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Punjab Engineering College Honors S Somanath for Contributions

Chandigarh: A Special Day at Punjab Engineering College

On Monday, a special ceremony took place at Punjab Engineering College (PEC) in Chandigarh.

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Punjab Engineering College Honors S Somanath for Contributions

Chandigarh: A Special Day at Punjab Engineering College

On Monday, a special ceremony took place as Punjab Engineering College Honors S Somanath in Chandigarh. During this event, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). S Somanath, a respected Vikram Sarabhai Distinguished Professor and former chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was recognized for his significant contributions to space science and technology in India.

PEC is not just any engineering school; it has a rich history linked to space exploration. Satish Dhawan, a famous mathematician and the former chairman of ISRO, is an alumnus of PEC. To celebrate this connection, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in Dhawan’s honor during the ceremony. This plaque acknowledges his important work in advancing India’s space missions.

Somanath Reflects on ISRO’s Legacy

During his speech, S Somanath spoke fondly of his time at ISRO and the legacy of Satish Dhawan. He emphasized how important it is for universities to work together with industries. This teamwork drives innovation and helps create new technologies. Somanath also shared exciting news about India’s upcoming human space program. He encouraged educational institutions to play a big part in advancing the country’s technological development.

Lecture on Opportunities in Space

After the ceremony, Somanath delivered a lecture at Panjab University. His talk was part of the PU Colloquium Series and was titled “Space Sector in India: Opportunities for Business and Startups.” In this lecture, he discussed India’s new Indian Space Policy, 2023.

This new policy is a big deal. It opens the space industry to foreign investment and private businesses. This marks a major shift from a system where the government fully funds space projects to one where various stakeholders can participate. This change can benefit areas like Punjab, where new technologies can boost local economies.

Future Goals for India’s Space Program

Somanath mentioned exciting future goals for India’s space program. He highlighted missions that could see India establishing a human presence in space by 2047, aligning this aim with the 100th year of India’s independence. Some of these missions include:

  • The Bharatiya Antariksh Station
  • Reusable launch vehicles
  • Mars exploration plans

These ambitious plans show India’s commitment to space exploration and innovation.

Impact on Agriculture and Disaster Management

S Somanath also showed how ISRO’s technologies are changing agriculture and helping in disaster management. For example, tools like Krishi-DSS and satellite-based insurance systems are being used to increase agricultural productivity. These technologies are particularly beneficial for farmers in Punjab and Haryana.

Satellite data plays a big role in monitoring natural disasters. It helps predict tropical cyclones and issues forest fire alerts. These advancements make it easier to manage disasters and protect lives.

Creating a Self-Sustaining Space Ecosystem

“Platforms such as Bhuvan, the Indian Geo-Platform of ISRO, are providing web-based geospatial services for agriculture, forestry, disaster response, and governance, benefitting states like Punjab and Haryana,” Somanath said. He explained that India is moving away from the government-only model to a more inclusive space ecosystem.

This new model includes private satellite manufacturers, small launch vehicle developers, and data service providers. This shift is expected to bring about many positive changes, including:

  • Job creation
  • Economic growth
  • More participation in the global market

All these changes signal a bright future for India as a leader in space technology.

Encouraging Academic Participation

S Somanath called on universities nationwide to become more involved in developing a self-sustaining space industry. He believes that schools and colleges can contribute by fostering research and creating programs that support the space sector.

The collaboration between academia and space industries can help empower the next generation of innovators. It can also lead to solutions that benefit society as a whole. Universities must take action to build a thriving space research environment.

Conclusion

Punjab Engineering College Honors S Somanath in an event that was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of science, technology, and education. By recognizing Somanath and paying tribute to the legacy of Satish Dhawan, PEC continues its tradition of supporting the future of space exploration in India.

As Somanath reiterated, the future is bright for India’s space ambitions. With the support of educational institutions and industries, India can achieve its goals and inspire generations to come.

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Chandigarh Teacher Parveen Kumari Honored with National Award

A Proud Moment for Chandigarh

Parveen Kumari, a dedicated teacher from Chandigarh, has been chosen for the National Teachers’ Award 2025.

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Chandigarh Teacher Parveen Kumari Honored with National Award

A Proud Moment for Chandigarh

Parveen Kumari Honored with National Award 2025, a proud achievement for Chandigarh. She teaches Social Studies at Government Model Senior Secondary School in Sector 20-B. Her selection is a big achievement for the city, as she is one of just 45 teachers from across India honored this year.

On September 5, 2025, she will be celebrated at a special ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. This award is given by the Ministry of Education and includes a certificate of merit, a silver medal, and a cash prize of ₹50,000.

Growing Recognition for Achievement

The Chandigarh Education Department is very proud of Parveen’s selection. They say it shows their fair and smart way of choosing teachers for national awards. Harshuhinder Pal Singh Brar, the Director of School Education in Chandigarh, said, “The city’s nominated teacher going on to win recognition at the national level shows our approach is effective and fair.”

Prerna Puri, the Secretary of Education for Chandigarh, added, “This success demonstrates that when we focus on the true essence of a teacher’s contribution, we identify role models who can inspire at the national stage.”

A Personal Story

For Parveen, this honor is very special. She expressed her feelings, saying, “Aaj bhookh nahin hai” (I am not feeling hungry tonight) as joy filled her heart. Her parents, both retired teachers, were very proud too.

Her father, Pawan Kumar, is 69 years old and used to teach Social Studies in a school. He expressed how proud he is of his daughter, saying, “My daughter has always been first-class. She would get around 80 percent marks when marks were hard to get.”

Her mother, Naresh Kumari, also 69, shared that her husband cycled to work every day as a teacher. She said, “His hard work has paid off.”

Parveen’s family is supportive. Her husband, Rajneesh Kumar, runs a pharmaceutical company. Their son, Parth, is studying to be an engineer, and their daughter, Prachi, is in Class 9 at Air Force School.

Innovative Teaching Methods

Parveen Kumari is not just a teacher. She is also an innovator. She studied at Kurukshetra University, earning an MA in English and History as well as an MPhil. And she has changed how her students learn in many ways.

  • She set up a Herbal Nursery and a Lily Pond at her school. These projects help students learn about geography and economics.
  • Parveen created a Social Science Lab with modern teaching tools, making lessons fun and interactive.
  • She uses puppets, role-playing, dancing, and music in her classes to keep students engaged.
  • She runs two podcasts and a YouTube channel. These platforms feature interviews, moral stories, and important lessons.

Her contributions extend beyond her classroom. She has shared over 150 educational resources on popular national platforms, including Diksha, PM Vidya, and Kishor Manch. These resources aim to support inclusive education, particularly for Hindi-medium learners.

Helping Others Succeed

Parveen has played a pivotal role in the Student Police Cadet (SPC) Program since 2018. This program helps girls learn important skills like self-defense, horse riding, road safety, and first aid.

As a Guide Captain, she leads a group of 62 girls. Parveen has taken her students to national and international jamborees. These events promote cultural exchange and friendship.

Currently, she serves as the State Training Commissioner for Guides in Chandigarh. Here, she trains teachers and principals to create Guide units in schools.

Commitment to the Environment

Parveen Kumari is also passionate about the environment. She leads various social campaigns. Some of these are:

  • Go Green Diwali” – promoting eco-friendly celebrations.
  • Herbal Holi” – focusing on natural colors for the festival.
  • Anti-tobacco campaigns – educating youth about health risks.
  • Nasha Mukt Bharat” – spreading awareness against substance abuse.
  • Organizing handicraft stalls – encouraging entrepreneurship among students.

Her commitment to the environment has been recognized with many awards. In 2021, she received the Commendation Award. Last June, she was honored with the Eco Warrior Award by Punjab’s Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria. T.C. Nautiyal, a former chief conservator of forests in Chandigarh, praised her efforts, saying, “She has done wonderful work as eco club incharge. I am proud of her.”

A Family Legacy

Parveen’s family has a strong legacy in education. Her uncle, Om Parkash, won the National Teachers’ Award in 2011. He inspires her daily. Parveen mentioned, “He has been a source of inspiration.”

Principal Seema of her school summed Parveen up well. She said, “She is an all-rounder, always smiling, and never says no to duties.”

Parveen Kumari stands as a shining example of dedication in education. Her hard work has not only earned her a place among the best teachers in the country but also led to Parveen Kumari Honored with National Award 2025. She inspires students and fellow teachers alike, and her story encourages everyone to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities.

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Ludhiana Teachers Frustrated by Technical Issues in Transfer Process

Problems with the Teacher Transfer Process

Teachers in Ludhiana are feeling frustrated. Their ability to select their new stations for transfers has hit a snag due to technical problems. T

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Ludhiana Teachers Frustrated by Technical Issues in Transfer Process

Problems with the Teacher Transfer Process

Ludhiana Teachers Frustrated as their ability to select new stations for transfers has hit a snag due to technical problems. The education department has paused the station selection process after numerous complaints from teachers.

The troubles started when teachers noticed serious problems with the online link used for the transfer process. This led to a lot of confusion and complaints among educators. Many teachers began to worry about how these issues would affect their jobs and students.

Details of the Halted Process

On August 7, the education department issued a letter confirming that the station selection for primary cadre teachers was temporarily put on hold. The department mentioned that they would address the problems and reopen the process on August 12.

Teachers have reported that many options for new stations were missing on the portal. Some could not access the link at all. This has made it very difficult for schools to manage staff and has disrupted the normal school routine.

The delay has forced some schools to bring in new teachers right in the middle of the academic year. This is concerning for many educators. They believe it can hurt both teaching quality and student learning.

Voices from Teachers

Dharamjeet Singh Dhillon, the district president of the Lecturer Cadre Union, spoke about the problem. He said, “Every teacher has their own style of teaching, and students adapt to it in the first few months.” He believes that moving a teacher during the school year can confuse both students and teachers. It can also make it harder to cover the syllabus.

Dhillon added that the short time given to submit preferences is not enough. He believes transfers should be finalized by June at the latest. This way, schools can start the year smoothly.

Further Complications

A similar notice for the secondary teachers was issued on August 8. However, there was no specific date provided for when the portal would reopen. This has left teachers feeling anxious.

Daljit Singh Samrala, the district president of the Democratic Teachers’ Front, raised concerns as well. He stated that some school principals are not approving transfers. They are worried about shortages in their schools. This creates further obstacles for teachers trying to move to new positions.

Samrala emphasized that “Every teacher has the right to seek a transfer.” He also mentioned that union members met with the Director of Secondary Education to talk about these issues. He believes the current situation is causing many disruptions in the education system.

Impact on Education

As the portal remains inactive and the process is on hold, teachers say that this is not just a technical issue. They believe it has a serious impact on how classes run in Punjab’s schools. Teachers are deeply worried about how this might affect students’ learning.

Punjab has seen many problems with the online transfer process for teachers. These issues have shown deeper problems in how education is managed. Regular mid-session transfers are often seen as disruptive. They hinder the syllabus coverage and make it hard for students and teachers to adapt.

Ludhiana, one of the largest cities in Punjab, is known for its strong textile industry. This industry puts pressure on schools to maintain quality education despite staff changes. It is important for schools to have stable environments so that teachers and students can learn effectively.

Looking Forward

Teachers hope for a quick solution to these technical issues. They urge the education department to improve the online system. They want the process to be more efficient and fair.

The department needs to consider the voices of teachers in this matter. Keeping communication open can help ensure that everyone is on the same page. This will help address why Ludhiana teachers frustrated over the transfer process, and create a better learning environment for students, allowing them to have a smooth educational experience.

Conclusion

However, the current pause in the teacher transfer process highlights ongoing struggles within the education system. Ludhiana Teachers Frustrated by these delays want to see improvements that will benefit all involved. A stable and clear process will lead to better teaching conditions, which will ultimately help students learn and grow in their academic journey.

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Governor Kataria Reviews Chandigarh’s Education and Sports Policies

Overview of the Meeting

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria held an important meeting on Friday.

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Governor Kataria Reviews Chandigarh's Education and Sports Policies

Overview of the Meeting

Governor Kataria reviews Chandigarh education and sports policies during an important meeting held on Friday. As Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria aimed to assess how effectively these plans are improving schools and sports programs in the city.

Updates from the School Education Department

During the meeting, Kataria learned about the ongoing recruitment drive in the School Education Department. So far, 739 people have been appointed for teaching positions out of 993 available jobs. This shows a strong effort to strengthen the educational infrastructure in Chandigarh.

One exciting project is the School Volleyball Programme. This program is a team effort with the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation. It is currently running in 108 government schools. The aim is to promote sports among students and encourage more kids to play volleyball.

Supporting Future Success with UDAAN

Another important initiative is called UDAAN. This program helps 125 talented students from government schools by providing them free coaching for competitive exams. These exams include very important ones like JEE and NEET. Along with coaching, the program offers mentorship from experienced teachers and professionals.

  • Students get help with academic planning.
  • They receive motivational support.
  • Stress management is also part of the program.
  • Overall personal development is a key focus.

With this guidance, students not only learn subjects but also gain emotional support. This helps them feel better prepared for their exams.

Sports Department Initiatives

The discussion also covered the Sports Department. Kataria highlighted some major sports projects. One of the most exciting is the upcoming International Chandigarh Marathon. It will take place in November 2025. The marathon will have a route certified by World Athletics, showing that Chandigarh is becoming a place for international events.

To support sports, the city is making big changes. There will be an Olympic-standard swimming pool, a multipurpose indoor hall, and a hostel for girl athletes built in Sector 42. Furthermore, the upgraded cricket ground in Sector 16 is set to open in August.

Additionally, Kataria praised the city for successfully hosting several national-level sports championships this year. These include:

  • North Zone Chess Championship
  • National Championship of Table Tennis

New coaches have been hired, and sports associations received financial support. These efforts are important for developing a vibrant sports culture in Chandigarh.

Focus on Higher and Technical Education

In the area of Higher and Technical Education, Kataria reviewed faculty recruitment and job placements. He learned that two rounds of centralised counselling helped fill over 95 percent of the seats in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This is good news because it shows a high demand for education.

For the 2025-26 school year, there will even be an extra 200 undergraduate seats available. Kataria stressed the need to monitor faculty performance more closely in higher education. He also called for better sports programs and facilities in colleges.

Proposed Changes for Improvement

To ensure schools and colleges are succeeding, Kataria proposed transparent ways to evaluate performance. This means that both academic results and sports achievements will be measured clearly.

Progress on the EduCity Project

The meeting also touched on the EduCity project in Sarangpur. This project is aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students. Plans were also shared for granting autonomous status to some colleges. This could give them more freedom to operate independently.

Moreover, there are upcoming partnerships under the Chandigarh Skill Development Mission. Transformative programs, such as the Model ITI at Burail Jail and the National ITI Upgradation Scheme, are working to improve vocational training and technical education.

Looking Ahead

Kataria praised all departments for their proactive work. He emphasized the need for continuous effort in education and sports. He stated, “The Education and Sports Departments have taken commendable steps to empower students and youth in Chandigarh.”

To make everything work better, he asked departments to improve processes. They should ensure clear performance indicators so the impact of their programs can be measured effectively.

Furthermore, Kataria stressed the importance of regular monitoring of progress. Better coordination between departments and the use of technology will help improve transparency and accountability in education and sports.

Conclusion

In summary, as Governor Kataria reviews Chandigarh progress, his meeting highlighted many exciting developments in education and sports. The city is focused on creating strong support for both students and athletes. With these initiatives, Chandigarh aims to build a bright future for its youth.

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