If you are worrying about your toddler who’s on the threshold of joining the school, leave your concerns aside. With a twelve-year experience teaching children, Harpuneet Ahuja has come up with a one-year ‘Preparing Kids for School’ programme for children aged between 2 to 3 years.

The programme began on May 1, 2023, and is conducted from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 am to 12 noon.

The ‘Preparing Kids for School’ programme aims to provide a cosy and comfortable space for toddlers to interact and socialize with other children preparing them for their journey in a formal school. Harpuneet will guide and support the children as they develop essential skills that will be required in school. “It’s their first step out of the home, so we need to create a good environment around them to take away their fear and make them happy and relaxed,” says Harpuneet.

“With me, they are not restricted indoors but move around in the garden, in the natural surroundings, dance, hop, skip, jump, move around fearlessly and confidently,” she says.

The batch size is small to ensure that each child receives individual attention and is encouraged at a comfortable pace to learn the necessary skills to enter a bigger class. The programme aims to enhance motor development skills through various activities such as yoga, meditation amidst Nature and other creative projects.

“When I was teaching small kinder garten kids at Abohar in Punjab, I made an immediate connection with kids. I realised, they just mould easily if you tell them something in a friendly manner,” she adds.

“Small kids are fearful that is why many of them cry, but when they get a friendly atmosphere, they win over their fear and get confident each passing day,” she says.

By enrolling their kids in this programme, parents can be assured that their children will have a smooth transition from home to school, enabling them to build a strong foundation for their academic and personal growth.

Contribution:  ₹3500 monthly

Contact: 98149 27959, 98772 66362

Address: 544 Sector 18-B, 2nd Gate, Chandigarh

Environment sustainability, recycling, greener cleaner planet … seem to be just words which we use in our essays, write-ups or convey in seminars, but most of us fail to realise that every small step towards attaining them is like a drop in the ocean, that too if started right away.

Aashray Foundation, Chandigarh,  an NGO which works in the field of ‘education for all’ and many other areas,  has come up with sustainable pens, pencils, and calendars which have seeds in them. The seeds sprout into plants like ajwain, vegetables like spinach, flowers, etc.

CityWoofer chatted up with the brainchild behind this innovation, Shane Bakshi, Director, Aashray Foundation, to find out more.

Tell us about how the concept works?

In the pencil, there are seeds at the rear end which you can plant anywhere in a flower pot, in your lawn, home, school, anywhere, when you are done with the pencil. In the calendar and pens, there are dry seeds which are mixed in the paper. Once you are done with a month, you can plant that particular paper.

Whenever any of these biodegradable stationery items goes out of use, you can just plant it normally and it will grow into a beautiful plant.

So you generate your own special paper for this?

Yes, we obtain raddi from our copartner Scrapbuk, the online medium of selling raddi (used paper), and this project is also co-powered by Scrapbuk. We customize the paper during the process in which we add the dry seeds.

How did you come across the idea?

I was just surfing for more ideas on the Internet for recycling. I got a clue from there and then further developed it on my own along with my team.  Till now, we have distributed about 5,000-6,000 seed-based stationery items.

The Aashray Foundation has adopted different areas in Chandigarh to extend support to all the needy people who cannot afford education. It runs two pathshalas in Mohali (in Kharar and near GILCO Valley resorts), two in Chandigarh ( in Sector 38 and Industrial  Area), and one in Sector 4, Panchkula.

Aashray commemorated Earth Day on April 22  and educated people on the urgent need to adopt methods to save environment. A cleanliness drives and was held at the Sukhna Lake by Aashray volunteers.

Chandigarh is renowned for its stunning architecture, but what often goes unnoticed is the incredible beauty of its trees. Luckily, architect and renowned photographer Rajnish Wattas has dedicated his career to capturing the majesty of these natural wonders, and the latest exhibition of his photographs based on the treescape of Chandigarh “Symphony of Seasons” is a breath-taking tribute to the city’s flora.

Wattas’ photographs offer a window into the incredible diversity of Chandigarh’s trees, from the majestic seemul and jacaranda to the fiery hues of the coral tree and the golden specks of the silver oak. But the exhibition is more than just a celebration of Nature’s beauty – it is a reminder of the crucial role that trees play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, and the urgent need to protect them.

What sets “Symphony of Seasons” apart is the way in which Wattas’ photographs convey the personalities of each tree. From the graceful curves of a peepul to the striking silhouette of a mango, each tree is a unique and irreplaceable member of the city’s ecosystem.

Another standout feature in the exhibition is a series of photographs showcasing the various species of trees that can be found in the city. The detailed close-ups of leaves, branches and the barks of trees highlight the incredible diversity of Chandigarh’s flora, and serve as a reminder of the vital role that each tree plays in the city’s ecosystem.

As an architect and architectural historian, Wattas brings a unique perspective to his photography. He is able to capture not just the physical beauty of the trees, but also the way in which they interact with the city’s-built environment. Through his lens, we are able to see how the trees shade the streets, frame the buildings, and create a sense of place that is uniquely Chandigarh.

Wattas’ work is a testament to the foresight of Chandigarh’s original planners, who recognized the importance of incorporating trees into the city’s design. Through careful selection and placement, they created a city that is not only visually stunning, but also ecologically sustainable.

As visitors wander through the exhibition, they are transported on a journey through the changing seasons in Chandigarh. From the vibrant blooms of spring to the fiery hues of autumn, Wattas’ photographs capture the mesmerizing transformation of the city’s trees throughout the year.

The symphony of flowering trees begins in spring with the crimson red blossom flowers of the seemul trees that adorn the city in February. The kachnar and jacaranda trees follow with their white-pink and lilac-coloured blossoms in March and April. The Leisure Valley and other parks of the city are adorned with the bright reds of coral trees and the golden specks of silver oaks. The Jan Marg is a riot of yellow flowers with golden trumpet trees, and finally, the tree flowering reaches its crescendo with the blazing orange flowers of gulmohars and the yellow gold of amaltas.

‘Symphony of Seasons’ is a must-see exhibition for anyone who loves nature, architecture, or simply appreciates the beauty of the world around us. So head down to the Rose Garden Underpass and let Rajnish Wattas’ photographs transport you on a journey through the stunning treescapes of Chandigarh.

About the Photographer

Rajnish Wattas, former principal of the Chandigarh College of Architecture, Sector12, is an expert on the city’s modern heritage, an architectural historian and critic. He has authored a compendium of professional writings and published numerous essays, travelogues, and features in leading journals and newspapers.

Wattas is also co-author of two books, ‘Trees of Chandigarh’ and ‘Sukhna – Sublime Lake of Chandigarh’, and co-editor of ‘LE CORBUSIER REDICOVERD: Chandigarh and Beyond’. He has traveled widely and has lectured at numerous prestigious forums, including Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.  As a founder-president of the Chandigarh Tree lovers’ group, Wattas is a strong advocate for the preservation of the city’s trees.

Exhibition: ‘Symphony of seasons’ photographs on Chandigarh’s treescapes by Rajnish Wattas

Venue: Sector 16-17 Underpass

On till: May 1-10, 2003

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

NUE GO, the flagship brand of GreenCell Mobility, has announced the launch of its inter-city electric buses across five cities in India. With an inaugural offer of Rs 349 per seat on the Chandigarh-Delhi route, NUE GO aims to provide a greener and more sustainable mode of transportation.

According to the company’s statement, the electric bus coaches will run on an hourly basis between Chandigarh- Delhi-Dehradun route, with designated routes that cover key locations. The coaches will undergo 25 stringent safety checks, including mechanical and electrical inspections, to ensure passenger safety.

The company boasts of services such as live coach tracking, drop point geo-location, and monitored in-coach CCTV surveillance. The electric coaches are capable of running 250 kilometres on a single charge, even with ACs on, in traffic conditions, and have already completed 200,000 kilometres of road trials prior to the launch of the services, as mentioned in the official release.

To book their tickets, passengers can use NUE GO’s website or mobile app, which allows them to choose their seats, make payments, and receive confirmation of their bookings.

NUE GO also claims to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for its passengers, however, this is what one of the passengers on the Delhi-Chandigarh NUE GO  electric bus had to say, “When I arrived at the designated pickup point , there was no signage or visible indication of the Nue Go bus service. I had to ask around to find the bus, and even then, the staff members were not clear on the exact location of the boarding point. This caused a delay in the departure, and I missed the bus altogether”.

So while the concept of electric inter-city bus service is admirable, the execution needs improvement in terms of customer service and convenience.

Chandigarh authorities have announced plans to introduce designated parking areas for auto-rickshaws in the city. This move comes as a relief for many commuters who have long been complaining about the haphazard parking of autos on the city’s busy streets. The new rule will ease traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety.

With the new rule in place, auto drivers will have to park their vehicles at designated spots. The stands will be strategically placed near busy areas like bus stops, markets, educational institutes,  hospitals, etc ensuring a steady stream of customers for the auto drivers.

The authorities have identified parking locations for auto-rickshaws in Sector 26 and Industrial Areas. However, plans for other areas such as Sectors 15, 17, 19 and 41, and areas near important medical facilities such as PGI, Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH) Sector 16, and Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) , Sector 32 are still in development stage.

The UT chief architect has identified suitable sites for the parking stands, which will be constructed and maintained by the MC. Most of the stands will be located in existing parking lots, and clear signage will be installed to help passengers find them.

The MC will work with auto unions and  associations to educate drivers about the new system and address any concerns they may have.

The decision to designate parking stands for autos is a welcome one. One of the auto drivers shared his thoughts on the issue with CityWoofer, ” Finding parking in the city was a major challenge for us. We often had to park on the roadside, causing inconvenience to other motorists and pedestrians. With the introduction of designated parking stands, we will have a safe and secure parking space, and our customers will also benefit from the ease of access.”

One of the commuters said, “As someone who frequently uses auto-rickshaws for commuting, I am delighted with the new parking stands initiative. It will save time and reduce the stress of finding an auto-rickshaw on the roadside”.

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

Shreya Poonja, the first Runner-Up in Femina Miss India-2023 pageant finale held recently in Imphal, has her roots in the region. Her father Sanjay Poonja takes pride in being a Punjabi. His forefathers hailed from Punjab and had come to Indian Punjab from Pakistani Punjab after Partition. Her mother Bharti Poonja is from Himachal. Shreya and her family is settled in Delhi.

Shreya gives credit to her parents for the feat. Shreya added, “My parents have been instrumental in my win. I have not had an easy path to victory. However, my close friends and family members continued to support my vision and gave strength and encouragement to me whenever necessary.”

Shreya says that she draws her strength from her ‘never-to-be-defeated’ spirit.  “I believe that a never-to-be-defeated spirit helped me win the Femina Miss India-2023 first runner-up crown. It is a quality I have imbibed in my personality and this certainly is the most crucial aspect that helps me overcome obstacles in life. I believe in constantly working on myself and evolving into the best version every single day and I focused religiously on this aspect,” said Shreya.

Sharing her feelings on winning the first runner up spot at the coveted national pageant, Shreya said: “The feeling is settling in day by day. There were a lot of efforts that were put in the past few years and to have finally been able to achieve this makes me feel accomplished. The efforts have validated my victory.”

Reflecting about the Miss India journey so far, Shreya said: “I have evolved every single day of my 40-day journey. Learning new things about myself along the way. There were tight schedules where self-discipline played an important part. Each individual had something great to offer in my journey and I truly cherish the time now.”

Talking about her future plans, she said: “I have always been in love with the camera, for as long as I can remember. I am keenly interested in the entertainment and show business and have already been working in the same since I was 17. I’m looking forward to commencing work soon.”

When asked to share her tips for young girls preparing for the title, Shreya said that the most important thing is to be truly happy with what you do and not let short term wins or defeats sway you away.

“Have a clear vision of why you want to do something and then work towards it every second of every day. Soon things are bound to work your way. Do not get impatient with the results of your efforts. Please know that it is not the win, but the habit of pushing yourself to the limit that will in time bear fruit,” she concluded.

Indulging in rich and flavor-specific Punjabi cuisine is a delightful experience for foodies all over the world. One such popular dish that is synonymous with Punjab is the mouth-watering butter chicken. This chicken delicacy is cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce, making it a tempting indulgence. The addition of cream and butter gives it a velvety texture that is simply irresistible. The dish is best enjoyed with rice, roti, or butter naan. If you are a fan of this delectable dish, you cannot miss out on this culinary delight.

To help you satisfy your cravings, we have curated a list of the top five places to relish butter chicken in Chandigarh. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list.

1. 1. Chawla’s Chicken

If you are a butter chicken aficionado, Chawla’s Chicken is a must-visit spot. The restaurant is renowned for its rich and flavor-rich butter chicken, which is prepared with a perfect balance of butter and a variety of aromatic spices. For all the butter chicken lovers, this place is definitely a paradise that you cannot afford to miss. You can find Chawla’s  Chicken at 2458, Sector 22-C in Chandigarh. A meal for two at this popular eatery would cost around Rs 700 (approximately).

2. 2. Baba Chicken

   

Indulge in the delightful and creamy butter chicken at Baba Chicken, one of the top places to eat non-vegetarian food in Chandigarh. With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, this eatery is the perfect destination to relish the tantalizing flavours of North Indian cuisine. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try their mouth-watering butter chicken when you visit Chandigarh! It is located at SCO 2455, Sector 22- C, Chandigarh. The cost for two people is around Rs 850.

3. 3. Tehal Singh’s Dhaba

If you are looking for a classic spot to enjoy some delicious butter chicken, Tehal Singh’s  Dhaba is definitely worth checking out. This establishment has been around for a while and is renowned for coming up with one of the best butter chicken in the Tricity. In addition to the classic chicken dishes, we also recommend trying their chicken tikka butter masala and their special chicken. Not only is the food delicious, but the prices are also quite reasonable, making it a great option for budget-conscious diners. Be sure to swing by this spot in Sector 22 and treat yourself to a satisfying meal! This place is at 1121 B, Sector 22-B, Chandigarh with the approximate cost for two being Rs 650.

4. 4. Deluxe Dhaba

Deluxe Dhaba, located in Sector 28, Chandigarh, is a must-visit place to relish authentic Punjabi cuisine in Chandigarh. This dhaba offers an extensive menu featuring a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. Butter chicken is undoubtedly the star dish here and is a must-try. Along with it, you can also savor their scrumptious chicken malai tikka and chicken masala. What’s more, the pricing is quite reasonable, with a cost of approximately Rs 500 for two people. The address is SCO 14-15, Ground Floor, Sector 28-C, Chandigarh.

5. 5. Pal Dhaba

   

   If you are a foodie, then Pal Dhaba in Sector 28 is the perfect place for you to satiate your cravings for rich and flavourful butter chicken. This iconic eatery in Chandigarh is always brimming with locals and tourists, all eager to taste the delectable Punjabi dishes. Their butter chicken is cooked to perfection, with the right blend of spices and cream, making it a must-try dish. Don’t forget to pair it up with their soft and fluffy butter naan! The exact address is Booth Number 165-116, Sector 28-D, Chandigarh with cost for two estimated around Rs 600.

   All these brand names have their eateries across the Tricity.

To commemorate World Athletics Day, be ready on Sunday, 7th May, for the Telangana 10K Run at the famous Necklace Road in Hyderabad. Global event and Entertainment is holding 5k (5 km) and 10k (10 km) runs for all.  The motive is to make you aware of taking out time to give to your body for a healthy living.

Irrespective of whether you are a fitness freak or not — an office goer, housewife, businessman, doctor, teacher, student – anybody can participate.

A group of Indian Army soldiers, kids from Army Public School, police inspectors and a group of people who have recovered from cardiac arrest are participating in the run to motivate the general public.

You get to win prizes too ranging from Rs 4000 –Rs 1500 in various categories. Global has organized 22 runs earlier too, but for the first time, timed runs have been introduced.

There will be non-timed runs in 5 km and 2 km special category for children as well.

Over 1200 people have already registered for the run which will be held at one of the important landmarks, the Necklace Road, which has a special running turf and completes a round of 10.5 km. Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Minister of animal husbandry, fisheries and cinematography and V Srinivas Goud, Minister of prohibition, excise, sports & youth services, tourism and culture and archaeology will inaugurate the Telangana Run.

The NGO Cardiac Rehab Foundation will offer free guidance to patients in cardiac care and rehab of patients who have undergone any heart-related medical procedures or surgeries on how to take care of themselves post-surgery.

Date: 7th May 2023

Venue: Necklace Road, Hyderabad.

Time: 6.00 am

Registration Fee:

5 km run (timed) — ₹ 600

10 km run (timed) — ₹ 800

5 km run (non-timed) — ₹ 399

2 km kids fun run — ₹ 299

For more info log on to https://www.citywoofer.com/e/telangana-10k-run-2023

The Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh, which is engaged heart and soul in the promotion of performing art and culture, hosted a mega dance show at the ML Koser Indoor auditorium in Sector 35, Chandigarh, on Saturday to mark the International Dance Day on April 30.

As many as 25 students learning the subtle nuances of Kathak dance, one of the finest genres of Indian classical dance, under the traditional guru-shishya tradition, set the dance floor on fire with their mesmerising performance, showcasing the magic of their footwork in perfect sync with their facial expressions.

Kathak, considered to be a tad tough among the eight forms of Indian classical dances for learners, has crossed all the barriers and physical boundaries and carved out a niche for itself across the  international borders. Among those who performed this highly nuanced dance form included students from Kazakhstan. Their performances earned them a humongous appreciation from the audience.

The spirited soiree of dances opened to a throbbing start with a sublime performance doled out by the teeny-weeny clan of dancing divas under the  tutelage of dance guru Rakhi. Their pitch-perfect performance based on teen taal and jhap taal, garnered much adulation from the emotion-charged audience.

After this mesmerising dance performance, a spectacular dance rendition by students under the guidance of their guru Yogesh Sharma, left the audience entranced for a while. They started with the Ganesh Vandana, followed by Vishnu Vandana, invoking the divine. They proved their dancing prowess dwelling on tode tukde, ladi paran, farmaisihi chakkar, among others, exhibiting their fine and flawless footwork well synchronising with their bhavas (expressions).

The show-stealing presentations by Kathak sensations, Lunara and Ramina, presented the dance sequence based on ek taal, evoking a thunderous applause from one and all. Sheetal and Nisha presented Kathak syllables in a typical jhap taal tradition, et al. They were accompanied by guru Brij Mohan Gangani on padant and Parmod Gangani on tabla.