience in itself. Being from Delhi, I have been always connected to Punjabi food and the vibe and Chandigarh felt like another home to me.”
Alisha Chopra added, “The character of Mint is fearless and stylish, someone who believes in absolute perfection and knows her way through everything. However, as the story progresses, Mint also goes through a series of emotions that influences other relationship dynamics, and I feel this is what makes Jab Mila Tu different. It showcases a range of emotions and changes through its storyline and characters, keeping the core concept of young romance intact. It was a blast shooting for the show in Goa, and it definitely holds a special place in my heart. Visiting Chandigarh was also full of emotions as the city has a perfect vibe and happy people. I would want to keep visiting Chandigarh more often.”

Watch these 4 crazy individuals at different crossroads of life exploring love and emotions, with ‘Jab Mila Tu’ premiering four episodes every week, streaming for free on JioCinema.

IEP Chandigarh

With over 400 research papers published during last one year on display, 36 researchers winning awards in the surgical, medical, and basic sciences fields for ‘Research publications’ and 15 researchers being awarded in the ‘Innovations’ category for their exemplary and credible research work, PGIMER’s 10th Annual Research Day, the big ticket medical research showcase, concluded on an upbeat note here at PGIMER today.

The Annual Research Day had the august presence of esteemed Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research as the Chief Guest.

PGIMER’s luminaries Prof. Y.K. Chawla, Prof. V. Sakhuja*, Prof. D. Behera, Prof. S.K. Jindal, Prof. A. Chakraborti and Prof. Madhu Khullar graced as Guests of Honour at the impressive function organised to mark the 10th Annual Research Day.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research while delivering his address themed on ‘Research in Medical Institutions in India’, highlighted, “The vision is relatively very simple that Indian institutions should achieve global leadership in health research. But it is incomplete without helping to solve health problems of Indian citizens. I don’t call that as research unless it helps to do something. So I urge you to do one of the two things, either make India proud or make Indians healthier.”

Complimenting PGIMER for being visionary in making efforts towards impactful research, Dr Rajiv Bahl said,” I envision at least 3 Indian medical institutions in top 100 in the next 3 years as far as the global ranking is concerned and PGIMER being surely one of them. But then our research should focus on three things: research, innovation and societal good.”

Director General, ICMR further highlighted that Research and Development can be revolutionary as it can address key health issues of the country like eliminating communicable diseases, preventing and managing non-communicable diseases and improving  reproductive and child health by providing solutions with drugs, vaccines, medical devices and diagnostics, improved quality of health care and universal health coverage.

To take the research to the next level, Director General ICMR enumerated some strategic action points for the institute which included Expansion and enhancement of intramural research grants; Greater value to impactful research; Protected time to faculty engaged  in impactful research;  Central research Laboratories; Ease of doing research and Operational entrepreneurship policy.” 

Talking in a very impassioned tone, the Director General ICMR said, “Clinical care is a great service. But research is also a national service. So don’t be satisfied that you have created something, but have the fire and passion to take the next step to improve patient care.” 

Earlier, while welcoming the dignitaries, *Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER cited PGIMER as a hidden volcano with incredible research potential. Expressing gratification to see such an overwhelming response to the 10th Annual Research Day, the Director PGIMER said, “Some of the posters and some of the innovations were beyond imagination and their impact is going to be felt sooner than later. That should be the starting point.”  

The Director PGIMER further highlighted, “The beginning of good research is originality. The research, which is driven by originality, always lasts longer than the research, which is driven by statistics. So let originality be the bedrock of your research.”

Underpinning the rich research and scientific heritage of PGIMER, the Director stated, “PGIMER stands for good and eloquent research, eloquent in terms of its impact on the society, eloquent in terms of its therapeutic good that it delivers and eloquent in terms of the harmony that it creates for everyone who tends to read what comes out of PGIMER.”

Earlier Prof. Naresh Panda, Dean (Academics) setting the context of event, stated, “Our journey at PGIMER has been one of relentless pursuit of excellence in medical education, patient care, and cutting-edge research. PGIMER has to its credit 22 published patents with an additional 10 patents granted in the year 2022-2023.”

The event concluded with the award ceremony wherein 36 researchers won awards in the surgical, medical, and basic sciences fields for ‘Research publications’ and 15 researchers in the ‘Innovations’ category. The awards were based on the H-Index which measures both the productivity and citation impact of the publications.

The winners in the ‘Innovations’ category included Dr. Ramandeep Singh Virk (Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery,  Dr. Vishal Kumar (Orthopaedics), Dr. Shiv Lal Soni (Anaesthesia and Intensive Care), Dr. Sagarika Haldar (Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology), Dr. Basant Kumar (Cardiology), Dr. Anshika Chauhan            (Biochemistry), Dr. Babita Ghai (Anaesthesia and Intensive Care), Dr. Minakshi Rohilla (Obstetrics &gynaecology), Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal (Community Medicine & School of Public Health), Dr. Manoj Kumar Jaiswal (Oral Health Sciences Centre), Dr. Maryada Sharma (Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery,  Dr. Gurjeet Kaur (Endocrinology), Dr. Pravin Salunke   (Neurosurgery), Dr. Rajeev Chauhan (Anaesthesia and Intensive Care), Dr. Anurag Snehi Ramavat (Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery.

The best published research papers in category of Medical Speciality: Professor – Dr. Ritesh Agarwal (Pulmonary Medicine), Dr. Shankar Prinja (Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health), Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal (Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health); Additional Professor – Dr. Rajender Kumar (Nuclear Medicine), Dr. Prateek Bhatia (Paediatrics (Haematology-Non Clinical), Dr. Anmol Bhatia (Radiodiagnosis and Imaging); Associate Professor – Dr. Ashok Kumar Pannu (Internal Medicine), Dr. Harmandeep Singh   (Nuclear Medicine), Dr. Sahajal Dhooria (Pulmonary Medicine); Assistant Professor – Dr. Valliappan Muthu (Pulmonary Medicine), Dr. Tanvi Kiran (Community Medicine and School of Public Health), Dr. Arka De (Hepatology).

The best published research papers in category of Surgical Speciality: Professor – Prof. Babita Ghai (Anaesthesia and Intensive Care), Prof. Neerja Bharti (Anaesthesia and Intensive Care), Prof. Ramandeep Singh (Ophthalmology); Additional Professor – Dr. Harjeet Singh (Department of GI Surgery, HPB and Liver Transplant), Dr. Uttam Chand Saini (Orthopaedics), Dr. Siddhartha Sharma (Orthopaedics), Dr. Tanvir Samra (Anaesthesia & Intensive Care); Associate professor – Dr. Shiv Lal Soni (Anaesthesia and Intensive care), Dr. Anudeep Jafra             (Anaesthesia), Dr. Sarbpreet Singh    (Renal Transplant Surgery); Assistant Professor – Dr. Bharti Joshi (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Dr. Shipra Gupta (Oral Health Sciences Centre), Dr. Ajay Singh (Anaesthesia And Intensive Care).

The best published research papers in category of Pre & Para- Clinical Speciality: Professor- Dr. Manisha Biswal (Medical Microbiology), Dr. Indu Verma (Biochemistry), Dr. Anup Ghosh (Medical Microbiology); Additional Professor- Dr. Archana Angrup (Medical Microbiology), Dr. Sreejesh Sreedharanunni (Hematology), Dr. Amol N Patil (Pharmacology); Associate Professor- Dr. Sagarika Haldar (Experimental Medicine & Biotechnology), Dr. Ashok Kumar Yadav (Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology), Dr. Harsimran Kaur      (Medical Microbiology); Assistant Professor – Dr. Rakesh Yadav (Medical Microbiology), Dr. Kamal Kishore (Biostatistics), Dr. Praveen Sharma (Haematology).

The best published research papers each in category Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis:  Dr. Vishal Sharma (Gastroenterology), Dr. Jitendra Kumar Sahu (Paediatrics), Dr. Rimesh Pal (Endocrinology).

 Dr. Piyush Pathak (Senior Resident, Biochemistry), Dr. Anubha Dev (Senior Resident, Dermatology, Venereology, Leprology), received awards in the resident’s category. 

Dr. Gaurav Jyani (Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health), Dr. Savitesh Kushwaha (Community Medicine and School of Public Health), in the PhD scholar/Pool officer/Research Associate category.

Dr. Ankit Watts (Physicist, Nuclear Medicine), Ms. Garima Bhatt (Manager, Community Medicine and School of Public Health) received awards in the Miscellaneous category.

The event was aptly wrapped by Prof. Ashima Goyal, Head, Dept of Oral Health Sciences by proposing a vote of thanks.

IEP Chandigarh, February 2, 2024

n a proactive move towards achieving a Tuberculosis-free Chandigarh, the Health Department of the Chandigarh Administration, under the leadership of Dr. Varinder Nagpal, Acting Director Health Services, initiated the Active Case Finding (ACF) campaign for Tuberculosis today. Dr. Nagpal, along with senior officers, flagged off teams dedicated to conducting a comprehensive house-to-house survey in the Rehabilitation Colony, Dhanas. 

The primary objective of these teams is to identify presumptive TB cases within the community. They will collect on-the-spot sputum samples for free TB testing, and a free hand-holding X-ray facility will be provided at the Health and Wellness Centre in Rehabilitation Colony, Dhanas during the ACF survey. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, State TB Officer, highlighted that individuals diagnosed as positive cases during the survey will promptly be initiated on free treatment after completing all necessary tests. This strategic approach aims to ensure early detection, thereby breaking the chain of infection. 

 The ACF survey commenced on 31st January 2024 and will extend over fifteen days, covering the entire Rehabilitation Colony in Dhanas. Twenty teams, comprising 40 trained volunteers, will diligently conduct the survey to encompass the entire population of the area. Present at the launch were Dr. Charru Singla, NO-NHM, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, State TB Officer, and Dr. Vandana Mohan, DFWO, contributing their expertise and support to this crucial public health initiative

Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal today alleged that by hook or crook, BJP wants power in Municipal Corporation Chandigarh but number is not its favour. The candidate of Congress- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alliance will win the mayoral election in Chandigarh. In this election, the arithmetic is very clear. In the previous two elections, Congress was absent and by default, BJP had won the mayoral election by a margin of single vote. This time, Congress and AAP got together to contest the election. In alliance, the number of councilors is 20 against 15 of BJP including MP’s vote, he adds.

He alleged that under the influence of BJP leadership, the presiding officer was made ill and Administration on January 18 had postponed the mayoral election. The delay could have been avoided by appointing another presiding officer. Finally, Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh administration to conduct the mayoral elections on January 30.

Bansal further said that an attempt of horse trading or other such influence during the ongoing mayoral election is being made by the BJP leaders but they have not succeeded so far. In view of possible horse trading, the Congress party has decided to shift its councilors to other states.

Former Union Minister further said that Congress and AAP are part of I.N.D.I. Alliance. This alliance is confined to the Chandigarh Mayoral election only so far. The seat- sharing agreement of this alliance in other States will be taken by the Congress high command.

The 75- year- old Bansal, who represented Chandigarh Parliamentary constituency in 1991, 1999, 2004 and 2009, says that he will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Chandigarh Parliamentary Constituency if the party gives a ticket.

He further said, “It is unfortunate that the election could not take place on time. Just 15 minutes before the start of the election process on January 18, we got the information that the presiding officer was ill. As per my information, the presiding officer was not ill but he was made ill. On the influence of BJP leadership, the Administration had postponed the elections citing two reasons -presiding officer got ill and law and order problem. BJP did not allow the polls to take place as this party was to face defeat in this election. Delay could have been avoided by appointing another presiding officer. Later we moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Court has directed the Chandigarh administration to conduct the mayoral elections on January 30. I emphasized the need for transparency and careful scrutiny in the electoral process. Administration should guarantee the safety of councilors. I urged voters to refrain from bringing police officers or supporters to the voting booths on Election Day.”

He further said that as Congress and AAP are part of I.N.D.I alliance so leaders of both the parties discussed and finalized the alliance for mayoral election in New Delhi. As per the alliance agreement, the mayor will be from AAP, while the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor will go to the Congress.
As far as alliance in other states are concerned, in Delhi and elsewhere, negotiation is going on regarding seat sharing to put a single candidate against BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Discussion is still on as Lok Sabha election is about two months away. As I do not represent Punjab and Haryana Congress so I can’t comment on that.

Let me say that our alliance is confined to only the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation mayoral election so far. Rest of the decision will be taken by the Congress high command. We will abide by whatever decision is being taken by Congress high command.

Senior Congress leader said, “I have always been active in Chandigarh whether I am elected representative or not. My tenure as the treasurer of the All India Congress Committee ended last year. I am now completely devoted to the people of the city. I am in touch with the people and raising their concerns from time to time. People of the city approach me for functions and I have been attending social and cultural activities. I will contest the Lok Sabha election if the party gives me a ticket from Chandigarh Parliamentary constituency.”

He further said that Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla idol recently held in Ayodhya was purely BJP and RRS’s programme. It was not a religious programme. We all have believe and faith in Lord Rama. We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.  Religion is personal faith. We go to temple and worship daily but there is no need to show it. BJP is trying to commercialize the religion which Congress has never done and people will not accept it.

As far as development in 10 years is concerned, the performance is dismal. The propaganda mechanism is at the best. BJP is claiming to provide free ration to 80 crore poor people of the country. But this is possible because of farmers’ hard work and the National Food Security Act brought by Manmohan Singh led Union Government in 2013.  Before the election, PM Narendra Modi had promised to provide two crore jobs per year to the youth of the country if voted to power. Where is the job now? On ground, BJP has done nothing for the betterment and benefit of the people of the country.

he further said that look at any aspects, where is development in Chandigarh? What are achievements now? According to me, it is not that nothing has been done but it is far from satisfactory in terms of development. In Chandigarh, BJP leaders claim to be doing a lot of things for the city but on the ground nothing has been done. BJP leaders including current MP have no say in Chandigarh Administration. Following this, BJP leaders are not able to do anything for the benefit of Chandigarh and people at large. Administration takes decisions on its own. Chandigarh has not progressed in any sectors.

In our regime, Chandigarh secured top position in cleanliness for consecutive two years at national level and one year, it stood second position. But where is the position of the city now in cleanliness? Currently, the administration has failed to provide safety to the sanitation workers and a good working environment for them. Condition of the road, cycle track, electricity wires among others are not in good condition. Moreover, in the form of income tax, the people of Chandigarh give more money to the consolidated fund of India but what they received. Chandigarh does not receive adequate funds from the centre government. In a broader sense, taxes and user charges have been increased. Land rate for conversion from leasehold to freehold in case of residential property has been increased by 350 per cent and people are facing difficulties. Property tax, water charge, treated water charge, electricity charge, sanitation charge and others have been raised and people have to bear it. There are lots of issues to be raised in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

IEP Chandigarh

Ahead of the mayoral elections scheduled for January 18 in Chandigarh, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha and senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal met on Wednesday. A coalition has been formed between AAP and Congress for the Chandigarh mayoral elections. While AAP is contesting for the mayoral position, Congress has fielded candidates for the positions of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. There is a concerted effort to defeat BJP with mutual consent between AAP and Congress. Senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal stated that no matter how clever BJP tries to be, this time the math is in favor of our coalition, and we are poised to take control of the municipal corporation. This victory will set the stage for success in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

On Tuesday, AAP MP Raghav Chadha expressed confidence that the opposition alliance ‘India’ will secure victory in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections and that this triumph will mark the beginning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. AAP and Congress had formed an alliance on Monday for the elections scheduled to take place on January 18 in the union territory of Chandigarh. Both parties are part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (India).

Raghav Chadha stated that he is confident that the ‘India’ alliance will defeat the BJP in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. He said, “The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections will witness the first major showdown between BJP and the India alliance. It will set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”

Prior to this, there were allegations against Congress mayoral candidate Jasbir Banti of trying to align with BJP, leading to a commotion at the municipal corporation office on Tuesday night, even reaching the High Court. However, Jasbir Banti clarified that he is with his party and will withdraw his candidacy before the elections.