The Chandigarh Administration,in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),Chandigarh,will organise a convention to launch a three-month campaign centering around the city on August 13. The convention,to be held at the CII Building,Sector 31,will discuss the modalities involved in the campaign,titled Wah! Chandigarh Celebrating the spirit of Chandigarh. At a press conference on Tuesday,UT Home Secretary Ram Niwas said: This convention is an ode to Chandigarhs unflagging,enterprising spirit and its all-embracing environment which attracts people from all nooks and corners of the country irrespective of culture or religion. Chandigarh has really taken a huge leap forward in uniqueness by being a smoke and polythene-free city. The significance of its emblem,the Open Hand,conveys the message of peace,harmony and unity in diversity that is open to give and open to receive. It has a rich blend of art,culture and heritage. Artistic and cultural activities have permeated the city and made a beneficial impact on its economy,society and life in general, Niwas added. Pratap Aggarwal,chairman ofCII Chandigarh,said:The event is being organised with an aim to provoke and cultivate ideas that could further transform Chandigarh into one of the best cities in the world in terms of quality of life,social infrastructure,green and clean environment and art,culture and heritage. The key elements of the three-month long campaign will include felicitation of people who have contributed towards the brand of Chandigarh,a survey on how residents view Chandigarh,a compilation of articles by residents of the city. Coming soonThe Administration plans to develop six theme parks in the city at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore. The first-ever citywide marathon Chandigarh Marathon- 2010 is being held on February 7,2010. The 42-km route will include areas of Mohali and Panchkula as well. A ten-day cultural festival titled Chandigarh National Crafts Mela is being organised on the pattern of the famous Surajkund Mela in collaboration with North Zone Culture Centre from October 24 to November 2,2009 at Kalagram.
