Aaditya Sharma is just 24, and just completed his MBBS course from Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32. Today, he is in a different bandwagon altogether, although for a bigger and better cause. He has secured AIR 70 in the UPSC examination 2023-24.

Aaditya Sharma had appeared in the prelim exams in 2022 while doing internship at the hospital. While in his second year of MBBS, he came across an IAS officer, Dr Nipun Jindal serving in Himachal Pradesh, who sowed the seeds of aspiration in him for taking the UPSC exam. Due to the covid pandemic and regular duties at the hospital, he was not able to focus on his preparation for UPSC. With his self-study approach and help from online platform, he tried to prepare well.

Residing in Zirakpur now, he did his schooling from St Anne’s Convent School, Sector 32, Chandigarh where his mother, Neera Sharma, is an English teacher. His father, Ajay Sharma, is an insurance agent. His elder sister, Dr Akansha Sharma, is doing her MD at PGIMER’s nephrology department and was AIIMS AIR No rank 1 holder in MBBS, while his twin sister, Aarushi Sharma, has just finished studying dentistry at Panjab University.

Speaking on his son’s achievement, he says “It is a big achievement. We were confident he would make it as he had cleared so many other competitions for other government services as well, like HAS (mains).”

On being asked how come all the three children are academically brilliant, he says, “It’s god’s gift and their mother has always taken good care of them, keeping in mind all their needs”.

CityWoofer chatted up with Aaditya Sharma, AIR rank 70, UPSC.

What is the top most thing that got you through the UPSC, apart from your hard work and intelligence?  

My family’s support is the one thing that took me through.

What were the difficult times you faced while preparing for the exam.and how did you overcome them?

The Covid pandemic was a big obstacle as I had to be in the hospital most of the time, I wasn’t getting time for my self-study apart from studying medicine. To complete our internship, we have to complete 365 days at the hospital, I wasn’t being able to complete it, therefore my internship also stretched over a couple of months. So, I interacted with my friends, teachers, got involved in my hobbies—playing basketball and writing my own blogs.

While you were a teenager, did you ever think you would become an IAS officer?

I didn’t even know what IAS meant till I was in the 2^nd year of my MBBS when I actually met an IAS officer who was also a doctor. I realized that prevention is better than cure. When I visited him in an interior area of Mandi district in Himachal, I realized there were doctors, but no equipment, school buiding was dilapidated. Instead of curing people, I wanted to prevent circumstances which caused diseases.

Do you think, IAS officers have big goals initially of what they want to do for the country, but when it comes to doing they get into their comfort zone?  

There are good role models as well as bad examples in every profession, so its better to look up to the good ones.

If most of the young officers follow good examples, why are their still shortcomings in our governance?

I believe it is because the infrastructure is weak at the ground level. So we need to pay more attention in these grey areas.

Do you think the hands of the bureaucracy get tied by the intervention of the political class?

Yes, but there must be some way out so that the bureaucracy and poltical class go hand in hand and not against each other.

Apart from your sister, who is your role model at the national or international level?

Dr Nipun Jindal who is an IAS officer presently posted at Kangra in Himachal Pradesh and Dr Akshita Gupta, who was my senior while studying MBBS and now is an IAS officer.

What is your message to the youth in these difficult tmies when private jobs are low paying and government jobs are few?

They must keep their focus clear right from the beginning. Time management is the key and don’t run after accumulating too much of study material, just streamline the resources, the books, notes, online websites- that you have. Getting online help is also a cheaper option rather than rushing to bigger cities and towns which becomes costly.

Opening its doors to food enthusiasts just over a year ago, Olive Cafe and Bar, Sector 26, Chandigarh, has fast emerged as a culinary gem in the heart of the city. With its unwavering commitment to locally sourced ingredients, this vibrant eatery has created a niche for itself in the Tricity food scene.

From the moment you step inside, you’ll be transported to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, with the restaurant’s decor and ambience capturing the essence of European coastal living. Whitewashed walls adorned with tasteful artwork, wooden accents, and warm lighting create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of a charming seaside taverna.

Come summer, and you get to indulge in the vibrant and refreshing ‘Colours of Summer’ at the café which has raised the curtains on a gastronomic journey with its fresh summer menu.

Under the guidance of Head Chef Anubhav Moza, the summer menu embraces ingredients perfectly suited for the season, offering a welcome respite from the heat. From juicy tomatoes to luscious mangoes, succulent mulberries, and nutritious millets, every dish reflects the essence of summer, combining healthwith delightful flavors.

Cold Soups

One of the standout creations is the Spanish cold soup, Gazpacho, crafted using ripe yellow and red cherry tomatoes, bringing together a symphony of refreshing tastes.

Enticing salads

The salad section has been thoughtfully curated to cater to the summer palate. A must-try is the ‘Mango & Mulberry’ salad, where the seasonal glory of mangoes meets the sweetness of mulberries. Enhanced with cream cheese, granola, arugula leaves, and a touch of Roselle extract, this salad offers a truly exquisite flavor combination.

Another signature salad ‘Beetroot, Guava, and Citrus’ introduces guests to unique ingredients and flavors. Featuring guava carpaccio, golden beetroot, candy cane beetroot, and goat cheese, this salad is a delightful exploration of summer produce. Olive Cafe and Bar is one of the few places incorporating golden beetroots, offering guests novel experiences and enhancing their culinary adventure.

In line with international food trends and the year of millets, Olive Cafe and Bar presents an array of millet-based dishes. The ‘Avocado and Millet’ dish combines the creaminess of avocados with the wholesome goodness of foxtail millets. Quinoa and pearl barley also make appearances in various dishes, showcasing the versatility and health benefits of these ancient grains.

Also Read: Top Five Dine-Out Hangouts in Sector 7, Chandigarh

Lunch Burgers

For lunch, the exciting new burger menu awaits eager customers. Among the highlights is the irresistible ‘Shroom Burger’, featuring truffle mayo, button mushroom, shitake patty, arugula leaves, and cheese nestled between brioche burger buns, served alongside house-made sweet potatoes. Another delectable option is the ‘Go Green Burger’, boasting of avocado slices, spinach, broccoli and peas patty, cheese, and charred onions, all enclosed within the same delightful brioche buns and accompanied by those irresistible house-made sweet potatoes.

Stomach-filling Bowls

The menu also offers gourmet sandwiches and an enticing selection of bowls, such as the Mediterranean Bowl, Burrito Bowl, and Asian Bowl, each capturing the essence of its respective culinary tradition.

Cocktails

To quench your thirst, Olive Cafe and Bar presents a range of thoughtfully crafted cocktails. These in-house concoctions feature natural fruits and exclusive infusions of Asian herbs, coconut water, thyme, mustard, basil, and more. Syrups are eschewed in favor of pure and refreshing flavors. Discover the delightful ‘Daiquiris’ and the communal delight of ‘Beer-garita’, perfect for sharing with friends. Summer tipples like the ‘Tropical Spiritzer’ offer a tantalizing mix of vanilla vodka, sparkling wine, elderflower cordial, and pineapple, transporting you to exotic tropical destinations. Traveling tipples bring Greece Athena to your glass, a blend of gin, vermouth, fennel, lime juice, and orange cordial, offering a taste of the Mediterranean. Don’t miss out on Olive’s signature tipples, such as the Teq Tonics, a collection of fresh cocktails.

The Teq-Tonics are an array of fresh cocktails in which tequila is infused with herbs, fruits & flowers such as beetroot, hibiscus and plum & much more, and served with tonic water while the perennial favourite Sorbet Gin-To. It’s a timeless gin & tonic twisted with a float of flavored sorbets like lemon, berry & passion fruit.

Rich Ice-creams

Parents and students were informed about benefits of studying German language at a workshop held on German education system at Paragon Sr. Sec School, Sec 71, Mohali.

German education experts held a orientation session and workshop in the school as part of a PASCH and Goethe Institute initiative to introduce German language to students and their parents in India.

PASCH stands for ‘Schools: Partners for the Future’ and the PASCH initiative is aimed at motivating young people to learn German by associating with schools in India. The Goethe Institute is a German cultural association which promotes learning of the German language in other countries.

Paragon Sr. Sec School, Sec 71, Mohali is the only PASCH school in the whole of Punjab and one of the 2 PASCH schools in the tricity. The other school teaching German as part of the school curriculum is Vivek High School, Sector 38, Chandigarh. German language is taught in Paragon school from class V – VIII without any extra exam or test and students can take it as an optional subject in classes XI-XII.

An orientation session on how learning the German language can open new vistas for career growth through an education in Germany, was held by experts at the school. The session was conducted by Marco Krinowski, International Marketing Manager of Fulda University, Fulda, Germany and Tanvi Duggal, Project Manager, PASCH, Goethe Institute, New Delhi.

The students and parents were also taken through a digital tour of Fulda University by the experts.

Iqbal Singh Shergill, Director, Paragon Sr Sec School, Sector 71, Mohali said that the session and workshop stressed on the need for learning a foreign language like German, which is not only job oriented but also opens the doors for one to take up a career in Germany – a nation which boasts of one the most stable and vibrant economies of the world.

City folks may now donate their discarded household items at the nearest among 35 designated reduce, reuse and recycle (Three RRR) centres set up for the purpose by Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh.

“Only quality and reusable items will be accepted for donation under the well-meaning initiative. The articles to be accepted for donation include clothes, shoes, books/stationery items, crockery, toys, e-waste, wooden items/furniture, etc. Worn-out and perishable items will not be accepted,” said Mayor Anup Gupta while speaking with CityWoofer.

The unique and one-of-its-kind flagship initiatives of the Chandigarh MC will enable city residents to donate their recyclable household articles at the designated centres set up for the purpose. 35 RRR centres will be set up across the city. The civic body would take the onus of cleaning, refurbishing and upgrading the articles to be put up for sale at a designated flea market.

Donated articles will be collected from 3R centres by the customised MC’s Swachh Sawari-RRR on wheels, which will transport them to MC stores for refurbishment and sale and so on and so forth.

The exercise will continue till June 5 in all 35 wards of the city as a part of World Environment Day (June 5) under the mega campaign ‘Meri Life Mera Swachh Shehar’.

City Mayor Anup Gupta and MC Commissioner Anindita Mitra, flagged off the campaign from community centre, Sector 21 (RRR centre for ward number 11) in the presence of representatives of Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs).

The restored items would be sold to the needy at nominal rates, to ensure that no household items in good and reusable condition goes waste. The innovative idea behind this initiative is to ensure that household articles in a usable condition are not consigned to the waste bin, rather be put to reuse for those who need them the most.

MC Commissioner Anindita Mitra said, “We will sell donated articles to the needy at nominal rates. They tend to feel good when they purchase things instead of getting them for charity”.

The mayor said a plan is already in place to set up the reduce, reuse and recycle (3R) centres and their smooth running at various community centres/sehaj safai kendras/charitable institutions/gurdwaras/ temples/mosques or shops of market welfare associations (MWAs).

“To leapfrog the first hurdle to set up the 3R centres, old racks, wooden tables, chairs, etc. would be sourced from the enforcement store facilitating smooth collection of the household items,” he added.

A special awareness drive will be carried out in each ward to convey to both, the donors and beneficiaries, at large about the location and timings. Pamphlets of listed items that can be donated at the 3R centres will be disbursed to clear any confusion.

Self-help groups (SHGs) or sanitation workers would look after the day-to-day operations and manage these centres. The SHGs would be involved in the refurbishment/up-cycling of donated items and their sale through the designated flea markets.

The proceeds will go towards raising awareness on ‘swachhata’ among the public. The reuse and up-scaling of common household goods, which had been an integral part of Indian cultural ethos, will give a perceptible push to the overall zero-waste eco-system under ‘Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0’.

Similar drive in Mohali as well

Mohali Municipal Corporation officials donated old clothes and books at the reduce, reuse, recycle (RRR) centre at Nature Park, Phase 8. The RRR centres in the city have been opened under the Meri Life, Mera Swachh Shehar campaign by the MC.

(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.)

With most of the technology around us driven by Artificial Intelligence, how could medical science be left behind? A dental clinic in Chandigarh – ADC, Centre for Restorative and Implant Dentistry, has become one of North India’s first dental clinics to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), revolutionizing the way one experiences dental treatments.

AI has been implemented by Dr Dhawan, who runs his own dental clinic in Chandigarh along with his dentist wife Dr Rosy Dhawan, besides a team of dental doctors. Apart from enhanced personalized care, the introduction of AI  will help to create efficient treatment plan, help in effective management and providing check-lists at each level for optimum client satisfaction. One can schedule a real-time automated appointment with the clinic through any social media platform the patient is using and AI will take care of rest of the things.

“AI is a two-way beneficial process–for the doctor, AI-powered software acts as a junior doctor conventionally who would prepare notes of the patient, show it to the senior doctor in the morning and summarize it for him. For the patient, all he/she has to do it is go to the website, and put a message across of his/her problem even if it is a late night issue, the AI-driven software will immediately come to rescue,” explains Dr Mohit.

“85-90 pc of the times, the patient misses out on the instructions of the doctor, the required dose and time of the medicine, etc so all that will be taken care of by the AI software which will get back to the patient through social media like whatsapp/insta/twitter/facebook,” he adds. CityWoofer caught up with Dr Mohit Dhawan to know more:

For how long have you been using AI for dentistry and how did you go about doing it?

Everybody is moving towards technology, so with the help of website developers, engineers, AI specialists, chatGPT Pro, I got the software developed at a cost of Rs 8- Rs 10 lakh and the costs escalated because of initial steps having gone wrong. We went through three trials and we have been working on it for the last 9 months or so. We made it operational in the clinic about a month back.

Can AI go wrong at some place?

It can, we are analyzing at every step through surveys and feedback from our clients.

Is AI helping in physical handwork of dentists?

We still have not reached that stage that dentists/doctors can be done away with, AI or robotic surgeries cannot replace human brain. As of now, there are only softwares to assist surgeries.

Has AI software reduced working manpower?

AI does the work of 5 employees and also works 24×7.

How has been the response?

People are finding it very helpful, they get whats app msgs, insta alerts which help them stay alert to their medical condition. I am personally very excited and thrilled to have used this software. I would also suggest other doctors and dentists to use AI. I am 110 per cent sure, this technology will reach further heights of success. Many NRIs and foreign patients have been benefitting the most out of this technology. If bigger hospitals like PGI which have huge overload use AI, it will be a phenomenal success.

Does it mean an increase in the patient’s bill?

Not at all, the patient’s fee remains the same, the cost is not transferred to the patient, what we get out of this is higher accuracy and customer satisfaction.

Address: 1197, Sector 21B, sector 21 B, chandigarh

Contact: 708-708-0016

Timings: 10:00 am-6:30 pm

10:00 am -5:00 pm (Saturday), Sunday closed

Follow https://www.instagram.com/theadcchd/

A first-of-its-kind day-boarding school, Roots Country School (RCS), has come up at DLF The Valley, near Amravati Enclave, Panchkula. Having formally started its operations for the academic year 2023-24, RCS, Panchkula, is the second branch of the residential school, Roots Country School, in Baghi near Kotkhai, Shimla Hills, Himachal Pradesh.

With an imposing building and infrastructure, the school provides state-of-the-art facilities with separate dormitories lined bunk beds for boys and girls. The Roots Country School has an inhouse bakery and kitchen, apart from an all-weather swimming pool,  indoor games area, music room, dance hall, tennis ground, table tennis, a badminton hall, basketball, karate training, snooker, an AI lab et al. There is a fully equipped library and an e-library too. The RCS school building is centrally air conditioned with a multipurpose auditorium having a capacity to seat 700 people. An infirmary is also in place to help children with any medical conditions arising in school hours.

“The school is from pre-nursery till class 7 for now. We use the LEAD system of pedagogy which is benchmarked with the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL), Singapore programme and is in line with NCERT as prescribed by National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Subjects are taught as a skill and our approach is making students learn by doing,” said Susan Bhagra, Principal, Roots Country School, Panchkula, who has earlier served as Vice-principal at Loreto Convent Tara Hall, Shimla.

“Kids will be in safe-professional hands after regular school hours and they will get a wholesome meal and adequate rest. They will complete their homework too. Parents will also heave a sigh of relief as they will now be free from the clutches of the tuition culture. The students during their stay back will participate in constructive activities. All this will reduce screen time which children get exposed to after going home post school. Their regimented routine at school will discipline them for their future life,” says Kriti Rotha, founder of RCS, Baghi, Shimla hills.

“Our school will come as a big relief to working parents, single mothers and fathers. The parents will no longer need to worry about pick-up of their children during their office hours. Parents can pick up their wards on getting free from work. There is also faciltiy for students’s pick and drop,” she said.

“We have already enrolled 200 students within a month of our launch. We would soon be introducing the IB curriculum as well which is designed as per international standards and allows students to transfer from a school in one country to another,” said Kriti .

Founded under the Society for Education and Environmental Development (SEED), the original school in the pristine Shimla hills was founded in 2003 by a the visionary and dynamic couple, Sunil Rotha and Kriti Rotha, who are orchardists too.

The school started with just 21 students in 2003 and now houses about 1000 students where 450 students belong to different states of India and abroad too.

“The idea behind setting up RCS at an altitude of 9000 feet in the midst of apple and cherry orchards and beautiful dense cedar forests in HP was to stop migration of children from the region to other parts of the country for want of better education. The educational initiative has helped the region retain its socio-economic and cultural equilibrium,” Sunil said.

“We aim at providing the same facilities available in the HP school at RCS, Panchkula also. The Panchkula school will groom students. We train students for the real world, rote-based academics is not practiced,” Kriti said.

Contact: 062309 55515

The materialistic world can be a hectic and overwhelming place, leaving us feeling frazzled and disconnected from the natural world around us. But for those seeking respite, a place to unplug and recharge in the beauty of Nature, there is a new and unique dining experience that promises to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. A destination nestled deep in the heart of the forest, 25 minutes away from Chandigarh, lies a secret oasis on the banks of the siswan dam called Prey.

A Culinary Journey: Explore Original Flavors at Prey

A reservation-only restaurant, Prey offers a rare and magical dining experience that transports you away from the noise and chaos of the city and immerses you in the serene environment of the Siswan Dam.

If you are seeking a truly original flavour experience, look no further than Prey which is a few minutes’ drive from Chandigarh. With its impressive menu that combines the best of Mughlai and Italian cuisines, Prey promises to give your taste buds a delectable taste of culinary ecstasy. The menu at Prey restaurant is a fusion of local and international cuisines, featuring bold and exotic flavours that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From succulent grilled meats to delicate vegetarian dishes, the chefs at Prey create culinary delights that are visually impressive.

Start with tantalizing appetizers such as succulent Mughlai kebabs infused with aromatic spices, or savour the delicate flavours of Italian bruschetta topped with fresh, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. The menu at Prey is designed to take you on a voyage of flavours, where each bite tells a story of culinary excellence and innovation.

For the main course, indulge in the rich and hearty flavours of Mughlai cuisine with dishes like tender butter chicken simmered in a velvety tomato gravy or succulent lamb biryani layered with fragrant basmati rice and aromatic spices. Alternatively, explore the depths of Italian cuisine with dishes like creamy risotto drizzled with truffle oil or handmade pasta tossed in a luscious tomato and basil sauce.

Enchanting Dining Amidst Siswan Dam’s Natural Beauty 

The real magic of Prey lies in its breath-taking surroundings of Siswan Dam. The restaurant is located in the heart of the forest, surrounded by trees, wildlife, and the calming sound of running water. The open-air setting of the Prey restaurant allows you to breathe in the fresh forest air and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area, with wooden tables and chairs giving a British cottage-type cosy feel. The walls were adorned with paintings of wild animals, adding to the overall theme.

The Tricity, comprising Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, is a popular destination for students from across the country. Panjab University, various girls’ and boys’ colleges, and other educational or training institutes witness a huge rush of students coming from different parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal. Also, Tricity is a hub of the best coaching centers for preparing students for entrance tests like NEET, JEE, NDA, IAS, state services, etc. Finding a house on rent in the Tricity can be challenging for students, especially if they are new to the area. So, if you find yourself in a fix looking for the right accommodation in Tricity, here are some tips and tricks to make the process easier.

Research Online

The first step in finding a house for rent in Tricity is to do your research online. There are several online rental platforms such as housing.com, magicbricks, OLX and 99acres.com, where you can search for houses based on your budget and preference. You can filter your search by location, budget, and amenities to find the apartments that meet your requirements.

Network with Seniors

Networking with seniors who are already living in the Tricity can be a good way to find a rental apartment. They can provide valuable information about the area and recommend houses/flats/housing societies that are suitable for students. They can also give you insights into the cost of living in that particular area and help you make an informed decision.

Engage with local property dealers

Local property dealers/real estate agents have a good knowledge of the area and can help you find an apartment that meets your requirements. A property dealer is a middleman who is in the know of the person requiring rented accommodation and a person who wants to rent out a house. He can also help you negotiate the rent and lease terms. However, property dealers usually charge 50% brokerage.

Consider Shared Accommodation

Shared accommodation is a popular option among students as it is affordable and helps them save money on rent. You can find shared accommodation options on online rental platforms or through your college or university. You can also network with other students who are looking for roommates and share a rented house.

Check for Amenities

When looking for a house to rent, it’s essential to check for amenities that are essential for students, such as Wi-Fi, study tables, and chairs. Additionally, you may want to consider a house located near your institute, with access to public transport, grocery stores, and eateries.

Schedule Apartment Visits

Once you shortlist a few rental houses, schedule visits to view them in person. This will give you a better idea of the condition of the house, amenities, and location. You can also check if the apartment is within your budget and if the landlord is trustworthy.

Beware of scams

When searching for a rental apartment in the Tricity, be aware of scams that target students. Scammers may post fake listings, ask for deposits before showing the apartment, or demand payment in advance. Be sure to verify the authenticity of the landlord or rental agency before making any payments.

Hot Favourite Spots for Students:

Sectors 15 and 16 in Chandigarh: The most popular among students, these sectors are located near Panjab University and are also close to any educational institute located towards Mullanpur or new Chandigarh. They offer a variety of rental accommodations, including apartments, PGs, and hostels. PGs start from 6k and can go up to 10k per month along with food and other amenities. If you are looking for an independent flat 1BHK, it will cost you 12k-15k;  2BHK will range between 17k-22k in prime locations. One can also look for options in faraway sectors like 20, 21, and 23 to find more suitable cheaper options.

Mohali Phase 6 and 7: Mohali is a popular destination among students due to its proximity to Chandigarh and also to private colleges towards the Landran side, like Chandigarh University, Rayat-Bahara, Doaba group of colleges, Chandigarh group of colleges, and others. Mohali Phase 6, 7, 3B1, and 3B2 are well-connected to the city and offer several rental accommodations.

Zirakpur: Zirakpur is a fast-growing suburb of Chandigarh and offers affordable rental accommodations for students studying in educational institutes in the outskirts of the Tricity like, Banur. It is well-connected to the city and is home to several malls, restaurants, and other amenities.

Panchkula Sector 15: Panchkula is another popular destination among students due to its proximity to private colleges located in Banur on Patiala Road, like Chitkara University. Sector 15 is well-connected to the city, relatively cheaper, and offers several rental accommodations, including PGs and hostels.

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

Some people learn life lessons early on, some might take a little longer. While she was studying B.Pt. (Bachelors of Physiotherapy) in Patiala, Tavleen Kaur, now an established name as freelance physiotherapist and fitness coach in Chandigarh, belongs to the former category when she realized that her academic study in physiotherapy is also training her for physical fitness.

She started working when she was 17 years old, was employed at a hospital in Patiala initially and simultaneously freelanced in Chandigarh as a physiotherapist and fitness coach.

A freelance fitness coach gives personalized training and coaching at different gyms which in turn get membership from clients. Tavleen is doing fitness training along with physiotherapy sessions or both, for her clients, which includes home visits as well. She trains clients at Hox gym at Mount View Hotel, Sector 10, Chandigarh, and her clients swear by her name as far as fitness training is concerned. CityWoofer in a freewheeling chat with Tavleen.

A woman fitness trainer at a young age, tell us how your journey started?

Always passionate about sports as a child, it all began after I finished high school and realized that I was not working to my full potential. Determined to change my life for the better, I decided to join a gym and started working out daily. I gradually began to notice improvements in my body and physical capabilities. As I became more dedicated to my fitness journey, I also started to cultivate discipline in other areas of my life, such as my eating and sleeping habits.

Within three months, I noticed significant changes in my life, including feeling healthier, stronger, and more consistent. Soon, I took on the challenge of running a half marathon, which was a huge accomplishment for me .

Soon, I began to organize marathons and found myself becoming more confident in my abilities. This newfound confidence led me to pursue a degree in physiotherapy, which allowed me to combine my love for fitness with my fascination with human anatomy and physiology.

Who is more difficult to train – women or  men?

Men are generally easier to train because they are more consistent, don’t complain much, and women sometimes have physical compulsions like mood swings, periods etc. which keep them inconsistent, but yes women are very careful about their diet, nutrition, sleep, which really helps get good results.

Most people complain that once you stop gyming, a person gains weight. Is that true?

In a day a person consumes about 2,000 calories, in the gym say about 500 calories get burnt. When a person stops going to the gym, those 500 calories are not getting used but the person is eating the same diet, so he/she is not reducing the calories consumed. So there is muscle gain, then, some of them go on crash diets, which adds to the problem when you lose muscle power.

What is a characteristic feature of Chandigarh gym enthusiasts?

In Chandigarh, everybody knows everybody, so once a trend starts, it keeps multiplying, people copy each other, it becomes a fad within no time with not many of them being serious about it. Only six out ten of your clients are serious. I don’t entertain clients who are not consistent because it wastes my time, I want to see results in the first 3-6 months.

Do you train your clients simultaneously or one after the other?

I give them individual attention, so I take one client at a time. The latter part of the training of one client may overlap with the other, by that time most part of the training of the first one is already done.

How did you manage to create a niche for yourself especially as a freelancer?

Freelancing in any field is always risky. People start trusting you when you do your job well over a period of time. Also, while doing a job in Patiala, I was freelancing as a physio therapist in Chandigarh, people started trusting me and it helped me to make clients as a physiotherapist and a fitness coach or both. My reputation as a personal trainer and physiotherapist grew, and I began to receive more job offers from different gyms. After working with F45 and 9 Round for two years, I knew that I had found my calling.

The social media is a great force multiplier these days, you need to load up your insta profile with your work and again you have to be consistent in that too.

What made you think of freelancing as a fitness coach when nobody was thinking about it?

My counterparts who work in hospitals just earn about  Rs 20,000- 25,000 per month. Progress is very slow in a regular job, I knew I had better communication skills along with my degree, so I was quite clear that I didn’t want to do a 9 to 5 job. I have always listened to my instincts, I don’t go by what others say, so here I am.

What next now?

I want to study more in this field, and equip myself better.

Tavleen’s tips to beginners at the gym

1. Be consistent, but don’t do too much in a day, you can afford to break the routine in the first month. Give yourself one month to realise what works for your body.
2. Don’t put yourself on a strict gym diet immediately, eat clean.
3. Adequate sleep is a must.
4. Don’t do too much of weight lifting initially, progress to heavy weights gradually.
5. Drink lots of water.

When you are hungry, what is the first fast food that comes to your mind? Anything that is filling, doesn’t require much waiting and is wholesome and fulsome. So, the best bet would be a burger. The next challenge is where to find one of the best ones which are good value for your money and an enriching experience too. Look no further, CityWoofer has assorted a list of the best burger places in Chandigarh.

1. Brooklyn Central

Brooklyn Central is a trendy and stylish cafe known for its delightful ambience and diverse culinary offerings. This charming eatery boasts a menu that showcases a wide range of delectable American and European dishes, as well as an impressive selection of cocktails.

Among their popular offerings are the Jersey Style Chicken BBQ Burger and the Moroccan Burger, both crafted using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients that guarantee a burst of flavors. Additionally, their cocktail menu features must-try beverages like the refreshing Long Island Iced Tea and the classic Cosmopolitan. Whether you’re craving a satisfying meal or looking for a delightful drink, Brooklyn Central is the perfect destination to indulge your taste buds.

Address: Nexus Elante Mall

2. Cafe JC’s

Café JC’s is a hip and vibrant restaurant known for its inventive and diverse culinary offerings among the best burger places in Chandigarh. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, this trendy establishment offers a multi-cuisine menu that caters to all taste preferences. When it comes to burgers, Café JC’s truly shines. Their menu features a tempting array of options, including the mouthwatering Paneer Tikka  Burger, the flavorful Veggie Crisper Burger, and the hearty Lumberjack Lamb Burger. However, it is the Jerk Burger that steals the show with its irresistible combination of a succulent chicken patty, a fried egg, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Each burger at Café JC’s  is carefully crafted to strike the perfect balance of flavors and textures, leaving you thoroughly satisfied and craving for more.

Address: Coal Depot Complex, Shop No. 2 & 3, Azaadi Rte, Sector 10 D, Chandigarh

3. Caffe Tonino

Caffe Tonino, a popular bistro with outlets in New Delhi, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh, it is renowned for its classic burgers made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. This charming eatery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements its delectable menu. When it comes to the best burgers in Chandigarh, Caffe Tonino does not disappoint. Their cheesy vegetable burger, packed with a medley of flavorful vegetables, and their juicy lamb burger, featuring succulent lamb patty, are absolute must-tries. Served on toasted sesame seed buns, these burgers are accompanied by a choice of cajun fries or crispy potato wedges, elevating the dining experience. In addition to their mouthwatering burgers, Caffe Tonino also boasts an array of drool-worthy pizzas and pastas that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.

Address: SCO 190, 191-192, Madhya Marg, Sector 8C, Chandigarh

4. Chili’s

Chili’s , a vibrant casual eatery, is known for its delightful fusion of quintessential American and Mexican flavors. When it comes to burgers, Chili’s offers a unique twist on the classic American hamburger. Their menu features a variety of mouthwatering options, and our top recommendations include the Chicken Ranch Burger, Old Timer Lamb Burger, and the Bombay Burger. The Bombay Burger stands out with its vegetarian patty complemented by chipotle ranch sauce, onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. Every burger at Chili’s is accompanied by housemade garlic dill pickles and homestyle fries, enhancing the overall dining experience. What sets Chili’s apart is their commitment to using in-house-made elements, including the bread, fillings, and condiments, ensuring freshness and flavor in every bite.

Address: Nexus Elante Mall, 312B, 178A

5. Cafe Cha’a Brewers

With new and unique flavour combinations that are present in every dish that is served at Cafe Cha’a Brewers, their burgers are no different. While biting into the chicken patty in their burgers is a melt in your mouth experience in itself, their vegetarian burger selection also doesn’t disappoint. Head to this pocket-friendly cafe which is the perfect place to spend hours hanging out with friends while you delve into the mouth-watering dishes that are on offer. The place also boasts of providing an ambience like no other. Their burgers and tea selection in particular are something that we keep coming back for sure.

Address: SCO 328A, Himalaya Marg, 35B, Chandigarh

(The writer, Simar Bhasin is an independent writer with seven years of experience. A literature nerd and a reality TV geek, ‘Too much to read, too much to watch and too short a time to do it in’, is her constant rant )