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October 2025

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.