MoU signed between KCW and Laurentian University

 

MoU signed between KCW and Laurentian University

 AMRITSAR, APRIL 4

 

Khalsa College for Women (KCW) and Laurentian University (LU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance academic collaboration and provide better educational opportunities for students. Laurentian University, located in Sudbury, Ontario, is a leading bilingual institution in Canada, recognized for its excellence in education, research, and community engagement. Laurentian University fosters a dynamic learning environment and plays a crucial role in regional development while making a global impact through its academic and research contributions. The signing ceremony took place at the office of Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, Honorary Secretary, Khalsa College Charitable Society, Amritsar, in the presence of dignitaries from both institutions.

 

The MOU was signed in the presence of Dr. Parvinder Arora, Faculty Dean of Business, Aarti Ravat, Global Official Representative and Viren Singal, Global Strategy and Recruitment Partner Head, who came from Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada, and RMS Chhina, Dr. Surinder Kaur, Principal/Dean, Academic Affairs, Dr. Khushwinder Kumar, Registrar, Khalsa University, and Dr. Suman Nayyar, Head Department of Commerce and Management.

 

The MoU focuses on the BBA program and includes student and faculty exchange programs, industry collaborations, joint research, and skill development initiatives. It will also provide students with opportunities for internships, entrepreneurship training, and exposure to digital business strategies. This partnership is especially beneficial for students seeking international exposure and global learning experiences. The curriculum of the programme is designed as per New Education Policy-2020. The ceremony concluded with an exchange of mementos and a vote of thanks by Dr. Ritu Dhawan.

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Saptak Talwar bags maiden title at Adani Invitational Golf Championship

 

 Saptak Talwar (centre) receives the trophy from Mr. Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises Limited (right) and Mr. Kapil Dev, President, PGTI (left)

 Saptak Talwar bags maiden title at Adani Invitational Golf Championship  

 GREATER NOIDA, APRIL 4

Saptak Talwar of Greater Noida ended a long wait for his maiden title after he outshined his nearest rivals at his home course with a flawless final round of five-under 67 at the INR 1.5 crore Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025 played at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

The 26-year-old Saptak’s (67-72-69-67) superb last round effort lifted him two spots from his overnight third position. Talwar, who had previously posted two runner-up finishes on the PGTI since turning pro in 2021, ended the week with a winning total of 13-under 275 and a one-stroke victory margin.

Talwar, who studied at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, USA, prior to turning professional, picked up the winning cheque worth INR 22,50,000 that propelled him from seventh to fourth position in the PGTI Order of Merit.

Overnight joint leaders Arjun Prasad (68-69-69-70) of Delhi and Chandigarh’s Yuvraj Sandhu (70-67-69-71) finished second and third at 12-under 276 and 11-under 277 respectively.

Saptak Talwar, who was two off the lead at the start of round four, enjoyed a hot start on Friday as he capitalized with birdies on the first two par-5s, the second and fourth holes. Saptak then added two more birdies on the fifth and 10^th using his wedges to great effect. He narrowly missed a five-feet eagle putt on the par-5 12^th where he picked up his fifth birdie of the day.

Talwar, who had made three three-putts for bogeys earlier in the week, then saw it home with pars on the last six holes. He made a crucial par save from eight feet on the 16^th that helped keep his card bogey-free and gave him the momentum towards the end.

Saptak said, “It’s great to win at my home course in the presence of my family and friends. This is my fifth straight week of competition and my endurance was my biggest asset this week. The fact that it was a relatively stress-free week because I was playing in home conditions and there was not much preparation needed also helped.

“At the start of the day, my approach was to just be patient and keep myself in the mix as long as possible as I knew the course well and was aware that I will have my opportunities at some stage. After the good start, the eight-feet par putt on the 16^th I feel was a pivotal moment for me today. It helped me keep my card clean and gave me the confidence to finish well.”

Arjun Prasad, also searching for his first title, produced five birdies and three bogeys during his fourth round of 70. Arjun had the opportunity to take the match into a playoff before he bogeyed the final hole.

Yuvraj Sandhu, a two-time winner on the PGTI this season, sank five birdies on the last day but an early double-bogey and two bogeys on the back-nine put him out of contention as he signed for a 71.

There was a hole-in-one by Sri Lankan N Thangaraja on the 14^th during his fourth round of 71. He secured tied 17^th place at two-under 286.

Nineteen-year-old Sukhman Singh of Greater Noida, the lone amateur to make the cut, won the prize for the best performance by an amateur. Sukhman totaled six-over 294 for the week to finish tied 46th. 

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Arjun Prasad and Yuvraj Sandhu continue in the joint lead

  Arjun Prasad and Yuvraj Sandhu continue in the joint lead   

Yuvraj Sandhu

GREATER NOIDA, APRIL 3

Delhi-based Arjun Prasad and Chandigarh’s Yuvraj Sandhu continued in the joint lead after shooting scores of three-under 69 on day three of the INR 1.5 crore Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025 being played at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

Overnight joint leaders Arjun (68-69-69) and Yuvraj (70-67-69), who happen to be close friends and are also often roommates during tournaments, took their total score to 10-under 206 on Thursday as they extended their lead over the rest of the field to two strokes.

Greater Noida’s Saptak Talwar (67-72-69) climbed two spots to third position at eight-under 208 following his third round of 69.

Delhi’s Honey Baisoya and Chandigarh’s Harendra Gupta carded scores of 72 to end the day in tied fourth place at six-under 210.

Arjun Sharma (68) was the other player from Greater Noida in the top-10 as he closed the day in tied sixth place at five-under 211. Arjun sank two eagles during his 68 on Thursday.

Arjun Prasad

Noida-based teenager Sukhman Singh, the lone amateur to make the cut, returned a 73 to be placed tied 39^th at three-over 219.

On a day when the swirling wind switched directions and was causing trouble to most of the field, Arjun Prasad made a hot start with three birdies on the first five holes where he had a couple of 10-feet conversions.

After a bogey on the eighth, the 26-year-old Arjun, searching for his maiden title, came back strong with birdies on the 10^th and 17th (par-3) where he came up with a terrific bunker shot and an equally good tee shot respectively. Prasad, currently sixth on the PGTI Order of Merit, remained on top of the leaderboard despite dropping a bogey on the closing 18th.

Arjun said, “With the wind switching direction today, quite a few holes were playing differently. So, one had to accordingly make the changes in the tee shots and the lines. Making these adjustments was critical today and I managed to do that well.

“It’s always fun playing in the same group as my good friend and regular roommate Yuvraj. We play a lot of practice rounds together so we always enjoy each other’s company. Even today, we were pushing each other to do better by making those birdies and par saves. I look forward to playing in the leader group with Yuvraj once again in the final round.”

Unlike the second round, Yuvraj Sandhu had a comparatively slower start on day three as he bogeyed the first hole. The 28-year-old Yuvraj, a winner of 11 titles including two on the PGTI this year, came roaring back with three birdies between the second and fifth holes.

Sandhu, currently third on the PGTI Order of Merit, then added three more birdies and two bogeys on his back-nine where he had mixed fortunes.

Yuvraj said, “It was an up and down day for me as the putter went cold especially on the back-nine. But I’m glad that it was topsy-turvy today as I can now expect a much better final round.

“I’m excited about playing alongside my friend Arjun in the leader group on the final day for the second time this season. He’s been working really hard on his game so I’m looking forward to the contest.

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Yuvraj Sandhu and Arjun Prasad rise to the top in round two

  Yuvraj Sandhu and Arjun Prasad rise to the top in round two  

 GREATER NOIDA, APRIL 2

Chandigarh’s Yuvraj Sandhu and Delhi’s Arjun Prasad climbed atop the leaderboard with totals of seven-under 137 after round two of the INR 1.5 crore Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025 being played at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

Arjun Prasad 

Yuvraj Sandhu 

While Yuvraj (70-67), a two-time winner on the PGTI this season, came up with a 67 on Wednesday to rise nine spots from his overnight tied 10^th, Arjun (68-69) delivered a 69 to gain two spots from his overnight tied third place.

Chandigarh golfer Harendra Gupta shot the day’s best score of 66 to end up in tied third place at six-under 138 along with Honey Baisoya of Delhi who sank two eagles during his round of 68.  

Saptak Talwar, the first-round joint leader, carded a 72 to close the day as the best-placed professional from Greater Noida as he occupied fifth position at five-under 139.

The halfway cut came down at three-over 147. Sixty professionals and one amateur made the cut.

The lone amateur to make the cut was 19-year-old Sukhman Singh (71) of Noida who was tied 31^st at two-over 146.

Yuvraj Sandhu came out all guns blazing on day two making seven birdies on the first 10 holes where he hit his irons and wedges to perfection. On this stretch, 28-year-old Yuvraj narrowly missed a hole-in-one on the third, chipped-in on the 10^th and produced some exceptional chips and a terrific bunker shot to leave himself easy birdie conversions.

Yuvraj said, “This is my fourth straight week of competition so there was a little shoulder pain at the start of this event. But the physio here at the tournament, Ravinder Sir helped me get rid of the pain. A big thanks to him.

“As there was no wind in the morning, I pressed the pedal to take advantage of the conditions. But once the wind started swirling in the afternoon, I lost a shot or two in that transition.

“I’m playing at Jaypee after a long time, in fact this is my first professional event at this venue. I last played here as an amateur. But the course is quite challenging now and has its own teeth.”

Twenty-six-year-old Arjun Prasad, still searching for his maiden victory, made four birdies and a bogey in round two. Three of Arjun’s birdies came on the par-5s as a result of two outstanding up and downs and a great bunker shot.

Arjun said, “I’ve had a decent start to the season thanks to all the work that I’ve put in with my coach and my team. I’ve had two solid days so far and am now looking forward to playing in the leader group with my good friend Yuvraj for the second time this season.”

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Odisha Day celebrated at Haryana Raj Bhawan

 Odisha Day celebrated at Haryana Raj Bhawan

Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya lauds Odisha’s contribution to national and Haryana development 

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 1

The Haryana Raj Bhawan witnessed a grand celebration of Odisha Day on Tuesday, commemorating the formation of Odisha as a separate state on April 1, 1936. The event was graced by Hon’ble Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatraya, who lauded the invaluable contributions of the people of Odisha towards the development of Haryana and the nation at large.

Governor Shri Dattatraya highlighted the rich cultural and historical legacy of Odisha, emphasizing its profound impact on India’s heritage. He said: “Odisha is not just a land of ancient temples and rich traditions but also a state that has significantly contributed to India’s economic and social progress. The industrious and skilled workforce from Odisha has played a crucial role in Haryana’s growth across various sectors as well.”

Distinguished members of the Odia community residing in Haryana, along with dignitaries from various sectors, attended the celebration. Shri Atul Dwivedi, Secretary to Governor, Shri Amit Yashvardhan, ADC to Governor, and senior officials of the Raj Bhawan were also present on the occasion.       

The Governor reiterated the importance of unity in diversity, stating that Odisha’s cultural richness strengthens India’s pluralistic ethos. He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Odia community in preserving and promoting their traditions while integrating seamlessly with Haryana’s progressive environment.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Padma Shri Dr D Behera, Director, Pulmonary Medicine, Fortis Healthcare, Mohali, Dr RK Ratho, Prof and Head of Dept of Virology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr Surya Narayan Panda, Pro VC, Chitkara University Punjab, Dr Sushant Sahoo, Additional Prof, Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr Raghunath Sahoo, Superintendent Physiotherapist, PGIMER, and Bhabagrahi Patra, Joint Secretary, Utkal Sanskrutik Sangh, Chandigarh.

N Thangaraja and Saptak Talwar tied for the lead in round one

  N Thangaraja and Saptak Talwar tied for the lead in round one 

GREATER NOIDA, APRIL 1

Saptak Talwar

Sri Lankan N Thangaraja and Greater Noida’s Saptak Talwar, playing at his home course, put up scores of five-under 67 to hold the joint lead in round one of the INR 1.5 crore Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025 being played at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Greater Noida.

Om Prakash Chouhan of Mhow, Delhi golfer Arjun Prasad, Gurugram’s Sunhit Bishnoi and Bangladeshi Md Somrat Sikdar were bunched in tied third place with identical scores of four-under 68.

N Thangaraja, a winner on the PGTI last month, went bogey-free on day one. He scored two birdies on the front-nine courtesy a tap-in and a 30-feet conversion. Thanga then began the back-nine with consecutive birdies on the 10^th and 11^th, landing his approaches from 130 yards to within five feet on both occasions. He added his final birdie of the day on the 14tth.

N Thangaraja

The 43-year-old Thanga with five PGTI wins to his name, said, “I feel I’ve been in great rhythm since my win last month in Ahmedabad. My hitting form has been great. Today I hit all fairways barring one and struck 16 greens in regulation. I just missed a couple of short putts. But I’ll take an error-free opening round any day.

“The course feels just a little longer than the last time I played here in 2013. It will require good driving and putting to score well here.”

A couple of three-putts for bogeys on the back-nine resulted in a slow start for local lad Saptak Talwar who made the turn at one-over. Saptak then got on a roll on the front-nine as he picked up an eagle and four birdies between the first and the sixth hole. His eagle putt and two birdie putts were from a range of 12 to 17 feet. Talwar also landed his tee shot within three feet on the par-3 third for a birdie.

The 26-year-old Saptak said, “It was great to be back at my home course. But after playing tournaments at different venues over the last few weeks, I was adjusting to the greens here. I’ve not played up to my expectations in the last two rounds of events recently. However, I feel I’m getting better with every passing week.”

Yuvraj Sandhu and Shaurya Bhattacharya, both winners this season, were in tied 10th place at 70.

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Jay Clarke of Great Britain lifts singles title

 

 Jay Clarke (of Britain lifts singles title

 CHANDIGARH, MARCH 16          

Top seed Jay Clarke of Great Britain won the singles title of M15 Chandigarh ITF World Tour Tennis Men’s (US$-15K prize money Tournament at the Sector 10 Tennis Stadium here today.

. Jay Clarke (GBR) defeated third seed of Woobin Shin (KOR) in a 3 setter marathon match 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-0. Jay Clarke and Woobin Shin played high level tennis. Jay Clarke won the first set in tie break, in the second set Woobin Shin of Korea came back strongly and took the  set 6-4. In the final set Jay Clarke lift his level of game and played a high energetic game, finally Jay Clarke won the set and match without conceding a single game 6-0.

 Mr. Vishav Bandhu Monga, Chief State Coordinator, HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited; and. Sudhir Rajpal, IAS, Honorary Secretary  distributed the prizes to the winners and runners-up of Men’s doubles event.

Filiberto Fumagalli (ITA) and his partner Aryan Lakshmanan (IND) upset second seed S D Prajawal Dev (IND) / Nitin Kumar Sinha (IND) in the 3 setter match 2-6, 6-4, 11-9 in the Men’s doubles final.

Men’s Singles  (final): Jay Clarke (GBR) [1] bt. Woobin Shin (KOR) [3] 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-0.

Semi-finals:    Jay Clarke (GBR) [1] bt. Stefan Vujic (AUS) 6-3, 7-6(3), Woobin Shin (KOR) [3] bt. Ishaque Eqbal (IND) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(2) 

 Men’s Doubles (final):Filiberto Fumagalli (ITA)/ Aryan Lakshmanan (IND) bt. S D Prajawal Dev (IND) / Nitin Kumar Sinha (IND) [2] 2-6, 6-4, 11-9.

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