AIIMS Bilaspur’s Milestones and Development Progress

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, visited the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh to review the institute’s progress and evaluate the implementation of important healthcare initiatives. The Health Minister visited facilities of the institute and enquired about availability of various patient care services and their functioning. Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda also congratulated everyone for Jan Aushadhi Diwas. Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and AIIMS Bilaspur were present on the occasion.

Shri J. P. Nadda laid down the foundation stone of Regional VRDL (Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory), inaugurated the Nuclear Medicine Facility at AIIMS Bilaspur, an additional Amrit Pharmacy Unit-3 at AIIIMS Bilaspur (HP). Union Health Minister also visited the site for Vishram Sadan

Shri Nadda praised the remarkable growth of AIIMS Bilaspur since its foundation was laid by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 3, 2017. The review meeting was attended by Shri Anurag Thakur, MP, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Ex-Chief Minister of HP and Leader of opposition, HP, H.P., Sh. Srikant Sharma, Former Minister and MLA, U.P., Sh. Randhir Sharma, Sh. Jeet Ram Katwal, Sh. Trilok Jamwal, Members of Legislative Assembly, Bilaspur, H.P., and the officials from AIIMS Bilaspur and the State Government.

Addressing the gathering remarks, Shri Nadda reiterated the government’s commitment to continue fortifying the healthcare infrastructure in the region. He expressed his profound pleasure with the advancements made by AIIMS Bilaspur within a short span of its establishment. He stressed that the people of Himachal Pradesh and beyond would continue to benefit greatly from the top-notch medical education and healthcare services provided by AIIMS Bilaspur with the help and active cooperation of the Government of India and Himachal Pradesh.

AIIMS Bilaspur Unveils State-of-the-Art Nuclear Medicine Facility

Shri J. P. Nadda has officially inaugurated the Nuclear Medicine Facility at AIIMS Bilaspur, marking a significant milestone in the region’s healthcare capabilities. This advanced facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including PET/CT, SPECT/CT, SPECT radio-pharmacy/hot lab, and a Low-Dose Therapy (LDT) Ward, with an investment of Rs. 30.43 crore. With these in-house state-of-the-art facilities, the department will be able to synthesize most of the necessary radiopharmaceuticals, enabling a wide range of diagnostic investigations such as renal scans, liver scans, bone scans, thyroid scans, cardiac scans, gastro-intestinal scans, and cancer imaging.

In addition to comprehensive diagnostic services, the facility will also provide low-dose radionuclide therapy for patients suffering from thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, neuro-endocrine cancer, liver cancer, and those experiencing bone and joint pain. Shri Nadda mentioned that  “these services will be offered at significantly lower prices compared to the private sector, and patients enrolled in the PMJAY and Himcare insurance schemes, as well as those living below the poverty line, will receive these services free of charge”. The dedicated ward will facilitate day-care treatment for patients with low-risk thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and other conditions at minimal costs.

Union Health Minister has highlighted the significance of the newly established SPECT/CT and PET/CT facilities at AIIMS Bilaspur, describing them as transformative for patients in Himachal Pradesh. This local availability is expected to significantly lower healthcare costs and minimize travel times for patients seeking advanced diagnostic services.. Furthermore, the Nuclear Medicine Facility will enable the synthesis and evaluation of new radiopharmaceuticals for research purposes, with plans to establish a High Dose Therapy (HDT) Ward in the future. This initiative underscores AIIMS Bilaspur’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality for the community it serves.

Union Health Minister Shri Nadda also visited the site for Vishram Sadan. The 250 bedded facility is being built at the project cost of Rs. 13.57 Crore. In the near future, the bed capacity will be enhanced to 500 beds. He reviewed the progress of the construction at site. The institute is situated in a remote hilly terrain with no facilities for the stay of the patient’s attendees in the nearby area. The beneficiaries to AIIMS are coming from Himachal Pradesh and the adjoining states of Punjab and Haryana. The Vishram Sadan will help the poor and needy, requiring shelter, besides protection from biting cold, harsh summer and incessant rains during monsoon,during treatment of patients suffering from cancer, cardiac and other disorders requiring treatment at AIIMS Bilaspur (H.P.). Their stay in the Vishram Sadan will save multiple visits and expenditure from their far away residences. This will also help in diagnosis and treatment in a single visit resulting in rapid recovery, reduced load on hospital services, improved healthcare delivery, better patient satisfaction and reduced out of pocket expenditure of the individuals visiting the institute.

AIIMS Bilaspur Launches Additional Amrit Pharmacy Unit to Enhance Patient Care

This new unit is designed to address the increasing patient load and aims to provide affordable medications to all patients, thereby reducing waiting times and enhancing overall patient care.

Unit-3 will cater specifically to outpatient department (OPD) patients from various specialties, including Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Oncology, and Eye departments. Additionally, it will serve inpatient department (IPD) patients under the Ayushman Bharat and Himcare schemes, as well as those enrolled in other government insurance programs, offering services on a credit basis.

 The Amrit Pharmacy Unit-3 will not only supply essential medicines, surgical supplies, and consumables but will also provide high-end items such as implants, medical devices, stents, pacemakers, and oncology medications at significantly discounted rates, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care around the clock.This initiative reflects AIIMS Bilaspur’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible and affordable, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community it serves.

AIIMS Bilaspur Marks a Milestone with the Foundation Stone Laying of Regional VRDL. This facility will be one of 11 regional VRDLs among a total of 165 across India, equipped with a state-of-the-art Biosafety Level 3 laboratory, advanced sequencing capabilities, and comprehensive diagnostic and research facilities. The establishment of the Regional VRDL is poised to play a pivotal role in diagnosing viral illnesses and other infectious diseases, addressing the evolving epidemiology of both known and emerging viral threats.

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The Regional VRDL will not only enhance the capacity for timely identification of viral infections but will also provide localized expertise and services that are often lacking in smaller or remote healthcare settings. It aims to track disease outbreaks, improve understanding of disease epidemiology through robust surveillance and reporting systems, and bolster public health preparedness. Additionally, the laboratory will focus on training and capacity building in diagnostic procedures, pathogen handling, and outbreak management, fostering collaborative research to create a cohesive network for viral and infectious disease research and diagnostics. To date, 12 research staff have been recruited, and facilities for serological services and molecular testing against over 35 pathogens have been established.

During the event, Shri Nadda also took the opportunity to engage with specialist DM and MCH students currently undergoing training in various departments at AIIMS Bilaspur. He encouraged them to embrace their roles with dedication and commitment to serving the nation, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to healthcare and public health. The establishment of the Regional VRDL marks a significant step forward in enhancing health security and research capabilities in the region, ultimately benefiting the communities of northern India. Shri Nadda also extended his heartfelt congratulations to AIIMS Bilaspur on the successful recruitment of 35 new faculty members, who are set to join the institution soon. He said that, “This influx of talent is poised to significantly enhance the academic landscape and clinical capabilities of AIIMS Bilaspur” .

AIIMS Bilaspur Enhances Disaster Response Capabilities with Allocation of BHISHM Cubes under Pradhan Mantri Aarogya Maitri Bhishm Scheme. Each set comprises two mother cubes, each containing 33 RF-tagged mini-cubes filled with essential medical and surgical supplies, designed to support up to 200 casualties during mass disasters. These cubes can be deployed through various transport methods, including air, water, land, and even drones, ensuring rapid response in critical situations. The investment for each set is approximately 3 crore rupees, reflecting a commitment to improving emergency healthcare infrastructure.

In addition to disaster preparedness, AIIMS Bilaspur is set to enhance its facilities and educational offerings. A state-of-the-art indoor stadium, costing around 4.90 crore rupees, has been approved for use by faculty, students, and staff, equipped with modern amenities for various indoor sports. Furthermore, starting in the 2025 academic session, the institute will introduce a diploma course in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), initially accepting 10 students, with plans to expand intake in the future. This initiative aims to train skilled technicians who will provide critical care during patient transport. Additionally, AIIMS Bilaspur is preparing to launch comprehensive cancer services, including bone marrow transplants and stem cell therapy, thereby broadening access to advanced treatment options. Recent review meetings have focused on the institute’s achievements and future goals, emphasizing its dedication to improving healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh.

In his concluding remarks, Shri Nadda reiterated the government’s commitment to continue fortifying the healthcare infrastructure in the region. He expressed his profound pleasure with the advancements made by AIIMS Bilaspur within a short span of its establishment. He stressed that the people of Himachal Pradesh and beyond would continue to benefit greatly from the top-notch medical education and healthcare services provided by AIIMS Bilaspur with the help and active cooperation of the Government of India and Himachal Pradesh.

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with students during the 1st episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

Daily writing prompt
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 has redefined student engagement, transforming into a dynamic, interactive experience that is resonating deeply with students, teachers, and parents across the country. Moving beyond the traditional Town Hall format, this edition fosters meaningful, two-way conversations, equipping young minds with practical strategies, life skills, and a fresh perspective on learning.

The eighth edition began on 10 February 2025 in the serene surroundings of Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, where Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi connected with 36 students from across India. In a free-flowing, insightful discussion, he explored themes like Nutrition & Wellness, Mastering Pressure, Leadership, and 360º Growth, offering real-world wisdom on tackling academic challenges with confidence. His words inspired students to think beyond exams, embrace curiosity, and develop a mindset geared for lifelong learning.

In today’s engaging fourth episode, leading nutrition experts Shonali Sabherwal, Rujuta Diwekar, and Revant Himatsingka—popularly known as the Food Pharmer—interacted with students on the vital role of nutrition in staying healthy and stress-free during exams.

They emphasized the power of superfoods like millets such as jowar, bajra, and ragi, which are packed with fibre, protein, and essential nutrients. These grains, they explained, help sustain energy levels and sharpen focus, making them a must-have in every student’s diet.

Shonali Sabherwal highlighted the link between a balanced diet, quality sleep, and concentration. She urged students to opt for light, nutritious meals to maintain focus and avoid sluggishness. Her golden rule? Ghar ka khana (home-cooked food) is always the best! She also suggested smart swaps for unhealthy snacks, like beetroot juice instead of soda and sweet potato chips instead of packaged snacks.

Rujuta Diwekar explained the benefits of rice and served students with delicious, exam-friendly recipes. From vegetable biryani and curd rice to homemade chakli and chaas/lassi, she explained why these wholesome foods are ideal for maintaining energy and mental clarity.

Revant Himatsingka talked about another crucial aspect of exam preparation—setting realistic goals. He warned against the stress and disappointment of unrealistic expectations, urging students to take a practical, step-by-step approach instead. He echoed the wisdom of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who encourages young minds to focus on setting attainable targets.

The session also saw participation from students beyond India, who had their queries answered by the experts. Many students later shared their experiences, calling the session eye-opening, enjoyable, and incredibly helpful in understanding the role of good nutrition in exam success.

On 12th February 2025 renowned actor Deepika Padukone interacted with around 60 in the second episode of the 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha. Deepika shared how addressing mental health challenges can be empowering and spoke about the valuable lessons she learned from her own struggles.

On 13th February 2025, tech and finance took center stage as Gaurav Chaudhary (Technical Guruji) and Radhika Gupta (MD & CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund) introduced students to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. They explored practical applications of AI tools, including ChatGPT and AI-powered image generation, while also discussing financial literacy – a crucial skill for future success.

Poetry Depicting the Plight of the Rural Migrants

Daily writing prompt
What technology would you be better off without, why?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

In the vast expanse of fields they toil,

The rural migrants, their hopes embroiled.

Leaving their homes, their villages behind,

Seeking better prospects, a new life to find.

Through dusty roads and uncertain trails,

They journey forth, their spirit never fails.

Dreams in their eyes, determination their guide,

They face the challenges with an unwavering stride.

From sunup to sundown, their hands never rest,

Working the soil, giving it their best.

Yet, their economic status remains a plight,

As they battle hardships, day and night.

Their labor fuels the cities’ bustling might,

Yet their own pockets struggle, a constant fight.

They build the skyscrapers, brick by brick,

But their own dreams seem just out of reach.

Their wages are meager, their earnings slim,

Struggling to provide, their chances seem grim.

But within their hearts, resilience resides,

A burning fire that no hardship can hide.

They yearn for a future where opportunities abound,

Where their efforts and sacrifices are truly renowned.

A world where their economic status can rise,

And their aspirations can touch the skies.

Let us not forget their struggles, their plight,

For they are the backbone, the true source of light.

Together, let’s work towards a better tomorrow,

Where rural migrants find solace from their sorrow.

For every field they sow, every harvest they reap,

Deserves a fair share, a promise we must keep.

So, let us join hands, bridge the divide,

And empower their dreams, side by side.

For in their hands lies the potential untold,

To transform their lives, to break the mold.

May their economic status find new heights,

As they journey towards prosperous sights.

Photography 101: Equipment

Photos are memories that you can visit every time you look at them. It could be on your phone, in a frame, or on your camera itself. With the advance in technology, we are able to take photos in mobiles at par with traditional DSLRs. The technology doesn’t stop evolving and it is amazing to see the quality of photos improve over time. But you want to take photos better, better composition and with a better angle. So what kind of equipment can enhance your photography to the next level?

1: A Camera

Of course, you cannot buy camera gear if you don’t have a camera. You don’t need to invest heavily into the camera but don’t cheap out on it either. Instead, buy a decent camera that you can use without worrying about the price. A camera is great around the house with family or with friends when out on a trip. It captures various memories for you to relish after your trips. It is an investment for your hobby. Of course, don’t buy a camera that is too advanced because it will be expensive as well as very hard to handle.

Click here to check out Beginner Cameras! 

2:  Tripod

Now a tripod is an investment. You need a sturdy tripod to shoot clear and sharp pictures. It also helps you with taking photos of places if you can’t hold it steady. If you want to improve your photography level, a tripod helps a lot. If you want to shoot a cinematic scene or take a long time lapse of sunrise/sunset/full moon nights or any shot that requires a long time for the camera to be held steady, a tripod enhances the stillness. There are many tripods in the market and Amazon also became one of the tripod sellers with their own brand.

Different Tripod sizes

3:  Memory Cards

Buying a memory card is essential for a DSLR camera. The camera uses the memory card to load photos onto. This memory card holds your memories until you pass it onto your computer. It is the delivery guy for your treasure. Due to its petite size, hold it carefully and store it with caution. You get memory card boxes for a few bucks that hold them carefully for you to transfer.

Now you know your way around your camera. You can switch from different modes and know when to change your ISO, shutter speed and also your aperture. You take beautiful shots and amazing photos but you want to improve your video shots and take them with more precision and cinematically. 

4: Lens

You keep taking photos but you don’t feel the spark or the connection you had with your shots, you have reached the end with your current lens. No matter how many shots you can take with your kit lens ( The lens that comes with the camera), there’s only so much you can do. It’s time to take a new lens to explore more with your camera. Your lens has more to do with the shots you want to take than with which lens you have to purchase. As a beginner, it’s always appreciated to ask your mentor or a friend who has been in photography a long time for advice on new lenses.

 Check this page out for more information on lenses

5: Basic Accessories

Now, you have all the equipment but if you don’t have the basic accessories, then how do you move the equipment from your home to the different places? Checklist these all items with the above ones so you don’t damage your equipment and carry them safely without any worries.

  • Camera Bag: You can purchase the camera bag while purchasing your camera and it’s pretty standard. You can carry your camera with your kit lens and it’s a nice place to hold your memory cards too.
  • Lens Cleaner: A lens cleaner is an absolute necessity if you are carrying around multiple lenses. It includes a lens cleaning liquid, a microfiber cloth and a small brush. Clean the dust with the brush, then apply the liquid and finish it up with the microfiber cloth
  • Sensor Cleaner: A sensor cleaner is also needed because you will be changing lenses on the camera when you are out and about. If the sensor has dust on, use the sensor cleaner to clean it and get it ready for the next shot.

Congratulations! You have the basic camera gear and the necessary skills to improve your Photography and Videography game! Remember, you don’t become the best instantly. Keep taking photos, keep taking shots, they may not always work but you will improve over time. Take your time, and don’t stop clicking!

Photography 101: Equipment

Photos are memories that you can visit every time you look at them. It could be on your phone, in a frame, or on your camera itself. With the advance in technology, we are able to take photos in mobiles at par with traditional DSLRs. The technology doesn’t stop evolving and it is amazing to see the quality of photos improve over time. But you want to take photos better, better composition and with a better angle. So what kind of equipment can enhance your photography to the next level?

1: A Camera

Of course, you cannot buy camera gear if you don’t have a camera. You don’t need to invest heavily into the camera but don’t cheap out on it either. Instead, buy a decent camera that you can use without worrying about the price. A camera is great around the house with family or with friends when out on a trip. It captures various memories for you to relish after your trips. It is an investment for your hobby. Of course, don’t buy a camera that is too advanced because it will be expensive as well as very hard to handle.

Click here to check out Beginner Cameras! 

2:  Tripod

Now a tripod is an investment. You need a sturdy tripod to shoot clear and sharp pictures. It also helps you with taking photos of places if you can’t hold it steady. If you want to improve your photography level, a tripod helps a lot. If you want to shoot a cinematic scene or take a long time lapse of sunrise/sunset/full moon nights or any shot that requires a long time for the camera to be held steady, a tripod enhances the stillness. There are many tripods in the market and Amazon also became one of the tripod sellers with their own brand.

Different Tripod sizes

3:  Memory Cards

Buying a memory card is essential for a DSLR camera. The camera uses the memory card to load photos onto. This memory card holds your memories until you pass it onto your computer. It is the delivery guy for your treasure. Due to its petite size, hold it carefully and store it with caution. You get memory card boxes for a few bucks that hold them carefully for you to transfer.

Now you know your way around your camera. You can switch from different modes and know when to change your ISO, shutter speed and also your aperture. You take beautiful shots and amazing photos but you want to improve your video shots and take them with more precision and cinematically. 

4: Lens

You keep taking photos but you don’t feel the spark or the connection you had with your shots, you have reached the end with your current lens. No matter how many shots you can take with your kit lens ( The lens that comes with the camera), there’s only so much you can do. It’s time to take a new lens to explore more with your camera. Your lens has more to do with the shots you want to take than with which lens you have to purchase. As a beginner, it’s always appreciated to ask your mentor or a friend who has been in photography a long time for advice on new lenses.

 Check this page out for more information on lenses

5: Basic Accessories

Now, you have all the equipment but if you don’t have the basic accessories, then how do you move the equipment from your home to the different places? Checklist these all items with the above ones so you don’t damage your equipment and carry them safely without any worries.

  • Camera Bag: You can purchase the camera bag while purchasing your camera and it’s pretty standard. You can carry your camera with your kit lens and it’s a nice place to hold your memory cards too.
  • Lens Cleaner: A lens cleaner is an absolute necessity if you are carrying around multiple lenses. It includes a lens cleaning liquid, a microfiber cloth and a small brush. Clean the dust with the brush, then apply the liquid and finish it up with the microfiber cloth
  • Sensor Cleaner: A sensor cleaner is also needed because you will be changing lenses on the camera when you are out and about. If the sensor has dust on, use the sensor cleaner to clean it and get it ready for the next shot.

Congratulations! You have the basic camera gear and the necessary skills to improve your Photography and Videography game! Remember, you don’t become the best instantly. Keep taking photos, keep taking shots, they may not always work but you will improve over time. Take your time, and don’t stop clicking!

Photography – The Poetry of Images

Photography is nothing less than an art form of absolute purity. Silent poetry with the moments
captured in an image is photography. The most memorable and beautiful way to remember the
special things in life with full clarity. Photos are a way of preserving the best memories and
moments for eternity. Photos are the permanent reminder of the past. Never get forgotten. They
will always be alive. The past, the memories, everything is hidden in the photos. Hidden but so
transparent in emotions. All the feelings just in a single place. They get old but are
unforgettable. But on the bright side, photos are a way of expressing your emotions in a
completely different and innovative way.

Photo by Kaique Rocha on Pexels.com


Photography is not just work, it is a passion filled with excitement and hope. It is a specific but
not so specific piece of art. It can be done in various forms with no boundaries. There’s nothing
to dislike in photography. It’s just another way to showcase talent of immense beauty.
Everything, every moment can be captured and kept for the rest of your life. Photos have the
finest texture and the most amazing depiction of a thing. It feels like it’s real.
Photographers have the ability and power to make a photo so great that it magnifies the
moment. They are able to drastically change the outcome of an image by using various
equipment for high quality and definition. Every small detail is shown through photos. It gives
pleasure to experience and relive the moments in life through photos.

Photos are not just a piece of paper or a file occupying a little space in your mobile or camera roll. They are an
explicit version of your life in brief. The small moments to the big memories, all are stored in a
single place for you to look after decades and enjoy living in the moment again. Photography depicts the vulnerability of the photographers through their art. Photographers use photography as a medium for creative expressions. They pour their heart out in the photos. They are artists of very fine quality and beauty in its purest form. The beauty and creativity can not be ignored by any living heart in this world. Embrace moments and capture them in real time
with photography.