Chandigarh Literary Society to confer Lifetime Achievement Award on Ruskin Bond

Chandigarh, 22 November : The 5^th edition of the Chandigarh Lit Fest, Literati, organized by Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) shall be held at the Chandigarh Lake Club on 25-26 November 2017.

Addressing the media CLS Chairperson and Festival Director Dr Sumita Misra informed that the trilingual lit fest shall have many prominent authors participating including world-renowned Padma Bhushan awardee Ruskin Bond, who will be delivering the keynote at the inaugural.

CLS is conferring the Lifetime Achievement Award on Ruskin Bond for his unparalleled contribution to the Indian literature, she said.

Canada’s Consul General Dr Christopher Gibbins informed that Canada is the partner country this year again after the last year’s success, and two celebrated authors Lee Maracle and Columpa C. Bobb would be participating in the second day session on “Roots and Wings” which he would be moderating.

Celebrated Hindi writer and Vice Chair of CLS Madhav Kaushik said that Literati’s major focus is to promote good literature in the region and nothing else, and this lit fest has gone from local to global with the participation of international authors.

The poster and the sessions schedule of Literati 2017 was also released by the Team Literati

In the two days back-to-back sessions will see authors sharing their insight on varied genres of writing vis-à-vis its social impact. The Team Literati also released the poster and the Sessions Schedule on the occasion.

The inaugural shall be followed by an hour-long session of Ruskin Bond in conversation with Dr Sumita Misra, while the post lunch sessions would span poetry, prose, stories, and history.

For those who enjoy history, “Lost and Found: History & Culture” shall get to interact with author of “Invisible City: The Hidden Monuments”, Dr Rakhshanda Jalil along with famous author of “Mr and Mrs Jinnah” Sheela Reddy.

Archana Saini, Saurabh Sharma, Vineet Bajpai, Vandana Shukla, Neel Kamal Puri are some of the authors featured on the first day.

Waseem Barelvi, Kunwar Bechain Naseem Nikhet, Gyan Parkash, Vivek Trilochan, Lochi Mahak, Bharti, Chander Trikha and  Madhav Kaushik are the eminent poets who would be presenting their latest creations in the trilingual mushaira on the first day evening.

The second day shall open with famous Panjabi writers Atamjeet Singh, Jasbeer Mand and Manmohan Singh, with Ravee Pandher moderating the session.

Neel Kamal Puri shall be moderating the session on ‘The Political and The Personal’ with celebrated author and biographers Khushwant Singh and Shantanu Gupta author of “The Monk Who Became Chief Minister”

The Mumbai-based celebrity nutritionist and winner of the prestigious 'Nutrition award' from Asian Institute of Gastroenterology and exercise science expert, Rujuta Diwekar  would reveal her insight into uncomplicating the process of eating.

On this occasion Ram Varma’s political memoir, “My Encounters with the Three Lal’s of Haryana”  shall be released, and in a special session on stories of officialdom, fiction writer and former bureaucrat Vivek Atray shall moderate the session withRam Varma and bureaucrat and author of “Memoirs of an Unrepentant Civil Servant” Robin Gupta on the panel.

The winners of this year’s CLS short story writing competition shall also be awarded prizes at the concluding function on Sunday.

Literati is supported by the Chandigarh Administration and the Department of Cultural Affairs Government of Haryana.

Hatil to expand to newer territories in India

Hatil, a  leading international brand in home and office furnitures, looking for franchisees

Chandigarh, November 1:  Hatil, the leading global furniture brand, which entered the Indian market with its first showroom in Zirakpur, is now looking for franchisees in Punjab and Haryana cities. 

We are looking for young, energetic and passionate entrepreneurs who have the zeal to be a part of the home and office furniture market, says Avan Goel, the CEO of Hatil India, whose company, Kratos Furnishers, holds the master franchise for the brand. 

With its 80 outlets across the globe and nearly 70 in Bangladesh itself, Hatil India plans to increase its footprint in India for its elegant and slim designs, said Avan Goel.

HATIL has gained acceptance in Australia, USA, Russia, Canada, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan and the Middle East because of superior quality, craftsmanship and a strong after-sales service.

HATIL traces its root in HA Timber Industries Ltd., a company established in 1966, while HATIL was established in 1989 by Selim H. Rahman, which uses state-of-the-art technical know-how from Germany and other countries, and making it the largest furniture manufacturing facilities in Asia.

Ananya of Chandigarh puts dramatic card of the day in Golf

Chandigarh, November 14: Ananya kapoor in Sub Junior category from Chandigarh played 7 under her handicap and finished day 1 of the 24^th Punjab Open Ladies Amateur Golf Championship with a gross score of 87, also putting in the most dramatic card of the day.

The gold division saw Hunar Mittal and Shalini Sheoran tied in the lead with a gross score of 80. Even as Heena Kang with 82 and Hazel Chauhan with 85 are a close second and third in this category.

The silver division is led by Ananya Kapoor with a score of 87, followed by Ashu B Singh at 95 and Pikka P Singh coming in third with a gross score of 96 on day 1 of the three day tournament.

Bronze division scores were as follows - Harinder Grewal (100), Inder Gill (103), jaswinder Gill (105) 

The 24^th Punjab Open Ladies Amateur Golf Championship was flagged off at 7.30 am today with the president of the club, Mr Ravibir Singh doing the ceremonial tee off.

Contact for further information and results

Ms. Saguna Jain

Mobile No. - 98884 88088

Email Id- sagunajain@gmail.com

24th Punjab Open Ladies Amateur Golf Championship tomorrow

Chandigarh, 13^th November: The Chandigarh Golf Club, is organizing the region’s biggest ladies amateur tournament, 24^th Punjab Open Ladies Amateur Golf Championship from November 14 to 16, 2017.

Around 75 ladies from Delhi, Leh, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune Bangalore, Punjab and the tricity

are competing in various categories for prestigious trophies and prizes.

Winner in the seniors category shall receive the Neelu Chopra Trophy which was introduced last year will be played for this year as well and will be given to the winner in the seniors category.  Late Neelu Chopra was the Lady Captain of the club and was a passionate and avid golfer and the trophy is given away each year by her family in her memory.

Mrs Pauline JM Singh, the Chairperson, IGULC (Indian Golf Union Ladies Committee) will also be participating and playing in this tournament in the Gold Division.

The Gold, Bronze and Silver categories will see players in all age groups playing alongside each other, the youngest being less than 10 and a Golden super senior girl stands tall and proud at 80.

The championship shall tee-off at 7am on 14^th and for the next three days will see ladies sweating it out in the stroke play format for the best Nett and Gross scores. For the ladies who do not make the cut on the final day, will play match in the alternate shot format.

The prize distribution will be held on the 16^th afternoon where Ms Amrit Gill IAS, Additional Principal Secretary to the CM, Punjab will give away the prizes to the winners.

The event is being supported by India Bulls, Tata, Markfed, Nestle, and Coca Cola.

Good clean leadership is the need to achieve welfare of all: Governor of Punjab

Chandigarh, 28^th October 2017:  The Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh Shri V P Singh Badnore released the book on the creation of a welfare state, “Ramrajaya” by Dr Jagmohan Singh Raju, a 1985 batch Tamil Nadu cadre IAS Officer here today at the Punjab Raj Bhavan.

Acknowledging the parameters defined by Dr Jagmohan Singh against which the success of achieving the welfare of the people, Shri Badnore said that the goals get achieved once these are measurable.

He said that the major stumbling block in the economic development of any state is the “C-factor” i.e. corruption which needs to be nipped to ensure nation’s growth, which also requires good leaders who are transparent and committed to create a nation of happy people.

Published by Excel Books, the function was organized in collaboration with the Chandigarh Literary Society, the book was released in the presence of Shri Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Minister for Rural Development Punjab and Justice Jatinder Chauhan of Punjab & Haryana High Court.

People’s welfare is state’s responsibility under the Constitution of India and Directive Principles, said Dr Jagmohan Singh Raju in his book, “Ramrajaya: The People’s Welfare State”, which was released here today by Shri V.P. Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh.

Responding to the panel of former Resident Editor of Indian Express Vipin Pubby and the Haryana’s Principal Secretary for Technical Education Dr Sumita Misra, IAS, Dr Jagmohan Singh Raju said that the purpose of the book is to stimulate a nation-wide debate on the concept of Indian welfare state, which is metaphorically referred to by the common man as “Ramrajya”.

The book is all about good governance and people’s aspirations for a welfare society where the basic needs as laid down in our Constitution are met, and where the state helps in creation of wealth and its equitable distribution, said Dr Jagmohan Singh.

People have the right to welfare state and it is imperative for policy-makers and planners to follow the basic parameters with measurable goals and a time frame to create the necessary ecosystem where people can enjoy life and are happy, he said.

Jagmohan Singh Raju is acknowledged practitioner of ethical public policy and administration, and avowedly subscribes to excellence, measurable outcomes and accountability in public service.

He steered Saakshar Bharat, the new variant of National Literacy Mission from 2009-14, making nearly twenty-five million adult women, dalits and rural people, literate which won India worldwide recognition with UNESCO KingSejong Literacy Prize in 2013.

Kamla Kapur's 'Rumi: Tales to Live By' released

Chandigarh, October 21: “Rumi: Tales to Live By” by India born American author, Kamla K Kapur was released here today at a function organized by the Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) at UT Guest House.

Dr Sumita Misra, CLS Chairperson, Padmashri Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry and noted journalist and author Roopinder Singh released the book.

The book is a series of stories about life’s trials and gifts from the famous Sufi poet Jalalud Din Rumi’s six volume work, “Mathnawi” written in Persian and later translated into English by Reynold Nicholson in 1926.

“I am a lover of author rather than a scholar,” says the author Kamla Kapur, who has recreated those stories for the modern reader ending with her commentary, her interpretation of each story and how it impacts our life.

Against the backdrop of modern times and the life’s challenges, Rumi’s sketches of humanity show a new generation of spiritual seekers illuminating even the darkest of the paths with divine light, explains Kamla Kapur.

Kamla Kapur read out a few select stories from the book while her husband Payson R Stevens, an equally multifaceted creative personality, read through the author’s commentary that accompanies each story.

Later Neelam Mansingh and Roopinder Singh interacted with the author to unveil the nuances of creativity and Rumi’s theme of stories from his vast repertoire.

Award-winning author Kamla Kapur further enhances the read with personal experiences from her own journey, making the narrative an enchanting mix of the real and the wondrous. Touching, passionate and sparkling, her commentary on these sometime forgotten but beloved stories clears the clouds of confusion and inspires in readers the strength to follow The Way.

Kamla K. Kapur is a bestselling poet, author of six books, and playwright. Kapur taught courses in play writing, poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, mythology, Shakespeare and women’s literature at Grossmont College in California for eighteen years. She and her husband divide their year living in the Kullu Valley in the Indian Himalayas and in Southern California.

Leading Global furniture brand HATIL enters India

Hatil, a  leading international brand in home and office furnitures, and doors opens its first showroom in Zirakpur, Punjab

Zirakpur, Mohali, Punjab, August 12:   Hatil, the leading global furniture brand, enters the Indian market with its first showroom in Zirakpur.

Selim H Rahman, Chairman and Managing Director of Hatil Complex, Bangladesh said that we are excited to enter the Indian market from Punjab and intend to setup nearly 25-30 stores in the country in about three years time.

Hatil is the largest furniture manufacturing company in southeast Asia with 65 franchise stores and five exclusive stores in Bangladesh.   

Hatil has over 80 across the globe in Australia, Bhutan, Canada, Middle East, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and USA, and is eagerly looking forward to expansion in the Indian market with the opening of its first store in Zirakpur, followed by another one in Kolkatta next week, Selim Rahman said.

Hatil has plans to expand in tier-2 cities in India on franchise model, he said, bringing in elegant, contemporary and smart furniture for Indian homes and offices, he said.  

Avan Goel, Director of Kratos Furnishers, and the master franchise of the brand for the entire India except eastern part, informed that in the current financial year, we have plans to open two more outlets in Chandigarh and five in Punjab, i.e. one each in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Bhatinda, and Patiala.

Hatil’s Business Development Advisor Dewan Atif Rashid said the brand has stretched beyond Bangladesh and has earned customers’ trust for its superior quality, craftsmanship and a strong after-sales service.

There is a huge potential for modern furniture in India and in order to meet the demands, the company is also to planning to set up its manufacturing base in India and is looking for potential partners who can conform to its designs and quality parameters to meet the demand, Atif Rashid added.

Marc Pfetzing, Director Asia Pacific of German Schuler Consulting, the technical advisors to Hatil said that the expert individual carpenters are vanishing from the scene and now it is time to move on to mechanized way of producing well-designed and beautifully engineered wood products, which Hatil is doing successfully.

Accompanied by  Shaikh Shafinul Haque, the third Secretary to the High Commission of Bangladesh in India, the directors of Hatil Complex Ltd along with, President of Birla Home Décor’s unit Sutlej Textiles Industries, and other senior dignitaries, opened the first showroom in Zirakpur, to mark its entry in the Indian market.

HATIL traces its root in HA Timber Industries Ltd., a company established in 1966, while HATIL was established in 1989 by Selim H. Rahman, which uses state-of-the-art technical know-how from Germany and other countries, and making it the largest furniture manufacturing facilities in Asia.

The Indian master franchiser led by Avan Goel is an alumnus of Thapar Engineering College, and cofounder of another educational venture, Edvour.

PHD Chamber constitutes citizen-centric Demand-Side Management Task Force

Chandigarh, July 27:  A structured consumer participation in managing power needs of the city would be the next step where the Chandigarh Administration is working to optimize and make city energy efficient, said Mukesh Anand, Chief Engineer, UT, who was the special guest at the roundtable discussions held at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry today.

PHD Chamber had organized the interactive session on “Demand-side Management and Energy Efficiency Options” with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation and MP EN Systems Advisory of Mumbai as knowledge partners.

Senior representatives of state electricity departments and regulatory authorities from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab along with officials of energy development in Chandigarh were present here. Other stakeholders included state designated agencies, technocrats, energy auditors, and industries association.

UT Chief Engineer Mukesh Anand reiterated Administration’s initiatives to setup a robust smart power-grid system for optimum utilization of energy in the city including replacement of 50,000 street lights with LED bulbs, and supply of LED bulbs, tube-lights and fans to the people, which has contributed to energy savings.

A Rs.2500 crore project has been approved for the city to replace all electricity meters with smart meters with interactivity with utilities so that the consumption could be monitored and peak-hour issues could be resolved, he said.

Even the old water pumps that bring nearly 80mld of water to the city from Bhakra canal were being replaced with more energy-efficient star-rated equipment, and in order to further contain the transmission losses, all overhead power cables would be put underground for which Government of India grant is expected, he informed.

Er H S Bedi, Joint Director of Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission emphasized the need for more effective community-based involvement in managing peak load requirements and avoid losses incurred by power grids through outrages and equipment breakdown.

Mahesh Patankar, Managing Director of MP EN Systems, suggested the proactive engagement with the end-users of power through awareness campaigns so that collectively they can contribute to the optimum utilization of resources.

PHD Chamber’s Punjab Committee chair Rupinder Singh Sachdeva said that energy-efficiency initiatives and use of non-conventional sources of energy would benefit the large section of MSMEs in the region who would be willing to come forward to assist in this initiative.

PHD Chamber’s regional director Madhu Pillai announced the formation of a special task forcewhich would regularly interact with all the stakeholders and provide a platform to suggest measures to help build the smart cities through smart utilization of resources by the citizens.

Ravinder Shan of solar energy providers HARTEK, Viney Bhim from UHBVN, Vikas Kadian of Haryana Energy Regulatory Commission, S.K. Sen of HP State Electricity Board, Shimla, Anil Gupta of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, Patiala, Balkar Singh and Sanjay Bansal from Punjab Energy Development Agency, Sukhchain Singh from Haryana Energy Development Agency, amongst others participated in the discussions.

www.phdcci.in  |   www.pitex.co.in

Attar Logistics to setup Logistics Parks in J&K and Punjab

New Delhi, July 28: Attar Logistics Private Limited (ALPL), one of the leading logistics and warehousing solutions company in north India would soon be setting up ultra-modern logistics parks in J&K and Punjab.

ALPL, established in 1966, is providing seamless logistics support to some of the leading brands of the country and providing easy access to the markets in the five states of north India, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, Utrakhand and Chandigarh, through its own warehouses.

ALPL would be increasing its warehouse space by another 6 lakh square feet by setting up ultramodern logistics parks in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as in Punjab near Chandigarh to facilitate interstate and intra-state movement of goods in the wake of GST.

He said that with our expertise and experience we intend to ensure seamless connectivity to the manufacturers with their markets in the north.  ALPL, infact, remains a single-point access to the five big states of the north, and very soon it would be increasing its footprint in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi NCR areas.

According to Mandeep Singh Kukreja, Managing Director of the company said that Indian logistics sector accounts for more than 13 percent of GDP and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12 percent by 2020, to keep pace with the growing manufacturing sector that requires seamless supply-chain to connect to their ultimate consumers.

Mandeep Singh announced the extension of its service folder with the addition of sea and air-freight express service including custom brokerage.

 ALPL is participating in the 7th India Warehousing Show this time to network with the businesses and be the partners in their vision, he added.

For further information: 

Mr. Mandeep Singh Kukreja,
Managing Director,  Attar Logistics Pvt Ltd

M: 096464 20005

md@attarlogistics.com

Unhygienic food major cause of neuro disorders among children: Dr Pratibha Singhi

Chandigarh, May 25:  India's renowned pediatric neurologist, Prof Dr Pratibha Singhi, Director Pediatric Neurology and Neuro-Development at Medanta said that there are large number of children suffering from neuro dysfunctions like epilepsy or stunted growth due to rampant insanitation and unhygienic food being consumed. 

Dr Singhi who earlier headed the PGI's Advanced Pediatric Centre as Chief Pediatric Neurology and Neuro-development said that every year over a 100 cases of neuro dysfunction used to come in PGI, and all over the country there are cases of seizeur, epilepsy all sections of the society are effected since the raw food is major culprit of spreading the worm that hatches in the child's intestines and reaches the brain to impact neuro-functions. 

Seizures, lethargy, vomitting, and slow mental development are some of the common signs which parents must keep a watch on since early detection and early intervention are invaluable for treating the children effectively, she said. 

Genetics, she said, is the latest development in treating neuro metablic disorder which helps us in providing tailor-made treatmenet specific to the child's needs, Dr Singi said. 

Dr Singhi was on a visit to Omni Clinics and Hospital in the city to conduct Medanta's OPD for infants suffering from the disease. 

Dr Sandeep S Chhatwal, M.D.

Managing Director

Omni Clinics and Diagnostics 

Chandigarh

The Nautical Institute London to open Chandigarh Branch

Mr Philip Wake, Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute London visited the city to explore options to contribute to the city in making it a shipping-support hub.

Received in traditional Punjabi style and led into the venue under the phulkari cover, and greeted by Bhangra dancers, Mr Wake announced that The Nautical Institute shall have the Chandigarh branch next month, at the beat of the ‘nagara’.

Mr Philip Wake who has been decorated with the Order of British Empire (OBE) for his services by the British Government, said that The Nautical Institute is an international centre of nautical excellence, which provides the strongest possible professional focus, dedicated to improving standards of those involved in control of seagoing crafts.

He commended the senior, retired, and the youthful seafarers of Chandigarh and Punjab who are making remarkable contribution to the world-wide maritime field and announced that by next month the Nautical Institute shall have its presence in the city.

The presence of The Nautical Institute which enjoys the consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), would further expand the horizons of the seafarers joining the maritime industry, he said.

Capt Sivraman Krishnamurthi who had been the youngest and only Indian to be the world president of The Institute few years back, said the Chandigarh has the advantage of well-groomed English-speaking youth who can get into this lucrative profession.

Former mariner, and a senior Rotarian, former Rotary International Director Yash Pal Das made a presentation as to how the seafarers continue to serve humanity through diverse ways, and showcased how he spearheaded the Rotary's project of building and handing over 32 schools in the upper reaches of Rudraprayag district in Uttrakhand  that were destroyed in the massive floods in 2013.

An audio-visual "From Rubbles to Rubies" was screened that showed how the schools have changed the lives of children in 32 villages. 

Capt M S Kahlon, the branch development contact said that The Nautical Institute with its nearly 83 branches, has three branches in India, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi, with Chandigarh being the fourth one.

The Chandigarh branch shall be operational next month with formal presentation of the charter, he added.

Medanta opens MediConsult in Chandigarh

·                  Medanta Medicity opens its OPD centre in Chandigarh at Omni Clinic and Diagnostic Centre.

·                  First OPD on joint replacements held for tricity patients.

·                  Super Specialists from various medical disciplines to bring affordable consulting to patients in tricity.

·                  Telemedicine to follow suit to facilitate direct patient-doctor communication

Medanta Group has tied up with Dr Sandeep Singh Chhatwal to setup Medanta’s MediConsult in Omni Clinics  & Diagnostics in the city for running OPDs.

Dr Naresh Trehan, chairman and managing director of Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon, in his message said that growing demand from patients in the northern region for various super-specialities has led to the decision to have its permanent presence in the city through collaboration with Dr Sandeep Singh Chhatwal of Omni Clinics and Diagnostics, to cater to Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

Instead of making patients to travel to Gurgaon, the super-specialists would be in the town to examin the patients from different disciplines, said Dr S.K.S. Marya, chairman of Bone and Joint Institute of Medanta who is an international authority in joint replacement with over 15,000 surgeries including 3500 simultaneous knee replacement and 3000 hip-replacement surgeries to his credit.

Dr Marya who conducted the first OPD at Omni Clinics today said that not every patient requires joint replacement  and since the technology is evolving rapidly the world over, some of the latest techniques are revolutionary which are customized to the patients’ actual needs, as we at Medanta hold our accountable to our patients.

We treat patient as a person and not as an object, Dr Marya added.

Dr. Sandeep Singh Chhatwal of Omni Clinics and Diagnostics said that our mission is to help the people get right advice at the right time from the right super specialist, which we shall be facilitating.

Sukesh Thareja, Vice President of Medanta said that some of the super-specialists scheduled to visit the city shall be from paediatrics neurology, cancer, cardiaology, neurology, etc., which would be pre-advertised, and the next step would be to setup a tele-medicine facility so that the specialists at Medanta can be consulted by patients at their convenience too.

Medanta - The Medicity was first set up at Gurgaon in January 2010. Now, the Group also operates two others medical facilities viz. Medanta - Mediclinic and Medanta - Mediclinic Cybercity in New Delhi and Gurgaon respectively.

30 Bridge Enthusiasts to participate in Chandigarh Open Bridge Championship at The Lalit Chandigarh

Chandigarh Bridge Association (CBA)is hosting its annual national level Chandigarh Open Bridge Championship  at The Lalit Hotel in the city.

CBA President Mr. H.S. Dhariwal informed that more than 30 teams comprising five to six players each are expected to participate including from Punjab, Haryana, Uttrakhand, UP, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, and Chandigarh.

Sponsored by the Steel Strips Group, the tournament shall have team events of eight rounds of Swiss League of 10 boards per round to be played on 21st and 22nd April, out of which the top eight teams will play Super League on 22nd and 23rd April.

The pair event will consist of three sessions to be played on 22nd and 23rd April, President Dhariwal informed. There is a prize money of Rs.2 lakh for eight teams and eight pairs in the tournament.

Chandigarh Open has been a major attraction since its inception in 2000, and Bridge being the game of patience and intellect, fascinates every age group, he added.

CBA also runs training workshops at the Bridge Coaching Centre that it has opened in the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium, where those interested to learn the fundamentals of this game can join.

Chandigarh team has been participating in international bridge tournaments , and the game stands on the verge of being included as an Olympic sports.

Chandigarh to be shipping-support hub: Capt Harry Banga

Chandigarh can be the shipping-support hub with the evolving ecosystem in this domain, said Hong Kong's billionnaire Capt Harry Banga, who studied in the city till pre-engineering before joining merchant navy. 

Capt Harry Banga was in town on an invitation of The Company of Merchant Mariners of India's Chandigarh Chapter where he addressed nearly 70 senior seafarers from the city at PHD House. 

He commended that the city is now the base for many shipping companies, training and certification institutes, and even recruiting for merchant navies from around the world, but emphasised the need for improving the quality of the manpower lest they are taken over by emerging players, Phillipines and China. 

Sharing his mantra for success, Capt Banga said that one should be excellent, proud, and loyal to whatever one does.  Though lady luck plays a role in one’s journey but even she follows those who do good work, he added.

CMMI Chandigarh Chapter chairman Capt P.S. Ghotra providing an overview of the Chapter activities said that over a period of time the maritime ecosystem is evolving in the city with the advent of many shipping companies opening their offices here besides training, certification, and recruitment agencies also viewing the city for energetic English-speaking youngsters from the region.

Harry Banga’s school-time friend Capt K.J. Sujlana in his introduction shared some interesting childhood memories.

On this occasion CMMI Chandigarh Chapter recognised the contribution of some of the maritime institutes including Capt Y Parmar of Maritime Academy,  Capt Vijay Arora of Ascent Register recruiting for Samoa islands, Capt Raj Narula for Charting and Broking, and Master Mariner Arjun Singh whose startup 49 Webstreet is developing software solution to the shipping industry.