While G. S. Channi is the new chairman of Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi replacing Neelam Mansingh Chaudhary, Shiv Singh has been made the new chairman of Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi. He replaces Alka Pande. Himmat Singh Gill has also been appointed the new chairman of Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, replacing Virender Mehndiratta.

Channi is a known theatre personality of the region and is a holder of Fullbright Fellowship for Advanced Training in Television and Communications at College of Communications, Boston University, USA. He is also a national scholarship holder from the National School of Drama and state scholarship holder from the Indian Theatre, Panjab University. He has also produced and directed many TV programmes and is the honorary director, Centre for Education and Voluntary Education. Shiv Singh is an eminent sculptor, who participated in the Indo-Japanese sculptorís camp at Baroda in 1989. He also won national awards in 1979 and President of Indiaís Silver Plaque for the best exhibit at the All-India Art Exhibition in Delhi.

Himmat Singh Gill is a renowned writer, critic, columnist, book reviewer, a decorated soldier and former diplomat. A retired Major General, he has been awarded the AVSM for furthering Indo-Afghanistan relation-ship. His two English novels, Ashes and Petals and The Commitment will be serialised for TV.