Category Archives: Punjab

Ageless Women Soirée celebrates unsung achievers; TWOS 26 Awards honour stories of strength and resilience

Chandigarh, April 29

In a heartfelt celebration of resilience, courage and silent achievement, the ‘Ageless Women Soirée’ brought into the spotlight women who have been doing exceptional work for family & society behind the scenes, often without recognition. The soirée was an initiative that culminated in the prestigious TWOS (Touch Woman of Substance) Awards 26.

Dr Preeti Jindal, Founder of The Touch Clinic and Senior Vice President of Indian Society of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Gynaecology (InSARG), “Many women are doing great work in their own spaces but remain unrecognised. This platform was designed to bring their stories to the forefront and empower them,” she said.

“Conceptualised to honour women, many of whom work from home in fields like baking, education, and care-giving, the event aimed to boost their self-confidence and give them the visibility they deserve,” added Dr Preeti.

The Guests of Honour included, Dr Sangeeta Jain, Civil Surgeon, Mohali; Ms Garima Singh – IRS; & Ms Kiran Sandhu – Owner of Chandigarh Group of Colleges.

The soirée also featured insightful sessions. A key highlight was the panel discussion titled ‘Decoding Obesity – A Path to Sustainable Slimming,’ moderated by Dr Sumitu Sahdev, with contributions from experts including Dr Preeti Jindal and Dr Pragati Tandon. The discussion stressed evidence-based approaches to weight management, advocating sustainable lifestyle changes over quick fixes.

Dr Preeti further informed that TWOS award is given every 2 years by Touch Clinic to women who are doing cutting edge work in any field of life. There are 7 categories and this award is unbiased as a jury of esteemed members’ reviews entries without names for fair selection. The esteemed jury for Touch Woman of Substance(TWOS) Awards 2026 comprised Ms. Aruna Chattopadhya, Ms. Reetinder Mohan Ms. Paru Sindhu, Ms. Seema Vinayak , Ms. Ritika Singh, Ms. Seema Talwar, Ms. Rachna Singh, Dr. Ladbans Kaur, Ms. Monika Bahwa, Dr. Madhu Gupta & Ms. Soumya Rastogi.

Talking about the TWOS 26 Awards, Dr Preeti said that over 100 nominations were received from across the region. These entries underwent a structured and meticulous evaluation process by the jury comprising accomplished and well-known women from diverse fields.

“Based on criteria such as resilience, transformation, and impact, 25 women were shortlisted and felicitated during the ceremony. Each awardee represented a unique journey.” Notably, TWOS ICON Awards and a Diva Award too were given.

Inspiring women awards were also handed out to deserving women. A motivating story is of Joban Sandhu who was diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, took timely treatment at Touch Clinic, and is now healthy with two children. Anu Dhingra chose courage over fear by embracing robotic hysterectomy and stepped into the future of women’s health with confidence and clarity. Aruti Nayar chose innovation, precision, and self-care by opting for robotic hysterectomy for gynaecological issues.

Experts at the event emphasized that robotic surgery offers several advantages. It is highly precise, involves minimal to no blood loss, ensures faster recovery, and in many cases allows patients to be discharged the same or next day.

Moving further, among the awardees was Ms Brijesh who despite multiple miscarriages, held onto hope and eventually embraced motherhood. Another inspiring story was of Inderpreet Bhatti who conceived after 12 IVF attempts and is now expecting her second child. Prerna Jain faced a foetal growth restriction and was advised termination, but with proper guidance delivered a healthy baby girl. Priyanka Garg, faced less water & severe foetal growth issues during the early stage of pregnancy, which she overcame with the right medical support and her positive attitude. Bharkha went through complications during pregnancy (low fluid, high BP, restricted baby growth). With proper care, she delivered a healthy baby boy who is now 6 years old.

OPPO India Launches ‘Selfie Champion’ F33 Series, Focuses on Camera and Durability in Mid-Range Segment

Chandigarh: Strengthening its position in the Indian smartphone market, OPPO India has launched its new F33 series in Chandigarh. The lineup includes the OPPO F33 Pro 5G and OPPO F33 5G smartphones.

According to the company, this is the most advanced and refined offering in its F-series to date. The F33 series comes equipped with a 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera, a massive 7,000mAh battery, IP69K protection, ColorOS 16, and 5G++ connectivity. The OPPO F33 Pro 5G features a 50MP ultra-wide front camera capable of capturing larger groups in a single frame. It also includes AI Groupfie and a 0.6x auto-switch feature, making group selfies more convenient. On the rear, it houses a 50MP main camera along with a 2MP depth sensor for enhanced portrait shots.

Meanwhile, the OPPO F33 5G offers a 16MP front camera and a dual rear camera setup of 50MP + 2MP. Both smartphones feature a 6.57-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Max processor. With up to 12GB RAM and an advanced cooling system, the devices ensure smooth performance. In terms of durability, the phones come with IP69K, IP68, and IP66 certifications, offering protection against water, dust, and extreme conditions. Additionally, the 360-degree armored body enhances drop resistance.

The devices are backed by a 7,000mAh battery, supporting 80W fast charging that can fully charge the phone in approximately 69 minutes. The OPPO F33 Pro 5G and F33 5G are now available for purchase through both online and offline platforms, with attractive offers and EMI options. Prices range from ₹31,999 to ₹40,999. Customers can also avail bank discounts, exchange offers, and easy EMI schemes.

Speaking at the launch, Goldie Patnaik, Head of Communications, OPPO India, said, “The F33-series has been one of the strongest series in India. With the F33 series, we have introduced a 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera with a 100-degree field of view along with multiple AI features, ensuring users get both excellent photography and a durable smartphone experience.”

Sanjeev Arora inaugurates Advanced Radiation Oncology Centre at Livasa Hospital, Mohali

Mohali: Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora on Wednesday, Saturday inaugurated an Advanced Radiation Oncology Centre at Livasa Hospital, Mohali.
The newly launched centre brings state-of-the-art radiation technology aimed at delivering precise, effective, and patient-centric cancer treatment, with a holistic and multidisciplinary approach.
Speaking during the occasion, Sanjeev Arora said, “The launch of this Advanced Radiation Oncology Centre is a significant step towards strengthening cancer care infrastructure in Punjab. Access to modern technology and timely treatment can make a life-saving difference, and such initiatives will benefit patients across the region.”
Anurag Yadav, CEO-Livasa Hospitals, said that the inauguration of the Advanced Radiation Oncology Centre marks a significant step forward in our mission to deliver world-class cancer care closer to communities.
A multidisciplinary team of oncology experts and a structured Tumour Board (Cancer Board) support the centre, where specialists collaboratively review each case to design personalised treatment plans.
The team includes; Dr. Jatin Sarin, Director – Medical Oncology, Dr. Meenakshi Mittal, Director – Radiation Oncology, Dr. Vijay Bansal, Director–Surgical Oncology, Dr. Shubh Mahindru, Director–Surgical Oncology, Dr. Priyanshu Choudhary, Senior Consultant–Medical Oncology, Dr. Parneet Singh, Senior Consultant–Radiation Oncology and Dr. Mukesh Chawla, Consultant–Clinical Hematology & BMT.

More focus need on affordable healthcare, easier & cheaper health insurances: Sanjeev Arora

Mohali: “Many reforms and a lot more are needed to be done in health. There should be more focus on affordable healthcare, wider, easier and cheaper health insurances.”
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora on Wednesday, stated this during an inauguration of an Advanced Radiation Oncology Centre at Livasa Hospital, Mohali on Wednesday.
While terming Ayushman scheme a failure, the cabinet minister said that 9 percent of the Indian population goes into poverty annually due to the emergence of one critical healthcare issue in the family.
In health, we are ranked 154th in the world out of 190 countries, he pointed out.
According to a 2017 National Health Policy, it was planned that till 2025, the 2.5 percent of GDP to be spent would be incurred in health whereas the same has not been achieved even in 2026, he said.
He further said that the launch of this centre is a significant step towards strengthening cancer care infrastructure in Punjab.
Access to modern technology and timely treatment can make a life-saving difference, and such initiatives will benefit patients across the region, he asserted.
Anurag Yadav, CEO-Livasa Hospitals, said that the inauguration of an Advanced Radiation Oncology Centre marks a significant step forward in our mission to deliver world-class cancer care closer to communities.

FIRST STEP TESTS YOUR TRUE COURAGE; REAL LIFE HEROES LEAD WITH STORIES OF GRIT ON DAY 2 OF TiECON

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11: Narrating their real life stories of unfiltered passion, courage and determination, 3 super achievers including Olympian Aanchal Thakur, Everest Climbers Chhanzin Angma, and Navdeep Sood on Saturday ruled the stage here on the concluding day of the TiECON Chandigarh 2026.

One who lost her eyesight to a medical allergy at the tender age of only 8 years, Chhanzin Angma endured physical infirmity aggravated by negativity hurled at her those who took her gender as an handicip, to surpass 8848 meters high Mount Everest.

“I had decided that I will not let my eyesight handicap to come in my way of my dream to surpass Mount Everest, she said here while narrating her real life ordeal with unfiltered courage bereft of any emotional attempt to impress the audiences which received her with cheers and loud roar of claps.

In a similar tale of impressive grit and passion for her dream, Olympian Aanchal Thakur said that she faced multiple challenges in terms of infrastructure and facilities when she too up Skiing as her chosen sport.

Hailing from a small village in Manali, Aanchal Thakur has made the country proud by winning international medals in a sport where not many dare to venture as active sportspeople due to death of opportunities and facilities.

Taking part in the panel discussion moderated by Co-founder MD and Global CEO smartdata Enterprise Ajay Tewari, Navdeep Sood a banker who took voluntary retirement from his bank job to successfully pursue climbing Everest in 2025.

“In one of the training courses, I was chided for being old. It was there and then that i decided there was nothing which i could not do and I too up upon myself to fulfil my dream of climbing Everest, Navdeep Sood said who also runs marathons regularly.

We all wish to convey to all of you that it is your belief in your passion and your courage in taking the first step in that direction which you have chosen which would count the most in your life’s success, the 3 participants echoed.

Hosted annually in the City Beautiful, TiE Chandigarh has rightfully garnered its place in the calendar as the region’s largest entrepreneurial conclave and the most awaited IT event of the year where top business leaders, established investors, budding entrepreneurs, policy framers along with all those related with the IT and allied sectors alike converge. The event held each year witnesses enthusiastic participation from the leaders of the IT Industry from across the length and breadth of the country.

Jersey for Gully Cricket Tournament unveiled at Police Headquarters

Chandigarh: In a simple ceremony held at the UT Police Headquarters, Sector 9, the official jersey for the fourth edition of the Allengers Gully Cricket Tournament was unveiled on Thursday. The event was graced by senior police & UTCA officials, tournament organizers, representatives from the UT Administration, Municipal Corporation and enthusiastic cricketers.

The unveiling was led by Sagar Preet Hooda (IPS), DGP, Chandigarh Police and Sanjay Tandon, Chairman, Gully Cricket Tournament also the Governing Council Member, WPL (BCCI) in the presence of Pushpender Kumar, IGP, Rajeev Ranjan, DIG, Sumer Partap, SSP Traffic and Security, Manjit Sheoran, IPS SP Hqrs, K.M. Priyanka SP City and others. The organizers emphasized the tournament’s role in promoting sportsmanship, fitness and community engagement among youth, while also steering them away from harmful habits such as drug abuse.

The newly launched jersey features a vibrant, bold design with the spirited tagline “Balla Ghumao, Nasha Bhagao”, creatively blending the excitement of cricket with a strong social message. The initiative highlights how sports can serve as a powerful tool for positive change.

Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Minister of Haryana and H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, set to inaugurate the tournament during the opening ceremony on April 17, 2026, at Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh. .

Jointly organized by UTCA and Chandigarh Police, the Gully Cricket Tournament has grown into a major sporting event of the calendar year. It enjoys robust support from the Municipal Corporation, Social Welfare Department, Sports Department, Education Department and Chandigarh Administration.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Tandon, said, “This tournament is more than just a game. It’s a celebration of unity, teamwork and the undying love for cricket that binds our communities. We are thrilled to see the overwhelming response and look forward to an exciting season ahead.”

Present on the occasion includes former cricketer Reetinder Sodhi, DSP Vikas Sheokand, Ravinder Singh Bill, Co-Chairman, Gully Cricket, Saaransh Tandon, President, UTCA, Hari Singh Khurana Secretary, UTCA and other functionaries of Chandigarh Police and UTCA.

World Health Day: PGIMER Medical Researchers Turn Models at Fashion Show

Panchkula: To mark World Health Day in a befitting manner, a unique fashion show was organised by Jia Diamonds to acknowledge the contributions made by medical researchers towards society. The event provided a platform for medical researchers from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, to turn fashion models for the evening.

Speaking on the occasion, organiser of the fashion show,H C Goyal said, “This fashion show is not just about showcasing jewellery, but about paying a rich tribute to the medical fraternity on World Health Day. By bringing PGIMER researchers to do a fashion walk, we wanted to challenge conventional notions of beauty. These women represent strength, intelligence, and resilience, and deserve to be celebrated in every space—including fashion.”

The fashion show stood out for its distinctive concept—blending science with style—featuring four medical researchers from PGIMER Chandigarh alongside a professional model. Those who sashayed down the ramp included Tanisha Dimri and Poonam Kushan from the Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER; and Ishneet and Megha from PGIMER’s Department of Dermatology. All of them are working as medical researchers at PGI.

The participation of medical researchers added a meaningful dimension to the event, symbolizing the balance between demanding professional roles and personal expression. Adding a special touch to the showcase, a 10-year-old girl , who walked in the fashion show as the showstopper.

The fashion show was designed in three rounds—bridal, designer evening wear, and casual styling—demonstrating how fine jewellery can seamlessly complement every facet of a modern woman’s life. The event witnessed the presence of prominent members of the tricity, including senior bureaucrats, political dignitaries, and retired defence personnel.

The show was brought to life by a creative team including makeup artist Anjali Shukla, stylist Sagar Pal, and designer Prashik Pushplata Sukhnandan.

In conclusion, H.C. Goyal said, “This was not just a fashion walk—it was a celebration of the strength, balance, and human spirit behind every woman, especially those who dedicate their lives to serving others.”

GMR Sports and Rugby India Announce Second Edition of Rugby Premier League in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28

New Delhi, April 6

GMR Sports, in partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for the sport, announced that the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be held at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad, from June 16 to 28, 2026.

Following a successful inaugural edition last year in Mumbai, the Rugby Premier League returns in the fast-paced Rugby 7s format, aligning with the league’s long-term vision of accelerating the growth and global competitiveness of rugby in India. The second edition will feature the six franchises from the first edition, continuing to provide a high-performance platform that brings together leading Indian and international players, while offering fans an engaging and action-packed rugby experience.

The decision to host the league in Hyderabad aligns with GMR Sports’ broader commitment to developing world-class sporting ecosystems. The announcement follows GMR Sports’ recent signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana, with a shared focus on developing a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City, underscoring the Group’s strategic emphasis on sports infrastructure, innovation and athlete development.

Welcoming the league to Hyderabad, Sri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to Government (Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture & Sports Department), Government of Telangana, said: “Hyderabad’s emergence as a global sporting destination reflects Telangana’s long-term policy vision and institutional support for international partnerships. Events like the Rugby Premier League contribute significantly to tourism, urban visibility, and the broader sports economy of the State.”

Echoing this sentiment and outlining the league’s continued evolution, Mr. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said: “With everything one does in life, the quest is to always do better, be better, deliver better. That will continue to be the cornerstone of the RPL.”

Elaborating how this philosophy translates into the league’s execution, he added: “Building a world-class property will never be enough. We will always strive to deliver a better product for our fans, do better by our sponsors and last but not the least, be better partners for our franchises, their owners and their support staff. RPL 2026 at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad sets out to achieve all this and more. We promise a better fan experience, an even more thrilling quality of world-class rugby and a brilliant television and OTT product. As always, we cannot do anything alone. We rely on all our partners, including the media, to guide, advise and be the wind beneath our wings. Here’s to a cracking RPL 2026!”

Outlining GMR Sports’ decision to host the second edition in Hyderabad, Mr. Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports, said: “We’re delighted to announce that the second season of Rugby Premier League will be hosted in Hyderabad at the world-class Gachibowli Stadium. Hyderabad’s premier sports infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and passionate fan base make it the perfect home for the league. One of our franchise partners is rooted in Hyderabad, underscoring the city’s pivotal role in our long-term vision for rugby in India. This reflects GMR Sports’ commitment to growing participation, delivering world-class sporting experiences, and inspiring the next generation of athletes in Hyderabad and beyond.”

Highlighting the importance of the event from a high-performance perspective, Dr. A. Sonibala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), said: “Hosting the Rugby Premier League at the Gachibowli Stadium strengthens our high-performance ecosystem and provides invaluable exposure to emerging talent. Such international competitions accelerate athlete development and reinforce Telangana’s commitment to sporting excellence.”

With elite competition, a proven league format and a new host city, the second edition of the Rugby Premier League is set to deliver top-tier rugby action while continuing to play a pivotal role in the development of the sport in India.

About GMR Sports:

Founded in 2008, GMR Sports represents the sports sector of the GMR Group. It is driven by a mission to connect people, nurture talent, and establish sports as a powerful unifying platform both within India and globally. Committed to becoming a respected and influential brand in the sports industry, GMR Sports embarked on its journey with cricket, chosen for its widespread appeal as the ideal starting point for the Group’s first-ever sports venture.
The journey began with the Delhi Capitals, the city’s first-ever cricket franchise and the sole representative of India’s national capital in the IPL. As part of its mission to broaden its impact, GMR Sports soon diversified its portfolio, adding sports that resonate deeply with the Indian community.
The company now owns UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League and Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, additionally, has recently ventured into the league by acquiring rights to the Rugby Premium League, reinforcing its dedication to supporting regional talent and promoting indigenous sports.
Expanding its global footprint, GMR Sports now holds franchises in international markets, including Dubai Capitals in ILT20, Pretoria Capitals in SA20, Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (US), and Hampshire County Cricket Club in England. Through these initiatives, GMR Sports continues to strengthen its presence on the world stage.

Max Hospital showcases advanced AI, 3D technology in knee replacement

Chandigarh: Max Hospital Mohali on Monday showcased its advanced AI and 3D technology in knee replacement surgery.

Talking to the media, Dr. Tarandeep Singh Gill, director–ortho  & joint replacement said thatAI enables us to achieve a level of precision that was previously not possible, leading to better functional outcomes and faster recovery. This technology-driven approach is enhancing surgical precision, improving patient outcomes, and enabling faster recovery, said Dr Gill.

Rashtriya Lok Dal launches Chandigarh Unit ahead of Municipal Corporation elections

Chandigarh: Ahead of the Municipal Corporation Elections scheduled for December 2026, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) expanded its organisational presence by officially launching its Chandigarh Unit on Sunday.

The announcement was made by Trilok Tyagi, National General Secretary of the party, during a press conference held at Chandigarh Press Club. Several leaders and supporters also joined the party on the occasion. Tyagi was accompanied by Prabudh Kumar, National Secretary, Dilpreet Singh, State Convenor, Punjab, Vinay Pradhan, Incharge, J&K, OD Tyagi, State General Secretary, UP, Narinder Chikara, State General Secretary, Haryana and anjit Singh Mohali, State President, Punjab and others.

Addressing the media, Tyagi said the initiative was part of the party’s strategy to strengthen its organisational structure and expand its political footprint beyond its traditional strongholds. He said the party organisation is now active in 14 states across the country and will formally establish its organisational structure in Chandigarh, while special focus will also be placed on strengthening the party’s voice in Punjab.

He further informed that after its strong presence in western Uttar Pradesh, the party has expanded its base in Punjab and Haryana and is now looking to make its mark in Chandigarh. The party had recently contested elections on all seats in Jammu & Kashmir as part of its expansion strategy.

Regarding the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections, Tyagi affirmed that the party is preparing to contest the elections. He informed that a formal announcement of the executive body will be made soon and intensify the membership drive.

Raising issues related to Punjab, Tyagi said farmers suffered heavy losses during recent floods but have not yet received adequate compensation. He said the party will seek a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to raise farmers’ concerns and rights. He also expressed concern over the rising number of cancer cases in Punjab and said the government should address the issue on priority. In addition, he said the party will work towards promoting small-scale industries in the state to generate employment opportunities at the local level.

Those who joined the party on the occasion included Vidya Shankar Pathak, Ramayan Kushwaha, Uma Shankar Shukla, Sunil Kumar Pandey, Sudhir Goyal, Vikas Pathak and Harish Vashisht, along with several notable leaders from Azad Samaj Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.

Tyagi further said the party is also planning organisational expansion in the Union Territories of Puducherry and Ladakh. Responding to a question regarding the alliance with NDA and upcoming elections, he said organisational expansion is being handled by the party organisation, while alliance decisions are taken by the party leadership at the apex level.

The launch of the Chandigarh Unit is being seen as a key organisational expansion move ahead of the Municipal Corporation elections, with the party expected to build its base among urban voters, traders, employees and migrant communities from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana residing in Chandigarh.

RLD was founded in 1996 by former Union Minister Ajit Singh, son of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. Tyagi emphasised that the party’s core ideology focuses on farmers’ rights, rural development, social justice, federalism and secular politics.