Amity University Mohali Campus is ‘Single Use Plastic Free’
Amity University has become a ‘single use plastic free’ campus, Prof R K Kohli, Vice-Chancellor of Amity University, Mohali, said at an event. Spreading awareness on environment conservation, the Amity School of Earth and Environmental Sciences of Amity University held an event to spread awareness on the need to safeguard the environment.

Under the initiative of environment information, awareness, capacity building & livelihood program (EIACP), Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, a rally was held on the theme ‘Solution to Plastic Pollution’. Students and faculty members spread the message of sustainable habits with slogans such as ‘say no to single use plastic’, ‘save environment’, ‘save world, save life, save future’ and more.
The students and other attendees took a pledge to inculcate the habit of carrying reusable bottles and bags, avoiding single-use plastic, and promoting sustainable alternatives.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of Amity University, Prof R K Kohli, emphasized on the importance of saving mother earth and how every individual can contribute to creating a sustainable future. Prof Kohli declared at the event that Amity University was now a ‘single use plastic free campus’.
The event served as a reminder that it is the responsibility of citizens to take care of the planet and make it a better place for the present and future generations. Amity University’s vision is to continue promoting sustainability and environmental awareness among its students and also the community.
The event saw enlightening lectures by Dr Ranjit Kaur, Program Officer, Environment Information, Awareness, Capacity Building & Livelihood Program (EIACP), and Dr Jatinder Arora, Executive Director of the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology.
‘Transform 7.0’ Held in Chandigarh to Boost Startup Culture in Region
The startup culture has been knocking at the doors of Punjab and in another step in this direction, Transform 7.0 was held in Chandigarh to give a big boost to creating a startup ecosystem in the region.
Held by Punjab Angels Network, funding to a Mumbai-based startup was finalised at the event held in Chandigarh. A cheque of Rs 1.25 crore was handed over to startup ReDesyn and this is notably, the first time that investors from the Punjab and North region have infused such a big amount in a startup company.

In good news for potential startup owners, Punjab Angels Network is all set to release funds amounting to Rs 5 crore which will be invested in startups in the coming months. The funds are aimed at fuelling the startup industry of the region.
CA Sahil Makkar,Founder and CEO, Punjab Angels Network said, “In the last decade we have witnessed a paradigm shift in India’s startup industry and Punjab is now being seen as an important player in providing impetus to the industry through the funding of startups in different parts of India”.
“Startups across India are looking up to the Northern region for funding. This will help in building a vibrant startup ecosystem in the region. I am also happy that like other metro cities, Mohali in Punjab is fast emerging as a hub for startups,” he said.

In a remarkable session titled ‘Unlocking the Melodies of Entrepreneurship’ which was a part of ‘Transform 7.0’, CA Sahil Makkar, touched upon different issues such as investors’ role in startups, growth of start-up ecosystem in Punjab and challenges, etc.
The event also saw an engaging pitch session, where young entrepreneurs from places like Delhi, Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh, and Bangalore presented innovative startup ideas to potential investors.
In an interesting panel discussion titled ‘Successful Entrepreneurs from the Region’, Saurabh Munjal, co-founder of a startup from the region shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey with the audience. During the discussion, Munjal and other panelists that included international speaker, coach, author, and corporate trainer Anuradha Chawla, and industry experts Vikram R. Singh, and Radhesh Soni, shared valuable insights through their work experience and motivated the budding entrepreneurs to achieve big in their lives.
In the session ‘Ecosystem Enablers – Creating impact in the Region’ moderated by Govind Kaushik, Vice-President, Punjab Angels Network, panelists highlighted how startups collaborating with each other can build an effective startup ecosystem in the region. The panelists included Amit Madan, President Amritsar Founders; Dr Karminder Ghuman, Head Venture Lab-Thapar; Satyendra Singh, CEO, TBI-IISER and Harit Mohan, The Indus Entrepreneurs(TiE).

Kaushik said, “Building an eco-system is indeed a challenge but by focusing on startups’ basic needs and fulfilling these we can surely build a startup ecosystem in Punjab. This is where Punjab Angels Network comes in, it bridges the gap between investors & startups and provides immense support in all matters like legal, financial and marketing etc.”
An Evening Soaked in Divine Music at Chandigarh Pracheen Kala Kendra
City music lovers had a date with a delightful musical evening on Friday where tabla maestro Surjeet Singh and kathak exponent Rohit Pawar performed at a monthly baithak series programme organized by the Pracheen Kala Kendra at the M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium in Sector 35, Chandigarh.
Tabla Exponent Surjeet Singh

Surjeet Singh mesmerised music lovers drawn from distant corners of the Tricity to be part of this mega musical evening. Surjeet, a graded artist of the All-India Radio, started learning the subtle nuances of tabla playing under the tutelage of Guru Kulwinder Singh when he was all of four.

Surjeet commenced his recital with the traditional Uthan, which was followed by Peshkar based on teen tal of the Punjab Gharana. He moved on to present with finesse Kayda, Rela and Palta, et al. The technical part of the recital consisted of gats, ‘Chakradar’ that left the audience spellbound amidst thunderous applause. He concluded the recital with a crisp and captivating bandish of the gharana. He was accompanied by Ishwar Singh on harmonium.
Kathak Prodigy Rohit

The other star performer of the evening was Rohit Pawar, a kathak exponent, who has evolved into a fast rhythmic kathak dancer from amongst his peers across the country. He honed the subtle nuances of this classical form of dance under the astute stewardship of Guru Vaswati Misra and sibling Rahul Pawar.
Rohit, who has been performing live on stage since the tender age, has given solo performances at various dance concerts in the country and overseas, earning laurels for his stellar performances.
He started with the Shiv Stuti (Invocation of lord Shiva), followed by a powerful kathak presentation in teen taal with vilambit, Madhya and drut layas that added to the engaging performance. He also presented the traditional ‘tode tukde gat paranas’, uthaan, ladi ,etc.

He concluded with the typical Rajasthani mand ‘kesriya balam padharo humare des’, bringing the robust rustic flavour of the land of sand. This was followed by a powerful jugalbandi of sawal jawab on tabla. His fine and flawless footwork, in sync with bhav, abhinay, and taal, drew him admiration from the audience.
The team of accompanists included Zaheen Khan on tabla, Mahavir Gangani on pakhawaj, Ghulam Waris on sarangi and Sohaib Hasan on vocals.
Now, Online Joint Prospectus for Admission to Chandigarh Colleges in 2023-2024 Session
Online Joint prospectus for admission in government and privately managed aided colleges of Chandigarh for the session 2023-24 has been released by the Adviser to the Administrator, Dharam Pal, Chandigarh Administration.
As part of “Digital India” campaign, this online joint prospectus is a unique initiative for students to access information about all the colleges in UT through a single platform.
Mark important dates for Chandigarh College Admissions
Admission for both centralised and non-centralised courses of government colleges and grant-in-aid colleges of UT Chandigarh will be done in online mode via admission portal www.dhe.chd.gov.in. The admission portal will open from June 9, 2023 onwards. Online non centralised admission schedule for post graduate courses will start from July 10, 2023 onwards. The last date for online submission of admission forms for under graduate courses is June 22, 2023. Admission process for all undergraduate courses will commence from July 5, 2023.
Online Prospectus For Chandigarh Colleges
The Prospectus sketches out detailed online centralized admission schedule giving important dates and timings. Significant features have been added in this year’s Prospectus. It includes dedicated Admission Helpline numbers of all the colleges so that the applicant, in case of query, can speak with the respective college representative. There is a provision of Pinpoints, which when clicked, take the applicant smoothly to the desired college website. E-pravesh link has also been added that takes the applicant directly to the official website of the Directorate of Higher Education, Chandigarh Administration.
The common admission schedule for Under Graduate and Post Graduate classes (Centralized and Non-Centralized) will be followed by all the Government and Privately Managed Aided Colleges.
‘Time Skip’ System Soon to Ease Traffic Congestion on Chandigarh Roads
Driving on the Chandigarh roads will now be easier and hassle-free with the new time skip system being introduced to ease out traffic congestion in the city. A long wait for green signal after the red at the intersections will be cut short substantially once the new system comes into force.
Chandigarh will be the first city in the country to introduce the time-skip system to keep traffic movement in check. The initiative is being perceived to be a major step by the administration after a surfeit of piecemeal measures it adopted to check the menace of traffic mess-up boomeranged.
Owing to high vehicle density, Chandigarh roads are already bursting at the seams, adding to the traffic woes. The city comes to a screeching halt especially during the peak morning and evening hours. Long serpentine queues can be seen in Chandigarh, especially at the designated light points due to long spells of traffic signals.

Keeping the burgeoning traffic mess on roads, the city’s Integrated City Command Control Centre (ICCC) has come up with an innovative time-skip idea to streamline vehicular traffic in a better manner. The administration has been going the whole hog to introduce the much talked about time-skip in the city to monitor the traffic movement, thus avoiding chances of a possible botch-up. The administration is pulling out all the stops to ensure early implementation of the new system.
How will the Time Skip System Work?
The ICCC has installed sensors at certain light points which transmit information regarding the flow of vehicles coming from all directions to the Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS), signalling passage of the vehicles. Notably, where there is lesser rush of vehicles from any direction, green light will be up to 30 second duration at the most.

However, where there are long queues of vehicles at light points with long spells of wait at red signal, the sensor will sound a signal to the ATCS to remove the red signal to allow passage for other vehicles caught up in the gridlock. The new system would help reduce the halting timings at the light points to a bare minimum.
Where will ‘Time Skip’ not Work?
The system will, however, not work where traffic pressure is consistent undergoing no change in traffic patterns. like the Tribune Chowk, the Hallomajra Light Point and Hallomajra Chowk, among others, to name a few.
Trials for ‘Time Skip’ Conducted
A trial reality check was earlier conducted on the Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) to ensure proper implementation of the ambitious project. Under the system, the level of congestion of vehicles was put to a reality check at the 3BRD light point. These were carried at as many as 40 different intersections across the city given the movement of all modes of transport.
During a month-long research, a timer was set up at the intersection light points to monitor the flow of vehicular traffic, to ensure that the road users had to halt at the light points for a lesser duration than usual. So, the new time skip system will prove to be a boon in disguise to check the menace.
‘Time Skip’ will Ease Traffic Congestion

Reliable sources in the department told CityWoofer that concerted efforts were being made for over months now to clear the hurdles to ensure proper implementation of the new system. The exercise will offer a solution to reduce traffic congestion at the busy intersections by enhancing the duration of green light signal. The new system would not only help check the frequent traffic snarls up but would also reduce consumption of fuel with a quantum cut in halt timings.
“The initiative of the administration is laudable for more reasons than one. It will not only address the residents’ traffic woes, but will also save the road users from getting trapped in traffic gridlocks,” says retired PU Professor Harish Kapur, a traffic marshal with UT Traffic Police for over eight years.
(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.)
Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital Collaborates with Health Dept, Chandigarh
The newly-built Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Mullanpur, a unit of the prestigious Tata Memorial Centre, will now actively collaborate with hospitals and medical colleges of Chandigarh at different levels.
Dr Dharampal, Adviser to Administrator Chandigarh held a meeting with the Director of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Mullanpur, Punjab and officers of the Health Department Chandigarh.
The health institutes mutually agreed to train young students/ post graduates and to exchange their expertise/facilities for comprehensive cancer screening, early detection & treatment and special cancer awareness in Chandigarh.
How will it Benefit Chandigarh Hospitals?
1. Technical support to Chandigarh Administration in improving cancer care services across the Chandigarh.
2. Enhancing/ improving Hospital Based Cancer Registry and Population based cancer registries in Chandigarh

3. Human resource capacity building and Training of Public health workers from various departments for cancer prevention & cancer management with financial support of the Chandigarh Administration.
4. Establishment of preventive oncology service at hospitals and medical colleges in Chandigarh in phase wised manner, wherever required.
5. Enhancing/ improving Palliative care for terminally-ill people at various government run hospitals
6. To set up patient referral system for cancer patients for further management at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Chandigarh
How will Health Dept, Chandigarh, Contribute?
The Health Department, Chandigarh Administration will facilitate the use of infrastructure of government health institutes, as deemed appropriate by Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital for conducting on-site training programs.
The department shall depute students and staff from various departments for training at HBCHRC, New Chandigarh, Punjab.
Post postgraduate students from various specialities will receive brief training in HBCHRC. Senior nurses from various government hospitals will obtain oncology training at HBCHRC.
Health Department, Chandigarh Administration will enhance cancer day care facility for basic oncology surgery and the administration of chemotherapy drugs to the cancer patients at various hospitals in Chandigarh, wherever required.
How Will Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital Chandigarh Contribute?
HBCH&RC will provide single person of contact from HBCH&RC, Punjab to the Health Department, Chandigarh Administration for smooth coordination.
Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital Chandigarh will provide technical assistant in establishment of cancer hospitals that are planned in Chandigarh with regards to preparation of DPR, purchase of equipment, manpower planning and related activities.

HBCH&RC will provide technical support for training and capacity building of health services staff for surveillance, early detection, screening, prevention and treatment of cancer and follow-up after primary treatment.
HBCH&RC, Punjab shall provide technical support for virtual/onsite training on cancer and tobacco control programs for the health services staff with prior permission from Health Department, Chandigarh Administration.
HBCH&RC, Punjab shall give in-house training to nominated medical officers /staff nurses of the Health Department, Chandigarh Administration at HBCH&RC, Punjab. The duration of training will be 2 to 6 months. The accommodation, food facility and daily allowance charges of the health services staff will be borne by HBCH&RC.

How will The Collaboration Help Common Man?
It is expected with the mutual co-operation of these organisations/ establishment; the UT Chandigarh will be able to screen the larger population for early detection of cancer and to provide better patient care.
Pierre Jeanneret’s Museum in Chandigarh: A Fitting Tribute to the Spirit of Architecture
He gifted us the world-class city of Chandigarh along with his cousin and the architect and planner of Chandigarh Le Corbusier. There can be no better way to remember Pierre Jeanneret, the first chief architect of Chandigarh, for his significant contribution. The house where he lived for 11 long years is a heritage museum now to perpetuate his memory.

The imposing manor house where Pierre Jeanneret lived was dedicated to him by the then Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, VP Singh Badnore on March 22, 2017 on the occasion of Jeanneret’s 121st birth anniversary.
Where is Pierre Jeanerret’s house?
Nestled in Chandigarh’s Sector 5 amid rows upon rows of large mansions, barely at a stone’s throw from the Sukhna Lake, known as the shining jewel of the city, the lesser-known museum remains a subject of serious study for the modern school of art and architecture.
The ground floor of the museum has been divided into sections housing Pierre Jeanneret’s residential, education and the heritage furniture designs, rare pictures, personal images, and the correspondence exchanged between those who mattered in the scheme of things and him.
Provision of Staying at Jeanneret’s House
The first floor has three bedrooms which have been converted into guest rooms. An eye-shaped window offers an uninterrupted view of the well-manicured emerald green lawns lending luminosity to the vast expanse. The rooms have three rental slabs viz Rs 2,500 per head (general category), Rs 1,500 (for researchers and architects), and Rs 1,000 (for government officials), informs Prabhjot Singh, the caretaker.
Online booking facility for the same is available.

The museum offers a candid picture of the concept of sustainable and green living practices that Pierre Jeanneret was conscious of while designing the housing plans to make Chandigarh a unique and world-class city.
The entrance foyer introduces a curious visitor to the master architect’s imprints of creativity left behind on the sand of time. His study room with blue walls showcases drawings, pictures and description of the buildings that Jeanneret designed.

The buildings of primary schools, girls and boys hostels and other educational institutes are prominently displayed here. The brick fireplace offers a view of his personal pictures and notes kept so meticulously. The modest dining room showcases the Panjab University, Gandhi Bhawan, and Le Corbusier Centre, while a niche in the room has the furniture designed by him.
Jeanneret’s Carpentry Workshop

Replicas of heritage chairs and tables designed by Pierre Jeanneret make an interesting display. His contemporaries recall how he would spend his leisure time at his carpentry workshop in the garage area. Pierre designed furniture for his home from simple local materials like bamboo, canvas, and rope, creating his own distinctive style of joineries and leg tradition.
This room offers a glimpse of various housing projects envisioned and undertaken by the master architect. As you leisurely walk into the adjacent room you gaze gets strayed and riveted on the MLA Hostels and other iconic buildings and residential houses in the vicinity that he created for posterity.

While conceptualising the City, Pierre Jeanneret designed housing for all categories of people adhering to a standard plan to give it a touch of class and aesthetics. The schools and other buildings that he designed, from the level of nursery schools to the historic Panjab University Campus, Gandhi Bhawan, State Library, colleges, Chief Minister’s House, besides administration and other buildings, hostels for boys and girls, the Capitol Project, Legislative Assembly, the Secretariat, and the High Court, among other landmarks are marvels of architectures.

Museum Timings
Museum timings are from 10 am to 6 pm, all days, except Monday and gazetted holidays. Entry fee is Rs 10 per head and Rs 30 are charged for clicking pictures of the museum.

“This heritage museum dedicated to Pierre Jeanneret offers a peep into the making of Chandigarh, the City of Dreams, and reliving the life and times of the icon of architecture and the rich legacy of architecture that he left behind as a keepsake for generations. A visit to the museum is like a pilgrimage of a kind for people like us,” Shabnam, a doctor at AIIMS, Delhi, told CityWoofer during her recent visit to the Chandigarh’s architectural marvel.
(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.)
Sculptor Gurpreet Dhuri from Chandigarh College of Arts Earns Name in Bollywood
A docile village boy born in a modest household in Sangrur, Punjab, with meagre means of livelihood had nurtured dreams like any of his urban cousins born with silver spoons in their mouths. Acclaimed sculptor Gurpreet Dhuri made adversities his strength to achieve the incredible. From drawing random caricatures on a piece of paper to painting signboards and his school walls to finally joining the big league of the most sought-after sculptor in the country was like a dream-come true for him. Gurpreet Dhuri is a sculptor par excellence and the most-sought after prosthetic makeup artist and character designer in Bollywood.

With a vast and varied experience to credit, Gurpreet has mastered the art of clay-modelling, silicone, wax, and metal, et al, thus evolving into a fine and most sought-after artist across the country. This bubbly boy armed with unflagging resilience, Sculptor Gurpreet Dhuri is now making waves on the country’s prosthetic character designing scene, portraiture and prosthetic FX design to be precise.

Creative Streak Since Childhood
As a student at Sangrur’s Ghanaur Khurd village where he completed his primary education, Gurpreet’s creative streak caught the fancy of some of his teachers. He participated in various school on-the-spot painting and other competitions and won laurels for the school. Buoyed by the token awards and accolades, this little master with big dreams decided to embark on a roller coaster to live his cherished dreams.
“After my admission at the iconic Chandigarh College of Arts in Bachelor in Fine Arts, things started changing for the better. After finishing my MFA, I got an opportunity to assist my seniors working on a new museum project in Gujarat. Close on the heels landed an offer to assist the prosthetics team for Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, wherein I had to design a severed head in silicone and actor Richa Chadha’s fake belly, etc, which was in a way my transition into the highly demanding character designing, portraiture and prosthetic FX designing. Then there was no looking back for me as offers started pouring in, thick and fast” he says in all humility.

In an animated tete-a-tete with CityWoofer, Gurpreet takes us through his eventful journey this far “My forays into the film industry as a prosthetic makeup artist and character designer offered me to recalibrate my perspective as also to chisel the subtle nuances of the craft. We got enough space among icons of art to learn the intricacies of the art to making an object look visually appealing; besides high on the art of storytelling that connects you to the audience”.
Sculptor Wife, a Great Support System

Gurpreet says that his wife Gagan, also an established sculptor, has been a great support system in the family juggling a set of roles. She is a true guide besides being an integral part of our team comprising his two nephews. “We go into a huddle when required and go into the nitty-gritty of the pending and the new projects to give our best. Being a connoisseur of art, she keeps her focus primarily on the finer nuances and niceties of the subtle art and deliver and connect with people, our audience and breeze into their heart. We are working as a formidable team”.

Bollywood Projects
Gurpreet tells with a streak of optimism writ large on his face, “Working with big names, be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Bollywood mainstream production houses has been a wonderful experience of a kind that helped enhance my confidence level. Being a part of the iconic film projects, including Gangs of Wasseypur, Tumbbad, Ghoul, Jal Pari, Raaz 3, Finding Fanny, Katti Batti, Byomkesh Bakshi, Arjun Patiala, and 72 Hours: Martyr Who Never Died were the defining moments of my life”.
“Actually, my professional life took a U-turn with the film Tumbbad, a critically acclaimed flick, which threw up a window of opportunities to work closely with the celeb directors, like Anil Rahi Barve, Anand Gandhi and well-consummated actors like Shohum Shah, Deepak Damle, Mohammad Samad and so on,” he says.
“It was indeed challenging yet a great learning experience for me to visually recreate the true characters through the magic of nimble fingers, especially those of the grandmother and Hastar, focussing more on prosthetic effects and artistic vision. The visual impact left an indelible imprint on the minds of cinephiles,” Gurpreet recalls with a tinge of trepidation.
Dhuri’s Sculpting Skills Transcend Bollywood

The Sangrur sculptor Gurpreet Dhuri is quick to add that he had been lucky enough to have the opportunities to travel across country to showcase his amazing sculpting skills. Silicone and other sculptures made by Gurpreet Dhuri have been put up at various prominent, places, including Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, Bikaner Museum, Sadda Pind in Amritsar, Rock Garden in Chandigarh, Ajmer Museum, Bhagat Singh Museum in Khatkar Kalan, Fateh Prakash Palace Museum in Chittorgarh, Darshan Museum in Pune, Swami Chinmayanand Ashram in Powai, T2 International Airport in Mumbai, and Andaz Hotel in Aerocity, New Delhi and elsewhere in the country. Some of his sculptures have been prominently displayed at the Birsa Munda Museum and the Attari-Wagah Joint Checkpost (JCP) that the inquisitive visitors from home and abroad never miss to view.

Busts and life-size Images of Important People
Gurpreet has created images of the who’s who of various spectrums, including martyr Bhagat Singh, former Maharaja of Patiala Yadavindra Singh, and social reformer and educatonist Savitribai Phule, former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh Virbhadra Singh, creator of historic Rock Garden Nek Chand, and rapper Sidhu Moosewala and many more. The couple is currently working on a portrait of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, a prominent revolutionary from the state of Punjab.

Who is his inspiration?
When asked to name the person who identified and inspired the sculptor in him, Gurdeep shoots a beatific beam and says, “The works of Stan Winston, the pioneer of modern special effects, known for his ability and acumen in bringing his lifeless creatures breathe life on screen have inspired me greatly. Winston has inspired a generation of artists in the specific genre. He was the driving force behind the big-ticket films, such as Jurassic Park and Edward Scissorhands.”
(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.)
Top 7 Libraries in Chandigarh for Nurturing Intellectual Growth
Libraries offer a world of literary treasure and intellectual growth. Whether you are seeking rare historical archives, scholarly resources, art exploration, international literature, or a vibrant community experience, these libraries have something for everyone. Remember, within the pages of the books in these libraries, await countless adventures of the mind. CityWoofer curated a list of the top libraries in Chandigarh, each offering a unique experience for bibliophiles. From rare collections to state-of-the-art facilities, these Chandigarh libraries are a testament to the city’s commitment to nurturing intellectual growth.
Top 7 Libraries in Chandigarh:
1. TS Central State Library, Sector 17, Chandigarh

Established in the year 1955, it is named after Tarlok Singh, a member of the 1st Planning Commission of India after independence. This library was the first to be established in the city under the first five-year plan. Initially, it was covered under the ‘Promotion of Art and Culture’ scheme of the Govt. of India, however, after the reorganisation of the state of Punjab, it came under the control of the Chandigarh Administration. This library was housed in a government school in Sector 23, Chandigarh, now it has a grand four-storey building. It is one of the top libraries in Chandigarh.
It has two branches, one in Sector 27. And the other one is in Manimajra. The library also has a Mobile Van that visits the distant corners of the city on a predefined schedule to offer lending services.
This library has a rich collection of more than 2,23,800+ documents. This vast collection has been computerized using LybSys software. All kinds of books can be found here, it is best known for its amazing collection of English literature.
This library subscribes to 40 newspapers and 150 magazines with different frequencies. Back files of selected newspapers (The Tribune, Indian Express, Times of India and Economic Times) are also maintained in the library for reference purposes.
Location: Sector 17, near DC Office, Chandigarh
Contact Number: 0172 270 2565
Membership: UT residents can avail of this library in Chandigarh free of charge, but deposit a security amount which is refundable at the time of withdrawal of the membership. The membership is required to be renewed every year, the renewal form can be obtained from the office. The security fee for Children is Rs 150, adults (below 16) is Rs 500, govt employees Rs 250 and outsiders Rs 1000.
Timing: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Closed on Sundays, gazetted holidays and the last Saturday of every month.
Email: csl@chd.nic.in
Website: http://cslchd.gov.in/
2. A.C. Joshi Library, Chandigarh

Named in honour of the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, A.C. Joshi, this library in Chandigarh is a hallmark in the pursuit of knowledge. Its origins trace back to 1947 when it was established in the U.S. Club, Shimla. Today, this centrally air-conditioned library boasts a spacious seating capacity for over 500 readers, providing a comfortable and conducive environment for intellectual exploration.

A.C. Joshi Library is home to an impressive collection, encompassing more than 6.4 lakh publications and count as a one of the biggest libraries in Chandigarh. Its shelves are adorned with a vast array of books, bound volumes of journals, thesis/dissertations, rare books, reports, government documents, and even backfiles of newspapers. This comprehensive collection caters to the diverse academic and research needs of its visitors.
What sets A.C. Joshi Library apart is its commitment to accessibility and convenience. It is the only library in Chandigarh that operates 24×7, ensuring that knowledge seekers have unrestricted access to its wealth of resources at any time.
Location: Sector 14, Panjab University, Chandigarh
Contact Number: 0172 2534551
Membership: The library provides membership to faculty, students, alumni, and research scholars of Panjab University. External memberships are available for researchers and professionals on a case-by-case basis.
Timings: It remains closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Website: http://library.puchd.ac.in/
3. Divisional Library (South) or The State Library, Chandigarh

Embracing the spirit of community engagement and literacy, the Chandigarh State Library offers a diverse collection of books spanning various genres and interests, catering to readers of all ages. It is one of the best libraries in Chandigarh whose commitment to promoting education and cultural exchange is evident through its engaging storytelling sessions, book launches, and educational workshops.
Location: Sector 34, Near Gurudwara, Chandigarh
Contact Number: 0172-2676002
Membership: The Chandigarh State Library welcomes individuals of all backgrounds to become members. Membership plans are affordable, with an annual fee of Rs 200 for adults and Rs 100 for students. The library also offers special concessions for senior citizens in Chandigarh.
Timings: The library opens its doors from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Website: http://chdstatelibrary34.org/
4. British Council Library

At the British Council Library in Chandigarh, you’ll discover a treasure trove of diverse reading materials, spanning from captivating fiction and short stories to thought-provoking works in life sciences and graphic arts. This Chandigarh library goes beyond traditional book collections, offering an extensive range of resources, including journals, CDs/DVDs, and audiobooks. It is must-visit library among the famous libraries in Chandigarh. What sets it apart is the unlimited access it provides to a wide array of online content, including e-journals, academic e-books, newspapers, contemporary magazines, and even independent movie streaming.
Location: C515, 5th Floor, Elante Office Block, Chandigarh
Contact Number: 0120 456 9000
Library Timings: Monday – Saturday (11:00 am-7:00 pm), Sunday closed
Website: https://www.britishcouncil.in/about/what/our-presence-in-india/british-council-chandigarh
5. Browser Library & Book Store, Sector 8, Chandigarh

Situated in an upmarket in Chandigarh, it has become one of the most renowned and frequently visited libraries in the city.
What sets this Chandigarh library apart is its exceptional collection, which is nothing short of remarkable. Spanning various genres, from children’s literature to fantasy, fiction to romance, there is something to enthral every reader. The diverse selection ensures that individuals with varying tastes and preferences can find their literary treasures on its shelves.
In addition to its vast collection, this library boasts a team of dedicated individuals who share a profound passion for reading and storytelling. Their expertise and love for books contribute to the overall enchantment of the place. Their presence ensures that visitors not only have access to a multitude of books but also receive knowledgeable assistance and recommendations.
Location: SCO-14-15, Madhya Marg, Sector 8C, Chandigarh
Contact Number: 0172-2547340
Membership: Rs 2,000 – Rs 4,0000
Timings: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm, Sunday closed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/browser8/
6. Beant Singh Memorial Library
This remarkable library in Chandigarh houses an extensive collection of books that cover a wide range of subjects, including religions such as Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Confucianism. It is one of the popular libraries in Chandigarh and also offers a diverse selection of literature on Indian folklore, the history of different countries, Indian epics, biographies of Indian personalities, world wars, and religious and cultural movements.
Location: Sector 42B, Chandigarh
Contact Number: 0172 2621409
Library Timings: Monday-Friday (8:00 am-8:00 pm)
Saturday-Sunday (10:00 am- 6:00 pm)
7. Government Museum and Art Gallery Library, Chandigarh
Situated within the renowned Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh, this library is a hidden gem for art enthusiasts and researchers. Boasting an extensive collection of books on art, archaeology, and anthropology, it provides a serene environment for contemplation and exploration. The library’s proximity to the museum adds a touch of aesthetic bliss to the reading experience. It is one of the most visited libraries in Chandigarh by art lovers.
Location: Sector 10-C, Jan Marg, Chandigarh
Membership: This library in Chandigarh welcomes visitors free of cost. However, a nominal refundable security deposit of Rs 100 is required to avail of borrowing facilities.
Timings: You can visit the library from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays and public holidays.
(The writer, Shweta Yadav, is an independent writer and researcher, passionate about uncovering untold narratives)
NIIFT Mohali Students Showcase Diverse Theme-based Collections
Models took the stage by storm when they sashayed down the ramp showcasing 49 hands-on beautiful collections created by the graduating fashion design students of Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT) Mohali at ‘Anukama 2023’ held at Tagore Theatre.

The Fashion Designing students were guided by their mentors Dr Poonam Aggarwal Thakur, Dr Simrita Singh, Dr Deepti Sharma, Navdeep Kaur and. Puneet Khokhar. The students completed their projects being a part of well-known companies of the fashion industry. An eminent jury with distinguished names from the fashion, apparel and textile industry evaluated the designer collections of the students.
Charandeep Singh, PCS & Director NIIFT said “Students used the platform of Anukama to present their signature style. They put in their best work which could be seen in the collections presented.”

“We feel proud that NIIFT students walked the ramp, 35 girls and 6 boys, adding the glam quotient to the students’ creations.” said Navdeep Kaur, Show Coordinator, Anukama 2023 & HOD, Fashion design department.
The student models of NIIFT who have walked the ramp were Shalini, Bhawana, Khushi Biyani, Yahika, Shreya Chaudhary, Rishika, Siddhi, Gungun, Diksha, Shahbaz, Isha ,Vidhika, Shobita, Richa, Arsh, Parinaz, Arushi, Vanshika, Neha, Harleen. The Anukama’2023 show was choreographed by Navdeep Kaur.
The runway came alive with a fusion of tradition and modernity, as talented designers explored diverse themes and materials, infusing them with their personal interpretations.
NIIFT Students and Their Awe Inspiring Collections
- Shruti
Theme – Lost heritage based on Ukraine art and craft.
- Anshika
Theme – ‘The Botanical Print’.
- Keshav Mangal
Theme – He created a collection for the LGBTQ community named ‘Immure’.
- Hansika Jain
Theme – She created a collection to bring upfront the Shakespearean love story of Romeo and Juliet.
- Manthan
Theme – Inspired from fashion of the 70’s.
- Kritika Gupta
Theme – Japanese art under the title Kabuki – the people’s art which she created using the innovative technique of batik, dyeing and printing & with motifs taken from Japanese paintings.

- Sukriti
Theme – ‘The fragrance of village’ showcased the art of Madhubani of Bihar.
- Pamilpreet Kaur
Theme – Maa Boli, collection inspired from Punjabi language.
- Charvi
Theme – Old school drift.
- Shreya
Theme – ‘Plastic nourishment’ talked about breastfeeding related problems

- Nitya Sehgal
Theme – “De’Nimes to denims – the Imperishable.”
- Pol Jayshree
Theme – ‘Paithani Saree Revival’ ensembles with amazing draping techniques

Fashion Design Awards
1) Best design collection- Tamanna
2) Best garment construction- Shreya Shubhraja
3) Best commercial collection – Moksha
4) Most creative collection – Keshav Mangal
5) Best use of craft in design – Kritika Gupta
6) Best use of art in design – Sonali Bajpai
Courses Offered At NIIFT, Mohali

- B.Sc. Fashion Design
- B.Sc. Textile Design
- B.Sc. Knitwear Design & Technology
- B.Voc. Fashion Design & Garment Technology
- M.Sc. Fashion Marketing & Management
- M.Des. (Fashion & Textiles)
Admissions to NIIFT centers are open and the last date of submission of applications is 04th June 2023. For details one can visit visit www.niiftindia.com.
NIIFT is under the administrative control of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Punjab.
