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Chandigarh 01^st September:-The Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration is organizing the culturally enriching event of 9^th Arts and Heritage Festival from 8^th to 10^th September, 2017 at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh from 6:30 pm onward.

Giving more details about the festival Jitender Yadav, Director Cultural Affairs said that the much awaited event will witness captivating performances by eminent personalities. On 8^th September there would be a performance by PadmaShri Malini Awasthi, an Indian folk singer who sings in Hindi language dialects like Awadhi, Bundelkhandi and Bhojpuri. She was awarded with the civilian honour of Padma Shri by the Government of India in the year 2016. The 2^nd day of the festival will witness a Hasya Kavi Sammelan, wherein eight eminent poets will recite a series of humorous poems full of wit and wisdom that will tickle your funny bone and bring a smile to your face. The last day will witness a soul stirring Sufi performance by Lakhwinder Wadali- a Punjabi musician, who hails from a family of musicians. His grandfather Thakur Dass Wadali was a renowned vocalist and his father and uncle formed a Sufi qawwali duo, the Wadali brothers.

He further shared that in addition to this, Nukkad Nataks/Street Plays will also be conducted on each day of the Festival at different locations of Chandigarh. The details of the Nukkad Nataks/Street Plays are as follows:

These street plays would be conducted at Manimajra, Kishangarh, Kaimbwla, Maloya, Dhanas, Dadumajra, Hallumajra, Ramdarbar and Daira from 4:00 pm onward.

Along with this, as an initiative to promote the mission of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Sh. Narendra Modi, the Department of Cultural Affairs has invited a team of Folk Dance from Dadra and Nagar Haveli who will spread their colours with the folk dances of Punjab and Haryana at Plaza Sector-17, Chandigarh.  The Officials from Dadra and Nagar Haveli will also be visiting the city beautiful to witness the 9^th Chandigarh Arts and Heritage Festival.

The Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi will also be organising Drawing Workshop at Chandigarh Arts College, Sector 10, Chandigarh and Exhibition-cum-Presentation of Guest Artists at Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh.  The Akademi will also organise City Children Competition at 4 to 5 locations in Chandigarh.  The theme of the Competition will be on Arts and Heritage of India. 

Various dance and musical performances will also be presented at the Plaza Sector-17, Chandigarh. The performances will be held from 6:30 pm onward each day as follows: 

9th Chandigarh Arts & Heritage Festival Programme at Plaza Sector-17

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Chandigarh 01^st September:-Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) India today announced that its Made in India Jeep® Compass has touched the 10,000 bookings milestone. The auto manufacturer opened pre-bookings for the SUV on June 19^th and launched it on July 31^st this year. FCA India, which is currently focusing entirely on its go-tomarket execution confirms over 92,000 enquiries as of today. 

Commenting on the milestone Kevin Flynn, President and Managing Director, FCA India said that the Made in India Jeep® Compass has gained remarkable traction in the market since we opened the order books in June. Along with the incredible response to our pricing, which has been simply overwhelming, customers are also drawn to the Jeep® Compass for its impressive character, sophistication, capability and authenticity. We are working with our Plant to deliver the product to customers in the least possible time.

The Jeep® Compass range in India starts with 1.4 Multi-Air Turbo Petrol 'Sport' 4x2 variant with a 6-speed manual transmission at Rs. 14.95 Lakh (ex-Delhi) and tops with the 2.0LMultiJet Turbo Diesel  'Limited (O)' 4x4 variant with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The Jeep® Compass is available to customers in three trims - Sport, Longitude and Limited and 10 variants, including a 4x2 Turbo Petrol with a 7-speed automatic transmission (DDCT).

Packed with 50+ safety and security features, 30+ premium features and 20+ pioneering technologies, Jeep® Compass is one of the safest SUVs on Indian roads. 

Customers can choose from two powertrain options - the 173 PS, 350 Nm, 2.0-litre MultiJet Turbo Diesel and the 162 PS, 250 Nm, 1.4-Multi-Air Turbo Petrol. The Diesel variant is being offered with the 6-speed manual transmission while the Petrol comes with both options, the 6-speed manual as well as the 7-speed DDCT (Dry Dual Clutch Technology) or Automatic Transmission. The Sport and Longitude trims are available in two-wheel drive (4x2) only while the top of the line trim, Limited comes with choice of 4x2 as well as fourwheel drive (4x4) options. The Limited is equipped with Jeep®'s legendary Jeep® Active Drive with Selec Terrain Traction Management System that lets the driver chose from four terrain modes – Auto, Mud, Sand and Snow. 

Kevin Flynn concluded that our go-to-market strategy has worked as planned and now we are focusing on execution. We are giving equal priority to Jeep® Compass retails, expanding our sales and service network, and strengthening our Mopar-driven after-sales operations.

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Chandigarh 01^st September:- 'Khido Khundi', which means Ball & Hockey Stick is the title of Punjabi film dedicated to the a sport which is not just a game, but the  heartbeat of Punjab -the National Sport of Hockey. The film which is produced by Hayre  Productions, Rohit Jugraj and Sagoon Wagh is scheduled for release in March 2018. The film will be marketed and promoted by Unisys Infosolutions  & Saga Music. Saga Music has been known for promoting movies on versatile genres and once again they are doing the same by promoting one of a kind sports illustrated film.

The movie is directed by Jugraj himself, who turns producer too with it. The Star Cast, Crew & many Hockey Olympians gathered at event held at local Hotel in Chandigarh,  to talk about  the unique Punjabi 'Sports Movie'. The film will bring into limelight the small village - Sansarpur on outskirts of Jalandhar, which has produced as many as 14 Hockey Olympians. 

Talwinder Hayre, CEO Hayre Entertainment, who is famous for organizing events like Kabaddi League in Jalandhar since 2013 said that sports plays a pivotal role in society hence we believe in promoting the same and I am sure that the film will fulfill vision for the same.

 Ranjit Bawa, an ace Punjabi singer who created a sensation with his album 'Mitti Da Bawa' will be the male lead in the movie, in the female lead will be Mandy Takhar who has made a name due to her acting skills in films like like Sardaarji, Mirza etc. Manav Vij, who has received rave reviews for his performances in Bollywood films like like Udta Punjab & Naam Shabana is also in the star cast. Iranian Model Naaz Norouzi will be debuting in it.

Sagoon Wagh, who earlier has handled various projects in Bollywood said that the story revolves around two Punjabi NRI brothers who aim to make the game of Hockey come alive again, against all odds.

The film has been inspired by doyens of Indian Hockey like Arjuna Awardee Col Balbir Singh Kular , Olympian Varinder Singh who was the member of Gold winning team at 1975 World Cup in Malaysia, Olympian Rajinder Singh Junior who received Dronacharya Award in 2003 , Olympian Gurmail Singh who was the member of 1980 Olympic Gold winning team and Olympian Sanjeev Kumar who was the part of 1996 Olympics' Indian Hockey Team.

Producer-Director Rohit Jugraj, who is known  for directing successful films like SardarJi I & II said that Sandeep Singh, Former Captain of Indian National Hockey Team has been training the cast in finer nuances of the game.

Sandeep Singh, added that it's a new role that he is engaged in and he is enjoying it to the fullest.

Singer turned Actor Ranjit Bawa said that he is extremely delighted to be part of this path breaking film, which is being made to focus attention of all Indians on Hockey.

Manav Vij added that 'Khido Khundi' will be the first Punjabi film that will be based on Hockey & will document the game well in a fictional & fast paced story.

Mandy Takhar said that it has been lovely working under direction of Rohit Jugraj & with the entire team. She is looking forward eagerly to the film's release.

The versatile Guggu Gill is also doing an important role. Guggu Gill said that we proudly offer the platform of our film to each & every Hockey player to be part of this movie alongside the Star Cast.

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Chandigarh 01^st September:- After successfully delighting consumers with the wholesome and refreshing taste of home-grown Mosambi in Minute Maid Pulpy Mosambi, Coca-Cola today announced the launch of Minute Maid Pulpy Santra that contains Santra (orange) juice from the oranges locally-grown in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

The downright deliciously Minute Maid Pulpy Santra contains juice from perfectly ripe, hand-picked Indian Santra fruits and pulp that provides for a fruit-eating experience. The wholesome new drink, made from the choicest citrus fruits, will be available in ready-to-serve 400 ml pack.

The new launch is in tune with the Coca-Cola System in India's, transformational journey to create a Virtuous Fruit Circular Economy by using a variety of Indian fruits in its beverages. The Coca-Cola Company in India along with its owned bottling operation, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, fruit suppliers and processors in India is already working with 4 lakh farmers and training many of them on innovative and effective ways of practicing horticulture to help realize Prime Minister's vision of doubling farmers' income by 2022.

Handing over the first bottle of Minute Maid Pulpy Santra to a farmer who grew the fruit for the beverage, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said that we have a tireless resolve to bring about positive changes in the lives of our farmers.. We are happy that companies like Coca-Cola and their partners like Jain Irrigation are committed towards the agricultural economy. They can also help introduce modern and scientific methods of farming to improve both quality and quantity of agricultural produce. He is sure this will play a key role in developing the agri sector in India and Maharashtra and help us in making the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to double the farm income by 2022. This occasion has become all the more special marking the presence of James Quincey President and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. He wants to assure him that he has found a partner for life in Maharashtra. We are enthused to embark upon this journey of bringing a meaningful change in the lives of our farmers.

T Krishnakumar, President, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia said that currently, our beverages are sold in over 26 lakh outlets in India. Our aim is to leverage this pervasive distribution for our juice-based drinks so that consumers get easy access to them. Our commitments to create demands for locally grown fruit based beverages and invest in the agri ecosystem are the cornerstones of Virtuous Fruit Circular Economy. We recently launched Minute Maid Pulpy Mosambi containing fruit juice from the locally-grown Mosambis. He is happy to share that it is already available in more than 1 lakh outlets across the country. The launch of Minute maid Pulpy Santra is another milestone in this transformational journey. In the first phase, we have sourced Santra fruits from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

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Chandigarh 01^st September:-Global Achievers Forum is a platform to acknowledge the efforts of professionals and entrepreneurs who matter the most to the city. These are the individuals who have excelled, been innovative and have contributed meaningfully to the development of the city through their services.

The Best in Class Awards is an amalgamation of uniqueness and glamour. No other platform in the country recognizes a Fashion Designer, a Sweet Shop Owner, an Interior Designer, Architect, Event Manager, Property Dealer, Travel Agent, Coaching Centre, and many more, all on the same stage at the same time! After the grand success of the First Edition and a great response, the Global Achievers Forum is all set to launch the Second Edition on September 17th at Hyatt Regency, Chandigarh.

To make sure that the Awards not only recognize its Awardees but educate its Awardees, Mr. Abhishek Upadhyaya, CEO of the Global Achievers Forum and StepUp HR, has come up with a new concept. They are organizing a Conclave on 'Spreading Happiness, Building Brands' which will be very beneficial for our Awardees to take their businesses to new heights. To serve the purpose they have invited some of the best Professionals from the Corporate World along with Film Celebrities.

Along with the Conclave, they are introducing an amazing, new and unique concept of "Coffee with Experts". In this section, some of the selected Awardees will get a chance to have Coffee with one of the Experts for any discussion related to their businesses and build relations.

Tricity is ambitious, inventive, and entrepreneurial. Where the city has many family run businesses passing recipe of bringing a smile on their customer's face from one generation to another it is equally welcoming to those who step in with nothing more than a penny in their pocket and dreams in their eyes to make it big in life. The purpose of the Global Achievers Forum- Best In Class Awards is to make every such successful enthusiast have a proud moment amongst his/her family, kids, spouse and the entire community since they're the ones who have gone beyond the call of duty. The StepUp HR team including Mrs Bela Sethi and Swikar Sethi have put in their best to make this event a success by ensuring that the target audience participates in this event as this concept is new to the city.

StepUp Global Research is their Knowledge Partner, Outdoor Media Partner is Magic Mind and the event is powered by StepUp HR (One of the Leading Executive Search Firm of India).

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Chandigarh 01^st September:-Once in a while, an outstanding new talent emerges, with immeasurable promise and potential. When the talent in question also has the charisma and allure of a 'star in the making' it is time for us to sit up and take notice. Karanveer, who makes his mainstream movie debut opposite Parmish Verma, in Punjabi movie Rocky Mental, is such a talent–a fine actor on his way to becoming a star.

Beneath the imposing presence and 'Greek god body', Karan is surprisingly soft-spoken and mild-mannered-suave and articulate, yet exuding a boyish vulnerability that endears him to everyone. From his early days Karan had been pursuing his parallel passions of theater and fitness, acting in plays while also working as a fitness trainer. In 2009 he entered the Gladrags Manhunt Pageant and was declared the finalist from Chandigarh. This led to a series of modeling assignments and TV roles. His association with theatre continued and he matured as an actor, working on material from the likes of Saadat Hasan Manto, Bhagwati Charan Verma and Dharamvir Bharati. He went on to act in a few indie and short films which propelled him towards an opportunity to work with Academy Award winning director Danis Tanović (No Man's Land) on his 2014 film 'Tigers'. The experience was a turning-point for Karan and it instilled in him a focus on meaningful roles and quality cinema. Fate works in mysterious ways. Sometimes an actor goes in search of a role and sometimes a role goes in search of an actor. Director Vikram Thori and actor Parmish Verma had a path-breaking film ready to go on floors but were held up as they could not find the right actor to play the villain. After an elusive search which lasted for months they stumbled upon an audition clip by Karan in early 2016, the decision was instantaneous, they had found their villain! Mental Facts!

Karanveer is known to be a very humble and soft spoken guy in real life , to the extent that people in his friend circle tagged him as the Gentle Giant, contrary to the character he plays in the movie . To put life to the character of Sher Gill he worked on himself specially his voice, Karanveer practiced the art of Voice Modulation for months before he dubbed his part for the movie which won him applause from the technical team. The creepiness and weight age in the dialogues is a result of his hard work , belief in Method Acting and the positive support from the writer Udai Pratap Singh Sandhu .. Karan believes that the success of any movie lies in the joint efforts of the whole team, he gives the credit to his director Vikram Thori, writer Sanjay Saini , udai pratap and his co-actors Mahabir Bhullar, Jagjit singh and Darshan Aulakh sir along with his contemporary from theater Dheeraj Kumar and Jagjeet Sandhu .

He believes that it's very important that the antagonist in movies should be good actors so that the whole theme looks balanced. You need a good villain to bring out the true heroism out of people. It's not about being hero or villain it's all about how good you bring out your character in front of the audience. He went to see rocky mental with his family and noticed people relating to the character of Maninder Shergill, he smile to himself every time he feels they hate Shergill because that's his victory as an actor. He feels blessed that people loved his work and reverted to him on his social media accounts with love and praise. Karanveer had to shred for his character in the movie, for which he lost 20 pounds in 15 days, which was the result of hardcore workouts, strict diet regimes and his dedication as an actor towards his role .The movie hit the screens on 19 august 2017 and the rest is history, as they said.

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Chandigarh 02^nd September:-Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) today organized a programme. Chandigarh BJP President Sanjay Tandon inaugurated 'BJYM Legal Aid Centre' at District Court Complex, Sector-43 Chandigarh. The centre will provide free legal assistance to the common people.

On this occasion Sanjay Tandon applauded the work of the BJYM and said that the legal aid centre would offer legal advice to the common people, at the same time it would also help our organization to connect with common man and know the various problems being faced by them. Our party would also help redress these grey areas of our legal system at the government level. The noble work having been started by Yuva Morcha increases the importance of this programme.

Chandigarh BJYM President Adv. Gaurav Goel informed that the centre located at Chamber No. 308, District Court Complex Sector-43 would be open to provide free legal assistance to common people and especially the women through a panel of Yuva Morcha's Advocates. Chandigarh BJYM's Legal Cell Convener Adv. Ashish Rawal and Co-Convener Adv. Anandeshwar Gautam would look after the functioning of the centre. He also said that this kind of work being done by a youth organization is in itself a unique initiative.

State Media Secretary Arundeep Singh informed that any person who can't afford and needs any sort of help and assistance in litigation work can anytime contact on our Legal Helpline Nos. 9888370000, 9417567484 &9814622229.

Others present on this occasion were Councillor Chandravati Shukla, BJP District President Devi Singh, BJYM National Executive Member & J&K Co-Incharge Amit Rana, State General Secretaries Amandeep Singh and Mehakveer Sandhu, State Vice Presidents Shveta Mahajan, Harish Patel & Ganesh Jha, State Secretaries Vijay Rana, Narinder Lubana & Abhinav Sharma and other state office bearers.

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Chandigarh 02^nd September:-श्रीश्यामसखामंडलचंडीगढ़कीओरसेपंचकूलामेंपहलेश्रीश्याममहोत्सवकाआयोजनकियाजारहाहै।यहमहोत्सव 3 सितम्बररविवारकोबेकर्सलाउन्जसेक्टर-9 पंचकूलाकेसामनेपार्किंगस्थलमेंआयोजितकियाजारहाहै।

इसबारेमेंऔरअधिकजानकारीदेतेहुएश्रीश्यामसखामंडलकेप्रधानकन्हैयामित्तलनेबतायाकिमंडलकेद्वाराश्यामबाबाकामहोत्सवपंचकूलामेंपहलीबारकियाजारहाहै।इसअवसरपरश्रीश्यामबाबाकाभव्यसुन्दरदरबारसजायाजाएगा, औरदेसीघीकाभंडारालगायाजाएगा।

उन्होंनेआगेबतायाकिमहोत्सवमेंभारतकेमशहूरकलाकारकन्हैयामित्तल ,राजूखंडेलवालएवंमोनाअपनेभजनोद्वाराश्रीश्यामप्रभुखाटूवालेकागुणगानकरेंगे।

मंडलकेप्रधानकन्हैयामित्तलनेआगेऔरजानकारीदेतेहुएबतायाकीमहोत्सवमेंखाटूश्याममंदिरकेपुजारीश्यामसिंहचौहानजीभीखासतौरपरउपस्थितरहेंगे।

मंडलकेअन्यसदस्ययोगेशबंसल, राहुलसिंगला, चेतनबोथरातथाआदिलगर्गबेबतायाकीमहोत्सवशाम 7 बजेशुरूहोगा।

By 121 News

Chandigarh 02^nd September:-A student who does not help a poor  or an uneducated person has incomplete education.  He may acquire a degree but his education remains incomplete.  This was the advice given by Hon'ble Justice S.S. Saron, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, Punjab State Legal Services Authority, while motivating the law students during a workshop organized by the Punjab State Legal Services Authority.  Today, in a workshop  on  "BRIDGING THE GAP IN ACCESS TO JUSTICE; ROLE OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND LAW STUDENT", the Hon'ble Justice S.S. Saron, also released a book published by Punjab State Legal Services Authority on Court Room Language and Common Man written by Dr. Rajneesh, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Patiala. 

While motivating the law students who participated in the said conference from Army Institute of Law, SAS Nagar,  Chandigarh University, Gharuan and Rayat and Bahra University, Sahauran, Hon'ble Justice S.S. Saron, emphasized the need of involvement of law students with rustic people having rural background to understand the practical problems and issues being faced by poor and marginalized sections of the society.  His Lordship emphasized that they would make law students mature and seasoned advocates.

 This workshop was also attended by  Vivek Puri, Legal Remembrancer and Secretary to Government of Punjab, Ms. Archana Puri, District and Sessions Judge,  SAS Nagar, Ms. Harpreet Kaur Jeewan, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Member Secretary, Punjab State Legal Services Authority, R.K. Jain, Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-Additional Member Secretary, Punjab Legal Services Authority, Dr. Balram Gupta, Director Academics, Chandigarh Judicial Academy, Inderjit Mehta, Director Administration, Chandigarh Judicial Academy and other Judicial Officers of the rank of CJMs-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authorities from the Punjab Judiciary, panel lawyers.

Besides, Prof. Dr. M.S. Bains, Dean, University School of Law, Rayat and Bahra University, Sahauran, Prof. (Dr.) Saurabh C., Director, University, Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh University, Gharuan and Ms. Tejinder Kaur, Principal, Army Institute of Law,  also attended the workshop.  A large number of students and faculty members also participated in this workshop.   The welcome address was given by Ms. Harpreet Kaur Jeewan, Member Secretary, Punjab Legal Services Authority vote of thanks was extended by R.K. Jain, Additional Member Secretary, Punjab Legal Services Authority.

Students from Law Universities and Judicial Officers who are Secretaries in District Legal Services Authorities in the State of Punjab, shared their experiences while working in the Legal Aid/Legal Services Clinic about reaching upto down-trodden and the marginalized segment of the society.

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Chandigarh 02^nd September:-California Walnut Commission (CWC), in association with Walmart India's Best Price Store in Zirakpur, organized a nutrition session with nutritionist Kavita Devgan today during the ongoing Health Mela in the store. The aim was to highlight the nutritive benefits of walnuts and the nut's inclusion in daily diet for a healthy lifestyle. At the session organized exclusively for the members of Walmart India, she also shared a few recipes and clarified common myths associated with walnuts.

Kavita Devgan, renowned author and consulting nutritionist specializing in weight loss, lifestyle modification and holistic wellness said that consuming a diet with walnuts is the key to healthy living. Incorporating walnuts into meals and snacks is a simple, effective and convenient way to help ensure adequate protein intake. Walnut is also the best plant-based source of Omega 3 for vegetarians. 28 grams of walnuts provides four grams of protein and two grams of fiber, enough to keep one full. The key highlight is that Walnuts are naturally sodium, cholesterol and gluten free. Over 20 years of research has proven how walnuts benefit heart health, diabetes, cancer, cognition, fertility, and weight management.

Rajneesh Kumar, Senior Vice President & Head of Corporate Affairs, Walmart India, added that we are happy to associate with California Walnut Commission to spread the message of healthy living across our member base. In deep engagement with our supplier partners, we strive to provide a wide range of relevant and quality assortment at competitive price points to our members so that they can save money and live better. Nutrition session such as this are expected to educate our member base and also provide them with a platform to have their queries answered by expert.

The nutrition talk was very well received by the store members. Kavita Devgan interacted with the crowd and was happy to share ideas on incorporating California walnuts as part of daily diet and for gifting during festive seasons. CWC in their continued endeavor to spread the message of nutritive eating for healthier lifestyle is happy to associate with Walmart India to expand outreach.

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Chandigarh 02^nd September:-A triennial report on poverty scenario in South Asian countries was released for the first time in north India here on Saturday at Institute for Development Communication (IDC). The report has been produced by a Nepal-based South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE). A Chandigarh-based study circle Dialogue Highway in collaboration with IDC facilitated the release of the report. This was followed by a 'Dialogue on Governance for the Margins with reference to South Asia'. A special lecture 'on contesting Claims of Inclusion of Diversity: Challenges and opportunities' was delivered by one of country's foremost sociologists Professor Shiv Vishwanathan.

While addressing the audience, Vishwanathan, said that we need to ask if the Indian Constitution complete is to deal with aspirations of the diverse people, the nature. Is it violent built on genocides of dialects? Does it represent the voice of the defeated, minority and those at the margins? He suggests that the constitution should include diversity and the nature as purposes of the constitution.   

Dialogue Highway Managing Trustee Devinder Sharma revealed that the SAAPE report in essence brings out the failure of South Asian countries to lift their masses out of poverty and withdrawal of the state from providing basic needs like food, education, health and safety to the people at the margins. Dialogue Highway has participation from France also.

SAAPE is a regional platform of civil society organisations, social movements and people's networks fighting against the structural causes of poverty and social injustices in the region and beyond.

While launching its fifth Poverty Report in Chandigarh, today, SAAPE which has been publishing the triennial South Asia Poverty Report since 2003 questioned the existing development paradigm. This report is a knowledge document that brings out the commonality of experiences of all south Asian countries.

While sharing some of the findings of the report, Prof. Netra Timsina, Regional Coordinator, SAAPE Nepal said that while South Asia houses 22 per cent of the world's population, the region, however has only 1.3% of the world's income. The idea that market will correct imbalances through demand and supply has led to the gradual withdrawal of state from publicly providing services like education and health.

Panjabi University Vice Chancellor Professor BS Ghuman said that the report should form the part of policy planning. A social audit of the poverty alleviation programmes should also be included in the process to assess results of poverty eradication. The policy should not be top down but participatory.

In a scholarly exposition Pramod Kumar, Director, IDC said that the state has been usurped by the market and the people at the margins do not have a voice.

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Chandigarh 02^nd September:-Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, President of Chandigarh Traders Association Sector 17 & Advisor Chandigarh Beopar Mandal in a statement said that Chandigarh Administration must reduce Collector rates Chandigarh.

Kamaljit Singh Panchhi mentioned that the collector rates in UT are abnormally high and unrealistic than the prevailing market price. This serious anomaly has resulted in a complete breakdown of all transactions related to property in Chandigarh. The properties in the market are available at less than half of the price of current collector rates.

Kamaljit Singh Panchhi further said that the Punjab Govt. has reduced the collector rates twice in last nine months resulting steep difference in our rates and their rates. The large gap in property prices in adjoining tricity has prompted the business establishments to migrate which directly mean revenue loss to exchequer. It is also worth to note that after the Demonetisation, the value of property has crashed further by 40 to 50% and hence there is dire need to review collector rate in Chandigarh without any further delay.

Kamaljit Singh Panchhi urges the  Administrator UT Chandigarh to reconsider the rates for conversion of residential property from lease hold to free hold proposed by the Chandigarh Administration. Also requested to kindly look into the matter and reduce the collector rates by at least 50% because Chandigarh Administration is taking the collector rates of properties as base for the calculation of conversion fees, whereas the collector rates fixed by the administration are already on the higher side which will help the citizen of Chandigarh to finalize the deals which are already stuck up due to high collector rates. By reducing the collector rates even the Administration will earn crores of Rupees in the shape of stamp duty. Early action in this regards will be highly appreciated.

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Chandigarh 02^nd September:-Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. has created a new record ahead of the festive season, breaching 6 lac sales mark in a single month for the first time.

Historic August 2017 saw total sales grow 26% from 492,368 units in August'16 to 622,180 units. Alone adding nearly 50% new volumes to the industry and gaining 3% market share, Honda is the Highest volume gainer and also the Highest market Share Gainer of the two-wheeler industry.

Leading the domestic industry growth with 26% growth, Honda's domestic sales closed at highest ever 586,173 units in Aug'17 compared to 466,289 units in Aug'16.

Both Honda scooter and motorcycles sales are at an all time high at the start of festival. Honda's motorcycles sale closed at 191,944 units in Aug'17 with solid 48% growth over 129,926 units sold in August'16 while Scooter sales grew 17% from 336,363 units in Aug'16 to 394,229 units in August'17.

Parallel, exports continue to grow strong. Export sales peaked at all-time highest mark of 36,007 units in August'17, registering a solid 38% growth over 26,079 units in Aug'16.

Sharing how August, the first month of 2017 festive season sets the tone for the peak festivities ahead,  Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing, said, that on the back of strong festival demand matched with new additional capacity coming at a very strategic time, Honda has breached 6 lac units sales mark for the first time in August'17. At the same time, our strong overseas demand momentum has resulted in exports crossing 36,000 marks. On the domestic front, both scooters and motorcycles touched their highest sales mark. We are seeing increased footfalls at dealerships and are fully equipped to cater to the high demand during the festive period.

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Chandigarh 02^nd September:-Charanjit Singh Channi,  Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister,  Punjab, visited Chitkara University, Rajpura campus, as the Chief Guest for the "State Level Mega Job Fair" hosted at  Chitkara University, Rajpura , under the benevolent patronage of Captain Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab.

​​Around 75 Global & National Companies like Wipro, WNS, Sun Pharma, Manpower Group , Tech Mahindra, Teleperformance, Genpact & others participated in this mega job fair in which more than 5000 students participated at Chitkara University campus & out of them more than 1000 were successful with their placements.  

Addressing the students at Chitkara University, Rajpura, Charanjit Singh Channi shared that the Punjab Government had in keeping with its electoral promise decided to invite top companies to hire young graduates who had degrees in various streams, and called upon the students to avail  the huge employment opportunity that was being offered to them. He also highlighted the fact that Punjab Govt. was making tremendous efforts to address the unemployment issue in the state and this Job Fair was just the beginning towards the long journey.

He also said that this was a unique opportunity where students could get jobs at attractive pay packages in top companies of the country and also MNCs. Thousands of students had registered for the Mega Job Fair attended the Job Fair, and lauded the initiative of the Punjab government.

Applauding the services being rendered by the Chitkara University in the field of education, he appreciated the stellar growth of the University under the dynamic patronage of of Dr Ashok K Chitkara, Chancellor and Dr Madhu Chitkara, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University. He was highly impressed by the University's CSR initiative of adopting surrounding five villages and catering to the welfare of the villages through various NSS programs. Charanjit Singh Channi also visited the unique, exquisite and state of art Innovation Explore hub of the University which has 40 + successful startups and 100 plus industry mentors.

Dr Madhu Chitkara Vice-Chancellor, Chitkara University, praised the strenuous efforts of Punjab Govt for such a brilliant initiative as she welcomed the Technical Education Minister and hoped that the students who got selected would carve a niche for themselves given the hands on experience that they had got during the course of their study from their respective institutions. She also appraised the gathering about the excellent placement scenario at Chitkara University.

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Chandigarh 04^th September:-Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Anantkumar Hegde, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship today took charge of their respective portfolios at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Addressing the media persons on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said that he is extremely humbled that the Prime Minister has given me this responsibility to steer India's Skill Mission and we will ensure that we deliver on his expectations. He has a vision that we create a new environment of creating dignified job opportunity for the youth. This is a policy driven ministry and in the last three years we have been able to lay down the foundation for skill development in the country. We will now work towards bringing scale and speed to this program by bringing in convergence and coordination with our States, Departments, Private Institutions and other existing skill programs.

It is a great responsibility more than a challenge and we will work for filling the need gaps and work towards ensuring the youth of a brighter future. We will explore all possible grid system, information systems, technology advent that the country is witnessing, conventional jobs and new age skills to enable a more efficient outcome of our programs and schemes in skills.

Committing himself to the Prime Minister's vision,  Anantkumar Hegde, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said that he consider the opportunity of being appointed as the Minister of State as greater responsibility towards serving the nation. He is  certain that with the guidance of the Dharmendra Pradhan, we will work as per the defined agenda and draw a proper roadmap for the work to be taken up which will bring about efficiency in the skill ecosystem.

Dharmendra Pradhan also added that job growth is an aspiration for any government. He also added that this ministry has been doing good job and we will be giving it a major push to fulfill the objectives. Every month, there are more than 10 lakh youth joining the job market. Our primary objective will be to create grid across sectors, States and the aspiration of the youth and ensure all the requirements are well addressed. 

Following the joining of respective offices, both the Ministers took an elaborate review meeting with the officials at the Ministry.

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Chandigarh 04^th September:-Godrej Appliances, one of India's leading players in the Home Appliances industry, has always endeavored to push research & development in its relentless effort to ensure that it provides its customers with cutting edge products and services. The core design features of the company's products are based on the pillars of innovation and sustainability. Godrej appliances today launched its range of front load fully automatic washing machines under its sub brand Godrej Eon.

This range of machines comes equipped with a new feature called Allergy Protect, a superior wash programme, certified by Allergy UK that is effective in getting rid of seven common allergens and bacteria. Allergy Protect focuses not only on removing visible stains from clothes but also invisible allergens and bacteria allowing for a truly pristine wash. It also consumes less energy and water as it features another ground-breaking innovation - Eco-Balance technology, which optimizes water and electricity consumption depending on the size of the load.

The new range of washing machines is designed with various other distinctive in-built features that together redefine the concept of cleaning. It has 15 unique wash programmes to cater to the diverse laundry needs of the consumers, an anti-crease function to ease ironing and a rapid 15-minute wash programme that offers a short and convenient solution for less soiled clothes. It also packs a powerful wash with 3 levels of stain selection and foam protection system for better detergent removal.

Godrej's new front load washing machines places convenience at the heart of its human-centric design philosophy, making them easy-to-use whilst also standing out from the competition. 

Sanjeev Jain, National Sales Head-Godrej Appliances, said that we have always been at the forefront when it comes to providing differentiated solutions in washing machines. We were the first to introduce toughened glass lids, color options in washing machines, steel drum in semi-automatic washing machines, water and power sensing DAC technology and ultra-sonic wash technology. With our new technologies, Allergy Protect and Eco Balance in our front load washing machines, we have raised the bar on innovation even higher. We are already among the fastest growing brands in the washing machine category and with this new range; we intend to consolidate our position in the category.

Rakesh Sial, Product Group Head-Godrej Appliances, said that prevalence of bacteria and allergens in clothes can lead to severe skin diseases especially amongst kids as they are more prone to infections. For a thorough wash, we need to focus on the visible as well as the non-visible contaminations on the clothes. Furthermore, water conservation has become a global need. Hence to combat these critical issues while focusing on the health of the consumers, we have enhanced our washing machine range with our foray into the front load fully automatic category. Godrej Eon Front load washing machine promises to make washing clothes a delightful and healthy experience and provide complete convenience to the consumers.

The new range is available in capacities of 7Kg and 6Kg. It will be priced at between Rs. 27000-Rs. 34500.

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Chandigarh 04^th September:-The Courtyard at Elante Mall, the region's favorite destination for shopping, food and fun, virtually turned into a Global Village on Sunday as Elante hosted Chandigarh's biggest international cultural extravaganza replete with breathtaking performances, mouth-watering cuisines and vibrant stalls from 15 countries across the globe.

Organized by the Chandigarh chapter of AIESEC (French acronym for the International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences), the multicultural Global Village event transported visitors to a virtual one-day world tour with vibrant stalls serving sumptuous cuisines and showcasing awe-inspiring artifacts and performers from 15 countries regaling the audience with their spellbinding musical and dance performances.

The World Dance Performance and the Ethnic Fashion Show organized by the students to showcase the cultural wealth of their respective countries came as icing on the cake. Prodded on by the performers, many visitors joined them on the stage, doing every bit to match their dance steps.

The AIESEC volunteers also engaged the visitors in a "Language Game" by asking them to say things in different languages. They also asked the audience questions about different countries.

Stating that it was a proud moment for Elante to host such a prestigious event, Anil Malhotra, Executive Director, Nexus Malls, said that we are happy to give such a distinctive international exposure to our visitors.

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Chandigarh 04^th September:-Wedding preparation of Jaiveer Chopra and Jaya Lokhande of 'Sajjan Re Phir Jhooth Mat Bolo' begins with a bang. The adorable couple, Jai (Hussain Kuwajerwala) and Jaya (Parvati Vaze) finally will tie the knot this September. And the wedding is going to be huge despite of Jai and family faking poverty and Lokhande (Sharad Ponkshe) being against extravagant expenditure on any such grand celebration.

The celebration will begin with a Mehendi and Sangeet ceremony with a grand performance by the very famous and talented dance troop 'V Company'. As the dance company was in debt of Lokhande for his unconditional support to their dance troop they decide to perform and lend the hall for Sangeet and Mehendi to Lokhande for free. The sangeet will not only see a power packed performance by the 'V Company' but also witness a glamorous and dashing performance by Dipika Kakkar. While V Company will perform on 'Ganesh Vandana', Dipika and Jay will perform on 'Delhi Wali Girlfriend'. Along with these special performances, a lot of drama will arise during this Sangeet function.

Commenting on the track, Jai a.k.a Hussain Kuwajerwala said that with lot of lies and convincing, Jai's love story is finally taking the next step. Finally he convinced Jaya's father and the wedding preparation begins with a bash. It's an interesting track where the audience will witness a lot of performance and drama in the wedding.

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Chandigarh 04^th September:-Scouting for a woman who is a beautiful blend of intellect, sass and oomph, Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva 2017 received an overwhelming response with its last audition in Chandigarh. The coveted pageant has been instrumental in re-inventing the definition of beauty and fashion and setting new milestones each year. With Lara Dutta as the mentor, the search has begun for a girl who embodies beauty and beyond and has the spirit to conquer the universe.

90 Girls participated in Miss Diva 2017 Chandigarh auditions held in a Hotel at Sector-17. Total 6 participants selected in the final round named Anahat Kaur Guron, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Titiksha Taggar, Surbhi Singla, Ibadat Bhinder and Meher Chahal.

Elite fashionable set of panelists and judges including notable fashion model and Miss Diva Miss Earth 2014 Alankrita Sahai and famous Punjabi singer, Actor, Director Parmish Vermaselected and screened the contestants. The contestants were judged on various parameters ranging from ramp walk, perfect body, communications skills and more.  Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva 2017 is a 6 part reality tele-series which will be aired on Colors Infinity, India's Premier English Entertainment channel starting 28th October, 2017.

Yamaha Fascino continues to provide a perfect platform for the talented and ambitious women of today as it reflects the spirit of freedom and the desire to go beyond conventional boundaries. Signing up as a title sponsor for the pageant for the 4th consecutive year, the brand is once again ready to take talent to the fame by casting one lucky winner in the upcoming commercial of Yamaha Fascino.

United Colors of Benetton, a socially committed fashion group, has partnered with the pageant to empower the contestants under the Women Empowerment Program, an initiative in accordance with the United Nations.

The nationwide auditions will traverse through the length and breadth of the country to bring to you the best from other cities as well including Lucknow, Kolkata, Indore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Delhi that will culminate into the final leg of auditions at Mumbai on 7^th September, 2017.