Training Program for Counsellors on Mental Health Issues of School Children and Children in Child Care Institutions (CCI)
CHANDIGARH, 20.3.2026, Union Territory Child Protection Society, under the aegis of Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, in collaboration with Chandigarh Institute for Transformation, Department of Planning & Finance, organized a Training Program for Counsellors on Mental Health Issues of Children in Schools and Child Care Institutions (CCI) at U.T. State Guest House, Sector-6, Chandigarh.
The training program was attended by 61 counsellors working in Schools and Child care Institutions of U.T., Chandigarh with an aim to enhance the understanding of mental health issues, expanding awareness and strengthening the ability to respond to children with more compassion and competence.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Palika Arora, PCS, Director, Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, in the presence of field experts attending the program included representatives from GMCH-32, Dr. Karuna Singh, Play Therapist and Dr. Manreet, Clinical Psychologist; Ms. Bisman Ahuja, Program Manager, UTCPS, Sh. M.S. Kang, Social Safety and Protection Expert and Sh. Bhupinder Bhardwaj, Operation Expert from Chandigarh Institute for Transformation.
In her keynote address, Dr. Palika Arora emphasized that children today face increasing emotional and psychological challenges such as exam stress, anxiety and social pressures, which often manifest as behavioural issues. She highlighted that the counsellors being trained under this programme may act as master trainers, who will further disseminate this knowledge and skills among teachers and other stakeholders in schools and Child Care Institutions to identify children with underlying issues. She underlined the crucial role of counsellors as empathetic listeners and stressed that early identification & timely intervention are essential for nurturing resilience, confidence and overall well-being among children.
The programme featured expert sessions by Dr. Karuna, Play Therapist, Department of Psychiatry, GMCH-32, on childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders, including symptoms, causes, risk and protective factors, and their management. Dr. Manreet, Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry, GMCH-32, conducted a session on counselling and intervention strategies for counsellors working with children. The session incorporated group discussions and role plays.
A session on health, nutrition and well-being of children was delivered by Dr. Rachna Srivastava, Health, Nutrition and Well-being Expert, Chandigarh Institute for Transformation, highlighting the importance of holistic development of children. Awareness regarding National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) certified skill development courses run by the Department of Social Welfare was provided by Sh. Sushant Kalia, Training Assistant, CCWDC.
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On the occasion of the upcoming World Water Day, a quiz competition was organized today for juveniles at the Observation Home Sector 25 Chandigarh
Chandigarh, March 20, 2026:On the occasion of the upcoming World Water Day, a quiz competition was organized today for juveniles at the Observation Home Sector 25 Chandigarh by the State Legal Services Authority Chandigarh and the District Legal Services Authority Chandigarh.
The objective of the programme was to create awareness among juveniles regarding the importance of water conservation and its sustainable use. Participants were sensitized to the vital role of water in daily life and the need to preserve this essential natural resource for future generations.
The winners of the competition were felicitated by Sh. Sunil Kumar, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh, who appreciated the efforts of the participants and encouraged them to adopt water-saving practices in their daily lives.
The programme concluded with a message emphasizing collective responsibility towards water conservation and environmental protection.
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TRAINING ON PREPAREDNESS OF SPECIAL INTENSIVE REVISION OF ELECTORAL ROLLS CONDUCTED FOR ELECTION OFFICERS/OFFICIALS
Chandigarh, March 20, 2026:On the directions of the District Election Officer, a comprehensive training session on the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls was conducted on 18.03.2026 at UT Secretariat Auditorium for Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and BLO Supervisors.
The training programme was organized in accordance with the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India during earlier phases of SIR. During the session, all key stages of the SIR process were explained in detail through a Power Point presentation. These included the Enumeration Phase, Claims and Objections, issuance and disposal of Notices and the Publication of Draft and Final Electoral Rolls.
The training was imparted by the National Level Master Trainer (NLMT), State Level Master Trainer (SLMT) and Programmer from the Election Department, Chandigarh, who provided practical insights and procedural clarity to the participants.
Further, it was emphasized that responsibilities at each stage of SIR must be clearly defined and documented for all concerned officers, including the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), District Election Officer (DEO) and Electoral Registration Officers (ERO). To ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the SIR process, it was also informed that regular meetings with recognized political parties will be conducted.
At the end of the training session, the Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Electoral Registration Officer addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of timely preparedness. All officers were directed to ensure that necessary arrangements for the SIR are made well in advance. They were instructed to identify the required manpower and resources, while AEROs were specifically tasked with preparing detailed plans at their respective levels.
The training session ended with an appeal to all officers to follow the Election Commission’s guidelines, so that the Special Intensive Revision is carried out smoothly, transparently and efficiently.
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The Chandigarh Sports Council will organize the Tricity Open Lawn Tennis Tournament–2026 from 07.04.2026 to 13.04.2026 at the Tennis Stadium, Sector-10, Chandigarh and Lake Sports Complex, Chandigarh.
Chandigarh, 20 March 2026:The Chandigarh Sports Council will organize the Tricity Open Lawn Tennis Tournament–2026 from 07.04.2026 to 13.04.2026 at the Tennis Stadium, Sector-10, Chandigarh and Lake Sports Complex, Chandigarh.
The tournament will feature competitions for both junior and senior categories, as per the following details:
Categories & Age Cut-off:
• U-14 Boys & Girls Singles (Born between 01.01.2012 and 31.12.2017)
• U-18 Boys & Girls Singles (Born between 01.01.2008 and 31.12.2013)
• Open Men & Women Singles (Players must have completed 15 years of age as on 31.12.2025 or above)
• 35+ Men Singles & Doubles (Born on or before 01.01.1991)
• 35+ Women Singles (Born on or before 01.01.1991)
• 45+ Men Singles & Doubles (Born on or before 01.01.1981)
• 55+ Men Singles & Doubles (Born on or before 01.01.1971)
The last date for submission of entries on the prescribed proforma is 31.03.2026 up to 04:00 PM. The entry proforma will be available on the department’s website (http://sportsdeptt.chd.gov.in) as well as at the Tennis Stadium, Sector-10, Chandigarh.
Entries will be accepted only in physical mode at the Tennis Stadium, Sector-10, Chandigarh, after verification of credentials of the participants.
There will be no entry fee for participation, and all players will be provided refreshments during their matches.
Only those players who are residents or students of schools/colleges located in the Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula) are eligible to participate.
Participants must produce valid proof of age and eligibility, including:
• Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births
• Aadhaar Card
• School/College ID Card or Bonafide Certificate
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Second day of the International Conference, the Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Haryana Yog Aayog, Government of Haryana
CHANDIGARH, 20.03.26-Continuing into the second day of the International Conference, the Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Haryana Yog Aayog, Government of Haryana, carried forward the theme “Yoga for Empowerment: Enhancing the Lives of Children with Intellectual Disabilities” on 20 March 2026 with great enthusiasm and academic engagement.
The second day of the conference witnessed active participation from professionals and experts, further strengthening the discourse on the role of yoga in promoting holistic development and empowerment of children with intellectual disabilities.
Dr Jaideep Arya, Chairman, Haryana Yog Aayog; Dr M. Karuppasamy, Course Coordinator, GRIID; Mr Anil Kumar, Principal, GRIID; and Dr Reena Jain, In-charge, Clinic, GRIID, were among the distinguished dignitaries present at the conference.
The technical sessions were enriched by Dr R. Giridharan, Associate Professor and Head of the Faculty of General and Adapted Physical Education and Yoga at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, and Dr Satbir Khalsa from the USA, who shared their expertise through specialised sessions.
The conference featured eminent dignitaries and resource persons from diverse disciplines.
Dr Madhu Pandit, Founder, Inner Wellness State, Mohali, spoke on “Yoga for Empowerment: Nurturing Confidence, Emotional Balance, and Holistic Well-being in Children with Intellectual Disabilities.”
Professor Dazy Zarabi, Professor, Department of Community Education and Disability Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, delivered an insightful presentation on integrating yoga into inclusive classrooms. Ms Alpana Gautam, Special Educator at GRIID, Chandigarh, demonstrated simple yoga asanas and breathing exercises tailored for children with intellectual disabilities.
Mr. Anil Kumar, Principal of GRIID School, shared practical strategies for adapting yoga practices to meet the needs of children with intellectual disabilities.
Professor Sapna Nanda, Principal, Government College of Education, Chandigarh, conducted a session on the “Yoga and Disability Rights Framework,” emphasising the significance of adopting inclusive and rights-based approaches.
Dr. Jyoti Arya, Assistant Professor at the University of Ayurveda, Uttarakhand, presented on the role of Ayurveda in the field of intellectual disability.
Dr Deepankar Banerjee, Board Member of Special Olympics Bharat, Area Director (SOB) Madhya Pradesh, and former Disability Commissioner of Madhya Pradesh, graced the valedictory function of the two-day International Conference on “Yoga for Empowerment: Enhancing the Lives of Children with Intellectual Disabilities” as the Chief Guest.
The conference concluded with a valedictory function that featured the felicitation of distinguished guests, impressive yogasana presentations by students, and the recognition of winners in paper and poster presentation categories.
The programme formally concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Reena Jain Incharge Clinic , marking the successful completion of the two-day International Conference.