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Chandigarh’s Poonam Pratibha Sharma Crowned Ms Senior 2025 At Mr & Ms Senior Pageant 2025

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Sanjeev Kochhar
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Poonam Pratibha Sharma wearing the Ms Senior 2025 crown: PHOTOS Credit: PeachEvent.com
A retired Joint Director, Technical Education, Haryana, with roots in Himachal Pradesh, the ‘senior queen’ loves travelling, and has multiple talents and hobbies spanning cooking and baking, air rifle shooting, palmistry, astrology, soft toy-making, charcoal painting, singing, etc.

This first of its kind event was organised acting on the realisation that in recent years there has been a remarkable shift in the way society perceives aging. Gone are the days when growing older was associated solely with decline and obscurity. The first Mr & Ms Senior Pageant 2025 presented by Peach Event and curated by Rekha Desai in Mumbai celebrated and showcased the charm, elegance and talent of senior men and women 55 years and above.

And Chandigarh’s very own ‘bubbly queen’ Poonam Pratibha Sharma ran away with the top honours. She was crowned winner of Season 2 of the Ms Senior Fashion Pageant India from among 20 senior lady contestants in the grand finale held at Balgandharva Rang Mandir auditorium in Bandra, Mumbai on May 10 evening.

The first season of the Ms Senior Fashion Pageant India was organised in 2024, but this year the Mr Senior Fashion Pageant India was added for the first time, hence the first Mr & Ms Senior Pageant 2025.

The 20 finalists for the Ms Senior Fashion Pageant India were shortlisted basis nationwide online auditions held in several states including Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.

After an intensive four-day grooming session conducted by industry expert Shakir Shaikh, the finalists dazzled on stage in a series of rounds, including a talent round and a Q&A session, showcasing not just beauty and poise but personality and life experience. The evening was hosted by Simran Ahuja.

In the grand finale, after an introduction round, the contestants’ list was pruned to 10 for the next round and eventually four finalists were chosen by a varied jury comprising well-known personalities.

Finally, Poonam Pratibha Singh, a retired Joint Director, Technical Education, Haryana, with roots in Himachal Pradesh and settled in Chandigarh, was crowned Ms Senior 2025. Rekha Shah finished 1st runner-up, Kiran Khurana 2nd runner-up and Anita Chadha 3rd runner-up.

Trilled over her accomplishment, Poonam Pratibha Sharma, in an interaction with your own news portal LifeInChandigarh.com opened up about herself, what she truly is and what she stands for.

“As a proud blend of Himachali and Punjabi heritage, I’m known in my circles as possessing a happy-go-lucky spirit coupled with an ability to strike meaningful bonds with everyone I meet. After a 22-year-long fulfilling career with the Technical Education department of Haryana, I feel like I’ve entered a new adventurous phase of life.

“With my two grown up children as my wings, I really enjoy traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. I have always loved experimenting with cooking – from baking cakes to crafting nutritious millet dishes. I’ve nurtured various hobbies over the years including air rifle shooting (surprisingly), palmistry, astrology, soft toy-making, charcoal painting, etc.

She adds, “But there’s another constant in my life – singing! I’m excited to share my love for music and my voice with a wider audience. Maybe success at the pageant will be my stage to shine!”

Poonam further went on to share that as a senior she does not want to “just exist or survive, but thrive, and that too with some passion, some compassion, some humour and some style!”

In the men’s pageant, from among 16 finalists, Capt. (retd) Rajesh Yadav was crowned Mr Senior 2025. Mayuresh Shirolkar finished 1st runner-up, Hemant Panda 2nd runner-up and Raj Srinivasan 3rd runner-up.

Winners of the Mr & Ms Senior Pageant India 2025 with jury members, other personalities and organisers pose for a group photo in Mumbai on May 10, 2025

SBP’s Embassy Court In New Chandigarh Brings Renowned Italian Designer Brand Versace Homes

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Arial rendition of SBP Embassy Court premium real estate project at Medicity, New Chandigarh. IMAGES & PHOTOS Credit: SBP Group/LifeInChandigarh.com
Limited edition 5 BHK 7-star opulent living spaces (5300 sq ft) to be offered to just about 54 customers by invitation only
Pre-launch bookings open on easy payment plans for premium 3+1 BHK and 4+1 BHK towers, and 5-star premium condominiums, including a 5-star hotel, planned and designed by world renowned architects Gian P. Mathur & Associates (GPMA)-UHA London

 

Imagine living a luxurious life on the foothills of the Shivalik hills, adjacent to protected forest land, and surrounded by top-of-the-line healthcare facilities. The opportunity has come calling right here in Medicity, New Chandigarh, an area which has begun to blossom as none other in the region.

Bang opposite the functional prestigious Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (Tata Memorial Hospital) and Grewal Eye Institute, the imposing building of which is ready for starting operations, is coming up a state-of-the-art residential-cum-commercial project, which is bringing 5 & 7-star luxury living to our doorstep, including the region’s first Italian signature designer ultra luxury brand property Versace (pronounced ver.sah.chay) Homes.

Spread over 6.28 acres, the SBP Embassy Court project is being executed in Sector 4, Medicity, New Chandigarh, by one of the most trusted real estate developers of the region – the SBP Group, which has delivered 15,000+ quality homes and commercial spaces in over two dozen projects and is in the process of executing three dozen more.

Besides its crowning glory, the Versace Homes tower, which will be a 7-star ultra luxury residential property, SBP Embassy Court will have three other 5 star 28-storey towers, two of which will be residential (3+1 BHK and 4+1 BHK flats). The third tower will have condominiums (condos in short) with residential condos taking up the lower 10 floors and the upper 18 floors reserved for a five-star-hotel.

Luxurious clubhouse

A large 1,00,000 sq feet three-storey luxury clubhouse will have all facilities one can think of, including a world class gym, all weather swimming pool, spa and salon, banquet, café, world cuisine restaurant, mini theatre, and facilities for indulging in a host of indoor and outdoor sports activities.  A commercial complex completes the bouquet of offerings.

Awaiting RERA approval for the Embassy Court project, SBP, riding high on its reputation, has already received a good response to its pre-launch bookings which opened in December 2024 for its tower which will exclusively house 3+1- bedroom (2200 sq ft) flats, offering easy payment plans.

A week ago pre-launch bookings have also been opened for 4+1-bedroom units (2850 sq ft) and the 1 BLK (680 sq ft) and 2 BLK (950 sq ft) suite-condos, to be housed in two separate towers.

The Versage Homes will offer 5BHK opulent living spaces (5300 sq ft) to just about 54 customers by invitation only.

Other than Versace Homes, the SBP Embassy Court project is being planned and designed by world renowned architects Gian P. Mathur & Associates (GPMA)-UHA London. SBP is also ensuring that the landscaping of the entire property matches the standards to be set by the towers and is executed by world renowned landscaping consultants.

Max Hospital, PGI Extension

Apart from 50-acres Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Grewal Eye Institute, Max Hospital and Extension project of prestigious Post Graduate Institute Of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh are planned to come up adjacent to the project. Two large chunks of land (of over 28 acres) each have been reserved for medical colleges and hospitals.

Strawberry Fields High School Building

Chandigarh Tricity’s most sought-after school Strawberry Field’s has erected a beautiful high school building just across the road from Medicity and looks set to be open soon.

Another ultra luxury group housing project coming up nearby

Another ultra luxury group housing project is also coming up on 5.6 acres of land not far away from SBP Embassy Court in Medicity, New Chandigarh.

Chandigarh Tricity’s Most Luxurious Salon Looks Privé Opens In HLP Gallerria Mall Mohali

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Jas Sandhu, Director, Business Development, Looks Privé, poses at the reception of the first salon of the Looks salon chain's premium brand in Punjab at the HLP Gallerria mall in Mohali on Tuesday (29.04.2025). PHOTOS By: LifeInChandigarh.com

Looks Salon Group, one of India’s largest chain of salons with 230+ branches pan India and abroad and witnessing a high growth trajectory, has just opened Chandigarh tricity’s most luxurious salon, the Looks Privé. The group has chosen a potential future hotspot of the tricity, the HLP Gallerria Mall in the heart of Mohali, to open one of a handful of its premium brand of salons after NCR Delhi and Kolkata.

Looks Privé joins Starbucks and McDonald’s, both with additional drive-through facility, Nykaa – On Trend, Levi’s and Simran Dhillon couture to open shop at the mall, which has 100 more brands in the pipeline as it is unfolds the different wings of its sprawling campus in a phased manner.

The luxurious Looks Privé salon welcomes guests to 3400 sq. ft. of expanse spread over two levels with classy interiors by world standards, the hallmark of the salon chain’s owner Sanjay Dutta, spacious settings, warm hospitality and skilful services that encompass make-up, hair, skin, nails and grooming.

Speaking to your own news portal LifeInChandigarh.com at the exclusive ‘salon-preview-and-interaction’ for select media on Tuesday, Vaishali Tyagi, Creative Director, Looks Privé, & Pan-India Trainer, Looks Salons; and Jas Sandhu, Director, Business Development, Looks Privé, spelt out the chain’s vision, which is “to be a leading customer centric salon chain, warmly welcoming all customers for an experience which takes them on a high in terms of quality make-up, hair, beauty and skin services in a hygienic, relaxed, comfortable environment to make their day fabulous.”

With the salon steeped in luxury, the obvious thought that might crease anybody’s mind is that its services would be super expensive. Vaishali and Jas address this issue by reiterating their owner Sanjay Dutta’s motto “utmost luxury at prices which would satisfy the clients’ expectation of affordability.” Sanjay Dutta continues to work on the chain’s salon designs and interiors.

Vaishali Tyagi, Creative Director, Looks Privé, & Pan-India Trainer, Looks Salons, poses for photographs at the salon media preview.

Vaishali further shared that the beauty world is witnessing a conscious shift towards healthier, more natural choices, and Looks Privé is all set to lead this transformation with elegance and innovation.

“Looks Privé is a sanctuary to attain mindful beauty in a setting where luxury meets nature, and every visit becomes a celebration of one’s elegant self,” she said, adding that “At Looks Privé, beauty rituals aren’t just treatments but are transformative experiences meticulously designed to delight the senses and uplift the spirit. Additionally, Looks Privé offers a warm, inviting space filled with natural greenery, soft lighting, and an atmosphere of tranquillity.”

Spelling out the Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of Looks Privé, Vaishali said, “We have curated a personalized sanctuary for premium grooming, that blends scientific precision with the soothing richness of natural ingredients, promising an experiential journey for every client.”

Looks has successfully partnered with L’Oreal in establishing the brands L’Oreal Professional Paris, premium brand Kerastase Paris, as also Matrix across its chain of salons. Looks claims it is one of the largest market share holders of L’Oreal Professional Paris.

Among its other partner brands are OLAPLEX, MOROCCAN OIL, GK Hair Professional, dermalogica, SWATI (cosmetic lenses), RENE FURTHERER Paris (spa), Brasil Cacau Professional, BALMAIN Paris, BIOTOP Professional, WAHL Professional, dyson, Wet brush, and American CREW

Looks also runs an e-shop from which clients can order products online.

https://www.lookssalon.in/

Looks Privé trendy hair colours and rituals

Blonde shades are giving way to richer, healthier tones like mocha brown and subtle brunette hues. Clients today seek colour that enhances natural hair health rather than compromising it. Powered by premium products, hair rituals at Looks Privé focus on repairing, strengthening, and deeply nourishing strands. Signature hair and scalp treatments aim at strengthening a hair strand from root to tip.

‘Hair Glossing’ is another unique service. It provides multiple benefits – hair shine, hair repair and strand strength.

Looks Privé skincare

For skin, Looks Privé has introduced scientifically crafted treatments known globally for their clean, results-driven skincare. From the rejuvenating ‘Oxygen Glow Facial’ to ‘Express Radiance Boost Therapies’, every service promotes skin health without harsh chemicals. Bespoke facials and restorative therapies at Looks Privé elevate skin health to a radiant new level.

Looks Privé take on make-up trends for 2025

Understated elegance is reigning supreme. Dewy, skin-first radiance and gently defined features—makeup that enhances rather than conceals.

Above all confidence, a genuine, well-worn look is the ultimate statement and Looks Privé strives to achieve customer delight in all make-up sessions.

Some Signature Offerings at Looks Privé

Guests can indulge in playful pampering with the Ice Cream Manicure-Pedicure or unwind with the soothing 7-Step Foot Spa by Pedilab. For deeper relaxation, customized therapeutic massages restore balance between body and mind through mindful techniques and premium oils.

Brides-to-be are treated to a stress-free, seamless experience in an exclusive private bridal suite, where every detail of their beauty journey is meticulously curated to perfection. The salon has a full section devoted to Nail Art.

Tech, Performance Driven Two-Wheeler EV Brand Ultraviolette Unveils Product Range In Chandigarh

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Reuben George, Vice President, Corporate Communications & Customer Experience, Ultraviolette Automotive, poses with the F77 series of high-end superbikes in Chandigarh on 22.04.2025. PHOTO By: LifeInChandigarh.com
Completely home bred brand to open state-of-the-art S3 experience Centre in the city later this year
Currently, brand delivering F77 series of high-end superbikes
Deliveries of newly unveiled mainstream products – ‘Tesseract’, claimed to be world’s first radar-integrated high-performing electric scooter, and ‘Shockwave’, an adventure electric motorcycle – to start in first quarter of 2026
Online bookings for F77 and pre-bookings for ‘Tesseract’ & ‘Shockwave’ are open

When two highly-motivated and enterprising friends – Narayan Subramaniam, with a passion for design and innovation, and Niraj Rajmohan, with expertise in software and electronics – came together to launch Ultraviolette Automotive from Bengaluru in 2016 they had a dream to make it the first Indian success story in technologically advanced and performance-driven electric two-wheelers globally.

Seven years of painstaking research and development later they created quite a buzz in the Indian electric two-wheeler market with their first product – the F77 series of high-end electric superbikes – giving them confidence to branch out into mainstream and more affordable segment with the unveiling of Ultraviolette Tesseract, claimed to be world’s first radar-integrated high-performing electric scooter, and Shockwave, an adventure electric motorcycle, earlier this year.

Starting the sales push from its home ground Bengaluru, the fast-emerging company now has a footprint across 13 cities in India, with an ambitious target to extend its reach to 50 cities across India in FY 2026 with a simultaneous razor-sharp focus on fast-paced European markets such as UK, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France, where Ultraviolette Automotive has already received the necessary certifications for its F77 series superbikes.

Riding high on the massive response to its high-performing electric scooter Tesseract in pre-bookings, which hit 20,000 in the first 48 hours, prompting an extension of its introductory price on pre-bookings for the first 10,000 customers to the first 50,000, the company recently (on April 22) showcased its entire range of electric two-wheelers at a media event in Chandigarh to create a buzz in the runup to the opening of its state-of-the-art S3 experience centre in the city later this year.

Interacting exclusively with your own news portal LifeInChandigarh.com, Reuben George, Vice President, Corporate Communications & Customer Experience, Ultraviolette Automotive, said till date the company has received 60,000 bookings online for the newly unveiled scooter and motorcycle, the deliveries of which will only start in the first quarter of 2026.

He said, currently the company is delivering two models in the F77 superbike series – the F77 MACH2, and for a more upright rider stance in city conditions, the F77 SuperStreet – which have redefined electric performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 kph in just 2.8 seconds.

Equipped with a 10.3 kWh battery pack and delivering a peak power output of 30 kW (40.2 hp), the motorcycles offer a staggering 100 Nm of peak torque. The superbikes accelerate swiftly from 0 to 60 km/hr in just 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 km/hr with an impressive IDC (Indian driving conditions) range of 323 kms. Ultraviolette’s ongoing optional packages are also available to all F77 customers, aimed at magnifying the riding experience further.

F77 MACH 2 and F77 SuperStreet are priced at ₹ 2,99,000 and come with a global-first 800,000 km / 8 years battery and drivetrain warranty with the company’s UV Care MAX programme.

Bookings for F77 MACH 2 and F77 SuperStreet are open on the company website- www.ultraviolette.com.

PHOTO Credit: Ultraviolette Automotive

Referring to the two newly unveiled mainstream products – the world’s most advanced electric scooter ‘Tesseract’ and a disruptive electric motorcycle- ‘Shockwave’ – Reuben George said Tesseract features a segment first integrated radar and dashcam, seamlessly coupled with Omnisense mirrors, providing advanced safety technologies such as blind spot detection, lane change, overtaking assist, and collision alerts.

It is also equipped with traction control and dynamic regen for enhanced safety and optimizing energy consumption. In addition, Tesseract boasts a 7″ touchscreen TFT display, and multi-colour LED displays embedded in the ORVMs.

PHOTO Credit: Ultraviolette Automotive

Shockwave, a meticulously designed and engineered motorcycle that meets the demands of riders who seek an exhilarating riding experience and reigniting the joy in riding, promises the same iconic thrill of the ‘2-stroke’ motorcycling era that represented the lightweight, fun, and accessible motorcycles, he added.

Tesseract is priced at ₹ 1,45,000 and the Shockwave at ₹ 1,75,000. Pre-bookings are open on the company website for ₹ 999.

About the company

Ultraviolette Automotive Pvt. Ltd., is an innovator in sustainable mobility and energy infrastructure. Established in 2016, Ultraviolette Automotive was founded by Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan. The company was born out of the unique vision of creating top-of-the line mobility solutions, that’s driven by progressive design and energy efficient technology. Ultraviolette Automotive is developing India’s first ecosystem of high-performance electric vehicles and future-ready energy infrastructure.

Roll-out calendar

F77 deliveries began in Bengaluru in 2022 and now have expanded to 12 more cities in India. Europe & Turkey launch is underway.

Production capacity

The brand’s Bengaluru-based manufacturing facility can easily be scaled to produce 10,000 units annually with a single shift operation, and 30,000 units with a three-shift operation, according to the company officials. By the end of next year, it is expected to hit the limits of its current production facility.

The team

The founders and their team bring together expertise from diverse fields, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

Aim

From the outset, Ultraviolette aimed to establish a global presence for its electric motorcycles, with a focus on both domestic and international markets.

Investments

Ultraviolette Automotive has secured investments from a wide range of global investors, including EXOR N.V. (Ferrari’s holding company), Qualcomm Ventures, and TVS Motor.

Narayan Subramaniam (CEO & co-founder): His passion for design and innovation, ignited by a childhood fascination with aerospace, has been instrumental in shaping Ultraviolette’s vision.

Niraj Rajmohan (CTO & co-founder): His expertise in software and electronics has played a crucial role in developing the company’s technology platform.

Two Indian-American Ladies Launch Social Entrepreneurship Platform ‘The Common Table’ In Chandigarh

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Co-founders Geetanjali Gupta (extreme left) and Bani Cheema (right) at the launch of their social entrepreneurship platform 'The Common Table' in Chandigarh on Thursday (17.04.2025). PHOTOS Credit: TCT
Aimed at making social impact through pioneering social change and community collaboration initiatives
Former Miss India-America and TEDx speaker Leena Gupta first change-maker featured under TCT banner, unveils her debut inspirational book ‘Anchor Within’

Two Indian-American women – Bani Cheema and Geetanjali Gupta – with expertise in social entrepreneurship, on return to their country and city, have joined hands to launch a platform called ‘The Common Table’ (TCT) determined to make social impact through pioneering social change and community collaboration initiatives.

Announcing the launch at a press conference in Chandigarh on Thursday, Bani and Geetanjali said the platform gives wings to their passion of doing something socially beneficial and impactful in their home country.

“Rooted in Chandigarh, yet global in its outlook, TCT intends to host curated events, thematic workshops, and meaningful exchanges between innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from across India and the world. TCT is a space for learning, for listening, and for sharing,” the two women gushed in enthusiasm.

Geetanjali said, “Both me and Bani came back to our roots in India not just to give back, but to build something transformative together. The Common Table is our way of creating a compassionate future.”

Bani added, “TCT as an initiative will focus on areas like education, health, arts, culture, and sustainable development, encouraging cross-sector partnerships and solution-driven dialogues.”

As a first step, the two women social entrepreneurs, introduced their first change-maker under the TCT banner in former Miss India-America, TEDx speaker and transformational life coach Leena Gupta, who launched her debut book ‘Anchor Within’ in Chandigarh, after similar launches in the metros like Mumbai, Kolkata and New Delhi.

Former Miss India-America, TEDx speaker & motivational life coach Leena Gupta poses with her debut book ‘Anchor Within’ which she launched in Chandigarh on Thursday, flanked by Bani Cheema (on left left) and Geetanjali Gupta (on her right).

Talking about her book, Leena said, “Each one of us faces challenges of different kinds in life, my book ‘Anchor Within’ is a ‘go-to’ for all such people who probably at times think of giving up on life. My vitiligo (‘safed fulwari’) diagnosis during the peak of my career was a big set-back, but I chose to rise above personal and societal challenges, converting adversity into a message of authenticity and power.”

The former beauty queen shared that the book brings a deeply personal yet universally relevant guide to reclaiming inner strength and joy. “It offers tools for self-discovery, resilience, and unshakable confidence,” she added.

About TCT co-founders

Bani Cheema is an Indian-American entrepreneur holding a Master’s degree in International Studies in Global Health & Development from the University of San Francisco. She has expertise in areas like international development, non-profit leadership, and small business ownership.

Bani supports grassroots organizations, early-stage entrepreneurs, and mission-driven start-ups by providing meaningful opportunities for visibility, networking, and shared learning.

She is also the founder of ‘Seeding’, a consulting firm that helps small organizations with fundraising and established companies make efficient CSR decisions. Bani runs a NGO, Cheema Trust, that empowers visually impaired students.

Geetanjali Gupta is a former certified public accountant (CPA) & global financial analyst who graduated with distinction from UMASS, Amherst, USA, with a degree in finance and accounting.

She has worked with top-tier financial institutions such as Liberty Mutual (USA), where she served as an auditor, and Credit Suisse in London, where she worked as a private banker.

Geetanjali returned to India to focus her energies on social entrepreneurship. On coming back to India, she joined her family’s charitable initiative, the Sardarni Kartar Kaur Education Society, under which she leads programmes that offer free tailoring and stitching training to women from low-income communities in the rehabilitation colony of Mauli Jagran, Chandigarh.

She has also founded Silai Wilai, a social enterprise that provides a platform to these women to market their garments.

Save Indian Family Foundation To Hold ‘Satyagraha For Men’ At Jantar Mantar On April 19

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Demands gender-neutral policies and laws and constitution of Commission for Men on lines of Commission for Women
Claims that misuse of gender-specific laws to fabricate fake marital and rape cases has resulted in alarming increase in suicides by men – three times more than women – as per NCRB data

While horrendous cases of atrocities on women, including rapes, dowry deaths and suicides, continue to plague Indian society despite various measures, including stricter laws, a parallel movement is gaining traction demanding protection for men from atrocities which are leading to an alarming increase in marital deaths and suicides by them.

Alleging massive misuse of “lopsided laws’ enacted to protect women, leading to atrocities on men, and resultant alarming increase in marital death and suicides by males, this movement is holding a massive ‘Satyagraha For Men’ at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on April 19, demanding among other things gender neutral policies and laws and constitution of a Commission for Men on the lines of the Commission for Women at the central and state levels.

Sharing their thoughts regarding this ‘satyagraha’ at a press conference in Chandigarh on Wednesday, members of the Chandigarh Chapter of the ‘Save Indian Family Foundation’ said 40+ NGOs working for the cause of men will participate in the one-day protest sit-in.

Rohit Dogra, President of the Chandigarh Chapter of the foundation, said the need of the hour is to work for creating a society based on equality, transcending gender bias.

Claiming that records of the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) show that in recent years suicide by men have increased alarmingly and are now three times those of women. Suicides by married men are also three times those of married women, he added.

Giving several recent instances of atrocities against men which made headlines across the country, including suicides by Atul Subhash, Puneet Khurana, and Manav Sharma, and the brutal murder by Muskaan Rastogi of her husband and stuffing his body parts in a drum, he said shocking incidents of husbands being murdered, brutally beaten, misuse of laws, and the neglect of men by the government, judiciary, and society are coming to light every day.

The misuse of laws, particularly those related to dowry and rape, has become a major concern. False cases are being filed as a means of revenge or extortion, leaving men feeling helpless and without protection, he asserted.

Dogra stated that it is high time these serious issues are given attention. “We need an equitable society for all citizens, regardless of gender,” Dogra asserted.

He informed that due to the efforts of the Save Indian Family Foundation, the immediate arrest of in-laws under Section 498-A in dowry-related cases was put on hold. This notorious section, under which dowry harassment was considered a non-bailable offense, allowed the police to arrest in-laws without a warrant.

‘SIF One’ helpline

Save Indian Family Foundation is running a self-financed tollfree helpline ‘SIF One’ (08882 498 498), a lifeline for many men in distress, which it claims receives thousands of calls every month. Over the past 20 years, through its free weekly support group meetings, helplines, online groups, blogs, and other volunteer-based programs, SIF asserts that it has directly or indirectly connected and assisted millions of families both in India and abroad.

Payback Time, Batch Of 1975 Turns Oldest Model School In Chandigarh GMSSS-16 All-AC

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Batch of 1975 'students' with their then teachers performing the cake cutting ceremony on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of the batch at GMSSS-16 in Chandigarh on Friday (11.04.2025). PHOTOS By: LifeInChandigarh.com
26 ‘students’, now in their mid-60s, contribute 35 air conditioners as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of their batch

They returned to their alma mater school after 50 years, a spark in their eyes and bounce in their steps. ‘Students’ from ‘A’ section of the 1975 batch of pass-outs, men and women from all walks of life now in their mid-60s, congregated at the oldest and most prestigious government model school in Chandigarh, Govt Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 16 (Estd. 1954), to share a gift which the school will remember for all times to come.

It was a landmark occasion on last Friday (April 11, 2025) as all classrooms and other major facilities, like hall, computer lab and library, went completely air-conditioned, a facility only a handful of government schools nationwide can boast of, thanks to 35 Nos. of 1.5 tonne Hitachi inverter air conditioners gifted by the batch celebrating its golden jubilee and got installed.

Apart from the gift of air conditioners, the batch honoured 14 schoolteachers who had taught the batch at different times (now retired) and shared gift hampers with them and all the 2700-plus students and support staff of the school like sweepers, gardeners, peons, etc.

Sticking to a uniform dress code with peach-coloured t-shirt and generally blue jean or pant, and supporting a cap, the 20-plus enthusiastic male and female ‘students’ of the ‘A’ section of the 1975 batch gathered in the school compound with gas-filled balloons in their hands and were warmly welcomed by well turned out boy scouts, girl guides and tiny-tots dressed as angels, who lined both sides of the passage created for the honoured guests.

The balloons were gleefully released in the air after a formal cake-cutting ceremony performed by the batch members and their teachers in the presence of chief guest for the occasion UT Chandigarh Education and Engineering Secretary Prerna Puri, school Principal Bhavneet Kaur and school Coordinator Sheetal.

After the chief guest formally switched on an AC in one of the classrooms, nostalgic moments were witnessed as the ‘students’ enacted their school time routines like wishing ‘Good Morning Ma’am!” in chorus. Antics followed with the ‘students’ raising noise in the classroom while enacting a break between classes and two of the ‘naughty students’ of their time Sanjeev Mehta and Arvinder Singh performing the ‘murga’ punishment before their former teacher.

Old boy Sanjeev Mehta persuading his batchmate Arvinder Singh to emulate him in executing the ‘murga’ punishment before their former teacher.
Making some noise

The honoured guests of the day were entertained with cultural performances by teams of the school’s existing students. The fun-filled day culminated with a sumptuous lunch.

According to well-known city businessman Arvind Jain, who helmed the initiative, their batch was 36 students strong when it passed out in 1975. A few of them unfortunately died during this 50 years journey. Out of the remaining 30-odd, all the 26 who could be reached participated in this initiative to pay back to the school which had given them so much.

The participating ‘students’ of section ‘A’ of the batch of 1975 are all well-placed people in various spheres of life, including entrepreneurs/businessmen, professionals, bureaucrats, and educationists. Half a dozen of them are NRIs from US and Canada, who made it a point to be here especially for the batch’s golden jubilee celebrations.

While everyone chipped in with their voluntary contributions for the effort, the lion’s share came from Sanjiv Goyal, Chairman & Managing Director of Nectar Lifesciences Limited (NLL), one of the country’s top ranked midsized pharmaceutical companies.

Among the honoured teachers (now retired) who taught the Class of 75 at different times are RP Dewan, Brahmjit Kalia, Mrs HK Saini (whose daughter Bhavneet Kaur incidentally in the current principal of the school) and Mrs Usha Khullar.

Canadian Brand MB Chicken Opens First India Store In Chandigarh’s Sector 35

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Despite the strained ties between India and Canada, fast food brands from the North American country appear to be making a beeline for India, beginning their journey from the tri-city of Chandigarh, the melting pot of modern Punjabi culture. First came Tim Horton’s, and now famous Canadian fried chicken brand MB Chicken (since 1969) is formally opening its first outlet in India in Chandigarh’s Sector 35-C from April 16.

A media preview of the outlet was organised on Sunday, and your own news portal LifeInChandigarh.com shares with you in this write-up the first impressions of some of the items on their elaborate menu.

Despite predominantly being a fried chicken brand, MB Chicken promises that at least 20% of the offerings on its menu will be vegetarian. While broadly diligently sticking to its core international menu, which remains uniform globally, MB Chicken will nevertheless cater to the local palette wherever it opens shop across the country.

Briefing media persons at the outlet, Gregory Roberts, owner of the brand and its worldwide CEO, and Cameron Thomson, MB Chicken India President, shared that MB Chicken is already 250+ stores strong across Canada and opening a new outlet there every week. Simultaneously, it is spreading its wings worldwide with presence in Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, and now India. They will be entering the US market early next year and thereon to other parts of the globe.

Gregory Roberts (middle), owner of Canadian fried chicken brand MB Chicken and its worldwide CEO; Cameron Thomson (right), MB Chicken India President; and Dillon Powell, MBI Brands VP International, announcing the launch of the brand’s first outlet in India in Sector 35-C Chandigarh, on Sunday. PHOTO Credit: MB Chicken

Asserting that “Our menu is being crafted with the finest ingredients and flavours you’ll love,” they said, “At MB Chicken, it’s all about great taste. When we say Crave Delicious (which is the brand’s tagline), we’re really talking about the kind of great taste that can only come from premium, locally sourced ingredients and careful, attentive preparation by hand. The kind of taste you crave.”

Sharing the secret behind the uniqueness of MB Chicken, they said, “MB Chicken uses special proprietary cookers. Rather than frying with pressure, which is the industry standard, our cookers built inhouse use high heat to seal in juiciness and flavour and give our chicken its delicious natural golden colour and delicious taste. MB is real food, made fresh from scratch daily. It’s always been that way – and always will be. We won’t settle for less, and neither should you,” they added.

The constantly evolving menu (see photograph) includes signature chicken and taters along with shareable, family, party and celebration feasts.

In boneless chicken, the outlet offers piece tenders, and dynamite tenders, apart from pop-ins and chicken rice bowl.

Poutine taters, a new flavour, and chicken twists make up for the snacks section. Sides include gravy, coleslaw, taters and fries.

In desserts and beverages, you can grab any offering from choco lava, chocolate brownie, cold coffee, mango shake or strawberry shake at Rs 129. In soft serve, a single or double flavour ice cream cone can be had for just Rs 49.

There’s a variety of offerings in the vegetarian section as well. Apart from sandwich and wrap combo, there is special MB spicy paneer supreme, MB veg and MB aloo patty.

After Chandigarh, the brand plans to open stores in Gurugram (NCR), Doraha and Jalandhar (Punjab) soon. After opening about 10 corporate stores in India, the brand plans to follow the franchisee route in future expansion in the country.

Among others present on the occasion were MB Chicken India COO Sanjeev Ghatak, MBI Brands VP International Dillon Powell, MB Chicken India VP Gautam Kamra, and GM Marketing India Ankita Mane.

Know more about MB Chicken

MB Signature Chicken

  • Grade A, delivered whole and fresh
  • Marinated, hand breaded and cooked fresh
  • Prepared in small batches in each store.

MB Taters

  • Made from whole, fresh potatoes grown by Indian farmers
  • Delivered in big brown bags to each store
  • Cut, seasoned and crafted by hand daily

The Big Mary® Chicken Sandwich

  • Handmade in-store from a whole chicken breast
  • Made with no fillers
  • Canada’s favourite

MB Coleslaw

  • Handmade in each store from whole fresh vegetables

MB Vegetarian Menu

  • MB’s first ever 100% Vegetarian Menu handcrafted with love for India

History Of MB Chicken

In 1969, while the world watched the first man walk on the moon, MB Chicken celebrated the first guest walking through the doors of Mary Brown’s Chicken in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador – the eastern-most province of Canada. It was a giant leap for chicken. Word quickly spread and stores began to open across the province.

By 1972, the secret of Mary Brown’s quality food had spread. More stores opened in Ontario, Canada. From there, growth expanded west to Alberta, back east to the Maritime Provinces, and out to the Prairies and the West Coast.

Today, there are over 250+ Mary Brown’s Chicken locations across Canada, and that number continues to climb rapidly, both in North America and around the world

Named After Mary Brown

Mary Brown was a woman with an incredible recipe for fried chicken. After serving it to her family for years, her husband decided that the rest of the world deserved to eat as well as he did. He met with businessmen from Newfoundland, who immediately fell in love with the chicken, bought the recipe, and started the business. This was the beginning of a chicken revolution in Canada; the restaurant was named Mary Brown’s in honour of the woman behind the recipe.

Building Materials Major HIL Is Now BirlaNu; Its Global Brand Parador Set To Enter Chandigarh Market

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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BirlaNu (formerly HIL Ltd.) MD & CEO Akshat Seth (left) and another senior company official pose for photographs at a press conference in Chandigarh on Thursday (10.04.2025). PHOTO Credit: BirlaNu

High quality and sustainable home and building products and services company BirlaNu (formerly HIL Ltd.), part of the US $3 billion CK Birla Group, has announced a big investment plan to expand and double its business in the next three years. It has also announced the entry of its international brand Parador, which it acquired from a German flooring solutions company, into the Chandigarh market.

BirlaNu (formerly HIL Ltd.) is a leading manufacturer of pipes, construction chemicals, putty, roofs, walls, and floors. Under the Parador brand, which has manufacturing facilities in Germany and Austria, the CK Birla Group company will bring to the market exquisite wall and ceiling panels, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, and engineered wood flooring.

Sharing the company’s rebranding philosophy and its aggressive expansion plans at a press conference in Chandigarh on Thursday, BirlaNu (formerly HIL Ltd.) Managing Director and CEO Akshat Seth said with BirlaNu all the company’s several brands, like Charminar and Aerocon, have come under a unified brand architecture.

He said, “Punjab, Haryana and the tri-city of Chandigarh, which accounts for roughly 10% of the company’s business nationally, continues to be a focus market for our wide portfolio of products. As the region promises to stay in the fast lane of growth, driven by investments in real estate, construction and infrastructure, BirlaNu remains committed to delivering faster, stronger, and more sustainable building solutions.”

Adding further that “Our focus has always been on delivering high-quality, sustainable building materials: pipes, construction chemicals, putty, roofs, walls and floors that meet the needs of modern construction. We’re making big moves to back that up.

“We’ve introduced Organic Based Stabilizers (OBS) in UPVC pipe manufacturing: an industry first in India, eliminating the use of heavy metals. We will be setting up a greenfield facility this year in Patna for our foray into OPVC pipes. We’ve doubled our capacity to manufacture AAC blocks in Chennai to 4 lakh cubic meters per year, making it one of the country’s largest facilities. And marking our expansion into the home and interiors space, we intend to bring our global premium flooring brand Parador to India and to this market.”

Seth shared that among BirlaNu’s standout offerings are leakproof pipes, an advanced range of water management solutions. Developed with TruFiT technology, these pipes ensure zero leakage and superior joint strength.

“We are confident of our plans in the pipes category on the back of an impressive 70 %+ year-on-year volume growth at an all-India level and strategic acquisitions such as Crestia Polytech, makers of the Topline brand of pipes in Patna, in 2024,” he asserted.

BirlaNu (formerly HIL Ltd.), which has 32 manufacturing facilities across India and Europe, with customers and partners in over 80 countries, has planned a Rs 1200-1300 crore fresh investment as part of its strategy to achieve $1 billion in revenue by 2028. The investment will focus on expanding production capabilities, enhancing sustainability efforts, and introducing innovative building solutions.

The CK Birla Group companies
The CK Birla Group companies include Birlasoft Limited, GMMCO Limited, National Engineering Industries Limited (manufacturer of NBC Bearings), Orient Cement Limited, BirlaNu Limited (formerly HIL Limited), Orient Electric Limited, CK Birla Healthcare Private Limited (CK Birla Hospitals and Birla Fertility & IVF), Orient Paper & Industries Limited, AVTEC Limited and Neosym Industry Limited.

Panchkula Golf Club To Tee Off Maiden Edition Of Aeroplaza Panchkula Golf League

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Owners-representatives of each of the 16 teams participating in the inaugural edition of the Aeroplaza Panchkula Golf League posing for a picture with members of the organising committee and officials of teh league at the Panchkula Golf Club on Sunday (April 6, 2025). PHOTO By: LifeInChandigarh.com
16 teams of 14 members each to compete in two-stage tournament from April 7 to 23
Will rival Chandigarh Golf League which is into its fourth year

The sprawling 140 acres government-owned Panchkula Golf Club, a younger cousin of the not-for-profit Chandigarh Golf Club, is brimming with excitement as it tees off the maiden edition of its own Panchkula Golf League to rival the Chandigarh Golf League, which is into its fourth year.

Quite remarkably, for a first edition of a league, an impressive 16 teams comprising 14 members each have entered the fray for the two-stage ‘Aeroplaza Panchkula Golf League, 2025’ to play out in a round robin league followed by a knockout stage from April 7 (Monday) to April 23.

The media announcement of the inaugural edition of the three-year Panchkula Golf League, with Aeroplaza by Shudh Gold as its title sponsor, was made by Chairman of the Organising Committee of the league Varinder Singh Kundu, a retired senior Haryana cadre bureaucrat, at the club premises on Sunday.

Kundu shared with your own news portal LifeInChandigrh.com that the league was in the making for the last couple of years as various formats of reputed existing leagues running across the country were carefully studied. Eventually, the Aeroplaza Panchkula Golf League, 2025 has an inclusive structure which ensures each team comprises a lady golfer, one senior golfer above 70 years of age and players from different handicap categories.

Both stages of the league have different scoring systems (explained in detail later in the write-up) which will comprehensively test the players’ skills, strategy and team spirit.

Claiming an overwhelming response to the league, he said it has had an electrifying effect on the members. We had expected a good response, but not as overwhelming as it turned out to be. There was a flood of registrations when these were opened for the 2700-plus members of the club. There were also 20 bids for raising teams for the league, out of which 16 were eventually approved, he added.

He further informed that the 18-hole course has been spruced up in conformity with the standards expected of a league. Rules are going to be strictly enforced to ensure high level of competitiveness during the entire course of the league.

Golfer Digraj Singh, who is majorly into event management in golf, is the Tournament Director for the league, which will be closely supervised by a three-member team of referees led by well-known referee Swadhin Patel as Chief Referee.

According to Digraj, “During stage 1 of the league, seven days of round robin play will be held, which means each team plays every other in the group. Eight matches are slated to be played each day. The knockout stage starts with the quarterfinals which will be held on April 18. The quarters will be followed by the semifinals on April 20, and the grand finale on April 23 at Panchkula Golf Club.”

The teams in Group A: Highland Kings, ADS Falcons, Golfing Panthers, Aces by Vintage Buildtech, Fantastic Fours, Clubs on Flames, Sneakin Golfers, and Victory Waves.

In teams in Group B: Golfing Eagles, Par-Tee Crashers, Tee Titans, Green Warriors, Raging Bulls, Tee Birds, Shivalik Swingers and Hansa Legends.

An owner-representative of each of the 16 teams in tournament attire was also present at the press conference and posed for a group photo.

Col. AS Dhillon (Retired), General Manager, Panchkula Golf Club, who is also Member- Secretary, Organising Committee of the league, as well as Vishal Dhall, Managing Director, of title sponsor Aeroplaza, were also present.

 Scoring System for the two-stage league

Round Robin Stage
All 8 teams in a group will play against each other in the Round Robin stage with a very uniquely devised scoring system.

During a match each team will nominate 5 pairs to take on 5 pairs from the opposing team.

When one pair plays another pair from the opposing team, the combined stableford score of both the partners on each hole will be compared with the combined stableford score of the opposing pair on that hole to determine which pair wins the hole.

The total number of holes won by both the teams, after adding the wins for all the 5 pairs in the team, will establish the winning team, which will get 3 points. In case of a tie, both teams will get one point apiece.

Knock Out Stage
The 4 top teams in each group, in terms of the highest number of points collected in the Round Robin stage, will qualify for the knockout stage which will be played in the Four Ball Better Ball Match play format. Each team will be represented by 5 pairs when they take on another team.

Through the League:
Following each round, the players’ handicaps shall be revised downwards based on their performance in that round. The revision will be based on a Dynamic Handicapping System which will be different for each stage of the league.

During the entire duration of the league, all players will be scored off 75% of their original handicaps with 18 being the highest handicap allowance for men and 24 the highest handicap allowance for ladies.

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