Zirakpur(Mohali): As a mark of collective commitment of Rotaractors and Rotarians, Rotary International President-Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola highlighted global priorities, stressing the need for fast-paced inclusive global development. Babalola was sharing his views with media persons along-with KP Nagesh, RI Director (2025–27), Bengaluru & District Governor-Elect (District 3080-India) Rtn. Dr. Rita Kalra on the occasion of the ‘Srijan 2026 – A New Beginning’, a landmark Presidents-Elect and Secretaries-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS/SELS)’ being held at Hotel Park Plaza, Zirakpur.
It is pertinent to state that Rotary International is a global service organization with over 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders in 45,000+ clubs worldwide. Founded in 1905, it focuses on humanitarian service, high ethical standards, and world peace.
Babalola said that Rotary as an organisation works for peace and called for an end of hostilities in West Asia. He said that the political leaders need to decide to end the war for the benefit of humanity. He said Rotary always helps people in war torn areas and works towards rehabilitating displaced communities. He added that Rotary enters after war ends and helps the people ravaged by violence.
Babalola, a Rotaractor since 1984 and a Rotarian since 1994, told media persons that Rotary’s strategic priorities included the global mission to end polio, expanding membership to 1.25 million members worldwide over the next five years and strengthening Global Grant partnerships focused on environment and sustainability, basic education and literacy, and disease prevention and treatment.
He added that the AI Functional Literacy for Youth project to equip young minds with digital and AI skills is being planned for tricity youngsters. He emphasized the need for innovation-driven service and stronger youth engagement.
Other regional initiatives, and forward-looking projects announced for the Chandigarh Tricity include women empowerment initiatives focusing on digital safety, vocational skilling and entrepreneurship; and the Happy Schools Initiative aimed at improving educational infrastructure.
Notably, the two-day flagship leadership event, organised by the Rotary International Districts 3080 and 3090, has brought together over 500 Rotary leaders from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
KP Nagesh, RI Director (2025–27), Bengaluru, said that significant health and environmental interventions were also showcased during the seminar including projects for the elimination of tuberculosis, cervical cancer awareness, mobile screening for non-communicable diseases, waste management drives and the development of Rotary nurseries to promote environmental stewardship.
The seminar, being organised under the leadership of District Governor-Elect Rtn. Dr. Rita Kalra (RI District 3080 India) and Rtn. Dr. Sanjay Kalra, along with Past District Governor (PDG) Arun Mongia, focused on equipping incoming Rotary leaders with the skills and vision required for the Rotary Year 2026–27.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rita Kalra said that the event is featuring breakout sessions, networking opportunities, fellowship interactions, and cultural evenings celebrating diversity and unity.
Dr Kalra, reflecting further, said that Srijan-2026 stands as a testament to Rotary’s commitment to leadership development, collaboration, and impactful service.
Distinguished Rotary leaders including Rotary International Director Elect (RIDE) Rtn. Gurjeet Sekhon, Past District Governor(PDG) Rtn. Shaju Peter, Regional Rotary Membership Coordinator (RRMC) Rtn. Dr. Dushyant Choudhary, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) Rtn. Dr. Pramod Kumar, Regional Web Master Rtn. Narender Rao, and Club & District Support (CDS) Rtn. Daman Bawega, contributed to the sessions, enriching the experience for participants.
In another development, the Department of Posts, Chandigarh Division, under the guidance of the Sh Kumar Sanjeev IPoS Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Chandigarh Division, released a Special Cover at GPO Sector 17, Chandigarh on PELS and SELS of Rotary International District 3080. On this occasion, Shri Brij Bhushan Rana, Senior Postmaster, GPO Chandigarh, Shri Kishori Lal, Incharge Business Parcel Centre(BPC) Chandigarh, and Dr Rita Kalra, District Governor 2026-2027 Rotary International District 3080, were present and released the Special Cover. Notably, the Special Cover will be displayed and made available for sale on 3rd and 4th April 2026 during the Rotary International District 3080 event PELS and SELS organized at Hotel Park Plaza Zirakpur by Rotary International District 3080.
मशहूर सेलिब्रिटी शेफ हरपाल सिंह सोखी ने सेक्टर 26 चंडीगढ़ में अपना 12वां रेस्टोरेंट ‘कारीगिरी’ लॉन्च किया है। पंजाबी संस्कृति और खाने के गहरे रिश्ते को समझते हुए उन्होंने इस नए आउटलेट में कई अनोखे कॉन्सेप्ट शामिल किए हैं, जो इसे खास बनाते हैं। शेफ सोखी का मानना है कि पंजाब में खाने का एक अलग ही महत्व है। उन्होंने कहा, “लोग सुबह उठते ही खाने के बारे में सोचते हैं और एक भोजन के बाद अगले की तैयारी शुरू हो जाती है। यही पंजाब की पहचान है और यही वजह है कि यह क्षेत्र हमारे लिए हमेशा रोमांचक रहेगा।”
उन्होंने बताया कि चंडीगढ़ के इस नए रेस्टोरेंट की सबसे बड़ी खासियत इसका ‘आंगन कॉन्सेप्ट’ है। “पहली बार हमने रेस्टोरेंट के अंदर ही एक आंगन तैयार किया है, जिससे हमें एक खूबसूरत और पारंपरिक डिजाइन प्रस्तुत करने का मौका मिला,” उन्होंने कहा।
इंटीरियर के मामले में भी ‘कारीगिरी’ काफी अलग है। यहां एक खास ‘ब्रेड बार’ तैयार किया गया है, जिसमें 20 तरह की रोटियों और उनसे जुड़ी 20 कहानियां शामिल हैं। शेफ सोखी के अनुसार, “हम हमेशा अपनी रोटियों के लिए जाने जाते रहे हैं, लेकिन इस बार हमने इसे एक नए स्तर पर ले जाते हुए ब्रेड ( रोटियों)को कहानी के साथ पेश किया है।”
मेन्यू की बात करें तो इसमें पारंपरिक स्वाद के साथ नए प्रयोग भी देखने को मिलते हैं। खास तौर पर ‘बटर चिकन’ के तीन अलग-अलग वेरिएंट—क्लासिक, व्हाइट और हरे टमाटर वाला बटर चिकन—लोगों का ध्यान आकर्षित कर रहे हैं। उन्होंने बताया कि ‘ग्रीन बटर चिकन’ को मेन्यू में शामिल करने की प्रेरणा उन्हें तब मिली जब मशहूर फिल्म निर्माता-कोरियोग्राफर फराह खान उनके घर आईं और इस डिश को बेहद पसंद किया।
शेफ सोखी ने कहा कि उनका मेन्यू सिर्फ खाने तक सीमित नहीं है, बल्कि यह एक ‘स्टोरीटेलिंग मेन्यू’ है। “मेरी यात्राएं, टीवी शो, मां की रसोई, पिता के पसंदीदा व्यंजन, सास और पत्नी की रेसिपी—ये सभी मिलकर एक ऐसा अनुभव तैयार करते हैं, जिससे लोग भावनात्मक रूप से जुड़ते हैं,” उन्होंने बताया।
उन्होंने आगे कहा कि आज के दौर में लोग सिर्फ खाना नहीं, बल्कि एक पूरा अनुभव चाहते हैं—जहां वे स्वाद के साथ-साथ कहानियों, माहौल और संस्कृति को भी महसूस कर सकें।
रेस्टोरेंट के इंटीरियर को भी खास तौर पर पंजाबी विरासत से जोड़ा गया है। यहां कारीगरों, शिल्पकारों और लोक कलाकारों को समर्पित दीवारें बनाई गई हैं, जिनमें कुम्हार, बर्तन बनाने वाले, फुलकारी कढ़ाई करने वाले और कबड्डी जैसे पारंपरिक खेलों को दर्शाया गया है। यह सब मिलकर ‘कारीगिरी’ को सिर्फ एक रेस्टोरेंट नहीं, बल्कि एक सांस्कृतिक अनुभव बनाते हैं।
A Single Theme Workshop on Neonatal Neurological Disorders will be held at the Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), on 4th and 5th April 2026. The workshop will be conducted by the Newborn Unit, Department of Pediatrics.
The workshop will be inaugurated by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER. The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee is Prof. Praveen Kumar; the Organizing Secretary is Prof. Sourabh Dutta; and the Joint Organizing Secretary is Dr. Jogender Kumar. Other faculty members include Dr. Naveen Jain from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Dr. Naveen Gupta from New Delhi; Prof. Deepak Chawla, Prof. Suksham Jain, and Dr. Supreet Khurana from Government Medical College, Chandigarh; and Dr. Sajan Saini, Dr. Bijaylakshmi Behera, Prof. Naveen Sankhyan, Dr. Arushi Saini, Dr. Anupriya Kaur, Dr. Chirag Ahuja, and Dr. Bharti Sharma from PGIMER.
Neonatal neurological disorders include diseases affecting the nervous system of newborns, primarily the brain. There was a time when the primary focus of newborn specialists was to save the lives of premature babies or full-term babies born with asphyxia. With significantly improved survival rates today compared to a few decades ago, the focus has shifted from mere survival to ensuring “neurologically intact survival.”
“Neurologically intact survival” refers to surviving into childhood and adulthood as a mentally and physically normal individual who can function independently and contribute to society. There is little value in expending enormous family and societal resources to save a newborn baby if the child grows up with severe disabilities such as intellectual impairment or cerebral palsy and remains dependent on caregivers throughout life.
A systematic analysis of data from low- and middle-income countries published in 2021, including India, reported that the average survival rate of babies weighing less than 1 kg was about 30%, with approximately 20% of survivors having abnormal neurological development. Data from major centers in India suggest that very to moderately premature babies have nearly five times the risk of brain disorders compared to full-term babies, and about 35–40% of babies weighing less than 1 kg either die or develop serious brain impairments.
Newborns are particularly vulnerable to neurological disorders because their brains are delicate. In premature babies, the brain is prone to internal bleeding due to fragile blood vessels, white matter damage due to inadequate blood supply or inflammation, and impaired growth and development. In full-term babies, brain injury may occur due to birth asphyxia, metabolic disturbances, or severe jaundice.
Significant advances have been made in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and follow-up of neonatal brain disorders in recent years. These include therapeutic hypothermia (external cooling of the brain) for selected asphyxiated babies, newer anti-epileptic medications, advanced ultrasound and MRI techniques, bedside EEG monitoring, improved recognition and prevention of factors leading to bleeding and white matter injury, diagnosis of complex metabolic disorders using sophisticated laboratory techniques, optimization of antibiotic duration for brain infections, and establishment of standardized follow-up protocols for early detection of cerebral palsy. Together, these advances have contributed to improved neurologically intact survival. Strategies to protect the vulnerable brains of premature babies begin well before birth and continue for months afterward.
Keeping these considerations in mind, the Neonatal Unit of the Department of Pediatrics has organized this two-day workshop dedicated entirely to neonatal brain disorders. The workshop will be highly practical and hands-on. It will include three practical workstations focusing on therapeutic hypothermia, EEG recording, and neuroimaging (ultrasound and MRI). There will also be six real-life clinical case discussions highlighting the management of newborns with serious neurological conditions.
The participants are pediatric specialists with a special interest in neonatal care. Lectures on the first day will cover the basics of neurological examination in newborns (which differs significantly from that in adults and older children), an approach to the stuporous neonate, and the diagnosis and management of brain injury due to asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, and white matter injury. The second day will include lectures on the management of neonatal seizures, hydrocephalus, preventive strategies, neonatal stroke, brain injury due to hypoglycemia or severe jaundice, and long-term follow-up.
Simple measures that the general public can adopt to promote neurologically intact survival include regular antenatal check-ups, adherence to medical advice during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, prevention of infections, and seeking immediate medical attention if a newborn shows abnormal movements, lethargy or severe jaundice.
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.
