We will not continue to tolerate sexual violence

Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 12:43 PM
We have a long fight ahead. But we will win

Photo courtesy Facebook

Dear Rector,
Yesterday was a sad day as we woke up to the heartbreaking news of the death of the 23-year-old medical student who was subject to a brutal gang rape, beaten and then dumped on the road on the night of December 16. 
Today, we share the same feelings of sorrow, hopelessness, anger and frustration. Yet, I believe that while this is a time for grief, this is also a time for action. This is a time to say: enough. 
Our petition has gathered over 88,000 signatures. It is important to make every voice count and to send a strong message that we will not continue to tolerate sexual violence against women. 
Tomorrow, at 10 am, I am going to the office of Justice J.S. Verma who is the head of a three-person committee that will submit its findings and recommendations on issues of safety of women. I will be submitting our petition with all the signatures (yes, all 2,700+ pages!). 

It is important to keep this campaign going. I am writing to you once again to request you to sign this petition and forward this email to your friends and family.

The Justice Verma Commission is accepting submissions until January 5. We don't have a lot of time. If you would like to make additional suggestions, please leave a comment as 'reasons for signing this petition'. I will be collecting all the comments and submitting them to the committee.

We have a long fight ahead. But we will win. 

With warm regards,

Namita Bhandare via Change.org
A letter from Namita Bhandare 
PS:  Help us reach out to more people by forwarding this email to your friends or share it on Twitter and Facebook.

An open debate on violence against women at Ldh

Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 11:26 AM
A bill must be passed in parliament at earliest
such crimes are generally committed by the well connected people

LUDHIANA, 21 December 2012:A comprehensive strategy has to be evolved through administrative, socio political and judicial measures to combat the inhuman menace of violence against women. This was the consensus arrived at after open debate on violence against women organized by the All India Working Women Forum (AITUC), Punjab Istri Sabha and Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha Ludhiana today at Shaheed Karnail Singh Isru Bhawan Ludhiana. Dr Narjit Kaur –Convener of the forum said that it was heartbreaking and sobering to read the morning papers and realise how low we have fallen as a society and as human beings. A group of drunk middle aged men raped a young physiotherapist and brutally assaulted her and her boyfriend. Even if the girl survives her physical injuries, the mental scars she bears may not be erased for a lifetime. What sort of wicked and depraved men they must be to so casually and easily rob the joy and health of a harmless young girl at the threshold of womanhood and life and reduce her and her family to utter despair?

Mrs.Gurcharan Kochar – President Punjab Istri Sabha Ludhiana cautioned that it brings us to the urgent question of what needs to be done to prevent more of our daughters being deprived of their happiness, esteem, health and often, their lives. To act strongly and firmly. The female foeticide, honour killings and discrimination against the girl child are a reflection of  gender bias prevailing in the society. This needs to be condemned  and corrected.

Dr Arun Mitra – General Secretary Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha said that such crimes are generally committed by the well connected people who feel that they will go scot free after committing the crime. The economic gaps which have increased in the last about two decades have further marginalized the already deprived section of the society who have become more vulnerable to violence.

The meeting proposed following measures to meet the situation.

1.      All concerned men and women holding any position of authority and whose voice can be heard  by many, should publicly express their outrage and concern.

2.      A bill must be passed in parliament at the earliest wherein the outcome of rape cases must be decided within 45 days by a fast track court. Strong punishment must be meted out to the rapist and he must be publicly humiliated.

3.      Police reforms must be undertaken immediately. Political intervention in the police must stop.  If any police station refuses to register a complaint of rape, there must be a strong and well -defined punishment for the concerned officer.

4.      Laws in relation to sexual harassment at workplace should be enacted in consultation with women orgnaisations.


There should be one page devoted in the daily newspapers to women’s safety. This page should exclusively list crimes against women. Detailed identities and addresses of culprits involved, photographs and daily progress on brutal cases (ie who has been apprehended as yet, what punishment has been given etc)

5.      All employers should make their own  workplaces  as safe as possible for women.

6.      There should be several options for safe travel for women including exclusive buses and taxis, train compartments and plenty of well-lit public toilets. These should have female staff manning them as well.

7.      All parents, when rearing  their children, should place a very strong emphasis on not letting them use violence. Gentleness must be inculcated from the start in boys especially.

8.      All schools should make self- defence, especially for girls , a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Others who spoke at the meeting include Maj. Sher Singh Aulukh – President BJVJ, M.S.Bhatia – Organising Secretary BJVJ, Jit Kumar – General Secretary Punjab Istri Sabha Ludhiana, D.P.Maur – General Secretary Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana.  
 An open debate on violence against women at Ldh

CMC Chrismas Fire-2012 Ludhiana

Another colorful presentation by CMC artists

Ludhiana,16th December, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) The CMC family celebrated Christmas with good cheer and religious fervor. The high point of all the Institutional Christmas Programs was the “CHRISTMAS CAMP-FIRE” held in CMC Children’s Park on the evening of Sunday the 16th of December 2012 witnessing a gathering of about 1400 people including staff and their families joined by friends and well wishers of CMCH.

The items included singing of Christmas Carols by choirs, and choreography by small children. The neighboring churches i.e. the Orthodox Chruch, Marthoma Chruch and CNI Chruch also participated in the programs. Christmas message was delivered by Rev. Darbara Singh of CNI Kalvari Chruch, Ludhiana.

The dignitaries present included Director, Dr.Abraham G Thomas, Associate Director, Dr.Kim Mammen, Medical Superintendent Dr.Kanwal Masih, General Superintendent Mr.Ashley Isaiah.

The Director in his address greeted the gathering and wished everyone A Merry Chrismas and a blessed new year. 
CMC Chrismas Fire-2012 Ludhiana

At the cremation

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Union Home Minister, Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde and the Chairperson, National Advisory Council, Smt. Sonia Gandhi at the cremation of the former Prime Minister, Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on December 01, 2012. (PIB photo)

Dr. Meera D. Ansal on fish farming

Fish need special care during winters-GADVASU Expert

                                                                                                             Courtesy Photo:Pond Clinic/

Ludhiana-27-Nov, 2012: Being a cold blooded aquatic animal, fish needs special care during winters. Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Scientist (Fisheries), College of Fisheries, GADVASU said that during winters, temperature of surface water is colder than the bottom layers and the fish prefers to live in the bottom zone. Farmers shall keep the water depth up to 6 feet, so that fish gets enough space for hibernating in the warmer bottom zone. In shallow waters, the whole water column becomes cold, which affects the fish and can prove fatal. Regular addition of tube well water at dusk helps in keeping the surface water warm.

As day length and light intensity also decreases during winters, oxygen levels declines due to poor photosynthetic activity in the pond. The situation further aggravates during continuous cloudy days. The farmers are advised to aerate their ponds either by adding fresh water or by using aerators, especially during early hours of the day. Regular monitoring of water pH is also needed during continuous cloudy days in winters, which may fall to harmful levels due to poor photosynthetic activity and hence higher carbon dioxide levels in the pond. In case there are trees (especially deciduous trees) around the pond, trim them during winters so that direct sunlight could fall over the pond and leaves do not fall in to it, as they will add to the organic load and deteriorate the water quality on decomposition. Shaded ponds are more susceptible to oxygen depletion during winters.

Feed intake of fish decreases with decrease in temperature as its digestive system becomes sluggish. Hence it is essential to reduce the feeding rate by 50-75% depending on the temperature. In case the temperature falls below 5⁰C, it is advised to stop feeding. Excess feed remains unconsumed and accumulates at the pond bottom, which deteriorates the water quality. Farmers are further advised to use low protein diets. It is also recommended to feed your fish with high protein diets just before the onset of winters. It is also necessary to reduce/stop adding organic manures like cow dung, poultry droppings, pig dung etc. in the pond as rate of decomposition of organic manures declines due to poor microbial activity during winters. It is also advised to go for periodic raking of bottom soil (with the help of barbed wire) to prevent any suspected accumulation of toxic gases at the pond bottom.

Presence of algal blooms is another serious problem during winters as they blocks the penetration of sunlight in to the water. Algal blooms appear due to the presence of excess nutrients in the water. Hence it is also recommended to avoid excessive use of inorganic fertilizers during winters. Algal bloom can be controlled by application of either lime @ 50-100 kg/acre or copper sulphate @ 1-2 kg/acre. The farmers are advised to check the pH of water before lime application. In case it is above 8.5, they shall use copper sulphate to control the algal blooms.

During winters, various fungal, bacterial and parasitic diseases like fin rot, gill rot, EUS and argulosis may appear in the fish. Treat the pond with CIFAX @ 400 ml/acre just before the onset of winters. Also treat the pond with potassium permanganate @ 1-2 kg/acre or limestone @ 50-100 kg/acre. Salt application @ 100 kg/acre also helps in protecting fish against disease outbreak during winters.

Text of Speech of President of India

27-November-2012 18:53 IST
Speech:President of India Delivered at the PAU
Following is the text of the speech of the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the inauguration of the International Conference on “Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Livelihood Security” delivered at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, today (27.11.2012.) 

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressing the International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture for Food & Livelihood Security, at the Golden Jubilee of Punjab Agriculture University, at Ludhiana on November 27, 2012. The Governor of Punjab, Shri Shivraj Patil and the Chief Minister, Punjab, Shri Parkash Singh Badal are also seen.(PIB)27-November-2012

“It is indeed a privilege for me to be present here to extend to the faculty and students of the Punjab Agriculture University, my felicitations and best wishes on the 50th Anniversary of this great institution.

This is my first visit to Punjab in my present capacity. I had indeed looked forward to being here - amongst the distinguished scientists and experts present today. This Institution is synonymous with the Green Revolution which transformed Indian agriculture, making our country self reliant in feeding its population. Today, we produce enough to spare for export and assistance to other developing countries. It is the Punjab Agricultural University that pioneered agricultural research and technology dissemination in our country - at a time in the ‘60s when this was a crucial need. Its scientists engaged with a sense of urgency in research, innovation and foreign collaborations. They have since developed hundreds of new strains, high yielding and robust varieties of crops and studied the management of environmental, weather and soil conditions. I congratulate the Punjab Agriculture University for its splendid contribution in the service of our nation. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, the agriculture sector in India continues to be the lifeline of our people and a key factor in our economy’s overall productivity. It has rightly been accorded due priority in every budget and Plan for achieving India’s developmental goals. Government of India has, over the decades, introduced a variety of schemes and measures to give support to the entire agriculture sector from small farmers to large investors. Institutions and banks have been created to focus on supporting agriculture development, fixing remunerative prices and improve agricultural marketing. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices and the Food Corporation of India have been set up to recommend Minimum Support Prices and procure grains for public stocks respectively, the NABARD and Regional Rural Banks to ensure easy and adequate credit availability, and programmes such as the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, National Food Security Mission and National Horticulture Mission have taken the Government’s outreach to the farthest and remotest regions. 

Promoting inclusive growth, sustaining food security and boosting rural incomes in the country is intrinsically linked to growth in the Agriculture sector. As the Finance Minister, I had outlined a four-pronged strategy as part of the Union Budget for 2010-11 to drive growth in the Agriculture sector. The first component of the strategy was to extend the green revolution to the Eastern region of the country comprising Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa. The second component of the strategy was to reduce the significant wastage in storage as well as in the operations of the existing food supply chains in the country. The third component was to improve credit availability to the farmers, while the fourth component was to aim at providing a further impetus to the development of the food processing sector by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and substantial fiscal incentives. 

The initiative of bringing green revolution to Eastern India has resulted in a significant increase in production of paddy, as States in Eastern India reported additional paddy production of 7 million tonnes in Kharif 2011. The total paddy production in the country increased from 95.98 million metric tonnes in 2010-11 to 104.32 million metric tonnes in 2011-12. Mr. Robert S. Zeigler, Director General of the International Rice Research Institute in Manila lauded our achievement when he mentioned that “the most heartening aspect of India crossing the 100 million tonne rice production mark is that a major contribution has been from Eastern India”. The total food grains production in the country increased from 244.78 million metric tonnes in 2010-11 to 257.44 million metric tonnes in 2011-12. To reduce wastage in storage, concrete steps have been taken by the Government to create additional food grain storage capacity in the country. Two million tonnes of storage capacity in the form of modern silos have already been approved for creation. Further, nearly 15 million tonnes of storage capacity is being created through private entrepreneurs and warehousing corporations. To enable the timely availability of affordable agriculture credit to the farmers, the target for flow of agriculture credit has been enhanced in the Union Budgets from time to time, from Rs.3,75,000 crore in 2010-11 to Rs.5,75,000 crore in 2012-13. The Mega Food Park scheme, which was introduced in the Eleventh Plan, aims at developing farm proximate state of the art infrastructure with strong backward and forward linkage in a demand driven manner. 30 Mega Food Parks are being planned for creation in this financial year. 

At the present juncture, we have come a long way. The growth rate of GDP in Agriculture and allied activities in 2011-12 is 2.8 per cent which is, of course, lower than the growth rate of 7 per cent in 2010-11 but higher than the growth rates of 0.4 per cent in 2008-09 and 1.7 per cent in 2009-10. 

There is however, a reality that cannot be ignored – and I take this opportunity to call upon all present here today to reflect on why, despite all these successes and efforts and despite India’s overall improved economic performance, the economic viability of this sector is still a challenge. There are, even today, so many regions in our country where subsistence farmers and small farmers remain susceptible to failure, risk and desperation. Despite various programmes and schemes of Government- complemented by the efforts of the scientific and corporate community, why is it that prosperity has eluded a large part of this sector? It is ironical that although India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world, value addition to this produce is just 7 per cent and processing only around 3 per cent of production. There is hardly any value addition at the farm level - and 98 per cent of farm produce is sold as it is harvested. Due to our tropical / subtropical conditions, more than 25% of production is lost during harvest and post harvest operations. We import a large amount of the pulses we consume. In the agriculturally advanced regions, there are problems of over-exploiting ground water resources and vulnerability to pests and crop diseases; over-mining of nutrient reserves has led to multi-nutrient deficiencies. Excessive use of fertilizers is taking its toll on the productivity of soil. 

I recall a comment of Mahatma Gandhi which made a profound impression on me : He said, and I quote, “A farmer cannot work without applying his mind. He must be able to test the nature of his soil, must watch changes of weather, must know how to manipulate his plough skillfully and be generally familiar with the movements of the stars, the sun and the moon…….” 

This is a compelling reason for the Indian farmer to be provided the wherewithal that he urgently needs - the financial, technological, infrastructural, transportation and other requirements for a sustainable approach for the increased productivity that we seek. 

In this context, I take this opportunity to share a few thoughts on the challenges that we must address. We need to do a re-think on agriculture in India. And we need to do this urgently to ensure food security in India. We must have in place a coherent and comprehensive policy that has synergy among its various elements. Government initiatives are of little use without efficient systems for their implementation. Equally important is the necessity for collaboration between the state and central governments on the monitoring and appraisal of various schemes. A co-ordinated and integrated approach should start at the grassroots, taking into account all the factors. 

Many policies are susceptible to failure because of inaccurate feedback. Collation of information and policy integration is essential. As I am among academia and experts, I would like to suggest that we identify the priorities and act swiftly. I would put training and entrepreneurship development high in my list of items requiring urgent attention. To this I would add the task of developing and reaching appropriate technology to farmers, agriculture marketing reforms, studying the present yield gaps and methods to harvest wastelands, address wastage and overuse of fertilizers and develop simple IT tools for farmers - that are user friendly and can provide relevant and timely information relating to weather forecasts. Enhanced productivity would reduce per unit cost, enhancing the global competitiveness of our produce. 

Farm mechanization, linking farms with markets and adding value at each stage will help in employment generation, entrepreneurship development, increased profits to farmers and safe and healthy food to consumers. Investments in food processing sector have multiplying benefits for all, and hence a major boost needs to be given to the processing sector. Fiscal incentives and land leasing policies of State Governments should be such that agro-processing, especially in the rural areas, becomes a lucrative option both for the farmers and the private sector. 

A useful part of the re-assessment would be a mapping and indexing of crops and livestock to anticipate market demands, plan resource allocation and ensure its optimal utilisation to ensure maximum output. This would give an edge in the global market. Similarly, the agro-industry, in partnership with research institutions can plan relevant and standardised crop production and efficient agricultural supply chains, which are vertically integrated. Improved connectivity between agricultural universities and the farmers could be very beneficial for both. 

Most importantly, innovation—of new varieties, technologies and methods for post harvest processes--should move up on our priority list. The percentage of GDP from Agriculture and allied activities spent on research and development must be increased from the current level of 0.6 per cent to 1.0 per cent in the Twelfth Five Year Plan. 

I believe that a multi-pronged strategy involving technology development, new marketing methods, precision in farm operations and innovative policy instruments is required to ensure agricultural sustainability and food and livelihood security and I would stress the importance of due attention to modernising food storage and its distribution. 

This Conference on Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Livelihood Security is, therefore, an important opportunity for stakeholders to review the current overall approach and, develop an updated, comprehensive strategy to accelerate agricultural growth and further strengthen national food and livelihood security in India 

I also take this opportunity to convey my best wishes to the students and faculty for success in all their endeavours in years to come. 

With these words, I have the pleasure to formally inaugurate this conference.”    (PIB)
***
Text of Speech of President of India

JOBS4ALL INITIATIVE

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 at 7:04 PM
Jagminder Singh
On the 337th Martyrdom Day of 9th Sikh Guru – Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, a special JOBS4ALL Initiative organised at Gurudwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, New Delhi by SikhiSidak and Dharam Prachar Committee (Youth & Education Wing), DSGMC on 25-11-2012.

During this Camp, various services such as Resume building, Job Counselling, Information on current openings in Private /Government Sectors were provided to the job seekers. Nearly 300+ candidates registered as a job seeker. Few job recruiters/consultants also visited and interacted with job-seekers.

SikhiSidak is a non-profit and non-political organisation for the service of humanity.

Job seekers and recruiters can visit www.ssjobs.in for latest information. Our jobs team can be reached at jobs@sikhisidak.com.
------------------

President of India to visit Punjab on November 27

26-November-2012 17:26 IST
President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee will undertake a day visit to Punjab (Ludhiana) tomorrow (27 November, 2012). 

During the visit, the President will inaugurate an International Conference on “Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Livelihood Security” as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Punjab Agricultural University. Besides, he would also lay the foundation stone of the Auditorium of Sat Paul Mittal School, Ludhiana. (PIB)
***

In Malaysia:

A Sikh temple stands as a place of fellowship
The gurdwara, the largest in Southeast Asia, offers a variety of services, as well as tranquillity and togetherness, to local Sikhs and people from other faiths.
By Grace Chen for Khabar Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur
October 29, 2012

A Sikh devotee offers prayer at Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa Diwan on Jalan Raja Alang in Kuala Lumpur. Activities are not as robust on weekdays but on Sundays especially, yoga and music classes makes the place hum with life. [Photos by Grace Chen/Khabar]

The Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa Diwan is the largest house of worship for Sikhs in Southeast Asia.

It is lunch time and Rajinder Kaur, 66, is eating a vegetarian meal of polao, bean curd and lentil gravy in the dining hall of Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa Diwan. Lunch is free and everyone, regardless of religion, race or social class, is welcome. About 200 people turn up each day. On festival days, the hall may host up to 1,000 diners.
But Rajinder is not here for free food.

After losing her husband to a heart attack nine years ago, she has come to the largest Sikh temple in Southeast Asia to seek peace. Rajinder's late husband used to volunteer in the kitchen.

"In an age where everyone is thinking of making money, this is the only place where I can feel calm and unhurried," says Rajinder.

Jeswant Singh Sran, security chief of the gurdwara car park, has held his post for ten years. He sponsors tea for morning prayers between 5 and 7am, makes sure the area is free of drug addicts, and greets visitors with puns.

"I am the 'only Singh in the world', hence my name, Jeswant. And what does a guy who likes to cool himself in a deep pool of water call himself? Kuldeep," quips the retired police officer.

Jeswant points out three other gurdwaras located within a five-kilometre radius, including one at the police academy in Jalan Semarak, and another at the Jalan Bandar police station.

"Many first-generation Sikhs were recruited in the armed forces. The presence of these gurdwaras kept them steadfast to their duty," says Jeswant, who joined the forces in his youth.

Standing like a sentinel on the border of the Chow Kit market Kampung Baru, the gurdwara is a beacon to the Sikh community, both local and foreign. Foreign workers employed in area businesses comprise 30% of the congregation. They come to volunteer and find comfort in their brethren's company.

The roots of the gurdwara can be traced back to 1819, to its original site where the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital now stands.

According to Sujit Singh Gill, 80, treasurer of the gurdwara for nine years, the British government officially allocated the lot for the Sikh community in Jalan Raja Alang in 1922.

Originally serving the Sikh community from the Setapak and Sentul area during the 1920s, the congregation grew to include businessmen who worked in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in the 1960s.

The Malaya Samachar newspaper, printed entirely in Punjabi thrice weekly, with a run of 500 copies per issue, is housed in the complex.

Fifteen rooms are available to house the needy or budget travellers on a temporary basis, but the gurdwara committee is careful whom they accommodate for safety purposes.

The construction of the temple's two buildings, standing on 1.5 acres of land in the middle of a prime commercial area, was fully funded by gurdwara members.

"It is the members who have ensured the survival of the gurdwara thus far," said Sujit, who added that they have 600 lifetime members who contribute RM 100 ($33) to the gurdwara fund annually.

Still, Sujit, the treasurer, feels the gurdwara has seen better days.

A religious school had some 500 students and 20 teachers in the 1970s but had to close due to lack of students. Snarling city traffic, changing five-minute journeys to two-hour crawls, has made it impossible for students to reach school on time.

Gurdip Singh, Sujit's assistant, said it's all about the changing times. But while things may be quiet on weekdays, the complex bustles on weekends. On Sundays, children come for religious classes, yoga and music lessons.

"People still come here to pray in the mornings and evenings. We still have our festivals. Our monthly schedules have few free days and we still cater to community needs like marriage ceremonies and requiem. That is a good sign," Gurdip said. In Malaysia:

World Stroke Day 2012:

Stroke Walk and Road Show by CMC Stroke Unit 
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 1:57 PM

Ludhiana, 29th October, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector kathuria) CMC Stroke Unit has been carrying out several public awareness activities in the city for the past 6 days. This is to commemorate the Stroke Week and World Stroke Day. The World Stroke Day is celebrated throughout the world on 29th October every year. Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, Chair of the World Stroke Campaign of World Stroke Organization said that this year’s theme is “1 in 6” people will experience a stroke in their life time. 

The medical students, physiotherapy interns and students, doctors of CMC, Staff and Students of All Saints College of Physiotherapy had gathered near Hotel Park Plaza today for the “Stroke Walk”. The number of people who participated in the walk was 120. During the walk they displayed placards, educational leaflets to the public. They concluded the walk near canal road. Another team of doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and students in a separate vehicle did the road show. They passed through Sarabha Nagar, civil lines, model town and various Malls in the city. In the road show emphasis was placed on recognition of stroke symptoms and accessing to immediate treatment of stroke within 4 ½ hours. Dr Santosh Mathangi, Consultant, Physical Medicine Rehabilitation department who organized the stroke walk and road show stated that after the medical treatment patients should receive rehabilitation in the form of Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy and Speech therapy. 

Yesterday the team went to West End Mall and screened about 100 people for the risk factors of stroke. They also distributed stroke awareness pamphlets to the public.

The other key personnel involved in organizing the Stroke walk and Road show were Ms Lizzy Julia, Ms Rajni Arora,  College of Physiotherapy, Mr Navneet Singh, Mr Devan, Ms Deepika Sharma, Mr Dheeraj KV, Vice Principal, College of Physiotherapy, research staff of department of Neurology (Mr Amber Sharma, Dr Shweta Jain, Mrs Gagandeep Mehmi, Dr Deepti Arora, Mr Himanshu Koundal, Ms Raminder Kaur, Mrs Paramdeep Kaur) and students and interns of College of Physiotherapy CMC and All Saints College of Physiotherapy.

The stroke team at CMC is available 24/7 to rapidly evaluate stroke patients who come within the golden time of 4 ½ hours after the onset of symptoms. The stroke warning symptoms are sudden weakness, numbness in one side of the body, sudden trouble speaking or understanding, sudden loss of vision in one eye, sudden imbalance, sudden headache and loss of consciousness. If any of you experience the above symptoms please call the stroke hotline numbers 7508100222, 7508100111.

World Stroke Day 2012: 

And now artificial Ribs created at CMC

Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:12 PM
Reconstruction: the chest of brave-heart boy 

A beaming Master Shubham after surgery  with Dr HS Bedi and the cardiac team. Shubham is holding a sample of the steel rib placed in his chest

Mr Dev Sharan and Mr Amresh Singh of Jamalpur were in  a very difficult situation. The son of Mr Dev (and nephew of Mr Amresh) – a 13 year old bright young boy – Master Shubham Singh – was suffering from a cancer of the chest wall . The cancer – called Ewing’s sarcoma – was eating into his ribs and had a risk of spreading all over his body. He was referred to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular and Thoracic Surgery - at the prestigious Christian Medical College and Hospital , Ludhiana.   Dr Bedi  has trained at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Sydney where he has seen cases of cancer in children deteriorating rapidly if timely surgery is not done . 

Under the expert supervision of  the Medical Oncolgy Head – Dr Kunal Jain – chemotherapy was first given and then a marathon surgery planned  . According to Dr Bedi – the surgery would require a total removal of all affected parts which would lead to a large defect in the chest wall . The ribs are the major supports of the chest wall and protect the lungs from damage .  A plan was made to design artificial ribs tailored to Shubham’s anatomy. A detailed design was made and with the help of Mr Rajinder Singh of the maintenance department of CMC & H - ribs of special medical grade stainless steel were made . Dr Bedi explained that the steel is the same one as used in orthopedic implants and is fully compatible with the human body . At surgery after removal of all affected ribs – the steel ribs were fixed in position . This design worked superbly - the ribs  gave a good support to the lungs and Shubham has made a remarkable recovery with full function of his lungs . Dr Bedi said that Shubham took inspiration from the cricketer Mr Yuvraj Singh .  Shubham is a bright young man , is good in his studies and he wants to study and become a doctor .

The other members of the cardiac team involved in this marathon surgery were  Dr A Joseph , Dr S Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Anish , Dr Anuj, Dr Elizabeth, Dr Gurleen and Dr Ashwin.

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H  – emphasised that complex surgeries are being done successfully even on small children at CMC. This is possible because of the excellent infrastructure and faculty of CMC . He said that CMC is committed to bring International level cardiac care to the doorsteps of the people of this region.--Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria

IDPD appealed

Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 5:02 PM
Australia should not supply Uranium to India

Courtesy Photo

Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) while welcoming the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on visit to India has appealed that Australia should not supply Uranium to our country for any purpose. Dr.L.S.Chawla – National President, Dr.Arun Mitra – General Secretary and Dr.Bharti Uppal – Finance Secretary said that there are many fields where both countries can strengthen trade relations to the benefit of both countries. Australia is the second biggest producer of Uranium in the world. But it is to the credit of Australia not to have any nuclear power plant. Nuclear energy is inherently dangerous and nuclear power plants are neither safe nor economical. Moreover they can be a potential for the production of  nuclear weapons any time in future. That Australia would supervise India over the use of Uranium supplied by it does not sound realistic. India has ample number of renewable resources for energy. It will be pertinent that the two countries work together in the field of renewable resources.
IDPD appealed 
For more detail contact Dr Arun Mitra,General Secretary IDPD on Mobile No. 94170 00360

“Depression: A Global Crisis”

Management and prevention discussed at CMC

Ludhiana, 12th October, 2012: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) M. Sc. (N) 2nd year students of Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, College of Nursing, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, celebrated World Mental Health Day by putting up poster exhibition in the Medical OPD on the theme  “Depression: A Global Crisis”. The programme started with prayer by Rev. Roger, Fellowship Department. Mrs. Reena Jairus, Associate Professor introduced & welcomed the Chief Guest Dr. Kim Mammen, Associate Director, CMC & Hospital Ludhiana. He addressed the gathering and made them aware of depression. Dr. Kim Mammen, Dr. Kanwal Masih, Medical Supdt., Dr. Sandeep Goyal, HOD psychiatry department were honoured and welcomed with flowers.

Prof. (Mrs.) Triza Jiwan, HOD, Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, unfolded the theme “Depression: A Global Crisis”. In her speech she explained about what is depression, its causes, management and prevention. Dr. Sandeep Goyal delivered a speech regarding depression, its early treatment and management. The occasion was graced by the benign presence of Prof. (Mrs.) Seema Barnabas(Vice Principal), Mr. Amrian Gill (Deputy nursing Superintendent), faculty, supervisors, ward incharges, staff and students. Pamphlets were released and poster exhibition was inaugurated by the Dr. Kanwal Masih (Medical Superintendent). B.sc Nursing 3rd year students enacted a role play which was very educative. A good gathering attended this programme and gained knowledge about depression. Approximately 160 patients with their relatives viewed the posters. Queries were cleared by the M.Sc. Nursing 2nd year students. A good response was observed. Public also urged to put up such type of exhibitions frequently on different disorders.

“Various Grooming Workshops”

Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 11:11 PM

“The Youth can Revolute The Wings Of Time”

Jagminder Singh

SikhiSidak have decided to organize “Various Grooming Workshops” which ignition a spark in our youth who are unemployed due to various reasons. These classes will cover areas like communication skills, presentation skills, personality development, interview techniques etc. exciting session such as “Interview Skill Sharing Session” for college/engineering graduates/undergraduates by industry experts S. Parvinder Singh (Senior Consultant) & Sdn. Samneet Kaur(Manager) in MNC on 21st October 2012. The session will take place at Singh Study Circle, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi (near Tagore Garden metro station) from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. with support from other organization wiz. Gyan Sewa Trust, Bibek Trust, Better Sikh School and Young Sikh Leaders

“The Youth can Revolute The Wings Of Time” is very much believed by every volunteer. Keeping this in mind SikhiSidak started Spark in year 2011. The motive is only to make the youth successful on professional grounds.

This session is for open for all. One can register FREE on www.sikhisidak.com.

SikhiSidak, a Sikhism based organization, which started the journey in the year 2005 from cob-webbed city, Delhi. It is headquartered in New Delhi with more than 250 volunteers covering every bit of Delhi, NCR and even few parts of Punjab and Haryana.

Contact at Mobile Number:+91-9212408777

CME on” Motherhood to Menopause”

Obstetrics and Gynaecology were discussed

Ludhiana, 7th October, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) The department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, conducted CME on” Motherhood to Menopause”  on the Seventh October 2012, in the Guy Constable Auditorium, CMCH, Ludhiana.  This meeting of Obstetrics and Gynecological Society of Northern India was held under the able guidance of Prof and Head Dr. Kumkum Avasthi with encouragement and support from Director of the institution Dr. Abraham G Thomas.  The conference was duly accredited 4 CME hours by Punjab Medical Council.

A wide array of issues in Obstetrics and Gynaecology were discussed.  The CME attended by nearly 100 local practitioners as well as medical fraternity from nearby medical colleges.

The gathering was addressed by chief guest Dr. Abraham G Thomas who welcomed the delegates and congratulated the department for organizing the conference. Dr. Lakhbir Dhaliwal, President of NOGSI complimented CMC for organizing the meeting and emphasized upon role of FOGSI in women’s health.  The occasion was also graced by Dr. Subhash Batta, Civil Surgeon who was the guest of honor and Dr. Arun Mitra, member of Punjab Medical Council.

The conference covered debatable issues in obstetrics ranging from induction of labour, abnormalities in fetal heart pattern, risks and complications of induction and pain relief in labour.  Burning issues in gynecology providing insight in to menopause and various issues in “Life after Fifty” were also covered.  Eminent speakers from all over North India deliberated on the same.

The conference ended on a successful note managing to clear a lot of misconceptions on the controversial issues on the subject.

CME on” Motherhood to Menopause”

Com GurudasDas Gupta Calls upon the workers

Lead the fight against anti people & pro-corporate policies of the govts:AITUC Meet
Fri, Oct 5, 2012 at 3:25 PM

The UPA-II Govt. is increasingly working in the interest of big corporate business houses of India and the international cartels undermining the national interest. Latest decisions of the Govt. are enough indicators of the rightist shift in the policies detrimental to Indian growth and progress based on justice and equality. These are against the basic spirit of the Indian constitution which speaks of justice and equality as its mainstay.  The Govt. is more inclined to respond to the demands of the international finance capital and the MNCs while hitting the common man hard, even denying them basic amenities like food, shelter, health and education.  Therefore there is an urgent need for the working people to unite in strength to lead the struggle against these policies so as to meet the goal of sustainable development in the interest of all the people of the country. This was stated by Com. Gurudas Dass Gupta, Member Parliament and General Secretary All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) while addressing a largely attended convention of the workers organized by the AITUC at Punjabi Bhawan here at Ludhiana today. on that score, the job insecurity and the job losses on the one hand and increased trends of contractorization and outsourcing,  contractualisation and casualisation of labour is norm of the day. There is attack on unionization itself and pressure on existing unions to suppress and intimidate them to contain their activities. Bringing in FDI  in retail trade will be big blow to more than 4 crore small traders, shopkeepers, marginal and poor farmers, other small producers of goods in home based and small scale industries etc. The government has been responsible for unprecedented rise in corruption at higher places with loss to national revenue and denial of rightful share of common people in the wealth being produced in the country. He further deplored that accumulation of wealth in the hands of few, whereas the vast majority is suffering under acute poverty and unemployment. The latest reports have indicated that 100 top rich families own assets to the tune of 16 lakh crores of rupees whereas 70% Indians are forced to live on meager spending of Rs.16.60 paise per day. With the policies being pursued will further hasten these gaps.  
He said, the govt. continues to act in ruthless manner against the common people and the response to people’s agitations by the Prime minister and some of his ministers are arrogant to the core.  
In this background he said, the trade unions have come out with their strategies to fight the attacks of government on working people. National convention of workers organized by 11 central trade unions and other independent federations and associations representing several sectors of economy held on 4th September at New Delhi noted with grave concern on the government’s non-responsive attitude to the plight of the working people and their agitations. They have decided to intensify their joint agitations on the charter of demands which includes seeking check on price rise of essential commodities, end to labour law violations, for social security and pension to all workers, abolition of any ceiling on Provident Fund, gratuity and bonus, abolition of contract labour, steady regularization of them and equal pay for equal work, no disinvestment of public sector/ govt. sector enterprises and resources, national minimum wage to be raised to not less that Rs. 10,000, universal entitlement of maternity benefit to working women etc. 
It is decided in the convention that 18th – 19th December 2012 would be observed as All India Law Violation Day and on 20th December there would be march to Parliament which will be carried forward later on through intensive campaign for organizing  two days national general strike on 20-21 February 2013. 
Addressing the gathering Com Nirmal Dhaliwal, President and Com Bant Singh Brar, General Secretary of Punjab unit of AITUC said that the state govt. of Punjab is not following a different course as regards the economic policies in general are concerned. Rather it has been taking anti labour and anti farmer measures. They informed that several more conventions will be held in the state on these issues, where Com Gurudas Dass Gupta MP, General Secretary AITUC will address. 

Com Kartar Singh Bowani – Vice President Punjab Kisan Sabha criticized the present Akali BJP State government as it tolerates and permits communal activities of several groups reminding the dark days of terrorism which people of Punjab would never want to be revived in this land of peace and harmony amongst common masses. The people of the state while fighting against retrograde, anti people economic policies of the central and state govt. would have also to be continuously vigilant and brave fighters against divisive forces.

Today’s convention was attended by representatives of various organisations of workers and employees from Construction, Hosiery, Roadways, PRTC, Banks, Power sector, FCI Palledar, University, PSSF, Govt. Class 4 employees, Corporation, BSNL, ASHA workers  and unorganized sector. 

Com O P Mehta General Secretary AITUC Ludhiana and Com D P Maur, General Secretary Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana assured that they will participate in large number in the march to parliament at Delhi on 20th December and the general strike on 20-21 February 2013.

Comrade O P Mehta                                                       Comrade D P MAUR 
Gen. Secy: AITUC Ludhiana                 Gen. Secy:Joint Council of Trade Unions Ludhiana 

AITUC: Ludhiana convention on 5th October

Com. Gurudas Gupta will address Convention

                                                                                                                                                                   File photo

Meeting of the Joint Council of Trade Union was held to discuss the issues concerning the workers of organized as well as unorganized sectors. Expressing concern at the recent hike in prices of Diesel and reduction of subsidy on LPG, the meeting felt that this will hit the working class the most as they are already low paid. Contractualisation has further added to their woes. It is ironical that even the public sector units are not paying minimum wages. The meeting which was attended by All Indian Bank Employees Association, PAU Employees Union, PSSF, Punjab Roadways Workers Union, PRTC Employees Union, Construction Workers Union, Hosiery Workers Union, Municipal Corporation Workers, AITUC, Asha Workers and Punjab Govt. Class IV Employees Union also condemned the Lathi Charge and registration of FIR against the agitating teachers demanding jobs at Ludhiana.
The meeting demanded the review of new pension scheme effective from 01.01.2004 on all govt. and public sector employees, Increased minimum wage of Rs. 10,000-00 per month, Enrollment of  employees in various departments/sectors on regular basis instead on contract & daily wages, Effective implementation of already existing labour laws, Immediate implementation of security of service laws for the workers of un organized sector, Anganwadi and Asha workers be given regular employment with grade equivalent to class 3 and 4 employees, Pension for all, creation of social security fund for unorgnaised sector workers.
Com D P Maur – General Secretary Joint council of Trade Unions Ludhiana informed that a convention of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) will be held at Punjabi Bhawan, Ludhiana on 5th October to finalise the upcoming programme of the central trade unions i.e March to the Parliament by the Trade Unions at Delhi on 20th December 2012 and then nationwide general strike of the workers and employees on 21 and 22 February 2013. This convention will be addressed by Com Gurudas Das Gupta – M.P, General Secretary AITUC.   AITUC: Ludhiana convention on 5th October
D P Maur
General Secretary Joint council of Trade Unions Ludhiana
Mobile: 94176 02333                                            Date: 27.09.2012

Red Salute to Gursharan Bhaa Ji

Supreme builder of Revolutionary Theatre movement
Jagraon: 23 Sep:-   Thousands of people including a large number of women poured into grain market of this town holding high red flags, banners, mottoes and raising slogans to join the ``Red Salute Gathering” in memory of the supreme builder of revolutionary theatre movement. Gursharan Singh alias Bhai Manna Singh who left this world last year, at 82, after devoting more than half a century of life to hectic revolutionary cultural as well as political life.
The huge gathering full of enthusiasm and emotion which came from all corners of Punjab, travelling long distances, was highly dominated by rural masses who had been enjoying and getting  inspired for decades, by reflection of their aspirations, on the stages of a unique but simple variety of theatre, full of revolutionary message and art, contending to surpass each other. 
The call for red salute gathering was given by a Shardhanjali Samagam Committee consisting of Jaspal Jassi, Mukhtiar Poohla, Darshan Khatkar and Balwant Makhu.
During two and half hour speeches followed by choreographies and action songs the speakers focused on the theme that Gursharan Singh, the crown of revolutionary theatre movement in Punjab was not merely a man of theatre. His source of inspiration was the ideal of creation of a new society free of exploitation, oppression and discrimination, through a people’s revolution. The ``expert” of theatre in his personality was colored by ``red” in his soul. The speakers stressed that Gursharan Singh always came forward boldly to play a revolutionary socio-political role at significant junctures and during challenging situations. He opposed Operation Green Hunt, Emergency, state terrorism and Khalistani terrorism etc. like a thoroughgoing democrat as every communist must be.
The speakers included Jaspal Jassi, Mukhtiar Poohla, Balwant Makhu, Datar Singh, Dr. Areet Kaur daughter of Gursharan Singh and Prof. Randhir Singh a known intellectual and relative of Gursharan Singh. 
The stage was conducted by Kanwaljeet Khanna. The gathering made a call to reach Chandigarh on Sep. 27, to join celebrations of Revolutionary Theatre Day, in memory of Gursharan Singh.