Engineering Department, U.T. Chandigarh, Observes Vigilance Awareness Week; Reaffirms Commitment to Integrity and Transparency

Chandigarh, October 28, 2026: The Engineering Department, U.T. Chandigarh, organised a pledge-taking ceremony today as part of Vigilance Awareness Week 2026, being observed under the theme “Probity for Prosperity.”

Shri C.B. Ojha, Chief Engineer, U.T. Chandigarh, administered the Integrity Pledge to officers and staff members of the Engineering Department. The participants pledged to uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their official duties.

On the occasion, Shri C.B. Ojha emphasised the importance of ethical conduct, transparency and accountability in public service. He urged officers and staff to maintain the highest standards of probity in their professional responsibilities and ensure the efficient, transparent and responsible utilisation of public resources for the welfare of citizens.

The officers and staff reaffirmed their collective commitment to preventing corruption, promoting good governance and strengthening public trust through integrity and impartiality in official functioning.

The Engineering Department reiterated its resolve to foster a culture of honesty, accountability and ethical practices at all levels, in line with the spirit of Vigilance Awareness Week and its theme, “Probity for Prosperity.”

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Hunar Utsav 2026 Concludes on a High Note, Draws Overwhelming Public Response

Over 12,000 Visitors Attend Two-Day Festival at Sukhna Lake; Student-Led Stalls Generate Sales Exceeding ₹1.60 Lakh

Chandigarh, October 28, 2026: Hunar Utsav 2026, organised by the Department of School Education, Chandigarh Administration, at Sukhna Lake, concluded today on a highly successful note, witnessing an overwhelming public response. The two-day festival attracted over 12,000 visitors, while student-led stalls collectively generated sales exceeding ₹1.60 lakh, marking an encouraging achievement in the Department’s efforts to promote skill-based education, experiential learning and entrepreneurship among students.

Organised under the theme “कौशल, संस्कृति, समृद्धि”, the festival provided a vibrant platform for students to showcase their creativity, craftsmanship, vocational skills and entrepreneurial abilities. The enthusiastic participation of visitors reflected widespread appreciation for the innovative products, creative exhibits and practical skills demonstrated by young learners.

A major highlight of the festival was the impressive commercial response to the student-led stalls, which recorded cumulative sales exceeding ₹1,60,000. The achievement demonstrated how skill-based education can translate classroom learning into practical experience, enabling students to understand market dynamics, customer preferences, product presentation and the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

Hunar Utsav served as a meaningful bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Through hands-on participation, students gained valuable exposure to product development, marketing, communication, teamwork, financial awareness and customer engagement. The festival also celebrated traditional craftsmanship alongside contemporary vocational skills, encouraging students to explore their talents and develop confidence in their abilities.

The initiative is closely aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises the integration of vocational education, experiential learning, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving into mainstream education. By providing students with opportunities to learn beyond conventional classrooms, the festival reinforced the importance of making education practical, engaging and future-oriented.

Encouraged by the overwhelming response to this inaugural edition, the Department of School Education is considering making Hunar Utsav a regular feature of the academic calendar. Such an initiative would provide students with sustained opportunities to refine their skills, explore entrepreneurial possibilities, gain practical exposure and interact with the wider community.

The success of Hunar Utsav 2026 reflects the Chandigarh Administration’s commitment to nurturing skilled, confident, innovative and self-reliant young citizens. The impressive public participation and encouraging sales generated by student-led stalls have highlighted the potential of such platforms to strengthen the connection between education, skill development and entrepreneurship.

Hunar Utsav 2026 has emerged as a promising initiative demonstrating that when education meets opportunity, talent transforms into skill, creativity into enterprise, and learning into lifelong possibilities.

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GRIID Commemorates World Occupational Therapy Day 2026 with Emphasis on Participation, Independence and Inclusive Rehabilitation

CHANDIGARH,28.10.26-The Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Chandigarh, commemorated World Occupational Therapy Day 2026 on October 28 with a special programme jointly organised by the College of Special Education and the Clinic Wing. The programme marked World Occupational Therapy Day, observed globally on October 27 each year, and highlighted this year's theme, “Participation Matters.”

The programme aimed to create awareness about the significant role of occupational therapy in promoting functional independence, enhancing daily living skills and improving the quality of life of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

During the programme, Ms. Snehlata, Occupational Therapist, highlighted the importance of World Occupational Therapy Day and elaborated on the significance of this year's theme, “Participation Matters.” She emphasised the essential role of occupational therapy in developing functional abilities, promoting independence and facilitating meaningful participation in everyday activities, particularly among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A major highlight of the programme was the display of innovative Teaching–Learning Materials (TLMs) prepared by students of the College of Special Education. These materials focused on occupational therapy assessment, functional skill development and Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The exhibits reflected the students' creativity and practical understanding of therapeutic approaches for supporting children with diverse functional and developmental needs.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. M. Karuppasamy, Head of the Department of Special Education, emphasised the crucial role of special educators in providing quality educational and rehabilitation services to children with high support needs. He highlighted the importance of integrating occupational therapy interventions into special education practices to enhance functional abilities, promote independence and encourage meaningful participation in everyday life. He also appreciated the efforts of students in preparing need-based teaching–learning materials.

The programme provided a valuable platform for strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration between special education and clinical rehabilitation services, while encouraging students to develop practical competencies in addressing the individual needs of children with disabilities.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Yashvinder Kapil, who expressed gratitude to the Head of Department, Clinic In-charge, therapists, faculty members, clinical staff, programme coordinators and students for their valuable contributions and active participation in making the event successful.

The occasion was also graced by Ms. Ramanjot Kaur, Clinic In-charge; Ms. Snehlata, Occupational Therapist; Mr. Prateek, Speech Therapist; Ms. Yamini; and Dr. Bibhakar Vishwakarma, along with college faculty members, clinical professionals, staff and students.

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A Classroom Without Walls: Chandigarh's Forests Turn into Learning Grounds for Schoolchildren

Chandigarh, October 28: Not every lesson needs a blackboard. Some begin with the flutter of a butterfly, the call of a bird or the discovery of a plant along a forest trail.
For nearly 100 students of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector-27, Wednesday's classroom was Butterfly Park, Sector-26, where nature took centre stage. Guided by butterfly expert Shri Kulbhushan Kanwar, students explored the fascinating world of butterflies, discovering how they grow, why certain plants attract them and the vital role they play in pollination and maintaining ecological balance.

The visit is one of several outdoor learning experiences being organised by the Department of Forests & Wildlife, U.T. Chandigarh, under a two-month nature education programme spanning October and November 2026, in coordination with the Department of School Education. The initiative is reaching out to Government schools across the city, offering students an opportunity to discover the natural world beyond their textbooks.
The learning extends well beyond butterflies. Along the Lake Forest Trail, students venture into forest surroundings, observing birds, identifying native trees and discovering the variety of plants and animals that inhabit Chandigarh's forests. Guided by nature experts, these walks introduce children to the connections between different species and the ecosystems that support them.

By opening up the city's natural spaces to young learners, the Forest Department is making environmental education an experience rather than just a subject. The aim is not merely to teach children about nature, but to awaken the curiosity that encourages them to explore, understand and eventually care for it.