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.
Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal raised a significant issue during Zero Hour regarding the urgent need to strengthen sports infrastructure in rural areas across the country. He stated that despite Punjab contributing nearly 50 Olympians to the nation, it is not receiving a fair share of sports funding.
He informed the House that during the Paris Olympics, out of the total 100 athletes representing India, 45 belonged to Punjab and Haryana. However, these states face clear discrimination when it comes to allocation of sports funds.
Citing last year’s Khelo India budget, he highlighted that Gujarat received ₹426.13 crore and Uttar Pradesh ₹438.27 crore, whereas Punjab was allocated only ₹78.02 crore and Haryana ₹66.59 crore—despite producing the highest number of athletes. He termed this disparity as unjust and against the principles of fairness.
He emphasized the need to establish sports nurseries across the country to strengthen India’s position in international sports. He added that providing quality facilities to athletes is the need of the hour.
Sant Seechewal further pointed out that concessions provided to sportspersons in railway travel were discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the government to restore and provide 100% free railway travel for athletes, stating that they compete not for personal gain but for the nation.
He also demanded that at least five astroturf grounds should be developed in every block across the country. He remarked that due to the lack of proper sports infrastructure, a nation of 1.4 billion people continues to struggle for Olympic gold medals, while smaller countries outperform India.
Speaking to the media, he added that despite Punjab being a land of rivers, water sports are not being adequately promoted. He noted that kayaking, canoeing, and dragon boat competitions are organized at Sultanpur Lodhi, and if international-level coaching and facilities are provided, athletes from Punjab can win Olympic gold medals.
Box Item: Congratulating the nation, Sant Seechewal said that for the first time, the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy will be hosted in cities of Punjab. He recalled that there was a time when Indian hockey dominated the world and was a matter of great pride for the nation. He further highlighted that Punjab has a rich legacy, having produced captains for the Indian Olympic hockey team on 10 occasions. Even today, the Indian hockey team includes several players from Punjab, including captain Harmanpreet Singh, who continue to bring pride to the country.
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।
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.
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.
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.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said the upcoming Budget of the Punjab Government will introduce several new pro-people initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth while strengthening welfare measures for the people. Addressing a gathering during a Lok Milni in District Sangrur and later speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government has utilised public money responsibly over the past four years, delivering free power to more than 90% households, establishing 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, and providing over 63,000 government jobs without bribe or recommendation.
Taking a swipe at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief Minister said the Akali leadership has lost touch with the realities of Punjab and should stop daydreaming about returning to power. He remarked that while Punjab’s youth need employment opportunities, Sukhbir Singh Badal is busy talking about organising card tournaments in villages.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said traditional political parties burdened Punjab with debt and worked for their own interests, whereas the Punjab Government is using every rupee from the state exchequer for the welfare of the people. He also criticised the Union Government for withholding Punjab’s rightful funds while simultaneously attempting to divide people through politics of polarisation.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a Lok Milni programme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated. “The ensuing budget of the Punjab Government will introduce several pro-people initiatives besides propelling economic growth of Punjab. The Punjab Government has judiciously spent the taxpayers’ money in the last four years with a focus on the holistic growth of Punjab. The upcoming budget will also focus on citizen-centric initiatives so that the people can get major relief. For the first time in the history of Punjab, the budget will be presented on Sunday and it will further accelerate the economic development of Punjab.”
The Chief Minister emphasised that the Punjab Government is carefully utilising public funds for the welfare of the people. He highlighted that major initiatives such as free power and daytime electricity supply for farmers have brought significant relief to households and the farming community. “The Punjab Government is judiciously utilising every single penny of the state exchequer for the well-being of the people. Today more than 90% households in Punjab are getting free power and farmers are receiving power during daytime, which has been unprecedented. At a time when the assets of the country are being handed over by the Union Government to their blue-eyed friends at throwaway prices, the Punjab Government has created history by purchasing a private thermal plant,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting improvements in healthcare, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has significantly strengthened public health infrastructure and expanded access to medical services. “As many as 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened in Punjab to provide free healthcare to people and quality healthcare services are being ensured in government hospitals.”
The Chief Minister noted, “To provide comprehensive healthcare, the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab. Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, which has significantly reduced the financial burden on the public while ensuring quality health services.”
Speaking about the campaign against drugs, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has launched an aggressive movement to eliminate the menace from Punjab. “The Punjab Government has launched the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign under which the supply line of drugs has been snapped and drug smugglers involved in this heinous crime have been put behind bars. The menace of drugs is being wiped out at the micro level with the active support and cooperation of the people. This campaign has now become a mass movement with the help of the common masses,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the present financial situation of Punjab is the result of policies adopted by previous governments, which placed a heavy debt burden on the people. “The previous regimes mounted huge debt on Punjab as those leaders never worried about the common man. In the last four years, the Punjab Government has reduced more than 35% of the debt of Punjab. Every government takes loans but those loans must be for productive purposes. Every single penny from the state exchequer is being utilised for the welfare of the people and the progress of Punjab,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Criticising the BJP, the Chief Minister said that divisive politics is being used to polarise people instead of addressing genuine concerns. “The BJP has always tried to divide the country on the basis of religion to push its agenda of hatred. The statement made by the Union Home Minister regarding religious conversion in Punjab is aimed at polarising people, which is the strategy of the BJP. Instead of indulging in such dirty politics, the Union Government should be generous in allocating funds to Punjab instead of withholding the legitimate share of Punjab,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that despite Punjab’s immense contribution to the nation, the Union Government has stalled key funds meant for the development of Punjab. “Punjab has played a stellar role in the national freedom struggle, in making the country self-reliant in food production and in defending the borders of the nation. Despite this, the share of Punjab in RDF and other funds has been stalled by the Centre, which is hampering development. Rather than indulging in such cheap tactics, the Union Government should immediately release the funds so that the development of Punjab can be further accelerated,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Referring to Punjabis stranded in the Gulf region amid the ongoing war, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government is actively coordinating with the Union Government to ensure their safe return. “The Punjab Government has identified 370 Punjabis who are stranded in the Gulf region amidst the ongoing war. We have already taken up this issue with the Union Government and efforts are being made to bring them back. The Punjab Government is firmly committed to bringing back the Punjabis stuck in the Middle Eastern countries and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause,” he said.
Earlier addressing the gathering during the Lok Milni programme, the Chief Minister said that such events are organised in village saths to ensure direct interaction with villagers and resolve issues at the grassroots level. “These programmes are organised in village saths to directly interact with people of the villages. Such places hold great importance in rural life as key decisions regarding development are taken here and disputes among villagers are resolved amicably,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Taking a dig at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief Minister criticised the suggestion of organising card tournaments in villages. “Sukhbir Singh Badal says that they will organise card tournaments and the winning village will get a ₹10 lakh grant. Instead of making such statements, he should explain why he cannot promise jobs for the youth who play these cards. The former Deputy Chief Minister is unaware of ground realities because he studied in convent schools in hill stations or abroad,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab have rejected traditional political parties due to their anti-people policies. “Sukhbir Singh Badal should stop daydreaming because the people of Punjab will never vote them back to power. The Punjab Government will complete four years of service to the people on March 16 and during this period several pro-people initiatives have been taken. Today more than 90% households in Punjab are getting free power and farmers are receiving power during daytime, which is unprecedented,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting issues related to power generation and past decisions of previous governments, the Chief Minister said, “The supply of coal from the Pachwara coal mine in Jharkhand was stopped because Sukhbir Singh Badal wanted to benefit a firm close to him. The Akali leadership supplied solar power to Punjab at exorbitant prices by signing agreements with their own companies, which caused huge losses to the state exchequer. Earlier farmers had to spend nights in their fields waiting for electricity, but today they are receiving power during the daytime,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister also spoke about improvements in irrigation and water management. “When the Punjab Government assumed office, only 21% of canal water was being used for irrigation. Today 68% canal water is being utilised for irrigation in Punjab. As many as 6,900 km of water channels and 18,349 water courses have been revived to ensure water reaches the tail ends, which has immensely benefited farmers,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting employment and education reforms, the Chief Minister noted, “More than 63,000 government jobs have been given to the youth without any bribe or recommendation, which has brought satisfaction across all sections of society. In the education sector, Schools of Eminence have been established across Punjab to provide quality education to students. These schools have smart classrooms, modern laboratories and playgrounds for scientific learning,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
He further said that teachers and principals are being sent abroad for training to improve teaching standards. “Special programmes have been launched under which teachers and principals are sent abroad for training so that they can adopt modern teaching practices and prepare students for global competition. Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala. Students are also being given specialised coaching for competitive examinations such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that students from government schools have already begun achieving significant academic milestones. “Students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have successfully qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET examinations. The Akali leadership misused religion for political interests, which the people of Punjab will never forgive. Traditional political parties are unable to accept that the son of a common man is effectively governing Punjab,” said Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab have rejected traditional parties because they prioritised family interests over public welfare. “The people of Punjab have lost faith in traditional political parties because of their anti-people and anti-Punjab approach. Previous rulers were more concerned about their families rather than Punjab and Punjabis, which is why people removed them from power. After assuming office, the Punjab Government has focused on the progress and prosperity of Punjab and its people,” he said.
Criticising the Akali leadership further, the Chief Minister said, “Those leaders who cannot even find 11 members to form a committee in their own party are dreaming of winning all 117 seats in Punjab. These leaders patronised gangsters in Punjab and injected drugs into the veins of youth by protecting drug smugglers,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister added that the people of Punjab will continue to reject the Akali leadership for its past actions. “Akali Dal has become a party of political deadwoods rejected by the people again and again. They may try to misuse religion, but Punjabis will not be misled by it. The Akali leadership is building castles in the air to mislead people, but Punjabis will teach them a befitting lesson again,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Referring to past controversies, the Chief Minister said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal claims that all development in Punjab took place during their regime, but they turn a blind eye to sacrilege incidents such as Bargari and Behbal Kalan. By using religion for political interests, they have deeply hurt the sentiments of the people. The Akali leadership remains hand in glove with forces that are inimical to the Panth and Punjab,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday called up Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and impressed upon him to ensure the safe evacuation of Punjabis stranded in the strife-torn Middle East. During the telephonic conversation, the Chief Minister shared comprehensive data pertaining to Punjabis languishing in Gulf countries due to the sudden outbreak of war and urged that immediate steps be taken to bring them home.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “I spoke over the phone with Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu. NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh had also gone to meet him in person. The Union Minister has assured that necessary arrangements will be made for the safe return of Punjabis from Arab countries, including the operation of special flights. I have shared the list of all concerned persons along with their contact numbers. Soon, these Punjabis will return safely to their families. For any kind of information or assistance, please contact: NRI Wing 24/7 Control Room: *0172-2260042*, *0172-2260043*, WhatsApp: *+91 94787 79112*.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “During my telephonic conversation with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, I shared all the data related to Punjabis stranded in Gulf countries due to the sudden war. I urged him that these Punjabis must be evacuated at the earliest so that they can reunite with their distressed families back in Punjab. The Union Minister has assured all possible help, and I hope that the Punjabis stuck in the war-torn Gulf region will soon be with their families.”
Reiterating the firm commitment of the Punjab Government to evacuate Punjabis stuck in the strife-torn Middle East, theChief Minister asserted, “Punjabis have played a stellar role in making the country self-reliant in food production and in safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. It is unfortunate that a large number of Punjabis are stuck across the Middle East due to the sudden eruption of war. The Union Government must arrange special aircraft carriers to bring the stranded Punjabis back.”
The Chief Minister further stated, “Cabinet Minister of Punjab Dr. Ravjot Singh has been deputed to meet Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu and impress upon the Union Government to leave no stone unturned in bringing Punjabis back to their native land. The Punjab Government is duty bound to bail out Punjabis in this hour of crisis, and concerted efforts are already being made. The safe return of our Punjabis stranded in Arab countries is the Punjab Government’s highest priority.”
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government is committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to the stranded people as soon as possible. We stand firmly with the aggrieved family members of youth and students stuck in Gulf countries in this hour of crisis. I hope that the Indian Government will take necessary steps to extend a helping hand to all those who have been stuck in the war-hit Gulf region.”
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: I am sending Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh Ji to Central Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Ji. We demand that special arrangements be made for a plane for Punjabis. The safe return home of our Punjabis stranded in Arab countries is our government’s topmost priority.”
Placing culture at the centre of Punjab’s identity and continuity, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to preserving the state’s rich civilisational heritage for future generations, while addressing the Mahinder Singh Randhawa Literature and Arts Festival in Chandigarh.
Paying tribute to Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa’s role in shaping modern Punjab after Partition and leading the Green Revolution that saved India from famine by keeping the farmer and grain at the centre, the Chief Minister emphasised that promoting the Punjabi mother tongue, literature and culture is a shared societal duty and not a political act.
Addressing the festival,CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab, since its inception, has been a cradle of civilization. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that we have inherited a glorious cultural heritage along with an unmatched spirit of hard work and resilience.” He said that preserving and celebrating this legacy was essential to ensure that the coming generations remain rooted in their cultural ethos.
Expressing gratitude to the officials of the Punjab Arts Council for organising the festival, the Chief Minister said, “Such endeavours are the need of the hour to keep our younger generations aware of and connected with our rich culture.” He said that platforms like this festival play a crucial role in sustaining Punjab’s literary, artistic and cultural traditions.
Recalling the life and legacy of Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the event had been organised to honour a personality who had sown seeds of hope in the fields of Punjab. “Remembering Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa from the depths of my heart, I consider him the architect of modern Punjab’s destiny after the 1947 Partition,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that hailing from a village in Hoshiarpur district, Dr Randhawa was not only a capable administrator but also a profound philosopher.
Highlighting Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa’s vision, the Chief Minister said, “He was blessed with rare qualities of both head and heart. He believed that if a nation’s stomach is empty, it cannot fight, but if its soul is empty, it cannot live.” the CM said that guided by this understanding, Dr Randhawa established the Punjab Agricultural University on one hand, while on the other he set up the Chandigarh Art Gallery and cultural centres across Punjab.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Whenever we recall the Punjab Agricultural University, our farmers, our litterateurs, and the people displaced during the 1947 Partition, one name that comes to mind, holding their hands, is Dr Randhawa.”
He described Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa as the pioneer of the Green Revolution in Punjab and said that due to his farsighted vision, Punjab saved India from famine during a critical period. “Thanks to Dr Randhawa, the focal point of the Green Revolution was always ‘grain’ and ‘farmer’,” he added.
Stressing that the programme was not a political gathering, the Chief Minister said, “Today’s event is a celebration of the development of the Punjabi mother tongue and language.” He asserted that every individual must promote their mother tongue through every possible medium and said that the state government is duty bound to work tirelessly for this noble cause.
Recalling the influence of literature and culture on his own life, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that poetry, literature, art and culture had played a profound role in shaping his thinking and journey. He also recalled eminent literary and cultural figures including Sant Ram Udasi, Devinder Satyarthi, Rasool Hamzatoz, Narinder Kapoor, Keats, Shiv Batalvi and others, acknowledging their immense contribution to the fields of literature, art and culture.
