Exploring the deep ties between India and Ireland was the central theme of a special event held in Chandigarh. The exhibition, hosted in the school’s main hall, aimed to highlight the long-standing friendship and cultural connection between the two nations. Principal Da Silva welcomed guests warmly and set the tone for the day with an inspiring opening address.

He shared a fascinating detail about the national flags of both countries. Although India and Ireland are geographically distant, both nations drew inspiration from the French flag when designing their own. These flags, he explained, symbolize a shared dream, the pursuit of freedom and independence. India and Ireland officially established diplomatic relations on January 10, 1949, marking the beginning of a strong bilateral partnership.

The event also featured a keynote speech by Irish Deputy Ambassador Mullen, who emphasized how deeply people-to-people ties have strengthened the relationship. He noted that more than 100,000 Indians now live in Ireland, making them the third-largest immigrant group after the Polish and British communities. “Two nations so far apart and so different in size are still deeply connected through centuries of cultural and human links,” he remarked.

Mullen encouraged Indian students to explore higher education opportunities in Ireland. He highlighted several in-demand programs in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Critical Thinking, and Technology. Indian students, he said, are already playing key roles in vital sectors such as finance, healthcare, and scientific research. These contributions are strengthening cooperation and shaping the future of both nations.

The exhibition screened a short documentary about the Indian diaspora in Ireland. The film included stories and insights from influential figures like former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, author Cauvery Madhavan, and climate activist Theresa R Sebastian. Their experiences reflected the diverse and impactful role of the Indian community in Irish society.

The exhibition also honored William J. Moylan, an Irish filmmaker who worked in India and helped document cultural stories that bridged the two countries. A dedicated mini-exhibition showcased his work and the broader historical connection between the two nations.

The event featured vibrant performances by students and staff, showcasing music, dance, and art inspired by both Indian and Irish traditions. Around 40 schools from Chandigarh attended the exhibition, turning it into a significant educational and cultural exchange.

The gathering was more than just a celebration of history. It was a reflection of the present and a vision for the future. Student exchanges, collaborative research projects, and growing cultural engagement are helping deepen bilateral ties. These interactions show how friendship can flourish despite physical distance.

In conclusion, exploring the deep ties between India and Ireland was not just an event but a symbol of how historical connections, shared values, and cultural collaboration continue to shape a meaningful partnership. It highlighted the potential for future cooperation and the importance of building bridges between societies. Together, these two nations demonstrate how mutual respect and shared aspirations can bring people closer than ever before.

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Sunny Deol visits the Golden Temple in Amritsar as part of his trip to the holy city. The actor and former Member of Parliament combined spirituality with his ongoing film work. He arrived early in the morning with his son, Karan Deol, to offer prayers and seek blessings. Known as the Golden Temple, Sri Harmandir Sahib is one of the most sacred Sikh shrines. Millions visit every year to pray, meditate, and find peace.

Sunny is currently filming his new movie Lahore 1947 in Amritsar, where he stars alongside his son. The shoot began a few days ago in the city’s border areas. Moreover, Amritsar is not only home to the Golden Temple but was also named Punjab’s cleanest city in the Swachh Survekshan 2021. This reflects the city’s strong commitment to cleanliness and hygiene.

Upon reaching the temple, Sunny and Karan joined a long queue with other devotees. They patiently waited for their turn and followed the same traditions as everyone else. Sunny spent about an hour inside the shrine. He listened to the soulful Kirtan of Gurbani,  sacred hymns that bring peace and deepen spiritual connection. This tradition offers visitors a sense of calm and closeness to their faith.

After their prayers, the father-son duo shared a community meal known as langar. So, this free meal, served daily at Gurdwaras, reflects Sikh values of equality and service. Everyone, regardless of status or background, sits together and eats the same food. Langar is more than just a meal; it is a message of unity and compassion.

Later, they explored the city’s vibrant food culture. Sunny and Karan visited the famous Giani Tea Stall on Queens Road. They enjoyed hot tea and crispy kachoris, a beloved local snack filled with spicy potatoes. Amritsar’s food scene is a major attraction for tourists and showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Rajinder Singh Ruby, the temple manager, warmly welcomed the two. He greeted them on behalf of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The SGPC oversees temple operations, ensures smooth visitor experiences, and protects the shrine’s spiritual and historical legacy.

However, the Golden Temple, completed in 1604, has been a center of Sikh faith for over four centuries. It stands as a symbol of peace, equality, and resilience. Pilgrims from across the world visit not only for prayer but also to witness the community spirit and hospitality that define Sikh culture.

Sunny’s visit reflects the temple’s universal appeal. It is more than a religious site; it is a place where people from all walks of life come together. The harmony, humility, and generosity felt here continue to inspire visitors.

In conclusion, Sunny Deol visits the Golden Temple in Amritsar not only as a spiritual journey but also as a celebration of culture, history, and community. So, his visit highlights the temple’s enduring importance as a beacon of peace and faith. It also shows the deep connection between spirituality, heritage, and daily life in Punjab.

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Chandigarh and Mohali crack down on food safety violations as both cities launch major inspection drives to protect public health. Officials recently collected hundreds of food samples from shops, dairies, and suppliers. They want to ensure that the food people consume is safe and meets strict quality standards. These actions show a growing effort to reduce foodborne illnesses and build trust among consumers.

In Chandigarh, food safety teams collected 51 samples during recent checks. They included 26 regulatory samples to verify compliance with rules and 25 surveillance samples to monitor quality. Inspectors collected popular dairy products such as paneer and khoya, both widely used in homes and sweet shops. They sent all samples to a certified food laboratory for testing.

Mohali officials ran an even larger campaign. Between September 15 and October 12, they inspected several key areas, including Kurali, Kharar, Nayagaon, Jagatpura, Dhakoli, Baltana, VIP Road, Dera Bassi, Lalru, and New Chandigarh. They collected 142 samples, 93 enforcement samples to check compliance, and 49 surveillance samples to monitor quality. These inspections targeted high-risk items like sweets, khoya-based products, milk, desi ghee, and dairy desserts.

To strengthen enforcement, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal announced three overnight “naka” drives. During these surprise checks, officials inspected trucks and food deliveries from neighboring states. They gathered 17 additional samples to ensure imported food products met safety norms.

Chandigarh is complementing these efforts with public awareness programs. Officials hold daily camps to teach people about safe food handling and storage. These sessions empower consumers to make safer choices and lower contamination risks. Authorities believe public participation is crucial to building a strong culture of food safety and preventing disease outbreaks.

Officials are also reminding shop owners about their responsibilities. Businesses must keep their facilities clean, store food hygienically, and follow labeling rules. Those who ignore these requirements risk heavy penalties or even closure. By enforcing safety standards, the government ensures fair competition and protects the food industry’s reputation.

Food safety is especially important in Punjab, where dairy and sweets are part of everyday life and tradition. The region is known for its rich culinary culture, but neglecting hygiene can quickly make products unsafe. Frequent inspections help stop contamination, protect public health, and promote responsible business practices.

These efforts also shield consumers from food fraud, such as harmful colors, adulterated milk, or poor-quality ingredients. Stronger enforcement and better public awareness build trust in local markets and raise industry standards.

In conclusion, Chandigarh and Mohali crack down on food safety violations by combining strict inspections, public education, and strong enforcement. However, these actions aim to cut health risks, support ethical businesses, and make every meal in homes, restaurants, and markets safe. With cooperation from officials, vendors, and consumers, the region can create a safer and healthier food environment.

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