“If there is anyone I’d like to extend by gratitude and thank from my heart, it’s Vivek Atray. I’ve been associated with Steps for one and a half years now, and survival here wouldn’t have been possible without Atray Sir. Although I started out with a small project, the biggest came in the form of the 2nd Chandigarh Film Festival in February this year. There was so much to do - call celebrities, tie-up for star guest lectures, organize press meets, make sure film prints reach in time, venue specifications….I was absolutely new to this, but had it not been for Mr Atray and his full confidence, I would’ve been at a loss. He let me be, make my own mistakes and find my own way which is perhaps the best way to learn for any rookie. It was his grooming, timely intervention and advise, full confidence in me and my work that I could manage the other film festivals, foreign delegates and the Chandigarh Carnival. Thank you Sir, for giving me this opportunity.”
—-Deepti Trigotra
In-charge PR & Event, STEPS

HARI Singh is a musical genius. His diverse artistic abilities have enabled him to produce various musical genres like Indian electronica, Sufi electronica, electro house, and psytrance. Also a classically trained musician and vocalist, he has experience in live performance. Armed with a musical experience, he landed in Chandigarh, his hometown, in September this year. “I came back to settle, to start my own musical venture,” tells Hari who went around, looking for work all over, till he bumped into singer Sukhmani Malik. Together, with the help of another friend, they found out that restauranteurs Priya and Abhay Jagat were looking for musicians, “live entertainment per se. We had already given a shot at other hotels, but nothing worked. We auditioned for the Jagats, and had it not been for their musical inclination and interest in our music, we would not have bagged the gig at Orchid Lounge, so thanks a million guys!” Hari and Sukhmani’s musical act is now a huge hit.
—-Hari Singh: Musician, producer and DJ

“New year for me is the time to look back at the last year and plan ahead. Doing so, I want to say ‘Thank You’ to the soldiers who fought with terrorism without thinking of their own lives. I want to thank my family for being so supportive in the bad times of my life. They have been my courage and vision. Lastly, I also want to be grateful to God for giving me opportunities to be near nature.”
—-Anurag Bhateja, Founder Ozakx Technologies

“I would like to thank the NSG commandoes for saving so many lives in Mumbai, they are definitely our heroes, and those whom we lost during the encounter. Personally, I would like to thank all my friends who helped me during the college elections. Even though eventually no elections happened, my friends worked really hard through those days.”
—-Harshika Thakur, student, MCM DAV College.

“My husband and my in-laws have been a great support for me, so I would like to thank them. I got married in October 2007, while still a student. I had so many apprehensions as to how I would be able to handle the new responsibilities and my studies. But my husband was always very encouraging. Similarly my mother-in-law has been very supportive, she patiently guides me with all the house-hold chores. It’s an overwhelming feeling to feel so comfortable.”
—-Pankhuri Kapoor, student, School of Communication Studies, PU

“As another year goes by, I want to thank my parents for being with me. My father AS Mann, who now is not with us, has been my constant source of strength. He helped me and my two sisters grow into independent human beings. In a time when we are still fighting against female foeticide, he never hankered for a son. I also want to thank my mother, Maninder Mann, for carrying on the great job and for helping me be what I am today.”
—-Annu Bains, Interior Designer