Globe Toyota, a leading automotive dealer in the region, successfully conducted the Hilux Treasure Trove event held under the ‘Hilux adventure mania’ campaign.

Off-roading Across The Tricity

The event took participants on an exhilarating journey from Mohali to Panchkula, including New Chandigarh, showcasing the impressive capabilities of the Toyota Hilux pickup.

The event garnered enthusiastic participation from adventure seekers and automotive enthusiasts.

Vivek Datta, MD & CEO at Globe Toyota said, “We are delighted to have organized the Hilux Treasure Trove event, which allowed participants to experience the incredible capabilities of the Toyota Hilux first-hand”.

The Hilux Treasure Trove was designed to provide participants with an unforgettable adventure experience allowing them to witness the power, performance, and durability of the iconic Toyota Hilux.

Participants embarked on a thrilling expedition, navigating through diverse terrains, challenging off-road sections, and picturesque landscapes. The event provided an opportunity for participants to test the Hilux’s cutting-edge features, including its robust engine, advanced suspension, and superior off-road capabilities.

Toyota Hilux enjoys the reputation of being a rugged and reliable vehicle suitable for all kinds of adventures, an ideal choice for both urban commuting and off-road adventures. Globe Toyota is a well-estavlished Toyota dealer in the region.

‘Great 4×4 X-pedition’ in south India

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) also held its first-ever ‘Great 4×4 X-pedition’, offering a fulfilling drive experience to the motoring enthusiasts in the Southern Region of India. The event, held during 26th-28th May 2023, covered the serene locations of Hassan and Sakleshpur. There was a convoy of twenty-four 4×4 SUVs which included a line-up of the legendary Hilux, LC300, Fortuner and the Hyryder AWD (All Wheel Drive) from Toyota as well as participation of SUVs from other brands.

Toyota is further set to hold similar expeditions in three other regions across the country, covering North, East and West, along with a ‘Grand National 4×4 X-pedition’ being planned towards the end of this year.

 

Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS), powered by enJogo, will conduct trials for its residential academies (boarding schools with football training) in Sports Complex Sector 46, Football Ground on June 4, 2023.

Who Can Apply?

Players born between 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2006 are eligible to participate in the trials. The reporting time for the trials is 10:00 AM IST. Footballers must carry their kits and a valid Government ID. A registration fee of Rs 100/- is applicable for all attendees.

How To Apply?

Download the Enjogo app on your phone and register online for the Chandigarh trials. Aspirants can also contact Siddharth Rawat (+91 7574980867) for any queries.

“We want to reach out to every youngster and allow them to represent us. Through the trials, we aim to find talented footballers and provide them an ideal pathway to reach the top,” said Bhaichung Bhutia, India’s longest-serving football team captain and the Co-founder of BBFS.

More About BBFS  

BBFS aims to reach out to football aspirants across the length and breadth of the country through its latest initiative – 100 Trials. 100 Cities. Unlimited Dreams.

The technical team has shortlisted more than 100 Indian cities to conduct trials based on football popularity and select the best young players for BBFS Residential Academy.

BBFS is India’s largest football academy and already provides over Rs 2 cr worth of scholarships to talented footballers under its residential program. There are opportunities to gain up to 100% scholarships covering academics, training, food, lodging, and competitive exposure.

“This is just the beginning. As our operations grow, we will keep adding more venues to the list. Eventually, the plan is to cover every district in India,” said Kishore Taid, Co-founder and CEO of Enjogo and Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools.

BBFS Residential Academies are operational across five cities – Delhi, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Hosur, and Kerala.

The trials will happen in two phases – regional and national. After selection in the first phase, the selected footballers will travel to one of the BBFS Residential Academies for the final round.

BBFS has developed a robust scouting network where many academy players have played for the India age-group teams, Indian Super League, I-League, and Santosh Trophy teams. Gaurav Bora (Northeast United), Rohit Kumar (Bengaluru FC), Aashique Kuruniyan (Indian national team), and many other international stars started at BBFS and have risen through the ranks.

 

 

 

 

 

Summer vacations bring a smile on the faces of school-goers but for mothers, it is a Herculean task to keep kids engaged indoors. The Chandigarh/Tricity has lots to offer for the young ones to indulge in fun activities at summer camps and in the process also learn a new skill.

Summer holidays earlier meant visits to grandparents, relatives, family friends scattered in different parts of the country. With changing times, urbanisation technology-driven gadgets and nuclear family cutlure, children and their parents have been left to fend for themselves. Summer camps in Chandigarh silently fill these lacunae in the lives of children where they get an opportunity to mingle with their own tribe, lear and unlearn. CityWoofer has prepared a list of destinations ready for your ward to be in, choose any one close to your home and feel relieved.

Summer Camps in Chandigarh/Tricity:

 

1. HopUp (Woop earlier),  Zirakpur 

Activities: Rubik’s Cube challenge, carrom, chess, spell bee, general knowledge, pottery, gardening.

Date: May 25 to June end

Time: 1 PM – 4 PM

Contact: 8010000250

Address:  HopUpup Zirakpur Ambala Highway, Opp. Maya garden Maganesia

More Info: Situated in Zirakpur, HopUp has an area of 1,50000 sqft in which it has the largest trampoline park of India along with go karting, bowling and lots of fun activities and games. Announcing the summer camp, Director, HopUp, Vikas Dang said, “Kids will not only get entertainment but they will learn skill and win daily prizes”.

 

2. Kids And Expressions

Activities: Funnnastics and fitness, Chef’s day out pizza making, handwriting practice, story telling/puppetry, dance/ music, clay modelling, colouring, painintng, splash pool, singing/percussion instruments.

Date: June 1 to June 24

Time: 10:30 AM -12:30 PM

Contact: 9872411183

Address:  Bhavan Vidyalaya Junior School, Sector 33, Chandigarh

More info: 7, 10, 15, 18-day camps;  Age group: 4-5 yrs, 6-8 yrs, 9-13 yrs

 

3. Decathlon Kids Summer Camp

Activities: Personality development and communication, art party, life skills, science day, best out of waste, pottery, camping skills.

Date: 1st batch: 4 june -10 June, 2^nd batch 11-17 June, 3^rd batch: 18-24 June

Time: 7-10 AM

Contact: 8284844220

Address:  Decathlon, Zirakpur

More info: Fees Rs 1799/-, 3-12 yrs old, Registrations will close 2 days prior to the batch starts

Things to carry: Meal and Water Bottle

 

4. Summer Workshop At Kalagram

Activities: Theatre, clay modelling, pottery, Punjabi folk dance

Date: 1 June-30 June

Time: 7 AM onwards, 4:30 PM onwards

Address: Kalagram, Manimajra

More Info: Fees Rs 50/- , need to fill a form

 

5. Shadow Theatre Summer Workshop 

Activities: Famous shadow artist Shubhashish will conduct the workshop

Date: June 6- June10 at TS Central state library, Sector 17, Chandigarh

June 12-June 17, Divisional Library, Sector 34, Chandigarh

June 19-June24 Ashiana Children Home, Panchkula

Time: 10:30 AM-12:30 PM

 

6. Print Making – Painting Summer Camp

Activities: Print making, painting, water colours

Date: 12 June – 16 June

Time: 11:30 AM onwards and 2:00 PM onwards

Address:  Corbusier Centre, Sector 19, Chandigarh

More Info: Fees — Rs 1200/ for 15 days, If you want to attend 2 workshops in a month, fees is Rs 2000/, Being held by Lalit Kala Academy and CLKA

 

7. Theatre Workshop

Activities: Improvisation, body language, story telling, dialogue delivery

Date: June 1 – June 25

Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Address:  Pracheen Kala Kendra, Sector 35, Chandigarh, Pracheen Kala Kendra, Sector 71,  Mohali

More Info:  2 batches with 70 children in each batch,  6-15 yr olds can participate

 

8. Sector 34 Divisional Library Summer Camp

Activities: bird house, tribal art, reasoning, story telling, lost in space, shadow theatre

Date: June 5 – June 17

Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Contact: 9478866702

More info: 7-14 yrs of age

Address: Divisional Library, Sector 34, Chandigarh

 

9. Thread Painting Workshop

Activities: Paintings made of thread will be made by 16- yr- olds and above

Date: 20 – 21 June

Time: 10;00AM – 12:00 noon

Contact: 7888332101

Address: Sector 35, Chandigarh

 

10. Social Service Workshop

Activities: 10-18 yr-olds will be taught donation and water bowl project.

Date:  June 1 onwards

Time: 11 AM onwards

Contact: 8284803434

Address:  Chandigarh, Panchkula

 

11. Warli And Mandala Art

Activities: Pebble art with story telling, ice cream party, pottery making, Mandala art, Warli art.

Date: June 5- June 25

Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Contact: 9815071452

Address: Sector 42B, Chandigarh

More info: Paid, Only 50 children will be allowed

A blood donation camp was organized by the Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation, Pinjore (Panchkula district) at the Satsang Bhavan. 116 followers of the Mission donated blood at the camp.

The camp was jointly inaugurated by O.P. Nirankari, Zonal In charge (Chandigarh Zone), former Kalka, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Latika Sharma and Chairman, Kalka Pinjore Municipal Council, Krishan Lamba.

The blood donation camp was conducted smoothly under the supervision of resident doctor Shabeel Kaur and doctor Neha and the 10-member team from the PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Zonal In charge OP Nirankari exhorted the Nirankari Mission to dedicate their lives for the welfare of humanity, adding that “blood should not flow into the drains but in veins’.

Former Kalka MLA Latika Sharma on the occasion said that the Sant Nirankari Mission and its devotees had been playing a pivotal role in carrying forward the rich legacy of the good work for the society, be it a blood donation camp today, the World Environment Day on June 5 or any other occasion for that matter..

He announced that on that day, a special cleanliness drive would be launched by the mission to make the earth beautiful, clean and green for a healthy and mutual co-existence. Among other welfare works being undertaken by the mission is tree plantation, which teaches us how to stay guard and save our environment and ecology.

Municipal Council Chairman Krishan Lamba said the Nirankari followers have be actively driven into the humanitarian pursuits, like blood donation, cleaning of the water resources, clean-green surroundings, tree plantation, etc.

Hookah bars in Chandigarh have been legally banned by the Central government . Earlier, the Chandigarh Administration was restricting the menace of hookah bars in UT Chandigarh through periodic orders issued by the District Magistrate under Section 144 of CrPC, in the absence of any legislation.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, vide gazette notification dated May 15, 2023 has extended “the Cigarettes and other Tobacco products (Prohibition of advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2018 to the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

This notification has completely prohibited hookah bars in UT Chandigarh. Now no person shall, either on his own or on behalf of any other person, open or run any hookah bar or serve hookah to customers in any place, including any eating house. Here the term ‘eating house’ means any place where food or refreshment of any kind, not including spirits, wines, ale, beer or other malt liquors, are provided for casual visitors, and sold for consumption therein.

In case of violation of the notification, the person shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three years but which shall not be less than one year and with fine which may extend to Rs 50,000 but which shall not be less than Rs 20,000. Further, an Officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector, authorised by the Chandigarh Administration, may seize any material or article used as subject or means of hookah bar.

The Chandigarh Administration has warned of strict action on persons who are found/involved in the activities relating to hookah bar in UT Chandigarh.

Health risks of smoking hookah include exposure to toxic chemicals that are not filtered out through water and also there is a risk of infectious diseases as the same is shared by a large number of smokers. The charcoal is used in hearth tobacco in the hookah which further increases the risk of producing smoke that contains carbon monoxide, metals and cancer-causing chemicals.

The exposure to tobacco/nicotine during adolescence can harm brain development. Hookah/sheesha bar are just like drug consumption rooms and are a new threat to our youth.

K-POP fans had a memorable time at a K-POP event held at Nexus Elante courtyard on Saturday night. With a lineup of talented performers, captivating dance routines, and a myriad of exciting activities, the K-POP extravaganza surpassed all expectations and left an indelible mark on the hearts of attendees.

The main stage was the focal point of the event, where renowned K-POP artists including singer Aoora and DJ Fridayyy performed on the songs like Love is Right, Dreamers, Aankh Mare, Badtamij Dil, and more. Park Min-jun, better known by his stage name Aoora, is a South Korean singer and composer.

Salim Roopani, Senior Center Director says, “The overwhelming response and enthusiasm shown by K-POP fans in Tricity exceeded our expectations. The event was a testament to the growing popularity and influence of K-POP worldwide, and we are honored to have been a part of this cultural phenomenon. We look forward to bringing you more exciting and memorable experiences in the future”.

The energy, enthusiasm, and love for K-POP made this event truly memorable. Fans enjoyed every moment of the K-POP nite and created lasting memories.

K-POP stands for Korean popular music, which is a form of popular music originating in South Korea as part of South Korean culture. BTS, a huge craze among Indian youth and outside, is also a K-POP group, with a lot of hip-hop influences that allows them to stand out with authenticity. BTS has changed its style throughthe years, and have always had a strong rap through line.BTS members have become global icons and got to perform at a United Nations event a few months ago. K-POP is said to have started by the South Korean-American idols, like Fly to the Sky, who wanted to showcase their English fluency in their music.

A pioneer among Tricity schools in holding long cyclothons, the Adventure and Cycling Club of Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh, embarked on an extraordinary and exciting journey from Chandigarh to Kathmandu.

Flagging off the cyclothon, R K Saboo, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chandigarh Kendra, extended his heartfelt appreciation to the young cyclists, applauding their unwavering determination and enthusiasm. Reflecting on his own cycling years, Saboo expressed his utmost desire to be a part of the cycling team.

 

12 days, 1300 km

Over the course of 12 days, 17 students accompanied by five teachers will cover a distance of 1300 km on their cycles. Their route to Kathmandu will take them through notable destinations Haridwar, Kashipur, Sitarganj, Kapilvastu, and Bharatpur, adding to the richness of their experience, immersing them in an enriching and entirely different cultural experience.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal will host them during their stay there. Additionally, as part of the cultural exchange programme, the students will visit the prestigious Daffodil School in Kathmandu. This opportunity will allow them to engage with the local community, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

Maitree 2023 Cyclothon marks the fifth expedition organized by Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh. In 2018, the students visited Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, followed by the 2019 Dandi March expedition to Gujarat to celebrate 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. In 2021, the ‘Tour de Himachal’ expedition took them to Shimla as part of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’, while the ‘desert safari’ to Rajasthan in 2021 was a part of the Aazadi ka Amrit Mahostav.

Vineeta Arora, Director Education cum Senior Principal, applauded the cycling team’s enthusiasm and wished them a safe trip. Inderpreet Kaur, Principal New Chandigarh branch, Kunika Sharma, Principal, Junior School, and Vice Principal Suparna Bansal were also present to encourage the students on their inspiring journey.

The main objective of the cyclothon is to strengthen the centuries-old ties between India and Nepal and foster a deeper bond of friendship and love with the neighbouring country. Promoting love and universal brotherhood, Maitree 2023 Cyclothon embraces the theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which signifies the belief that ‘The world is one family’.

It appears to be a typical Bollywood story of grit and determination, struggle and success of sorts, giving credence to the age-old belief that those who decide to stir out of their comfort zone and cosy confines, come out victorious in the toughest battles of life.

It was a proud moment for the Nagpur-based husband-wife duo M K Perumal (42) and Rupali (38) to set up a high-end cab-hailing start-up service ‘Peru Cabs’ in Chandigarh to cater to the growing demand of city folks. Designed by Peru Technologies, a reputed Chandigarh-based IT Company, the app for the service was also unveiled.

Perumal’s story of persistence 

Starting from a scratch barely 15 years ago, M K Perumal, now an established Maharashtra-based entrepreneur, eked out a living by driving an auto in Chennai. From a life of abject poverty, he scaled the dizzy heights of success despite oddities coming his way. He would at times growl over the rough and tumble of his life’s journey and often grumble that his sweat had not been rewarded. “God had some better plans for me”, he muses.

Perumal, in an informal interaction with scribes in his Sector 28 office, trekked back to the fateful year 2011 when he started a cab-hailing service in Nagpur on a smaller scale. In just a short span of barely three years or so, he was riding the crest of success as he became number one cab aggregator in Nagpur and joined the elite club of cab-hailing service providers.

Man proposes, God disposes, they say. Destiny took a U-turn and things went topsy-turvy, sounding an alarm. With the multinational companies (MNCs) being allowed to enter the cab-hailing industry in 2014, it lead to the closure of his establishment in 2016.

However, undeterred by tumultuous twists and turns, young Peru decided to stay put and work harder still, like never before. He worked for different cab aggregators of the region as a driver till 2019 during which he learnt the subtle nuances of network marketing till 2022. This bad patch of his life’s trajectory, which was replete with upheavals, turned out to be a boon in disguise for this spirited man with a mission well defined.

The young entrepreneur adds that he achieved the incredible, through the sheer power of networking. “I am myself a well-trained network marketer so have succeeded in envisioning this pitch-perfect model for those who are associated with us in any capacity”, he says.

Perumal goes nostalgic as he tells CityWoofer with a divine glow on his face, “While working for certain leading aggregators of the region, I did a random reality check on my own and discovered, much to my dismay, that I was running under debt due to the anti-driver service model adopted by the wily cab aggregators”.

“Deep down in my heart of hearts, I wanted to do precious little for my fellow drivers and ameliorate their lot so that they could earn enough to keep the kitchen fires burning. I decided to start ‘Peru Cabs’ to create a level playing field for cab drivers, who were being exploited by the unscrupulous aggregators,” says the determined man.

How is Peru Cabs different from other aggregators — ola, uber?

When asked about what makes their service stand out among their formidable competitors – Uber, OLA and others,  Perumal says with a sense of pride “The USP of our app is that it seeks to make no distinction between the cab owners and customers (riders) and treats them as consultants”.

“For us cab owners are consultants and not mere drivers and are considered to be potential partners in progress. Those who enrol themselves as members/riders/consultants get entitled to 12 lifelong income options. Even those booking rides are entitled to a benefit of bagging income per ride, which is available for drivers-turned-consultants and others as well under the scheme,” he explains.

The benefits/incentives/bonus associated with the company in any capacity, include instant cash business, refer and earn, no investment, no risk, build your team option, transferable business, weekly business training, skill development to family. It offers 100 per cent cash back what others do not pay. One earns a free ride worth Rs 100 over Rs 1000, Rs 200 over Rs 2000 and so on. The more the riding amount the more the incentive.

Peru elaborates further with a sense of optimism “The model that we have developed ensures that no driver acts as a lame duck and pays any commission to Aggregator Company for mediation, rather offers service or incentive to clients straight away. The app is expected to connect approximately 45,000 drivers across the Tricity and, of course, from the neighbouring state of Punjab and Haryana worth 4.5 million customers as per our random surveys and the humongous response we are receiving at present”.

Humongous response in Tricity

The entrepreneur couple visited Chandigarh in 2022 and made up their mind to set up a cab hailing service centre in Chandigarh, which they address their second home, for many reasons than one. “The amount of love and affection we have received from members of the driving community and others is overwhelming”.

Super-excited over the peoples’ response hailing the decision, Perumal makes a point “We have already aggregated over 1000 taxis from the Tricity under Peru Cabs through the app. This number is likely to cross the 5,000 mark as our driver and customer-centric business model is getting overwhelming response, faster than ever. Within a period of six months, we aim at going pan India, before going global,” he signs off.

(The writer, Ramesh K Dhiman, is a former staffer of The Tribune and freelancer. He has written extensively for leading newspapers and magazines on art, culture, mythology, besides travelogues.)

The enchanting Indian peafowl (term used collectively for peacocks and peahens), known for its resplendent plumage and mesmerizing dance, has long been revered as the national bird of India. Chandigarh, with its Peacock Park in Sector 39, and the flourishing Indian peafowl population, stands as a shining example of successful conservation efforts.

The plight of peacocks in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana is disheartening, with incidents of their deaths being reported frequently. Poaching and the use of pesticides in agricultural fields have been identified as major factors contributing to the decline in their population.

Built in 5.7 acres, the peacock park not only provides a safe haven for these birds but also serves as a breeding ground for their continued survival. It has been created as a natural habitat for the peafowls. The presence of over 30 Indian peafowls in the Peacock Park in Chandigarh showcases the positive impact of dedicated conservation measures and highlights the city’s commitment to protecting its wildlife.

A cobbled road has been prepared for visitors by the Department of Forests & Wildlife, Chandigarh, which takes care of the park, although few people visit the park as it is forested area.

A recent survey conducted by wildlife authorities revealed that the Indian Peafowl population in Chandigarh is not only thriving but also evenly distributed throughout the forest areas in the city. This is a promising sign, considering the decline witnessed in nearby states. Sectors and villages neighbouring these forest areas also boast a considerable number of Indian peafowls.

The success of Chandigarh’s conservation initiatives is a testament to the collective efforts of authorities, local communities, and wildlife enthusiasts. By preserving natural habitats, promoting biodiversity, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting these iconic birds, Chandigarh is making a significant contribution to the survival and well-being of peacocks.

The Indian Peafowl is not merely a symbol of national pride but also an integral part of our ecosystem. Its presence adds vibrancy and grace to our surroundings.

Address: PPWH+822, Sector 39A, Chandigarh

Timings: 8-5pm

Entry: free

(The writer, Shweta Yadav, is an independent writer and researcher, passionate about uncovering untold narratives)

Singer Punit Sharma’s much-awaited music album ‘Pyar Vich Pagla’ was released at the Chandigarh Press Club, Sector 27.

Punit Sharma has lent his velvety and well-modulated voice to the song breezing into the hearts of his phalanx fans.

Conceptualised and created under the impeccable direction of Colossus, a top-notch music collaboration, Gourav Dasgupta has scored the music, while well-known lyricist Rajesh Manthan has composed the lyrics. The album has been produced by Right Lincks.

The makers are keeping their finger crossed over the theme of the song, a heady admixture of fascinating Punjabi and Hindi flavours. With its intriguing soundscape to its advantage, powered by the lyrical theme, the dynamics employed in the music score is all poised to leave the audience mesmerised. The theme song transcends geographical boundaries of contemporary music as has been amply demonstrated in the song sequence.

In a chit-chat with CityWoofer, Punit pinning rosy hopes on the much talked-about music album says, “Pyar Vich Pagla is all set to take music buffs on an exciting musical journey as it seamlessly blends music, melody, muse and dance copiously featured in the album. It encapsulates a whirlwind of emotions so passionately woven into the song, offering an experience of a kind”.

Accomplished directors of the album Ajay Arora and Lovel Arora, who have pretty high expectations from the song suffused with emotions of a lovelorn heart pining for a union. The rich sonic palette and attention for details have been the prominent hallmarks of the album, offering a unique audio experience, which is sonically soul-soothing and emotionally resonant.

There is no denying that, besides the meticulous musical arrangements by Gaurav Das Gupta, the album features relatable lyrics that delve deeper into the ubiquitous theme of love, longing and lot more to be happy in one’s own space.