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This techie packs a punch

He kicks up some fun and fitness, with all seriousness. For more than 15 years now, Pancham Prashar, director of Cue Blocks Technologies, a city-based web technology...

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He kicks up some fun and fitness, with all seriousness.

For more than 15 years now, Pancham Prashar, director of Cue Blocks Technologies, a city-based web technology, social media and Internet marketing company has been learning and teaching martial arts. An integral part of his life, Prashar, a third Dan black belt in full contact kickboxing recalls how Jackie Chan was his idol when he was first introduced to marital arts in Class VIII.

8220;I owe it all to my teacher Master Ali Ashraf, a black belt, who is from Iran and gave me both time and space to learn and an opportunity to teach once he thought I was capable,8221; says Prashar who takes weekend evening classes for a group comprising children, women and senior citizens!

Gaining entry to the classes is not a cakewalk, for Prashar makes sure that only those who are serious and dedicated join in.

8220;There8217;s a different dedication you need to learn kickboxing. I spend as many as two-and-a-half hours per class and it8217;s about quality time and stuff. I don8217;t charge anything and am not doing it for commercial purposes, but only for the love of martial arts. I simply enjoy and love every move,8221; Prashar feels even if you8217;ve learnt the intricacies, there8217;s a need to be in constant touch.

Close contact kickboxing, according to Prashar is practicalnbsp;and a combination of kicks, punches, strikes and the benefit of the age-old tradition is not only physical, but mental and spiritual too. 8220;Stamina, flexibility, endurance, mental discipline, respect for others, I have gained so much from this and there8217;s now a sense of giving back too, which is heartening. Yes, with work you do need to take out time for your passion, but in the end it8217;s worth it and I hope to continue with it as long as I live.8221;

Curated For You

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

 

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