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Adopting Swadeshi
Panchkula, Tri-City Update

Adopting Swadeshi Is Key to an Atmanirbhar Bharat: Amitabh Roongta

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Over 400 people joined a “Swadeshi Awareness March” in Panchkula, emphasizing self-reliance and national pride. Panchkula: To promote self-reliance and national unity, the Purushottam Das Roongta Charitable Trust, Government College for Women, Sector 14, and Muktinath Ved Vidyashram (Sanskrit Gurukul) jointly organized a grand ‘Swadeshi Awareness Campaign’ in Panchkula. The event featured a motivational walkathon that saw enthusiastic participation from students and local citizens. The march was flagged off by Amitabh Roongta, a renowned social worker and founder of the Trust, along with Anupama Roongta, Babu Mahendra (Dharm Jagran State Head), Suresh Goyal, Surender Singla, Benu Rao, Rajeev, Acharya Swami Prasad Mishra, Dr. Pooja Chauhan, Prof. Ritu Yadav, Dr. Alka Sharma, and Shivani Kaushik. Throughout the journey, the atmosphere echoed with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as participants highlighted the importance of adopting Swadeshi products. Students spread awareness about national duty and the significance of self-reliance. Teachers, students, and community members took active part in the initiative. Addressing the gathering, Amitabh Roongta said that adopting Swadeshi is essential to realizing the dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to prefer Indian-made products and reduce dependence on imports. “This campaign aims to remind people of their responsibility toward the nation,” Roongta said. “Through this march, students conveyed the message of self-reliance and encouraged everyone to support Indian goods.” The 4-kilometer walk began at the Government College for Women, Sector 14, and returned to the same venue. More than 400 people joined the campaign, which also aimed to ignite patriotic feelings and inspire youth to contribute to the nation’s progress. Roongta emphasized that the initiative is a meaningful step to strengthen Indian culture, Swadeshi ideology, and national service among the youth. The Purushottam Das Roongta Charitable Trust, which organized the event, is devoted to social service, education, cow protection, food aid, and welfare of the underprivileged. The Trust regularly conducts weekly food distribution programs, free medical camps, scholarship drives, and women empowerment projects. It continues to inspire communities through its commitment to self-reliance, cultural values, and social awareness.

100 Gems of My City scholarship Himachal
Himachal Update

Second Phase of ‘100 Gems of My City’ Exam Today

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Tests will be held in government colleges across Himachal; selected students will receive free or subsidized coaching for national-level exams. Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Government, in collaboration with Crack Academy, will conduct the second phase of the ‘100 Gems of My City’ scholarship examination on October 9. The test will take place in all government and government-aided colleges across the state. Leading institutions such as Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, and Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, will also participate in this initiative. The program aims to identify and support talented students by offering them free or subsidized coaching for national-level competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Defence, Judiciary, JEE, and NEET. Moreover, students will gain access to skill development programs and career counseling sessions. These initiatives will help them set clear goals and prepare for a brighter future. The first phase of the program was completed in May 2025, where more than 2,500 students from government and private schools took part. In the second phase, the scheme has now been extended to college-level students. Under this plan, 100 students from each assembly constituency will receive 100% free coaching. Out of these, 75 students were selected in the first phase, while the remaining 25 will be chosen based on the results of the October 9 exam. In addition, other eligible students will receive scholarships of 75% or 50%. Importantly, only students studying in government or government-aided colleges and belonging to families with an annual income below ₹12 lakh can participate in this round. Speaking about the initiative, Neeraj Kansal, CEO and Founder of Crack Academy, said, “The goal of the ‘100 Gems of My City’ scholarship program is to take the talent of Himachal’s youth to new heights. Our mission is to ensure that success depends on a student’s ability, not on their geography or financial background. We are proud to partner with the Himachal government in shaping the future of the state’s youth.” Through this collaborative effort, Himachal Pradesh is taking a strong step toward empowering its young minds and ensuring equal access to quality education and opportunity.

Khushwant Singh Litfest 2025 Kasauli
Chandigarh

“Words Have the Power to Illuminate the Future”: Rahul Singh

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Kasauli to host the 14th Khushwant Singh Litfest from October 10 to 12 under the theme “Voices of Tomorrow – Navigating the Future Through Words.” Chandigarh: The Khushwant Singh Litfest (KSLF) is ready to return for its 14th edition at the scenic Kasauli Club from October 10 to 12. The sessions will run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a rich mix of dialogue, debate, and cultural performances. At a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club, Festival Director Rahul Singh announced that this year’s theme is “Voices of Tomorrow – Navigating the Future Through Words.” He explained that the Litfest continues to explore literature’s evolving role in shaping modern thought and fostering nation-building through meaningful conversations. Rahul Singh said the festival aims to bring forward emerging voices and fresh ideas that respond to global and regional challenges, including the climate crisis and social change. “Once again, the Litfest will unite writers, thinkers, and changemakers who inspire, question, and redefine the future,” he noted. He added, “The Khushwant Singh Litfest reflects our enduring belief that words have the power to illuminate the future.” The festival continues to embody the spirit of Khushwant Singh, celebrating wit, courage, and compassion through words. Highlighting KSLF’s growing global presence, Rahul Singh shared that the festival recently hosted its 7th London edition and made its Oxford debut earlier this year, expanding its international literary footprint. Festival team member Aishwarya Kumar described KSLF as a purpose-driven literary celebration, connecting diverse cultures and echoing Khushwant Singh’s humanitarian values. This year’s lineup features an impressive range of speakers, including General M.M. Naravane, Amol Palekar, P. Chidambaram, Shobhaa De, Pooja Bedi, A.S. Dulat, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Paul Waters, Gillian Wright, Harinder Baweja, Sandeep Bhamer, and Sangeeta Waldron, among others. The sessions will explore green business, mental health, heritage, gender, philanthropy, and popular genres such as spy thrillers, memoirs, and self-improvement. Each morning will open with a classical music recital, while evenings will feature live performances by Rear Admiral Nirmala Kannan, Dhruv Kent, Radhika Sood Nayak, Juhi Babbar, Syed Arman Ali, and Rekha Raj. Notably, KSLF plants a tree in honor of every speaker, with over 2,000 trees planted so far, symbolizing the festival’s lasting commitment to both art and the environment.

AICDA GST on used cars
Chandigarh

AICDA Demands GST Cut on Used Cars from 18% to 5%

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At its 25th Annual General Meeting, AICDA President J.S. Neyol urged the government to reduce GST and address long-ignored dealer concerns. Chandigarh: The 25th Annual General Meeting of the All India Car Dealers Association (AICDA) was held today in Chandigarh. Addressing the gathering, J.S. Neyol, National President of AICDA, called for an urgent reduction in GST on the purchase and sale of used cars from 18% to 5%. He said this move would provide major relief to thousands of car dealers and millions of workers dependent on the sector. Neyol highlighted that India’s car market is worth nearly INR 4 lakh crore annually and supports countless families across the country. However, despite its size and contribution, the sector continues to face complete neglect from policymakers. He emphasized that car dealers have been bearing the burden of high taxation, which has slowed down business growth and impacted employment. Moreover, Neyol pointed out that no reform has been introduced in GST rates for the used car segment since its inception. “Maintaining 18% GST on used car transactions is unfair,” he said, urging the government to bring it down to 5% to ensure fair trade practices and ease of doing business. In addition, he demanded that the rule allowing authorities to seal accounts in third-party payment cases should be abolished, as it disrupts legitimate business operations. He also appealed to car dealers across India to obtain their GST numbers at the earliest, ensuring smoother compliance and better policy engagement. Speaking about Chandigarh’s local dealers, Neyol expressed full support for their demand for a permanent trading location, promising to raise the issue at higher platforms. At the event, AICDA’s local President Gyaneshwar Jain (Shanky) welcomed participants from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. He echoed the call for GST registration and cooperation among members to strengthen the industry voice. Senior office bearers, including Harvinder Singh, Karanbir Singh (Tikka), Tajinder Singh, Harinder Singh, Gurjeet Singh, Sunny Singh, Ravi Malhotra, and Kuldeep Singh, were also present. Their collective participation reflected the unity of car dealers in demanding fair reforms and recognition for their vital role in the nation’s automobile ecosystem.

Chandigarh Police QRT bikes
Chandigarh

Honda India Foundation Donates 50 QRT Bikes to Chandigarh Police

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The initiative under ‘Sadak Sahayak: Surakshit Marg, Surakshit Jiwan’ will boost road safety, community support, and emergency response in Chandigarh. Chandigarh: Honda India Foundation (HIF), the CSR arm of Honda group companies in India, has handed over 50 customized Quick Response Team (QRT) vehicles to the Chandigarh Police under the ‘Sadak Sahayak: Surakshit Marg, Surakshit Jiwan’ project. The initiative supports road safety, community welfare, and faster emergency response across the region. The move aligns with Honda’s global vision of a collision-free society by 2050. Through this initiative, HIF continues to promote safer mobility and strengthen local safety systems. Each QRT vehicle is a specially equipped Honda CB350, modified to meet the needs of quick and efficient police response. Moreover, these vehicles are fitted with revolving flashers, blinkers, sirens, public announcement systems, and side storage boxes. Two Honda safety helmets are also included with each unit. The enhancements are designed to help police teams reach incident sites quickly, especially in high-traffic or sensitive areas. The handover ceremony took place in the presence of Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, IPS, Director General of Police, and senior Honda officials including Sh. Rajeev Taneja and Sh. Prabhu Nagaraj. In addition, HIF aims to distribute 300 QRT vehicles nationwide by the end of this year across Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Earlier, 50 vehicles were already handed over to the Gujarat Police to strengthen similar road safety initiatives. The collaboration between HIF and law enforcement showcases a public-private partnership committed to improving safety infrastructure. It also reflects Honda India Foundation’s dedication to community development and sustainable mobility. Therefore, this project is not just about providing vehicles; it is about saving lives, reducing injuries, and ensuring safer journeys for citizens. With the support of such collaborations, Chandigarh moves closer to becoming a model city for road safety and responsible driving.

Tele-MANAS mental health access
Chandigarh

PGIMER Highlights Role of Tele-MANAS in Mental Health Access During Crises

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On World Mental Health Day, experts stress expanding mental health services through tele-psychiatry during catastrophes and emergencies. Chandigarh,To mark World Mental Health Day 2025, the Department of Psychiatry at PGIMER, Chandigarh, organized a press conference on the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” The event aimed to raise awareness about the growing need for accessible mental health care during crises. The session was led by Prof. Subho Chakrabarti, Principal Investigator of the Regional Coordinating Center for Tele-MANAS, along with Dr. Rahul Chakravarty, Dr. Raj Laxmi, Mr. Abhishek Verma, and Ms. Sonu Aggarwal. The team emphasized that mental health care must remain available even during disasters and emergencies. Prof. Chakrabarti highlighted the importance of scaling mental health access and shared PGIMER’s initiatives such as Tele-MANAS and Tele-Psychiatry Services. He pointed out that a significant number of individuals affected by catastrophes suffer from serious mental health conditions, which makes access to services essential. The experts explained how tele-psychiatry has transformed mental health delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. PGIMER now provides specialized therapies remotely, including Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) for dementia and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for obsessive-compulsive disorder. They underscored that Tele-MANAS, launched under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), bridges the service gap by offering Psychological First Aid (PFA) remotely when physical access is disrupted. The service operates through the toll-free helpline 14416, using a structured model for crisis intervention and suicide prevention, called “Manasvita.” Counsellors receive Gatekeeper’s Training to assess risk and provide immediate care. Tier-1 counsellors can escalate cases to Tier-2 specialists such as psychiatrists or clinical psychologists and refer patients to nearby District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) centers for follow-up support. Dr. Rahul Chakravarty spoke about suicide prevention through Tele-MANAS, stating that suicide affects all social groups and requires collective societal responsibility. In his closing remarks, Prof. Chakrabarti noted that tele-psychiatry has reduced waiting times, improved patient engagement, and enhanced treatment compliance. By removing travel barriers, PGIMER’s tele-health initiatives have become a dependable bridge between patients and mental health professionals.

Asia Kitchen by Mainland China
Chandigarh

Mainland China Returns to Chandigarh with ‘Asia Kitchen’ at Elante Mall

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After a five-year gap, Mainland China reopens in a vibrant new format — Asia Kitchen by Mainland China — offering a modern Asian dining experience in Chandigarh. Chandigarh: After delighting over 15 million lovers of Chinese cuisine across India and abroad for more than three decades, Mainland China has made a grand comeback to Chandigarh. Returning after five years, the brand has unveiled its new avatar – Asia Kitchen by Mainland China – at Elante Mall, offering a vibrant and contemporary Asian dining experience. This new concept brings together culinary influences from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Burma, while retaining the authentic Mainland China flavors diners have always loved. The menu celebrates genuine Asian tastes with a modern twist — featuring Truffle Avocado Edamame Maki, Prawn Tempura Rolls, Basil-Flavored Chicken Dumplings, and the city’s first-ever Crispy Cheung Fun varieties. Appetizers include bold creations such as Five-Spice Grilled Lamb Chops, Jiang’s Chili Cottage Cheese, and Pickled Pepper Chicken. From the wok selection, diners can enjoy Lotus Stem and Asparagus in Chili Basil Sauce, General Tso’s Chicken, and Asian-style Steamed John Dory. The main course highlights include Blue Pea Japanese Fried Rice and Japanese Yaki Wheat Noodles, while desserts like Lemongrass Cheesecake and Palm Jaggery Ice Cream promise a delightful finish. Designed with a young, casual, and cosmopolitan vibe, the restaurant features an open kitchen, a high-energy bar, and a contemporary ambiance that encourages social connection and culinary exploration. Speaking at the launch, Anjan Chatterjee, Chairman and Managing Director of Speciality Restaurants Ltd, said, “We’re thrilled to bring Asia Kitchen by Mainland China to Chandigarh. For over three decades, Mainland China has been synonymous with authentic Chinese cuisine. With Asia Kitchen, we’ve expanded beyond China to present a vibrant, informal dining experience that celebrates diverse Asian flavors. Chandigarh, with its unique food culture and modern lifestyle, is the perfect city for this concept.” With its dynamic design and innovative menu, Asia Kitchen by Mainland China at Elante Mall is set to become Chandigarh’s newest hotspot for pan-Asian dining — offering a journey of flavors straight from the heart of Asia.

Gayatri Parivar provincial conference
Mohali, Tri-City Update

Preparations Begin for Gayatri Parivar’s Provincial Conference in Mohali

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A special meeting was held at Shri Gayatri Shaktipith, Mohali, to plan the upcoming provincial conference of the Gayatri Parivar, scheduled for October 14. Chandigarh: A planning meeting for the upcoming Gayatri Parivar Provincial Conference was held at Shri Gayatri Shaktipith, Mohali. The event, organized by Shantikunj Haridwar, will bring together Gayatri Parivar members and devotees from across Punjab and Chandigarh. The grand conference is scheduled to take place on October 14, from 6:00 p.m. onward, at Libda Orchids Banquet Hall, near Dara Studio, Phase 6, Mohali. This sacred occasion will feature a special address and guidance by Dr. Chinmaya Pandya, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Shantikunj, Haridwar. To ensure the program’s success, a dedicated coordination meeting was conducted at the Shaktipith, where local workers and organizers discussed detailed arrangements. Chief Coordinator Brijmohan Gupta and senior member Rajkumar Sharma briefed all participants about the event’s structure, logistics, and team responsibilities. Separate groups were formed to handle various tasks, ensuring smooth execution of the conference. During the meeting, organizers extended an open invitation to all devotees and spiritual seekers to participate in the event. The media fraternity was also specially invited to cover this spiritually enriching gathering. With collective efforts and enthusiasm from the Mohali and Chandigarh Gayatri Parivar members, preparations are in full swing. The conference aims to inspire deeper spiritual awakening and strengthen the values of harmony, service, and collective growth promoted by Shantikunj Haridwar.

Kantara Chapter 1
Chandigarh

Kantara: Chapter 1 Continues Its Stellar Box Office Run

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Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 is creating waves across India and abroad, earning over ₹235 crore within four days of release. Chandigarh: Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 continues to dominate the box office, captivating audiences both in India and abroad. The much-anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara has created a storm in theatres nationwide, showing no signs of slowing down. Released during Dussehra, the film opened to an overwhelming response. Within just four days, Kantara: Chapter 1 collected ₹235 crore, and the final figures are expected to rise further after late-night show reports. The movie has also received an equally enthusiastic reception from international audiences. Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the film delves into the deep-rooted folklore that made the original Kantara a cultural phenomenon. Set a thousand years before the events of the first film, the story explores the origins of its mystical and spiritual universe. The 2022 film, made on a modest ₹15 crore budget, grossed over ₹400 crore globally—setting a high benchmark for its prequel. Kantara: Chapter 1 revolves around the divine protector Panjurli Daiva, depicting a powerful conflict between a tribal community and a tyrannical king. The movie’s gripping narrative, breathtaking visuals, and emotionally charged performances have earned widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Featuring Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles, the film adds depth and richness to the epic saga. With its heartfelt storytelling and cinematic brilliance, Kantara: Chapter 1 has firmly cemented Rishab Shetty’s reputation as one of India’s most visionary filmmakers. Amid its record-breaking earnings, the film recently achieved another milestone. It was screened at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) on Sunday—a proud moment for the entire team. This honor underscores Kantara: Chapter 1’s growing cultural significance and its ability to showcase regional Indian storytelling on a global stage.

Naresh Arora attends Ramleela
Chandigarh

Ramleela Inspires Ideal Living: Naresh Arora

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BJP leader Naresh Arora attends Ramleela in Indira Colony, calls it a cultural treasure that guides society toward moral values. Chandigarh:The timeless tradition of Ramleela once again brought the community together in Indira Colony, where the Dharm Raksha Kala Manch organized a grand theatrical celebration of Lord Rama’s life and values. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Naresh Arora graced the occasion as the chief guest and was welcomed with traditional honors by the organizing committee Addressing the gathering, Arora emphasized the cultural and moral significance of Ramleela in today’s society. He remarked, “Ramleela is an important part of our cultural heritage that inspires us to lead an ideal life. It reminds us of values like truth, courage, and righteousness that are essential for a strong and progressive society.” The event was marked by vibrant performances depicting key episodes from the Ramayana, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. The organizing committee, led by chairman Ravindra Lohat, ensured that the stage, costumes, and performances reflected the grandeur and devotion associated with the epic. Naresh Arora extended his congratulations to the committee and Lohat for their commendable efforts in staging such a meaningful production. He also appealed to the youth to actively participate in preserving and promoting this age-old tradition, highlighting that Ramleela is not merely a religious performance but also a lesson in moral conduct and community unity. The evening concluded with blessings from local spiritual leaders and a renewed commitment among residents to uphold cultural practices that strengthen social bonds. The event served as a reminder that in an age of fast-paced modern life, traditions like Ramleela continue to act as guiding lights for future generations. With enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups, the Ramleela in Indira Colony stood out not just as a festive gathering but as a cultural milestone reaffirming the relevance of India’s spiritual heritage in contemporary society.

Non-Surgical TAVR
Mohali, Tri-City Update

62-Year-Old Patient Gets New Life with Complex Non-Surgical TAVR at Fortis Mohali

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Dr RK Jaswal and his team successfully perform a rare and challenging Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) on a high-risk patient. Chandigarh:In a breakthrough achievement, the Cardiology team at Fortis Hospital Mohali, led by Dr RK Jaswal, Head and Director of Cardiology and Director – Cathlabs, successfully performed a highly complex Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) on a 62-year-old patient suffering from severe heart disease and multiple co-morbidities. The patient was deemed unfit for open-heart surgery, making the procedure a life-saving intervention. Unlike traditional surgery, TAVR involves implanting a new aortic valve through minimally invasive techniques. Typically, the procedure is performed by passing a wire from the groin artery into the blocked valve. However, in this rare case, the patient’s native valve was severely calcified and deformed, preventing the wire from crossing. To overcome this challenge, Dr Jaswal and his team adopted an innovative approach. They accessed the heart via the groin vein, entered the right chambers, crossed into the left side through a septal puncture, and navigated the valve in the opposite direction with the help of natural blood flow. This unique method enabled successful implantation of the new valve, restoring normal blood circulation. The patient, diagnosed with Bicuspid Pinhole Severe Aortic Stenosis—a congenital condition where the aortic valve has only two flaps instead of three—had been experiencing severe breathlessness and fatigue. Post-procedure, he recovered smoothly and was discharged within three days. Sharing insights, Dr Jaswal said, “TAVR is the most advanced, minimally-invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. This technology helps replace a narrowed aortic valve that restricts blood flow, and is especially beneficial for high-risk patients.” He added that he is the first certified independent TAVR operator in North India and has been conducting such surgeries successfully at Fortis Mohali. The success of this complex case was also presented by Dr Jaswal at India Valve 2025, a premier conference bringing together global cardiology experts. With this milestone, Fortis Mohali has further established itself as a leading center for advanced cardiac care in the region, offering high-risk patients hope through cutting-edge, non-surgical interventions.

Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Chandigarh
Chandigarh

Shrimad Bhagwat Katha & Vrindavan Prakatya Utsav Begin in Chandigarh

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Seven-day spiritual celebration commences with Param Pujya Shri Indresh Maharaj’s soulful Katha, drawing huge crowds and devotional fervor. Chandigarh:With chants of Radha-Radha and Govind-Govind echoing across the city, the seven-day Shrimad Bhagwat Katha and Vrindavan Prakatya Utsav began on Saturday in Chandigarh under the banner of Shri Krishna Priya Ju Sankirtan Mandal. The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees eager to immerse themselves in the spiritual celebrations. The highlight of the opening day was the soulful narration by world-renowned Katha Vyas, Param Pujya Shri Indresh Maharaj, whose melodious voice and divine discourse transported devotees into the spiritual atmosphere of Vrindavan. Many in the audience danced in devotion, creating an ambiance of joy and surrender. Noted Punjabi singer B. Praak, speaking on the occasion, said that saints from across the country will be gracing the Katha over the next week, bringing Chandigarh closer to Vrindavan. He added that the Katha will be followed daily by Bhajan Sandhya sessions featuring renowned singers. The program will continue every day from 3 pm to 7 pm until October 3. In the coming days, celebrated saints and spiritual leaders including Bageshwar Sarkar Ji, Mohit Maral of Radha Vallabh, Chitra Vichitra, and Jaya Kishori are expected to participate, making the event even more spiritually enriching. Alongside the Katha, several traditional festivities such as Mor Kuti Bhaav, Lal Ji Palna Mahotsav, Dahi Handi Utsav, Holi Utsav, Sanjhi Swaroop, Dussehra Swaroop, and Vishram Diwas will also be observed, offering devotees a holistic experience of Vrindavan’s cultural and devotional heritage. Local dignitaries and devotees including Munish Bajaj, Sandeep Chugh, Tanmay Bansal, Happy, and Yuvraj Gupta marked their presence at the launch, lending further support to the event. As the festivities unfold, Chandigarh is set to witness a week filled with devotion, music, and spirituality, bringing the divine essence of Vrindavan to the city.