Santa on call!

Santa's coming to my house,8221; squeals four-year-old Rudra, as his little friends bombard him with questions 8212; where, how, when....and are invited to join in the dance, music and cheer at his home in Sector 36.

These melodious professionals are spreading the Christmas cheer

8220;Santa8217;s coming to my house,8221; squeals four-year-old Rudra, as his little friends bombard him with questions 8212; where, how, when8230;.and are invited to join in the dance, music and cheer at his home in Sector 36. A unique concept by a Christian Outreach Centre, wherein a choir of seven, professionals from various backgrounds and a Santa, go to homes across the city, taking with them the message and essence of X-Mas and of course, the carols and peppy music. 8220;We wanted to raise funds for underprivileged children and thought of this idea, Santa on Call, where we could reach out to people, spread the spirit and make children have loads of fun,8217;8217; smiles Neetu, as the group settles down for a superb performance at a home in Sector 5, and are joined in by neighbours and friends. The singers have a mesmerized audience as they belt out the ever-soothing carols, Joy to the World, One Way Jesus, Jingle Bells8230;and then the foot-tapping Hallelujah, Maine Dhunda, Deep, Deep and carry with them drums, guitars, synthesizers.8221; Which never fail to get everyone in a dancing mode,8217;8217; smiles Neetu, as she recalls a session which was held in the garden and drew a huge gathering from around the sector.

When they started, chorus the members, there were apprehensions if the idea would appeal, but it8217;s been such a hit that the group now has a chock-a-block schedule, rushing from one sector to another. 8220;We kept a fixed charge so that it8217;s all taken seriously and not just the basic amount, people were generous with lots more and their love and affection and we hope to keep it going year after year,8217;8217; smiles Neetu. Merry Christmas!

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More