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October 2025

Chandigarh

Tricity Seniors Celebrate October Birthdays with Joy and Togetherness

The Tricity Senior Citizens Association hosted a cheerful celebration with games, awareness talks, and community bonding at Sector 33, Chandigarh. Chandigarh: The Tricity Senior Citizens Association celebrated the birthdays of its members born in October with great enthusiasm at the Community Centre, Sector 33, Chandigarh. The monthly celebration was part of the association’s ongoing efforts to promote social engagement, emotional well-being, and an active lifestyle among senior citizens. Members from different parts of the Tricity gathered to enjoy an afternoon filled with learning, laughter, and lively interaction. The celebration began with a cheerful cake-cutting ceremony, where the October-born members were greeted with applause and warm wishes from everyone. The atmosphere turned more vibrant with Tambola and fun games that brought smiles and strengthened the spirit of togetherness. A major highlight of the event was an engaging financial awareness session conducted by Surinder Verma, Chairman of Citizens Awareness Group and a renowned financial expert. He shared valuable insights on safe banking, investment protection, digital fraud prevention, and various government and bank schemes designed for senior citizens. His practical advice on financial safety and informed decision-making proved highly beneficial for the participants. The event also featured a health awareness talk, focusing on elderly care during the winter season. Experts discussed the importance of boosting immunity, maintaining a balanced diet, doing light exercises, and preventing seasonal ailments such as joint pain, cold, and cough. They also emphasized hydration, regular medical check-ups, and adopting a healthy daily routine. The celebration concluded with a community lunch, fostering deeper bonds of friendship and mutual support among members. Rajinder Kaur Nimmi Sahdev, President of the Tricity Senior Citizens Association, appreciated the enthusiastic participation of members and the valuable contribution of guest speakers. “Through such monthly gatherings, our association aims to bring joy, awareness, and a sense of community into the lives of senior citizens,” she said. The event once again reflected the association’s mission — to create meaningful social connections while encouraging active, informed, and healthy living among elders in the Tricity.

Mohali, Tri-City Update

Kids Shine at CP67 Mall’s First Halloween Workshop

Tricity’s first Halloween Kids Workshop at CP67 Mall turned into a weekend full of laughter, fun, and creativity. Mohali: The Halloween weekend at CP67 Mall turned into a celebration of laughter, joy, and creativity. The city’s premier retail and entertainment destination hosted Tricity’s first Halloween Kids Workshop, bringing together families and young participants for a memorable experience. The three-day event, held from October 31 to November 2, transformed the mall into a vibrant, Halloween-themed wonderland. Children participated enthusiastically in a series of creative workshops, including glow jar making, fridge magnet crafting, bag tag design, pumpkin decoration, and pebble ghost creation. Kids aged four and above expressed their imagination through colors and crafts, creating delightful pieces that captured the festive spirit. Parents appreciated the initiative, noting that such activities not only entertain but also encourage creativity and confidence among children. Umang Jindal, CEO of Homeland Group, shared his excitement about the success of the event. “The love and enthusiasm we received for our first Halloween Kids Workshop were truly inspiring,” he said. “Watching children turn their imagination into art reminds us that community spaces should spread joy and connection. At CP67, our goal is to create experiences that families cherish, not just retail destinations.” The event was part of CP67 Mall’s broader initiative to develop Mohali as a cultural and lifestyle hub. The mall management stated that similar theme-based programs will continue to be organized in the future, offering visitors an engaging blend of shopping, entertainment, and creativity. With its vibrant decor, interactive workshops, and joyful participation, the Halloween weekend at CP67 Mall proved to be much more than just a shopping experience — it became a celebration of imagination and togetherness.

Senior Citizen Welfare Association Chandigarh
Chandigarh

Senior Citizens Celebrate October Birthdays with Joy in Chandigarh

The Senior Citizen Welfare Association celebrated the birthdays of members born in October with music, dance, and festive cheer. Chandigarh, October 18: The Senior Citizen Welfare Association, Chandigarh, celebrated the birthdays of its members born in October with great enthusiasm and joy at the Sector 37 Community Centre. The event brought together senior members for an afternoon filled with laughter, games, and lively celebrations. Around seven members who share October birthdays were honored during the program. The celebration began with a fun round of Tambola, a favorite activity among the association’s members. This was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony, where everyone joined in singing and cheering for their friends. Member Surinder Verma, whose birthday also falls in October, shared a heartfelt thought during the event. He said, “I celebrate my own birthday every year, but this time I wanted to celebrate the birthdays of all our October-born members together.” His gesture added a special sense of togetherness to the occasion. The association’s President Rajkumari Sharma and Secretary Virender Sharma appreciated Verma’s initiative and praised his efforts to spread happiness among fellow members. They highlighted how such community celebrations strengthen bonds and promote emotional well-being among senior citizens. The mood grew even more festive as members danced to old Bollywood songs and sang along, reliving cherished memories from their youth. The timing of the celebration, coinciding with the upcoming Diwali festival, added extra excitement and positivity. Members expressed that the dual celebration of birthdays and Diwali brought new energy and joy into their lives. The event concluded with a warm Diwali gesture, as all members lit sparklers (phuljhadis) together and exchanged greetings for the festival of lights. The Senior Citizen Welfare Association continues to organize such activities regularly, fostering companionship, joy, and a renewed zest for life among its members. Events like these reflect the vibrant spirit of Chandigarh’s elderly community, who continue to live life with enthusiasm and togetherness.

International Pain Management Day
Chandigarh

PGIMER Marks International Pain Management Day with Awareness Event

Experts at PGIMER, Chandigarh emphasized better acute pain management for faster recovery during an event held in collaboration with ISSP. Chandigarh, October 18: The Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at PGIMER, Chandigarh, in association with the Indian Society for Study of Pain (ISSP) Chandigarh City Branch, organized an awareness program to mark International Pain Management Day. The event focused on the theme “Acute Postoperative Pain Management – Early Relief, Faster Recovery.” It aimed to highlight how timely and effective pain control can improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life. The program began with a welcome address by Prof. Kajal Jain, setting the tone for an engaging session. Prof. Y.K. Batra, Past President of ISSP Chandigarh Branch, delivered the introductory remarks, emphasizing the importance of awareness in clinical pain management. In her Presidential address, Prof. Sukanya Mitra offered an insightful overview of acute postoperative pain. She underlined its clinical relevance and urged healthcare professionals to adopt updated management strategies. Meanwhile, Prof. Neerja Bharti, Secretary of ISSP Chandigarh, shared a powerful message: “Pain relief should be a human right.” The program also included a brief celebration with a ceremonial cake cutting, symbolizing a shared commitment to improving pain care practices. An interactive academic session followed, focusing on assessing acute postoperative pain, multimodal pain therapy, and the latest analgesic techniques. Experts showcased practical approaches and innovations that can enhance patient comfort and recovery. In addition, a quiz session kept participants actively engaged, reinforcing key concepts from the discussions. The event concluded with a renewed pledge to advance awareness and research in pain management across medical settings. The initiative reflected PGIMER’s consistent efforts to promote evidence-based pain care and to train clinicians in modern analgesic methods. Events like this, organized on International Pain Management Day, continue to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and compassionate patient care.

MSME RAMP Programme
Chandigarh

PHDCCI Hosts 5th Awareness Session on MSME RAMP Programme in Chandigarh

The event focused on empowering MSMEs through awareness of government schemes, technology access, and financial opportunities. Chandigarh, October 17:The Chandigarh Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with the Industries Department, Chandigarh Administration, organized the 5th Awareness Session under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme Series at PHD House, Sector 31, Chandigarh. The event aimed to educate Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) about various government schemes, financial support systems, and technology-driven initiatives designed to enhance their productivity and competitiveness in today’s dynamic market. Adv. Lokesh Jain, Convener, Regional MSME Committee, PHDCCI, emphasized the need for continuous awareness programs to ensure MSMEs fully leverage available government benefits. He described the RAMP initiative as a landmark project by the Government of India, empowering MSMEs — “the true backbone of India’s economy.” Welcoming guests and participants, Ms. Bharti Sood, Senior Regional Director, PHDCCI, highlighted the Chamber’s consistent efforts to promote MSME growth through capacity building, training, and policy advocacy. She explained that the RAMP Programme, supported by the World Bank and the Ministry of MSME, aims to strengthen the MSME ecosystem by facilitating improved access to technology, finance, and market opportunities. Prominent speakers included Mr. Mohit, Additional Director, MSME-DFO Ludhiana; Mr. Nibhay Gargya, Director, NCG Corporate Engineers; Mr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited; and Mr. Shiv Shankar Kumar, Co-Convener, Regional Banking and Financial Services Committee, PHDCCI. They shared valuable insights on topics such as government policy updates, renewable energy adoption, technological transformation, and financial tools that can help MSMEs sustain and scale their operations. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where participants engaged with experts to clarify doubts and share experiences. In her Vote of Thanks, Ms. Bharti Sood reaffirmed PHDCCI’s commitment to strengthening the regional MSME sector through sustained collaboration, awareness programs, and skill development initiatives. She emphasized that the Chamber will continue to serve as a bridge between MSMEs and policymakers to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

Nissan Magnite CNG retrofit
Chandigarh

Nissan Expands CNG Retrofit Program for Magnite EZ-Shift

Nissan Motor India now offers government-certified CNG retrofit for the new Magnite BR10 EZ-Shift (AMT), extending its eco-friendly mobility solutions. Chandigarh, October 17:Nissan Motor India has announced the expansion of its CNG retrofitment program to include the new Nissan Magnite BR10 EZ-Shift (AMT) variant. The retrofit option, certified by the government, aims to provide customers with more affordable and eco-friendly mobility choices. The decision follows the strong customer response to the manual transmission (MT) version of the Magnite BR10 CNG retrofit launched earlier this year. Nissan said the move reinforces its commitment to delivering efficient, customer-centric mobility solutions. The Magnite EZ-Shift CNG now comes with a 3-year or 1 lakh km warranty, ensuring peace of mind for owners. All CNG-retrofitted Magnite models feature a standard fuel lid with an integrated dual-fuel filling system, enhancing convenience and safety. Nissan has priced the CNG retrofit kit at ₹71,999, passing on GST reduction benefits directly to customers. The retrofit kits will be available through authorized centers across 13 Indian states, making the upgrade easily accessible nationwide. Speaking about the announcement, Saurabh Vats, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, said, “The new fuel-lid integration and reduced CNG kit pricing make the Nissan ownership experience even smoother and more rewarding. We remain committed to offering practical, value-based mobility solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and strengthen trust in our brand.” The company believes the EZ-Shift CNG retrofit will appeal to customers looking for better fuel economy without compromising performance. Nissan’s initiative aligns with India’s growing push toward sustainable and cleaner automotive technologies, as CNG vehicles continue to gain popularity due to their lower running costs and reduced emissions. With this expansion, Nissan aims to reach a wider customer base seeking eco-conscious options in the compact SUV segment. The Magnite, already known for its bold design and reliability, now becomes even more attractive for value-driven Indian buyers. The brand continues to enhance accessibility and affordability through such innovations, ensuring that green mobility is no longer a premium choice but a practical one for every driver in India.

Golden Hour in road accidents
Chandigarh

Golden Hour Crucial to Save Lives After Road Accidents: Experts

Park Hospital Mohali doctors highlight the rising trauma cases and stress the importance of quick medical response within the first 60 minutes after an accident. Chandigarh,Doctors at Park Hospital, Mohali emphasized the critical importance of the ‘Golden Hour’ in saving lives after road accidents. During a press conference, they expressed concern over the sharp rise in trauma cases across North India. Dr. Bhanu Pratap Singh, Director of Orthopedics and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery, said it is unfortunate that while global road accidents have declined by 5% in the past 12 years, India has witnessed a 15.3% increase. “About 83% of traffic-related deaths in India are caused by road accidents,” he said. “People must understand that the first 60 minutes after a crash are crucial. If the patient reaches the right hospital at the right time, many lives can be saved.” He added that nearly 70% of road accident deaths result from speeding. Dr. Anil Sofat, Consultant Neurosurgery, pointed out that India owns just 1% of the world’s vehicles but reports the highest number of accident-related deaths globally. “Most victims suffer fatal head, chest, and gastrointestinal injuries,” he said. Dr. Ankur Sharma, Consultant Plastic Surgery, highlighted that not wearing seat belts and overspeeding are the main causes of severe head injuries. He also mentioned drunk driving, signal jumping, distraction, and wrong-lane overtaking as key contributors to the country’s growing road accident toll. Dr. Ashish Sharma, Consultant GI Surgery, noted that two-wheelers remain the most vulnerable mode of transport. “Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in road crashes than car drivers. Wearing a good helmet can increase survival chances by 42% and reduce brain injuries by 74%,” he said. He further added, “A properly strapped helmet can prevent death in 90% of accident cases.” Dr. Rohit Jaswal, CEO of Park Hospital Mohali, informed that the hospital is now empanelled with ECHS, CGHS, ESI, Ayushman Bharat Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, along with all major TPAs and corporates. “We perform all types of trauma and sports injury surgeries regularly,” he said. The doctors concluded with a call to follow traffic rules, control speed, wear seat belts, and use helmets to prevent accidents and save lives.

Udyamutsav-42 Chandigarh
Chandigarh

Udyamutsav-42 Sparks Entrepreneurial Spirit at PGGCG-42 Chandigarh

The 4th edition of the college’s startup and innovation fair showcased young women’s creativity, innovation, and business potential. Chandigarh, October 17:The Postgraduate Government College for Girls (PGGCG-42) came alive with entrepreneurial enthusiasm as it hosted the 4th edition of Bazaar Udyamutsav-42, a one-day startup and innovation fair organized by the college’s Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) on October 16, 2025. The event served as a vibrant platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and business acumen. More than 40 stalls were set up by student entrepreneurs, local women self-help groups, and innovators from the college community. The products ranged from handmade crafts and eco-friendly goods to food items, accessories, and creative lifestyle products. Drawing a footfall of over 3,000 visitors, including students, faculty members, and local stakeholders, the college grounds transformed into a dynamic marketplace of ideas and enterprise. The fair was inaugurated by Principal Prof. Anita Kaushal, accompanied by Dr. Lakhvir (ASPD, RUSA), Vice Principal Dr. Anju Trikha, members of the E-Cell, and the Student Council. The dignitaries visited all the stalls and interacted with the young entrepreneurs. Commending the initiative, Prof. Kaushal lauded the students’ efforts, stating, “It is heartening to see young women taking charge of their ideas and turning them into action. This event reflects our college’s growing culture of innovation, excellence, and self-reliance.” To encourage innovation, certificates were awarded to the top three stalls based on creativity, presentation, and business potential. The competition added excitement and motivation, encouraging participants to refine their entrepreneurial skills. Speaking about the initiative, E-Cell Convener Mrs. Sunita Kumari said, “The aim of Udyamutsav is to provide a platform where young minds can transform their ideas into action. It’s about learning by doing, and today our students have shown what’s possible when opportunity meets innovation.” With its growing participation and positive response, Udyamutsav-42 has become a signature event for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among young women. The day ended on an inspiring note, with students already planning for next year’s edition, reaffirming the college’s role as a nurturing ground for future entrepreneurs.

EcoSikh Baaz Revival Punjab
Chandigarh

EcoSikh to Revive Guru Gobind Singh’s Sacred Bird ‘Baaz’ in Punjab

The NGO partners with BNHS to restore Punjab’s state bird and plant 350 sacred forests. Chandigarh: EcoSikh, a global NGO working to unite the Sikh community on environmental and climate issues, has announced an ambitious plan to revive the ‘Baaz’, the sacred bird associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The project aims to restore the natural habitat of the Northern Goshawk, Punjab’s state bird, which is now on the verge of extinction. The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a 140-year-old Mumbai-based conservation organization. Together, they will launch a Sacred Fauna Mission to repopulate the Baaz and other falcon species such as the Shaheen Falcon across Punjab. EcoSikh made the announcement at a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club. Dr. Rajwant Singh, Global President of EcoSikh, said, “Guru Gobind Singh’s bird, the Baaz, symbolized dignity and courage. Sadly, this important emblem of the Guru and Punjab’s skies has nearly vanished due to habitat loss, illegal trade, and pollution.” He noted that the Punjab Wildlife Department has not recorded any Baaz sightings in over two decades. The revival project aims to restore ecological balance and pay spiritual tribute to Guru Gobind Singh. EcoSikh also announced its goal to plant 350 sacred forests across India in honor of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom anniversary. Each forest will follow the Miyawaki method, creating dense native woodlands that boost biodiversity and regenerate barren lands. Dr. Supreet Kaur, President of EcoSikh India, said, “Each forest will serve as a living classroom to reconnect people with nature and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.” Over the past 16 years, EcoSikh has planted 1,350 sacred forests across India, with more than 750,000 native trees. Charan Singh, Convenor of the Sacred Forests and Fauna project, said, “Reintroducing the Baaz is not only ecological work but also a spiritual mission inspired by Guru’s vision of Sarbat da Bhala—the welfare of all.” Lokesh Jain, Managing Director of TK Steel and coordinator of the ‘Lungs of Ludhiana’ project, shared that 280 forests with over 152,000 native trees have already been planted in Ludhiana. EcoSikh’s initiative combines spirituality with science, striving to restore Punjab’s lost biodiversity and honor the sacred legacy of the Sikh Gurus.

New Holland Workmaster 105 HVAC Tractor
Mohali, Tri-City Update

New Holland Launches Workmaster 105 with HVAC Cabin for All-Weather Farming

The 106 HP tractor brings comfort, power, and performance for Indian farmers. Zirakpur: New Holland, a brand under CNH Industrial, has launched its latest high-horsepower tractor, the Workmaster 105 with HVAC Cabin, designed to deliver all-weather comfort and enhanced performance for Indian farmers. The new variant adds a climate-controlled cabin to the popular 106 HP Workmaster 105, bringing advanced comfort and productivity to the high-HP tractor segment. Equipped with a 3.4-litre FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies) TREM-IV engine, the tractor delivers strong performance, high torque, and improved fuel efficiency at lower RPMs. The HVAC cabin features heating and air conditioning with six roof vents for year-round comfort. It offers a quiet, dust-free environment and an air-suspended seat to reduce fatigue during long working hours. A pneumatic reversible fan allows continuous operation even in dusty conditions after paddy harvesting, making it ideal for baling and post-harvest applications. Speaking about the launch, Narinder Mittal, President & Managing Director – India, CNH, said, “With the HVAC Cabin, the Workmaster range delivers unmatched comfort and efficiency across all seasons. It ensures fatigue-free operations and enhances productivity even in tough field conditions. New Holland remains committed to redefining Indian farming with world-class technology.” The Workmaster 105, first introduced in India after gaining success in global markets, has already achieved over 15,000 units in sales worldwide. The new variant comes with a 20 forward + 20 reverse Power Shuttle transmission and a 3,500 kg lift capacity, ensuring smooth handling of heavy implements. The wet clutch system for both the main drive and PTO provides long-lasting durability in demanding operations like potato planting, trenching, and forage harvesting. Priced at ₹35 lakh (ex-showroom), the tractor includes a 3-year or 3,000-hour warranty and is now available across New Holland dealerships in India. With this launch, New Holland reinforces its leadership in the premium tractor segment, offering a powerful, comfortable, and technologically advanced machine built to perform in every season and across diverse agricultural applications.

Guru Tegh Bahadur 350th Martyrdom
Chandigarh

Hindu Organizations to Mark 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur with Nagar Kirtan

A grand Nagar Kirtan will travel from Amritsar to Delhi’s Gurdwara Sheeshganj Sahib. Chandigarh: Hindu organizations have announced plans to celebrate the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with a grand Nagar Kirtan from Amritsar to Delhi. The initiative aims to honor the supreme sacrifice of the ninth Sikh Guru, known as “Hind Di Chadar.” A press conference was held at the Chandigarh Press Club to share details of the event. Jathedar Baba Kulwinder Singh (96 Crodi) of Chamkaur Sahib Wale said that this year’s commemoration will see participation from several Hindu groups. He revealed that Parminder Bhatti and Advocate Ketan Sharma from Hindu organizations met him to discuss organizing the Nagar Kirtan. The religious procession will begin from Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, and conclude at Gurdwara Sri Sheeshganj Sahib, Chandni Chowk, Delhi. The route symbolizes the journey of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who sacrificed his life in Delhi to defend the right to freedom of faith. Bhatti and Sharma stated that the Nagar Kirtan will proceed under the sacred symbols of the Nishan Sahib, the Panj Pyare, and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The procession will receive warm welcomes at several stops along the way. The organizers also plan to present a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office in Delhi. Their demands include naming the National Highway from Amritsar to Delhi after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, introducing lessons on Sikh Gurus in school textbooks, and developing a heritage corridor at Chandni Chowk. Jathedar Baba Kulwinder Singh urged devotees to take part in large numbers and pay homage to the Guru’s legacy. He emphasized that the event is a symbol of unity, peace, and respect across communities. Among those present were Baba Man Singh, Baba Maninder Singh, Baba Sher Singh, Baba Gurdev Singh Samrala, Dilpreet Singh, Pradeep Singh, and Pargat Singh from Qaumi Insaaf Morcha. The upcoming Nagar Kirtan is expected to draw thousands of devotees, highlighting the message of sacrifice, faith, and religious harmony that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji stood for.

shorter antibiotic courses for newborns
Chandigarh

Indian Study Finds Shorter Antibiotic Courses Safe for Newborn Infections

PGIMER-led research published in Lancet Clinical Medicine shows that shorter antibiotic treatments work as effectively as longer ones for many serious neonatal infections. Chandigarh, October 15:A team of leading Indian neonatologists, led by Dr. Sourabh Dutta, Professor, NICU, PGIMER Chandigarh, has published a landmark study in Lancet Clinical Medicine showing that shorter antibiotic courses are as effective as longer ones in treating many serious newborn infections. The breakthrough could help reduce antibiotic overuse, side effects, and antibiotic resistance, while improving outcomes for newborns — one of the most vulnerable patient groups. The study, titled “Shorter or biomarker-guided antibiotic durations for common serious neonatal infections: a collection of noninferiority meta-analyses,” was co-authored by Dr. Nandkishor Kabra (Surya Hospitals, Mumbai), Dr. Shiv Sajan Saini (PGIMER, Chandigarh), Dr. Rajendra Prasad Anne (Kasturba Medical College, Manipal), Dr. Sandeep Kadam (KEM Hospital, Pune), Dr. Monisha Rameshbabu (Chettinad Academy, Chennai), Dr. Supreet Khurana (GMCH, Chandigarh), and Dr. Sai Kiran (Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad) Why it matters While antibiotics save lives, prolonged or unnecessary use fuels antibiotic resistance and increases hospital stays, costs, and side effects. Newborns often receive antibiotics more frequently and for longer durations than older children, even when shorter treatment might suffice. What the study found The researchers systematically reviewed global data comparing short and long antibiotic durations for serious neonatal infections. Using advanced statistical techniques, they also evaluated “biomarker-guided” approaches—stopping treatment once infection-related blood tests normalize. Key results included: The impact According to Dr. Dutta, the findings could transform neonatal care globally: “Adopting shorter or biomarker-guided antibiotic courses where appropriate can help save lives, reduce resistance, and make treatment safer and more cost-effective.” Experts believe these insights could reshape antibiotic policies in NICUs, helping combat antibiotic resistance and improve newborn health worldwide.