Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Punjab

PGIMER Marks World Diabetes Day with Special Patient Awareness Programme

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Chandigarh:

On the occasion of the World Diabetes Day, The Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER in collaboration with ADITI (Association of Diabetes(young) in Tricity) and RSSDI (Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India) organized a special awareness programme for the patients living with diabetes in the New OPD Block of PGI, Chandigarh.

Diabetes- A pandemic of unprecedent magnitude: Diabetes, now being identified as a pandemic According to the latest data of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 1 in 10 people in the world is living with diabetes. In India alone there are 77 million people living with diabetes in 2025. This figure is projected to become 134 million by 2045.

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism in which the human body is unable to regulate the blood glucose level in the body. The glucose which serves as the source of energy is regulated by Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot utilize it efficiently, the glucose level builds up in the blood. Persistent high glucose levels affect vital organs such as heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Diabetes is a result of combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. The condition can be effectively managed with regular monitoring, timely and appropriate treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

World Diabetes Day: To remember and honor the contribution of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of Insulin in the management of Diabetes, The World Health Organization observes November 14th every year as world Diabetes Day. The day is dedicated to raise awareness about the disease and to promote prevention, management and access to quality care for the patients suffering from Diabetes. The theme of this year’s Diabetes Day is- DIABETES AND WELL-BEING.

The Department of Endocrinology conducts special awareness drive every year on this occasion. This year, under the leadership of Dr. Sanjay K. Bhadada, Professor & HoD, the Department of Endocrinology conducted an interactive session in the OPD where the doctors from the department discussed the various aspects related to diabetes with the patients in an open forum.

Dr Bhadada, in his opening address highlighted the importance of patient participation in management of this disease. Dr. Linta Thomas talked about the various types of Diabetes, the signs and symptoms and treatment modalities available. In her talk, she stressed upon adherence to timely and right treatment and underscored the need and importance of Insulin therapy. Dr Benjamin discussed the various complications of Diabetes and highlighted the importance of self-care in its management. Dr Sunil Mishra emphasized the role of a healthy lifestyle in slowing the disease progression and educated the audience regarding diabetic diet. Dr Prabhat Rijal told the patients about hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening complication in the patients undergoing treatment of Diabetes.

Diabetic foot ulcer is another frequent and serious complication in diabetes patients which is a result of combination of loss of sensation and poor wound healing commonly seen in the patients with long history of Diabetes with poor glycemic control. Dr Varun discussed the causes and consequences of foot ulcers in diabetics and underscored the importance of foot care. Dr Soham Mukherjee explained the measures to prevent injuries to foot and importance of regular self-inspection in preventing Diabetic foot ulcers. Nursing officer Mrs Sabpreet Kaur taught patients correct techniques for taking insulin injection and highlighted the importance of site rotation i.e. changing the injection sites in the patients who are regularly taking insulin injection.

The talk session was followed by interaction with patients where doctors took questions and resolved their doubts regarding the disease and its treatment. The participation of patients was positive and encouraging. Dr Sanjay K. Bhadada and the organizing team thanked the audience for their constructive participation in the event. The event was coordinated by Dr. Soham Mukherjee .

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Ninth PGI Gastrointestinal Emergencies Update to be held from Nov 14-16

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Chandigarh: The Department of Gastroenterology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is organizing the 9th  PGI Gastrointestinal (GI) Emergencies Update from November 14 to 16, 2025. This national-level academic event will bring together leading gastroenterologists, physicians, and trainees from across the country for focused discussions and hands-on learning on the theme of Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

The conference aims to enhance understanding and promote evidence-based management of emergencies related to the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Gastrointestinal emergencies are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and timely, goal-directed intervention during the crucial early hours can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The scientific program will cover a wide range of emergency conditions, including gastrointestinal bleeding, acute pancreatitis, complicated gallbladder disease, and complications of liver failure such as bleeding, infection, and hepatic encephalopathy. Dedicated sessions will also address intestinal obstruction, severe inflammatory bowel disease, corrosive ingestion, and critical care management of patients in the intensive care unit.

Speaking about the event, Prof Usha Dutta, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that the ninth edition of this program reflects the department’s sustained commitment to bridging the knowledge gap between frontline doctors managing emergencies and specialists in the field. “Our goal is to empower the first-contact physicians with the skills and confidence needed to handle GI emergencies effectively and improve patient outcomes,” she said.

Gastrointestinal bleeding—a common but potentially life-threatening emergency—will be one of the key focus areas. Experts will discuss the causes, including peptic ulcers, esophageal tears, and variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease, as well as the latest endoscopic techniques and therapeutic tools available for effective management.

Acute pancreatitis, another major GI emergency, will be covered extensively. This condition, often triggered by alcohol intake, gallstones, or high lipid levels, requires prompt recognition and early intervention, particularly in the first 72 hours. Sessions will address preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management protocols.

The conference will also feature deliberations on liver-related emergencies, including acute liver failure, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (infected ascites), and renal and cerebral complications of chronic liver disease. Other topics include acute severe ulcerative colitis, biliary obstruction and cholangitis, and foreign body ingestion—all of which demand timely, multidisciplinary management.

A hands-on training workshop will be held on November 14 2025 at Hotel Radisson RED, Mohali, led by Prof. S.K.Sinha, Dr. Jayanta Samanta, Dr. Abhirup Chatterjee. Participants will receive practical training through simulated models and case-based discussions. A special session on POCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasound) will also be conducted to help residents and trainees enhance bedside diagnostic and procedural skills essential for managing GI emergencies.

The Organizing Chairperson of the conference is Prof. Usha Dutta, with Dr. Vishal Sharma and Dr. Jimil Shah served as Organizing Secretaries. The faculty includes distinguished experts from across India who will share the latest insights, research findings, and best practices in the management of gastroenterological emergencies.

Patients with gastrointestinal emergencies are often critically ill and require rapid, standardized care. This conference aims to provide a platform for meaningful knowledge exchange between experts and young physicians, ensuring that cutting-edge evidence and practical expertise translate into better patient outcomes. With rapid advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, such programs play a vital role in keeping healthcare professionals updated and prepared to deliver high-quality emergency care.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

COLORS presents “Tu Juliet Jatt Di” – Ek new-age kahani jaha likhe jayenge pyaar ke naye rules!

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Chandigarh, November 2025: College is usually where love stories begin with friendships, crushes, canteen banter, and late-night confessions. However, COLORS’ latest offering Tu Juliet Jatt Di completely flips the narrative where a marriage happens first… then they go to college… and then love happens! This new-age campus romance follows two opposites whose lives are set to collide in the most unexpected way. Set against the lively backdrop of Chandigarh Prime University, this love story is filled with chemistry, chaos, and charm — turning ‘never’ into ‘forever.’ Meet Nawab (Syed Raza), a wealthy, carefree Jatt who lives life on his own terms – bold, spontaneous, and allergic to commitment. Heer (Jasmeet Kaur) is his complete contrast: ambitious, disciplined, practical, and determined to build a better future for her mother. Love is not a priority for her – it’s not even on the schedule. But when circumstances force them into marriage before college life even begins, the journey that follows is emotional, humorous, and full of unexpected sparks. Because sometimes, love doesn’t start with a feeling – it starts with fate.

Ahead of the show’s premiere, the lead cast- Sangita Ghosh, Jasmeet Kaur, and Syed Raza visited Chandigarh to celebrate the spirit of young love with students. The actors joined an engaging interaction at Underpass, Sector 17, where students came together to share their ‘Never Se Forever’ love stories, participate in a lively flashmob, and enjoy impromptu jamming sessions. The evening was filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt conversations as the cast connected with fans, bringing alive the show’s youthful energy and romantic essence.

Sameer Gogate, Business Head, Jiostar says, “At COLORS, we’ve always strived to bring stories that are bold, raw, heartfelt, and zinda-dil — narratives that strike a chord with audiences across generations. ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ perfectly embodies that spirit. It captures the pulse of today’s youth while staying rooted in the vibrant culture of Punjab. More than just a campus romance, it’s a celebration of resilience, identity, ambition and young love — a reflection of how today’s generation balances ambition, friendship, dreams, and responsibility in their journey of growing up.”

Producer Sargun Mehta from Dreamiyata Entertainment says, “College is where identities are built – where you figure out who you are, who you refuse to be, and what you’re willing to fight for. With ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’, we wanted to explore a kind of love that is unusual, inconvenient, and transformative. Heer and Nawaab don’t complete each other; they challenge each other. The college romance unfolds in Chandigarh, a city that has given me so much love in my own journey. This is our fun and light-hearted take on love in which enemies become classmates, classmates become unexpected allies, and every test teaches a lesson no textbook can cover.”

Essaying the role of Nawab, Syed Raza says, “Usually, college is where love stories begin, with crushes, canteen banter, and late-night confessions. But Tu Juliet Jatt Di flips the script completely and that’s what makes the show so unique and unpredictable. Nawab is a guy who lives by his own rules. For him, college was supposed to be about fun, freedom, and fame until the studious Heer rattles him in a way no one ever has. ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ is love in reverse, unpredictable, and refreshingly real.”

Taking on the role of Heer, Jasmeet Kaur says, “This show exquisitely captures the tug-of-war between responsibility and emotion, logic and heart. It’s about how life doesn’t always ask for your permission before turning upside down, and in that chaos, you might just find something real. ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ doesn’t pretend that love is easy or picture-perfect — and that’s what makes it real. Heer is a girl who lives by plans and priorities; love was never on her timetable. Suddenly finding herself married to someone like Nawab—impulsive, unpredictable, and everything she isn’t—throws her world off balance. What I love about her is that she stands her ground: sharp, ambitious, and unafraid to call out nonsense, even when it comes from her own husband.”

Taking on the role of Gulaab, Sangita Ghosh says, “I’m portraying Gulaab – a mother whose love knows no boundaries and no brakes. She’s used to being the centre of every room she walks into and expects everyone, including her son, to move in her orbit. In protecting him from every scolding, failure, and harsh realities, her love has turned into control. What makes the character fascinating is that she believes every act of manipulation comes from love. As Nawab steps into college life with dreams, freedom, and love, Gulaab’s fear of losing influence deepens. It’s a story today’s youth will relate to – the tug between freedom and family expectations. Gulaab may be flawed and obsessive, but her heart beats only for her son and I hope viewers will feel the emotion behind every action that she takes.”

Juliet aur Jatt keh rahe hain never… par kya kismet isse bana degi forever? Dekhiye ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ 17th November se har raat 7 baje, sirf COLORS aur JioHotstar par

About ‘COLORS’:
COLORS is a prominent Hindi general entertainment channel within the JioStar network. Launched on July 21, 2008, the channel offers a rich blend of emotions and variety, delivering content that resonates deeply with its viewers. From fiction and format-based shows to reality TV and blockbuster movies, the channel offers varied ‘Jazbaat Ke Rang’. COLORS is dedicated to promoting cohesive viewing, through shows such as Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav, Binddii, Mangal Lakshmi, Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki, Manpasand ki Shaadi, Pati Patni Aur Panga, Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment, Bigg Boss, and Khatron Ke Khiladi amongst others.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Frauds on rise: How bank scams from Maharashtra to Punjab are a wake-up call for every customer

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Frauds on rise: How bank scams from Maharashtra to Punjab are a wake-up call for every customer

Chandigarh, November 3

“Fraud doesn’t start in files, it starts in trust. The moment we stop questioning, we start losing.”

A chilling pattern is spreading across India’s banking landscape from Maharashtra’s financial hubs to Punjab’s heartland. Crores of rupees, quietly deposited into newly opened accounts, have disappeared within days. Officers are arrested, branches under scrutiny, and ordinary account holders are left wondering: Could my savings be next?

It can, and it already has.

The NAMCO Bank scams in Maharashtra, involving unexplained deposits of more than Rs 100 crore, and the Bank of Maharashtra’s indirect link to the money flow, have found parallels in Punjab’s cooperative banks.

In Ropar and Jalandhar, vigilance teams have uncovered manipulated ledgers, missing funds, and insider collusion, exposing cracks in institutions trusted by thousands of farmers and small traders.

From Nashik to North India – the Money Trail: It began innocently: a few dozen new accounts at NAMCO Bank received huge deposits, each just under the mandatory reporting threshold. Within hours, the money was transferred and withdrawn elsewhere. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), acting under Section 5 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, froze the suspected assets and seized Rs 13.5 crore in cash. Investigators discovered that portions of the funds had travelled through larger scheduled banks, including the Bank of Maharashtra, before being routed back through smaller cooperative institutions to conceal their source : A classic case of “layering,” recognised globally as the second stage of money laundering under FATF Recommendation 3 (Financial Action Task Force, OECD standard-setter).In other words, criminals were using banks like mirrors bouncing money from one to another until its reflection became untraceable.

Punjab’s Turn in the Mirror: That same pattern appeared in Central Cooperative Bank, Ropar, where the Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested two officers in 2022 for allegedly embezzling Rs 1.24 crore by altering account data. In Jalandhar Central Cooperative Bank, multiple cases of misappropriation surfaced  insiders manipulating records, delaying reconciliations, and concealing audit trails.

Under Section 12 of the PMLA, every bank, including cooperative ones, must maintain proper records and report all suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND).Failure to comply can attract prosecution under Section 13 of the Act, which authorises monetary penalties and disciplinary action.Yet many smaller banks in Punjab and Haryana still rely on manual bookkeeping and outdated technology. “Fraud detection happens late , sometimes years later,” admits a district-level auditor. “By then, the trail is cold.”

The Law Is Watching and So Should You: India’s anti-money-laundering regime is among the strongest in Asia, aligned with FATF 40 Recommendations and monitored by global peers. Under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA, anyone who directly or indirectly attempts to launder money faces rigorous imprisonment of three to seven years, extendable to ten years for offences linked to narcotics or organised crime. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), exercising powers under Sections 35A and 45L of the RBI Act, 1934, issued the Master Direction – KYC, 2016, making it compulsory for all banks and NBFCs to: Verify every customer’s identity before account opening, continuously monitor large or unusual transactions, and file a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) with FIU-IND within seven days of detection. This legal structure Prevention, Detection, Enforcement ensures that banks act as the first line of defence, intelligence units the second, and the ED and judiciary the final gatekeepers.

Global Perspective : Lessons From Abroad: The problem is not uniquely Indian. The FinCEN Files (U.S., 2020) exposed how top American banks processed trillions in suspicious transfers despite red flags. Europe’s Danske Bank scandal (Estonia, 2017) revealed $230 billion laundered through small branches exploiting gaps in compliance.Both cases prompted stricter U.S. Patriot Act Section 311 measures and the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive (6AMLD, 2021) , laws remarkably similar in spirit to India’s PMLA. India’s adherence to FATF’s mutual evaluation standards places it among nations actively combating financial crime on a global scale.

Why the North Must Wake Up and What Every Customer Should Do

Authorities urge the public to become active participants in prevention:

Check every SMS or alert. Even a ₹1 test debit can indicate attempted misuse.

Never share OTPs, PINs or KYC documents because genuine bank officers will never ask.

Use only official apps and links. RBI and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) have flagged multiple fake banking portals.

Update contact details regularly. Under RBI Master Circular DBR.AML.BC.No.18/14.01.001/2016-17, outdated details may delay fraud notifications.

Report suspicious credits or debits immediately. Under Rule 8 of the PML (Record Keeping) Rules 2005, banks must preserve transaction records for ten years and act upon customer alerts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sakshi Bathla for her constant reviewing, invaluable support, and encouragement throughout the preparation of this article. Her guidance has been a great source of motivation and learning for us.

Legal references:


PMLA (2002): Secs 3–5, 12–13 | RBI KYC Directions 2016 | PML (Record Keeping) Rules 2005 | RBI Act 1934 Secs 35A & 45L | FATF 40 Recommendations | 6AMLD (EU) 2021 | USA Patriot Act Sec 311.

(This article is written by LMTSM Students -Paavni , Mehak , Manavi ,Prerna , Nandini)

Chandigarh, Punjab

Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 concludes with vision for Bharat @ 2047

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Mohali: The third and final day of Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 concluded at NIPER Mohali with powerful reflections on the theme “Bharat @ 2047,” envisioning India’s educational roadmap for the centenary of independence. The Chief Guest Kavinder Gupta, LG, UT of Ladakh, said that, “ Education is the foundation of a self-reliant and prosperous Bharat. The Bharat of 2047 will be defined by the minds we nurture today, Let education be the force that bridges our glorious heritage with a luminous future.” Dilaram Chauhan, General Secretary, Vidya Bharti (North Zone), delivered the Keynote Address, highlighting the importance of integrating national vision with local action.

Bal Kishan, Joint Organising Secretary, Vidya Bharti , North Zone said, “The Shiksha Mahakumbh has become a living example of collaboration—between schools, universities, and society,”

Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, shared his three-day experience of hosting the Shiksha Mahakumbh. He said that as India envisions Bharat @ 2047, academia must lead with scientific rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal relevance. He emphasized that the true purpose of education is to transform knowledge into impact.

Prof. Pawan Kumar Singh emphasized, “Education must integrate competence with character and research with responsibility. The goal of higher learning is to prepare leadership capable of nation-building.”


A report outlining the key takeaways and the roadmap for future editions of the Shiksha Mahakumbh was presented by Prof. (Dr.) Thakur S.K.R , Director, DHE. The event also featured an award ceremony recognizing outstanding educators, researchers, and student innovators for their exemplary contributions to the field of education

The event was concluded with the symbolic handover of the Shiksha Mahakumbh baton from NIPER Mohali to NIT Hamirpur which will be the host institute for Shiksha Mahakumbh 2026, marking the continuation of this educational movement.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 Opens with Call to Reconnect Society and Schools

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Mohali: Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 began today at NIPER Mohali with the inspiring theme “Classroom to Society: Building a Healthier World through Education” The first day of the three-day event set the tone for a transformative dialogue on community participation, values-based learning, and national development through education.


The inaugural session was graced by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. R.P. Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, as the Guest of Honour. The dignitaries were welcomed by Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, who emphasized the role of academia in shaping responsible citizens for nation building.


Shri Deshraj Sharma, General Secretary, Vidya Bharti, spoke about the Shiksha Mahakumbh initiative and its mission to foster holistic, value-based education. Delivering the Keynote Address, Shri K.N. Raghunandan, Organising Secretary, Vidya Bharti (Ucch Shiksha Sansthan), highlighted the importance of connecting schools with communities to rekindle India’s ancient gurukul ethos.


“Education must not be confined to classrooms—it must touch hearts, homes, and communities,” said Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab. “Our schools should inspire not just academic growth but national consciousness.”

“Community engagement is the soul of education,” added Prof. R.P. Tiwari. “When society takes ownership of education, learning becomes deeply rooted and meaningful.”


The afternoon sessions featured 7 Conclaves including Vice-Chancellor and Directors conclave, Media conclave and Civil Society conclave. More than 110 Research Papers were presented on 7 tracks. Over 30 Invited Speakers shared their views on Democracy, Development and Governance. A grand exhibit of the Student Projects was done , where students presented innovations inspired by sustainable development and cultural values. The day concluded with networking sessions, exhibition visits, and an exchange of ideas that underlined collaboration as the key to transforming education.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Innovation, Integrity, and Impact: Shiksha Mahakumbh Fosters New Education-Industry Partnerships

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Mohali: Day 2 of Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 at NIPER Mohali focused on “Academia – Industry – Society Interface” fostering collaboration among educators, innovators, and social leaders to align education with national progress. The morning began with yoga and an interactive breakfast, followed by a Panel Discussion featuring Smt. Geeta Ahuja, Secretary, Vidya Bharti North Zone, and Shri Virender Walia, Treasurer, Vidya Bharti North Zone. The discussion emphasized practical learning, innovation ecosystems, and strengthening moral foundations in education. The inaugural session began with a Welcome Address by Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, who reiterated the institute’s commitment to nurturing interdisciplinary research and societal impact. Shri Vijay Nadda, Organising Secretary, Vidya Bharti North Zone, introduced Shiksha Mahakumbh and highlighted Vidya Bharti’s efforts in building bridges between traditional knowledge systems and modern academic frameworks.

Prof. S.P. Bansal, Prof. Ryan Altman, and Prof. Kailash Chander Sharma shared their insights on how collaboration between academia and industry can drive transformative education and national development.

Prof. S.P. Bansal stressed that true education must combine intellect with character. “Industry and academia are not separate worlds—they are partners in building the future,” he said.

Afternoon sessions continued with 7 Conclaves, 70 Research Paper Presentations, and a National Conference featuring innovations in technology, sustainability, and pedagogy.

The prize distribution ceremony for the winners of each category of the DHE English Olympiad was conducted. Over 10,000 students participated in this Olympiad from various schools across North India.

The day wrapped up with a spirit of togetherness, as participants shared ideas and explored exhibits that celebrated partnership in education.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

13th Edition of CLF Literati 2025 on November 21–23

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Chandigarh, October 31, 2025: The Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) has announced the dates of the 13th edition of the CLF Literati 2025(Chandigarh Lit Fest). The literary extravaganza is scheduled to be held on November 21-23, 2025, at the picturesque Lake Club, Chandigarh.

After unveiling the festival’s poster at the Lake Club,  Dr. Sumita Misra, IAS, Founder-Chairperson of CLS & Festival Director said, “The literary celebration, themed ‘Worlds Within Words,’ will feature twelve engaging sessions, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and book conversations spotlighting several noteworthy new titles.”

This year’s festival will host an impressive line-up of acclaimed authors from across India, alongside distinguished writers from the United States of America and Australia, making CLF Literati 2025 a truly global celebration of ideas, stories, and imagination.

In addition to thought-provoking discussions, the festival will feature a storytelling workshop for young adults, poetry recitations, and a special art exhibition showcasing paintings inspired by the festival’s central theme. A vibrant cultural evening on the inaugural night on Nov 21, book signings, book sales stalls, and interactive art corners featuring hand and face painting will further enrich the festival experience. What’s more, CLS has collaborated with ‘Nritya Praangan’, Bhavan Dancing Courtyard which will present ‘Swarit Mudrayen’  a Bharatnatyam presentation by disciples of Dr Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Sec 27, Chandigarh in the evening of  Nov 22.  

Dr. Misra also announced the prestigious CLF Literati Book Awards (First Edition), instituted to honour excellence in English and Hindi literature. Awards will be presented in three categories — English Fiction, English Non-Fiction, and Hindi Fiction/Non-Fiction — for works published between January 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. The awards have received an enthusiastic response from authors and publishers from the region as well as other parts of the country. The longlist will be announced soon.

This year’s edition of the CLF Literati 2025, will continue to uphold its legacy as a vibrant platform not only for writers but also for those engaged in the creative arts to showcase their talent and engage in an intellectual exchange. The festival has assumed significance as one of India’s most sought after literary fiestas.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Fifth edition of Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyaan-2025 to be held at NIPER, Mohali from Oct 31 to Nov 2

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Mohali: The fifth edition of the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyaan-2025 (SMA-2025) will be held at NIPER Mohali from October 31 to November 2. The theme for the edition will be “Classroom to Society: Building a Healthier World through Education”. The conclave will bring together leaders from academia, research, industry and policy to re-imagine the future of education in India. The previous four editions were held at NIT Jalandhar, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Srinagar and Kurukshetra University. The number of research paper submissions and project showcases have consistently grown over the years.

Each day of the Mahakumbh will focus on a distinct theme. On October 31, theme would be “Connecting Society with Schools” – exploring the vital role of community participation in education. On November 1, topic is “Academia – Industry – Society Interface” – bridging innovation and real-world impact. On November 2, the topic is “Bharat @ 2047” – envisioning India’s educational roadmap for the centenary of independence.

The inaugural day will be graced by Gulab Chand Kataria, UT Administrator and Governor of Punjab as Chief Guest, with RP Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, as Guest of Honour. On the following days, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Governor of Haryana, and Kabinder Gupta, LG, UT of Ladakh, will grace the event as the Chief Guests. Over the three days, the conclave will feature 14 thematic conclaves, student project exhibitions, and over 250 research paper presentations, attracting participation from distinguished educators, students, and institutions from across the country. As part of the larger initiative, the Shiksha Mahakumbh Olympiad has already been successfully conducted across North India. The Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 will also feature yoga sessions, cultural interactions, and exhibitions that highlight the integration of Indian knowledge systems and modern education practices. “Shiksha Mahakumbh is not just an event but a movement towards holistic and value-based education,” said Prof. (Dr.) Thakur S.K.R., Kalpak, Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan.

Prof Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, said, “The SMA-2025 will serve as a powerful platform to align educational thought with societal needs. At NIPER, we strongly believe that education must not remain confined to classroom, but must contribute to building a healthier, more resilient world. Hosting this edition at our campus is a matter of pride and we look forward to global collaborations and actionable outcomes.”

Chandigarh, Punjab

Gatkabaz poised for spectacular three-day Gatka showdown in Bengaluru from November 7

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Chandigarh, October 25, 2025 : Bengaluru is poised to transform into the vibrant epicenter of India’s ancient martial arts and rich cultural traditions, as the nation’s most exceptional sports talents and cultural virtuosos converge for a monumental national gathering from November 7 to 9, 2025. The prestigious event, 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, promises to shape the future trajectory of the sport across the country.

            During this exhilarating sporting extravaganza at the GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), the oldest national Gatka governing body affiliated with World Gatka Federation and Asian Gatka Federation, would host its 2nd Federation Gatka Cup. This event would be held concurrently with 2nd National Cultural Pythian Games, in a strategic partnership with the Pythian Council of India (PCI). This dual event is meticulously designed to propel the ancient game of Gatka onto a prominent global platform, he added.

            The PCI chairman Bijender Goel and president Shantanu Agrahari commended the extensive collaboration with all traditional sports and cultural organizations, hailing the Pythian Games as a landmark initiative that empowers indigenous sports and forges structured pathways for aspiring young athletes to ascend on the international stage. The PCI would provide logistical support, accommodation, meals and official tournament kits, thereby ensuring impeccable professional standards are maintained throughout the prestigious competition.

            Disclosing this, the NGAI president Harjeet Singh Grewal, a State Awardee, announced that during this dual championship, the NGAI would select a national Gatka squad. These Gatkabaz would represent the nation at India’s debut in 1st International Pythian Cultural Games in Moscow next year. He elaborated that participants would not only fiercely vie for medals but would also be honored with dual certification.

            Gatka promoter Grewal, who also serves as vice-president of PCI, confirmed that the competitions would showcase formidable under-19 Gatka events from over ten states, who would demonstrate their prowess across in Gatka-Soti and Farrie-Soti disciplines in both individual and team formats. He further added that all gold medalists would be granted direct selection into the Indian contingent for the first International Pythian Cultural Games, describing it as a transformative milestone in Gatka’s illustrious global journey.

            “This championship marks a defining chapter in Gatka’s progress, from a revered traditional martial art to a recognized international sport,” stated Sukhchain Singh, acting president of NGAI, emphasizing that it is not merely a competition but a resounding statement of India’s profound cultural confidence and exceptional athletic excellence.

            He added that since its founding in 2004, the NGAI has tirelessly championed the preservation, regulation and modernization of this ancient martial discipline. Through dynamic international collaborations and visionary initiatives like the Pythian Games partnership, the NGAI seeks to irrevocably embed Gatka within the global sporting landscape while meticulously safeguarding its profound spiritual and cultural ethos.

            Concluding, Harjeet Singh Grewal declared, “This integrated championship is a watershed moment for Gatka. We are not merely organizing a tournament; we are launching India’s distinguished Gatka ambassadors onto the world stage, where revered tradition magnificently meets triumphant glory.” He added that the thrilling display of impeccable Gatka skills, unwavering discipline, and masterful martial artistry will powerfully symbolize India’s dynamic living cultural legacy on the world stage.