Surprises Galore In Twenty First Century

Received From B B Goyal Ludhiana on 26th September 2025 at 6:13 PM

Guest Article by *Prof PK Sharma

Ludhiana: 26th September 2025: (Media Link Ravinder//Punjab Screen Desk):: 

Brij Bhushan Goya is very known for his creative works, articles and reports etc. Today he sent an special article by *Prof PK Sharma.

Every era, time and century brims indeed with its own varied hues,innovations and distinctive contours."Change is the law of nature"is a time tested and popular saying,why not it be so with the present century too unfolding many of its queer surprises on the world scene in sharp comparison to the past ones?

Ruminating over the nuances of twenty first century, one stark reality of life haunts off and on that nothing is hard and fast in life.It reminds of William Shakespeare's famous play"Macbeth" in which at the very outset of the drama three witches chant,"Fair is foul and foul is fair" making it very candidly clear that words,concepts and definitions go on changing their connotations with the passage of time.In today's foxy a world, no one knows and is certain when "fair" turns "foul" and "foul" turns"fair"within the twinkling of an eye.

Never ever imagined that things will undergo bizarre an alteration in the present century so swiftly in all the four directions north,east,west and south of the globe.A bird's eye view ironically bears testimony to this fact that there are sharp contrasts and contradictions tangible on the today's world scene studying quite raptly the yore too.

First of all, the word DEMOCRACY comes to my mind.The famous quote of Abraham Lincoln erstwhile US President in his1863 Gettysburg address claimed it as"government of the people,by the people,for the people,shall not perish." Democracy in India drummed as the"mother of democracy" virtually is now "government of the few,by the few, for the few." The word people evaporates because of a yawning gap between the rich and the poor and inequalities unabated at various levels in "We the people of India...." pointing out evidently towards the same where A1 and A2 in terms of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in addition to the Supremo reign supreme,not at all the people of India. 

Democracy is treated these days so whimsically and instinctively in India as a fiefdom as the Lok Sabha has been pulling on sans the post of Deputy Speaker for the past over six years.Mr.Jagdeep Dhankhar Vice-President  of India-cum- Chairman Rajya Sabha on July,21 conducts too cheerfully the proceedings of the House of Elders on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon session but by the evening either he quits his office mysteriously on health grounds in reality or made to do so  unceremoniously after completing half of his term deemed to be the blue eyed boy of "the powers that be".What a new norm of democracy did take everybody by surprise in June,2024 when the BJP's parliamentary party did not dare to convene a meeting to elect its leader in Lok Sabha but instead it was the National Democratic Alliance which completed this ritual of electing NDA leader to offer the Supremo a hassle free and safe passage to be sworn in for the third time as the Executive Head of the nation.Israel too is having democracy only in the name as PM Benjamin Netanyahu is calling the shots ruling the roost turning out to be a symbol of the devilish dance of destruction, devastation,displacement and death- only and ultimately the people and mankind the casualty.

An active journalist of more than four decades, journalism for me then in past century and now in the present one deserves deep peep into as well as a sharp analytical look.Journalism as I have comprehended so far, implies digging out truth but is it so in the letter and the spirit in India now?The spot reporting, human interest stories,first page editorials and exclusive symbolic photojournalism by and large seem to be the casualties, bidden a go bye these days also from the style sheet of journals and electronic media.The print and electronic press barring few exceptions have a penchant for concentrating and focussing unduly on the duo of ruling party "supremos" more, overlooking the opposition party bigwigs off and on.

The September 17 editions of various TV channels, English and Hindi dailies did abound with many birthday stories, ads and snaps of the supremo very unusually almost on most of the pages, making no photojournalism sense when nation on the whole had been passing through very odd, trying and tough times in wake of the fierce fury of floods in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Bihar,Jammu Kashmir and Haryana.On  keen observation,it was found that a reputed 150 year old English daily carried eleven photographs of the "supremo" in its 12 page edition on this particular day making a mockery of photo journalism. Quite often in routine too,some dailies display at least half a dozen snaps of the "supremo" offering too much space in one edition on a given single day whereas the enough space if so saved can be utilised optimally for either disseminating some other important information or more exclusive stories.

The "Number One"and "Number Two" of the nation still do not entertain any difference between the ruling party and opposition suffering from paradoxes in abundance though in the driving seat for more than eleven years. Both do not feel shy of blaming Congress for all the ills and blemishes in the nation to sustain in power for long.Recently in a poll rally in Purnia of Bihar, the Supremo made Congress Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal scapegoat for protecting the infiltrators in Bihar posing a grave threat to India on many accounts forgetting that it is PM and Home Minister's duty to arrest this problem staring the nation in the face as both are holding the reigns of power for more than eleven years .Come polls anywhere in the nation,far flung-futile issues never ever bothered or cared,are in the forefront and vogue  pressed as the poll campaign stuff to befool the masses !

The word "peace" too has assumed very startling semiotics in the present day world.Some of the five Veto Powers too have been resorting to amusing antics. The Russian President Vladimir Putin whose country is involved in long drawn a war with Ukraine strangely proposed himself for mediation of ceasefire between Israel and Palestine forces.US President Donald Trump has been yearning for Nobel Peace Prize on account of claiming time and again mediation in seven peace missions including the cease fire between Pakistan and India claimed almost forty five times but not dittoed by India, who at one time did not refrain from attacking Iran on one or the other pretext,then Russia and Ukraine stance too did not please Trump who did strive in vain to put a full stop to their war despite his repeated efforts in this regard.The big powers of the world wish to sell modern dreadful weapons of war just to the developing nations but at the same time yearn for Nobel Peace Prize decoration too,how paradoxical a wish !

All in all,the nineteenth and twentieth centuries did leave their remarkable as well dismal footprints on the sands of time but the twenty first century has so far been replete with its dreadful,awe-inspiring and traumatic times be it Gujarat Riots, Corona Catastrophe,Coup In Afghanistan,Change Of Guard In Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, Russia Ukraine War,Indo-Pakistan Conflicts on borders,Sino-Indian Skirmishes,Israel-Palestine  Tug of War Still In Progress, Manipur Mayhem With Climatic Dangers looming large playing havoc over the world scene.The world in the 20th Century becoming a global village owing to technological advances and revolution is standing on the brink of grave impending dangers and disasters swayed by hollow,petty egos and arrogant mindsets at the international level hence peace,amity and harmony alluding the world badly.

*Prof PK Sharma Freelance Journalist & Associate Professor of English(Retired) has been an alumnus of SCD Govt. College, Ludhiana

CPI Demands Chandigarh Be Handed Over to Punjab

Received from CPI 25th National Congress on 24th September at 5:25 pm

This resolution was moved by the Punjab leader Baldev Singh Nihalgarh

At the 25th Congress of the CPI, a resolution was passed declaring that Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and should be given to Punjab. This resolution was moved by the Punjab leader Baldev Singh Nihalgarh.

The leaders pointed out that Chandigarh was built by displacing Punjabi villages to serve as the capital of Punjab, and therefore the Punjabi people’s demand that Chandigarh be handed over to Punjab is both rightful and just.

Alongside this, the demand was also raised that Punjabi be granted the status of the official language in the capital of Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The Punjabi Bachao Manch is already running a campaign in favour of Punjabi, in which senior Party leader Comrade Devi Dayal Sharma and other leaders are participating.

CPI pays homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Received from CPI 25th National Congress on 24th September at 5:20 pm

Also demands that Chandigarh be given to Punjab

CPI passes political and economic resolutions

Chandigarh: 24th September 2025: (Punjab Screen Desk Team)::

While holding its 25th Congress at Chandigarh, the Communist Party of India remembers and pays homage to the ninth (9th) Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in the 350th year of his martyrdom. The great Guru Sahib taught us and humanity how to fight against injustice and tyranny. He taught us that we should neither be afraid of anyone, nor should we make anyone afraid of us. Guru Sahib was an epitome of courage and bravery, as well as a great scholar. He stands out as one of the greatest champions of human rights. His humanism embraced the whole of mankind. His teachings teach us the lessons of universal brotherhood, equality and justice. His supreme sacrifice is unmatched in the annals of human history, and learning from his teachings, the Communist Party of India reaffirms its commitment to fight against injustice and for the rights of the oppressed and the toiling masses of the country. We remember the great Guru Sahib and bow our heads in his memory.

On the third day of the 25th Congress of the Communist Party of India (CPI), important resolutions were passed concerning current Indian politics, the industrial sector, MGNREGA, Dalit issues, and Punjab, Punjabi language and Punjabi identity.

In the context of Punjab, senior Communist leader of Punjab, Hardev Arshi, moved a resolution of homage on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Party leaders described Guru Ji’s martyrdom as unparalleled. The Party stated that the great Guru Sahib taught us, and indeed the whole of humanity, to fight against injustice and tyranny. He taught us that we must neither succumb to fear nor instill fear in others.

The Party hailed Guru Sahib as an embodiment of faith, courage, and bravery, while also highlighting his profound wisdom. The Party declared him a great champion of human rights and said that he taught us the values of harmony and social equality. The Party further described Guru Sahib’s martyrdom as one of the greatest events in the history of humanity and resolved to walk upon his teachings, learn from them, and fight for the rights of the oppressed.

In another resolution, the Party said that the federal structure of the country is under threat and that the economy of the states is suffering heavy damage. The 16th Finance Commission has further reduced the states’ share of revenue, while the cesses imposed by the Central Government have risen to 23.4 per cent, of which the states receive no share. The Party called for public mobilisation in defence of federalism, together with Left and democratic forces.

Through two other resolutions, the Party opposed the privatisation of the defence production industry and the increasing privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Similarly, the Party opposed the expansion of the power sector, terming it anti-people and anti-worker. Expressing support for the employees of the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department, who have been on strike for 295 days, the Party strongly opposed privatisation policies.

The Party described the MGNREGA scheme as a major measure of social security and demanded the provision of 200 days of employment per year with a daily wage of ₹800.

Condemning the atrocities against Dalits, the Party noted that such crimes have risen sharply over the last ten years. With the support of statistics, the Party held BJP policies responsible for this increase. Reference was made to many such crimes, including Hathras. Subsequently, the Party presented its political report, which was unanimously adopted.

Today’s debates saw participation from the Party’s leading figures including D. Raja, Amarjeet Kaur, Palab Sen Gupta, Hardev Arshi, K. Srinivas Reddy and others.

In the evening’s cultural programme, artists from IPTA Punjab, IPTA Chandigarh, and the Punjabi Folk Dance Academy presented Punjabi folk dances—Luddi and Bhangra. Through their performances, the artists depicted various aspects of Punjab’s cultural life. Alongside the performances, the poetry of Gurnam Kanwar lent a in revolutionary spirit to the evening.

Dipankar called upon the entire nation to fight against SIR

Received From Kanwaljeet Singh on Sunday 7th Sep 2025 at 16:59 PM Regarding AIPF Seminar 

There is a conspiracy to rob the right to vote through SIR  

Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya explained each and every Point

Chandigarh: 7th September 2025: (Media Link 32//The Comrade Screen Desk)::

All India People's Forum (AIPF) organized a seminar on the topic "Attack on the election process through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being conducted in Bihar" as part of the speech series dedicated to Comrade Swapan Mukherjee. CPI (ML) Liberation National General Secretary Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya participated in it as the keynote speaker. The program was presided over by Comrade Mangat Ram Pasla, Prof. Kuldeep Singh of GND University and the stage was conducted by Comrade Kanwaljit Singh.

Dipankar called upon the entire nation to fight against SIR on the topic "Attack on the election process through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being conducted in Bihar" as part of the speech series dedicated to Comrade Swapan Mukherjee. CPI (ML) Liberation National General Secretary Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya participated in it as the keynote speaker. The program was presided over by Comrade Mangat Ram Pasla, Prof. Kuldeep Singh of GND University and the stage was conducted by Comrade Kanwaljit Singh.

Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya, speaking on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted in Bihar, said that through this, the process of snatching our rights is beginning. He said that when a delegation of opposition parties met the Election Commission of India in this regard, the Election Commission spoke like a spokesperson of the BJP. The Election Commission speaks only what Modi says. He said that about 65 lakh voters are being removed from the voter list before the elections in Bihar. Comrade Dipankar said that votes were stolen in Maharashtra earlier. He said that vote thieves must be removed from power, otherwise they will snatch away the citizenship and voting rights given by the Constitution from the poor and minorities. He said that the entire country should support those who are fighting against SIR in Bihar today.

On this occasion, Mangat Ram Pasla while addressing said that the BJP's central government has captured the constitutional institutions. Today the BJP wants to take the country back in history and enslave the Dalits again. He said that a 'pol-khol' campaign will be launched in Punjab also against this dangerous conspiracy.

On this occasion, senior comrade Inderjit Singh Grewal, national member of Samyukta Kisan Morcha Prasottam Sharma, state president of Punjab Kisan Union Rulda Singh Mansa, Professor Lailan Baghel of Punjab University, Ajayb Singh Tiwana, Advocate Vipin Kumar, comrade Lal Bahadur etc. also addressed the gathering. 

On this occasion, Puneet and Prince kept the atmosphere alive with their songs. Student organization AISA from Punjab University also participated enthusiastically.

Police action on BJP camp–many arrested

Received from Hardev Singh on Sunday 24th August 2025 at 20:20 Regarding Police Action on BJP Workers

BJP activists also raised strong slogans

Chandigarh: 24th August 2025: (Media Link Ravinder//Punjab Screen Desk)::

The Punjab government tried to crush the BJP camp set up near Kheda Temple in Mullanpur Bazar, New Chandigarh of Kharar Assembly with the help of police force. During this, the police also arrested many activists including Punjab BJP Vice President Dr. Subhash Sharma. Protesting the arrest, these BJP activists raised strong slogans and termed it as the dictatorship and hooliganism of the Aam Aadmi Party government.

Dr. Sharma, while making a sharp attack, said that the Aam Aadmi Party government has completely panicked. BJP workers are being prevented from going to villages across the state, police blockades have been put up on the roads. He said, “On one hand, Punjab is becoming a haven for gangsters, drugs are being sold openly, but the Mann government is turning a blind eye to these serious issues. On the contrary, it is afraid of the peaceful social welfare camps of BJP workers.”

Dr. Sharma, taking a dig at former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, said that the Mann government is following the path of “Sama, Dam, Danda, Bheed” as he had said. He made it clear that BJP workers are neither going to stop nor bow down under pressure. Many workers have also been injured due to the police’s lathi-charge action.

He said that it is surprising that the AAP government itself sets up camps in different places and calls it democracy, but when the BJP gives information about the schemes to the public, it is stopped by calling it 'data theft'.

“This is proof of the government's desperation and the growing public support for the BJP. It is clear that the Mann government has lost ground and is afraid of the growing power of the BJP.”

Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave 2025:

Received From HBCH&RC Punjab on Saturday 23rd August 2025 at 5:22 PM Regarding Cancer Conclave

 Governor Gulab Chand Kataria Inaugurates Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery

Chandigarh: Saturday: 23rd August 2025: (Media link Ravinder//Punjab Screen)::

On the second day of the three-day Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave (HBCC) 2025, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery facility at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab.

The prestigious conclave, being held at the campus of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Chandigarh, has brought together leading oncologists, researchers, and healthcare experts from across the country to deliberate on the latest innovations in cancer treatment, care, and prevention.

The ceremony was graced by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon'ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest. During the event, he inaugurated Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab. Commending the hospital’s contributions to cancer care in the region, the Governor said, "Over the past 80 years, Tata Memorial Centre has carved out a unique identity in the field of cancer treatment worldwide. With the alarming rise in the number of cancer patients in our country, the expansion of TMC has become a necessity. Today, there are nine centers established across India, two of which are in Punjab—a region that was in dire need of such advanced facilities."

The second edition of Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave witnessed participation from distinguished medical leaders including Dr. Shripad D. Banavali, Director (Academics), Tata Memorial Centre; Dr. A.K. Attri, Director Principal, GMCH-32 Chandigarh, Dr. Satyajit Pradhan, Director, HBCH & MPMMCC Varanasi, and Dr. Umesh Mahantshetty, Director, HBCH&RC Vizag.

The ceremony began with a welcome address by Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab, followed by the release of the Annual Magazine and the much-awaited launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab —a milestone in advanced cancer treatment for the region.

Highlighting environmental and lifestyle-related factors, the Governor remarked on the rising cancer burden, "Industrial pollution, contamination of the Sutlej river, increased use of chemical fertilizers, and lifestyle changes are all contributing to the rise of cancer cases. It is essential to focus on prevention and awareness while addressing the root causes of cancer if we are to control its spread."

Speaking about national health initiatives, he added, "A healthy individual is the foundation of a healthy society, and a healthy society is the foundation of a healthy nation. No country can progress without health as its top priority. In 2013-14, India’s health budget was ₹33,000 crore. Today, it has increased to ₹1 lakh crore, a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to healthcare under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Praising HBCH&RC’s preventive campaigns, the Governor said, "The hospital has screened more than 1.7 lakh people for early detection of cancer and treated many patients at an early stage. This is a remarkable achievement."

Launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab

The introduction of robotic surgery marks a transformative leap in cancer treatment at HBCH&RC, Punjab. This cutting-edge technology enables surgeons to perform complex cancer surgeries with greater precision, minimal blood loss, and quicker recovery times. With this launch, HBCH&RC becomes one of the very few government cancer hospitals in North India to offer robotic-assisted surgical care, ensuring that patients from Punjab and neighboring states have access to world-class cancer treatment without the need to travel outside the region.

In a patient-centric initiative, Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, HBCH&RC Punjab announced that the first 80 robotic surgeries for patients in the general category will be provided free of cost.

On this occasion, Director Gulia, highlighted the vision of the conclave, "HBCC 2025 is a confluence of science, innovation, and collaboration. Our mission is to bring cutting-edge cancer treatment to patients while creating an ecosystem where knowledge and research directly translate into improved patient care. The launch of robotic cancer surgery aligns with our commitment to precision oncology, ensuring that no patient in Punjab has to travel far for advanced treatment."

He further added, "We are delighted to have over 400 experts and delegates joining us for HBCC 2025. I extend my gratitude to NMIMS for supporting us in hosting this academic event in North India. We remain committed to advancing education and awareness about common cancers across the region."

The session also featured academic discussions on molecular pathology, gynecological and genitourinary cancers, pediatric oncology, breast oncology, and musculoskeletal oncology, along with masterclasses on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

The conclave is hosting lectures, debates, panel discussions, and a special Cancer Awareness Walkathon at Sukhna Lake.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Alok K. Goel, Organizing Secretary, who acknowledged the contributions of dignitaries, faculty, and delegates in making HBCC 2025 a landmark event in the fight against cancer.

the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Guru Ji

From MPSK on Tuesday 5th August 2025 at 17:45 Regarding DGMC   

DGMC should bring everyone together on one platform: Paramjit Singh Virji

New Delhi: 5th August 2025:(Manpreet Singh Khalsa//The Punjab Screen Desk)::

The Delhi Gurdwara Committee Management, who is surrounded by only three or four of their men, should have taken the religious, political, Nihang organizations, Taksals and federations of the entire Sikh Panth to create a common platform to celebrate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Guru Ji on a global scale. 

Sardar Paramjit Singh Virji, head of Gurubani Research Foundation and former co-chairman of the Dharam Prachar Wing of Delhi Committee, said in a press note issued to the media that this centenary celebration is not of the Delhi Committee alone but of the entire Panth and therefore there is a dire need for a large-scale publicity about the "martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji" so that the world can know that the ninth king laid down his head to protect the "Tilak and Janjhu" and his three younger Sikhs also accepted the punishment of martyrdom by not accepting the injunction of the Mughals. 

But today, Sikhs are repeatedly made to feel that they are second-class citizens in the country. Sometimes there are restrictions on the children who are giving papers, sometimes there is harassment of Sikh youth working at the airport, sometimes there is tampering with Sikh history, sometimes there is desecration of turbans and Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and the perpetrators of serious crimes like Ram Rahim and Asaram are repeatedly granted parole. Not even considering the issues of Sikh prisoners. 

Will the Delhi Committee organizers raise the serious issues of the Sikhs before the PM and Home Minister of the country who will be present at the centenary celebrations or will they just formally organize a function and take their revenge? 

The Delhi Committee should have made preparations for the centenary celebrations three months in advance, but their inexperience in every matter only brings shame to the nation. The Gurus were martyred in Delhi, so this ceremony should be celebrated on a large scale in Delhi, but it is not right for the committee president to formally write a letter to the SGPC and take revenge. 

It was his duty to personally meet the SGPC president, Takht Hazur Sahib Committee, Takht Patna Sahib Committee and request them, but since he is surrounded by three or four people, his thinking has also remained with him.