Category: News

Chandigarh, September 30, 2026: Motorsport enthusiasts are gearing up for the Hero SJOBA TSD (Time Speed Distance) Rally-2026, which will feature a new Bikers Class, a first-ever Night Stage and challenging new routes across Punjab.

The rally, being organised by St John’s Old Boys Association(SJOBA), under the aegis of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), will have a ceremonial flag-off from St John’s High School at 5 pm on October 2, followed by the formal start from Doaba Group of Colleges on October 3. The rally will return on October 4 and conclude with the prize distribution ceremony at the Chandigarh Golf Association (CGA).

Sharing details at a press conference, SJOBA President Nikhil Deep Singh Jaspal said the introduction of the Bikers Class was aimed at making the event more inclusive and providing motorcycle enthusiasts an opportunity to participate.

“Introducing a Bikers Class for the first time will bring a new dimension to the SJOBA TSD Rally and provide motorcycle enthusiasts with an opportunity to participate in the event,” Jaspal said.

Clerk of the Course (COC) SPS Ghai said a Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rally requires competitors to follow a prescribed route while maintaining specified average speeds and reaching designated checkpoints at stipulated times. “Unlike conventional speed rallies, where outright speed is central, TSD rallies place emphasis on navigation, time management, accuracy and coordination between the driver and co-driver,” said Ghai.

Additional COC Dr Rahul Dutta said, “The Night Stage is being introduced for the first time this year. Driving and navigating at night will present a different challenge for the competitors, testing their concentration, coordination and decision-making abilities.”

Deputy Clerk of the Course (DCOC) Nagendra Singh said new tracks had been identified for the rally. “We have explored and identified new tracks for this year’s rally. These sections will feature sharper turns and unfamiliar challenges, requiring competitors to demonstrate greater precision, control and adaptability,” said Nagendra.

It is worth noting that the rally will traverse parts of Mohali, SBS Nagar, Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur and Garhshankar, taking competitors through varied terrain and changing road conditions.

SJOBA Secretary and Competitor Relations Officer (CRO) Danish Singh Mangat said the event had received strong participation this year.

“We have 35 cars and 15 bikes participating in this year’s rally, which is a huge response. The participation reflects the enthusiasm surrounding the SJOBA TSD Rally and makes this edition particularly exciting,” Mangat said.

Club Steward Nipun Mehan said the organisers were focused on ensuring that participants received a challenging but well-regulated rallying experience, with all rules and procedures being followed properly.

Safety arrangements have also been strengthened for the event. Chief Medical Officer Dr Utkarsh Singh Anand said, “Coordination had been undertaken with Fortis to ensure ambulance support, while First Intervention Vehicles(FIV’s) would carry medical kits and oxygen cylinders.”

Dr Vivek Kapoor, who is part of the medical team said “We are overseeing the deployment of ambulances and FIV’s along the route to ensure that immediate medical assistance is available whenever required.”

Chief Safety Officer Navkiran Singh said safety remained the foremost priority, adding that the organisers have coordinated with local hospitals and the district administration. Local hospitals have been put on alert and an evacuation plan has also been prepared.

In reply to a question, Jaspal said that Hero is the title sponsor of the rally, while Bridgestone is the tyre sponsor. Punjab Tourism is the co-sponsor and Vamcy Merla the additional sponsor. Kandhari Beverages, Fortis, Doaba Group of Colleges, Tynor & Paul Merchants are among the other partners, he added.

The SJOBA president said that the event will culminate on October 4 with the prize distribution ceremony at the Chandigarh Golf Association, where winners will be presented with cash prizes and trophies.

Chandigarh, September 27, 2026: A special Nature Photo Walk was organised at Forest Hill Resort(FHR) to mark World Tourism Day – September 27 and Big Butterfly Month. Over 60 nature lovers and photography enthusiasts participated in the event. The participants explored the beautiful natural surroundings of Forest Hill Resort and captured photographs of trees, plants, birds, butterflies and other natural sights.

Devinder Sandhu, Founder, Forest Hill Resort, said, “Nature is an important part of our lives, and it is very important to observe and understand it closely. Through the Nature Photo Walk, our effort was to connect people with the beautiful natural surroundings of Forest Hill and give them an opportunity to observe the trees, plants, birds, butterflies and the rich variety of flora & fauna found here. The event organised on the occasion of World Tourism Day and Big Butterfly Month was an effort to bring nature, tourism and photography together. We were happy to see the enthusiastic participation of guests, who captured the beautiful sights of nature through their cameras.”

The walk was coordinated by an expert panel comprising Dr. Arun Bansal, Dr. Abhijeet, Gurpartap Singh, Parveen Jaggi, Deepak Arora, Dinesh Verma and Parveen Nain.

Dr. Arun Bansal said, “The Nature Photo Walk was organised in two groups — a Trekking Group that explored the trails, terrain and natural landscapes of the Shivalik foothills, and a Photography Group that captured its rich biodiversity, including butterflies, birds, insects and other fauna. This combination of exploration and documentation offered an engaging way to connect with nature while encouraging greater awareness of conservation and responsible ecotourism.”

Devinder Sandhu added that the objective of the event was to bring people closer to nature and give them an opportunity to understand the natural surroundings and capture their beauty through photography. Guided by experts, the participants explored the natural areas around the resort. During the walk, they photographed different varieties of trees and plants, colourful butterflies, birds and other natural scenes.

Sandhu said that Forest Hill Resort had been making continuous efforts to promote nature-based tourism. Such events give people an opportunity to come closer to nature and understand the environment better. They also help in showcasing the natural beauty of Forest Hill Resort to a wider audience.

The nature enthusiasts spent around three and a half hours exploring the natural surroundings, and then returned to the FHR’s plush Club House. This was followed by a get-together with refreshments and live music.

Forest Hill Resort (FHR) is a nature retreat located on the outskirts of Chandigarh. FHR is an eco-sanctuary which is an adventure destination where guests can experience the outdoors through activities such as off-roading, trekking, horse riding, boating, fishing and bird watching. Forest Hill Resort also boasts of FHR Wilderness Lodge by The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC), this offers opportunities to golf tourists to play golf at the FHR and stay at the lodge amidst serene natural surroundings. It is an ideal destination for relaxation and memorable getaways. What’s more, adventure activities by TUTC are of a very high standard.

Chandigarh, September 25, 2026: Thirty-one (31)-year-old second-generation entrepreneur Shubham Gupta, who is also a real estate developer, has unveiled his maiden book- ‘The Dark Secrets of Real Estate, What The Industry Doesn’t Want Buyers to Know’ at the Chandigarh Press Club. The book explores hidden challenges confronting property buyers in the country.

The 215-page book, written over a period of around one-and-a-half years, seeks to educate homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers, about the legal, technical and financial aspects they should examine before purchasing a property.

Shubham said buyers often visit several properties, meet builders and are presented with attractive amenities and offers, but may not know what questions to ask before committing a substantial amount of money.

“My objective in writing this book is to educate and inform homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers, so that they understand what they should look for and what questions they must ask before purchasing a property,” he said.

Shubham has emphasised in the book that buyers should examine the builder’s profile and track record, the technical quality of construction and the project’s legal and regulatory status. They should also verify RERA registration and quarterly progress reports and make physical visits to project sites rather than relying solely on presentations at sales offices.

Shubham said that he has given a low down on what prospective buyers should also examine in construction specifications, including the structural framework, RCC construction, concrete grades such as M25 and M35, cement and concrete quality, and the quality of steel used in the project.

“Luxury and presentation at a builder’s sales office should never substitute for due diligence. A buyer has to look at the actual project, its construction quality, documentation, approvals and the financial standing of the developer,” he said.

The author & real estate expert said documentation was another critical area requiring careful scrutiny. The book impresses upon buyers to verify ownership and title records, the mother deed, non-encumbrance certificate, relevant government records, the registry in the builder’s name, and the applicable ‘khasra’ number and the agreement to sell, wherever applicable.

He also cautioned buyers against making decisions solely on the basis of claims surrounding “pre-launch prices”, limited availability or artificial urgency created during the sales process.

“Real estate is not automatically a good investment merely because it is real estate. Buyers need to assess the location, legal status, developer’s credentials, financial position, pricing and future prospects before committing their money,” Shubham said.

Shubham Gupta, has been associated with the real estate sector since 2018. He said that his experience had been built through working closely with civil engineers and other professionals and through independent research into development and construction practices.

Calling for greater transparency in the sector, he said relevant project information and major builder-related transactions should be accessible through appropriate public platforms.

“There is a need for greater transparency and stronger systems to monitor project-related funds. The objective should be to create a real estate ecosystem where transactions are transparent, legitimate and accountable, with no scope for black-money transactions,” he said.

Gupta added that his book educates buyers about taxation, available tax benefits and rebates and verifying their eligibility before making investment decisions.

“If buyers are better informed and ask the right questions, it will not only protect their individual interests but also contribute to a more transparent, accountable and quality-driven real estate industry,” concluded Shubham.

Chandigarh, September 24, 2026: Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College & Hospital(SDACH), Sector 46, under a project provided by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, as part of Skill India Development, has unveiled various skill-based courses. The initiative aims to provide essential skills and practical training to youth associated with the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) sector. The courses focus on providing participants with relevant knowledge as well as hands-on practical training in their respective fields. Details of the courses and other important announcements were shared with the media by Dr. Naresh Mittal, General Secretary, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College & Hospital at a press conference held at the premises of SDACH. Pt. Sudarshan Kumar Shastri, Director & Administrator, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College & Hospital was also present along with Dr Mittal.

Addressing the media at a press conference held at the institution, Dr. Naresh Mittal, General Secretary, SDACH, said that with the objective of providing employment-oriented and practical training to youth in the AYUSH sector, SDACH , Chandigarh, would introduce various short-term skill-oriented courses after completion of the affiliation process. The courses aim to equip young people with employment-oriented competencies in the Ayurveda and healthcare sectors.

He said that the proposed courses include a one-year Panchkarma Technician course, a three-month Garbhini Mittra course and a three-month Ayurveda Masseur course. These will be delivered under the Skill India initiative. In addition to these two courses – BSc Nursing Ayurveda and ‘Multi Task Worker’ will be delivered in affiliation with Shri Krishna Ayush University, Kurukshetra. All the courses will place special emphasis on hands-on clinical exposure and guidance from experienced faculty. Participants will also be introduced to traditional Ayurvedic practices along with contemporary approaches. Admissions process for the courses will begin from October 15, with classes commencing from November 1, 2026.

Participants who successfully complete the courses will be awarded certificates, which will help them develop the skills required for employment opportunities in the Ayurveda and healthcare sectors. He further informed that the course-completion certificates for these courses will be awarded by the Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC). HSSC is an industry-led certification body promoted by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Details of an ongoing two-day training workshop were also announced at the press conference. Sharing details about the workshop, Dr. Naresh Mittal, said that a two-day workshop which started on September 24 and will conclude on September 25 is taking place in collaboration with Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), functioning under the Ministry of AYUSH. RAV conducts such workshops at various reputed hospitals and colleges across the country. As part of this initiative, the institution was also selected to host the two-day workshop, informed Dr Mittal.

He said the theme of the workshop was Shalakya Tantra, with a primary focus on topics related to ENT. Around 35 to 40 doctors from across the country are participating in the workshop. Experts and guest resource persons are providing the participants with training and guidance on the relevant subjects.

During the workshop, special discussions will be held on new developments in the field of Ayurveda, modern techniques and the integration of different treatment approaches.

Dr Mittal informed that Professor (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor, of Krishna AYUSH University, Kurukshetra to which Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College & Hospital is affiliated shall also address the participants. Dr Mittal said that Professor Dr. Rakesh Sharma, former President of RAV, will be especially present at the workshop. He further informed that professors and experts from reputed institutions like All India Institute of Ayurveda, Delhi and National Ayurveda Institute, Panchkula are participating. Resource persons from Gujarat and Sonipat too are attending.

Dr Mittal said, “Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College & Hospital has been sanctioned a ₹10-crore grant under the Ministry of AYUSH’s Government of India Centre of Excellence programme for AYUSH management of pain disorders. The project has resulted in the development and patenting of four products jointly with the Government of India, including an oil, liniment, spray and patch, which are being provided free of cost to EWS patients.”

Dr Mittal also shared that under the Centre of Excellence Project, a new and modern 250-bed hospital is being established at the institution. The hospital will incorporate an integrated healthcare approach involving various systems of AYUSH. Construction work on this ambitious project has already commenced.

Chandigarh, Sep 21: Forest Hill Resort (FHR) has been conferred the “CHEFEX India Recognition for Best Golf Resort” at the CHEFEX India Recognitions 2026, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).

Mr. Birender Gill, President, Forest Hill Golf Resort, and Ms. Aman Ghumman, HR Head, WWICS Group, received the honour on behalf of Forest Hill Resort.

Reacting to the honour, Devinder Sandhu, Founder, Forest Hill Resort, said, “We are delighted to receive this honour. Forest Hill has always been envisioned as much more than a golf resort. We are positioning it as an eco-sanctuary where golf, nature, leisure and adventure tourism come together. Our endeavour is to create meaningful experiences for visitors while preserving and enhancing the natural environment of the Shivalik foothills.”

The award acknowledges Forest Hill Resort’s contribution to destination hospitality, leisure, golf tourism and experiential travel. Set in a picturesque natural setting near Chandigarh, FHR has developed a distinctive hospitality experience combining golf with a range of outdoor and nature-based activities.

The resort offers experiences including trekking, horse riding, boating, fishing, bird watching, camping and off-roading, while its focus on ecological conservation and rewilding further strengthens its identity as a nature and adventure destination.

The honour adds another distinction to Forest Hill Resort’s growing presence in the region’s hospitality and leisure landscape.

Chandigarh, September 15, 2026: Hundred (100) motor sports enthusiasts’ experienced the thrill of off-roading at an event organised at Forest Hill Resort (FHR), located on the outskirts of Chandigarh. Set amid the Shiwalik landscape, the resort provided participants an opportunity to test their driving skills on specially designed off-road trails featuring challenging terrain and natural obstacles.

The event showcased the growing potential of the Chandigarh region as a destination for off-roading, outdoor recreation and adventure tourism, offering experiences that combine the thrill of adventure with the tranquillity of nature.

Speaking on the occasion, Devinder Sandhu, Founder, Forest Hill Resort, said that FHR was designed to offer visitors much more than a conventional resort experience. “Forest Hill is a nature retreat as well as an adventure destination where guests can experience the outdoors through activities such as off-roading, trekking, horse riding, boating, fishing and bird watching. Experiences such as Mowgli Walk, nature walks and camping further allow visitors to connect with the natural surroundings,” he said.

The off-roaders navigated rough terrain, natural obstacles and specially created challenging trails, making for an action-packed experience away from the bustle of city life. Sandhu said such events also helped bring people closer to outdoor activities and nature while promoting a culture of adventure and responsible recreation.

“At FHR, trained experts from professional organisations are engaged to conduct adventure activities in a safe and organised manner. Participants are provided the necessary guidance and safety equipment. Children and youngsters above 15 can participate in adventure activities, while separate safe entertainment options are available for younger children,” Sandhu said.

He added that the resort was working towards establishing FHR as a holistic eco-sanctuary where visitors could choose from a range of experiences based on their interests. “The idea is to bring adventure, nature and leisure together at one destination, allowing people to take a break from their routine without having to travel far from Chandigarh,” he said.

Sandhu said destinations such as FHR could also contribute to giving tourism in Chandigarh and the surrounding region a wider push. “When quality nature and adventure destinations develop around Chandigarh, they can encourage longer visitor stays, attract tourists looking for experiential travel and create demand for allied services such as transport, hospitality, food, local experiences and other tourism-related activities. This can have a cascading effect on the regional economy and create employment opportunities at the local level,” he said.

With its proximity to Chandigarh and its combination of nature, adventure and leisure experiences, FHR aims to contribute to the development of the region as an emerging destination for experiential and adventure tourism.

Chandigarh, September 14, 2026: Author Deepika Gorji’s debut memoir, A Girl’s Journey, was formally unveiled at ‘Unspoken’, an initiative of the Indian Women Network (IWN) of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organised in association with Novel Bunch at CII, Sector 31, Chandigarh, on Friday.

On the sidelines of the event, Gorji interacted with the media and spoke about her writing journey, the experiences that inspired the memoir and the importance of finding one’s voice at any stage of life. Gorji said that she has dedicated the book to her parents. Gorji said she was extremely close to her late father and has also included memories and experiences associated with him in her book.

Gorji, who began her writing journey at the age of 53, has woven personal experiences, relationships, love, loss, disappointments and introspection into her debut book.

“Writing this book has been a deeply personal experience. It gave me an opportunity to revisit the people, relationships and experiences that shaped me and, in the process, discover my own voice. My journey has taught me that a new chapter can begin at any age, and sometimes the most meaningful stories are still waiting to be told,” said Gorji.

Sakshi Katyal, Chairperson, CII IWN said, “’Unspoken’ was an effort to create a space where women’s experiences and perspectives can be expressed openly.” Dr Lipi Pathak, Co-Chairperson, CII IWN, said the initiative aimed to bring conversations often left unspoken into the mainstream. Saguna Jain, Co-Founder, Novel Bunch, said, “A Girl’s Journey is deeply personal, yet its emotions are universal and will resonate with many readers.”

The book was formally unveiled by Lt Gen ‘Tiny’ Dhillon, Vivek Atray, Saguna Jain and Hardeep Chandpuri during the event. Following the launch, Gorji participated in a conversation with Sakshi Katyal, Chairperson, CII IWN, sharing the experiences and reflections behind the memoir.

The afternoon featured conversations on a range of issues. ‘In the Twilight Zone’, featuring Sudeiti Jindal, Brig. Daljeet Dhillon and Aanchal Goyal in conversation with Dr Lipi Pathak, explored experiences and perspectives that often remain outside conventional conversations. ‘Hormones: His & Hers’, with Chandni Lamba, Dr Vimal Vibhakar and Anju Mehta in conversation with Pritika Gulati, focused on hormones and their impact on everyday life. ‘From Unclaimed to the Unseen’, featuring Vandana Shukla, Vivek Atray and Suparna-Saraswati Puri, examined questions of visibility, identity and stories that often go unnoticed.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks.

Amritsar, September 13, 2026: PizzaExpress, the UK’s No. 1 pizza brand, has expanded its presence in Punjab with the opening of its first restaurant in Amritsar. Located at Nexus Amritsar Mall, the new restaurant marks PizzaExpress’ 39th restaurant in India and reflects the brand’s continued growth across the country.

The launch was marked by a press conference attended by the brand’s national leadership, including Rohan Pewekar, Group CEO, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG); Kumar Asit, Brand CEO, PizzaExpress; and Shambhavi Mishra, Group Head of Marketing, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG). GIHG is the hospitality and dining platform under which PizzaExpress operates in India.

Founded by Peter Boizot on London’s Wardour Street in Soho in 1965, PizzaExpress has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised restaurant brands. Today, PizzaExpress operates over 330 pizzerias in the UK, continually remodelling existing locations and opening new ones, alongside its presence in 13 other countries

 

Known for its rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality, Amritsar is one of India’s most celebrated food destinations. Alongside its long-standing love for great food, the city has seen growing demand for premium international dining experiences, supported by a thriving retail landscape and increasing domestic and international tourism. As one of North India’s growing lifestyle dining markets, Amritsar is an important market in PizzaExpress’ expansion journey.

Commenting on the launch, Rohan Pewekar, Group CEO, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said, “The opening of our first PizzaExpress restaurant in Amritsar is an important milestone in our expansion journey. Punjab has always been a key market for us, and Amritsar’s vibrant food culture, growing retail ecosystem and evolving dining scene, making it a natural choice for the brand. As we continue expanding into new cities across India, our focus remains on creating restaurants that deliver the quality, consistency and warm hospitality PizzaExpress is known for, while becoming a part of the local community.”

In reply to a question, Pewekar added, “As PizzaExpress enters Amritsar, one of Punjab’s most celebrated food cities, we are also looking at how our menu can connect with the city’s strong food culture and evolving consumer preferences. Our offerings are not only rich in Punjabi flavours and tastes but are also locally relevant and in sync with consumer preferences.”

Designed as a relaxed all-day dining space, the new restaurant brings together PizzaExpress favourites and seasonal offerings for every occasion. Guests can enjoy the brand’s iconic Dough Balls, gourmet pizzas for two starting at ₹495, handcrafted pastas, fresh salads, appetisers, desserts and refreshing beverages. The menu also features PizzaExpress’ signature Romana pizzas, known for their thinner, bigger and crispier bases inspired by the pizzas served in Rome.

At the heart of every PizzaExpress pizza is its signature tomato passata, made by the Greci family in Parma, Italy, using sweet San Marzano tomatoes that are crushed within 12 hours of harvest and finished with a basil leaf. Every pizza begins with fresh dough, handcrafted daily by skilled pizzaiolos before being topped with carefully sourced ingredients and baked in traditional ovens.

One of the highlights of the menu is the Calabrese, created by Michelin-starred chef Francesco Mazzei. Combining bold Southern Italian flavours with premium cheeses and spicy sausage, it remains one of PizzaExpress’ most celebrated pizzas around the world.

Speaking about the brand’s culinary philosophy, Kumar Asit, Brand CEO, PizzaExpress, said, “At PizzaExpress, everything begins with quality ingredients, careful craftsmanship and consistency. From our signature Romana pizzas and iconic Dough Balls to handcrafted pastas, fresh salads, desserts and beverages, every dish is prepared with the same attention to flavour and authenticity. We have created our menu to suit every part of the day, whether it is a quick lunch, an afternoon catch-up, a family dinner or a relaxed evening out. Whatever the occasion, there is something for everyone to enjoy, and that is what PizzaExpress is all about.”

Sharing the brand philosophy, Shambhavi Mishra, Group Head of Marketing, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said, “Gourmet dining today often comes with the perception that it is reserved for special occasions or a certain kind of diner. At PizzaExpress, we believe great food belongs in everyday moments. ‘Only For Everyone’ is our expression of that philosophy. It is about making gourmet dining approachable, consistent and welcoming, creating a space where guests can come as they are, order as they like and feel completely at ease. Whether you are joining us for a family meal, a casual catch-up, a quick bite or a celebration, PizzaExpress is designed to be a place where everyone belongs.”

The new PizzaExpress restaurant at Nexus Amritsar Mall is now open for dine-in and delivery. Guests can visit daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM and enjoy the brand’s signature menu, including its iconic Dough Balls, Romana pizzas, handcrafted pastas, desserts and the popular Pizza for 2 offering at ₹495.