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.
Panchkula , March 25, 2026: Renowned master athlete Rakhi Sharma from Panchkula delivered an outstanding performance at the recently held 5th Khelo Masters National Games 2026 in Chandigarh, winning three medals. She clinched a gold medal in the 400 meters, a silver medal in the 200 meters, and a bronze medal in the 100 meters in the master athletics category, bringing pride to the region. Rakhi trained under Indian Army coach Lokendra Pachera.
On this occasion, Rakhi Sharma said, “This is a moment of pride and happiness for me. I thank my coach Lokendra Pachera & my family members for their support, which helped me achieve this success. My goal is to continue bringing glory to my country and my city. I want to convey to everyone that age is just a number—if you have passion and discipline, any goal can be achieved.”
This prestigious competition was held in Chandigarh , and saw participation from around 3,500 athletes representing 28 states across India. More than 1,000 athletes competed across various age groups and athletic events, showcasing their talent. Rakhi Sharma achieved this feat by competing strongly against experienced athletes from different states.
At 44, Rakhi Sharma is not only a successful athlete but also an entrepreneur. She runs a gym in the tricity . Her gym offers modern facilities and focuses on scientific training methods to prepare athletes.
Notably, Rakhi has been actively participating in national and international master athletics competitions for several years and has won numerous medals. She has competed in 9 national events, 1 open international, and 1 Asian-level competition.
The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union minister and MP Sirsa, Kumari Selja launched a sharp attack on the central government over the rising debt burden on farmers across the country. She said that farmers are currently burdened with an estimated ₹32.65 lakh crore debt, describing the situation as extremely alarming.
Kumari Selja alleged that the government neither has a concrete loan waiver plan nor shows the willingness to provide meaningful relief to farmers. Kumari Selja accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government of making tall claims while farmers continue to struggle with severe financial distress at the ground level. She said that farmers are not receiving a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which is leading to declining incomes instead of growth. Kumari Selja said that the promise of doubling farmers’ income has turned out to be hollow. Outlining the Congress party’s stance, she said it supports loan waivers, legal guarantee for MSP and comprehensive agricultural reforms, and will continue to fight for farmers’ rights both inside and outside Parliament.
:-The LPG Shortage Peaks in Haryana:-Selja
Kumari Selja Criticised the Centre and the state government over the worsening LPG shortage in Haryana. She said that people are being forced to stand in long queues for gas cylinders, affecting daily life. Alleging a complete breakdown of the supply system, she said black marketing is on the rise, with cylinders being sold at arbitrary prices. She demanded immediate steps to streamline supply, curb black marketing and provide relief to the public.
पंजाब में नशे के खिलाफ जारी जंग में अब अखिल भारतीय गुर्जर महासभा ने भी अपनी सक्रिय भागीदारी सुनिश्चित करने का ऐलान किया है। संगठन पूरे राज्य में युवाओं को नशे के खिलाफ जागरूक करने के लिए ‘नशा मुक्ति यात्राएं’ निकालेगा। इस अभियान की शुरुआत औद्योगिक शहर लुधियाना से की जाएगी। यह अहम फैसला चंडीगढ़ में आयोजित अखिल भारतीय गुर्जर महासभा की पंजाब कार्यकारिणी की बैठक में लिया गया। इस मौके पर संगठन के राष्ट्रीय संगठन मंत्री बच्चू सिंह बैंसला विशेष तौर पर उपस्थित रहे। बैठक के दौरान सर्वसम्मति से कमलदेव चौहान को संगठन की पंजाब इकाई का प्रदेश अध्यक्ष नियुक्त किया गया और उन्हें इस पूरे अभियान की कमान सौंपी गई।
राज्यपाल की मुहिम से जुड़ने का ऐलान
नवनियुक्त प्रदेश प्रधान कमलदेव चौहान ने कार्यभार संभालने के बाद स्पष्ट किया कि गुर्जर समाज का मुख्य उद्देश्य युवाओं को नशे के दुष्प्रभावों से बचाकर उन्हें एक सकारात्मक दिशा देना है। उन्होंने बताया कि पंजाब के राज्यपाल गुलाब चंद कटारिया पिछले कुछ समय से प्रदेश के सीमावर्ती जिलों सहित पूरे राज्य में ‘नशा मुक्त पंजाब’ के लिए लगातार पदयात्राएं कर रहे हैं। गुर्जर समाज भी राज्यपाल की इस मुहिम में सक्रिय भूमिका निभाएगा और कदम से कदम मिलाकर चलेगा। संगठन की ओर से इस अभियान की रूपरेखा और सभी तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गई हैं। इसके साथ ही, इस पूरे प्रयास और आगामी यात्राओं के विषय में राज्यपाल को भी विस्तृत जानकारी दे दी गई है। चौहान ने कहा कि यदि पंजाब को फिर से विकास और प्रगति के रास्ते पर ले जाना है, तो सबसे पहले नशा मुक्ति को ही प्राथमिकता देनी होगी।
2027 के चुनावों पर नजर, गांव-गांव करेंगे प्रचार
सामाजिक जागरूकता के साथ-साथ गुर्जर समाज ने पंजाब की राजनीति में भी अपनी मजबूत दावेदारी पेश की है। महासभा के नेताओं ने दावा किया है कि पंजाब में गुर्जर समाज की आबादी लगभग 9 प्रतिशत है, जो एक बड़ा वोट बैंक है। यह समुदाय 2027 के आगामी पंजाब विधानसभा चुनावों में निर्णायक भूमिका निभाने की तैयारी कर रहा है। प्रदेश अध्यक्ष ने कहा कि अब समाज के नेता और कार्यकर्ता गांव-गांव जाकर अपने लोगों को एकजुट करेंगे। चुनाव के समय संगठन अपनी पूरी ताकत दिखाएगा और जिस भी पार्टी या प्रतिनिधि का समर्थन करेगा, उसका खुलेआम मंच से ऐलान किया जाएगा। संगठन का मानना है कि नशे से मुक्त होकर ही युवा सही मायने में आत्मनिर्भर बन पाएंगे और समाज के साथ-साथ प्रदेश के राजनीतिक व आर्थिक विकास में अपनी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकेंगे।
Panchkula, March 20: Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, chaired a review meeting of the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Associates (CMGGA) at the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management (SJHIFM), Sector-3 Panchkula here today. The meeting was attended by Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh Yashpal, Director General, SJHIFM Dr. Raj Nehru, GVF CEO Sh. Sumit Kumar, Rishihood University CEO Sh. Sahil Aggarwal and Head of Programmes, GVF Ms. Vasundhara.
During the review, the Chief Minister assessed the previous month’s field work carried out by CMGGAs under two modules – Solid Waste Management and Human Resources. He appreciated the work undertaken by the associates so far and encouraged them to continue contributing actively to the state’s governance and development priorities.
The Chief Minister also directed that a meeting with Deputy Commissioners be convened to discuss key issues emerging from the field. He emphasized the importance of stronger coordination with district officials to ensure effective resolution of challenges identified by the associates.
The review also marked the introduction of new focus areas for CMGGAs. In the health sector, associates will work to strengthen the implementation of Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu Yojana in Haryana. In education, the focus will be on school infrastructure and implementation of the National Education Policy. In the water sector, priority areas will include water management, rainwater harvesting, and pond rejuvenation.
The associates will now return to their respective districts to resume work on both the newly introduced and ongoing modules, which remain key pillars of the state’s development agenda. The Chief Minister further instructed the associates to engage closely with officials, with special emphasis on water and sewerage-related issues, and to incorporate official feedback after submission of their reports.
CMGGA Forum 1 is being held from March 14 to March 21, 2026, following ten weeks of field immersion by CMGGAs. The forum enables associates and senior leadership to review progress, identify field-level challenges, and align future action with Haryana’s governance priorities.
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.
On the occasion of World Sleep Day, sleep specialists have called upon policymakers and healthcare systems to prioritize early detection and management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as an important strategy to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India.OSA is a common but underdiagnosed sleep disorder characterized by repeated obstruction of the airway during sleep, leading to intermittent oxygen deprivation and fragmented sleep. Globally, nearly one billion adults aged 30–69 years are estimated to suffer from OSA, and India is expected to carry a significant share of this burden.Indian studies suggest that around 9–13% of adults may have moderate to severe OSA, translating to over 100 million individuals potentially affected in the country, with the majority remaining undiagnosed.
Untreated OSA has been strongly linked with several major non-communicable diseases including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Repeated episodes of oxygen deprivation during sleep trigger sympathetic activation, inflammation, insulin resistance, and vascular dysfunction, which accelerate cardiometabolic diseases.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Professor & In-charge Sleep Lab, Department of Otolaryngology, and President of the Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnea(IASSA), said:
“India cannot effectively fight the epidemic of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease without addressing the silent epidemic of sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can play a crucial role in preventing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in our population.”
“ Sleep health remains one of the most neglected pillars of preventive medicine in India. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not merely a problem of snoring but a serious medical condition strongly linked with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Early identification and timely treatment of OSA can significantly reduce the burden of these non-communicable diseases. Integrating sleep disorder screening into national NCD programs could become a powerful preventive strategy for public health.”
He further emphasized that habitual loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and witnessed breathing pauses during sleep should not be ignored and require medical evaluation.
Symptoms of OSA Daytime Symptoms Nighttime Symptoms
Excessive daytime sleepiness Loud snoring Waking in the morning with a dry mouth or sore throat Pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner) Morning headaches Waking during the night gasping or choking Trouble focusing Needing to urinate often during the night Mood changes such as feeling depressed or being easily upset
Prof.Jaimanti, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, highlighted that improving awareness about sleep disorders among both healthcare professionals and the public is essential. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of sleep apnea can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.
The theme for World Sleep Day — “Sleep Well, Live Better” — highlights the vital role of healthy sleep in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Experts reiterate that recognizing and treating sleep apnea early can help prevent serious health complications and contribute to a healthier nation.
Modern treatment options—including lifestyle modification, weight reduction, CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and advanced airway surgeries—can effectively control the disease and reduce long-term health risks when diagnosed early.
On this World Sleep Day, Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnea(IASSA) call upon policymakers to:
Integrate OSA screening into national NCD prevention programs
Promote sleep health awareness among the public and healthcare providers
Expand access to sleep diagnostic facilities across the country
Encourage research and surveillance on sleep disorders in India
Recognizing sleep apnea early can play a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, thereby improving population health and reducing healthcare costs.
Healthy sleep is essential for a healthy nation. Addressing sleep apnea today can help prevent the NCD epidemic of tomorrow.
The impact of the Gulf conflict (particularly the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran) is now clearly visible in India. Disruptions in the international supply of crude oil and LPG have deepened the energy crisis, and the burden is being directly felt by common consumers.
Haryana Congress President Rao Narendra Singh, while interacting with journalists, expressed serious concern over the issue. He said that due to the Gulf conflict, disruptions in crude oil and LPG supplies have led to an increase in domestic gas cylinder prices in the country. Recently (from March 7, 2026), the price of the domestic 14.2 kg LPG cylinder has increased by ₹60, reaching ₹913 in Delhi, while the commercial 19 kg cylinder has become ₹115 costlier, rising to ₹1,883.
Rao Narendra Singh stated, “People who are already suffering from rising inflation are now facing a double burden due to the increasing prices and shortage of LPG cylinders. This has completely disturbed the household budget.” He warned that if the central government does not reduce prices and ensure smooth supply, the Haryana Congress will launch a statewide agitation. The shortage of domestic LPG cylinders in Haryana has become extremely worrying. According to reports, the state currently has only about seven days of stock remaining (around 3.5 days with Indian Oil, 7.1 days with Bharat Petroleum, and 5.8 days with Hindustan Petroleum). Long queues are being seen outside gas agencies, and people are facing serious inconvenience. Under directions from the central government, a minimum gap of 25 days has now been made mandatory between domestic cylinder bookings, while the supply of commercial cylinders has been halted until further orders. With the ongoing wedding season, the situation has become even more serious, creating an atmosphere of chaos.
In addition, around 250 gas-based textile and handloom industries in Panipat have reportedly shut down. Prices of polyester yarn have increased by nearly 20%, and businesses related to the food sector are also facing a severe crisis. If timely solutions are not found, both the general public and industries may suffer heavy economic losses.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had earlier warned about this crisis. He stated that tensions in the Gulf region threaten India’s energy security, as more than 40% of India’s oil imports and most LPG supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Now the impact is becoming visible—LPG prices have increased, and petrol and diesel prices may also be affected in the near future.
He also criticized the central government, saying that the policies of the Modi government and its agreements with the United States have weakened India’s position, worsening the energy crisis.
The Congress party has demanded that the central government take immediate and concrete steps—boost LPG production, reduce prices, ensure smooth supply, and protect the public from hardship. If necessary, the party will also take the path of public protest.
This crisis is not limited to Haryana alone but is being felt across the country, with fears that hotels and restaurants in several cities may face closures. The government must prioritize energy security, public welfare, and alternative import sources, and take swift action.
With 329 research papers published during last one year on display, 35 researchers winning awards in the surgical, medical, and basic sciences fields for ‘Research publications’ and 59 researchers being awarded in the ‘Innovations’ category for their exemplary and credible research work, PGIMER’s 12th Annual Research Day, the big ticket medical research showcase, concluded on an upbeat note here at PGIMER today.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Prof. Nikhil Tandon, Dean, AIIMS New Delhi, praised the depth, diversity and quality of research being carried out at PGIMER as he stated, ““After going through the scope and breadth of research being carried out at PGIMER, I can say with confidence that the quality of work being done here is truly exceptional. The scientific community in this institution clearly understands what needs to be done to advance medical knowledge and improve patient care.”
Prof. Tandon delivered a special address titled “Wearing Two Hats: Doctor’s Dilemma,” where he reflected on the complex responsibilities faced by clinician-scientists.“Most medical professionals in India wear two hats—one of providing patient care and the other of pursuing research. Balancing these responsibilities is not easy, but it is essential if we want to improve healthcare and generate meaningful scientific knowledge.”
“Research is never a short journey. It demands patience—sometimes over years or even decades—before its real impact becomes visible. The work we do today may not transform healthcare immediately, but with commitment and rigour it eventually contributes to knowledge that benefits society, ” as Prof. Tandon spoke about the nature of scientific discovery, emphasizing that impactful research requires patience and sustained effort.
The Chief Guest also highlighted the importance of mentorship and collaborative academic environments as he stated, “Great research rarely happens in isolation. Institutions that nurture mentorship, collaboration and a critical mass of researchers create an environment where ideas flourish and innovation becomes possible.”
Underscoring the true purpose of scientific inquiry, Prof. Tandon concluded, “The most sustainable motivation for research is genuine curiosity and the desire to improve patient care. Publications and recognition may follow, but they should never be the sole driving force. Research must remain connected to real health challenges so that the knowledge we generate ultimately improves outcomes for our patients and communities.”
Earlier, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, welcoming the Chief Guest, highlighted the institute’s strong culture of scientific inquiry and research excellence as he stated, “Despite the enormous clinical workload handled by the institute, PGIMER stands on a very high pedestal when it comes to patient care. With an annual patient footfall of nearly 40 lakh, our clinicians remain deeply engaged in delivering healthcare services. Yet, despite this tremendous pressure, our faculty, residents and healthcare professionals continue to pursue high-quality research with remarkable dedication.”
Describing the Annual Research Day as the “Diwali of research” at PGIMER, Prof. Lal said, “Research Day is when the entire scientific effort of the institute comes together. It reminds us that beyond the intense demands of patient care, there is an equally strong commitment among our faculty and residents to push the frontiers of knowledge.”
Director PGIMER also stressed the need for deeper collaboration between leading medical institutions in the country when he stated, “We are now moving towards a research colloquium between PGIMER and AIIMS because the future of science lies in collaboration. Instead of working in silos on similar problems, we must sit together, pool our ideas and resources, and produce research that can have a stronger global impact.”
Prof. Lal further acknowledged the contributions of the institute’s founding leaders whose commitment to academic excellence continues to inspire generations of researchers at PGIMER.
Highlighting the institute’s research achievements, Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), presented the annual research overview stating, “Over the past year alone, our institute initiated 250 externally funded research projects through agencies such as ICMR, DBT, DST and CSIR, securing nearly ₹140 crore in grants. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent hundreds of questions being explored and solutions being sought to improve patient care.”
Prof. Jain further highlighted, “This year we are showcasing 329 research papers published in national and international journals, along with 59 innovations currently in the pipeline, seven of which have already been granted patents. Each of these represents the dedication of our faculty and young researchers striving to translate ideas into meaningful healthcare solutions.”
The academic extravaganza began with poster viewing from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the area adjoining the NINE Auditorium, where a wide spectrum of research undertaken at PGIMER was displayed. The posters showcased studies conducted and published between April 2025 and March 2026, reflecting the institute’s vibrant research ecosystem and strong interdisciplinary collaborations.
Awards were presented across several categories including medical specialties, surgical specialties, pre- and para-clinical sciences, senior residents, PhD scholars and systematic reviews, recognising outstanding contributions from faculty members and young investigators.
In the Medical Specialties – Professors category, Dr Ajay Duseja from the Department of Hepatology secured the First Prize, followed by Dr Sonu Goel from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, who received the Second Prize. The Third Prize was awarded to Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, also from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, for his significant research contribution.
In the Medical Specialties – Additional Professors category, Dr Madhumita Premkumar from the Department of Hepatology was awarded the First Prize, while Dr Pankaj Gupta from the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging secured the Second Prize. Dr Jayanta Samanta from the Department of Gastroenterology was conferred the Third Prize.
The Medical Specialties – Associate Professors category witnessed Dr Tanvi Kiran from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health being awarded the First Prize. The Second Prize was presented to Dr Bijaya Kumar Padhi, also from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, while Dr Rakesh Kumar Pilania from the Department of Paediatrics received the Third Prize.
In the Surgical Specialties – Professors category, Dr Divya Jain from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care secured the First Prize, followed by Dr Preethy J Mathew, also from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, who was awarded the Second Prize. The Third Prize was conferred upon Dr Jaspreet Sukhija from the Department of Ophthalmology.
Among the Surgical Specialties – Additional Professors, Dr Ankur Luthra from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care received the First Prize. Dr Vishal Kumar from the Department of Orthopaedics secured the Second Prize, while Dr Manjul Tripathi from the Department of Neurosurgery was awarded the Third Prize.
In the Surgical Specialties – Associate Professors category, Dr Ajay Singh from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care was awarded the First Prize. The Second Prize went to Dr Savleen Kaur from the Department of Ophthalmology, while Dr Himanshu Bhayana from the Department of Orthopaedics received the Third Prize.
In the Pre- and Para-Clinical Specialties – Professors category, Dr Shivaprakash M. Rudramurthy from the Department of Medical Microbiology secured the First Prize. Dr Neelam Taneja, also from the Department of Medical Microbiology, was awarded the Second Prize, while Dr Lekha Saha from the Department of Pharmacology received the Third Prize.
Among the Pre- and Para-Clinical Specialties – Additional Professors, Dr Amol N. Patil from the Department of Pharmacology secured the First Prize. The Second Prize was awarded to Dr Ashok Kumar Yadav from the Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, while Dr Sheetal Sharma, also from the Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, received the Third Prize.
In the Pre- and Para-Clinical Specialties – Associate Professors category, Dr Gaurav Sharma from the Department of Translational and Regenerative Medicine was awarded the First Prize. Dr Praveen Sharma from the Department of Haematology secured the Second Prize, while Dr Priya Datta from the Department of Medical Parasitology received the Third Prize.
In the Senior Resident category, Dr Pritam Halder from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health secured the First Prize, while Dr Vibhu Jain from the Department of General Surgery was awarded the Second Prize.
In the PhD Scholar / Pool Officer / Research Associate category, Divya Sharma from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health secured the First Prize, while Nimran Kaur, also from the same department, received the Second Prize.
In the Others category, Yogesh Rathore from the Department of Nuclear Medicine secured the First Prize, while Dr Ashok Kumar from the National Institute of Nursing Education was awarded the Second Prize.
In the Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis category, Dr Jogender Kumar from the Department of Pediatrics secured the First Prize, while Dr Rimesh Pal from the Department of Endocrinology was awarded the Second Prize.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of three distinguished PGIMER faculty members who have been honoured with the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards for their outstanding scientific contributions.These included Prof. Ritesh Aggarwal from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2020) for his pioneering research on Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA); Prof. Jitendra Kumar Sahu from the Department of Paediatrics, who received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Vigyan Yuva Puraskar (2024) for his work in paediatric epilepsy; and Prof. Suresh Kumar, also from the Department of Paediatrics, who received the 2025 award for his research demonstrating the life-saving potential of probiotics in critically ill children admitted to intensive care units.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. R. K. Ratho, Dean (Academic), followed by the National Anthem.
Through initiatives such as Annual Research Day, PGIMER continues to strengthen its role as a leading centre for medical research, innovation and evidence-based healthcare, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical science and improved patient outcomes in India.
In a significant administrative decision, the Haryana Raj Bhavan has assigned Professor Som Nath Sachdeva, Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, the additional charge of Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University. The order has been issued by Professor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Governor of Haryana and Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. It will come into effect from February 21, 2026, and remain in force until the appointment of a regular Vice-Chancellor. Expressing his gratitude, Professor Sachdeva thanked the Hon’ble Governor and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for reposing their trust in him, stating that the responsibility is both an honour and a matter of great accountability. Deputy Director, Public Relations, Dr Jimmy Sharma informed that Professor Sachdeva has been serving as Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University since November 2020. He also held the officiating charge of Vice-Chancellor of Ch. Ranbir Singh University, Jind, and Shri Krishna AYUSH University, Kurukshetra, for over one and a half years.
A distinguished academic leader, Professor Sachdeva has been recognised at the national level for his contributions to higher education. He was conferred the Outstanding Vice-Chancellor of India Award (2025) by the Indian Education Network and was also honoured with the Champion of Education Award (2024) in New Delhi for his significant contributions to entrepreneurship and skill development. Under his dynamic leadership, Kurukshetra University has achieved several notable milestones. It became the first and only state university in Haryana to secure the highest A++ grade from NAAC, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The university was also conferred the prestigious Platinum Award by the Haryana State Higher Education Council (HSHEC) for the exemplary and comprehensive implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Kurukshetra University has demonstrated strong progress in research and innovation, filing more than 60 patents over the last three years, most of which have been granted or published. During this period, the university also introduced 23 new academic programmes to meet evolving educational and industry demands. Significantly, under Professor Sachdeva’s leadership, Kurukshetra University became the first university in the country to successfully implement all provisions of the National Education Policy 2020 across both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including its campus and affiliated colleges.
