SMD LITTLE CHAMP SMART SCHOOL ORGANISES POLLUTION FREE DIWALI

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 21^st October;-SMD Little Champ Smart School, Panchkula  organised "Pollution Free Diwali" in their school campus. Students decorated the entire school with beautiful rangolies, made out of fresh flowers. They painted the traditional diyas and candles. Lakshmi puja was performed. Students enacted a play on Lord Rama's life and teachings.

 

The teachers explained to the students that they should avoid fireworks as they display poisonous gases due to which people start feeling choked. Moreover fire crackers not only cause air pollution but also create noise pollution which annoys animals. Director Naresh Gupta said that energy saved is energy produced. Avoid using electric lights but use earthen lamps to light up your houses Indulge in sharing happiness with near and dear ones. Spread the message of unity and brotherhood on Diwali.

 

Doon International School Celebrates Diwali

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 20^th October:- Doon International School Mohali celebrated Diwali with devotion, enthusiasm and excitement with eco-friendly message. Tastefully decorated school campus added charm and religious fervor to the atmosphere. The children were filled with the spirit of joy and happiness decorated candles and made rangolis innovatively with sparkles & different colors. A play was also staged to acknowledge the victory of good over evil and anti-cracker Diwali to motivate students not to fire crackers.

Director, Doon School, C.S. Mann told about the significance of Diwali- the festival of lights. Children were also told to celebrate environment friendly Diwali. He further informed harmful effects of air and sound pollution caused due to fire crackers during Diwali celebrations which leads to various health hazards. He also gave the message of planting saplings as a Diwali gift to the environment. At the end students pledged to celebrate Diwali without burning fire cracker. Chocolate were also distributed among the students.

 

 

 

St. Xavier’s School, Mohali holds Silver Jubilee Celebrations

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 20^th October:- St. Xavier's Mohali, held a Gala Cultural Extravaganza to mark its 25 glorious years of existence. The celebrations took the audience on a cultural journey across India that included colourful dances like Santhal Dance, Konkani dance, Bihu Dance and Rajasthani Dance. The school campus wore a festive look, decorated with lights and flowers. The evening kicked off with a well synchronized 'Swagatam Dance'. It was then followed by a well choreographed and thrilling 'Halloween Dance' to mark the upcoming Halloween Festival that falls on the last day of October. After that the students of Junior School mesmerized the audience with their enchanting performances on foot tapping numbers. The tiny tots dressed up in their beautiful costumes, performed dances like Spring Dance, Froggy Dance and Konkani Dance that brought a smile on everyone's face. The show aptly ended on a patriotic note with the kindergarten students dancing to the tunes of 'I Salute My Flag'. The finale was a breath taking display of Fireworks giving the message of happiness to one and all for the upcoming festive season.

The Principal Mrs. Georgina Roy, greeted everyone and read out the School's Annual Report, highlighting the achievements in various spheres. Her speech was followed by a 'Slide Show' which took everyone down memory lane and showed the journey of 25 years. Next in line were the English, Hindi and Punjabi Skits enacted by the senior students in different genres. All the skits appealed to the audience by entertaining them and also forced them all to think about the issues of contemporary society. Then the Sufi dancers from junior wing performed a mystical Sufi Dance which had a cathartic effect on each and everyone.

MCM Holds Faculty Develop Programme

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 20^th October:- A unique faculty development Initiative was undertaken by MCM DAV College for Women, Chandigarh for the augmentation of professional renewal & growth of its faculty members. The event aimed at inspiring & motivating the faculty members to constantly endeavour to update their selves with the most our courant trends & information. The session was addressed by Dr. Suresh Chadha, Prof. of International Business & Marketing, UBS, P.U. Chandigarh. Who deliberated upon 'Role of Knowledge in consultancy' and by Dr. Jayanti Dutta, Deputy Director, Academic Staff College, P.U. Chandigarh who talked about ' Teaching- Learning material development: Selection & Use'.

The Principal of College, Dr. Puneet Bedi remarked that such diligent platforms are imperative to updation of knowledge in the contemporary world of information where there is something to learn everyday.

Swachchha Bharat Abhiyan:MC Organise Cleanliness Drive in Sector 44 & 45

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 20^th October:- A special campaign under "Swachchha  Bharat  Abhiyan"   was organized today in Sector  44, 45  and 46 and  garbage,  horticulture  waste, malba and other waste material was removed by  deploying  extra  manpower  and  machinery. V.P. Singh, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh inaugurated the Abhiyan in Sector 46 in the presence of Senior Deputy Mayor, Smt. Heera Negi.  Senior Deputy Mayor insisted upon the residents not to litter in the streets/open spaces in order to maintain the sanitation of their area for which their cooperation is of utmost importance. Under IEC Activities, the Vice- Principal and teachers of Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Sector 46 Chandigarh were acknowledged the importance of Swachchha Bharat Abhiyan. A pledge was administered to the teachers and students of the school that they will take part in the campaign and devote atleast 2 hours per week for the cleanliness of their school/houses and surroundings.  Health education was also given for the prevention of spread of communicable diseases. They were also apprised of the fact that polythene bags are banned in Chandigarh and they should avoid using the same in future.  They assured us that they will comply with the instructions given to them.

Prof. Rathinavelu Subramaniam Endowment oration Award to PGI Doctor

By 121 News Reporter

 Chandigarh 20^th October:- Dr Aman Sharma, Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine,PGIMER, Chandigarh has been awarded Prof. Rathinavelu Subramaniam Endowment oration by the Association of physicians of India. He will be delivering this oration during the Annual Conference of API to be held at Hyderabad in January 2016. He will be given an Honorarium of Rs 10,000 along with complementary travel and hospitality. Dr Aman was also awarded 'Shurvir trust visiting professorship' for the year 2014 by Association of physicians of India. He has been working in the area of 'Rheumatology' and HIV medicine', and is actively involved in research in these areas.

He was awarded the 'Young Investigator award' by the Indian Rheumatology Association in 2007 for his study on 'Endothelial dysfunction in Rheumatoid arthritis'.  He was the local PI of a multicentric study of 'Tadalfil in raynaud's phenomenon in patients with systemic sclerosis' which was selected for plenary platform presentation as the 'Discoveries of 2010' at the Annual conference of American College of Rheumatology held at Atlanta, GA,USA.

Dr Aman has a special interest in rare life threatening diseases like systemic vasculitides and Relapsing Polychondritis. He the only invited expert from India to an international research group which developed and validated relapsing polychondritis disease activity index(RPDAI). He is also the local principal investigator of the American College of Rheumatology and European League against Rheumatic disease multicentric international research group study(DCVAS) , which is developing the diagnostic and classification criteria for systemic vasculitis. He is one of the earliest members of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) from India.

 

Annual Meet of APSICON-2014 Concludes:Delegates From All Over World Took Part

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 19^th October:- The annual meet of plastic surgeons of India concluded today after 5 days of academic activities from 15^th to 19^th  October . The event was attended by faculty from all over the globe including USA, Australia and Europe. More than eight hundred delegates from India and abroad participated in the annual conference.

Dr. Ramesh Sharma, Head, Dept. of Plastic Surgery who is also the president of Association of Plastic surgeons of India was organizing chairman of this scientific meeting. The 1^st day of the conference was dedicated to operative video procedures pertaining to plastic surgery. The 2^nd day of the meeting was dedicated to updates in techniques of procedures like abdominoplasty , liposuction , rhinoplasty and management of congenital abnormalities of the body. This day was attended by budding and senior plastic surgeons from all over the country. Limited access techniques like endoscopic plastic surgery were also discussed. There was a great deal of interaction between the participants. The 3^rd  & 4^th day of the conference at had lot of academic content. More than 300 scientific papers were presented during these two days. There were also symposia and key note lectures by the leaders in the field of plastic surgery. Last day of the conference had a quiz competition as a major attraction . There were also master classes providing state of the art techniques in commonly used plastic surgery procedures. Recent advances and latest equipments available for plastic surgery procedures were also presented during the meeting. The organizing committee of the meeting was felicitated during the closing ceremony on Sunday.

 

North Country Mall unveils an entertainment packed Diwali Carnival

By 121 News Reporter

Mohali 19^th October:- North Country Mall, is hosting a Diwali Carnival at the Mall which will be on till 23^rd October 2014.This was informed by the B Anantharaman, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Gumberg India Pvt Ltd.

While talking with the media, B Anantharaman said, that the North Country Mall is Gumberg's first project outside US and is part of US$7 billion investment plan for India.  This Diwali the 'North Country Mall' has embarked on a 'Diwali Carnival' that would bring shopping experience to a new level for the Tricity denizens. Apart from the regular shops in the Mall a handicrafts bazaar retailing Diwali oriented items has been created. Some lucrative shopping discounts are also there and so are options to shop and win gifts. To complete the festive mood, food & drinks stalls, music festival with live performances by folk artists, fusion bands, local & National singers and dancers, music competition and a live DJ are all part of the festivity. Special arrangements for kids include a dance arena, kids play area, magic show, puppet shows, laser shows, fireworks and much more. He added that giving back to society too is part of the Diwali Festival. A 'Wish Tree' in the central atrium of the mall would give visitors an opportunity to share the festive goodwill with society at large. For every wish put on the 'Wish Tree', North Country Mall pledges to contribute an equal amount in monetary terms to a social cause.

 

It was revealed that the festival will have many attractions for visitors over the next 5 days. While on 19^th a colourful Rangoli making will be held there will also be performances by bands Atathya & Pratayaksh. On 21^st a 'War of Bands Finale' will provide a perfect platform for different bands to show their talent and win the Best Band Title.The prize sponsors for the "War of Bands" contest are are Central,Da Milano and Samsung and My FM is radio partner.Apart from this ITC lifestyle, cotton curio ,Numero uno,Future World,Giny and Jony,612 IVY league, Bonzai, Ayesha, Pizzahut,PVR also sponsored gift vouchers and coupons to the customers during Emcee interaction. This will be followed up by performances by singers Nishawn Bhullar, Sarthi K and Mankirat Aulakh. 22^nd will see Bhangra & Dhol performance, a mesmerizing Sufi presentation by Gagan Wadali and Fire Works.

 

 

‘Cubs Club’ Lights up Lives of Visually Impaired

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 19^th October:- 'Cubs Club' organized a special event at Punjab Kala Bhawan where a Diwali Craft Workshop was undertaken. The same saw participation of kids with normal vision who decorated candles made by visually impaired students of Institute for Blind, Sec 26, Chandigarh. The children under the guidance of members of 'Cubs Club' embellished the candles which was in essence  an amalgamation of the 'colorful' and 'colorless' world. An Eye donation camp was also held at the event, the uniqueness about this was that parents of kids who did the Diwali craft took a pledge to donate their eyes.

Ms. Meenu Prashar, Co Convenor, Cubs Club, said that Cubs Club always tries to spread some positive message to society. This time on the occasion of Diwali with the help of kids we have organized an eye donation campaign. Our aim is to teach children that a Diwali gift is not just a box wrapped in a beautiful piece of paper; but it is your love towards the receiver. This way we are showing our love towards our visually impaired friends and want to gift them a ray of hope, that someday we might be the one to brighten up their World. There was another noble feature attached to the event. An artiste Ms. Divya Jaggi donated 5 of her creations for auction, so that the funds may-be used to spread message of Eye Donation. She also donated 6 works that she has made showing live stories of PGI patients.

The event was attended by Principal of Blind Institute, Sec 26, Chandigarh Jagannath Singh Jayara. A presentation on the need for Eye Donation by Dr R. Kumar Former PGI Sr. Eye Specialist, Health Columnist & Managing Trustee, Gomco Research Foundation was also held. Dr Kumar informed that in India, there are an estimated 4.6 million people with corneal blindness that is curable through corneal transplantation made possible by Eye donation. More than 90% of the corneal transplantation is carried out successfully and helps restore vision in people with corneal blindness. Corneal transplantation in infants born with cloudy cornea can make a big difference to their lives.

 

CII Compliments the BJP on Absolute Majority in Haryana

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 19^th October:- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Northern Region congratulated the incoming BJP Government in Haryana with clear mandate.

 Zubin Irani, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Northern Region & President – Building & Industrial Systems (India), United Technologies Corporation India Pvt Ltd  commented that CII is committed to work with the newly elected BJP government to make Haryana truly a manufacturing hub and the most preferred destination for investors with strong focus on infrastructure, education, enhancing skills & employability, access to quality healthcare for all and women's empowerment. Zubin Irani, further said that we have been working very closely with the state government in the past and will continue to render our full support in all progress linked endeavours, which are key to attain sustainable development. In its continuing efforts to promote inclusion, CII's emphasis would be on creating enabling policy environment for investments, ease of doing business, enhancing skills, education & employability.

 

Rattan Kapur, Chairman, CII Haryana State Council & Managing Director, Mark Exhaust Systems Ltd said that Haryana elections were highly inclusive witnessing over 70% turnout with massive women and youth voter participation. Therefore, the results are true representation of masses. This shows decisive public sentiment for effective governance and growth aspirations of Haryana. CII will continue to work with the State Government to facilitate Haryana's emerging as most competitive manufacturing hub with quality infrastructure and skilled manpower.

Underdoggs organizes Oktober Fest, a beer festival, announces unique Pool Tournament

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 18^th October:- Festivals mainly associated with beer guzzling are held in September – October in Europe. One such Fiesta -- Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Large quantities of beer is consumed, with almost 7 million litres served during the 16 day festival in 2007. Taking a queue; Underdoggs Tricity's only true sports bar has announced its Beer festival – 'Oktober Fest' at its Elante Mall outlet in Chandigarh. The festival will continue till 30^th Oct. The Underdoggs fest will be a paradise for Beer lovers.

Rish Saini, Co CEO & Director of Marketing,Underdoggs, said that there are enticing offers on Beer during the festival. Four main Beers – Carlsberg, Tuborg, Carling and SOL will be the centre of attraction. The reason: There is a 2+1 offer on Carlsberg & Tuborg mugs. Beer enthusiasts can also avail of a 2+1 offer on Carling and SOL. What's more, there is a 50 per cent off on any second beer tube order." There are Beers like Tsingtao & Hoegaarden also available at the Fest. The menu boasts of 15+ types of beers enjoyed at bars the World over. Another novelty is Beer on tap which comes to you in multiple sizes to suit your table – from a pint to a sporty Beer tube (2.64ltrs), it makes beer drinking a team act, and looks super cool on the table. A UD Special Brew -- Beer Cocktails are also part of the Festival.

 

As Sports is at the heart of it all in Underdoggs, the Oktober Fest will culminate in a sporty event -- a Pool Tournament, which certainly will be one of a kind for the tricity. The tournament will be played on from 26^th Oct 2014 from 11 am onwards at Underdoggs, Elante Mall, which has the Pool tables & required infrastructure for hosting the competition.The winner will get Rs. 50,000 & a trophy, the First Runner Up Rs. 30,000 & a Medal and the Second Runner Up walks away with Rs. 10,000 & a Medal. Top 3 placers will be given a direct entry into the next pool tournament in November. Those interested may register online at www.underdoggs.com

 

 

HALLMARK PUBLIC SCHOOL Organise Session on CYBER CRIME & SECURITY

By 121 News Reporter

Panchkula 18^th October:- In today's society cyber crimes have become the latest challenge for law enforcers. There are cyber criminals lurking in cyber space to take advantage of innocent computer users. Therefore, it becomes all the more important to educate members of society against such criminal activity. In this direction Hallmark Public School, Panchkula, in an endeavour to spread awareness about cyber crime & security, conducted a workshop on 'Cyber Crime, Security & Information Protection' for parents, students and teachers. Arun Soni, a certified Cyber Security Expert, who has his name in 'Limca book of Records', gave an impressive presentation on 'Cyber Security'.

Arun Soni explained elaborately about securing router, protection against E-mail/Wi-Fi hacking, phishing,  cyber bullying, threats in cyber cafes,  blocking unwanted websites, tracking lost mobile phone/tablet/laptop, social media safety measures, securing online transactions, ATM frauds, cyber laws and  cyber crime cells.

Mrs. Kavita Wadhwa, Principal, said that the practical demonstration of techniques adopted by hackers was of great help to understand the severity of cyber crimes. Mr. Soni also displayed how vulnerable innocent internet users are against Cyber Criminals. According to  Jivtesh Garg, Director, Hallmark School, "Parents, teachers & students have become more aware of the problem after this interactive session. I am sure that all of us will now take appropriate measures for cyber security & information protection.

 Avoid using pendrives with personal data at the computers you don't trust", replied Mr. Soni when Ms. Sarika Chadda, an alert mother, asked about the safety measures using computers at cyber cafes. Another parent, Col. PS Chahal's query related to psychological aspect of social media; when answered by Arun Soni, was certainly an eye-opener for all the participants.