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GMBCA Mega Punjab Trials
Chandigarh, Punjab, Tri-City Update

GMBCA Mega Punjab Trials to Select 4,000 Players for Box Cricket League

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Trials aim to provide youth with a professional sports career and curb drug abuse trends. Chandigarh: The GM Box Cricket Association (GMBCA) announced the launch of Mega Tennis Ball Box Cricket Trials across Punjab and the Tricity region during a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club on Monday. The initiative aims to select 4,000 talented boys and girls for the Season 1 Players Pool under the GMBCA Mega Punjab Trials. Addressing the media, GMBCA Founder Baba Inder Preet Singh described the initiative as a formally organized and recognized grassroots sports platform designed to create a positive social impact. He stated, “This initiative will help steer Punjab’s youth away from drug addiction, the increasing trend of going abroad, and income-related challenges by offering them a professional sports career.” According to Singh, the trials will be conducted from January 2026 across all districts of Punjab for participants aged 15 to 45 years, with a registration fee of ₹900. He added that selected players could earn ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per month, while annual earnings through league matches, tournaments and endorsements could range between ₹40 lakh and ₹60 lakh. He emphasized that the initiative aims to establish tennis ball box cricket as a sustainable and respectable livelihood option for aspiring players. GMBCA has also appealed to cricket tournament organizers, academies and coaches across all 23 districts of Punjab to associate with the organization as District Coordinators to strengthen grassroots participation. During the press conference, UP State Coordinator Rakesh Rastogi and Delhi State Coordinator Sukhvinder Singh Sokhi shared experiences of enthusiastic youth participation and strong responses in their respective states. Coordination committee members Mukesh Chauhan, Sukhvinder Singh (Sukhi), Gurpreet Kaur and Rahul were also present. The association announced that trials will be conducted in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Maharashtra. The detailed schedule will be released shortly on www.gmbca.org. Two Professional Platforms for Selected Players Selected players will be offered opportunities through two structured platforms.Platform 1 will be the Gali Mohalla Cricket League (GMCL) – Season 1 (2025–26), where selected batsmen, bowlers, wicketkeepers and all-rounders will compete. State-level teams will be formed by GMBCA’s expert committee to participate in district, state, national and international leagues. The league will award ₹11 lakh to the national winning team and ₹5 lakh to the runner-up. Platform 2 will involve the creation of category-wise players’ pools followed by professional training camps. Player profiles will be shared with national and international tennis ball box cricket tournament organizers, franchise owners and cricket boards. Through this platform, players will be able to participate in competitions in India and abroad, earning income through match fees, endorsements and professional contracts, thereby building a long-term career in tennis ball box cricket.

State-of-the-art Cath Lab
Mohali, Tri-City Update

ClearMedi Bahra Hospital Launches Advanced Cath Lab for Precision Cardiac Care

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Facility aims to boost emergency heart treatment with cutting-edge technology Kharar/Mohali, December 10, 2025: ClearMedi Bahra Multispeciality Hospital, located on the Kharar–Kurali Road in Mohali, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Cath Lab, significantly advancing precision-driven cardiac care and emergency heart treatment for the region. The launch was accompanied by a press conference attended by senior leadership, including Cdr Navneet Bali, Executive Director & CEO, ClearMedi Healthcare; Dr. Rohit Mody, Director – Cardiac Sciences; Dr. K.K. Talwar, Director – Cardiology; Dr. Mandeep Singh, Interventional Cardiologist; and Mr. Vivaan Singh Gill, Facility Director. Speaking at the event, Cdr Navneet Bali, ED & CEO, said, “At ClearMedi, our motto is Everyone, Everywhere, Equally. In keeping with this, we focus on ‘Treatment First,’ and the payment aspect comes only after proper treatment is given. We never ask for money when a patient comes in an emergency or even otherwise, as is done in most corporate hospitals. Our focus is on immediate treatment of the patient.” Highlighting the significance of the new facility, he added, “Heart disease remains one of the leading health challenges, and with infrastructure like the state-of-the-art Cath Lab, ClearMedi is dedicated to bringing global cardiac solutions to Punjab with transparency, quality, and timely intervention.” The newly inaugurated Cath Lab features next-generation imaging technologies and digital cardiac mapping systems, providing accurate diagnostics and enabling faster recovery. The setup aligns with global treatment standards and enhances the hospital’s ability to perform complex cardiac procedures. Dr. K.K. Talwar, Director – Cardiology, said, “The technology integrated into this Cath Lab allows us to perform complex cardiac procedures with enhanced safety and precision. Our aim is to deliver cardiac excellence that matches leading national and international heart centres.”Dr. Talwar is a Padma Bhushan awardee and a former Head of Cardiology at AIIMS, New Delhi, and PGIMER, Chandigarh. The Cath Lab enables a comprehensive range of real-time cardiac interventions, including coronary angiography and angioplasty, 24×7 primary angioplasty for heart attacks, pacemaker and ICD implantation, CRT device therapy, valvuloplasty, peripheral vascular procedures, complex rhythm disorder management, and precision-guided cardiac diagnostics. The facility is now equipped with advanced technology, specialist expertise, and round-the-clock emergency cardiac support. Emphasising emergency readiness, Dr. Rohit Mody, Director – Cardiac Sciences, said, “Our 24×7 model ensures heart attack cases are treated immediately with primary angioplasty, significantly lowering the risk of long-term damage and complications.” He added that rapid stabilization capabilities, emergency protocols, and specialist availability ensure life-saving care within the golden hour. Dr. Mandeep Singh, Interventional Cardiologist, said, “With this Cath Lab, we aim to make world-class cardiac interventions accessible right here, without the need for patients to travel to metro cities. From angioplasty to complex cardiac procedures, our focus remains compassionate, timely, and evidence-based care.” The facility is expected to transform cardiac healthcare access across Kharar, Ropar, Bassi, Kurali, and nearby regions, where patients previously had to travel to Chandigarh or other metro hubs for urgent cardiac intervention. The initiative is part of ClearMedi’s broader mission to expand tertiary-level specialties in regional centres and ensure equitable access to advanced healthcare without tier-based disparities.

Sneh-Sajha Utsav
Chandigarh

Chandigarh Tamil Sangam Honors 250 Housekeeping Heroes at Sneh-Sajha Utsav

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Annual welfare event recognizes frontline workers who keep the city clean and dignified. Chandigarh: Chandigarh Tamil Sangam organized its annual social welfare event, Sneh-Sajha Utsav, dedicated to honoring the often-unseen heroes who keep the City Beautiful clean, orderly, and dignified. During the ceremony, more than 250 housekeeping workers were recognized for their daily service, commitment, and contribution to maintaining cleanliness across the city. The event was held at Bharathi Bhavan at 12:30 PM, with Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, attending as the Chief Guest. His presence added significance to the initiative aimed at celebrating frontline workers. Several dignitaries were also present, including G. Madhavan, IAS (Retd.); Raji Pramod Srivastava, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Freedom Fighters Department, Punjab Government; J.M. Balamurugan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department, Punjab Government; C.G. Rajini Kanthan, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Finance Department, Haryana Government; and P. Abhinandan, DANIPS, DSP, UT Chandigarh. Senior community members such as S.P. Rajasekaran, Shiva Subramanian, Gunasekaran, and office-bearers of the Tamil Sangam also attended. Read More: Fortis Mohali Performs Breakthrough TPVR Procedure on 31-Year-Old Patient About Chandigarh Tamil Sangam Chandigarh Tamil Sangam, established with the objective of preserving Tamil culture and promoting social harmony, has been connecting communities for decades. Through cultural, literary, and welfare activities—including Tamil literary festivals, classical music and Bharatanatyam programs, celebrations of Pongal, Navratri, and Thiruvalluvar Day, educational scholarships, health camps, blood donation drives, and annual welfare schemes—it continues to contribute significantly to society. Among its flagship initiatives, Sneh-Sajha Utsav stands out as one of its most humane efforts, promoting the spirit of seva (service) and community goodwill. Theme and Purpose of the Event This year’s event carried a clear and powerful message:“Those who keep the city clean deserve our highest respect and warmth.” Every participating housekeeping worker received blankets and appreciation gifts as a gesture of gratitude for their continuous hard work and dedication to maintaining public hygiene. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Chandigarh Tamil Sangam reaffirmed its commitment to expanding such welfare programs in the future to strengthen cultural harmony, respect and unity across the city.

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement
Mohali, Tri-City Update

Fortis Mohali Performs Breakthrough TPVR Procedure on 31-Year-Old Patient

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Minimally invasive cardiac valve replacement saves patient with complex condition Chandigarh, December 4, 2025: In a significant medical breakthrough, Fortis Hospital Mohali has successfully performed its first Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (TPVR) on a 31-year-old male patient suffering from a complex congenital cardiac condition. This marks one of the first such procedures conducted by a private hospital in North India outside the Delhi-NCR region. The patient was admitted with severe symptoms, including shortness of breath, dizziness, and right-sided heart failure. Medical evaluation revealed dilation and dysfunction of the right atrium and right ventricle, leading to acute breathlessness, generalized swelling, liver enlargement, and early liver failure—conditions that posed a significant risk to the patient’s long-term survival. According to doctors, the patient had undergone intracardiac repair as a child for a congenital defect, during which a pulmonary valve was implanted to regulate blood flow from the right heart to the lungs. Over time, the valve deteriorated, prompting a second valve replacement at a leading New Delhi hospital. The second valve also failed, resulting in advanced complications. With open-heart surgery deemed highly risky, the cardiac team opted for the minimally invasive Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement approach. During the procedure, a sheath was inserted through the groin vein, enabling the medical team—led by Dr. R.K. Jaswal, Head of Department and Director of Cardiology and Director – Cathlabs—to navigate and deploy a new valve at the junction of the right heart and the main pulmonary artery. The procedure was completed successfully, and the patient was discharged the very next day. Explaining the process, Dr. Jaswal said, “Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (TPVR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a faulty pulmonary valve using a catheter inserted through a vein in the leg or chest, eliminating the need for an open-heart surgery. When the pulmonary valve becomes dysfunctional, the right heart fails, and blood flow to the lungs is compromised. This affects the entire body. TPVR avoids major cuts or surgery, and recovery is fast—patients are usually able to go home within 24 hours.” He added that Fortis Hospital Mohali has built strong capabilities in cardiac sciences, positioning itself as a Centre of Excellence in the region. The successful completion of this TPVR procedure highlights Fortis Mohali’s expanding expertise in advanced, minimally invasive cardiac interventions and its growing role in treating complex congenital heart conditions.

SHO Jasvir Singh fire incident
Punjab

SHO Set on Fire During Violent Protest by Contract Workers in Punjab’s Sangrur

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Roadways employees’ strike turns violent as protesters allegedly pour petrol on Dhuri SHO Jasvir Singh; 25 arrested Sangrur: A major incident unfolded in Punjab’s Sangrur district on Friday when Dhuri SHO Jasvir Singh was allegedly set on fire during a violent protest by Punjab Roadways and PRTC (PEPSU) contract employees. The shocking visuals from the site showed flames engulfing the officer as fellow policemen rushed to his aid, using their jackets to douse the fire. According to early reports, Punjab Roadways and PRTC workers had called for a statewide strike to protest against the kilometer scheme and contractual employment policies. Demonstrations were held across Punjab, but tensions escalated in Sangrur when a group of protesters climbed onto buses with bottles of petrol in their hands. Witnesses stated that while SHO Jasvir Singh attempted to intervene and stop the protesters from sprinkling petrol, some of the fuel came in contact with him, triggering the fire. In the chaos that followed, police personnel acted swiftly and managed to extinguish the flames, preventing a potentially fatal tragedy. Officials confirmed that the SHO sustained serious burn injuries on his face, head, and hands, but his condition is reported to be stable. He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Soon after the incident, the police launched a crackdown and arrested around 25 protesters for their alleged involvement. An investigation is underway to determine who directly ignited the fire and how the situation spiraled out of control. The violent turn of events has shocked the region, raising serious questions about protest safety and law-and-order preparedness. Authorities stated that strict action will be taken against those responsible.

350th Shaheedi Diwas
Chandigarh

Chandigarh Gurdwara to Mark 350th Shaheedi Diwas with Week-Long Samagam

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Special Akhand Path, Kirtan Diwans and Light & Sound Show planned in Sector 8, Chandigarh Chandigarh, 22 November 2025: Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin, Sector 8, Chandigarh, has announced an extensive series of religious programmes to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The Gurmat Samagam, which began on 17 November 2025, will continue until 25 November 2025. As part of the observance, a special Akhand Path Sahib commenced on 21 November 2025. This was followed by an evening Diwan featuring Gurbani Kirtan by noted Ragis, including Bhai Harmanjit Singh “Paara”, Bhai Gurnoor Singh, Bhai Balbir Singh, and Bhai Simranjeet Singh. A dedicated Light and Sound Show illustrating the life, sacrifices, and spiritual legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was also organised, offering the Sangat an immersive experience into the historical significance of the occasion. Read More: Grand Nagar Kirtan Marks 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Extending an open invitation to the community, the management urged the Sangat to participate in the spiritually enriching events. Sh. Sukhjinder Singh Behl, President of Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin, said the initiative reflects the Gurdwara’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and to honouring this historic milestone. The concluding day of the week-long Samagam will be 25 November 2025, marked by the Bhog of Akhand Path Sahib, followed by a special Diwan. Prominent Ragi Jathas set to perform include Bhai Charanjit Singh (Kotli Anandpur Sahib), Bhai Inder Singh (Ludhiana), Bhai Harpal Singh (Hazoori Ragi Sri Darbar Sahib), and Bhai Karnail Singh (Mohali). The series of events is being organised under the patronage of Sh. Bhag Singh and Sh. Satnam Singh Randhawa, highlighting collective efforts to pay tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Finnish early childhood education
Panchkula, Tri-City Update

Kinder Panda Brings Authentic Finnish Early Childhood Education to Tricity

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Oni Education Finland leaders visit Panchkula as school introduces Finland’s curriculum Panchkula: Kinder Panda Play School has become the first institution in the Tricity region to introduce authentic Finnish early childhood education, marking a major milestone in global learning collaboration. The school hosted a special Meet and Greet event to welcome Oni Education Finland’s CEO Mr. Olli Kamunen and Country Head Rachna Lalwani during their official visit to India. The initiative strengthens Kinder Panda’s partnership with Oni Education, an organisation registered with the Government of Finland. Through this collaboration, the school has implemented a holistic, research-based curriculum inspired by Finnish pedagogy. The programme integrates innovation with Indian values and offers young learners early exposure to STEM, AI, robotics, and foreign languages such as French and German. Highlighting world-class standards, the school showcased its inquiry-based learning environment, expert educators, modern infrastructure, field trips, and a Finnish-inspired daycare programme. Read More: Young Innovator Shaurya Prabh Sharma Launches ‘PANJAB INC’ Reframing Punjab’s Legacy Kinder Panda Director Sikander Singh said the visit marked “a milestone in our journey towards global educational excellence.” He added, “Bringing authentic Finnish pedagogy to the Tricity is not just an achievement—it is a responsibility we proudly uphold. Our collaboration with Oni Education strengthens our vision to nurture confident, curious, and future-ready young learners.” Principal Sapna Chandel emphasised the school’s commitment to meaningful early learning. “At Kinder Panda, we believe early childhood education should be joyful, purposeful, and aligned with global best practices. The presence of our esteemed partners from Finland further reinforces our commitment to providing world-class learning experiences,” she said. During their India tour, the Finnish delegation and Kinder Panda leadership were also hosted for an exclusive dinner by the Ambassador of Finland at the Embassy in New Delhi. The meeting reflected the shared dedication to advancing international education standards. Kinder Panda Play School continues to set new benchmarks in early childhood education, aiming to create an environment where children learn with joy, confidence, and a global perspective.

Guru Tegh Bahadur 350th Anniversary
Chandigarh

Grand Nagar Kirtan Marks 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur

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Procession draws thousands as dignitaries join commemorations across Chandigarh. Chandigarh:A grand Nagar Kirtan was taken out on Friday to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru revered for defending human rights and upholding religious freedom. Organised by the Chandigarh Gurdwara Asthapan Committee, Sector 22-D, the procession witnessed participation from various gurdwara committees, religious bodies and social service organisations. The event began with an Ardas by Singh Sahib Bhai Kuldeep Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar. A beautifully adorned Palki Sahib carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib and accompanied by the Sachkhand Palki Sahib Jatha remained the spiritual centre of devotion for the sangat. The Panj Pyare led the procession, upholding the rich sanctity and tradition of Gurmat. Several prominent personalities joined the commemorative Nagar Kirtan and paid floral tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur. Among those present were Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Satnam Singh Sandhu, former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, Baba Gurdev Singh Nankasar, Chandigarh Congress President Sardar Harmohinder Singh Lucky, Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla and former Punjab Cabinet Minister Sardar Daljit Singh Cheema. The procession began from Sector 22-D and passed through key markets of Sectors 17, 18, 8, 7, 19, 27, 30, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24. It concluded in the evening at Sector 37-C via Sector 36. Along the entire route, local gurdwara committees, market associations and social groups welcomed the devotees with langar and refreshments. At the culmination of the event, Committee President Sardar Amarjit Singh Chadha and General Secretary Sardar Gurjot Singh Sohni expressed gratitude to the sangat and partner organisations for their support. Representatives from numerous religious, social and political organisations were also present, adding grace to the occasion. The committee additionally acknowledged the contribution of the Chandigarh Police Pipe Band. Read More: Deed Writers Slam Haryana’s Paperless Registry, Cite Major System Flaws

Haryana Paperless Registry
Chandigarh, Haryana Update

Deed Writers Slam Haryana’s Paperless Registry, Cite Major System Flaws

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Association seeks faceless tehsil offices, stricter controls and five-member reform panel. Chandigarh:The Haryana Deed Writer Welfare Association has strongly criticised the state’s paperless registry system, calling it a half-prepared model that is causing significant inconvenience to citizens. The concerns were raised during a meeting held at the Chandigarh Press Club under the leadership of Association President Pradeep Kumar Sharma. Sharma said the organisation supports digital reforms but believes the rollout of the Haryana Paperless Registry was rushed and inadequately planned. “If the system had been implemented with strong preparation, it could have become the best model in the country. But due to incomplete readiness, more shortcomings are visible than benefits,” he stated. A key issue highlighted was the uploading of documents through citizen IDs, which are often operated by typists inside tehsil and sub-tehsil offices. The Association warned that typists, who are not classified as citizens, are allowed to upload up to five documents a day, creating the possibility of nearly 100 illegal uploads per month. Such registries, they said, could be treated as legally invalid. Read More: National Silk Expo Opens in Chandigarh, Showcasing Finest Wedding Season Handlooms The Association demanded that tehsil offices be made fully paperless and faceless, similar to passport offices, to curb corruption and increase transparency. It also called for mandatory transfers of computer operators every three months, citing violations of existing rules that have allowed many operators to remain in the same posting for years. Further demands included creating a separate portal for old mutation cases, granting registered deed writers authority to correct minor errors in Jamabandi, and removing the requirement to scan lengthy Jamabandi documents, which often span 100 to 200 pages. Raising questions over the system’s functionality, deed writers asked why physical copies of Aadhaar and PAN were still required in a paperless setup and why document numbers continued to be handwritten instead of being generated digitally. The Association also sought an immediate increase in deed writing fees and renewal of licences for a five-year term. The organisation emphasised that only citizens and registered deed writers should be authorised to upload sensitive revenue deeds. “A revenue deed is a highly sensitive and legal document. The right to upload documents must be given exclusively to citizens and registered deed writers,” the Association stated. It further suggested that the government could create employment without financial burden by appointing new deed writers in newly formed districts, tehsils and sub-tehsils. The meeting saw participation from deed writers across Haryana, including Secretary Bhupinder Singh, Vice President Gyan Singh, and Executive Members Surender Singla, Gopi Chand Jindal and Jasveer Singh.

National Silk Expo
Chandigarh

National Silk Expo Opens in Chandigarh, Showcasing Finest Wedding Season Handlooms

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Six-day exhibition features 150 master weavers with exclusive festive collections. Chandigarh, 21 November 2025:The National Silk Expo – Wedding Season Special opened at Himachal Bhawan, Sector 28B, Madhya Marg on Friday, drawing a strong turnout from shoppers and handloom enthusiasts. The six-day event, which runs from 21 to 26 November 2025, remains open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM with free entry for all visitors. Bringing the spotlight back to the country’s weaving heritage, the expo features more than 150 master weavers and designers from across India. Exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of pure silk and cotton sarees, designer apparel, handcrafted jewellery and exclusive festive and bridal collections. Styles such as Banarasi, Kanchipuram, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Uppada, Ikkat and Tussar, along with contemporary fusion designs, form part of the diverse display aimed at wedding season shoppers. Speaking at the inauguration, Jayesh Kumar of the Gramin Hastkala Vikas Samiti and organiser of the National Silk Expo, underlined the social purpose behind the event. “The expo is not just a platform for showcasing products; it is a movement to support and empower the weavers of India. Our main objective is to promote traditional artisans, provide them with a sustainable marketplace and ensure that their exquisite handloom creations reach customers directly,” he said. He added that the initiative has helped create strong markets for weavers in cities where commercial exposure is limited. “Visitors can be assured of authentic, pure silk and cotton products sourced straight from the artisans, without any middlemen,” he noted. The opening day saw visitors browsing through festive and bridal collections and interacting with artisans to learn more about the craftsmanship involved. All stalls at the exhibition support convenient payments through UPI, debit and credit cards. Organisers urged residents of Chandigarh to take advantage of the event, which brings India’s finest textile traditions under one roof. With the festive and wedding season approaching, the expo promises a unique shopping experience rooted in culture and craftsmanship. The National Silk Expo will continue till 26 November 2025, offering visitors an opportunity to explore handwoven textiles and support skilled weavers from across the country.

PANJAB INC book launch
Chandigarh

Young Innovator Shaurya Prabh Sharma Launches ‘PANJAB INC’ Reframing Punjab’s Legacy

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The 18-year-old author presents a historic chronicle arguing that Punjab’s true foundation is trade, not conflict. Chandigarh, 19 November 2025: Young author and innovator Shaurya Prabh Sharma unveiled his debut book “PANJAB INC” in Chandigarh on Wednesday, presenting a transformative narrative of Punjab as a civilisation shaped by trade, enterprise and innovation rather than conflict. Positioned as a landmark documentation of the region’s entrepreneurial evolution, the book spans business history from the 9th century to the modern era. At just 18, Shaurya argues that Punjab’s enduring resilience is rooted in commerce. The book illustrates how trade networks continued to flourish even during periods of political upheaval, a spirit that he believes still defines the global Punjabi identity today. Shaurya, a long-time observer of national and global economic trends, blends academic insight with hands-on experience. A habitual newspaper reader since grade five and an active participant in business forums, he also holds a design patent for a plastic incinerator. His entrepreneurial journey began in school with the founding of ROOT RICH, which later developed into an independent company. Speaking at the launch, Shaurya emphasised that Punjab’s economic history has often been overshadowed by dramatic events, despite the uninterrupted functioning of its markets.“Look closer and you will see that even in moments of despair, trade thrived,” he said. “History remembers the battles but overlooks the bazaars. PANJAB INC is about a mindset of courage, creativity and community. Trade, not conflict, built Panjab.” A major portion of the book examines how commerce shaped Punjab’s social, cultural and political life through centuries. Shaurya revisits the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, portraying him not only as a military leader but as a ruler who understood that sustainable peace required economic stability.“Governance was never just about armies or fortresses,” he noted. “It was about building an architecture of commerce.” The book details how Singh’s administration supported merchants and artisans, ensuring secure trade routes and predictable commercial environments across the region. From Multan’s indigo to Amritsar’s shawls and Ludhiana’s bicycles, the continuity of Punjab’s business culture forms a central thread throughout the chronicle. Shaurya connects this heritage to the modern global Punjabi enterprise—from renewable-energy companies in Chandigarh and retail chains in Delhi to trucking firms in California and tech ventures in Toronto. PANJAB INC also sheds light on the rise of regional newspapers and the business families who founded them, positioning print media within Punjab’s broader commercial ecosystem. Shaurya identifies enduring values that have guided Punjabi business life: reinvestment, resilience, hospitality and honour, anchored by the belief that “tomorrow will bring another harvest, another customer, another chance.” These values, he writes, became an “invisible inheritance” carried by Punjabi migrants worldwide, enabling them to build successful ventures ranging from neighbourhood family stores to multinational corporations. “Panjab does not teach you how to do business; it teaches you how to live business,” Shaurya remarked. Dedicating the book to generations of entrepreneurs—from craftsmen, farmers and traders to industrialists and diaspora leaders—Shaurya describes the work as a tribute to those who turned Punjab from a regional economy into a global commercial network.“This book is your mirror,” he said. “The story of Panjab’s enterprise is not distant; it remains alive in each of us.”

CISCE AGM 2025
Chandigarh

68th CISCE AGM in Chandigarh Unites 2000 Education Leaders to Shape India’s Schooling Future

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Three-day national conference focuses on modern learning, policy reforms, leadership development and student-centric innovation. Chandigarh, 20 November 2025: The 68th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and National Conference of the Association of Schools for the Indian School Certificate (ASISC) is currently underway in Chandigarh, bringing together one of the largest gatherings of school leaders in recent years. The three-day event, held from 19 to 21 November at AKM Resorts in Zirakpur, Punjab, has drawn more than 2000 Principals and Heads of CISCE-affiliated schools from across India under the theme “Building Stronger Schools Together.” The conference has emerged as a high-impact platform for deliberations on the future of Indian schooling, with sessions covering emerging trends in education, 21st-century learning ecosystems, skill-based curricula, inclusive teaching practices, and global academic developments. Delegates engaged in expert presentations, thematic discussions, and collaborative consultations aimed at enhancing academic quality, administrative clarity, teacher development, student well-being, and modern learning environments across CISCE institutions. The inaugural ceremony was addressed by Dr Ashok Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and noted educationist, who underscored the central role of schools in shaping a values-driven, future-ready student generation. The conference will conclude with a valedictory address by Justice (Retd.) Vikramjit Sen, former Supreme Court Judge and former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. Senior leadership from the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) played a major role throughout the event.“Education evolves when leaders come together with purpose. Through collaboration and progressive policies, we are preparing schools for a future where every child has the power to succeed,” said Dr G Immanuel, Chairman of CISCE. Read Also: Young Innovator Shaurya Prabh Sharma Launches ‘PANJAB INC’ Reframing Punjab’s Legacy Dr Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive & Secretary of CISCE, added:“Our goal is to nurture students who don’t just compete in the world, but contribute to it—young minds who think globally, act responsibly, and uplift society through opportunity and innovation.” A landmark moment of the conference was the release of eight major policy documents, handbooks, and resource materials, representing significant progress in CISCE’s evolving academic roadmap. The conference also hosted the prestigious Derozio Awards 2025, honouring outstanding contributions in teaching, leadership and community service across the education sector. Sharing insights from an educator’s viewpoint, Mr Barry Francis, Principal of St. Stephen’s School, emphasised the importance of research-backed curriculum design.“A well-designed syllabus is born from deep research and real understanding. When teachers study, students thrive—and that is how we build thoughtful, capable citizens,” he said. With its collaborative spirit, forward-thinking dialogue, and actionable policy recommendations, the 68th CISCE AGM and National Conference concluded with a unified roadmap aimed at strengthening and modernizing CISCE institutions nationwide. The resolutions adopted are expected to guide school development, enhance academic standards, and reinforce the Council’s long-standing focus on innovation and student-centered growth in the years ahead.