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  • Amyra Dastur Applauds Language’s Elegant & Inclusive Fashion Showcase at Elante Mall

    Amyra Dastur Applauds Language’s Elegant & Inclusive Fashion Showcase at Elante Mall

    Amyra Dastur Applauds Language’s Elegant & Inclusive Fashion Showcase at Elante Mall
    Amyra Dastur Applauds Language’s Elegant & Inclusive Fashion Showcase at Elante Mall

    Chandigarh:
    Style met sophistication at Elante Mall, where Language, the premium unisex fashion brand, unveiled its elegant new collection in the presence of Bollywood actress and fashion icon Amyra Dastur. Known for its impeccably handcrafted leather shoes, bags, and accessories, Language continues to make waves in the lifestyle segment by blending modern minimalism with timeless design—catering gracefully to both men and women.

    The event attracted a crowd of fashion-forward influencers, media professionals, and style enthusiasts from Chandigarh, all eager to witness the brand’s chic showcase. From versatile leather footwear to sleek accessories, the presentation reflected Language’s core philosophy: quality craftsmanship, understated elegance, and inclusive fashion.

    Amyra Dastur, who added star power to the evening, lauded the brand for its thoughtful and gender-neutral design approach.

    “Language doesn’t need to scream to be heard—it has this quiet confidence,” she said. “What I really admire is how their pieces make a statement without being over-the-top. It’s fashion that celebrates individuality, regardless of gender, and that’s refreshing to see.”

    Also read: Punjab Govt Schools Set New Benchmark

    The brand’s display centered around neutral hues, fluid silhouettes, and clean lines—an aesthetic that transitions effortlessly from casual to formal. Whether you’re dressing for a meeting or a mellow evening out, Language’s collection promises versatility without compromising on elegance.

    The highlight of the evening wasn’t just the collection itself but the message of inclusivity it carried. With Amyra Dastur’s poised presence and her strong endorsement of the brand’s values, the event offered more than just fashion—it brought forth a progressive vision for Indian style, where beauty lies in simplicity, and design speaks to all.

  • Paras Health Pkl. Celebrates “National Surgeons Day”, Honours Surgical Team

    Paras Health Pkl. Celebrates “National Surgeons Day”, Honours Surgical Team

    Paras Health Pkl. Celebrates “National Surgeons Day”, Honours Surgical Team

    Paras Health Panchkula Celebrates National Surgeons Day, Honours Surgical Team

    Panchkula: 16 June
    On the occasion of National Surgeons Day, Paras Health Panchkula recognized and honoured its dedicated surgical team for their exceptional contributions to patient care. The event was part of a larger, countrywide initiative by Paras Health, also held at its other major centers in Gurugram, Kanpur, Patna, Darbhanga, Udaipur, Jaipur, Ujjain, Ranchi, and Srinagar.

    The event began with a warm welcome address by Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Facility Director, and was attended by senior doctors, hospital staff, and patients. A total of 22 surgeons were felicitated with certificates and commemorative mementoes for their excellence in surgery, leadership, and overall contributions both within and beyond the operation theatre.

    As part of the celebration, the hospital also hosted several short scientific sessions, where surgeons shared insights on complex procedures and the latest advancements in medical science. These sessions showcased the depth of expertise and innovation within the team.

    The program took a touching turn with emotional testimonials from patients, many of whom shared personal stories of how timely surgeries had saved or transformed their lives. Some of these messages were delivered in person on stage, while others were shared via video messages—each reflecting deep gratitude and trust in the medical team.

    Read also: Latest Vaccine Innovations and Public Health Strategies

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Pankaj Mittal said,

    “Being a surgeon goes far beyond the operating room. It’s about standing beside people during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. At Paras Health, we work as a united team where every success is built on collaboration, trust, and continuous learning.”

    He further added that Paras Health Panchkula remains committed to empowering its medical professionals and improving patient care. The hospital’s “Patient First” philosophy ensures that every patient receives not just top-quality treatment, but also compassionate and humane care.

  • Punjab Govt Schools Set New Benchmark: 474 Students Qualify NEET 2025

    Punjab Govt Schools Set New Benchmark: 474 Students Qualify NEET 2025

    Punjab Govt Schools Set New Benchmark: 474 Students Qualify NEET 2025

    Punjab Govt Schools Set New Benchmark: 474 Students Qualify NEET 2025

    Chandigarh, June 15:
    In a significant academic milestone, 474 students from Punjab’s government schools have qualified the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2025, underscoring the state’s growing emphasis on quality education. The announcement was made by Punjab’s School Education Minister, S. Harjot Singh Bains, who lauded the students’ stellar performance and extended his best wishes for their future in the medical profession.

    Describing the achievement as a proud moment for the state, Bains said, “The success of these students in one of India’s toughest medical entrance exams is a shining example of the Mann Government’s focused investment in education. It reflects both the dedication of our students and the relentless efforts of their teachers.”

    He further highlighted that in addition to the NEET results, government school students in Punjab also demonstrated outstanding performance in engineering entrance exams this year — with 265 students qualifying for JEE (Mains) and 44 clearing the prestigious JEE (Advanced).

    Read also: Fast Track Punjab Portal’ for Investor Approvals

    “This is not just a statistical achievement; it is a strong validation of the transformation happening in our government schools. We are committed to building an environment that nurtures talent, encourages academic growth, and ensures access to high-quality education,” Bains added.

    He credited the continued support of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann in strengthening Punjab’s public education system and emphasized the government’s resolve to identify and uplift meritorious students through sustained reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and holistic development programs.

    The Education Minister concluded by expressing confidence that Punjab’s youth, empowered with education and opportunities, will continue to make the state proud on national and global stages.

  • Jathia Devi Satellite Township Work to Begin in October as Master Plan Gets Approval

    Jathia Devi Satellite Township Work to Begin in October as Master Plan Gets Approval

    Jathia Devi Satellite Township Work to Begin in October as Master Plan Gets Approval

    Jathia Devi Satellite Township Work to Begin in October as Master Plan Gets Approval

    Shimla, June 14:
    After years of delay, construction on the ambitious Jathia Devi satellite township is finally set to begin this October. The Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) has received the master plan from Tata Consultants and will launch Phase I of the project using state funds under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

    Initially envisioned over a decade ago to decongest Shimla, the township will be developed 14 km from the state capital. Spread over 1,944 bighas, the master plan includes flats, villas, eco-resorts, and supporting infrastructure. However, financial roadblocks had stalled progress, with earlier attempts to secure Central funding proving unsuccessful.

    “We were hoping for Central assistance, but with no confirmation yet, we are moving ahead with our own resources for the first phase,” confirmed Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani. He added that the upcoming phase will begin on 250 bighas of land, with formalities underway to acquire an additional 350 bighas from the Industries Department. More land will be acquired from private owners as needed.

    The satellite township is seen as a crucial step in relieving Shimla from mounting civic issues such as traffic congestion, water scarcity, and unplanned construction. “This project is essential for Shimla’s future livability and sustainability,” Dharmani emphasized.

    Read also: Renuka Dam Gets Final Forest Clearance

    The project has a long history, initially gaining traction during the tenure of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh when a partnership with a Singapore-based company was explored. However, restrictions by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on high-rise buildings in hill areas rendered the earlier proposal economically unfeasible.

    The state government had also submitted a detailed project report (DPR) seeking Rs 500 crore from the Urban Challenge Fund under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. While no funding has materialized yet, states like Sikkim, Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh are also competing for similar mountain township initiatives.

    With or without Central aid, HIMUDA is now determined to move forward—marking a fresh chapter in Himachal’s urban development efforts.

  • Satya Pal Jain Inaugurates Children’s Play “Likes, Lays and Labels” at Punjab Kala Bhavan

    Satya Pal Jain Inaugurates Children’s Play “Likes, Lays and Labels” at Punjab Kala Bhavan

    Satya Pal Jain Inaugurates Children’s Play “Likes, Lays and Labels” at Punjab Kala Bhavan

    Satya Pal Jain Inaugurates Play on Digital-Age Parenting at Punjab Kala Bhavan

    Chandigarh, June 14 – Former Member of Parliament and Additional Solicitor General of India, Satya Pal Jain, inaugurated a thought-provoking children’s play titled “Likes, Lays and Labels” at Punjab Kala Bhavan, Chandigarh. The play explores the challenges of modern parenting in the digital age, blending entertainment with a strong social message.

    In his address, Jain praised the initiative, commending the organizers for using theatre to spotlight a critical issue. “It is heartening to witness such young minds grappling with important social themes through drama. These efforts sow the seeds of awareness and empathy from an early age,” he said.

    The play creatively depicted the growing influence of social media validation, peer pressure, and brand obsession on today’s children. Its engaging narrative encouraged parents and guardians to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in raising children amidst the pressures of the digital world.

    Read also: MP Tewari Must Present His One-Year Report Card to Chandigarh Residents

    “Likes, Lays and Labels” delivered a compelling mix of humor and insight, highlighting the emotional and psychological aspects of parenting in the internet era. The audience responded with appreciation for the play’s timely message and impactful storytelling.

    This initiative is being hailed as a powerful reminder of the role of art in shaping societal perspectives and starting meaningful conversations about youth, technology, and parenting.

  • CCA Punjab and PGIMER Chandigarh Join Hands for Life-Saving Blood Donation Camp

    CCA Punjab and PGIMER Chandigarh Join Hands for Life-Saving Blood Donation Camp

    CCA Punjab and PGIMER Chandigarh Join Hands for Life-Saving Blood Donation Camp

    CCA Punjab and PGIMER Chandigarh Join Hands for Life-Saving Blood Donation Camp

    Chandigarh, June 13: The Office of the Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA), Punjab—under the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), New Delhi—partnered with the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, to organize a blood donation camp on June 13, 2025.

    Held in the spirit of public service and community health, the event saw enthusiastic participation from the officers and staff of the CCA office. Dr. Mandeep Singh, Joint Controller, highlighted the life-saving importance of blood donation and lauded it as one of the noblest contributions to society.

    Read also: Spotlight on Latest Vaccine Innovations and Public Health Strategies

    Leading the team of volunteers, Sh. Akshay Gupta, Deputy Controller, shared his personal commitment to the cause, stating he is a regular donor and encourages others to follow suit.

    Read also: Spotlight on Latest Vaccine Innovations and Public Health Strategies

    Dr. R R Sharma, Professor and Head of the Department of Transfusion Medicine at PGIMER, appreciated the collaborative effort and called it a commendable act of social responsibility. All donors received “Certificates of Appreciation” from Dr. Sharma and the State Blood Transfusion Council, UT Chandigarh, in recognition of their contribution.

    The event not only reinforced the value of voluntary blood donation but also showcased how inter-institutional collaboration can positively impact public health.

  • PGIVAC 2025 Concludes with Day 5 Spotlight on Latest Vaccine Innovations and Public Health Strategies

    PGIVAC 2025 Concludes with Day 5 Spotlight on Latest Vaccine Innovations and Public Health Strategies

    PGIVAC 2025 Concludes with Day 5 Spotlight on Latest Vaccine Innovations and Public Health Strategies

    PGIVAC 2025 Concludes with Day 5 Spotlight on Latest Vaccine Innovations and Public Health Strategies

    Chandigarh, June 13 – The final day of the PGIVAC 2025 summit concluded with a powerful focus on the theme “Update on Current and New Vaccines,” offering an in-depth review of the latest vaccine science, innovations, and public health strategies across all age groups.

    The day began with a thought-provoking plenary by Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, who advocated a life-course approach to immunization, underscoring the importance of vaccine protection from infancy through old age. Dr. Suneela Garg followed with an urgent appeal to strengthen adult immunization strategies in India, while Dr. Kamini Walia drew a crucial connection between vaccination and the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

    Adding to the practical aspect of adult immunization, Dr. Lalit Sankhe and Dr. Muralidhar Tambe shared valuable insights from operational adult vaccination clinics. Dr. Veena Kamath presented the latest updates on adult pneumococcal vaccines, and a trio of experts—Dr. Parvinder Kaur Chawla, Dr. Ashish Bhalla, and Dr. Rashmi Bagga—reviewed advancements in vaccines for shingles, meningococcal disease, cholera, hepatitis A, HPV, and tuberculosis. Dr. Swayampragyan Parida concluded the pre-lunch session with updates on travel vaccines.

    Read also: Global Strategies for Strengthening National Immunization

    The afternoon shifted focus to pediatric immunization, with Dr. Sanjay Verma and Dr. Unmesh Upadhyay discussing licensed childhood and adolescent vaccines, including pneumococcal, hexavalent, typhoid, and RSV vaccines. In subsequent sessions, Dr. Omesh Bharti, Dr. Harpreet Singh, and Dr. Jerome Kim presented vital updates on vaccines targeting rabies, dengue, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. Dr. Vivek Sagar highlighted new research on the Group A Streptococcus vaccine, and Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal addressed the intersection of climate change and immunization delivery.

    The final technical session, led by Dr. Tarun Saluja, focused on the potential of public-private partnerships to accelerate vaccine research and development, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

    The day concluded with a valedictory session where Dr. Sanjay Jain, Dean of Research at PGIMER, presented course completion certificates to all PGIVAC participants.

    With the successful culmination of its five-day agenda, PGIVAC 2025 reaffirmed its status as a leading platform for advancing global vaccine knowledge and nurturing the next generation of vaccinologists and public health champions.

  • MP Manish Tewari Must Present His One-Year Report Card to Chandigarh Residents: BJP’s Naresh Arora

    MP Manish Tewari Must Present His One-Year Report Card to Chandigarh Residents: BJP’s Naresh Arora

    MP Manish Tewari Must Present His One-Year Report Card to Chandigarh Residents: BJP’s Naresh Arora

    MP Manish Tewari Must Present His One-Year Report Card to Chandigarh Residen

    Chandigarh, June 13 — On the completion of one year in office by Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari, BJP state spokesperson Naresh Arora has demanded that the Congress-AAP alliance MP present an account of his work. Arora claimed that since Tewari took office, development in Chandigarh has come to a near standstill.

    He alleged that none of the promises made in the joint manifesto released during the elections have been fulfilled. “Manish Tewari is attending celebratory events marking one year in office, but he has not held a single public interaction or Janata Darbar to engage directly with the people of Chandigarh,” said Arora.

    Read also: Global Strategies for Strengthening National Immunization

    Raising specific concerns, Arora said the city’s youth are still waiting to hear what initiatives have been taken for their welfare. He also questioned the steps taken for women’s safety and reminded Tewari of the unfulfilled promise of ₹8,500 in monthly support. Senior citizens, too, according to Arora, are eager to know what actions have been taken for their benefit.

    “Simply asking questions in Parliament does not prove an MP’s capability. What matters is the ground-level impact of those questions,” Arora asserted, adding that the people of Chandigarh expect visible action in the remainder of Tewari’s term.

  • Day 4 of PGIVAC 2025 Showcases Global Strategies for Strengthening National Immunization Programs

    Day 4 of PGIVAC 2025 Showcases Global Strategies for Strengthening National Immunization Programs

    Day 4 of PGIVAC 2025 Showcases Global Strategies for Strengthening National Immunization Programs

    Day 4 of PGIVAC 2025 Showcases Global Strategies for Strengthening National Immunization Programs

    Chandigarh, PGIMER // On the fourth day of the 4th Postgraduate International Vaccinology Course (PGIVAC 2025), global and national experts gathered to explore one of the most pressing topics in public health: the integration of vaccines into national immunisation programs. The focus of the day was clear: leveraging data, innovation, and collaboration to make life-saving vaccines accessible to every child.

    The day began with a keynote by Dr. Narendra K. Arora, Executive Director of The INCLEN Trust International, who set the tone by stressing the importance of evidence-based policy-making. Dr. Arora highlighted how strong, real-time data can drive strategic decisions in national immunisation efforts.

    Dr. Pawan Kumar, Additional Commissioner at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, followed with a detailed presentation on India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). He explained the scale and complexity of UIP and shared insights into its policy framework, digital integration, and ongoing advancements. These include improvements in typhoid surveillance, zero-dose coverage strategies, and streamlined vaccine rollout supported by robust IT systems.

    Dr. Jacob John from Christian Medical College, Vellore, and Dr. Brian Wahl from the Yale School of Public Health focused on the science behind vaccine decisions. They offered practical approaches to assessing disease burdens and converting this data into policies that save lives.

    Dr. Arindam Ray, India Country Lead for Immunisation and Surveillance at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare systems to ensure vaccines reach the most vulnerable populations. His talk highlighted the integration of new vaccines into public health programs and the need for equity-driven coverage.

    The afternoon brought a series of experience-sharing sessions that offered a global perspective. Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, EPI Manager from Nepal, shared the country’s success story in rolling out the HPV vaccine, while Dr. Samitha Ginige from Sri Lanka discussed their milestones in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases.

    Dr. Suresh Dalpath from the William J. Clinton Foundation addressed the challenge of reaching zero-dose and under-vaccinated children in low- and middle-income countries, offering field-level insights and practical solutions.

    Innovation took center stage in the latter half of the day. Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh discussed new technologies transforming immunisation practices. He was followed by Dr. Santosh Ramesh Taur from Pfizer, who spotlighted cutting-edge breakthroughs in vaccine platforms and the importance of a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health.

    Dr. Jeffrey Cannon of the Telethon Kids Institute, Australia, rounded out the session with a compelling analysis of the economic implications of introducing Group A Streptococcus vaccines, stressing the value of investing in prevention over treatment.

    Read also: PGI Cardiologist Launches Book on Complex CTO Intervention Techniques at Indo-Japanese Meet

    The day ended with an engaging Panel Discussion featuring experts such as Dr. Pawan Kumar, Dr. Navneet Bichha, and Dr. Shankar Prinja from GAVI, who explored the real-world challenges in implementing new vaccines at a national scale. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss barriers, and brainstorm solutions with global leaders in vaccinology.

    Closing the day, Dr. Madhu Gupta, Course Director, reflected on the central theme: ensuring no child is left behind in immunisation efforts. She reiterated that building resilient health systems, using data effectively, and embracing innovation are critical to achieving global immunization goals and safeguarding public health worldwide.

  • Astronomy Olympiad OCSC 2025 Concludes Successfully at IISER Mohali; Team India Announced for IOAA 2025

    Astronomy Olympiad OCSC 2025 Concludes Successfully at IISER Mohali; Team India Announced for IOAA 2025

    Astronomy Olympiad OCSC 2025 Concludes Successfully at IISER Mohali; Team India Announced for IOAA 2025

    Mohali, June 11, 2025: The prestigious Astronomy Olympiad Orientation Cum Selection Camp (OCSC) 2025 concluded today at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, marking a major milestone in India’s science outreach calendar. The event aimed to nurture and evaluate some of the country’s brightest young minds in the field of astronomy, and culminated with the announcement of the five-member Indian team set to participate in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025, to be held in Mumbai this August.

    Out of nearly 500 students who competed nationwide through the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad, 54 were shortlisted for the OCSC based on their ranks and academic levels. Ultimately, 37 students attended the camp, which featured rigorous academic training and assessments across theory, data analysis, and observational astronomy.

    The intensive two-week camp included lectures, problem-solving tutorials, telescope handling sessions, and guided night-sky observations. While traditionally hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE-TIFR), this year’s OCSC was conducted at IISER Mohali, as HBCSE prepares to host the IOAA itself.

    A collaborative team of astronomers from reputed institutes, such as the Central University of Haryana, IIT Kanpur, Ashoka University, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and others, contributed to the training and mentorship. Esteemed resource persons also joined from premier research institutions, including the Raman Research Institute and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics.

    The valedictory function, held on June 11, featured a keynote address by Professor Dipankar Bhattacharya of Ashoka University on “Imaging in Different Wavebands in Astronomy.” Medals were awarded by Professor Kulinder Pal Singh of IISER Mohali, and certificates by Professor Bhattacharya, under the auspices of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).

    The five students selected to represent India at IOAA 2025 are:

    • Aarush Mishra – Winner of the C.L. Bhat Memorial Award for overall best performance
    • Sumant Gupta – Recognized for best performance in observational tests
    • Banibrata Majee
    • Panini
    • Akshat Srivastava – Winner in both theory and data analysis

    Read also: Ferozepur’s top students spend ‘inspirational day’ with DC, SSP

    The Indian team will be guided at IOAA by veteran leaders Professor Jasjeet Singh Bagla and Dr. Harvinder Kaur Jassal. Accompanying scientific observers will include Dr. Kinjalk Lochan, Dr. Pankaj Kushwaha, Dr. Jaswant Yadav, and Dr. Mamta Gulati.

    With the successful conclusion of OCSC 2025, India gears up with renewed vigor and high hopes for an inspiring performance on the international stage.