Sunday, November 14, 1999
|
N E W S Sunday, November 14, 1999 |
|
weather spotlighttoday's calendar |
Youth held
hostage on ship in Dubai CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — The lure of making it big has landed a Nawanshahr youth in trouble. His employers are allegedly holding him hostage in Dubai while a city-based woman agent and her associates pressurising his father to arrange for ransom or face the consequences. The case came to light when Mr Kartar Singh, father of Parminder Singh, the captive youth, contacted senior police officers and narrated his tale of woe. He said a Sector 22 resident, Shalu and her brothers, Manu and Sonu, who had arranged for the passage and job for his son in Dubai were now pressuring him to reach an agreement or be "prepared for the worse." Parminder is allegedly being held hostage on a abandoned vessel in the Dubai port and treated in an inhuman manner. He is being served meals which are against the tenets of his religion. The misfortune began when Parminder came into contact with Rupinder Kaur, a schoolteacher of Nawanshahr, who suggested to the unemployed youth that if he could arrange for Rs 3 lakh, she could arrange for a well-paying job in a shipping company in Dubai. The unsuspecting Parminder took the bait and a meeting was arranged at Webcom, a unit of Rikasa Enterprises, with its offices in Sector 22. Here Shalu, her brothers and one Chander Wadhawan, who claimed to be a sales manager for Webcom, negotiated the deal. A sum of Rs 3 lakh was paid on February 15, 1999, and Parminder was duly handed over an appointment letter signed by a Sonia Oza, on behalf of Krishna Shipping Agency, Mumbai. He was also given a draft contract signed by a representative of the Sharjah-based Arabian Seas International, conforming his job. He was taken to the Mumbai airport where he boarded a flight to Dubai on February 20. That was the last his father heard of him. While the family was happy that their son was working towards a bright future, a letter from Parminder shattered their reverie. It was a virtual plea for deliverance from hell. He wrote that he had somehow managed to post the letter and that he was being confined to a vessel in the Dubai port. He was being cruelly treated and was not served his meals properly and that he was being served meals which he could not consume as it was against the tenets of his religion. He also pleaded that something should be done to get him deported at the earliest. His address was listed as M\V Star Live Stocks, London Shipping Agency, Sharjah, UAE. When confronted with the letter, Shalu is reported to have threatened him and asked for either money or an undertaking that he would not ask for a refund or report the matter to the police. Police sources said the matter was taken seriously at the highest levels and the registration of a case was ordered. Accordingly, a case under Sections 420 and 120-B of the IPC, and Section 24 of the Immigration Act has been registered by the Special Crimes cell at the Central Police station. No arrests have been made so far, the sources added. It may be recalled that
similar cases were registered in Punjab following reports
that several youths were reportedly being held hostage in
Budapest and their relatives were being asked to pay up
for their release by the captors. |
Beat
system to get boost CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 —The beat system will be strengthened and more beat boxes and police assistance booths will soon dot the city. A proposal in this context has been drawn up by the police to put pressure on the criminals and further the cause of preventive policing of the local constabulary. Mr Parag Jain, SSP, said as a priority, the tenures of the beat staff would be fixed for a stipulated period so that they are familiarised with the people and their earmarked area. It has been seen that frequent transfers of the beat staff were not taken kindly by many people and the sector-level welfare associations and there was no reason why an official should be changed if he was performing up to the expectations of his seniors and the public. He said he had passed instructions that instead of the thana-level meetings, the area SDPOs and SHOs should redress the grievances at the beat level. As officers till the sub-division level would be present, it would ensure that the compliant gets redressed at the spot. Besides, the people could interact and get to know each other. Mr Jain said the SHOs and beat-level NGOs and lower staff would be held responsible for any incident from their respective areas. The redress of the complaints of the public would be accorded priority. Commenting on the police assistance booths and beat boxes, he said on his initial rounds of the city, he had observed that they were not present at many places. This anomaly would be removed and plans were under way to give personnel at these booths wireless sets so that they could get in touch with the control room or their seniors in case of any emergency. It has been observed that the posts are unmanned once the beat staff goes on its rounds and there is no way a person in need could get in touch with them. In the coming days, one
person from the staff would remain present all the time
while the others made their rounds. Instructions in this
context are likely to be issued in the coming days, he
added. |
Colourful
dances by kids CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — Colourful dances were presented by tiny tots of Bhavan Vidyalaya on the occasion of the school's annual day at Tagore Theatre here today. 'Flower dance' , 'Holi dance' and gypsy dance were the highlights of the function. The programme started with the junior choir group and was followed by a swift dance number by pre-nursery kids.Audience clapped throughout the 'bhangra performance by nursery kids. "Flower Princess" revolving around a fable of birthday of royal child was well appreciated by the audience.Gypsy dance by tiny tots dressed in flowing traditional attire and girls with covered faces introduced them to an exciting world. "Kathak" by a
hobby group, Holi dance and a Hindi play were few among
other performances. Mr Pawan Bansal, the local Member of
Parliament, was the chief guest on the occasion. Soono
Sharma excelled in her endeavour of rendering
semi-classical "paayo ji maine".The show also
gave opportunity to a number of children to try their
skills as stage announcers. |
Tree case:
notice issued CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — On a civil suit seeking directions for declaring a "contract" for chopping 50 mango, neem and pipal trees as "illegal, void and against public interest", UT Sub Judge (Junior Division), Mr Naval Kumar, today issued notice for November 16. Seeking further directions to restrain a timber merchant from going ahead, the plaintiffs — social organisation Yuvsatta and city advocate Kamaljit Lamba — had claimed that the contract had been awarded by the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh for "a meagre sum of Rs 1.5 lakh". The trees, to avoid breach of contract, had to be cut within a specified time, the plaintiffs had stated. An irreparable loss, the plaintiffs had added, would be caused to the general public, having "sentimental attachment" with the trees, in case the defendants were not restrained from carrying out the alleged activity. Giving details, the plaintiffs had stated that an attempt to chop the trees by digging the earth around them by "mischievous persons", along with the contractor, in the Sector 25 Janata Colony was foiled due to the active resistance and initiative by the students under the guidance of Yuvsatta volunteers. A contract, dated October 10, between the MCC, and the Executive Engineer of the corporation's Horticulture Department, with the contractor had earlier been shown to Yuvsatta members, the plaintiffs had claimed. They had added that a police party, reaching the spot after the Senior Superintendent of Police was approached by the advocate, had "left the place expressing inability to do anything" as contract documents were shown to them also. Describing the alleged action as "a heinous crime", the plaintiffs had also stated that a written representation was handed over to the UT Municipal Commissioner. The Assistant Commissioner was also requested to stop indiscriminate felling of trees, the plaintiffs had added. Merciless chopping of
the trees, planted decades ago, could not be permitted,
the two stated, as they not only provided green cover,
but also relief "in the otherwise lives of the slum
dwellers". Their cutting had also resulted in a
change in the city weather, they had added.
|
Wife
convicted of abetting rape CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — Nearly 13 years after a class VIII student was raped by a deputy superintendent of police, the UT Additional District and Sessions Judge, Mr. G.S. Sandhu, today sentenced the DSP's wife to seven years' rigorous imprisonment, besides imposing a fine of Rs 2,000. A co-accused in the case, was however, acquitted. The convict, Hardeep Kaur of Hoshiarpur district, was directed by the Additional Sessions Judge to undergo rigorous imprisonment for another three months in default of payment. Pronouncing the orders, the Judge observed, "The prosecution has succeeded in proving its case, against Hardeep Kaur, of abetment of rape and illegal confinement of the prosecutrix. Thus the offenses are proved beyond any shadow of doubt by cogent and reliable evidence which remained unimpeached". The Judge further observed, "The accused is accordingly convicted under Section 376, IPC, read with Section 109, IPC. She is also convicted under Section 342, IPC. So far as other offenses, with which she was charged with, are concerned, these are not proved and she is acquitted of the other charges framed against her". Acquitting co-accused Satwant Kaur, the Judge held, "I am of the view that the prosecution has failed to prove the case against the accused. She is entitled to acquittal and, accordingly, acquitted of charges framed against her." After hearing the arguments on the quantum of sentence, the Judge observed, "I am of the view that it is a fit case where a lenient view should be taken. It is to be kept in mind that the principal accused Jagmohan Singh Singh was posted as DSP in the CRPF. Being a police officer and also being father of young daughters, he was expected to exhibit exemplary moral character and teach the same to his children, particularly young growing daughters" The Judge added, "By his fall from the pedestal, the family has suffered a lot and has virtually been ruined. He was convicted and sentenced and after undergoing the sentence he has escaped from responsibility and his whereabouts are not known. Under these circumstances, I am of the view that it is a fit case where a most lenient view can be taken against her, yet less than the minimum sentence cannot be awarded." It may be recalled that a case, under Sections 368, 366, 120-B, 376 and 109 of the IPC, was registered against the accused in November, 1996. According to the prosecution, the prosecutrix was raped after she was taken by Hardeep Kaur to a first floor room. The principal accused,
Jagmohan Singh, was subsequently convicted by the
Additional District and Sessions Judge, Mr S. R. Bansal
in July, 1998. Hardeep Kaur and another accused were,
meanwhile, declared proclaimed offenders before being
arrested. |
5 charged
with murder CHANDIGARH, Nov 13— The UT Additional District and Sessions Judge, Mr. G.S. Sandhu, yesterday charged five accused with committing the murder of Upinder Singh in an Industrial Area factory "in furtherance of common intention". The accused, however, pleaded not guilty and claimed a trial. Taking up the case registered on May 16 against Parmod Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Sunderika Parshad, Sangeshwar Parshad and Hari Lal, the Additional Sessions Judge also directed the accused to be tried by the Court. After framing the
charges, the Judge observed: "A prima facie case is
made out against the accused under Section 302 IPC.
Charge has been framed against the accused under Section
302 IPC. The accused have pleaded not guilty and claimed
a trial. Now prosecution witness be summoned for February
2". |
116
recruits join ITBP BHANU( Ramgarh), Nov 13 — It was a big day for 116 recruits of the 122 GD batch of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) who formally joined the force at an impressive passing out parade ceremony at Basic Training Centre (BTC), Bhanu, today. Mr Divakar Prasad, IG, ITBP, inspected the parade and took the salute. He exhorted the recruits to prove themselves worthy of the force and keep up its traditions. Mr S. C. Nayar, ADIG, BTC, highlighted ITBP achievement in various fields and informed that the recruits had undergone training in weapon firing, map reading, drill, judo and unarmed combat. Mr I. S. Negi, Commandant of the centre, proposed a vote of thanks. Later Mr Prasad distributed prizes to the recruits. Constable Dhrub Devri, who commanded the parade, was awarded the prize for best overall performance while Constables Sunil Kumar, Shraveshvar, Y. Venkatesh and K. Norandero Singh were adjudged best in firing, drill, weapon and PT, respectively. A mass log, PT and other
demonstrations were presented by the trainees of the BTC.
|
Colourful
function at IAF station CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — Commendable dance performances by teachers of Mount Carmel School, Sector 46, on the eve of Children's Day were the highlights of a function at LECMA, 3BRD Air Force station here today. Nearly 400 students participated in kite flying, paint the face, best out of waste, dance and quiz contests. Competitive literary events were also organised at Mount Carmel School, SAS Nagar, besides a colourful fete. The winners in the solo-dance contest ( junior group) include Nitika Thapar, Amanpreet Kaur and Spardha Sareen.Gunjan Kapil, Navleen Kaur and Ankur Pathak were the top rankers in the juniors I group. Seniors group(II) - Harmeet Kaur, Sonal Kapoor and Jyotsna Balhotra: seniors group (I)- Rajat Yadav, Simranjeet, Neha Kapil and Navneet Kaur. Winners in the paint the face contest included :seniors group (II)- Abhishek Wilson on Ruchi Yadav , Amandeep Banga on Lokesh and Kunal Gupta on Kartik Sareen :seniors group(I) - Pallavi Goyal, Vijay Kumar and Anu Chaudhary. Best out of the waste contest for junior group(II) was won by Shreya Duggal, Rajeshwar Rao and Janveer Hussain.The only winner in the junior group(I) was Harneet Kaur:senior group(II) - Jasleen Kaur, Pallavi Khaushik and Anshul Sharma ; senior group(I) Shivani, P.Saini and Julika Mehta. The winners of the
baloon "dhamaka" included Tavleen, Loveleen and
Harmanjot(pre-nursery) , Sukhtaran, Manpreet and
Mehram(nursery) , Simranjit, Shabby and Abhishek( KG) and
Sanjay, Sahil and Jitiksha(Class I). |
Children's
Day celebrated SAS NAGAR, Nov 13 — Students of Saint Soldier International School in Phase 7 here celebrated the Children's Day in the school premises today.A cricket match between students and staff of the school was the highlight of the day. In a separate function, a group of 50 students of Vatika school for Deaf and Dumb celebrated Children's Day at a milk plant here. The students were taken around the milk plant. Later they were given refreshment. The Managing Director of the plant, Mr Manmohan Munjial, gave away gifts to the students and distributed educational games to the school. Shastri Model School in Phase 1 here will celebrate Children's Day in the school campus tomorrow. An on-the- spot painting competition and speeches by students on the life of Jawaharlal Nehru. The school management will give aid for the victims of Orissa cyclone to the Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM), Mr O.P.Popli. CHANDIGARH Colourful cultural performances on the eve of Children's Day highlighted the celebrations in the local schools here. A cultural programme in Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 32,was organised by the Parent Teacher Association. Mr Brahmjit Kalia, District Education Officer, was present on the occasion. Mrs Indira Dhingra, Principal, and Mr Balbir Singh Mehra, General Secretary, of the association addressed the gathering. Mr Kalia inaugurated the newly constructed school stage and distributed uniforms to poor and needy students. The Lions and Lioness Club, Panchkula, celebrated Children's Day at the local Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 19. Mr Jaswinder Singh, President of the club, distributed school uniforms to 30 students and honoured 11 students who excelled in different fields. Mr Kalia also attended this function. As many as 140 students were honoured for achievements in various fields on the eve of Children's Day at a function at Government High School, Sector 35. Mr Raj Kumar Gupta, west zone President of the Bharat Vikas Parishad, was the guest of honour. Ms Surinder Kaur, Principal, highlighted the achievements of the school and the winners. GMSSS, Sector 33,
witnessed a cultural programme under the direction of Dr
Surinder Singh and Mrs Jasmine Preet Kaur which included
songs and skits. |
Party for
kids in hospital CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — Ms Munisha Gandhi, an advocate and mother of two, who is known for providing play amenities to sick children at the Advanced Paediatric Centre of the PGI, is doing something different to bring cheer among 180 sick kids by organising a party for them at the centre on the occasion of Children's Day on November 14. Ms Gandhi , along with her friends, Ruchika Majithia and Tanisha Peshawaria, will distribute food packets to the children who will also be entertained with a magic show. According to Ms Gandhi, the entire project was being funded through donations received in cash and kind by her friends, volunteers and social organisations like the Innerwheel Club of Chandigarh and Heart to Heart Service Society. She said in a press note issued here today that a charitable trust was being set up to ensure child welfare work and to provide medical facilities, toys and games to them, in addition to collection of money for poor patients with recommendations from doctors and social workers of the PGI. Talking about the
driving force behind her endeavour, Ms Gandhi said it
were the sufferings of children and lack of play
amenities which forced her to take an initiative for
which she was encouraged by Dr Lata Kumar, head of
department and Dr R. K. Marwaha. |
Lively,
animated discussion on city planning CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — The debate, though slightly off the subject — on "Future Urban Planning Issues of Chandigarh" was lively and generated animated discussions at the Sector 23 Bal Bhavan here this afternoon. Organised by Chandigarh Perspectives, a society constituted by the Chandigarh Administration on the eve of the international seminar held in January this year on "Celebrating Chandigarh: 50 years of the Idea", the open house debate attracted participants not only from citizens who felt concerned over its future but also by representatives of various organisations, including the Chandigarh Hoteliers Association; the Chandigarh Petroleum Dealers Association, the Chandigarh-Mohali-Panchkula Property Dealers Association and Chandigarh Bachao Samiti. Besides, some young architects, engineers and even senior citizens voiced their views on various aspects of Chandigarh. Though the topic of debate was on architectural controls and urban planning having a bearing on the future development policies and programmes for the city, it deviated a bit and the focus shifted more on flaws in the existing building bylaws than the future growth of the city as a whole. However, certain important issues emerged out of today's meeting. There was perhaps near unanimity that the "rehabilitation of slum dwellers and migrants" must be discontinued immediately. Other important issues to emerge was to make the city "pedestrians paradise" by providing footpaths which at present were missing. The need for increased parking area, uniformity in implementation of bylaws, introduction of Apartments Act, diversion of slow traffic on slow carriageways and its impact on businesses there, inaccessible terraces, simplification of procedures; maintenance of open and green spaces, provision for mass rapid transport system and planning with the future in mind were also stressed by participants. Ms Kiran Joshi, a lecturer at Chandigarh College of Architecture and author of an exhaustive book on Chandigarh, after welcoming the participants said that it was the first of a series of meetings while formulating future plans for the development of the city. Mr Sarabjit Singh Sandhu, Chief Architect-cum-Secretary, Urban Planning, Chandigarh Administration, in his welcome address said that during the international conference held in January, a number of issues about the future of the city were raised. Views were expressed that Chandigarh must retain its original plan, character and size. A large number of migrants are coming to the city for jobs, education and services. The city, he said, had clean and serene atmosphere. This was why most of the migrants did not want to go back. Mr Aditya Prakash, one of the oldest architects of the city and who retired as Principal of College of Architecture, presided. Also present was Mr I.J.S. Bakshi, Principal of the College of Architecture. Though Mr Aditya Parkash made it clear at the onset that the purpose of the open house today was to discuss issues pertaining to architectural controls and urban planning with the future development and planning of Chandigarh, most of the participants had come prepared to talk on building bylaws. Mr Aditya Prakash said that there was a separate committee which was dealing with the building bylaws and any suggestions on the subject would be directed to that committee. Mr Anand Parkash, a photographer, wanted to know whether the debate would really get some weightage or was just an exercise in futility as was the case with similar exercises elsewhere. He also referred to the problem of garbage disposal, which he felt, was deteriorating in the city. Mr Ashok Bansal, a local hotelier, came prepared with a long note and wanted that Chandigarh must have an Apartment Act. Eighty per cent of the commercial buildings and a majority of the residential buildings, he said, were yet to get their completion certificates in the city. He wanted laxity in government controls, increase in height of buildings, conversion of commercial property from leasehold to freehold in a consumer friendly policy, more use of basements and more powers to qualified and approved architects in approving building plans, especially internal design and planning. It was clarified that more than 276 representations had already been received by the Administration on building bylaws. Mr S.P. Sharma, a senior citizen of Sector 23, highlighted the plight of pedestrians and said that focus should be on providing footpaths and making it safe for walkers. Mrs Sneh Mahajan, Principal, MCM DAV College, said that open spaces in front of houses should be developed as lawns so that these can be used by pedestrians. No hedges or fencing should be allowed on road berms. She also wanted that garbage disposal must improve. Col A.P.S. Dhillon questioned the wisdom of the Administration in continuing with the policy of rehabilitation of migrants than paying attention to original domiciles and permanent residents of the city. He said that problems of the city, including those of law and order, were multiplying because of continuous and unchecked inflow of migrants. His views were shared by several other participants, including Mrs Santosh Singh, a resident of Sector 23. Mr Angrez Singh, who until recently headed Chandigarh Pind Bachao Samiti, announced the formation of the Chandigarh Bachao Samiti and assailed the policies of the Administration in ignoring original domiciles and favouring rich and affluent people besides the migrants. Mr B.B. Behl, President of the Hoteliers Association, said that though he had already submitted suggestions on building bylaws, nothing was happening. He wanted that discussion on building bylaws must continue. Mr Raghbir Arora, a Councillor, wanted that planning must be done by keeping the future in mind. He felt that phase I sectors needed to be more densely populated than what they were at present. Mr Arjan Singh of Chandigarh Petroleum Dealers Association said that diversion of slow traffic to slow carriageways was affecting businesses on these carriageways. He wanted that either filling stations should be taken out from slow carriageways and moved to main roads or something must be done to alleviate their problem. He also wanted a check on migrant population and some ways to make terraces accessible. Mr Amarjit Singh Sethi, a real estate consultant, said that the situation was much better in pre-1967 days when the files moved faster and clearances were obtained quicker. The procedures must be simplified, he added. Others who spoke were Mr
Tarlochan Singh, Air Marshal Randhir Singh (retd) and a
few others. |
Stress on
asthma prevention CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — Bronchial asthma, one of the most common allergic disorders, is increasing manifold all over the world, particularly in the developed countries. Experts from India and abroad attending the annual convention of the Indian College of Allergy and Applied Immunology at PGIMER emphasised on spontaneity of treatment and primary prevention to check the progress of the disease and prevent its occurrence. Asthma is a widely prevalent disease with over 100 million patients throughout the world. Of these, 40 million are in India. Revealing this, Dr Rajiv Dhand, a pulmonary and critical care medical specialist at Loyola University, Chicago, lamented that this disease does not attract concerted effort as it is not fatal but has of late been recognised to be an important cause of morbidity, leading to absenteeism from school, office and hospitalisation. This life-long disease in most cases due to long treatment also leads to tremendous economic burden, he added. Dr Dhand said regular use of controller medication is more important for patient's overall improvement as reliever medications just help control symptoms. In case of controller drugs, the use of inhaled curticosteroids is the most effective treatment with little side effects. In case of children, reliever medication is alright if the attacks are intermittent, but regular medication even on weekly basis is good. Asthalin inhaler and Terbutaline are the often recommended reliever medicines. Dr Dhand said patients should try and get maximum information about the disease and something about their lung functioning to know how well their disease is being treated and controlled. Smoking by parents at home can lead to asthma in children, hence they should preferably smoke outside. He stressed on the importance of using a proper technique for inhaling to ensure that one is getting enough medicine and the same should be taught by the paediatrician. Besides medicines, it is important for patients to avoid allergins which worsen the disease such as house dust, certain grasses and pollens, and bio-mass fuels. Dr R.K. Chandra, Professor of paediatrics, medicine and immunology from Canada, emphasised on how nutrition can improve a variety of functions in the body and d its close association with the immune system. He suggests that asthma in children can be prevented by encouraging mothers with family history of allergic disorders, including asthma, to breastfeed for at least four months. In such cases one should also delay the introduction of solids like wheat and eggs for one year and no nuts even peanut butter should be given for at least 3 years. This shall help reduce food allergy, eczema and asthma. Mothers who are breasfeeding should also avoid eggs, peanut and fish as it can affect the child through the milk. He said deficiency of iron and zinc is quite common in the children till the age of 3. Parents should get their children checked and give these as a supplement. Dr Chandra said above 60 years of age immunity goes down. However, by improving the diet and giving a supplement of vitamins and minerals, one can enhance immunity and reduce common infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus etc. Besides, regular mild exercise like walking 30 minutes four times a week can increase the immune system. Highlighting the importance of nutrition, he said doses of Vitamin E can help arrest the progress of a disease like Alzheimer's. The Head of the Pediatrics, Prof Lata Kumar pointed out that " the allergic component in children in very important. We have to control the environment to prevent asthma from becoming severe.'' According to her, children born in families with high risk of allergic diseases, particularly the mother have more chances of being asthmatic. It has been found that the existence of indoor alergens such as house dust, mite in hot and humid climates, cockroaches, pets are best co-related with the development of asthma. She emphasised that
early sensitisation of the mother can lead to the
sensitisation of the unborn child.She recommended certain
environmental controls — avoid wall to wall
carpeting, bed linen should be put out in the sun
regularly, light weight curtains which are easy to wash
should be used and upholstery in the child's bedroom
should be kept clean, besides preventing dampness of
basement and walls to check fungal growth. Advocating
early diagnosis and treatment, she said that the use of
inhaled steroids are reasonably safe. She also
highlighted the need to educate parents in detail as they
spend more time with children. |
Delhi
doctor awarded CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — The second day of the 33rd annual convention of the Indian College of Allergy and Applied Immunology at PGIMER was marked by interesting sessions on topics such as "interpretation of pulmonary function tests' and `role of skin testing in allergic disorders'', besides three plenary talks. The delegates had an opportunity to interact with eminent experts in their respective fields at a ``Meet the Expert Session''. Dr Rajiv Dhand, formerly a faculty member at PGIMER, now working in the USA spoke on advances in bronchial asthma and revealed that a lot of research was currently being done to come up with newer medicines to control the disease better in future. Dr Peter Delves, an eminent immunologist from the UK, spoke on epitome vaccines and highlighted new approaches to developing vaccines. He said that though many successful vaccines had already been developed, many diseases still do not have successful vaccines. Dr Agnihotri from Lucknow delivered an interesting talk on Ayurvedic rasayan (immunomodulator) and its use in bronchial asthma and tuberculosis. Dr S. Gaur, working with the Vallabh Bhai Patel Chest Institute, New Delhi, took the annual D.N Shivpuri Oration Award, which is given by the Indian College of Allergy and Applied Immunology to an eminent scientist. He spoke on ``Progress and prospects of allergen immunotherapy in the next millenium''. The afternoon session had two important symposia — one on the molecular basis of allergy, which was chaired by Dr S.V. Gangal and the other on the clinical aspects of allergy — in which a number of topics related to the field of allergy and immunology were discussed. The evening session had award presentations of the college which were given to young researchers. Two college prizes were also given. The Von Pirquet prize was given to Dr S.K. Chhabra who spoke on salt, calcium and asthma and the Charles Richet prize was won by Dr P. Dahiya from Rohtak. Meanwhile, a scientific
and trade exhibition has also been organised at the
convention. |
Critical
medical cases discussed CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — A number of aspects regarding the treatment and management of critical medical cases were discussed today on the opening day of a symposium on 'Critical Care Update' organised by Western Command Hospital, Chandi Mandir, as part of its continuing medical education. Inaugurating the two-day programme, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt-Gen Vijay Oberoi, emphasised that it was essential for medical practitioners to keep themselves abreast of latest therapeutic techniques and medical advances. He said seminars, symposia and lectures provided them with an opportunity to update medical knowledge and help promote close interaction among experts. Lauding the performance of military doctors and nursing staff during Kargil operations, he said they had to work for an educated clientale under stress and in remote and difficult areas. In his welcome address, the hospital Commandant, Maj-Gen Virendra Singh said all fields of medicine were witnessing an upsurge of knowledge and an information revolution, which was so rapid that it became difficult for doctors to keep themselves abreast of current trends. Releasing a souvenir, Deputy Director, Medical Services, Western Command, Maj-Gen R.P. Arora said medical science had made tremendous progress during the last decade and it was imperative for doctors to keep up with it. In his guest lecture, Prof Jagmohan Varma, Head of Cardiology Department, PGI, while explaining various diagnostic and therapeutic methods in treating heart disease, stressed on the need for early detection of heart ailments. Dr. Anil Narang from Neonatology Department, PGI, gave a detailed acount of critical care in neonates. Prof V. Sakhuja, Head of Nephrology, PGI, spoke on renal support in critical care. Experts from Command Hospital gave presentations on multi-system organ failure, new trends in respiratory, manaagement of cerebral edema and psychiatric aspects of critical care, snake bite poisioning and an overview of the role of nursing in critical care. Several symposia on the management of battle casualties will be held tomorrow. An overview of battle casualties prepared by Col S.V. Soman shows that during the recent Kargil operations, the hospital had received 523 casualties, out of which 57 per cent had sustained splinter injuries from artillery shelling. Gunshot wounds accounted for 16 per cent while those from mine blasts accounted for about 5 per cent of the casualties. There were 16 cases of frostbite, with 146 cases pertaining to miscellenous injuries. Out of the 523 casualties, there was one death and 41 cases were fit to go back to their units after complete treatment. The hospital gained vital experience in neurosurgical management of battle casualties. Of the 39 casualties that were air evacuated here, there were 25 cases of head injuries, 6 cases of spinal injuries and the rest had neck and peripherial nerve injuries. A paper on this subject by Lt-Col H.C. Pathak will highlight aspects of neurosurgical treatment. ENT and ocular injuries, and orthopaedic problems in battle casualties will be discussed. Eight cases of hearing loss following blast trauma due to artillery fire were received, while 26 patients with eye injuries were treated. The paper on orthopaedic management of battle casualties prepared by Lt-Col H.C. Talan and Lt-Col S.M. Bhanagar states that though the advancement in surgery and aggressive approach like soft tissue cover and primary fixation in fractures is satisfactory, long-term outcome of new techniques can be commented upon after prolonged follow-up. Reconstructive surgery
in battle casualties and managing blood and components
during war will also be discused tomorrow, besides a
guest symposium on liver transplant. |
'Care for
old needs attention' CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — Care of the old requires special attention because their dependence increases and the ability to stay alone decreases, said noted writer Bhisham Sahni at Panjab University here today. The cultural evening, Dhalde hoe parchhanven, was organised by Own Fantasy Own Art group in connection with the International Year of the Old Age Citizens at Gandhi Bhavan. Sahni said that problem had become complex with changing family patterns. Joint families had better care pads for old aged citizens. Lack of interest for their company and diseases were other complicating factors. Coming up of social organisations in this context promised brighter future for the old, Sahni added. Asha Arpit, founder of the group, said that she had decided to contribute a piece of land owned by her in Hoshiarpur district for a house for the old. "I am looking for financial aid apart from social commitment. The programme was organised on the campus to spread awareness among youth and attract them for a social cause", she added. 'Jugni' by Charanjit at
the end of the show received crowd applause. |
SNIPPETS Students' gesture for Orissa CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — Moved by the misery of Orissa cyclone victims, six students of B.Com (II) of Government College, SAS Nagar, took upon themselves the responsibility of collecting donations from their fellow students a few days ago. Before starting the collections, these students — Charanjit Singh, Sumit Gautam, Ajit Singh, Deepak Arora, Hardeep Singh and Gursewak Singh — took their Principal's permission. And today, these students turned up at The Tribune to deliver a bank draft for Rs 5,000 for the Orissa Chief Minister's Relief Fund. They collected Rs 10 each from students of the college. Bandh call by Beopar Mandal SAS NAGAR, Nov 13 — The Beopar Mandal here has given a bandh call against the decision of the Punjab Government to privatise the collection of octroi in the local municapal council. Protest dharnas and rallies are also planned by Beopar Mandal. Mr Sham Bansal, President of the Beopar Mandal, said the bandh call to the businessman and traders of the town had been given for November 19, the day when the octroi collection was scheduled to be passed over to private hands. He said in April 1995, when the state government had decided to privatise octroi collection, strong protest by traders and shopkeepers of the town had forced the government to shelve its plans. Later in August 1998, it was decided to hand over octroi collection of the town on an experimental basis for eight months to private contractors. 11 artists to be honoured CHANDIGARH, Nov 13 — As many as 11 artists will be honoured by the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi during the annual art exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhavan, Rose Garden, from November 14 to 30, an official press release of the akademi said here today. The awardees in the above 30 category include Bheem Malhotra, Desh Ranjan, Devinder Singh and Satwant Singh Sumaii. The awardees will be paid Rs 5,000 each. The awardees in the below 30 category include Harmanjit Kaur, Jagdeep Kaur, Manjit Singh Gill, Preeti Mann, Rajesh Kalsi, Rajesh Tenghur and Vishal Bhatnagar. The awardees will be paid Rs 3,000 each. A total of 314 works were received from 187 artists in both sections. SGPC chief criticised SAS NAGAR, Nov 13 — Mr Hardeep Singh, a member of the SGPC, has criticised the decision of the President of the SGPC, Bibi Jagir kaur, for not sending pilgrim jathas to Sikh shrines in Pakistan. He said by not sending pilgrims to Pakistan on the issue of control of gurudwaras there, the SGPC was not doing justice to the devotees. The issue had cropped up after the neighbouring country formed the Pakistan Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee to manage control over Sikh shrines there. He said the President of the SGPC should first take over the management of several historical Sikh shrines in India and then take up the case of Gurdwaras in Pakistan No power cuts from tomorrow PANCHKULA, Nov 13 — Power cuts in the district would be lifted on November 15, said officials of the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam(HVPN) here today. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr S. K. Monga, who chaired the meeting of officials, reviewed the development works undertaken in the district by various departments. The DC issued instructions to district officials to ensure that grievances presented in previous 'darbars', be redressed within the stipulated period. He reviewed the efforts made by the authorities concerned to solve the problems of the people and gave them a week's time for the disposal of problems still not solved. Mr Monga said that the repairs of roads in the rural areas would be completed by the end of this month. Magistrates join duty CHANDIGARH, Nov 13
— Mr Pushvinder Singh and Mr. Khem Karan Goel have
joined as Judicial Magistrate (First Class) -cum- Sub
Judge (Junior Division) here. |
 |
 |
| Nation
| Punjab | Haryana | Himachal Pradesh | Jammu & Kashmir | | Editorial | Business | Sport | | Mailbag | Spotlight | World | 50 years of Independence | Weather | | Search | Subscribe | Archive | Suggestion | Home | E-mail | |
