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5 Challaned In Distt Administrative Complex, Rs 2500 Fine Collected

Sanjeev Kochhar
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5 Challaned In Distt Administrative Complex, Rs 2500 Fine Collected

Given the alarming pace at which Covid-19 disease is spreading in the country people should have been forced into exercising greater caution and the local administrations into greater vigil especially in crowded places. But the stark reality amidst rising temperatures is that an increasing number of people are flouting safety guidelines and apparently exhausted authorities are turning a blind eye.

LifeInChandigarh.com was on Wednesday witness to dozens of people going about their business without wearing a mask in the lawyers’ kiosks area within the District Administrative Complex in Mohali, which houses the offices of the entire top district level bureaucracy. Packed with a couple of hundred people, including lawyers, their staff and visitors, the congested area, served a perfect recipe for adding another Covid hotspot.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

Right from parking attendants, to lawyers and their staff, to visitors, dozens of them were seen without a mask or a mask lowered to their chin or neck. This included a newly-wed woman wearing a ‘churah’ with her facial makeup in full public view. All this was apparently happening in full knowledge of the authorities.

A lawyer, Baljinder Singh Saran, who and his staff had their face masks properly strapped on, when asked why he was allowing visitors not wearing face masks to approach him for their work and endangering his personal safety, appeared unwilling to pick a quarrel with clients and thereby lose business.

Later on lodging a verbal complaint with the personal staff of Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan and bringing it to the notice of District Public Relations Officer Ruchi Kalra, the district authorities reportedly swung into action and challaned five people, from whom a fine of Rs 2500 was collected.

Hopefully, we will see better compliance in not only the District Administrative Complex, but also at other crowded places in the district from tomorrow. Heat or no heat this is an absolute must for the safety of hundreds of lives.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676

Catering To Emerging Covid-19 Enforced Compulsions Of Consumers

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Catering To Emerging Covid-19 Enforced Compulsions Of Consumers

Leading indigenous home appliances company Godrej Appliances, witnessing a remarkable return to near normal level of sales in refrigerators in June during Lockdown 1.5/Unlock 1.0, has launched two new models of refrigerators in the 190 litres segment and a new age semi-automatic washing machine in the 8 kg category, targeting the changed compulsions of consumers enforced by Covid-19 pandemic.

Launching the new refrigerator ranges – Godrej Edge Rio and Godrej Edge Neo – and semi-automatic washing machine range Godrej Edge Ultima in a virtual press conference on Friday, Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive Vice President, Godrej Appliances, and his team mates said they were bullish that the new models being ideally suited to changed requirements of post pandemic consumers will receive an overwhelming response from the market.

“After a washout of sales in April, and an average 30-35% of sales across all segments in May in comparison to corresponding period last year, there has been a very encouraging response for cooling products from the consumers in June. Till 25th June we have already logged 95% sales in refrigerators as compared to the corresponding period last year, thanks to the heat wave in the North, and we are confident that the trend will continue and we might end June with sales 20-25% higher than last year’s corresponding sales,” Kamal Nandi and Sanjeev Jain, National Sales Head of the company, shared with media persons.  

The company made full use of these last three-and-a-half months of lockdown to upgrade features and technologies best suited to the changed environment post the pandemic in its products and become a front runner in creating a unique digital selling experience for its 5,000-plus business partners and customers.

“We have been successfully in quickly creating a comprehensive platform to enable our network of trade partners to reach customers digitally. We have been breaking barriers across all fronts – from product cataloging and showcasing, multiple cashless online payment facilities and digital financing to initiation of video-assisted remote selling initiative. By exploring alternative ways to communicate and engage, we were able to offer fantastic opportunities to our trade partners and they are very excited about it,” Jain informed.

The company has plans to keep launching new range of products across all existing segments in its portfolio and also foray into new segments, the demand for which has been kicked up owning to the fact that households are increasingly indulging in daily chores themselves for which earlier they were dependent completely on outside help.  However, for the time being the company is keeping its cards close to its chest.

Admitting that the current dangerous standoff between India and China on the borders, and the resultant national sentiment against Chinese goods, has thrown up an ocean of opportunities for indigenous brands like Godrej, which manufacture 90-95% of their appliances indigenously, he however felt that it will take at least two years of concerted efforts to create an ecosystem within the country for manufacture of key components, which are still being imported from China.

Godrej Edge Rio & Edge Neo

According to Anup Bhargava, Product Group Head – Refrigerators, Godrej Edge Rio and Edge Neo have been designed to cater to the underlying need for more storage for the discerning Indian consumers. These are the tallest refrigerators in the 192 litres single door category, standing at 1192 mm, with maximum space utilisation. It offers the largest freezer in the category of 16.3 litres capacity, and the largest bottle space of 13.5 litres, making it a perfect companion for the harsh summers. It also comes with a large vegetable tray of 16.4 litres which gives consumers enough space to store all veggies and also keeps them farm fresh for longer.

The 5-star rating as per the 2020 energy rating norms, coupled with the advantages of the advanced inverter technology, makes Godrej Edge Rio and Edge Neo refrigerators highly energy-efficient and power-saving. With the PUF thickness of 54 mm, the refrigerator models provide best-in-class cooling retention, even during power cuts.

The refrigerators are equipped with ‘turbo cooling technology’ that ensures up to 20% faster ice making and bootle cooling. Its gygiene+ inverter technology’ ensures no defrost water spillage, convenient cleaning and no germ and insect breeding. In line with Godrej’s commitment to environment and sustainability, the refrigerator uses the most eco-friendly refrigerant, R600a, with zero ozone depletion potential and thus helps in reducing its carbon footprint.

With a curved door design, alluring transparent interiors and an array of attractive and fresh floral facial/pre-coats, the refrigerators are a treat. Available in 192L capacity with 5-star, 4-star, 3-star and 2-star variants, the new Godrej Edge Rio and Edge Neo refrigerators are priced starting INR 14,000. A 5-star rated variant comes for INR 20,500.

The 190-195 litres capacity segment is 50% of the single door refrigerators, which in turn forms 77% of the refrigerator industry.

Godrej Edge Ultima

Ashish Sasidharan, Product Group Head – Washing Machine, says Godrej Edge Ultima ushers in new-age high performing semi-automatic washing machines, with mesmerizing looks thanks to its borderless design, generally associated with fully automatic machines. The 5 Star rated washing machine optimizes electricity consumption and provides higher savings.

Redefining the concept of cleaning, the range of Godrej Edge Ultima semi-automatic washing machines are designed to deliver a thorough and better wash with the 460W Power Max Motor, making it easy to wash heavy laundry as well as everyday clothes, while its 1440 RPM Spin Motor ensures faster drying, making it a must-have for your homes, especially during monsoons. 

A superior wash experience is assured with many distinct useful features built into these machines.

··         Unique Active Soak feature to create turbulence in the drum during soak time, which helps in loosening tough stains.

·         Spin Shower program to rinse clothes with a rainfall mechanism for better detergent removal

·         Tri-Roto Scrub Pulsator that combines 3 ridges and 3 mini-pulsators to generate turbulence and scrubbing for a better wash every time.

·         In-built Cartridge Lint Filter that collects lint, fluff, and particles even at low water levels, so that clothes come out clean and fresh after every wash.

·         Soft-shut lid of Edge Ultima lifts and shuts gently to prevent any injury to the user. 

The Edge Ultima keeps you worry-free with a 5-year warranty on wash motor, and a 2-year warranty on the entire washing machine.

Godrej Edge Ultima is available in 3 colours – Crystal Red, Crystal Black and Crystal Blue – in 8 kg and 8.5 kg variants. The washing machines are priced at Rs. 16,400 onwards.

Currently, the 8-8.5 kg washing machine variant contributes to 23% of the semi-automatic washing machine segment and this segment is growing at the rate of 11% for the industry. Godrej Appliances is the largest player in this segment in the country.

Surprisingly, of all the Indian households, 70% own  television sets, 33% have refrigerators and only 13% have washing machines.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676

Rural Sector Holds Key To Speedy Recovery, Says Nikhil Sawhney

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Rural Sector Holds Key To Speedy Recovery, Says Nikhil Sawhney

The central and state governments along with the industry need to invest heavily in revitalising the rural sector if the Indian economy, shattered by the lockdown to control the Covid-19 pandemic, is to be nursed back to health in quick time. Sharing this conviction during an interaction with journalists in a virtual press conference recently, CII Northern Region Chairman Nikhil Sawhney said states especially should convert this disruptive phase into an opportunity to give a new thrust to their economies.

“We have recommended to the seven states and three Union territories in the region to spend 10% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) as a stimulus package to give a big push to economic revival. For this, states need to monetise their assets, which could include divesting in some state PSUs, to improve their precarious fiscal health,” he said, while also advising states to shed their inhibitions and undertake bold and wide ranging reforms to mark a paradigm shift from ‘babu’ centric to market centric focus.

Elaborating on the rural sector, Sawhney, who is Managing Director, Triveni Engineering Ltd, said investment in rural health and infrastructure along with strengthening rural digital programmes and platforms could pave the way for a robust rural ecosystem. Industries along with state governments can be encouraged to set up facilities in rural areas, which in turn will generate jobs and strengthen the rural sector’s share in the country’s GDP.

In this context, he pointed out that the extended lockdown of the country had exposed the vulnerability of the agricultural and allied sector and its supply chains, which need to be strengthened without delay.

Emphasising that for an inclusive and sustained economic recovery, the government and bigger companies will have to play a greater role in protecting the MSMEs, which are a crucial supply chain for a robust economy, and enabling them to invest in research, innovation and technology, he said “whereas we would have wished that the stimulus announced by the government for the MSME sector was in the form of an outright grant, but given the fiscal constraints, the stimulus provided, for example in the form of 100% credit guarantee to MSMEs and various other measures, is commendable.

“More such measures will be needed in the future, but at the same time, the balance between fiscal spending and financial stability will have to be ensured,” he added.

He also forcefully advocated a similar stimulus for startups, which had also suffered a body blow on account of the lockdown.

Commenting on the growing countrywide chorus for boycotting China and Chinese goods following the bloody faceoff between troops from both sides on Ladhakh border triggered by unprovoked brutal assault by Chinese soldiers, Sawhney said through CII as an organisation stood committed to abide by the Indian government directives on the issue, in a globalised economy expecting individual private enterprises to toe this line may not be sustainable.

At the same time, he said CII will work closely with the government to privide incentives and facilitation to companies wanting to voluntarily shirt their manufacturing operations out of China as part of their de-risking strategy.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676

The Proactive Start Virtual Classrooms, Others Praying For Early Reopening Of Schools

Sanjeev Kochhar
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0
The Proactive Start Virtual Classrooms, Others Praying For Early Reopening Of Schools

Work from home and study from home may well have become the new normal in a world paralysed as never before by a deadly novel coronavirus, of which the scientific and research community has little clue months after it was first detected, and which experts believe is here to stay. An unprepared/underprepared education and learning field, which along with other sectors worldwide, was completely overwhelmed by the severity of the disruptions that accompanied it, is painfully trying to find its way around the grave challenge to its very survival.

The task is daunting, especially in a developing country like India, where widespread use of technology and penetration of internet is still a far cry. The educational institutions, especially the schools, where the bulk of young and aspirational Indians are on a journey of formal education and learning, are trying out various online methods as per their capacity and feasibility to restart whatever little teaching and learning can be possible under the circumstances.

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

But it is easier said than done. Besides challenges of technology and internet, and the inherent limitations of online teaching, schools are encountering difficulties with the pace of adaptability by teachers and students to the new method of teaching and learning. So used to face-to-face interactions and eyeball contact, they are finding it extremely tough to adjust and focus in the diametrically changed environment.

Most independent schools have not been able to provide a digital and online interface with students and are making do with sending study materials and worksheets on class specific WhatsApp groups on school apps, wherever existing. They are banking on early resumption of classroom teaching in schools, which may be a distant possibility under the prevailing conditions. The more proactive schools are, however, making concerted efforts to quickly adapt to what is being anticipated as a new normal in the future. They have already launched virtual classrooms with a view to keep learning and improving as they progress along this new path.

LifeInChandigarh.com student correspondent Sumeir Bhatia spoke to principals/promoters, teachers and students of a few independent schools in and around Chandigarh tricity to gain insights into their respective experiments thus far on the road to change. 

Here are some of his observations and what those interviewed have to say:

Strawberry Fields High School (SFHS) principal Mrs. Sangeeta Sekhon says, “Finding a suitable platform for students to use was the main concern from the perspective of the school’s administration.” The platforms being used by SFHS include Microsoft Teams for middle and junior classes, and Google Meets for high school.

Other schools, including some DAV schools in the tricity and around and Lawrence Public School Mohali are relying on platforms such as Zoom and the CBSE digital platform known as Diksha.

Not just finding the right digital platform, schools are facing several other challenges as they take baby steps in the exploration of this hitherto largely alien space for them. Schools are realising that their teachers are ill-prepared to be able to quickly adapt to the new way of teaching. Hence the needs for skilling them in this new art – its functionality, security aspects, special communication skills and educational tools required, etc. The teachers, having to work out of their comfort zone of classroom teaching, are slowly but surely learning the nuts and bolts of effective virtual classroom teaching and managing the students.

Besides the inherent shortcomings of virtual classrooms, like inability of teachers to gauge the attentiveness and receptivity of students in the absence of eyeball contact, a big question mark also hangs on how assessments are to be done in an honest and transparent manner.

Students are concerned that teachers have not been able to elaborately dwell on topics and their doubts have also either not been addressed at all or not adequately so. In such a scenario grades could suffer. On the other hand some schools are preparing to start conducting regular tests, at least for high school students. However, maintaining academic honesty and integrity by students in this online process is a cause for worry. 

Mrs. Harneet Singh, who runs a couple of DAV schools in Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh, and is currently coordinating the online re-training of faculty members of DAV institutions in this region in Covid times, feels, “There is a need to create a culture of academic honesty before conducting assessments; the students should ask themselves whether it is in their best interest to cheat during an assessment.”

Though most students are adjusting to the new way of teaching, they would still rather prefer physical classroom teaching, as echoed by Ananya Kapoor, a Class 8 student of SFHS. “Some teachers are very good at classroom teaching, but many among them are struggling to adapt to the changed setting,” she observes.

Class 9 student Hameed Mohamad’s school Guru Gobind Public is not yet providing an online interface with the teachers. He receives his work on WhatsApp group of his class. Teachers provide them with worksheets and other educational assignments to complete and post back on the group for checking. Tests are also being conducted in a similar manner. He is anxiously awaiting the school to reopen so that he can resume his regular studies. He is apprehensive about his grades going down.

Mrs. Veena Malhotra, who runs Lawrence Public School in Mohali, does not anticipate schools opening any time soon. “I do not think that schools will be able to open by July or even August considering the massive spike in Covid-19 positive cases across the country in the past few weeks.” 

She believes that the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed many cracks and flaws in the Indian education system. “For most schools, it is a challenge to familiarise their teachers with the online teaching methodology and getting students accustomed to self-study. This is a time of reflection and an opportunity to further modernize our education system.”

Giving a teacher’s perspective, Ms. Lavisha Singh, a French educator in Banyan Tree School, says “Many teachers, having to come out of their comfort zone, are finding it difficult to effectively communicate with their students in online and virtual mode. The erratic speed of network connections is another big hindrance.” She feels that considering the disruptions in normal teaching either the syllabuses need to be curtailed for the September examinations or these be postponed because of the students’ concerns over their grades.

Many schools are also trying to provide continuity in imparting quality education to their students from the economically weaker sections as well. Educational materials such as detailed modules or worksheets are being posted on WhatsApp groups or on school apps. Mrs. Sangeeta Sekhon shares, “We are making sure that every student through his or her parents has access to the school’s portal and receives the modules and worksheets provided by the school.”

However, these students still stand at a disadvantage. Many areas they live in may not have reliable internet, hindering their ability to use the online platforms and learn effectively.

Eventually, everyone is hoping against hope that conditions become conducive soon for early reopening of schools and parents are eager to see smiles back on the faces of their children.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676

Country Needs To Apply A Balm On Their Scarred Psyche

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Country Needs To Apply A Balm On Their Scarred Psyche

Let’s face it, the governments and authorities at all levels, despite their avowed commitment to the welfare of migrant labourers, have once again failed this most vulnerable section of society whose contribution towards keeping the wheels of the economy turning is indispensable. Through their apparent apathy, lack of foresight and mismanagement during the extended lockdown imposed to control the Covid-19 pandemic, they have left the hard-working community shattered and humiliated as perhaps never before.

After being rendered jobless, penny less, without a shelter, staring at hunger  and fearful of contacting the deadly disease in what suddenly appeared to turn alien lands for them, the lakhs on lakhs of labourers, forced to migrate hundreds of miles from their homelands to bigger and more prosperous cities in search of livelihoods because of failure of state governments to provide them avenues of employment closer home, found themselves forsaken and helpless as their pleadings to be sent back home fell on deaf ears for weeks on end.

In fact their outcry, in the form of public protests, were met with disdain and quelled with a heavy hand by the local administrations, even as other more privileged sections of society like students from different states preparing for their competitive examinations at elitist coaching centres in Kota and other places and stranded pilgrims and tourists were given priority in evacuation to their respective states.

Television and social media visuals of dozens of groups of migrant workers with their families, including pregnant women and small children, and bag and baggage setting out on hundreds of kms of torturous journeys back home on foot or on bicycles to states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh shook the conscience of the nation.   

Too Little Too Late

When eventually states stepped in to arrange buses for evacuation of migrant labourers from their respective states, and later persuaded the central government to run special shramik trains, it proved too little too late. The inadequacy of the curtailed capacity on the special trains and the mismanagement of the registration process further added to the pain and frustrations of the migrants, who were consequently forced to resort to whatever means of transport available to them in desperation. The resultant scores of tragic deaths in road/rail accidents were clearly avoidable.

This brings us to debate what was the right time for arrangements to have been made for evacuation of these migrants to their respective states. Whatever arguments decision makers might have in support of the delayed government response, considering the fact that migrant labourers are largely uneducated and unskilled, and their herd mentality and propensity to trust in and act on mere hearsay/rumours often leads to chaotic situations and even large scale violence, there should have been no doubt in their minds that under the circumstances setting in of panic was a certainty with further aggravation over passage of time.

Sadly, the authorities have apparently failed to learn lessons in minimising the devastating impact of uncertain times and crisis situations on this highly vulnerable and volatile community, as happened in the aftermath of demonetisation and imposition of GST. Despite an outpouring of compassion from concerned citizens, even students, and various NGOs in support of the relief efforts, the authorities at local, state and national level miserably failed in reassuring the shelter less and penny less stranded migrant labourers of a reasonable existence with much needed financial and material support.

Failure Of Timely Relief

The implementation of the promised transfer of a meagre amount directly to the bank accounts of affected families through DBT and free shelter, besides regular distribution of additional free dry rations to ration card holders and cooked food packets to the stranded migrants was always going to be a daunting task given the gaping loopholes in the system. And expectedly the relief failed to reach where and when it was required the most, leading to panic. This was perhaps the time, when the first indications of extreme stress among the community became visible, that the authorities should have begun planning the safe passage home of the migrant labourers.

Sending these people home in the midst of a massive escalation in the number of Covid-19 cases across the country defies all logic and has exposed the receiving states to the danger of a sudden spurt in the spread of the disease with an imminent possibility of a high percentage of these returnees being carriers. This has already happened at a few places, forcing the authorities to declare new containment zones.

The returnees, pained by the bitter experience of being forsaken and left to their fate for long weeks by their employers and local authorities at their work places, now may not have the intent and the will to return any time soon.

Had the authorities been adequately sensitive to the gravity of the distress among the migrant labourers, and taken timely action to ensure their safe passage home, which they eventually did, these migrants would have had enough time to overcome their trauma in the safe and secure confines of their homes and family and favourably considered returning to work when the wheels of the economy began to move again following easing of lockdown restrictions.

Employment Closer Home

The respective governments in their parent states would be under pressure to provide them work nearer their homes. Only those who do not find work to their satisfaction are likely to consider returning to mega business hubs for a livelihood in due course of time. Till then, along with lack of demand, labour shortages are sure to retard the pace of return to normalcy of businesses and industry.

The central and state governments would be well advised to take corrective steps in an effort to erase the lingering memories of the nightmarish experiences of the migrant labourers. Timely provision of adequate financial and material support to the families of returnees at their doorstep to make life comfortable for them appears to be the key in such an endeavour by the authorities.

Governments in states which account for the largest chuck of these migrants, like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, need to redouble their efforts to provide more gainful employment opportunities to their own people by strengthening their economies and re-skilling people with skill sets most suitable for their states. The central government, on its part, also needs to support these states adequately. At the same time, the traditional host states for these migrants need to lessen their dependence on migrant labour by massively reinforcing their own domestic blue collar force.          

Meanwhile, a massive nationwide exercise needs to be undertaken to plug the gaping loopholes in dissemination of various welfare and relief measures for these and other vulnerable sections of the society. This exercise should include ensuring that all remaining members of this, and other vulnerable communities, get ration cards, aadhaar cards and Jan Dhan accounts for purposes of DBT.

Rewarding Employers

It would certainly be a good idea for the central and state governments and local authorities to reward those employers who stood by their employees and supported them with direly needed physical and emotional help to weather this storm. 

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676

Life Has Changed, But It Might Be For The Better

Sanjeev Kochhar
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0
Life Has Changed, But It Might Be For The Better

Covid-19 has brought the world to its knees. It has so disrupted the way we live and work that, in its aftermath, the world may never be the same again. Forced to remain indoors for weeks on end, people have had to reorganise an entire gamut of their daily activities, including work schedules, means of communication and sources of entertainment. The teenagers, and the student community in general, too are staring at uncertain times with their formal classes in limbo and a question mark hanging over their annual and competitive examinations.

Here’s a firsthand account by a teenager of how he has had to adjust to what could well become the new normal. Sumeir Bhatia (14), a grade 9 student of George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS) based in Virginia, USA, likes to play basketball, and surprisingly for his age spends considerable amount of time reading books related to world politics. His recent read is ‘Third World To First – The Singapore Story’ by Lee Kuan Yew.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

Over the past few weeks, the world has been shaken to its core. Covid-19 has completely changed how millions of people go about their daily life. I am no exception to this rule. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries across the world have ordered strict curfews, including our very own India. Gone are the days when I would often go to the movies with friends or invite them over to play basketball at my house.

For the first few days it was expectedly very tough; not being able to play with my friends, or chat with them face to face, was a quite a difficult ask of a teenager. However, I decided not to focus on what I can’t do and instead concentrate on what I can do.

Having set a routine that allows me to maximise my time in both maintaining social relations online and keeping up with academic commitments, I have found that starting my day by exercising for about 40 minutes helps me keep my mind fresh and body active throughout the day.

I start my studies, which nowadays is online with my tutors, around 10 o’clock. Initially sceptical about studying online, it came to me as a pleasant surprise that virtual classes could well nigh be a blessing in disguise; I am able to study, understand and prepare effectively for my exams and at the same time have a fruitful and interactive dialogue with my teachers.

After devoting my morning to studies, I usually rewind later in the afternoon with my friends. We get together virtually on a social media platform to touch base with each other. All of us are raring to share jokes and other interesting information we have gathered since we last met. Cracking stupid jokes at each other is often how we lay a base for the virtual meeting.

Despite conscious efforts to avoid, daily Covid-19 related developments happening around us invariably creep into the conversation. More often than not we get a feeling that though we are all well versed with the situation prevailing locally, nationally and internationally, an underlying element of fear and uncertainty is still quite palpable.  But then we are able to convince ourselves that like other difficult situations before it this too is temporary and will pass.

Around 4 pm, after my maths classes, I go outdoors to play basketball in our driveway with a friend, who lives with us. After an hour’s vigorous play it’s time to freshen up and spend some quality time with grandparents. It’s always a joy spending time with them, but in these extraordinary times the moments spent in their company is all the more rejuvenating for me and them. The cheer which our long chats bring to their faces, especially after being exposed to an overdose of daily dreary news about the pandemic spreading its tentacles, gives me such pleasure as nothing else in this world.

I must admit that this constant barrage of depressing global news has heavily impacted me, my friends and family. Witnessing an exponential rise in the number of Covid-19 cases globally and at a fast clip in India is quite disturbing, but the national response to control this virus in our country is, at the same time, quite reassuring.

I see the irresponsible acts of a few people in not following the rules and guidelines of personal and community conduct as being the single largest contributor to compounding of the crisis. Going forward, a systematic opening up of the lockdown with extensive testing, tracing and social distancing will probably be the key to effectively managing and containing this virus.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676 

A Spirited Life, With Family Amidst The Gloom!

Sanjeev Kochhar
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0
A Spirited Life, With Family Amidst The Gloom!

Having read that the number of positive cases of Covid-19 in New York state alone exceed those in any single country in the world outside of the US, LifeInChandigarh.com contacted some overseas Indians from Chandigarh based in some of the hot spots in the world’s most powerful country to know how they are coping up.

The feedback from our friends in New York and Chicago, two of the biggest cities in the US and both hotbeds of the Coronavirus outbreak on the East Coast, is heartening.

Amidst the fear and chaos of a crisis situation, these gentlemen – an investment banker working in New York City and living in adjoining New Jersey, and a HR professional and an IT consultant in Chicago – working from home, are managing to keep their spirits high and savouring every moment of togetherness with the family.

Family time with the pet
Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

Ajay Asija, who works for an investment bank, and is based out of New York, says he is fine working from home in a small town called Westfield (population of just around 30,000) in Union county of New Jersey state, 25 miles from his workplace in New York City. The town has witnessed about 100 positive cases of Covid-19 and three elderly people above 80 years of age could not survive the infection.

The population, having to bear with the usual restrictions – no gatherings, no stepping out from home unless absolutely necessary and social distancing – is coping up quite well.

This is in sharp contrast to the adjoining New York state which has reported over 6,000 deaths (way over the number of people killed in 9/11) and more than 1.50 lakh confirmed cases of Covid-19. In fact, more people have died in New York and adjoining New Jersey state (total of 7,700-plus) than in the rest of US combined.

Ajay, who has been working from home since March 12, around the time when the first death due to Covid-19 in New York was announced (first case was confirmed on March 1), says for two weeks there was utter chaos and panic all around with no one realising what was happening. There were health concerns all right, but more than that the speed at which the stock market started to crash, never seen ever before, had the population really panicky.

And when the gravity of the situation began to sink in, everything was shut down in New York state around mid-March, and gradually other states followed. State flags in most states are flying at half mast as a mark of respect to the dead.

How are the hospitals coping up with the rush of positive cases? “Hospitals for the most part are fine. Only hospitals in very urban areas of New York City are affected,” shares Ajay, and adds that nothing much has changed in life “I am continuing to work from home and devoting some time to exercising and gardening.”

He is continuing to use Whatsapp to remain in touch with his social circles. Of course he has had to cancel his planned trip to Italy.

A game of Monopoly Deal over cookies and drinks

The situation in Chicago, by far the largest city in Illinois state with a population upwards of 27 lakh (Overseas Indians estimated well over 1,00,000) , and the third largest city in entire US after New York and Los Angeles, is “pretty serious”, says IT consultant Ripujit Singh, who works in Chicago city and lives in its suburbs. “It’s scary even going to the market once in a while to collect groceries and other essentials, though the stores are following stringent protocols put in place following the outbreak.”

Illinois state has so far reported more than 16,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 500-plus deaths.

The 10-hour work schedule by and large remains the same for the IT consultant even while working from home, though he can afford to take more breaks in between. His elder daughter, who is working, and the younger one , who is studying, have both come home for an extended period for the first time after a couple of years.

Though he, his wife, and both daughters are working/studying from home, they are enjoying the quality time spent together – dining, playing Monopoly Deal or just chatting.

“For socialising, I have put the facility of four way video chatting on Whatsapp to good use by holding virtual parties, if you like, with friends over beer,” Ripujit shares with a laugh.

Physical social contacts have stopped completely. At most people are seen chatting with neighbours from across the street.

Our walks

For HR professional Atul Khosla, working for a global company and currently based out of Chicago, “staying positive and avoiding excessive news and WhatsApp messages is the key to staying sane in these troubled times. Working from home, which is on a golf course near Chicago, taking walks in our community and spending time with family are giving me added comfort,” he shares.

He feels that though the situation is “pretty serious”, hospitals are fully equipped and doing a great job. Essentials are not a problem and are being ordered online and home delivered. He is in regular touch with his family in India and friends using Zoom, Facetime, etc. He had plans to visit his family in India and also holiday in Europe in June, which now doesn’t seem likely.

Some Facts:

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  • Research by various prestigious institutes in the US have indicated that the coronavirus began to circulate in the New York area by mid-February, weeks before the first confirmed case was detected, and that it was brought to the region mainly by travellers from Europe, not China.

    • rn

  • A previously hidden spread of the virus could have been detected if an aggressive testing programme had been put in place.

    • rn

  • On January 31, President Donald Trump barred foreign nationals entering the country if they had been to China during the previous two weeks. Though he slammed travel restrictions on China in late January, but did not impose restrictions on Europe until mid-March.

    • rn

  • More people have died in New York and adjoining New Jersey state – a total of 7,700-plus – than in the rest of US combined. To date more than 8,100 tri-state (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) residents have lost their lives to Covid-19 and more than 2,00,000 have been infected.

    • rn

  • New York state has more confirmed cases than any single country in the world outside of US. It has 6,200-plus deaths (way over the number killed in 9/11) and nearly 1.50 lakh confirmed cases.

    • rn

  • New Jersey, second most impacted state, has reported 47,000-plus positive cases and more than 1500 deaths.

    • rn

  • Connecticut could be an emerging hot spot as well, standing at nearly 9,000 confirmed cases and over 335 dead.

    • rn

  • New York’s first positive case was announced on March 1 and first death nearly two weeks later on March 14.

    • rn

  • All state flags lowered to half mast as a mark of respect to the dead.

    • rn

  • Amid the mounting tragedy, there are hopeful signs. According to reports two-thirds of hospitalised patients in New York have been discharged and hundreds of Police and Fire Department members have been cleared to return to duty.

    • rn

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 Confirmed Coronavirus cases : 

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    rn

  • Worldwide : 15,11,000-plus  (more than 87,700 deaths)

    • rn

  • USA : 4,32,000-plus (more than 14,000 deaths)

    • rn

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LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676

 

Rotarians Reach Out To Sealed Faidan Village Residents With Supplies

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Rotarians Reach Out To Sealed Faidan Village Residents With Supplies

The voluntary effort by various organisations and individuals to mitigate the suffering of stranded labour class and other less privileged sections of society has gathered pace in the Union territory of Chandigarh. After the administration’s decision to seal off Faidan village, the Rotary Club of Chandigarh has decided to provide 1,000 bags of dry rations every five days for distribution among the 3700-odd families living there.

Sharing this information, Club President Surinder Pal Kaur said the first lot of dry ration bags, each containing a week’s supply of 5kg atta, 2kg rice, 2kg dal, 1 kg sugar, 1 litre oil, 1/2 kg salt, 200gms of turmeric, red chilli powder, jeera etc. and costing Rs 590, was on Thursday handed over to the administration for distribution in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Mandip Singh Brar.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

The club president was accompanied by past presidents Anil Khanna, Baldev Aggarwal and Pankaj Khanna.

Sharing details, former world president of Rotary International Rajendra K Saboo said the village, located adjacent to Sector 48, is inhabited by nearly 3700 families (19,000 residents). Rotary Club will be providing 3,000 dry ration bags over a period of three weeks, i.e. 1000 bags every week, incurring a total expenditure of Rs 18 lakh, which has been contributed by members. 

The club is already supplying 500 cooked meals each for lunch and dinner daily for junior doctors and nurses at PGIMER and 400 meals each in the afternoon and evening for daily wagers and migrant labour. Past district governor Kawal Bedi is coordinating these activities and raising funds. 

Rotary Club Chandigarh Midtown

Meanwhile, Rotary Club Chandigarh Midtown is also supplying cooked meals daily to stranded migrant workers sheltered in Kalibari Temple, Sector 48, as well as providing groceries to them. The club has also donated masks, personal protection equipment kits and gloves worth Rs 6 lakh to various hospitals in Chandigarh. 

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676

Setting Example, She Wants To Build A Chain To Give Free Home-Made Sanitisers

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Setting Example, She Wants To Build A Chain To Give Free Home-Made Sanitisers

It’s amazing how young minds, especially school children, are able to express themselves in ways that not only give them personal satisfaction but also benefit the community at large. Inspired by modern methods of teaching is schools, and by enlightened parents at home, the meaningful initiatives they take are indeed impressive. And, the massive public hazard posed by the Covid-19 outbreak appears to have strengthened their resolve to do something for the community.

In one such initiative, class XII student of Strawberry Fields High School Ganeemat Kaur has started making hand sanitisers at home and getting them mass distributed in the city’s villages and colonies for free. She now wants to inspire other students who can spare the time during lockdown to join her in a chain to broad base this community activity.

Photos By: Life In Chandigarh

“I bought a carton of Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol (concentrated form of hand sanitisers) containers, which are readily available with local chemists, and 15 cases of 250 ml bottled water. The water was mixed in the concentrate in the ratio of 40-45: 55-60 to make a perfect sanitiser, rivalling any branded one available in the market. The consignment so prepared was got distributed free of cost among needy people in Nayagaon, Jagatpura and some other colonies through an NGO,” gushes the teenager, a sense of satisfaction written all over her face.

How did it all start? What was her inspiration?

“During the course of the lockdown, one day I happened to be watching the kids of our neighbourhood ‘dhobi’ (ironman) play. Out of curiosity I asked them about how they were maintaining personal hygiene during this disease outbreak. They knew nothing. It was then that I resolved to do something about it,” she shares.

How did she gather info about making sanitiser at home?

“Our family doctor was consulted, and on his guidance the concentrate was procured from the chemist, mixed with water in the right proportion, and the sanitiser was ready,” Ganeemat (Gina to her family and friends) adds.

Gina is of the view that for well placed people personal hygiene may sound so simple, but for thousands of our less privileged brethren it’s something beyond them even if they are aware. It is this section of the population which needs to be extended a helping hand in these trying times to keep them clean and safe, she says.

Seeing her enthusiasm, a few children from her neighbourhood have also expressed their desire to join her in this initiative. Now Gina is in the process of forming a chain, whereby other students, confined to their homes because of the curfew, can also utilise their spare time gainfully in this effort.   

Stay safe, stay healthy! This too shall pass, and we will win this! May His Blessings always be with us!….is her parting message to all. 

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
9815617676

In Conversation With Ace Shooter Anjum Moudgil

Sanjeev Kochhar
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In Conversation With Ace Shooter Anjum Moudgil

Bringing in something to cheer about in these days of lockdown, Playwrite Foundation Chandigarh has decided to bring top sports personalities live on Instagram. The first of the eCouch session is going to be with ace sports shooter Anjum Moudgil today (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. IST.

In the conversation, the Arjuna award winning sportsperson will talk about how the current situation has impacted her life. She will also share how she is reconfiguring her training routine with focus on being No. 1.

To enjoy the conversation, follow @playwritechd on Instagram

Time : 7PM IST Today, Tuesday, 7th April, 2020

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :
kochhar.apr@gmail.com
981561767

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