Providing professional training in Air Rifle and Air Pistol shooting, the Baghla Shooting Range in Chandigarh/Mohali is a destination to look out for if you want to become an ace shooter.

Things You Should Know About Bhagla Shooting Range in Chandigarh/Mohali:

Certified Coach at Baghla Shooting Range

A training academy for shooting in Chandigarh, Baghla Shooting Range was opened in January 2022 by Sayyam Baghla, a national medalist. He has received training at SAI (Sports Authority Of India)/NIS (Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports) ‘A’ grade certified.

Belonging to Muktsar, Sayyam Baghla got interested in shooting while studying at a Delhi college. To add on it, he has participated in many national shooting competitions and is preparing for trials at the international level.

As part of a knowledge exchange programme, delegates from Milton Keynes City Council, England, visited the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC), Chandigarh.

Chief Executive Officer of Chandigarh Smart City Limited, Anindita Mitra, IAS, gave a warm welcome to the delegates. She explained to them the concept of smart cities and all the projects being run under the mission in Smart City Chandigarh.

Ashish Sharma, Project Manager, ICCC Chandigarh delivered the presentation and demonstration highlighting the city’s commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of its residents.

One of the key highlights of the program was an in-depth discussion on the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) implemented in Chandigarh.

The delegates gained valuable insights into the functioning and significance of the ITMS, Adaptive Traffic Control Systems (ATCS), CCTV Surveillance for the purpose of safety & security, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Ashish Sharma elucidated the comprehensive framework that combines cutting-edge technologies and AI to automate incident identification. The delegates were impressed by the city’s commitment to utilizing technology to enhance public safety and security.

The program also featured a presentation by Sulabh Goel on the Public Bike Sharing project of Chandigarh Smart City which included the benefits, aims, and achievements of using PBS project in the city. The delegates gained insights into promoting sustainable transportation option and reducing carbon emissions. They were informed about how smart bikes were being used by food delivery persons like Swiggy & Zomato.

Delegates were also taken to the Police Command and Control Centre (PCCC), where Manisha Chaudhary, IPS, SSP, Chandigarh Police briefed them about the surveillance as well as challan system being carried on by the police team at the PCCC.

Delegates’ Response

The delegation raised thought-provoking questions regarding the resolution and identification of incidents through the utilization of CCTV cameras and automation systems.

They expressed keen interest in understanding the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms for incident detection and analysis.

Inquisitive delegates sought clarification on whether the insights and data collected through the city’s smart infrastructure were accessible to the public. ICCC officials emphasized that while ensuring data privacy and security, relevant data is available on India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX) platform.

As part of the 8^th anniversary celebration of Smart Cities Mission, Chandigarh Smart City Limited has initiated a novel way of using Tertiary Treated (TT) Water — for watering public parks across Chandigarh.

Chandigarh Mayor Anup Gupta kickstarted the campaign with the supply of Tertiary Treated Water at Dhanas Rehabilitation Colony in the presence of Anindita Mitra, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Chandigarh Smart City Limited-cum-Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh

While talking about the benefits of the project, the Chandigarh Mayor said the main objective of use of TT water was to save the potable drinking water. At present, water which is meant for drinking is being diverted for other purposes like gardening and irrigation of green spaces in various sectors across Chandigarh.

Tertiary Treated (TT) Water In Chandigarh Parks

Smart City CEO Anindita Mitra said that tertiary treatment of sewage will improve the environment of city as the TT water is rich in nitrogen/manure and plants/grass will flourish by its use.

Many cities around the world are using recycle/TT water to reduce their water demands. Here are a few possible uses of sewage water, which has received tertiary treatment: 

• Gardening
• Roadside arboriculture
• Green belts
• Landscaped water bodies with fountains
• Washing of roads, vehicles, etc
• Aquifer recharge
• Cooling water for HVAC systems where substantial quantity of water would be lost by evaporation
• Various industrial processes

Chandigarh Bags ‘Best Urban Body’ Title 

The efforts of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC) bore fruit with appreciation coming its way in the form of a national award. It been adjudged the ‘Best Urban Local Body’ at the prestigious 4th National Water Awards.

The award ceremony was organized under the aegis of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.

The award was received by Chandigarh Mayor Anup Gupta and Municipal Commissioner Anindita Mitra from Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The award carries a citation, trophy and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. Over 41 entries under 11 categories were shortlisted by the department for the award.

Which Cities did Chandigarh Compete With?

• Indore Municipal Corporation (MP) which ranked second in the run up for the title
• Surat Municipal Corporation and Malkapur Municipal Councils finished securing 3rd rank each under the specific category

On the occasion of the 93rd birth anniversary of the founding father of Pracheen Kala Kendra late Madan Lal Koser (ML Koser), a special evening of ghazals was organized at the ML Koser Indoor Auditorium in Sector 35, Chandigarh.

A visionary dance guru, ML Koser, was engaged, heart and soul, in the promotion and preservation of rare of the rarest performing art and Indian classical dance forms of the country, which were slowly yet steadily slipping into obscurity.

Gifted with a velvety and well-modulated voice, the star performer of the evening was Dharmesh Nargotra, a Jammu-based ghazal singer of eminence, who kept the audience enthralled for hours. Dharmesh, an A-grade artist of the All-India Radio and Doordarshan, got on to learn the subtle niceties of music under the tutelage of Ustad Dev Dildar and Pandit Jagannath Shivpuri, carving out a niche for himself in the illustrious galaxy of the music horizon, especially ghazal singing.

The sultry evening began with a musical start with the lighting of the traditional lamp. Dharmesh Nargotra began with his favourite Mirza Ghalib’s famous composition Harek Baat Pe Kehte Ho Tum, Ki Tu Kya Hai… which was followed by Tahir Faraz’s ghazal “Kaash aisa koi manzar hota, tere kandhe pe mera sar hota…”, which evoked thunderous applause from the enlightened music lovers.

Dharmesh went on to regale the appreciative audience with his spell-binding rendition, one after the other. Up next was ‘dost ban kar bhi nahi sath nibhane wala…’ which spoke about the fragile bond of friendship in present day times.

He sang Anu Yaad’s ghazal ‘Bekhayali Mein Kuch Aise Hum Tumhare Ho Jayenge…’ taking the audience on a snappy trip to an imaginary world of stars and other constellations. This was followed by the king of shayari Rahat Indori’s famous compositions Roz taaron ki numiesh mein khalal padta hai, chand pagal hai andhre mein nikal padta hai… which evoked a huge round of appreciation.

The audience was left mesmerised as he continued doling out some emotive and heart-touching ghazals. He was at his best when he sang Itna Haseen Shabab Khuda Khair Kare by Pyasa Anjum. Dr. Taseer’s composition that he presented next was Uske haste hue chehre se to aisa lagta hai…, which was followed by aahat si aaye to lagta hai kit tum ho… by the legend of the bygone golden era of music, Jaan Nisar Akhtar.

He concluded his memorable recital with an amazing bandish in a chaste dogri dialect and Punjabi, offering a united face of India’s diverse cultural heritage, which proved to be an icing on the cake.

A team of musicians which accompanied him on stage included Rahul Bhardwaj on tabla, Aarav on guitar, Chandan Kumar on harmonium and Hakam Singh on Israj.

(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 Chandigarh Administration celebrated the 9th International Day of Yoga on June 21 with the Rock Garden as the backdrop. This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ embraced the essence of global unity.

Banwarilal Purohit, Administrator UT Chandigarh, was the chief guest, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Jal Shakti, Government of India, was the guest of honour. Mayor Anup Gupta and other eminent officers of UT Chandigarh Administration actively participated in the yoga programme.

Approximately 1000 participants from various walks of life had assembled at the venue grand event. The audience also witnessed live streaming of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s  address from the United States.

The iconic Rock Garden served as a picturesque backdrop as yoga enthusiasts from the Directorate of AYUSH, Department of Tourism, Central Government departments, Govt. College of Yoga Education & Health (Sector 23), and teachers and students of government colleges, joined hands with various organizations and NGOs. Many organisations like Art of Living, Patanjali, Bhartiya Yog Sansthan, GRIID, Khelshala, Brahma Kumaris, Bihar School of Yoga, Nirankari, Institute for the Blind, Brahmrishi Yoga Training College, Yoga Federation of India, Chandigarh Yoga Association, and Chandigarh Yoga Sabha came together to perform an array of invigorating yoga asanas.

In addition to the grand yoga session held at the Rock Garden, the International Yoga Day celebrations extended far and wide across Chandigarh. Over 100 different locations throughout the city played host to yoga sessions, engaging a diverse range of participants. From parks and community centers to schools, people of all ages and backgrounds came together to embrace the holistic practice of yoga. This widespread participation highlighted the collective enthusiasm and commitment of the Chandigarh community towards incorporating yoga into their daily lives. The city truly resonated with the spirit of unity and well-being, making the 9th International Yoga Day a resounding success.

Tucked away in an enchanting three-acre farm in the vicinity of Mohali, lies Aura Pottery Studio, a haven curated by the visionary duo, Atul and Anuja. This exquisite retreat serves as an alternative creative space, welcoming young minds to immerse themselves in the art of pottery and ignite their imaginative spirits through engaging interactions.

Set amidst lush greenery, the property boasts a pottery studio, a charming family home, and a villa that graciously accommodates resident guests seeking to explore a myriad of artistic disciplines, including pottery, and ceramics.

With a dedicated team at hand, the studio offers regular classes and workshops, ensuring art lovers are not only nurtured creatively but also treated to wholesome, organic meals that nourish both body and soul.

As you stroll through the farms, the adorable furry friends Bosch, Bono, Fifi, Ella  greet you with wagging tails and endearing smiles.

A Symphony of Art and Nature

As you step on the grounds of Aura Farm, a symphony of art and nature unfolds in front of your eyes. The sprawling farm serves as a muse, inspiring creative souls to delve deep into their artistic endeavours. Surrounded by verdant beauty, the pottery studio beckons visitors to indulge in the tactile joy of clay, encouraging them to shape their vision into tangible works of art. From the rhythmic melodies of a potter and wheel, every corner of this retreat resonates with the harmonious fusion of artistic expression and the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world. The studio boasts a spacious layout, adorned with pottery wheels, workstations, and shelves displaying an array of exquisite ceramic pieces. From novices to seasoned potters, Aura Pottery Studio welcomes everyone, providing classes and workshops tailored to different skill levels.

Mastering the Art of Pottery

Under the guidance of experienced instructor, Ruchit and Prince visitors can embark on a journey of self-expression and artistic discovery. The studio offers a range of pottery classes, covering techniques such as wheel throwing, hand building, glazing, and decoration. Participants have the opportunity to learn from master potters who share their expertise, guiding students in creating unique and personalized ceramic creations.

Beyond the creative process, pottery also provides therapeutic benefits, promoting stress relief, concentration, and mindfulness. In an era marked by digital distractions, the act of working with clay offers a refreshing escape and a chance to reconnect with our innate creativity.

Community and Collaboration

One of the remarkable aspects of Aura Pottery Studio is the sense of community it fosters. The studio hosts regular events, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, providing opportunities to artists and pottery enthusiasts to connect, share ideas, and celebrate their craft. This sense of camaraderie amplifies the overall experience, as participants forge lasting connections while nurturing their creative spirits.

Aura Pottery Studio stands out for its exceptional 24/7 facility, setting it apart from traditional retreats. Unlike most programmes with fixed workshop schedules, Aura offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing residents to immerse themselves in creativity at their own pace.

Whether you have a spare two hours or wish to embark on an artistic journey spanning 10-12 days, this retreat caters to your individual needs. The freedom to utilize the studio whenever inspiration strikes is a rarity, making it a truly unique haven for artistic exploration. Here, rules are not imposed to stifle expression; instead, they are designed to adapt to the inner creativity of each resident.

The retreat and its philosophy is rooted in the belief that artistic expression knows no boundaries, and the team at Aura strives to provide a supportive environment where residents can channelise their creativity to the fullest. Embracing the fluidity of the artistic process, there are no limitations on the duration of your stay. If you are driven to spend months honing your craft and sculpting your masterpiece, Aura welcomes and encourages such dedication.

A Home Away from Home

At the heart of Aura lies the warm and welcoming family abode, a sanctuary that exudes comfort and tranquility. Resident guests find solace within its walls, immersing themselves in an environment where creativity thrives. Here, walls adorned with captivating artwork and shelves lined with masterfully crafted ceramics tell tales of inspiration and the creative journeys that unfold within these hallowed grounds. Surrounded by like-minded individuals and nurturing mentors, residents find themselves embraced by a supportive community that fuels their artistic growth and fosters lifelong connections.

Organic Meals Too

As creativity flows, so does the need for nourishment. At Aura Farms, culinary delights take centre stage, showcasing the essence of healthy, organic meals.

Sourced from the bountiful farm itself, ingredients burst with freshness, infusing each dish with vibrant flavours. From farm-to-table feasts to a communal dining experience, meal times become a celebration of both art and sustainable living.

An Everlasting Journey

Apart from the creative workshops and sumptuous meals, Aura Pottery weaves a tapestry of memories and connections that endures far beyond the retreat and its boundaries. Here, lifelong friendships are forged, and kindred spirits find solace in the shared pursuit of artistic excellence.

Cost: Average retreat at Aura will cost you approximately between 12k-14k for two days

Address: Aura Farm, Off, Kurali Chandigarh Rd, Manakpur Sharif, Punjab

Phone: 098883 68198

Instagram: @aurapottery

A 50-km long cycling rally was held to promote wellness and camaraderie among the cycling groups of Chandigarh Tricity and Ambala. Another objective of the activity was to generate awareness among cycling enthusiasts about the upcoming mega wellness programme of Diplast to be organised on June 25. The cycling event was held as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of Diplast.

Ashok Gupta, MD, Diplast said, “We supported the cycling event in keeping with our objective of promoting health and wellness in the region. I am happy to announce that we will be holding under our CSR initiative a wellness programme to encourage regular exercise, proper diet, and mental well-being so that illness can be prevented and people come closer  to nature”.

The cycling event drew participants from the Ambala Cycling Club, and from Tricity’s cycling fraternity.  30 riders from the region took part in the cycling activity that covered around 50 km. While the Ambala cyclists took a route from Ambala’s Baldev Nagar to The Tree House Farm at Mohali and back, cyclists from Sector 20, Panchkula, reached The Tree House Farm and then rode back.

Wellness Meet at ‘Tree Farm House’ On June 25

June 25 shall witness the pristine environs of the ‘Tree Farm House’ playing host to nature and wellness enthusiasts.

The programme at ‘The Tree House Farm’, located near Dappar barrier in Mohali, will include activities such as yoga, ayurvedic treatments, a healthy breakfast, interactions on wellness and nutrition etc.”

Sharing further details about the Wellness Meet, Gupta said, “The meet will be held from 7 am to 1 pm on June 25. The Wellness Meet will be an opportunity for individuals to engage in wellness-related activities and interact with like-minded individuals.”

The cycling and wellness activities assume importance as people are indulging in wrong lifestyle habits and are becoming unnecessarily overweight, and are getting confined to living an individualistic and at times a lonely life.

Diplast is a well known  brand name manufacturing a wide range of uPVC pipes and fittings, including water tanks.

With a view to put a tab on the visible sharp surge in pollution levels in Chandigarh, the administration has been going hammers and tongs to fight it out, once and for all. It came up with its Electric Vehicle Policy in September 2022, initially for a period spanning five years, apparently to stop registration of fuel-driven vehicles in the city. The step was meant to push residents to say no to the fuel-driven vehicles which cause pollution.

Pursuant to the Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, the Chandigarh Administration has decided to stop the registration of non-electric two-wheelers in Chandigarh from July and non-electric cars by December-end this year till the time, the authorities are hopeful, the very objective of permissible number of such vehicles during the current financial year would be met.

 Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy

With a view to implement the order in letter and in spirit, the administration has put a cap on the purchase of non-electric vehicles to ensure strict adherence to it. In the current financial year, a total of 6,202 internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheelers can be registered in the city envisaged under the EV policy.

However, after the registration among the last of the ‘capped’ numbers, there would be no registration of fuel-driven vehicles. Only electric two-wheelers would be allowed to be registered under the new scheme.

Under the new policy, from next fiscal year, there is no provision for registration of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) two-wheelers. As per official data, as many as 4,032 ICE two-wheelers have already been registered since April 1, 2023. Only around 2,170 more fuel vehicles can be registered for the rest of the financial year 2023-24, which is expected to come to an end by July 24.

Only 257 electric two-wheelers have been registered in the city since April 2023. As far as ICE four-wheelers are concerned, there would be no new registration of non-electric two-wheelers after their number touches the last of 22,626 figure that the Administration is hopeful of achieving by December-end.

In a bid to gradually phase out the fuel-run two-wheelers and three-wheelers from the city, the administration had rolled out a plan to register 35 per cent electric two-wheelers during 2022-23; 70 per cent in 2023-24, touching the target figure of 100 per cent in 2024-25, onwards.

“After the registration targets of non-electric vehicles having been met, the registration of both permanent and temporary number two wheelers and three wheelers, would go for good in Chandigarh, paving the way for a pollution-free city. The target of non-electric two-wheelers set by the administration is likely to be achieved by the first week of July and that of four-wheelers by December-end this year,” says Pradhuman Singh, Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA), UT, Chandigarh.

Public Response to Chandigarh Admin’s EV Policy

It was indeed a mixed bag for city folks. “The administration needs to clear the air about the myths and misgivings about the new scheme arising out of their legitimate fears. It would do well by taking all the stakeholders on board and allaying their apprehensions, if any,” says Sushil Sharma, a top-ranking banker and resident of Sector 22, Chandigarh  while talking to CityWoofer.

“RWAs(Resident Welfare Associations) need to be roped in to spread the ground message far and wide behind the switch. There is a dire need for setting up an adequate number of charging stations. It may also mull over extending the ‘cap’ period,” he says.

UT adviser Dharam Pal has said the administration would sympathetically review the EV Policy threadbare and the restrictions on the registration of non-electric vehicles in the city to allay the peoples’ apprehensions.

(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.)

Dancing is a hidden language of the soul – Martha Graham, Aashna Bagri’s bio-profile begins with this note. A dance sports athlete from Chandigarh, Aashna is dancing away to glory at international dance events one after the other.

21-yr-old Aashna Bagri from Panchkula recently won the Asia Open Championship at the Asia Pacific Dance Congress(APDC) Season-2 held in Dubai recently in 20-35 age category, for the second time consecutively. Having won many dance competitions in India and abroad, she was the youngest Indian to have won the world salsa summit held at Miami in 2020. At 14, she was also the youngest participant from India in Asian Indoor Games, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan , 2017.

Reflecting on her achievement, Aashna says, “This is the second season of the APDC that I have won. This time around, I performed Bolly-Salsa fusion on the famous ram chahe leela chae ram.. from Sanjay Leela Bhansali film Ram Leela”. She competed with over 100 dance enthusiasts  from India and the UAE to win the APDC competition being judged by big-time choreographers like Salman Yusuf Khan, Tushar Kalia, Fernando Aguilera and Jai Kumar Nair.

“When she was a kid, whenever she used to hear any kind of music, she used to start  dancing. We tried every possible way to stop her from pursuing dancing professionally, but we finally had to give in to her persistence, passion and dedication,” says Rekha Bagri, while speaking with CityWoofer.

An alumna of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, she has been passionate about dancing since she was 3-yr-old, while her professional dancing journey began when she was 11-yr-old.

Her coach and mentor, Varun DS Rana, who runs his dance academy in Sector 6, Panchkula, has been instrumental in training her for the different competitions. “Under his guidance, I want to learn more and improve my skills further. I aim to become a renowned choreographer in the coming years,” says Aashna. She has also undergone training in the US for her world performances. She has attended workshops of Indian dance choreographers like Shiamak Davar, Remo D’Souza, Saroj Khan, Terense Lewis, to name a few.

Besides salsa, Aashna is also well-trained in waacking, belle, fusion, Bollywood, to name a few. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business management from Mumbai University, along with training for Bollywood dancing and becoming a choreographer. Her mother is an Abacus trainer and father is a chartered accountant. The family lives in Sector 10, Panchkula.

Her aim is to travel across the world with her dancing performances and become an ace choreographer. For now, she is focusing on entering dance reality shows on television.