October 9, 2025 - Darpan Chandigarh

Adopting Swadeshi Is Key to an Atmanirbhar Bharat: Amitabh Roongta

Darpan News Network / October 9, 2025

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

Darpan News Network / October 9, 2025

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.

Chandigarh

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

Darpan News Network / October 9, 2025

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.

Chandigarh

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

Darpan News Network / October 9, 2025

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

Honda India Foundation Donates 50 QRT Bikes to Chandigarh Police

Darpan News Network / October 9, 2025

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.